I am puzzled by your luke warm review. I have never had a meal there that was anything less than excellent. Despite being an avid carnivore , the black bean burger is one the best things that I have ever eaten.
Why would anyone even suggest that a vegetarian option would "benefit" from steak or chicken? That defeats the whole purpose. I would probably agree, taste-wise, with that suggestion, but I'm not a vegetarian and so I don't order vegetarian options. That's also why I'd make a crap food critic.
I get the cranberry chicken salad every time I go, because it's the best. Yeah, maybe sometimes chicken falls off the bread, but since when is "there's too much delicious filling in my sandwich!" a complaint anyone makes?
I have to respectfully disagree with Mr Leach on this one. The cookies are not what I go for - the sandwiches are sublime! I've literally never had one I did not find absolutely delicious, and I tell people that Orange Glory is my favorite (non-alcoholic) lunch in the City. The lamb burger, when available, is knock-your-socks-off tasty, and even the veggie offerings satisfy this omnivore's cravings. I've never bothered with a soup there, so cannot comment on that. I generally agree with Mr Leach's tasting reviews, so he is no doubt right that it's bland. I do eat my OG sandwich with a knife and fork, since, as mentioned, the generous portioned fillings otherwise escape the bread. Other vehicles for the flavors may be a good idea, actually. In terms of the staff, I've found them friendly and approachable - no eye rolls even when I procrastinate about what to choose. Go try it for yourself, it's great!
One needs to appreciate the 60's kind of "Alice's Reasturant" approach a la "soup Natsi" of this tiny jewel on East Avenue. And yes getting decent flavor into lentle soup is a challenge. It sure is not in the lentle s themselves. Several suggestions for this... As I tried making at home last week. 1) if you want flavor you must add more spice and salt than you might think 2) 2 onces of whiskey or if you preferr red Vermont goes a long way to improving bland lentle s 3) for spice there is the Mediterranean direction which Aladon's uses so well cumin and anise seed or I think true red have rain papricka works wonders and does not add unnesessary heat. Lentle s are not intended to taste like me I an so avoid the cayenne stick with other flavors. Peace
Re: “CHOW HOUND: The ol' College Town try”
Whenever I hear or read "Bunga" anywhere, I can't help but think of Italian politician/AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi's infamous "Bunga Bunga" parties. No need to even click on the link below, just read the end part.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/17/berlusconi-bunga-bunga-nun-stripper_n_3292359.html