New Noodles

Jenni’s Noodle Shop has had a cult following ever since Jenni
Tran-Weaver opened her first location on Jefferson Street eight years
ago. That restaurant was shuttered; she opened up a new one on
Shepherd; and now she has expanded to another location, at 2027 Post
Oak Blvd. (713-621-4200).

The new spot is a little more “uptown” than the others — while
the food and service are the same, the customers have changed. “We’ve
always attracted an artsy, eclectic group, but at Post Oak, we get more
of the high-end, white-collar, business crowd, especially at lunch,”
says Tran-Weaver. “Some of our customers have made it over here from
Shepherd. They love the new space, but won’t leave the old
location.”

Why did she decide to expand? “I wanted to introduce our food and
concept to a new audience, and wondered if my little restaurant could
make it mainstream. I’m excited but very scared at the same time.” A
Dish lunchtime visit found the locals devouring her food. The Infernal
Chicken Curry, the Salt-n-Pepper Shrimp and the Ginger Chicken are all
winning over the crowds, one person at a time, but Jenni’s service
seems to win them all over at once.

Got the latest info on restaurant openings,
closings, special events and gossip? E-mail
us at dish@houstonpress.com