Well Fed On the Town

Recently, I met a friend at Fresh to Order, a small eatery that opened in one of the local malls here.  My first time there, my friend swore by the food, praising its delicious choices and fast and courteous service.

According to the website, Fresh to Order started like this . . . two chefs literally born into the restaurant business decide to take on the task of creating fine dining American fusion food, fast and for under $10 in their restaurants…They decide to prepare everything fresh each day and spend hours getting everything perfect, so your order is ready in minutes…It’s that kind of attention-to-detail that sets F20 apart. We only serve a few things, so we can concentrate on doing them very well. And we use only the best ingredients. But they’re simple. And that idea, taking something simple and elevating it to something special is what we are all about…Tasting is believing.

Immediately upon entry, patrons are greeted with a tall stand-alone menu with individual cards to read, as well.  Then, the pathway up to the register is filled with an array of culinary items, such as from Bodum pots, unique (to me) chocolate bars, cookies, and specialty sodas, to a variety of wines and beers. 

Like other establishments in which I have eaten, a table number allows runner to bring the meal to you after ordering and paying for the meal . Tasting is believing is right! The first time I went, I had the I had the Spinach and Peach Salad with peaches, spinach, strawberries, Gorgonzola, golden raisins, almonds, and raspberry vinaigrette, while my friend ate a chicken sandwich sweetly fastened together my a toothpick and a lollipop.  I was sold instantly.  The vinaigrette wasn’t too sweet and went beautifully with the spinach.  The second time I ate at Fresh to Order, I tried the Mediterranean Salad with Oriental Apricot Dressing, a salad of mixed greens, feta cheese, tomatoes, Kalamata tapenade, grilled onions, toasted almonds, fresh herbs, red grapes. The Oriental Apricot Dressing dressing?  Matched up with the tapenade and other flavors?  Heaven! The, as if the flavors weren’t enough, all the salads plates was garnished with a fresh-baked, lightly sweetened croissant. Both salads were fantastic.  And, of course, I love that the dishes gave me inspiration to try similar types at home.  Nonethless,  my goal for the rest of my summer vacation is to work my way through the salad menu.  I am thinking the panini will work well in the fall.

When diners are finished with the meal, items are to be left on the table for bussers to clean the table area for the next guests.  I found, on both occasions, the runners and bussers to be very pleasant and polite in their interactions and when answering questions.  I point this out since (I find) the state of customer service now-a-days is to be desired.  My ears and eyebrows perk up when I experience agreeable interactions on more than one occasion.

Do you have a Fresh to Order nearby?  The location section of the website only has in metro Atlanta and Chattanooga.  Hopefully, if there isn’t one already, Fresh to Order will open soon in your area.  If not, there are franchise opportunities available.