I don't normally write chain reviews, because I feel the expectation is low and standardized. However, Cava is one of the new (to me) businesses I am happy to see popping up, especially in my neck of the woods! I'd be happy to tell more people about it, and hopefully sustain business.
Take Chipotle's concept, and give it a savory Mediterranean twist. There's several basic sets you can order, for example a pita, a salad, or a greens and grains bowl. You can customize the bases with your preferred type of greens, or seasoned rices and legumes. (I like the black lentils, my husband loves the aromatic saffron rice).
My go-to is the greens and grains bowl, with mesclun mix for the greens and black lentils as the grain.
From there, you can choose up to three dips. They have staple flavours, such as traditional hummus, as well as seasonally revolving flavours. My favourites are the Harissa- think a smoother, more savory Sriracha- and the Crazy Feta, which is not all as crazy as it sounds. It has a bit of spiciness to it, which I like.
After you choose your dips, you choose a protein- which vegetarians can rejoice, as there are a few different options! They have tasty, crispy falafel, as well as seasonal veggies. Carnivores can get their fill as well with beef-lamb meatballs and grilled chicken.
Top off your creation at the last station, which is packed with a selection of fresh and pickled vegetables, cheese, and dressings. If you get a lot of spice in your dips, I recommend cooling it down with the greek yogurt and dill dressing. Or heck, build up some more spice with the Harissa dressing!
At under $9.00 a bowl, you definitely get your money's worth for the amount of food you get. I am always stuffed upon leaving.
The beverage bar is worth mentioning too- you'll want to pay for a soft drink! They have all kinds of fresh seasonal juices and teas, made with real fruit. Some are unsweetened, some are sweetened with agave nectar. In the summer, my favourite is the Watermelon Mint; now that we've hit Fall, I enjoy the apple-pumpkin blend. The cucumber mint is a classic, especially to cut the spice.
Not only is the food really good- surprisingly good, for a chain- but a lot of it is locally sourced. Check out the map when you come in, and it will tell you where all the selections on the food bar were brought from. That's a concept I can get behind!
I'm really happy that this location in Columbia opened, so I needn't venture to DC to get my fix. I hope it does really well and sticks around for a long time.
Why only 4/5 stars? Like any chain restaurant, the staff are in a part-time and fast-food mind set, not especially dedicated to the cause or product either way. I've never had especially welcoming or attentive customer service at any of the restaurants. Newcomers often seem daunted by the range of options and flavors, but there is no one to greet guests and offer answers to any menu-related questions. This can hold up the line a little bit, and I can tell the constant questions irk the staff a little. The staff often seem rushed and flustered, but then again, they are always busy. But no fast-service restaurant can be perfect, right? read more