I have a confession: Up until a couple of weeks ago, I had never set foot inside a Noodles & Company.

I know, I know! How did I survive all those years without stopping by Noodles & Company for a warm, delicious bowl of pasta that I didn’t have to make myself? The thought boggles my mind, too.

With all the Noodles & Company locations recently popping up around Metro Detroit, I decided to correct this apparent mistake of mine by joining a group of Detroit-area bloggers for an official #NoodlesTasting. Meeting up at the new Novi location, we enjoyed a fun evening of sampling popular dishes from across the menu. Want to know which were our favorites? Read on for the breakdown!

Course #1: Shareables (Appetizers)

My happy, hungry heart was immediately won over by Noodles & Company’s Korean BBQ Meatballs. Trying my best not to steal all the food from the table, I only sampled one . . . but probably could have polished off the entire bowl of this sweet, mildly-spicy appetizer. In the midst of wondering what could possibly beat such a strong contender, I was introduced to a plate of Cheesy Garlic Bread. My life has officially been changed for the better.

Course #2: Salads

Chicken Veracruz Salad at Noodles & Company

Admittedly, I used to think that a visit to Noodles & Company would only lead to indulging in carb-heavy items. While I love pasta as much as the next person, I was pleased to find that there are also several great salad options on the menu for those who are in the mood for something a little lighter. My favorite was the Chicken Veracruz Salad, a combination of mixed greens, Roma tomatoes, red onion, chili-lime chicken, crumbled bacon, fresh-cut corn, avocado, and cilantro that’s tossed with jalapeno ranch dressing and crispy jalapenos. It’s got a kick, but nothing too extreme (I have a medium-spicy tolerance level and simply had to reach for my drink cup a couple times during the meal). The flavors go great together and I’d definitely order this on a return visit. We also tried the Napa Market Salad, which featured Gala apples, Roma tomatoes, bell pepper, grilled chicken, bleu cheese, bacon, and pomegranate vinaigrette. Typically, I’m not a huge fan of bleu cheese, but the flavors blended really well together and weren’t overpowering.

Course #3: Italian Flavors

Course #4: Asian-Inspired

Whether you’re in the mood for Thai, Indian, or Korean cuisine, Noodles & Company’s got you covered! Our group sampled from sweet Pad Thai with shrimp, vegetarian Bangkok Curry, and my favorite, Noodles & Company’s new Spicy Korean Beef Noodles.

New Spicy Korean Beef Noodles at Noodles & Company

Course #5: American Favorites

Before I’d ever tried Noodles & Company, I already knew from friends and family about the glorious dish that is Noodles & Company’s Wisconsin Mac & Cheese. When an order of this hit our table, I learned exactly why so many people return to Noodles & Company specifically for this menu item. Covered in what looks like a half pound of shredded cheddar cheese, this creamy concoction offers the right amount of sharpness and goes deliciously with steamed broccoli. Everyone in our #NoodlesTasting group touted the wonders of this perfectly-prepared comfort food, and it was definitely on our shared list of top picks for the night. We also sampled the Steak Stroganoff: a delicious meal in its own right, but to be fair, it did have a tough act to follow (side note: I’d order both of these dishes on a return visit).

Course #6: Desserts

I believe it was Socrates who said, “Everyone has a separate compartment for dessert.”* Or maybe that was said by everyone in the history of forever. Whatever the case, despite busting at the seams after a satisfying meal, our group happily took part in sampling from Noodles & Company’s dessert menu: soft-baked cookies (chocolate chip and snickerdoodle) and rice crispy treats. My fave, hands-down, were the snickerdoodle cookies . . . and now I want one—or three—to snack on. BRB, I’ve got an errand to take care of.

*Sidenote: I made up that thing about Socrates, so please don’t use that quote in any research papers. 

Noodles & Company: Interesting Facts

• Noodles & Company prepares every meal to order (no premade food sitting under heat lamps), so food is fresh and can be customized exactly how you like it.

• Noodles & Company is committed to using fresh, natural ingredients (including cage-free eggs, naturally-raised meat, organic milk, tofu, and tea, and freshly-prepped vegetables).

• Flavors don’t arrive in a packet or a can—they’re put together by hand in the kitchen.

• You won’t find any microwaves or freezers in a Noodles & Company kitchen.

• If you don’t like your order, Noodles & Company will replace your meal with something you do like for free.

Have you visited Noodles & Company? What’s your favorite menu item (or if you’ve never been, what would you like to try)?