Noodle Bar

Erin Behan

Citysearch

The Scene
Only two small tables augment the long row of bar seats at this simple Village noodle house. Funky Asian posters paper the bar, but all eyes are focused on the chefs who work behind the counter. They fill orders quickly, but their speed can result in confused, albeit friendly, service.

The Food
Give in to the tempting array of appetizers with an order of the hearty kimchee pancakes whose spicy hoisin sauce lifts them above the ordinary, or the moist Tsingtao beer-battered cod with a side of addictive fried cassava chips. A healthy portion of tender roast duck crowns an egg-noodle soup, and even without a cold, the gingery Indonesian chicken soup provides homey goodness. The lime-tinged Bangkok bouillabaisse, however, lacks the desired spice balance. Inventive desserts like the custardy creme brulee topped with candied ginger end the meal on a refreshing note.