Noodles & Company – Polaris Lifestyle Community
Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
Noodles & Company is a tip-free, worry-free restaurant. Since originating in Colorado in 1995, Noodles & Co. has grown to offer noodle loving consumers a casual atmosphere of noodles. Although there are several locations in the Columbus, OH area, our first visit to the noodle empire of Noodleville was a newer location on Gemini Place in the Polaris Lifestyle Community. As a noodle lover, I was anxious to learn why a restaurant serving only noodles had gained such acceptance.
Upon entering, one is immediately in line to place an order. The line of hungry noodle lovers moves quite fast, as your not required to stand and wait once your choice is selected. You receive a number and the selection is brought to your table by Noodle & Company employees. Menus are easy to read and placed in holders on the wall as you enter, avoiding the neck straining attempts to read the large menu behind the counter. By the short time you reach the counter, you know your selection.
The menu is a fold out brochure, and fully explains the Noodles & Company way to select a wide variety of combinations. Choose a selection from three categories: Mediterranean, American and Asian. Choose a small or large offering. In addition to noodles, select a soup or salad. Their Trio is a wide selection of any small noodle, add Chicken, Beef, Shrimp or Tofu, and a side of tossed green salad, Caesar Salad, Tomato Bisque or Chicken Noodle Soup.
Since every menu item is prepared with fresh ingredients, they don’t even own a microwave or freezer. All fresh, prepared to order noodles and pasta, vegetables, authentic herbs, spices and artisan sauces which are matched with your selection of chicken breast, parmesan crusted chicken breast, sauteed or braised beef, organic tofu or seasoned grilled shrimp.
The noodle offerings are wide, and include everything from Indonesian Peanut Saute to Wisconsin Mac & Cheese. If you are in the mood for Asian, definitely try the Japanese Pan Noodles. If you’re into Thai, try the Thai Curry Soup. Or perhaps a Mediterranean selection of Pesto Cavatappi.
As a noodle lover, my choice was American. As a noodle lover, my choice was Buttered Noodles. As a noodle lover, the wavy egg noodle covered with melted butter, Italian seasoning and parmesan was excellent. Although the menu recommendation for Buttered Noodles is Parmesan Crusted Chicken, I choose Sauteed Shrimp. Good choice. Out of five, I give it five noodles.
Most specialized restaurants offer their specialty, so after one visit, you know what your selection will be if you return. At Noodles & Co. you leave planning your next visit. Maybe Pad Thai from the Asian choices, Whole Grain Tuscan Linguine from the Mediterranean choices or Mushroom Stroganoff from the American choices. I WILL be back. Did I mention I’m a noodle lover?
TooDooGuru
