number nine - long beach

location: 2118 E.4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 434-2009
website: http://numberninenoodles.com/

Sitting amongst the lunch crowd on an offbeat street in Long Beach, I tried my hand at something new and although I wasn’t wowed by the food (more like significantly satisfied), I was wowed by the service and price. My meal was $9 – same price for lunch and dinner. My server was on top of his game, running the entire room single handedly, ensuring that we all had water and other necessities while taking orders and serving meals. And when there was down time, he cleaned, cleaned, cleaned. Impressive.

The meal itself was quickly made which is great if you are returning to work within you hour lunch break. If you’ve never tried Vietnamese food, it is a delightful and healthier alternative to the generic burger & fries that one often grabs on a lunch break. I enjoyed the cold vermicilli noodles with charbroiled shrimp and barbequed pork. The noodles were a bit sticky which made for difficult eating but the shrimp and pork were a surprising burst of flavor. The accompanying sauce made for a light but flavorful lunch. Number Nine also serves up an interesting array of drinks, beers, cocktails and wine. From a Duchy Originals Organic English Ale to the house cocktail "potion number nine" to the lychee infused jasmine iced tea, there is bound to be a satisfying beverage for everyone you are dining with.

must try: the calamari with cognac sauce
skip: ginger infused crème brulee and “valrhona chocolate” pot au chocolat; you can get dessert on your bike/metro ride home
bring: a first date - the price won’t hurt if it doesn’t work out. the acoustics also lend a noisier vibe so it won’t make it too romantic and serious - rather more flirty and fun.