OK. I've been a Noodle Box customer since they started in Victoria. That's over 20 years ago I think.
I lived behind the Kitsilano / West 4th location for several years and was a frequent customer there as well. Lately, it's been New West ... and (allegedly - maybe) Kelowna. I almost-always order the spicy peanut noodle box ... so I know how THAT dish has changed over the years. Last night, I'd had quite enough.
The peanut sauce was always the richest, thickest, peanutiest sauce around. Last night, there was barely any sauce at all ... unless ... I guess ... you paid for the "extra sauce." And the sauce itself tasted only marginally of peanut and mostly of salt.
Low quality "shrimp." Minimal vegetables. My "box" ... although labeled as such ... came in a bowl. My partner's "mild" bowl and my "mild-medium" non-box were dry, unusually spicy and difficult to eat.
We realize many restaurants are struggling.
The thing is, your formerly-loyal customers (remember us?) see constantly rising prices, the incessant demand for more and more in tips ... while we "enjoy" your disingenuous attempts to mask dramatic reductions in quantity and quality. This bites the hand that feeds you. It's not the other way around. Many appear to have forgotten that.
We also spend time in Kelowna. THAT location has been "opening soon" for over a year. Just another indication of the apparent downward spiral of this once-terrific franchise.
Sad ... and thanks for the good years Noodle Box! read more