Fri July 4, 2008
Battle of the Quick Casuals
This nationwide chain is an easy choice for a crowd where everyone wants a different type of food. You can get bagels, soup, salad, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee drinks at any time of the day. Vegetarian options are also readily available, a bonus for the non-meat lovers.
The seasonally-changing menu offers a promising variety of new soups each week and the “pick two” combo (choose two from soup, salad, or sandwich selections for under $6) is always a popular favorite.
With titles like “Fuji Apple Chicken Salad” and the “Turkey Romanesco” sandwich, you’ll get a real “cuisine” for less than the price of Pit cookin.’
A small fireplace area, outdoor seating, and free wireless internet also make Panera an ideal spot for off-campus studying.
If you’re in the mood for Mexican and Panera is crowded, hop across the street to Qdoba Mexican Grill. Best known for their impressive selection of burritos, this is one of the few “quick casual” places where you can get traditional “mole” (pronounced mohl-ay) sauce or truly fresh guacamole.
Perhaps the best part about Qdoba is their impressive array of sauces – unlike your standard mild, medium or hot, choose from ten different options. From Poblano Pesto to
Fiery Habañero Salsa, you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy.
Qdoba has the standard selection of Mexican options, ranging from tacos and nachos to tortilla soup and quesadillas. And for carb-counters, most everything can come “bare,” meaning without the tortilla.
Overall, a good bet for quick Mexican that isn’t drenched in grease or cheese.
I must admit, I used to think that Baja Fresh was the greatest quick Mexican place this side of the Rio Grande. Then I met Moe, and it was love at first bite.
From the quirky food names to the beer and margaritas, this place has all the amenities and personality of a big restaurant at a fraction of the price.
Almost all entrees allow a choice of beef, chicken or tofu, making Moe’s one of the few restaurants in town I know that serves tofu, and probably the only Mexican-themed one. At first I was a little off-put by the fact that the nacho cheese is scooped out and kind of resembles warm Velveeta, but the taste is oh-so-good…and more than worth the calories.
The burritos are huge, as are the nachos. Trust me, you’ll have some left over for the next meal – always a perk when dining funds are at a premium. Even if you’re a meat lover, try the “I Said Posse” vegetarian quesadillas – the sautéed peppers and mushrooms are a real treat.
Located in the Thruway shopping center, Kyoto Express makes no pretenses about its extreme distance from Japan. Walking in the door, you are faced with a large train painted in bright primary colors with cars filled with vegetables—presumably, the Kyoto Express.
The menu might look something like a drive through, and your meat may arrive just a tad too fast to suspect that it was actually prepared “fresh for you,” but Kyoto Express definitely has a strong Wake following.
Choose from traditional hibachi and sushi entrees that include rice chicken teriyaki, steak and chicken combos and California rolls. Not to mention, there are a variety of sauces to suit any palate.
Be forewarned, however, that the atmosphere isn’t exactly welcoming, and the service is kind of non existent – so this might be one study break that is best conducted using the words “to-go.”
Former Marketing Director Katie McIntyre contributed to this review
I know what you’re thinking. “Whole Foods?” Isn’t that some sort of expensive organic grocery store?
Well, yes. It is. But it’s also so much more, and cheaper than one would expect. Check out Whole Foods at almost any time of the day for delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that might almost make you feel like you’re enjoying mom’s home cookin’ again.
From a hot bar that rotates daily with breakfast, lunch and dinner creations (and charges by the pound, so you can load up on anything that looks appetizing) to a salad bar that’s stocked with every imaginable goodie from corn salad to Cajun tofu, you’re sure to find something good at Whole Foods.
The sushi counter and sandwich bar have ready-to-go and made-to-order items, and the pre-prepared counter offers up items like curried chicken salad, sweet potato fries, and sliced London broil.
Pretty high-class for college students, but your meal usually won’t break the budget. Think between $4 and $10 for dinner, but sans tip. Check it out and get in on the secret. Organic can be (practically) orgasmic.
Contrary to what one might think, the Chesapeake region is not over-populated with this chain of bagel bakeries. Most went out of business about five years ago …and I speak for those of us from Maryland and agree that the fact that one survives in Winston is pretty strange.
Perhaps it’s because the bagels are really good, as are my favorite option on the menu, the “bagel sandwiches.” You can put anything on a bagel, from egg, bacon, and cheese to turkey and sprouts. Dip it in honey mustard or slather on the garden veggie cream cheese, and you’ve got a delicious carb-filled treat.
Bagel options range from the standard (whole wheat; everything) to the exotic sun dried tomato; frosted bagels) but are all in the same price range, around $3 for a bagel and your choice cream cheese.
Best of all, they offer a 10% Wake discount. But get there early, because they close around 2 p.m. – so check this place out for early-morning studying or a quick lunch.
Eating at Jason’s Deli is kind of like dining in the Pit…you probably won’t leave without a “free” cone of Soft-Serve fro-yo. The difference? There’s no need to ask for a second portion at this deli. Really… Where else can you order a quarter of a sandwich? You’re bound to go home stuffed (or carrying a to-go box)…all for under $10.
From monster muffalettas to premium po’boys and Paninis to spectacular sandwiches and wraps that will wow even the most jaded palate: this is a deli that would make the Earl of Sandwich proud. Choose from ‘make your own,’ featuring nine different types of bread, six types of cheese and even six substitutes for the standard potato-chips side item.
The service is counter-order and pretty speedy, even during the inevitable lunch and dinner rush. Tables are standard-issue booths and pull-up chairs, with wait staff to clean up tables between customers.
Mini muffins, crackers, mixed nuts and the ever-popular fro-yo machine are available free of charge.
Located near Costco and Hanes Mall, Jason’s Deli is a great place to grab a bite with friends or to stop in and pick up a quick dinner. If you’re not feeling the drive, round up some hall mates and place a delivery order online.
Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery bakes a better bagel. Say that five times fast… or maybe just go for lunch and form your own opinion.
This establishment, which offers free WiFi internet access, shares space with the new Dilworth Coffeehouse, a branch of Charlotte's oldest independent coffeehouse. Dilworth offers a wide selection of gourmet coffees, as well as a complete menu of espresso drinks, specialty beverages and smoothies. The ambiance is crisp and clean (akin to Panera or Starbucks) with booths, tables and additional umbrella-covered patio seating during pleasant weather.
Now for the important part – the food. Bruegger’s offers over 20 bagel varieties, including sweet classics such as cinnamon sugar or cranberry orange, as well as savory offerings such as sundried tomato, multi-grain and asiago parmesan.
For those with a bigger appetite or a more audacious approach, Bruegger’s provides classic deli-style sandwiches on bagels wraps, or a “softwich” (a bagel-meets-loaf bread-meets foccacia combination).
Daily soups and chili may be added as sides or enjoyed individually. Freshly tossed salads, including a “build-your-own” option as well as menu selections such as the “mandarin medley salad” are lighter-fare options.
Bruegger’s also has something to offer the early birds: breakfast favorites including egg, cheese and bacon sandwiches, western style egg and vegetable wraps or simply butter and honey/jelly bagels.
If you’re looking for a hearty start to your day, a snack while working at your computer or a quick meal with a friend, this may be the niche for you.
Written by staff writer Lucy Colavincenzo
It’s the last week of classes, and the idea of hitting up The Pit has become about as appetizing as finishing off those stale Peeps still sitting on your desk from Easter. But since your bank account likely reads in the double-digit range, there aren’t a whole lot of options that will fill you up without bursting your dwindling cash supply.
Not to mention time. Who would have thought that you could have three papers, two tests, and a presentation due all in one week – and still have to take exams during the next?
However, the idea of McFood might just make the Pit sound appetizing, and there are only so many times one can stand the thought of eating CookOut in one’s car. What’s a girl (or guy) to do?
In comes the “quick casual” restaurant. At an average of $4 - $7 per meal, these types of establishments cater to the crowd who isn’t quite ready to spend the time (or money) on a real restaurant but doesn’t want to go through a drive-through either. The fastest-growing segment of the restaurant industry, most offer a variety of menu options (sometimes within a specific cuisine theme) and are almost always sure-to-please.
Best of all, they’re true to name. You don’t have to dress up or waste a lot of time and money … but you can sneak off campus for a study break or catch up with friends.
The choice then boils down to … options. So take a look, consider your choices, and choose wisely. After all, you really should be studying…
Panera Bread the choice for sandwiches, soup, or salad
This nationwide chain is an easy choice for a crowd where everyone wants a different type of food. You can get bagels, soup, salad, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee drinks at any time of the day. Vegetarian options are also readily available, a bonus for the non-meat lovers.
The seasonally-changing menu offers a promising variety of new soups each week and the “pick two” combo (choose two from soup, salad, or sandwich selections for under $6) is always a popular favorite.
With titles like “Fuji Apple Chicken Salad” and the “Turkey Romanesco” sandwich, you’ll get a real “cuisine” for less than the price of Pit cookin.’
A small fireplace area, outdoor seating, and free wireless internet also make Panera an ideal spot for off-campus studying.
Qdoba Mexican Grill Best-known for burritos
If you’re in the mood for Mexican and Panera is crowded, hop across the street to Qdoba Mexican Grill. Best known for their impressive selection of burritos, this is one of the few “quick casual” places where you can get traditional “mole” (pronounced mohl-ay) sauce or truly fresh guacamole.
Perhaps the best part about Qdoba is their impressive array of sauces – unlike your standard mild, medium or hot, choose from ten different options. From Poblano Pesto to
Fiery Habañero Salsa, you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy.
Qdoba has the standard selection of Mexican options, ranging from tacos and nachos to tortilla soup and quesadillas. And for carb-counters, most everything can come “bare,” meaning without the tortilla.
Overall, a good bet for quick Mexican that isn’t drenched in grease or cheese.
Moe’s Southwest Grill Tex-Mex. Funny names, great taste
I must admit, I used to think that Baja Fresh was the greatest quick Mexican place this side of the Rio Grande. Then I met Moe, and it was love at first bite.
From the quirky food names to the beer and margaritas, this place has all the amenities and personality of a big restaurant at a fraction of the price.
Almost all entrees allow a choice of beef, chicken or tofu, making Moe’s one of the few restaurants in town I know that serves tofu, and probably the only Mexican-themed one. At first I was a little off-put by the fact that the nacho cheese is scooped out and kind of resembles warm Velveeta, but the taste is oh-so-good…and more than worth the calories.
The burritos are huge, as are the nachos. Trust me, you’ll have some left over for the next meal – always a perk when dining funds are at a premium. Even if you’re a meat lover, try the “I Said Posse” vegetarian quesadillas – the sautéed peppers and mushrooms are a real treat.
Kyoto Fantasy Express Japanese. I’m not quite sure where the fantasy comes from, but it’s definitely cheaper than Arigato
Located in the Thruway shopping center, Kyoto Express makes no pretenses about its extreme distance from Japan. Walking in the door, you are faced with a large train painted in bright primary colors with cars filled with vegetables—presumably, the Kyoto Express.
The menu might look something like a drive through, and your meat may arrive just a tad too fast to suspect that it was actually prepared “fresh for you,” but Kyoto Express definitely has a strong Wake following.
Choose from traditional hibachi and sushi entrees that include rice chicken teriyaki, steak and chicken combos and California rolls. Not to mention, there are a variety of sauces to suit any palate.
Be forewarned, however, that the atmosphere isn’t exactly welcoming, and the service is kind of non existent – so this might be one study break that is best conducted using the words “to-go.”
Former Marketing Director Katie McIntyre contributed to this review
Whole Foods American. More than just a grocery store.
I know what you’re thinking. “Whole Foods?” Isn’t that some sort of expensive organic grocery store?
Well, yes. It is. But it’s also so much more, and cheaper than one would expect. Check out Whole Foods at almost any time of the day for delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that might almost make you feel like you’re enjoying mom’s home cookin’ again.
From a hot bar that rotates daily with breakfast, lunch and dinner creations (and charges by the pound, so you can load up on anything that looks appetizing) to a salad bar that’s stocked with every imaginable goodie from corn salad to Cajun tofu, you’re sure to find something good at Whole Foods.
The sushi counter and sandwich bar have ready-to-go and made-to-order items, and the pre-prepared counter offers up items like curried chicken salad, sweet potato fries, and sliced London broil.
Pretty high-class for college students, but your meal usually won’t break the budget. Think between $4 and $10 for dinner, but sans tip. Check it out and get in on the secret. Organic can be (practically) orgasmic.
Chesapeake Bagel Bakery You guessed it, bagels.
Contrary to what one might think, the Chesapeake region is not over-populated with this chain of bagel bakeries. Most went out of business about five years ago …and I speak for those of us from Maryland and agree that the fact that one survives in Winston is pretty strange.
Perhaps it’s because the bagels are really good, as are my favorite option on the menu, the “bagel sandwiches.” You can put anything on a bagel, from egg, bacon, and cheese to turkey and sprouts. Dip it in honey mustard or slather on the garden veggie cream cheese, and you’ve got a delicious carb-filled treat.
Bagel options range from the standard (whole wheat; everything) to the exotic sun dried tomato; frosted bagels) but are all in the same price range, around $3 for a bagel and your choice cream cheese.
Best of all, they offer a 10% Wake discount. But get there early, because they close around 2 p.m. – so check this place out for early-morning studying or a quick lunch.
Jason’s Deli Sandwiches, soups and salads. Plus free fro-yo.
Eating at Jason’s Deli is kind of like dining in the Pit…you probably won’t leave without a “free” cone of Soft-Serve fro-yo. The difference? There’s no need to ask for a second portion at this deli. Really… Where else can you order a quarter of a sandwich? You’re bound to go home stuffed (or carrying a to-go box)…all for under $10.
From monster muffalettas to premium po’boys and Paninis to spectacular sandwiches and wraps that will wow even the most jaded palate: this is a deli that would make the Earl of Sandwich proud. Choose from ‘make your own,’ featuring nine different types of bread, six types of cheese and even six substitutes for the standard potato-chips side item.
The service is counter-order and pretty speedy, even during the inevitable lunch and dinner rush. Tables are standard-issue booths and pull-up chairs, with wait staff to clean up tables between customers.
Mini muffins, crackers, mixed nuts and the ever-popular fro-yo machine are available free of charge.
Located near Costco and Hanes Mall, Jason’s Deli is a great place to grab a bite with friends or to stop in and pick up a quick dinner. If you’re not feeling the drive, round up some hall mates and place a delivery order online.
Bruegger’s Bagels Bagels…and more
Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery bakes a better bagel. Say that five times fast… or maybe just go for lunch and form your own opinion.
This establishment, which offers free WiFi internet access, shares space with the new Dilworth Coffeehouse, a branch of Charlotte's oldest independent coffeehouse. Dilworth offers a wide selection of gourmet coffees, as well as a complete menu of espresso drinks, specialty beverages and smoothies. The ambiance is crisp and clean (akin to Panera or Starbucks) with booths, tables and additional umbrella-covered patio seating during pleasant weather.
Now for the important part – the food. Bruegger’s offers over 20 bagel varieties, including sweet classics such as cinnamon sugar or cranberry orange, as well as savory offerings such as sundried tomato, multi-grain and asiago parmesan.
For those with a bigger appetite or a more audacious approach, Bruegger’s provides classic deli-style sandwiches on bagels wraps, or a “softwich” (a bagel-meets-loaf bread-meets foccacia combination).
Daily soups and chili may be added as sides or enjoyed individually. Freshly tossed salads, including a “build-your-own” option as well as menu selections such as the “mandarin medley salad” are lighter-fare options.
Bruegger’s also has something to offer the early birds: breakfast favorites including egg, cheese and bacon sandwiches, western style egg and vegetable wraps or simply butter and honey/jelly bagels.
If you’re looking for a hearty start to your day, a snack while working at your computer or a quick meal with a friend, this may be the niche for you.
Written by staff writer Lucy Colavincenzo