Address: 1012 Fort Street
Phone: (250) 383-0680
Website: http://www.jjnoodlehouse.com/
Price: ~$14 dinner entree
Notes: Never going anywhere else for Chinese again! Not open Mondays.
I've walked past J&J Noodle House so many times, but it just doesn't look like much. Going in, I noticed they have won just about every award for 'best' ever and are Zagat rated etc. I was skeptical at first, but once we took the first few bites I was sold! My partner-in-food-and-life said "this is the best food decision I've made in a while!" and I agree.
The decor is nothing special, but you can see right into the kitchen and the scene is just white hats and steam and amazingness. Next time I would try to get a seat by the kitchen to watch the process from up close - maybe learn a thing or two!
Service:
April 7, 2011
The service was lightening fast, and friendly at the same time. The server had a huge smile, and joked with us when we said we were too full for anymore that we had had "just enough."
Food:
April 7, 2011
This was the best meal I've had out in ages, especially for Chinese. I feel like This Is How It Is Supposed To Be. The flavours were just so subtle but full and rich. Nothing was over cooked or over greased or over salted.
The only weird thing was the order that they brought the food in. The egg rolls, which I think of as an appetizer but were sort of desserty (see below) were in the middle, after the soup but before the duck. Not that it mattered... but I'll review them in a more logical order (to me).
Shrimp Egg Rolls via foodspotting.com
These were not at all what we were expecting, but were fantastic! Super crunchy on the outside, but sweet on the inside. They were on the "side orders and dessert" menu, but I think they were more dessert than anything! The shrimp had peach or some other orange, sweet fruit and there was a mild creamy sauce as well. It worked very, very well together and I kind of wish we'd ordered more than one each! At only $1.60 each they were phenomenal.
Stirfried Duck and Vegetables via foodspotting.com
Although the duck was perfectly cooked, this dish was a lesson in sauce. It was so savoury, with a delicate five spice flavour that must have been slow-cooked with the sauce from the duck juices. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! There were huge chunks of garlic as well, which just added to the layering of tasty flavours.
War Wonton Soup via foodspotting.com
My only regret is that I couldn't hold back and I burnt my tongue on the hot wonton. Otherwise this was a great soup! Normally I find wonton a bit bland, but the broth in this was so fresh tasting, and the different ingredients so plentiful that I was instantly sold! It had several kinds of meat, mushrooms, tons of greens including snow peas and plenty of giant won tons filled with shrimpies.
