Noodles & Company Chooses Asparagus for Starring Role in New Dish and Red Carpet Video: Restaurant's Supporting Cast of Fresh Vegetables are Not H

DENVER (Business Wire EON) March 26, 2008 -- "I applaud the chef for choosing me as his muse for this fresh new recipe," said Asparagus. "I'm a totally fabulous vegetable, and he gets that about me." Noodles & Company's new Linguine with Fresh Asparagus features tender asparagus spears, roma tomatoes and linguine tossed in a light sauce of olive oil, butter, lemon, balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs topped with parmesan.

Critics are calling this her best dish yet. "After eating it, I had a spearitual restaurant experience," said M.F.K. Fennel, author of The Art of Delicious Vegetable Eating. "Asparagus is fresh, saucy and confident in this recipe," said Alice Watercress from Chez Bon Appetit You May Eat Vegetables magazine. "She delivers a firm, flavorful and memorable performance," said Ima Foody from Eat Delicious Vegetables Daily Blog.

"That's fresh," said Asparagus. "I've known for practically ever that I'm delicious and talented and quite nutritious so I'm not surprised they feel this way. Look, I'm obviously fat-free, cholesterol-free and only a few calories per stalk. I'm high in folic acid and a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamins B6, A and C, as well as thiamin and rutin, which are very important anti-oxidants." Even the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board calls her one of nature's most perfect foods.

Asparagus is very comfortable in her starring role at the restaurant and online. "I love talking about myself and love it when others talk about me too - so being the star of Noodles & Company's new dish is perfect for me. In fact, you should totally visit my Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Asparagus/11791891681, where I reveal exclusive, private information and have posted personal photos along with some of my totally fresh magazine covers, like Maxhim, Veggies and Selfish."

Asparagus may be happy as the absolute center of attention, but Noodles & Company's cast of supporting vegetables is obviously annoyed. "She's simply gone too far this time," said Tomato. "Every spring we put up with this inane Asparagus hoopla - but this year she's even outdone herself. Her red carpet antics are an embarrassment to any vegetable with a shred of dignity," said Broccoli.

"Asparagus was the natural fit for the dish. She's long and lean, well-trimmed and firm, fresh and delicious," said Noodles & Company chef Ross Kamens. "We deeply appreciate the freshness, hard work and nutritional value of Tomato, Broccoli, and Carrot, and value each of their unique flavors. Their supporting roles on our menu are crucial to the ongoing success of Noodles & Company."

Noodles & Company serves freshly sauteed noodle bowls, soups and salads inspired by culinary traditions from around the world for about $5 bucks a bowl and has restaurants throughout the U.S. To see a complete menu, including dishes starring other vegetables, visit www.noodles.com.

About Noodles & Company

At Noodles & Company, there are no freezers, no microwaves, and no can openers - only fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu and sauteed noodles and pasta, all prepared to order in minutes. From healthy to indulgent and spicy to comforting, Noodles & Company's Asian, Mediterranean and American menu of good balance favorites include Japanese Pan Noodles, Thai Curry Soup, Penne Rosa, Whole Grain Tuscan Fettuccine and Wisconsin Mac & Cheese.

Noodles & Company is a tip-free zone and is open seven days a week in more than 170 locations throughout California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington D.C. To see a menu, find a location, view nutritional information or see what else is going on in Noodleville, visit www.noodles.com.