Ken N.
Yelp
My wife and I decided to try this new restaurant in Columbus because we noticed it offered some "healthy" options. The restaurant is really unique in the world of soups, rice based dishes, and salads, but similar to those frozen yogurt places where you build from a basic starting point and then can add on as you like.
The shop is located in the alley between 4th and 5th streets on Washington in Columbus. It's not a typical alley since this usually has some decoration and public art, so there is no creepy vibe. They have two steps into the side of the building (no railings or ramps available) which is wide and narrow.
The area you step into is the dining area with mostly 4 top tables, though there are some 2 tops nestled along the half wall where the food prep takes place. To the left is where your called in meals can be picked up and a stand where you can get additional utensils, napkins, etc.
On the left side of the half wall is an order counter, but don't expect human interaction unless you ask for help. We weren't greeted or offered any assistance though we stood there reading the menu boards over the counter for probably five minutes trying to decide. When we were ready to order, my wife used the touchscreen monitor to order a loaded baked potato and then the screens advanced to let her customize the items she wanted to include, including her beverage. Before she closed out, I touched the "add Item" and was able to order a "build your own" salad.
I was able to choose which type of green I wanted (you can do this for rice based bowls as well). You can pick two bases. I then advanced through the screens, adding items like veggies, avocado, Granny Smith apple slices, and dried cranberries. I used the protein option to pick some grilled chicken (you can choose three different levels of protein quantity too). I also selected my salad dressing and opted for a small bowl of soup too.
The thing is, you have to pay attention as you click. First, not everything is free in the cost of the salad. The protein added $2 for my small chicken. And the bowl you get only holds so much, so if you load it up, you are going to have a mess trying to mix the items since they are separated when they arrive at your table. They do include a plastic knife and fork (and spoon for my soup), but the bowl if very light weight and can easily tip over if you press down too hard on one of the sides while cutting your lettuce pieces into bite sized portions.
I will say that the freshness and the flavor were really good. I would gladly recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind paying a bit more for a customized meal.
Note that they also have some options that are pre-set combinations if you get overwhelmed by so many choices. They do have some alcoholic beverages and water is strictly sold by the bottle.
If they can improve their social contact and maybe cut their pieces a little more bite sized, they could improve the customer experience. As it is, the experience was pleasant, but not anything to rave about.
Review #1996