Huntington News

Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: News

Media Credit: News Photo/Danielle Dobson

On the border of the Back Bay and Huntington Avenue, there is one eatery that all too often goes unnoticed because of its old-fashioned facade. But Betty's Wok and Noodle Diner serves delicious, fresh-tasting, Asian-fusion cuisine, at the corner of Massachusetts and Huntington Avenues, a short walk from campus.

Betty's sports an unusual '50s-style aluminum sign, contrasted by a contemporary interior, clad in earth tones and stacked stone. Low-lit candles and an exposed kitchen provide an intimate experience.

For starters, Betty's cocktails are all made with sake and homemade triple sec. According to Betty's website, it has the city's "only sake cocktail bar," and their Sake Mojito seems to be the best mojito in Boston. The Mojito can only be topped by Betty's Sake Rojito, a similar drink made with plum sake for extra sweetness.

A long list of tempting appetizers includes the Cool Cuc & Weeds, a cucumber and seaweed salad freshly prepared and tossed with a creamy wasabi-ginger dressing, with sesame seeds. Also, the Curried Rodeo Rings, a massive stack of golden onion rings, crispy and sprinkled with a sweet, saffrom curry powder, are a must-try.

Betty's real claims to fame are their customized dishes (the Phantom Gourmet, a popular regional dining review, called the restaurant a "hidden jewel." Pick from four types of noodles, seven sauces and three meats to create the stir-fry of your fantasy.

The Shanghai Wheat Flour noodles, which resemble Japanese udon noodles, are cooked to perfection - not too soft, not too chewy. Extra-wide Chow Foon rice noodles and Soba, or buckwheat noodles, are also available and prove to be just as tender and tasty. While the menu has descriptions about each of the seven sauces, reading them is far from tasting them. Ask for the Seven Sauce Sampler in order to try each sauce before hand.

The Asian Pesto and Madras Curry are the most captivating of the seven sauces. The pesto, made from fresh mint, basil, cilantro and peanuts, has a truly one-of-a-kind flavor. The Madras curry is a mild, sweet, heavy coconut milk curry. All sauces are prepared fresh daily on the premises, which is apparent in the taste. Choose from chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu, or combine two or three meats for an extra charge.

For dessert, the choice is clear: Coconut Custard Quesillo. This hybrid of custard and crème brulee comes from a secret Venezuelan recipe from the grandmother of Junior Portal, Betty's head chef and general manager, said Megan Gusey, co-manager of Betty's. This-fresh, creamy slice of coconut heaven comes in a light caramel reduction, and serves as the perfect end to a night at Betty's.

Betty's has a staff that is knowledgeable and friendly, making it perfect for a birthday or dinner date. But be wary of performances at the Boston University Theater and Symphony Hall to avoid a massive pre-show or post-show rush. Take out is available. Expect to spend $15-$23 per person not including drinks.

Betty's Wok and Noodle Diner is located at 250 Huntington Ave. It's open from noon until 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday, 10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Visit www.bettyswokandnoodle.com for more information.

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