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| - I went to Doodles with a group of friends yesterday for lunch. As I write this, I can't decide whether to give it three or four stars. I'm torn. I feel like maybe I can't fairly judge Doodles, because most restaurants on campus aren't at their peak during spring break. However, it's the only time I ever go to campus, because of the difficulty of navigating campus while classes are in session. Hence my indecision!
Here's why it deserves four stars:
It's cheap. The service was quick and friendly. Doodles does ramen, and little else. I hear they have spam musubis, but there were none to be found yesterday, probably due to spring break. I'd almost definitely give Doodles 4 stars (nay, 5!) if they had good spam musubis. Sigh. I liked the ingredient list. It's a good idea. The portions were generous. Boyfriend bought lunch, and 2 pretty loaded doodles (he had Aloha, I had sesame doodle with spam, egg and fried tofu) plus a soda was 8.75. Hawaii-native boyfriend was very pleased with the Aloha doodle, which had fish cake, seaweed, and other things I don't eat, plus spam! Spam would've been better crispy and fried, but I always feel that way.
Here's why I want to give it three stars:
It's ramen. Sure, there are fancy toppings, but it's just Maruchen/Top Ramen. A freeze-dried block of noodles. So it's cheap... but not *that* cheap if you consider what goes in it. I could've duplicated my doodle at home for less than two dollars, but paid 1.75 for the sesame base, plus 1.00 for spam, and .50 each for the hard-boiled egg and fried tofu.The decor is cute and kind of trendy, but there isn't a lot of seating. Our group of 7 had to find somewhere else to eat. It also took a while for all of us to be served, though the guy working (the proprietor, I believe) was totally nice and engaging. See, I'm not being fair, and I know it, because it's meant to be food to take and go, not a place for a leisurely group lunch. Still, my gut feeling about my Doodles experience is just A-OK.
All in all, I'm glad I went to Doodles.. once. I doubt I'll be back. If I were in college, I'd really like Doodles, I bet. I'd probably eat there regularly. It's fast, cheap, customizable - what more could you want? But anyone with a regular income or a kitchen would be best served to make your own ramen and add ingredients at home.
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