Once again Yelp proves to be infested by Gordon Ramsay wannabees, overly critical and guilty of over analysis.
I had dinner at Noodlecat during Thanksgiving weekend, my third visit since July. Each time I've attended with a different party and each time we've come away impressed and well fed. Perhaps my expectations are just different but Noodlecat has not only met but exceeded them each time. I love that it is casual, a tad funky and away from the 4th Street chaos. Wait staff has always been friendly and adequate - not overly impressive because I don't think they need to be. The beverages tend to try a little hard when it comes to cocktails and the Gus's Soda is overpriced.
The food has been excellent every time. I've had the wings on each visit: fall-off-the-bone and just solid. The twice cooked process is obviously taken from GHT but why not when you use unique, asian twist. Gyoza was plump and satisfying. Tried the pickle sampler on last visit and loved it - a nice combination of varying flavors and heat. Ghost chili pickled asparagus were incredible while pickled pumpkin was a first. Worth the price. The Steam Buns are perfect for unadventurous newbies or regulars alike. I gravitate toward the pork version or fried chicken because the burger version provided no wow factor. The noodles are the star of the show - flavorful, nice consistency, filling. Again, I lean toward the pork but had a very good beef brisket/matzo last.
It's reviews of restaurants like Noodlecat that make me believe Yelp has jumped the shark.