The strange taste in noodles has only been brought up in one of the noodles shops here. Upon further inquiry it was discovered that said strange taste was due to the owner's misuse of fresh products; they were selling products well past their expiration date.

We haven't had any such incidences anywhere else, as far as I know. For the most part, this is likely due to the fact that our restaurants make their own noodles. [ ouch. ]

As for sparring with a stranger; it depends. I'd indulge if I wasn't needed anywhere else at the time. How strange are we talking, though?