Vapiano

Several weekends ago, I decided to have a surprise date night with my hubby. We love to enjoy new "art house" movies (usually movies that will not show in wide release). In order to do this we usually have to make the crazy trek all the way to Dallas or Plano. For those who want to know, the movie choice was "Moon". Great movie and I would recommend it to anyone.

Now on to the main show: the new concept in dining out. Vapiano (plans are to have one in Fort Worth by the way) is an Italian restaurant that operates very closely to a Luby's. Don't confuse the food with the concept... Fresh & casual dining that you order at a walk-up bar, swipe your gift like card (used to carry your bill), take a buzzer, and move on to the next walk up bar you want to order from. Seems overwhelming at first, but don't let it deter you from checking out this joint. Low overhead (your doing the ordering, picking up and checking out) keeps the costs down to a minimum.

Because the concept was coined in Europe - the menu is extremely veg friendly. The choices are almost overwhelming - fire-roasted pizzas, fresh pasta, salads, antipasto dishes. The pizzas that we decided on: Margherita and Verdure. Both exceptionally made - I have to say I was jealous of my hubbies Margherita pizza - the flavors were just a little more complex and well formed for being what can normally be a "plain Jane" pizza. The Verdue was topped with mushrooms & roasted red/yellow bell peppers - not bad - I had great pizza a few days the following week for lunch.

If you are ever in the area and need somewhere to go, I highly recommend you at least try it once. The modern decor and the updated concept on "cafeteria" style dining is a great change to either fast food ordering or stifling restaurants with wait staff who may or may not take care of you.

Ranking: 4 Carrots