Sophan P.
Yelp
My wife and I have dropped into Nu Do a handful of times since my initial visit, usually during early weekend afternoons.
Yesterday we stopped in for the first time after work. Not sure if it was due to different staff working evenings but the experience was markedly different - and not in a good way.
Firstly, the person taking our orders wasn't exactly warm and friendly as the person we're familiar with. In fact, I don't even remember if she managed to say hi to us.
After matter-of-factly taking our orders, she also mixed up our plates, giving me my wife's udon instead of the Kao Soi I ordered. At first, I thought I might've misordered so starting squeezing Sriracha onto the udon. It wasn't the 2nd dish arrived that I realized it was distribution snafu.
Additionally, the Kao Soi was a bit underwhelming. The boiled half-egg was chilly while the chicken thigh was piping hot compared to the noodles.
After our meal, as we were preparing to leave, the same staffer who took our orders and handed us our food, pointed to the dish cart and directed us to clean up after ourselves and bring the dirties. We've been here numerous times and were never told verbally or by signage to do so. I hadnt seen any other diners pick up after themselves previously so thought it a bit odd. I certainly dont mind cleaning up after myself, but didnt take too kindly to the arbitrary enforcement and or the manner in which we were told.
Additionally, thought it was weird that staff didnt bother to enforce Cambridge's emergency order that patrons wear masks as one guy walked around maskless but not a peep was said to him, in fact they seemed quite friendly to him (stark contrast to when we ordered).
The problem with places like this is that they require you to pay as you order and that you tip based on the level of service you think you'll receive, not necessarily what you WILL receive. Unfortunately, last night's visit may be my last for Nu Do - there are a number of nearby restaurants I frequent where I've had nothing but pleasant experiences for years.