Gourmet Integrity: green2Go Restaurant Review

Gourmet Integrity: green2Go Restaurant

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

Update: green2GO has unfortunately closed.
Follow updates from the owner on her new endeavors at https://twitter.com/liveg2g.


Gourmet integrity with equipoise.  green2Go Restaurant is rooted in Orange County, California.  The founders of g2G Burgers Salads and Bowls smartly and instinctively draw upon ingredients from Southern California.  This fast-casual restaurant is an elevated experience because of its craft beer and wine bar, bakery, and gracious owners.  g2G offers thoughtful dining and artful menu items created with sustainability, health, and taste in mind.  Restaurateurs, Anita Allison and Joulia Kallah, have struck an impressive chord with the community and culinary world.

“green2Go is committed to changing today's food culture.  Starting with our first restaurant in Brea California, our goal is to provide clean, delicious, beautifully prepared and affordable food in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.  We are proud to support local and organic community farmers, artisans and ranchers who value organic and humane practices.”

I had the pleasure to have a personal tasting at g2G with owner Anita Allison.  The restaurant is adorned with paintings on the upper wall by local artists, a cozy bar at the front, a to-go section near the cash register, and ample tables.  Anita greeted me with a big smile and we got right to the bar.  The perfect place to begin a menu tasting. 

We chatted about the various beer and wine options.  g2G partners with local brewers and offers limited-edition, seasonal, and ever changing India Pale Ale (IPA), stouts, lagers, and varieties of wine such as cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, and rosé.  A beer flight is a smart choice.  This gives you the opportunity to enjoy four different beers.  The Stone Xocoveza Mocha Stout’s chocolate, cinnamon, and chile pepper notes make this a flavorful beer, especially in concert the tacos or other Latin items on the menu.  Best of all the chocolate cake or cobbler.   The Barely Forge Patsy has a pleasant bitterness.  A beer well enjoyed with a sweet and salty dish.  The Mother Earth Honcho Hefe has a beautiful warm flavor.  The banana and clove phenols pair well with salads, vegetable dishes, chips and guacamole.

Anita and I made our way over to a table next to the large windows looking outside.  A customer at the table kitty-corner from us was celebrating the birthday of her young son.  Big smile, early walker.  Anita made sure the family got dessert to celebrate.  We continued our conversation, chatting about menu items, family, travels, and more.  Anita mentioned the mission of green2Go Burgers Salads and Bowls is to provide “fast food made healthy”.  This is exhibited in the mindful sourcing of ingredients, handmade dressings, and clean cuisine.  A restaurant for families with the same values in mind.  It is wholesome fast food.

g2G Restaurant specializes in organic, locally sourced, and delicious dishes.  An excellent choice for lunch, after school meal, or dinner.  Anita Allison and Joulia Kallah have a strong focus and intent that is demonstrated through their dishes, management relationship with long time employees, and customers.  When you read the menu descriptions, you comprehend the ingredients, flavors, and cuisine.  Santa Barbara Smoked Salmon Panini with Goat Cheese Frommage and Caramelized Onions.  Grass Fed Bison Burger with 1000 Island Dressing.  Veggie Taco Seasonal with Stir-Fried Seasonal Veggies.

Anita’s formative years in Philadelphia, London, and Dubai before planting roots and starting a family in Southern California is invaluable to understanding cuisine, flavors, and food.  It is also evident Joulia Kallah brings her experience as a mom, recipe developer, and years in the hospitality industry to satiate the tastes of customers.  What is on the horizon for these two?  Anita tells me locations across the globe and in airports.  If you get the opportunity to meet Anita as I did, you will soon realize her positive attitude and drive is contagious.  “Eat to live well” is their motto and these two model that well.

My Recommendations

1.  The restaurant is located at 2435 East Imperial Highway Brea, California 92821.  This is a walkable distance from many shops and a drivable distance from California State University Fullerton, Brea Mall, golf courses, and business parks.  

2.  The window seats are a perfect place to dine.  Start at the bar located near the front door for a drink.  Then make your way over to a table.

3.  The menu at green2Go Burgers Salads and Bowls has an array of choices featuring items such as burgers, salads, vegetarian options, and desserts.  The following were my favorites.  

Beer Flight

Santa Barbara Smoked Salmon Panini: Goat Cheese Frommage and Caramelized Onions

Poke Martini: Ahi Tuna Served Raw

Chips and Guacamole 

Seasonal Berry Cobbler:  Streusel. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.  *Order at the beginning of your meal to allow for preparation time.

Fairtrade Organic Chocolate Flourless Cake: Organic Berries. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Assorted Gluten Free Cookies 

Banana Bread Brûlée: Organic Ingredients (Gluten-Free) and lots of Ripe Bananas

Visit the g2G Restaurant website at livegreen2go.com.

Disclaimer: The restaurant in this review has given the reviewer complimentary food and drink. This has in no way influenced the reviewer’s opinion.  Quality and content is the standard.

 

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Credits: facebook.com/pg/liveg2g, livegreen2go.com