I recently visited Zoes Kitchen and I must say, their wide range of healthy and tantalizing meals makes it easy for anyone to find something they love. So, whether you're a Mediterranean food lover or just looking to try something new, keep reading to learn more about my experience.
Imagine me sitting in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama as I delve into the humble beginnings of Zoes Kitchen. The story starts in 2008 with two entrepreneurs dedicated to serving the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean. The first location was so appreciated that another one sprung up just six months later. Fast forward to today and we're talking over 247 locations across the nation and still growing!
Did CAVA acquire Zoes Kitchen?
Indeed, in 2018, Zoes Kitchen was bought by CAVA–a global food company that emphasizes Greek & Mediterranean cuisine. It's worth noting CAVA runs more than 233 restaurants in Whole Foods stores country-wide. Fun fact: CAVA started collaborating with Zoes Kitchen back in 2017, sparking a number of delicious culinary innovations.
Where is Zoes Kitchen Headquartered?
Guess where I found out the headquarters of Zoes Kitchen are? In Plano, Texas. Having rapidly expanded across the country, Zoes Kitchen had to move its base to a new location capable of managing their vast network. Prior to Texas, it was in Washington, D.C., but now it’s even closer to its birthplace in Alabama!
How Organic is Zoes Kitchen?
The health-conscious offering at Zoes Kitchen extends to a menu that accommodates a variety of dietary preferences and portions of it is not only tasty, but also organic. The chain uses organic ingredients whenever feasible in their dishes. Additionally, Zoes Kitchen goes above and beyond to offer a range of menus for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free folks. The commitment to premium fresh ingredients was clearly evident in my meal, and the prices didn't hurt my wallet either!
Olive Oil at Zoes Kitchen
During my visit, I learned that Zoes Kitchen uses olive oil in their recipes. Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and virgin olive oils are essentials in their kitchen. As a health enthusiast, I was super pleased because olive oil has plenty of health benefits, from lowering blood pressure to improving memory. With the negligible amount of saturated fat and its ability to withstand high temperatures, Zoes Kitchen’s use of olive oil is a big plus in my books!
The Type of Rice at Zoes Kitchen
While browsing through Zoes Kitchen's menu, I noticed an element popping up often–cauliflower rice. They pack their dishes with a surprising amount of nutrition and a testament to their creativity. Cauliflower rice is a healthier alternative to regular rice, serving as a base in many of their dishes. It’s a great low-carb alternative, packed with fiber, vitamins, and other vital nutrients.
What's in the Falafel?
Being a falafel fanatic, I couldn't resist their take. The falafel is prepared with chickpeas, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin, then deep-fried to preserve its crispy exterior and fluffy insides. The tahini sauce and freshly chopped parsley add a mouth-watering finishing touch–an absolute delight!
What About the Sauces?
There are four sauce options at Zoes Kitchen – tzatziki, hummus, olive oil, and pesto. Also, let me spill a secret, pesto is made with finely chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine (or walnuts), and all turned into a smooth paste with olive oil in a food processor.
An Inside Look at Zoes Kitchen's Power Grain Bowl
If you're looking for a filling and nourishing meal, try the Power Grain Bowl. I had one that was studded with quinoa, lentils, rice, farro, homemade tzatziki, Moroccan harissa, Mediterranean relish, dill, and cucumbers. Perfectly vegan-friendly and gluten-free!
Hummus at Zoes Kitchen?
Two delicious renditions of hummus awaited me - the classic, with chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil; and the smokey red pepper hummus, an exotic blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and red peppers. To match those, fresh pita bread and veggies are readily available.
Are the Pitas Vegan?
I found another gem for the vegan folks - all of Zoes Kitchen's pita bread is vegan! They even offer an in-house tzatziki sauce–also made from scratch without any animal products. Additionally, there's a range of vegetarian soups. And for a protein-packed side dish, try the falafel patties, which can be made vegan by leaving out the yogurt sauce topping.
Zoes Kitchen's Secret Sauce - Skhug
As a food enthusiast, I love stumbling upon unique items. Skhug Sauce, Zoe's Kitchen's signature sauce was one such treasure. Made with citrus, peppers, lemon, cilantro, cumin, cardamom, and caraway, its zesty and sweet notes will make your taste buds dance. Couldn't resist topping off my plate with this addictive sauce.
Here’s a breakdown of my experience at Zoes Kitchen:
Pros:
- Impressive range of healthy and delicious meals
- Meticulous commitment to fresh ingredients
- Considerate accommodations for dietary restrictions
- Use of health-friendly olive oil
- Delightful addition of the Signature Skhug Sauce
Cons:
- Limited options for non-Mediterranean food lovers
- Organic ingredients could be featured more prominently
- Menu could benefit from more vegan protein alternatives