by Janet Wilson
posted March 28, 2008
) Photo by Janet Wilson Fresh2Order is located in a new building at 1919 Gunbarrel Road. Click to enlarge. |
The restaurant is very nice inside, but Wayne was complaining on the way there because he knew it was another “order at the counter” place. And, really, for the prices and the atmosphere, it probably should be table-service. However, they do deliver to your table and then clean up after your meal so you don’t have to haul it over to a trash container.
There was only one person in front of us and she ordered one item, then stood there FOREVER reading the entire menu before ordering anything else. I kept thinking the cashier would offer to take our order while the other person was trying to make her mind. Then – after they rang her up, she decided to add more to it. I waited on her for 15 minutes! If I had been on my lunch break, I would not have been a happy camper. I would have gone to the other line, but several people were waiting there, so no advancement would have been made.
The price for plates will probably be considered a bit high for lunch, but the remainder of the menu is similarly in-line with Panera.
As you enter, menus are at the door so you can look over them before getting in line at the cash register. Also, next to the menus, is a list of soups served on a daily basis - Chicken Tortilla, Tomato Bisque, Corn Chowder, Creamy Chicken, Vegetable, and Wild Mushroom. For $6.79 you can order half a salad and soup.
Salads priced at $6.19 are tempting – Spinach Peach, Asian, Southwest, Club, Mediterranean, Market, Chopped Wedge, and a Caesar. Of course, for an additional cost you can add to your salad such items as Almond Rosemary Crusted Tuna Steak, Chilled Lime Shrimp, and Barbeque Pork.
After looking over the menu Wayne ordered the Turkey Club Panini (house roasted turkey, two cheeses, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard, $7.49) served with chips. He also ordered a bowl of Corn Chowder. Other Paninis include the same meats found on the Long Plates. They do have a vegetable Panini if you want a vegetarian option.
I also decided to try the Corn Chowder, but I ordered a half bowl. For my meal, I ordered one of the Entree Long Plates ($9.99). It was difficult to make a decision since they all sounded so good – Brown Sugar Roasted Pork Loin, Fire-Grilled Chicken, Bourbon Filet Steak, Crispy Tenderloins of Chicken, Calamari, and Almond Chicken Skewers with sides ranging from sweet mashed potatoes and apricot chutney to garlic mashed potatoes. I finally selected the Grilled Salmon with black bean orange sauce, braised greens, and roasted corn and peanut relish. It is listed with Wheat Berry Rice, but I exchanged that for the Garlic Jack Grit Cake.
Meals are served on oblong dishes, with attractive presentation. Wayne did like the panini, but wasn’t impressed with the chowder. He said it was like eating a bowl of creamed corn. I will say that he’s probably right. It was thick with a LOT of corn, but it did have a nice, rich taste. To me it could have been a bit more chowder and a little less corn.
The salmon was delicious and not overcooked; very moist and flaky. You can see the fire grill as they are preparing your food. My only complaint (other than the corn) was that my grit cake was not hot. I boxed it up, took it home, heated it for breakfast the next morning, and found it to be quite good.
For dessert there were brownies and cookies ($1.99 each), but we decided to forego the dessert. Children (12 and under) have a choice of Macaroni & Cheese, Triple Decker Peanut Butter & Jelly, Chicken Finger Platter, and Grilled Cheese Sandwich for $4.99. The menu doesn’t state if anything is served with these items, but I would hope so as $4.99 seems a bit high for a Peanut Butter & Jelly or Grilled Cheese – but that’s just me.
I will probably go back for lunch, but getting Wayne there is another story!
Hours for Fresh2Order are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Sunday until 9 p.m.
Since they open at 7 a.m., I would assume they have breakfast items, but the only items listed on the menu are Breakfast Platters featuring fresh baked pastries and fruit.
READER PET PEEVE OF THE WEEK:
“Getting stuck behind someone at a salad bar who feels that the salad they are creating is an actual work of art, for them to linger lovingly over until they have it just right. Please people, just put the food on your plate and sit down. Your salad is not a work of art!”
We look forward to receiving your comments and pet peeves – cdojanet@chattanoogadineout.com
www.chattanoogadineout.blogspot.com
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |
| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |