It’s just 2 months before the end of fellowship, and I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. But the tunnel is fraught with obstacles – studying for oral boards, wrapping up research, preparing conference talks, house-hunting, mortgage shopping, arranging for movers, and of course, finishing my NC culinary tour before leaving. Earlier this month, I caught up with some residents over happy hour at TGIF, followed by delicious hand-pulled noodles from the deceptively named China Express – a restaurant I serendipitously heard about from a talk radio show while driving. One of the incoming fellows was visiting, so we took him to Local 22 for mac n’ cheese. The following week, our department celebrated a “Spring Warm-Up” at the home-opening game of the Durham Bulls. This was in lieu of the traditional “Winter Thaw” event that was delayed due to our chairman’s untimely demise. The spread of fried chicken, burgers, and hot dogs were a relief compared to last year’s atrocity, although my first experience at a minor league baseball game confirmed my fear when we started the 3rd inning almost 2 hours into the game, prompting most of us to an early departure. This week, after presenting journal club and lecturing at our Ocular Imaging CME Course, our new fellowship director took us to swanky University Club atop Durham’s only high-rise for a nice buffet dinner with my co-fellows. Back home, I’m also trying to empty out my fridge and pantry, and wrap up Glenn’s noodle competition. Without ado – round 5! The scores (soup, noodles) are out of 10.

1. Sapporo Ichiban Chow Mein (5, 6): These average noodles are served dry with a spicy, tangy sauce that’s too sweet – another fail for Sapporo Ichiban. Avoid at all costs.

2. Daily Instant Noodles Tomyum (6, 6): This tomyum formula is just a cut above similar cheap Thai brands, but still doesn’t compare to the big players in the noodle market.

3. Six Fortune Instant U-Dong Noodles (7, 7): Another Nong Shim rip-off, this one offers flavors similar to Neoguri but with noodles that are just a tad softer. Just not the real deal.

4. Vifon Shrimp Flavor Mi Tom (5, 5): The generic noodles soften just too quickly in a broth that tastes suspiciously umami without a discernable flavor. Very, very suspicious indeed.

5. Myojo Chukazanmai – Soy Sauce Flavor (7, 9): This brand’s premium noodles does not disappoint, although this soup base is saltier and less complex than its sibling flavors.

6. Nongshim Seafood Ramyun (7, 7): Nong Shim may be messing too much with their winning formula – this version has a finer noodle that softens too readily. Stick with Neoguri!

7. Sau Tao Xiao Qiao Rice Vermicelli – Abalone Flavoured (7, 8): These vacuum packed vermicelli has a nice but soft texture; the soup is nicely-favored but left me plenty thirsty.

8. Mama Oriental Style Instant Flat Noodles – Clear Soup (4, 5): Mama served me stiff rice noodles in spicy salt water. I’m just glad my mom never cooked this badly. A disappointment from a popular brand.

9. Vifon Hu Tieu Nam Vang (5, 6): Vifon’s rice noodle formula tastes identical whether it’s pho or bun or hu tieu – all equally uninspired. This version is no different.

The airline companies managed to keep my life interesting once again by canceling my flight the morning of my first house-hunting trip to Sac-Town last week. Unamused, I went to the airport early and had to settle for two connections through DC & Houston to see my wife. Since my future employer was paying for the trip, I ordered a nice seafood pasta at the airport restaurant while awaiting my flight. On Friday, after spending the day writing a manuscript while Melody worked, we celebrated her birthday over steak and sweetbreads at Taylor’s Kitchen, followed by cake and eclair from Rick’s while watching Ender’s Game. The movie was visually impressive, but a disappointing adaptation overall. We hung out with our niece and her 14 friends for her birthday party on Saturday, where we tried to raise the game on those 8-year-olds over a game of high-stakes Easter egg hunt. After some Austrian pastries from Konditorei, we set out with our real estate broker to scope out some houses in Davis. We recuperated from the long day over HK-style seafood and Catching Fire, which was a much better rendition of the book. We awoke Sunday morning for more house-hunting in East Sac, but were disappointed by most of the places we saw. We looked for banh cuon for solace, but was again disappointed that the restaurant was closed, so we settled for pho next door before my red-eye home. As luck would have it, my wife found a potential place the following week. After much deliberation and many photos later, we placed an offer, only to be outbid by someone else. Now back to square one, the house-hunting adventures continue!