101 Noodle Express

We went to 101 Noodle Express a few weeks ago with J's family, and I developed a serious craving for their famous beef roll so we were back this weekend:

The beef roll is a thing of beauty, and it's practically a meal for two at a measly $6. I think every person who is considering opening a restaurant needs to have a dish like this up his sleeve. It's innovative in that I've never seen this exact dish in all of the San Gabriel Valley, but the flavors are all familiar and comforting. This dish won't drive anyone away with bizarre flavors--it'll only leave you wanting more with no alternative restaurant at which to procure it. Brilliant! Read Jonathon Gold's review here for the location and contact information.

101 Noodle Express has a respectable display case of traditional northern cold dishes. Since there were only two of us, we had to forego the sampler platter and settle for some sliced firm tofu. This dish is a favorite among Chinese children because it's noodley and sesame flavored.

We tried what they call their "all lamb" soup, which actually had some pork lungs and tripe in it. Oh well, we love all those funky body parts. The soup itself was very nice--slow-cooked lamb bones, a few chunks of lamb shoulder, and a generous amount of white pepper. This is the kind of soup that feeds the soul.

Total bill, after tax, was $18. Even with current gas prices, our wallets fared better with us driving 20 minutes to eat there instead of eating in our neighborhood!