Noodles & Company

 This place hasn't even opened yet -- it will have the grand opening Wednesday -- but I'm already reviewing it. How? Well, did you know that restaurants do "mock" nights before they open, so their staff can practice beforehand?

Drew's been watching them build the place, in the brand new Gallery at Westbury Plaza, convenient to the shopping mecca of Bloomingdale's Outlet, Nordstrom Rack and Saks Off Fifth. So we were able to snag an invite to their mock night.


 It's an interesting concept, a menu that is based on noddles and pastas from around the world. Most of the noodle dishes are vegetarian, but you can add a protein for an additional fee. You can also ask them to leave out an ingredient if you prefer.  Soups, salads and sandwiches complete the offerings on the menu.


They have a Coke Freestyle machine -- pick your soda combinations! And there are beer and wine options as well. There's no children's menu, but all of the noodle dishes can be ordered in small portions as well as the regular size.

You order your food at the counter, then find a table. Your food will be brought to you. Drew ordered Steak Stroganoff -- steak and noodles in a sherry cream sauce. I ordered Pad Thai -- a rice noodle stir fry -- and added shrimp.

We shared a Caesar salad. The food was fresh and prepared to order. The stroganoff was rich and creamy, the pad thai spicy but not overpoweringly so. Atmosphere is a bit chaotic.  Service was pleasant and efficient.

It's a casual dining spot, a nice alternative to fast food or the local diner.   I'm sure we will be back once the restaurant opens.  Next time I want to try the macaroni and cheese, or maybe the buttered noodles.