Liberate Your Noodles

Nothing bonds two co-workers like a shared love of food. Just a couple weeks ago I sat down in an editing suite to work for the first time with Editor Eric. While cutting segments together, we talked about travel and how much good food meant to us. During the conversation, he mentioned a lunch spot near his previous job, Liberty Noodle (171 East Liberty St.). So that following weekend when my stomach started grumbling, I popped in for a 5pm Saturday snack.

Liberty’s space is contemporary, cool and minimal. It’s the kind of place that would be a jumping late-night spot, if it was stayed opened late with a live DJ and located closer to the club district. The communal tables actually reminded me a lot of Republic in Union Square in Manhattan, though Liberty Noodle has a leg up in terms of decor and ambience.

The doors had just opened when I arrived and there was only one other table of diners seated. Since this was supposed to only be a snack, my dining companion and I started things off with Sweet Potato Chips ($4). These are deep-fried to perfection and I couldn’t get enough of the wasabi-aoili dip.

Next up was Crispy Shrimp and Calamari ($7). These were panko-crusted and the texture of the seafood wasn’t compromised. The squid rings were still tender and the shrimp wasn’t overcooked. The accompanying dip was accented with wasabi and coriander, though it tasted a lot more like plain mayo. Personally I much preferred the wasabi aioli.

Next we split the Ginger Chicken Ramen ($9), and the server was nice enough to offer to divide this into two bowls for us. She also told us that the ramen noodles are made fresh but not on the premises, which is something they’re hoping to be able to do in the near future. Hopefully this will happen soon because as it stands, the ramen noodles aren’t great. Actually, they are a step down from Kenzo Ramen’s average noodles. The broth was very light and fragrant, with a significant ginger flavour.

Since the soup was so mild, we were offered some hot sauce, which I happily dabbed onto the sliced chicken, bok choy and sliced carrots. Little did I know this would be the spiciest chili oil I’ve ever had. The tiny amount I added to my bowl was enough to set my lips on fire and almost make the rest of the soup inedible, so beware!

When I reported back to my new co-worker Eric, he informed me that I should have skipped the chicken ramen as the beef ramen is far superior. It’s clearly a busy spot for weekday lunch, so if you’re in the area, give it a go. Just don’t get crazy with the hot sauce.

Liberty Noodle / 171 East Liberty St., Toronto
416 588 4100 / Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am-9pm, Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat 5-10pm