Salad Conquest: Chop't Creative Salad Co. - A Polite New Yorker Sized Salad

Chop't Creative Salad Co.
http://www.choptsalad.com
24 East 17th Street
New York, NY 10003-190

THE CONQUEST
Welcome to the zip code 10003. For those of you not here, it's more commonly known as New York City's Union Square. I like to think of it as the Nexus of the New York universe. 8 different subway lines connect here taking riders around Manhattan and into The Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn. In fact, you can hop the 6 train from here and be in your seats at Yankee Stadium in less than 30 minutes. It's a smaller, cooler, less Disney-fied, locals oriented answer to Times Square. There is a beautiful park, lots of shops, bars, business and of course my favorite part, restaurants.

I work here every day and having an array of lunch time decisions (including 3 supermarkets for the budget conscious). One of my favorites however is the Chop't Creative Salad company. Originally opening in 2001, Chop't has since become a staple to the busy New Yorker's lunch time attempt at eating healthy. Each one is prepared the same way - first you pick your lettuce type and toppings. A bowl is filled and handed to one of the choppers who uses a mezzaluna knife to chop up the whole lot. The side to side, rock and chop motion of the knife not only turns everything into easy to eat bite sized pieces but also helps to mix everything together. Too many options for you to put together the right salad? Choose a "classic" option from the Chop't menu. They also have a long, long list of home made salad dressings including their reduced fat "Spa" line.

THE SALAD
Me, I get the same salad every time - The Vegetarian Powerhouse filled with "Broccoli, edamame, carrots, sunflower seeds, walnuts, craisins and apples chop’t on spinach and romaine lettuce." If you're like me, you can add the Cajun chicken, in-store roasted turkey or if they have it, the rubbed chicken for a little protein. For dressing they suggest spa balsamic vinaigrette or simple lemon vinaigrette but me, I go with the the Spa Tex-Max Ranch for a little extra kick.

The 2 kinds of lettuce leaves ensure you will not be working of a boring base. The broccoli, edamame and carrots help to ensure you get an important serving of vegetables to your day. The walnuts and sunflower seeds add good proteins while the apples and craisins supply some much needed fruits with fiber. The Cajun chicken and dressing add a little kick which rounds out nicely against the sweetness of the craisins, apples and carrots. It has a little bit of everything so you really can't go wrong with this salad. But, good luck finishing it!!

Be warned in advance, the salads (and sandwiches) are massive and even a guy of my size has trouble finishing them. Also to note, their is usually a long line but it moves fast. Polite New Yorkers have their order ready before they step to the counter.