Edwin reported earlier this year that the family behind Capital Seafood was expanding their empire to include a noodle bar. Their location couldn't be more strategic, as they now share a parking lot with a number of well-received concepts in the last year like Creamistry, Urban Plates (that never-ending queue!) and DonerG. With existing restaurants in both Irvine Spectrum and Diamond Jamboree, they continue to bank on the ethnic mix that is Irvine.
We caught up with managing partner James Tea last week to take a peek at the new space and discuss their progress. The news he provided couldn't be better.
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Its interior was showing signs of completion, with sleek display shelves and photography ready to be hung. And the noodle bar? Complete with purse hooks, “Women don't want to put their purse on the ground when they sit at the bar.” It's all in the details, folks. As for the menu, expect their signature Hainan chicken, plus noodles and stir fry entrees mostly under $10. Two curry spaghetti dishes will cost you extra. They'll also offer a handful of dim sum sides for snacking, plus beer and wine options.
Capital Noodle Bar plans to conduct a soft opening either this weekend or next. Once fully operational, they will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, they'll remain open for business until 11 p.m. James suggests ordering the Capital bowl (pictured), a house favorite. Follow them on Facebook for updates. We'll be the one hanging our purse, ordering extra dim sum.
Capital Noodle Bar will be located at 3850 E Barranca Pkwy, Suite E, Irvine, (949) 651-8088; www.capitalnoodlebar.com.
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A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.