It had been a while since I'd been to Fresh 2 Order, so it was time for a replay.
The concept: Gourmet American cuisine brought to your table in less than 10 minutes for under $10 with a casual fast-food look and feel.
But does F2O deliver? On most every count.
The menu
You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The problem is choosing how you want to approach it. Is a main-dish salad on your mind, or is a panini your preference? Maybe you have the appetite for a long plate, a gourmet entree served with sauces and sides that comes on a long, rectangular plate.
The order (for two): Bourbon filet steak with balsamic cabernet reduction, garlic Jack grit cake and baby greens (three-fourths order - $9.99); Asian chicken crunch panini with kettle chips ($6.79).
The Asian chicken crunch sandwich is one of several new items on the menu and was right on target with flavor and texture. Crunch is a good definition for this sandwich. For starters, the grilled ciabatta bread is crunchy on its own. Add to that almond-crusted chicken and ginger-apricot slaw, and you got a mouthful of crunch and munch. The taste was outstanding, with a combination of sweet and tangy brought on by the slaw. An added plus was the hint of rosemary added to the chicken. The sandwich is large, so I saved half for later.
Even at a three-quarter portion, the steak long plate was a generous serving and plenty for an average appetite. The steak was a little too chewy. In fact, my dad said only one bite was truly tender. After checking with the the cook, the server told us it was a filet. I've never had a filet that required that much cutting or chewing. However, the flavor was good, and the accompanying sauce was wonderful. Alongside the steak was an impressive grit cake that smacked of Monterey Jack cheese. I was totally impressed with it, the flavor made even better with a little of the steak "gravy" mixed in.
Most menu items are priced at $10 and under. However, long-plate full portions and a select group of after-5 p.m. entrees are priced from $11.99-$12.99. It's still an excellent bargain for the quality of food.
Best bets: Asian chicken crunch panini; almond chicken skewers; chopped wedge salad; Thai salad; brown sugar roasted pork loin with sweet mashed potatoes and apricot chutney.
The service
Orders are placed at the counter, where you are given a number. As promised, our meals arrived in no more than 10 minutes. Our server was at the ready to help with anything needed, including bringing a takeout box and clearing our table of empty dishes.
the look
Clean lines and warm colors are the backdrop. Wood trims and a large wine rack on one wall and gleaming sea-green tiles on the wall above the cooking area set the stage for artisan breads. The look is simple and fresh, like the menu offerings.
the verdict
Fresh 2 Order doesn't have a great street presence. In fact, I turned into two wrong drives before finding the one that would lead me into the parking lot. And I don't see any splashy ads for this restaurant. But it's still a crowded eatery, even on a Tuesday evening.
So what does that tell you? Word of mouth has made this restaurant a favorite for many in the East Brainerd area and beyond.
It's a place where you can experience culinary creativity when time and money are a factor.