Whenever construction begins on a storefront in my neighborhood, I cross my fingers that a new hummus spot is on the way. But when two salad factories set up shop within three blocks of my apartment, I was less than disappointed. While it would've been nice to welcome less commercial establishments to the 'hood, I can't really complain about anywhere specializing in heaping bowls of veggies.
Two blocks north on 83rd and 3rd, Just Salad is an attractive alternative to Juice Generation for the post-Soul Cycle crowd.
Three blocks south on 78th and 3rd, Chop't grabs the 77th Street subway-goers and hungry Lenox Hill staff.
Which one trumps the other? Read on to find out.
PROs:
-Is is actually NOT just salad–this spot also offers amazing soup and super-healthy fro-yo.
-They are very generous with sampling said amazing soup and super-healthy fro-yo.
-Great deals on coconut water.
-Window counter seating.
-Proximity to Orange Leaf (where I can go for tasters afterwards).
CONs:
-EXTREME stinginess when it comes to portioning toppings.
-Major up-charges when you ask for even the smallest bit of extra topping.
-I always leave hungry (see last PRO).
CHOP'T
PROs:
-Very generous with portioning salad toppings.
-Very generous with giving tasters of salad toppings.
-Amazing seasonal offerings, like kabocha squash.
-Homemade sourdough croutons.
-Super-wholesome homemade dressings that include healthy fats like tahini and avocado are so good, they can even be treated as a dip.
-Large, private booths.
CONs:
-Where is the soup? They need some!
-WOAH-sometimes salads get so chopped, you can't tell the difference between a tomato and a tempeh.
-Weird wrap-like bread comes with salads.
-Lacks important pescatarian protein options like tuna and salmon.
And the winner is... CHOP'T! Just Salad's crazy portioning rules just don't satisfy this veggie-loving customer.
As for some words of wisdom to Chop't? Please, get some soup cookin'! It is winter after all...