I just found out March was National Noodle Month and to celebrate, Noodles and Company invited me to the Lee’s Summit location try a few of their dishes.
All though there is a location close to where we live, I had never visited it. I figured it was just another fast food kind of place and would pass it by.  Well, I have to tell you I was quite impressed and it was not at all, what I expected.
It is a fast casual concept as you place an order at a counter, but then a server brings the food to your table and speaking of food, it is amazing! 
All vegetables and fresh ingredients are prepped twice a day and every entrée is made to order. I think the main reason I shied away from trying Noodles and Company is I assumed it was all white pastas and heavy cream and sugar loaded sauces. I am pleased to tell you that is just not the case.

 

I know it may not seem like it when you read some of my posts, but I really do like to eat healthy and try to avoid processed or fast food items.  The beauty of Noodles and Company is that you can create the meal you want.   
The menu offers soups, salads, sandwiches and of course noodles, including whole grain. You can get everything from a simple garden salad with grilled chicken to a decadent bowl of spaghetti and meatballs.
The menu is completely customizable and can accommodate special diets including gluten-free. The nutrition chart on the website offers numerous choices for fewer than 500 calories. Of course, if you want to splurge you can do that as well.  Noodles and Company has a line of “Grown-Up” Mac and Cheeses that are utterly sinful and oh so good!  I was invited to bring some guests to the tasting and brought along my sister and both our spouses.  We had an amazing lunch and General Manager Ryan Bays took great care of us. Check out all the goodies we got to sample. 
Warning: This may make you hungry!
Potstickers

The Mediterranean Salad

Chinese Chopped Salad

Penne Rosa with Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Pesto Cavatappi (Substituted with Whole Grain Linguine)
Indonesian Peanut Saute

Thai Curry Soup
Bangkok Curry
Southwest Chili Mac and Cheese

Fancy Pants Truffle Mac and Cheese

Bacon Mac and Cheeseburger

Gigantic House-Made Rice Crispy Treat (made fresh twice a day)

 

All of the dishes were yummy with the Potstickers, Bangkok Curry and the Indonesian Peanut Sauté being my favorite. I guess I was in an Asian mood that day. However, I might have said the Penne Rosa had I been in an Italian mood. Nonetheless, everything really was great and I will definitely be back.
Noodles and Company is committed to using fresh wholesome ingredients and even has a local grower in North Dakota that makes all of their pastas for them.  To get a behind the scenes look on how the pasta is made you can check it out the Noodles Cinema.
Noodles and Company is a great place for the whole family.  It is affordable and everyone can get what they want whether it is mac and cheese for the kids, a grilled chicken salad for Mom and Dad can even get a beer.
I always like to support locally owned when I can, but sometimes when traveling or when it is a busy weeknight and we need something quick it is not always possible.  I am so glad I have discovered Noodles and Company; they have just become my new go-to option when life gets busy! Try it; I think you will like it.
Noodles and Company has numerous locations throughout the metro.  Check their website for the one closest to you.
If you have a great food find in KC, email me.
In Good Taste,
Sharm