Restaurant Review: Pickled Lemon

You know what they say.

When one [Udi’s] door closes, another one opens. 

A few weeks ago, my mom sent me a text saying our beloved Udi’s cafe in Louisville had closed.  Actually I think her exact words were, “They wanted to use the whole space for baking.  So we should suffer??”  We must be related — I couldn’t have put it better myself.

So while it momentarily felt like my world was coming to an end (okay, it still kinda feels that way), I reminded myself that there’s at least 2 other nearby locations and that a third Udi’s-owned restaurant just opened in Boulder.  Boulder ain’t so far away, right?

When my sister proposed that we go to lunch in Boulder on Friday, it only seemed natural that we take our Udi’s-loving selves to the new restaurant, Pickled Lemon.  Did I mention it’s a Mediterranean restaurant?  I’m so there.

The Good:

• It’s adorable.  Just look at that little wooden door!
• The staff is super friendly.  Even when you question them about “how business is going.”
• It’s fast.  Think Chipotle style.
• It’s customizable.  Even though I didn’t exactly know what I was doing, I got to pick exactly what went on my plate.
• The pita.  Holy soft fluffy deliciousness.  I would go back for that pita alone. 

The Not-so-Good:

• The menu kinda confused me.  I’m not really sure why it matters if I pick the hummus platter or the veggie platter if I get to add whatever I want to my plate either way.  Also I saw a lot of people eating something out of a giant bowl and had no idea where that option was on the menu.
• Everything was cold.  I’m not sure if that was on purpose or not, but I like my kale hot, pleaseandthankyou.
• The salad options were kind of hit or miss.  Cauliflower and Moroccan carrots?  Hit!  Onions and lentils?  Miss. 

Verdict:

I want to love it, but I just don’t.  I wouldn’t go out of my way to eat there, but if I was in Boulder, I’d definitely be willing to try it again and I think everything “not-so-good” could be fixed… but probably won’t be.

In other words, I have mixed feelings on this place.

Which is why it still kinda feels like my world is coming to an end now that the old L-ville Udi’s cafe is strictly a bakery. 

P.S. No gluten-free pita, Pickled Lemon?

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Do you like Mediterranean food?

What item would you most like to see on the menu at a Mediterranean restaurant?