Rawvolution

[Revvell]

This is not so much a restaurant review as a food review.

Usually when I do an interview with someone I usually ask them to send me whatever it is they wish to promote. In Matt Amsden's case, I forgot yet, since he kept me waiting for an hour to do the interview I requested The Box. The Box contains two soups, four gourmet entrees, four side dishes and two desserts.

When I saw what it contained from the website, http://www.rawvolution.com/, I wondered what I'd eat the rest of the week. When I got home last night (delivery is on Monday nights... at least in Ca.) it seemed as though there was an ABUNDANCE of food! There is! This will easily last me a week.

So far I've dipped into and tasted the marinated greens, cauliflower couscous, egg-less egg salad, stir-not-fry, peach cream parfait and chocolate coconut fudge. The only thing I'm a bit edgy on is the couscous. Other than that, everything else seems to be to my liking which is unusual as I've stated on Rawkin Radio. Other than desserts (and Terra Bella Cafe's brunch which IS dessert), I rarely like the food.

On Sunday, after brunch we did stop into the cafe ~ http://www.rawvolution.com/?q=rawvolution_store ~ to meet Matt in person. He and his people were VERY busy. The space is on a corner, it's very open and airy. He's got only one book at the cafe ~ his. (To find others, go to their other establishment, Beauty and Wisdom, http://euphorialovesrawvolution.com/.)

I'll update as I progress through the food. Seriously thinking about ordering the next Box.

Revvell

[Veganforlife]

WOW! Sounds pretty cool to me!

[lil fairy z girl]

wow sounds good. i have his book and really like the recipes. i am one of these who loves the food pics in recipe books.
i wish they did this oversees! the thought of eating someone elses raw creations is just heavenly !

sal
~*~*~*

[Revvell]

Breakfast was a plum.

After my walk it was lunchtime soooo, I put some spring greens on a plate, then added about 2 Tb. each of: Marinated Greens, Cauliflower Couscous, Egg-Less Egg Salad and Stir-Not-Fry. (pics to follow)

I'm not too fond of the marinated greens. I think the texture more than anything else. I LOVED the Stir-Not-Fry. That was the first to go. I was surprised how I was drawn to eat the couscous as I thought it a bit salty but, guess my body wanted/needed it at that time. I like the egg salad a lot thanks to the celery, otherwise the texture would not work for me. The flavor is quite good.

Very satisfied with that amount. Almost too much. I've still got a LOT left. Think I'll have the Peach Cream Parfait in a couple of hours... mayyyybe on the Chocolate Coconut Fudge OR, I've got some of Alissa's Date-Nut Torte available as well. Hmmmm.

Choices are FUN!!!!

Revvell

[SuziS]

I ordered the Box awhile ago! I loved the food, but it started to spoil before the week was done. I am in Michigan though so it was a long way to ship.

[Revvell]

I ordered the Box awhile ago! I loved the food, but it started to spoil before the week was done. I am in Michigan though so it was a long way to ship.

How long did it take?

I'm looking at what needs to be done with first... probably the marinated greens and egg salad and peach cream parfait.. but then, that's dessert!!! :D Mine came in Monday night; they make it on Sunday. Got it in the fridge immediately sooo may last until Friday or so... except I'm thinking I'll eat most of it before then.

[Veganforlife]

Dang girl! You are making me hungry! And I worked through lunch today! SHOOT! Knock it off!!!! :p

[Revvell]

:eek: Shets mouf :o

[Veganforlife]

Awww, no, please don't shut your mouth. You gots stuff to say and say it!!!
Just not with it full of raw food!!!
::ducking::

[luvmyzoe]

Hi Everybody,

Glad to hear that you enjoyed Matt's food, Revell. I have ordered the box a couple of times and enjoyed most of the items, but sometimes I too found some things a little too salty.

I am so grateful that his service is available! I had to go on a Corporate retreat in May in the Palm Springs area, and I was doubtful that my request for raw foods was going to by satisfying. Boy, was I right! Eventhough I was told that my request was sent to the chef of the restaurant where we would be dining the first night, I was served a plate of carrot sticks, celery sticks, and califlower! That was it! No creativity at all! No dressing, no dip, nothing!! Thankfully, I thought a head and had one of Matt's boxes delivered to my hotel the next day. There was a fridge in my room so it was easy to keep my food fresh. The next two dinners, I brought a pouch or two to eat and I sparked everyone's interest on eating live foods!

I have Matt's book and have tried alot of the recipes, but I think Alissa's book is much easier and the recipes are much tastier!

Just my too cents!!
Grace

[Revvell]

luvmyzoe,

I'm also thankful it's available. I doubt I'll order it again because I still like my own prepared stuff and, actually, I prefer non-prepared things. I like the idea of having it for conferences though. I have the same difficulty as you when I go to them... except the last time. Had a REALLY good salad...3 days in a row. LOL

To follow up: at 1:30, I had half the Chocolate Coconut fudge topped with a big dollop of Peach Cream Parfait. DEEEElicious! A half hour later, another plum.

Sooo, what's for dinner? :D ( ;)'s @ Lucy).

Revvell

[barose]

I really enjoy the book though I have to really watch how much salt he uses. I hope to visit the restaurant when I'm in that area again.

[LightLover]

How much do they charge for a dinner?

LL

[Revvell]

How much do they charge for a dinner?

LL

Unless you're talking about the restaurant (didn't eat there, don't know), the Box is $100 plus shipping.

Revvell

[Revvell]

Interesting.

Last night was the first time in many weeks that I've gone to sleep in the late afternoon/early evening and slept the sleep of the dead. (would have slept even longer but was awakened when the phone rang). I went through a 3-day workshop; wide awake the whole 3-days ~ better than I've ever been, just eating conventional produce and I get this "BOX" of food and sleep the sleep of the dead. As good as much of it tastes, I'm not feeling the vitality I get eating just fruit, juice/smoothies and salads.

I think "The Box" is really good to get people started and, as Luvmyzoe said, when someplace where one can't get real food yet, for me, at this stage.. I don't think so.

Revvell

[Revvell]

... for those catering or traveling and want a pizza, Matt put the crust in a sandwich bag (in a plastic container) by itself then put a collard green on top of that and the toppings on top of all that. All I had to do was pull the crust out and slide the leaf onto it. It was quite tasty btw.

Another issue I have with delivery is all the plastic containers. Hopefully, eventually, he'll begin using recyclables.

Revvell

[Vegan Princess]

I've ordered the box twice. I'm in San Francisco so I paid $50 for shipping and it took 2 days to get here. My big complaint is the packaging...they seal it all in plastic bags (the kind you seal shut, not ziplocs). Not really very appetizing squeezing your soup out of a bag. I don't feel that it ships very well. A lot of the greens and such are soggy or mashed by the time they arrive. I think I would be more into paying $100 and having it delivered if I were in the LA area - the packaging is totally different. The food is very simple and portions aren't huge. But it is fun to do on occasion. I wasn't that impressed when I ate at the restaurant either.

Cindy

[Revvell]

...they seal it all in plastic bags (the kind you seal shut, not ziplocs). Not really very appetizing squeezing your soup out of a bag.

Cindy


I can see how un-appetizing that would be. I can't see why he doesn't ship the way I got it... in the plastic containers yet, maybe he's had problems with them coming open? I dunno.

My husband said a personal driver delivered mine so no fear of that as opposed to shipping. 2 days to get there would mean less time to eat it before going bad as well.

Thank you for your input.

Revvell

[Dimond]

I like Rawvolution, however it's definitely not enough food on it's own. The first couple of wks I ordered, it was pretty good but then they started sending much smaller portions. Almost as if to get you as a customer first. Most food is pretty good though or you can add a bit of ACV or use a sauce from one of their other meals. This is definitely great for beginners, busy people, traveling. But as you get more into eating pure foods you may find some items are too heavy. Price-wise it's not bad compared to Pure Cafe, whose pricing I found way too high to even try once. Though her meals look really good.

I didn't mind the packaging, especially because Rawlifeline stopped their service due to the numerous problems with food being leaked out & plastic containers breaking & having to re-ship orders. A shame since theirs was the most affordable of the 3.

[Revvell]

I like Rawvolution, however it's definitely not enough food on it's own.

Well, I think if I was in transition, what I received would be for about 3-4 days yet, now.. no. I've been eating LOTS of fresh fruit and salads along with Matt's food. I'm wondering if I'd feel differently in the winter when I'd want the heavier foods.


The first couple of wks I ordered, it was pretty good but then they started sending much smaller portions. Almost as if to get you as a customer first.

Now, that's interesting.




But as you get more into eating pure foods you may find some items are too heavy. nod,nod,nod

Thank you for your input. :)

Revvell

[the_lab_rat]

I like Rawvolution, however it's definitely not enough food on it's own. The first couple of wks I ordered, it was pretty good but then they started sending much smaller portions. Almost as if to get you as a customer first.

That's odd, I had a similar experience, though in person at the cafe. And actually, not just at Rawvolution, but at two other raw restaurants too! The first time I came in, the portions were just right if not a bit too big. The second time, I ordered the exact same thing (some type of "burger" thing...if I remember correctly... this was a couple months ago) and it was maybe half the size. It probably just varies by who prepares it... though the similar incidents at the other places make me wonder a little. Anyhow, the food was awesome, I'll just have to order two dishes next time if I want to be full :D

[Jen Rose]

The first thing to go was the Apple Raisin Cookies...they were amazing!

I was very dissapointed when I opened the box because every thing was in plastic bags. Presentation is important to me when eating food and I was a bit grossed out. Both the soup bags looked like barf and everything was smooshed. Also, I'm in Miami so everything being shipped across country...well there was no sticker on the box indicating raw organic food and I have a feeling it was irradiated or something. Also, it wasn't the freshest but it was edible. My fave thing so far was the Nut Loaf with BBQ sauce and the Mock Tuna Salad. Ooo and the Peach Parfait was pretty good. I didn't like the Tomato Basil soup (it didn't even taste like tomato!) and Cauliflower couscous was ickey...good thing my hubby will eat anything. Oh, and the Broc Salad was really good..I'll keep posting as I eat more things...

It was nice to try once but presentation and freshness are important to me. I don't think we'll be ordering another one.

[eatyourbroccoli]

i have to wonder if its truly raw in the summer when shipped outside of the LA area..youd think by the time it reaches you, its already been exposed to temperatures inside UPS/FedEx trucks that can reach well over 110 degrees? (my step-dad works for UPS and i asked him about this, and he told me how hot the trucks would get back when he was a driver in the 1980s and 90s)

:confused:

[eatyourbroccoli]

oops..forgot to add that im wondering bc i was thinking of ordering once i get situated in colorado since thats closer to LA than ontario

thanks for the review, too

[RawTruth]

They pack it to stay cool. It's not dry ice they use but something else. My friend worked there and gave me the lowdown on it. You can always call them or send an email and they'll tell you. They're great people.

[Revvell]

Eat it quickly. Mine went bad on the 4th day and yours was probably starting 2-days out. Came from N.Y. or Ca.?





The first thing to go was the Apple Raisin Cookies...they were amazing!

I was very dissapointed when I opened the box because every thing was in plastic bags. Presentation is important to me when eating food and I was a bit grossed out. Both the soup bags looked like barf and everything was smooshed. Also, I'm in Miami so everything being shipped across country...well there was no sticker on the box indicating raw organic food and I have a feeling it was irradiated or something. Also, it wasn't the freshest but it was edible. My fave thing so far was the Nut Loaf with BBQ sauce and the Mock Tuna Salad. Ooo and the Peach Parfait was pretty good. I didn't like the Tomato Basil soup (it didn't even taste like tomato!) and Cauliflower couscous was ickey...good thing my hubby will eat anything. Oh, and the Broc Salad was really good..I'll keep posting as I eat more things...

It was nice to try once but presentation and freshness are important to me. I don't think we'll be ordering another one.

[CaliRaw]

I ordered the box last week for arrival this week. I just called them to ask when it will arrive. I live 60 miles from LA. Matt just called me to say that it is shipping tomorrow, for arrival on Wednesday. Now, I am wondering if they made this on Sunday and has it been frozen since then? I would have thought it would ship today. Why so late? I didn't think to ask those questions. Well, I'll wait to see how it is before making judgment about their service and food.

[Revvell]

It's possible he's changed the days of making it too. He maybe shipping FedEx or something on yours. We had a personal driver deliver ours on Monday evening. Wow! Wednesday, huh? I'm hoping they made it a day later as well. Let us know, 'k?

[CaliRaw]

He said that it will be sent via FedEx. He called me back within 5 minutes of me leaving a message, which surprised me. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Dimond]

Mine's always arrived cold and I'm in Florida. Recently they've improved packing the meals so it stays even better than before.

I've never had the food go bad, even kept for a week or more.

Customer service is excellent. Matt really does a great job running his business.

[RawTruth]

I ordered the box last week for arrival this week. I just called them to ask when it will arrive. I live 60 miles from LA. Matt just called me to say that it is shipping tomorrow, for arrival on Wednesday. Now, I am wondering if they made this on Sunday and has it been frozen since then? I would have thought it would ship today. Why so late? I didn't think to ask those questions. Well, I'll wait to see how it is before making judgment about their service and food.Every time I'm in there, they're working like crazy in the back filling orders. The kitchen that makes the boxes is as large or larger than the restaurant section - definitely equipped for the large amount of orders he fills and they do make them daily. I've never ordered the box myself, so I have no experience with that end ... just reporting on what I've seen. I also know Matt and Janabai and they are strongly ethical people. If you have a problem, I've no doubt they'd remedy it right away. Best of luck on your boxed adventure.

[CaliRaw]

I wonder if the order will come between 6:30 PM and 10:30 PM, like the orders that are received in LA? I hope it doesn't come during the day, while I'm at work. I didn't think to ask that either. :(

[Dimond]

Mine gets here at 9-9:30am.

[CaliRaw]

If it comes that early and they leave it outside, it will be spoiled by the time I get home from work. :( Did they send you an email with a FedEx tracking number or anything? At least if I had that, I can run home to get it.

The website says: Wednesday by 3pm (Western half of US) via FedEx.

[CaliRaw]

How is the parking at Rawvolution? I'm going to go tomorrow.

[Revvell]

Far as I remember it was only street parking. We parked in a lot down the street on a Sunday so can't help you with a Sat. Would depend on time you go as much as anything, I would think.

[nuttie]

check out this vid....amazing men!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP1cbreDw7U

Revvell, have you ever interviewd David Wolfe?

[Revvell]

Revvell, have you ever interviewd David Wolfe?

Been working on it for weeks. One of these days....

[CaliRaw]

Far as I remember it was only street parking. We parked in a lot down the street on a Sunday so can't help you with a Sat. Would depend on time you go as much as anything, I would think.

Thanks. I'll take my chances. It should be worth it. :)

[Revvell]

Revvell, have you ever interviewd David Wolfe?

Done. It will be up here (http://rawfood.revvell.com/) Tuesday. :)

[Revvell]

Thanks. I'll take my chances. It should be worth it. :)

Let us know!!! :)

[shine72]

Done. It will be up here (http://rawfood.revvell.com/) Tuesday. :)


I KNEW it was him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! God bless ya Revvell!:D You just made my day!

Love ya!:D

[CaliRaw]

I went there for lunch with a friend yesterday. At first, it looked like a little hole in the wall. They were really busy the entire time we were there. There was always a line and all seats were constantly filled. It's not a very big place, so it didn't take much to fill the seats. It's a good thing that they have some seats outside. It was very relaxing and comfortable there.

I had the mock tuna salad sandwich (on onion bread) and the chicken nuggets (kiddie menu) with stone ground mustard and the chocolate hempseed date torte. I've been wanting to make the mock tuna from the recipe book, but hadn't gotten around to it. It was delicious and very filling! I didn't really care for the chicken nuggets, but the chocolate hempseed date torte was very good. I didn't like the crust as much as the filling though. I ate about half and took the rest home. My friend took the chicken nuggets with her and she had half of her dessert left too.

My friend had the pesto pizza and said it was also very good. She also got the same dessert and liked it as well. We were both very impressed with our meals. It was pricey though. Mine came to $23. It was worth it to me.

There are so many recipes in the Rawvolution book that I want to make. I've made several and have liked them all. It was nice to go to the restaurant and see the various dishes in person.

I'd ordered the box a couple of weeks ago and had the Big Matt With Cheese and Pizza Italiano, among other things. I didn't care for the cauliflower couscous. I liked the haystack dessert. I loved the Pizza! I made it last weekend too and absolutely loved it! I've also made the walnut taco meat recipe. Loved it! This has become my favorite recipe book.

[Revvell]

I KNEW it was him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! God bless ya Revvell!:D You just made my day!

Love ya!:D

Hah! *looks around and whispers* It's up now. Don't tell anyone, 'k? :D

We could have done a full show on every question I asked but, I wanted to just get some quickie answers to a LOT of questions.

I do have to say, I don't necessarily agree with him. I think Alissa's way is so much easier in many respects and that's the one I go with. I still can't see "spending"(notice I don't say "circulating") so much on "super foods" and I've GOT a lot of money compared to so many here. I do agree with what he says about sprouts though. Totally makes sense.

Since I've got farmers' markets close by, we have an abundance of good, healthy, raw, fresh, locally grown food right here on hand. For those who don't, maybe the "super foods" makes sense? *shrugs* I'm still experimenting and probably always will be.

Enjoy!

Revvellicious

[Revvell]

CaliRaw,

Thank you! Yes, it's not a very big place yet airy and open. There weren't many seats there when we went and there was always a line. It took 10 minutes before he could come out, shake hands, personally introduce (I interviewed him so wanted to meet in person.) We only took about 3-5 minutes chat time and he had to get back to work. I like that he's a "hands-on" kind of guy and knows what's going into whatever is sold there.

How was the parking btw?

Revvekk

[shine72]

It didn't come up when I clicked on subscribe with Itunes. The last one up there is with Ruth.:( Am I doing something wrong?

[Revvell]

Hmmm. It's up. I'm listening: http://rawfood.revvell.com/ Click on the lil t.v. thingy?

Not up on iTunes yet.

Geeez, I sound giddy. :: Rolls eyes ::

[shine72]

Thank ya beautiful! I got it up!:D

[Revvell]

Cool. :D....

[shine72]

Okay, I listened (and commented), and yes, you definitely DO sound giddy!;) :D But really, who wouldn't?;)

[Revvell]

Okay, I listened (and commented), and yes, you definitely DO sound giddy! But really, who wouldn't?

Well yeah, but I'm a PROFESSIONAL!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Approved the comment. Thankiss! :)

[CaliRaw]

CaliRaw,

Thank you! Yes, it's not a very big place yet airy and open. There weren't many seats there when we went and there was always a line. It took 10 minutes before he could come out, shake hands, personally introduce (I interviewed him so wanted to meet in person.) We only took about 3-5 minutes chat time and he had to get back to work. I like that he's a "hands-on" kind of guy and knows what's going into whatever is sold there.

How was the parking btw?

Revvekk

I parked about a half block away on the opposite side of the street. There were plenty of spaces left. I don't know if I ever saw him. I was looking for someone that looked like the photos in the book. I am pretty sure that I saw him, but he was thinner and a little shorter than I envisioned.

[Revvell]

I am pretty sure that I saw him, but he was thinner and a little shorter than I envisioned.

HAH! Isn't that the way? One thinks actors are taller than they are as well. I think I looked for the hair. *shrugs* Don't 'member. :)

Glad you enjoyed it.

[lafsalot]

Done. It will be up here (http://rawfood.revvell.com/) Tuesday. :)

Can't wait, and yes, this time I'll leave a comment:) ~ Cathy

[Revvell]

Can't wait, and yes, this time I'll leave a comment:) ~ Cathy

*whispers* It's up now. :D

[lafsalot]

*whispers* It's up now. :D

Okey-dokey, erawtika (?) ~ Cathy

[Revvell]

Okey-dokey, erawtika (?) ~ Cathy

Um, that's erawtiCa. LOL Where you been?

[CaliRaw]

HAH! Isn't that the way? One thinks actors are taller than they are as well. I think I looked for the hair. *shrugs* Don't 'member. :)

Glad you enjoyed it.


Yep. The guy that I thought was him had his hair pulled back in a ponytail and that kind of threw me because I didn't recall seeing that in the book. At any rate, I'd definitely go back again. :)

[Revvell]

Yep. The guy that I thought was him had his hair pulled back in a ponytail and that kind of threw me because I didn't recall seeing that in the book. At any rate, I'd definitely go back again. :)

Yup! Probably was him... health regulations. I like his food enough to go there as well.

[lafsalot]

Um, that's erawtiCa. LOL Where you been?

Over there? Visit once in a while, lurk, and laugh ~ Cathy

[Revvell]

Over there? Visit once in a while, lurk, and laugh ~ Cathy

Yuh! Me too. Seems some have gone the way of the white clouds... after making such noise. :rolleyes:

Glad to be here. :)

[Portia2012]

I would think that $100 is a good price for what you are getting delivered. Especially when you consider the price of going to the actual restaurants.


Love and Light

[MelissaO]

I took a look at the site but my zip code is not part their delivery service at this time (I live in IL but it is a small country town) . I new to raw and have his book - some of the ingredients are hard for me to find out here in the country (our nearest wholefood is about 35 miles from my house). The internet is a good source for some things but then you have to pay for shipping which drives up the cost of an item.



I ordered Alissa's book and am waiting for it to arrive - from what I read on this forum her recipes seem to be tasty and user friendly.

:)