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| - I don't know why this places gets low ratings, I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience at Vapiano!
It is formatted just like everyone says- cafeteria style. You walk in to the "hostess/cashier" stand and she gives you a hotel key looking card, and you seat yourself. Perhaps around one of the live olive trees, or at a community table with miniature potted herbs. You then take your card with you to any of the stations (antipasti, salad, pasta, pizza, panini) and tell the guy what you want off the menu. You can customize your meal to your desire, which is cool. With a swipe of your Vapiano card, you're off to your table with a pager to wait for your meal.
They make their pasta and sauces in house, so you can count on the pasta tasting fresh and delicious. They also cook it up right in front of you, made to order. I got the pasta funghi this time- cream sauce with a mix of various mushrooms, and added chicken and pancetta to it. It was absolutely delcious. Probably some of the best pasta I've eaten in Charlotte, no lie. And the portion is big enough for leftovers (which reheat just as well as they came out the first time). I also decided i would try the Greek salad- also good, I like that they add capers and dill sprigs to the salad. Salads come served with fresh bread, and there are bottles of EVOO and balsamic at your table for dipping.
They have a full bar, featuring daily drink specials- Sunday being 1/2 price bottles of wine, which is just fine by me. You again tell the bartender what you want, swipe your card, and head back to your table with your beverages.
This concept is great- affordable (like under $10 a plate), quick, and delicious. Loved the "upscale" ambiance- it fits quite nicely downtown.
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