So whenever the opportunity arises for a free lunch, I jump on it like a fly on toast. My aunts were in town, and there's nothing like taking advantage of family members for my blog. I've been hearing so many things about the neon carrot, I found myself desperate to try it...so I dragged Barbara and Tracy along...assuming the food would be good.
Also, my aunts have a tendency to order more food than they actually eat, giving me the opportunity to try quite a large variety of the menu...thank you auntie (-:
"The neon carrot uses locally and organically grown produce whenever possible. We give thanks to the dedicated local farmers, fishers, winemakers and artisans for taking such care with their product and for understanding the wholesome experience of eating." This was written on the back of the take home menu. The owners of the restaurant (Maegen & Jeff Loring) were working the day I went in, and they were both more than willing to answer any questions I had.
I ordered "the park burger" described as "hearst ranch beef or house made veggie burger" ...I got the veggie patty...
To my surprise, the patty was BRIGHT PINK!!
The patty was full of sunflower seeds, beets, squash, and carrots, and tasted like dirt...IN A GOOD WAY! (-: like, that good earthy flavor... don't get me wrong, I liked it...and after asking the ingredients in the house made patty, I learned that the owners put beets in the patty to give it a "meaty" color...that's bull...it was pink...I've never eaten a real burger that color in my life.
Barbara ordered the "savory tart of the day" which happened to be one with figs, caramelized onions, and Gorgonzola cheese.
The "tart of the day" is served with the customers choice of a green salad or a fried egg...hmm...cool option...perhaps Wendy's should consider adding that option to their dollar menu?
Tracy ordered the quesadilla...consumers beware because this ain't your Mexican grandma's quesadilla! This grilled cheesy creation comes packed with Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, pasilla salsa and...wait for it...roasted butternut squash! Yeah, I know, y'all are freaking out, but I applaud the bold move. Besides, anything covered with melted Gruyere cheese is bound to be good, regardless of the ingredients used.
Tracy also ordered a bowl of their soup of the day, which was Indian yellow curry and yogurt. The soup was awful...I love Indian food, and I couldn't stand more than 2 spoonfuls of this belly-flop. The soup tasted like uncooked roux. A moment of honesty: I am not a particularly exceptional soup-maker, but I do know how to cook a roux.
So, in conclusion, sorry neon carrot. I had such high expectations, and I was somewhat disappointed. Would I recommend this restaurant to my friends? sure. I like the idea of locally grown organic food. I hope the restaurant succeeds in business. Perhaps the quality of the food will improve with time? For me,however, I will not be jumping on my scooter and rushing to return to the atomic *ahem* neon carrot.
