The concept behind this place is truly noble and we need more place like this!
After a few weeks of considering eating here, I get scared when going to any new place believe it or not, I finally bit the bullet when my step son was over for visit. We went this morning (Saturday the 20th of December) and I have to say I'm already planning on returning Monday morning.
Here is how it works, they serve a soup a salad and 2 slices of pizza to everyone who eats there. They also have two choices for each. For example: today they had a mixed greens lettuce with a choice of dressing and berries or sunflower seeds on top OR a snap peas salad. The soups were squash autumn or pork and beans. The pizza was pesto mushroom or turkey. Since it was Saturday we got to choose between pastries like cinnamon rolls, blueberry muffins, and I think the other was a selection of meats. They also had cookies for Christmas.
I got the turkey pizza (sadly I'm allergic to mushrooms so I didn't have a choice), the mixed lettuce salad with balsamic dressing and mixed berries, the pork and beans soup, and a blueberry muffin. I also got a peanut butter cookie and some almond cookie.
The staff are really something special here. The lady in the purple shirt (I wish I had asked your name) made both of us feel welcomed. I must admit I felt a little uncomfortable when I got there but quickly felt right at home. She took the time to explain everything to us. You pay what you can afford for the food and they suggest $6 per meal. The average (as per their board) was $3.13 per person. I asked what happens if you couldn't afford a meal and she says you can do a chore when you get there and when you're done they'll give you a meal. There was a gentlemen that showed up and washed the front windows and that was his chore. I think this concept is something truly amazing, I cannot stop saying that. As someone whose been homeless and really well off and everything in-between I can truly appreciate the struggle and wish I had a place like this to eat at back when I really needed it.
The food was really good and healthy! I think everything was made by hand, probably even the dressing as it didn't taste bottled, and they were constantly making more as the day went by. The same lady asked me how my food was and I told her it was really good except I didn't like the soup. Well If you read this I take it back. The soup was great once I added some salt to it. If I did have a complaint it would be the pizza crust, I don't think it was cooked enough, or maybe I just like mine over cooked? Either way I ate the toppings off.
Also my research tells me they get produce donated to them by Trader Joe's, Wholners, Whole foods, places like that and I saw some proof of that. There were many bags of organic greens from TJs on a shelf by where you put your dishes.
Oh, and I highly suggest coming hungry because we both left stuffed with muffins in hand to take home for later, there was NO WAY we could eat all of that. The plate they serve you on is huge and very hearty meal. If you were homeless or maybe this is the only meal you're going to get today, they make sure you get enough.
Oh and the decor I really like too. Yes the table were probably donated to them and the chairs aren't perfect looking but who cares, you're putting your butt on them. My butt doesn't need 5 star quality and neither does yours. They have photos on the wall and they are really adorable. You see pictures of Anthony Bourdain and Lady GaGa as well as local people.
All in all please come try this place, it's not just for homeless people or the disadvantaged. During the weekday I see many business people eating here. I cannot wait to go back Monday!
EDIT: I did in fact return today (Monday) and the food was just as good. I took pictures for everyone this time. The lady in questions name is Lisa and she was just as wonderful as she was this weekend. She remembered us and she spoiled my step son with more cookies and candy. Haha! I got a salad with balsamic dressing/Italian, croutons (step son gave me his berries too), chowder (which I didn't eat because I'm not a fan of cooked fish but step son loved it) and turkey sausage pizza. The pizza was cooked all the way through this time and so yummy. I also got a chocolate chip cookie. They spoil you here! read more