Man, we’ve been eating out a lot… that’s going to stop since we just re-stocked the house with groceries, but this afternoon we had a very pleasant and inexpensive surprise.
We set out to Valli for some produce and essentials after a few errands, and had to park farther down than we normally do. As we pulled in, Adam and I both mentioned that we were particularly hungry, and grocery shopping wasn’t THAT good of an idea on an empty stomach, especially with a limited budget. Rather than risking major over-spendage, we decided to try the restaurant in the same strip mall. Did I mention that it was only 4:45?
Asian Noodle House has been there for years, and always has people in it. We were warmly welcomed when we walked in, and had a really hard time deciding what to get.
The menu was full of traditional Asian dishes that I haven’t seen since I lived in the Little Vietnam neighborhood of Chicago. I was thrilled to see Pho on the menu as well, but I was intrigued by the braised noodles. Before making our final meal decision, we wanted to try the fresh spring rolls.
These were delicately rolled in a soft rice wrap, and filled with steamed shrimp, chicken, and crunchy cucumber and lettuce.
There was a peanutty spicy sauce for dipping that just wouldn’t smile for the camera. It was definitely hoisin based though, and quite delicious.
For my dinner, I decided on braised noodles topped with BBQ pork. The waitress warned me that it was a “small portion” and designed for one person. Adam got the same noodles topped with a chicken curry. Mine came, and it was beautiful. The colors contrasted nicely, and I couldn’t wait to dig in to the plate of house-made noodles!
First, I tried the pork, and was immediately thrown back to being a little girl, stealing bits of my dad’s BBQ pork when we’d get Chinese food. Slightly sweet, slightly spicy, and fork tender, this was the kind of comfort food I needed today. The noodles though? I thought they were really something special. At first bite, I was shocked how sweet they were. I told Adam that they tasted like kugel. Upon further eating, I noticed that they had a slight saltiness, and a definite sesame flavor.
Our meals came with a side of shrimp dumpling soup. Next time I get a cold, I’m sending Adam to go get me a vat of this delicately flavored soup FULL of light shrimp dumplings.
We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food… but even more so when we got the bill. Two entrees, one appetizer, and soup… FOR A MERE $14.50!!! I swear we spend that much on ONE dish at other restaurants, and this was at least as good.
We WILL be frequenting Asian Noodle House in the future…especially because I want some Pho!
It’s a TOP night of TV, so I’m off to veg out! Top Model and Top Chef are on tonight! I’m interested to see what this “short model” ANTM will be like.
Happy almost Thursday all! ONE WEEK until the big giveaway!
Technorati Tags: Asian, Chicago dining, dinner out, pasta, pork, restaurant, simple
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That meal looks delicious! I had the early bird special today – 4:30! When you’re eating tasty dishes like those, who cares! Am I right?!
K´s last blog ..Uncomfortable
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SERIOUSLY drooooooooooooooling.
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Yum! I love fresh rolls and have been craving noodles. . . maybe after my long run tomorrow. That’ll be some incentive!
Meghan@traveleatlove´s last blog ..All grown up
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Love spring rolls! Have you ever made them? So easy! I am way impressed with all the great places you’ve gone to recently for dinner. You’ve inspired me to eat out more, haha, and also start writing about it! And come to Chicago to have dinner with you and Adam, of course
Hallie (healthy twists)´s last blog ..“Hallie Likes It” Giveaway
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Looks soooo good….especially the soup! I agree–I could eat a HUGE bowl of that!
Lara (Thinspired)´s last blog ..Thank You.
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ah, you have so many cool restaurants near you! i’m jealous every time i see you at a new one
brandi´s last blog ..Home with the Chickens
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I LOVE PHO!!! We go out for it every Friday lunch. There is a place near us that does the shrimp dumpling soup and I can just make a meal of a big bowl of that… <3 Now I'm hungry for pho and I have to wait until tomorrow, boo!
Quix´s last blog ..So Much To Say…
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