This is Mendocino Farms, a California-based sandwich chain with a serious local fan base. I went to the location near the Grove.
Mendocino Farms isn't your typical fast-casual joint. Walk into a location, and you're immediately greeted by a large menu. An employee was waiting right next to it with an iPad to take my order.
I was then directed to the cash register, where I could add drinks and sweets to my order. Customers are also allowed to try anything in the glass case as a free sample.
I walked past the kitchen to get to the dining room and find a place to sit. The Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop" playing over the speakers put a little pep in my step.
I filled my cup to the brim with blueberry sweet tea. It was $2.75. I have to say, the blueberry flavoring was a bit artificial-tasting, and the tea was only so-so. I wasn't sure if this boded well for the rest of the meal, which rang up nearly $30 in total.
I took in the decor of the establishment, which I found comforting. It wasn't trying too hard, and that's what I liked about it.
About 15 minutes later, my buzzer told me to pick up my food. Boy, does it look good. Kiss' "Rock & Roll All Nite" filled the restaurant.
First up, the Save Drake Farm's Salad. This hearty salad runs about $12.75, with chicken breast, marinated goat cheese, pink lady beets, green apples, dried cranberries, crushed honey-roasted almonds, red onion, greens, and chopped romaine. It's topped with a citrus vinaigrette.
The veggies in this salad were incredibly fresh. That's likely due to the restaurant's focus on local produce, but it really shined through.
The flavors of the dish melded well. The dressing was a little heavy, but I didn't mind much — this salad tasted damn good. It was hearty but still refreshing.
In fact, there's so much stuff packed on this salad, it almost felt like there wasn't actually enough lettuce, even though the salad was pretty filling.
If i had to pick a quibble, it would be the chicken. Though it's free-range, it was also pretty dry and tasteless. It was easily the most disappointing part.
Salads are served with a warmed tortilla, which is a bit of a palate cleanser, but not really needed.
Next, I dug into the Peruvian Steak Sandwich for $11.45. Look at that gorgeous toasted color on the torta bread. The Guess Who's "American Woman" thundered through the loudspeaker.
The bread was a wonder — supple, and able to be both crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The produce was fresh, but the tender and flavorful steak, marinated with spicy aji amarillo, was the star of the show. It was slightly spicy and completely delicious.
The invisible turntable switched tracks to "Some Like It Hot" by The Power Station, and I couldn't eat another bite. I was incredibly satisfied. It's clear why Mendocino is starting to go interstate —the food is uncommonly good.
I waved goodbye to the de facto mascot of Mendocino Farms, a cow statue with blue spots. The statue appeared sad, but I assured it I would visit again. There are Peruvian steak sandwiches in my future.
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