An insider's guide to Victoria since 1997.

I'm a sucker for good box of noodles. There's something about it that strikes a chord. After going to Noodle Box and getting attitude with a side of noodles, I thought I'd have to cook my noodles at home (hint: it's easy and cheap to do it at home), but then I saw a place called Boxo Noodles had opened up at 1011 Blanshard when Ali Baba had operated for years. It has nice ambiance (lots of bamboo and Asian influence). They have about eight boxes offered (curry boxes and stir fry boxes) as well as side like spring rolls, potstickers and naan. Some of them are tasty spins on what you'd expect to find (teriyaki, curry coconut, black bean & garlic); they had a nice surprise on their menu: a steak sauce with beef-- it's a treat for people who are on the fence about Asian food and like steak in a box. The best part of Boxo: the service. When I phone in orders, they're usually ready before I can get down there. The staff are friendly, the prices are good and there's no attitude. Next lunchtime, get your box of noodles from Boxo.