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| - I selected Greens and Proteins (G&P) because I wanted a tasty, wholesome breakfast with no animal protein. In short, I was not impressed with this establishment and its offerings. It seems to me that they are offering a watered down version of "healthy" food.
EXPERIENCE: I struggled with their juice menu first. I juice and drink fresh juices from other establishments on a regular basis so I felt comfortable picking out a quick juice to start my meal. Unfortunately, agave nectar and honey were featured in all but one drink. I can get added sugar anywhere in town, I was surprised that a place that calls itself a "healthy kitchen and juice bar" offered no pure juices. And that what they were presenting as juice was laden with a sweetener more processed than high fructose syrup (agave).
Needless to say, I chose the V9 juice since it offered some vegetable and contained no added sugar. I asked for more greens (spinach and kale) in the juice with regular tomatoes rather than the sun dried tomatoes usually in the drink. The addition of vegetable stock to the juice was confusing for me. I saw them add a processed vegetable broth, not a stock, but that didn't bother me too much. I have never seen a juice offering with vegetable "stock", but I was willing to try it. The "juice" was more of a blended concoction. It was cold and thickish. Especially as I got the end. What is was not, was tasty. There was no bite from the lime or garlic and the "stock" watered down the taste of the vegetables. The texture and flavor were off putting, but I'd spent the $6.99 for 24 oz. (8oz of that are the vegetable broth) so I drank it. Most of it.
My mother ordered the Greek scramble with a side of the homemade turkey bacon. I ordered the "Real Deal Oatmeal" with some of the additions (raisins, bananas, and "sucant", which is sugar) on the side. The menu lists "sucant" as an ingredient in the oatmeal, but I believe G & P has misspelled the word Sucanat on their menu. Sucanat is a whole, unrefined cane sugar made by "crushing sugar cane, extracting the juice, heating it, and dehydrating it into granules." It's still sugar, but many people consider it a healthier option because it contains less sucrose and "retains the natural molasses and trace nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium, and B vitamins."
I've ordered oatmeal at dozens of establishments in this town--most not presenting the image of a health conscious establishment---and I've never heard what I heard from G&P. After ordering, the cashier had to come over and find me to tell me that they could not put the sugar (Sucanat) on the side. "Why" I asked. She explained that the sugar is mixed in with the oatmeal. What??? I clarified in case I had misheard her. I asked incredulously, "The sugar is already mixed in with the oatmeal? So I can't get oatmeal without sugar?" Correct. She informed me that they pre-mix the sugar in the oatmeal. To put this issue in context, a person can order rolled oats oatmeal at McDonald's without sugar. How do they know how much sugar (Sucanat) I want in my oatmeal? I imagine they err on the side of "a lot."
All of the other breakfast options included animal protein or sugar except for the Berry Parfait. I ordered it without the strawberry yogurt since I assumed that it had more sugar than I would like. I asked for plain yogurt in the parfait. The chef happened to be out on the floor and the cashier (misunderstanding my request?) asked the chef what was in the strawberry yogurt. He stated that it was plain yogurt with strawberries and sweeteners added. I don't eat pre-sweetened yogurt and figured the strawberries and sweetened granola would add enough sugar to the meal. He said they had plain yogurt in the back and that they could accommodate me.
The parfait was fine--lots of large strawberries and sweet crunchy granola. I tasted one of Mom's tofu fries and it was crunchy and well seasoned. She enjoyed her egg white scramble and turkey sausage side.
I understand everyone visiting G & P will not share my expectations. If people are looking for a place with some vegetables and some healthier options, this place is solid. I love that they have a raw section on their menu. I also appreciate the lean meats on their menu that are not easy to find elsewhere: bison and ostrich.
SERVICE: Great service. They did a fantastic job of accommodating me.
SUMMARY: Greens and Proteins seems a decent option for those on a plant-based diet looking for restaurant options, those seeking non-certified gluten free options, or those looking for more generally healthy food options.
It was not a good place for me. When I patronize a "healthy" establishment, I am seeking whole foods, less refined sugars and grains, great taste, few if any processed foods, and greater raw (and cooked) vegetable options. I do not think I will return to Greens and Proteins.
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