Penny's Noodle Shop

Robyn Galbos

Citysearch

The Scene
Warm wood tones and the zippy aroma of ginger and curry greet you as you step into the dining room. There's a small waiting area by the door, though the line of hip, young locals waiting for a seat often spills out onto the sidewalk. The staff moves people in and out in a friendly, efficient way.

The Food
The menu easily surfs through several Asian cultures with selections that are pleasing to American palates. Start with the delicately flavored Vietnamese spring rolls served with rich, nutty mustard sauce; but eat carefully as they're loosely rolled and easily fall apart. You'll want to get two servings of the golden, crisp Japanese gyoza--there are only four delicious morsels per order. Fragrant red curry with coconut milk deliciously coats basmati rice, with chunks of red bell pepper adding color. Wide and chewy hot pepper noodles make for a hearty dish with a nippy after-bite.