Noodles Italian Cafe & Sushi Bar

Something is amiss about this place and yet, I am a fan. Perhaps it hangs on borderline classy and has a more active bar crowd to change it's perception.  It was the 4th of July and it was dead in here. Discovered that happy hour is just not for the bar. We both had an espresso martini of sorts that was weak and brief. Our waiter, David was attentive and enthusiastic. Loaded with recommendations. I like this kid. He brought us some delicious fresh bread and we mixed our own ratio of olive oil to seasonings and It was eaten quickly with smiles. My wife ate earlier and settled for a salad with fried artichoke hearts in it. She shared and I was impressed. David suggested his favorite, Pasta Bayou with andouille sausage, blackened chicken, cappicola & red onions in a white wine sauce, finished with smoked mozzarella cheese and a hint of Cajun seasoning over house-made black pepper and cumin fettuccine. I thought the Cioppino  would be a great dish... fresh fish, gulf shrimp, calamari and mussels sautéed in a fennel plum tomato wine sauce, served over capellini pasta...Hmmmmmmmm... I blurted out, Lamb Shanks! It's two slow roasted with mixed vegetables in cabernet wine and natural pan juices over house-made fettuccine pasta... LOVED it but... I didn't get any of the veggies. I never questioned it. I wanted to re check the menu but simply discovered after the fact, online.
The atmosphere of the place is upscale and cozy. The bar crowd seemed like regulars. They have a sushi bar that is a nice size. It is easy to navigate around the place. Plenty of outdoor seating to accommodate those waiting for the rains to subside. I will go back. And ask for David. And next time I will eat dessert... The choices were great!

Rigatoni ala Vodka was excellent. Lunch was fast and service was very good.

We've been before but our visit last night was disappointing.  I had sushi and it was awful...they drizzled it with a sauce equivalent to Catalina dressing which I've never seen at any sushi place before.  I sent it back and asked for it made without the sauce and it still wasn't good.  The fish looked good but had no taste - it was also ice cold so not sure if that was a factor.