if it ain't raw.....

[green jeanie]

So 8 of my loving non-raw friends all came out with me to try the new "raw" restaurant in seattle. It was a big deal because it is the first one and I literally have not been able to really eat out except for at whole foods in like 3 years!

ummmm they all loved it...because they were all eating wholesome COOKED grain bowls piled high with steamed veggies and avocado. and drinking super rich coconut and honey drinks

I was the only one left hungry and totally SICK!!! The service was taking so long (no big deal they are still getting the hang of it) that we went and got some pumpkin seeds out of the grocery area to hold us over....one handful and I knew i was already spiked.....soy sauce/shoyu/sweetners...something

next i had a cup of "raw" thai soup....again I made it through 3 sips and knew i was way far away from a happy raw place

so i gracefully set it aside and ordered a mint/berry smoothie....i figured it had to be clean. who knows at that point....I was already feeling totally toxic!!

when i politely asked the waiter he told me they heat the soup to 150 degrees...when I asked about their sweetners etc they clammed up tight! I mentioned...ummm I actually eat a raw food diet and they could not get away from me fast enough

The last thing I wanted to do was be a whiney high-maintanence foodie when all my friends were there to joyfully and lovingly support my high-maintanence foodie ways but i literally felt awful. I was tired and foggy the rest of the day and got a full swing of symptoms I have not had in YEARS!! I am fasting now to clear it out.

I have gone back once for a smoothie because i want to support their cause but I am scared to order anything off of the menu. Enough with the menu of ambiguity, mystery ingredients and mystery cooking techiniques.....if it ain't raw PLEASE don't call it raw

PS the people who are operating this place are friendly but clearly not raw and wouldn't say who the owner was.....wtf!

[Dimond]

That really sucks! :mad: It's gotten to the point where we need to heavily question every single thing we want to consume to make sure it's truly raw. Hope you feel better.

[missberry]

Wow, talk about false advertising. That is unfortunate.

[green jeanie]

it is a bummer and pretty LAME but i don't want to be all negative.

They have great books and dvd's (including alissa's :)) and they will hopefully bring some good to the community.

i really hope they start listing ingredients on the menu. I am one of the folks who can't just "eat whatever you want" raw folks.....i am highly allergic to sunflower seeds and agave which are 2 staple ingredients in prepared foods

i am going through major symptoms right now....i can't believe after 3 years of raw and making so much progress to my healing that this could happen so easily!

[EZ rider]

Thats what I call getting "blind sided". It comes right out of nowhere.
If it ain't fresh raw and vegan I don't want it.

[curlygirl82]

Holy cow. What a bummer!!

[klomasius]

Cooked grains???????

Wow, it's really weird that they call this place raw!

I guess that raw is at the same stage that veg was about 20 years ago and we just need to gently educate people on what is and isn't raw, just like we had to (and sometimes still have to) educate people that fish and chicken are not vegetarian.

Sorry you had to go through that. :(

[spicyfull]

To Support something means you condone it. I wouldn't even pass that street. They need to Go out of busness.

[green jeanie]

i don't know about that....they are less than a month old!!

hopefullly they will mature and do right....

[bitt]

I’ve eaten here many times now and I think it’s important to pipe up.
Many of your claims are false. I think you should be careful on leading people away from a potential raw food place in the area. Wouldn’t you WANT to have another restaurant?

First, Chaco Canyon has offered raw entrees for at least 6 years. Dalene’s was around before that. Thrive is not the only raw restaurant in town.
The majority of entrees are raw. (see for yourself http://www.generationthrive.com/) They do have 2 vegan gluten-free cooked meals, but the rest is raw! Other than the heated soup The soup is heated only when you ask for it warm. You can get it cold or warm. Think about it, most of the people who come in are probably not raw so the average Joe likes warm soup. I’ve asked about the sweeteners and they’ve told me they use the really raw agave. In fact I’ve asked about many ingredients because my husband has many allergies and I’m gluten intolerant, and we’ve both gotten correct information. We’ve never gotten sick after eating there and I’m VERY sensitive.

If you have sensitivity to certain ingredients, why didn’t you ask ahead of time? All the main ingredients are listened on the menu.

I happen to know the owner and know that even though she isn’t 100% raw that does not disqualify her from owning a raw restaurant! The owner of Chaco Canyon is not even vegetarian and makes 100% veggie food so who cares.

[juliebove]

Hmmm... I've never been there, but I went to the website. Although they give a definition of raw, they do not claim the food to be raw. And there are clearly steamed grains on the menu.

[rawchic]

I second everything Bitt said. I know the owner as well and I actually helped set up the store, so I saw all the ingredients being put away. They don't use any weird sweeteners, just raw agave. The owner is primarily raw - she just finished 3 months of 100% raw and has recently started having just a little bit of cooked as well, but still mostly raw.

Yes, there are two warm grain bowls on the menu - just like Chaco Canyon also has a non-raw portion of the menu. The soup can be either raw or cooked - and they keep them completely separate in different containers.

[lsadeseyens]

I don't know anything about this restaurant in Seattle. Don't live there, but I do go to Cafe Gratitude in Berkeley. It is a raw cafe, but they do have 1 or 2 dishes where you can order steamed quinoa or red rice with the dish if you want to. If you want it raw, you get it with raw ingredients rather than the quinoa or rice.

[green jeanie]

Pleeeeeeaaase read my other posts in this thread where i defend them and give them props for what they ARE doing!! I am not trying to slam them....i was just totally frustrated by MY experience and like i also said have returned to give them $$$$ support

i totally apologize for the vent in fact because as we all know....our positive/creative and generous light is where we need to keep our focus.....So I concur....GO THRIVE!!

[les]

Having been a restaurateur for 15 years, I think that I can say fairly that what seems to be the problem is the server's evasiveness toward you. Also, with what some may label an "ecclectic" menu, it is the responsibility of the server/service staff to be proactive in explaining the menu, ingredients, etc. I would recommend that the service staff greet each table with "have you dined with us before?". If not, explain the format and the diff. between vegan and raw. I think that service staff should be schooled in what ingredients are "controversially raw/not raw"--shoyu, agave, nutritional yeast, etc and be able to point those out. As nice and well meaning the owner is, and I give DO give her props form opening the restaurant, I think it would be ONLY beneficial to her success to train the staff to be able to answer any questions about the food, philosophy, mission statement, etc.
It sounds to me like the server, while well intensioned, just wasn't trained. For example, if someone orders soup, he or she should explain the options for heating or not heating it.
just my $.02

[green jeanie]

yes the problem that day was the service but as i said in my first post we were totally patient because it was clear that it was a new gig for them and there were 8 of us. so we just milled around a bit and entertained ourselves and shared what we had if our food wasn't coming out

and when i went back they were totally friendly and we talked again about the soup situation and they had a good attitude about it. they helped me get a drink set up without the sweet offered me stevia etc.........

if we weren't such a large party i would have had more of a chance to get intimate with them about the particulars of the menu

when they get to be busy WHICH I HOPE THEY WILL BE :D i really think it would be great to have the ingredients on the menu talk about the soup situation etc because i did just order "soup" and the menu does say 118 degrees....it seems all of the smoothies etc have extra ingredients which aren't clearly listed

[RawHeaven]

It sounds like raw bulls**t to me. I hope that you have other options in your dining choices. You made me laugh when you mentioned "they clammed up tight" when you asked about sweetners. But in a way, it's not funny because they obviously then know what they're doing in misleading the public? You are blessed to know the difference, but what about someone who truly is wanting to know more about raw vegan foods? They go in there and they're really experiencing cooked vegetarian cuisine. Shame on them!

[green jeanie]

shoot....i am feeling all sorts of guilty!!!! i did not mean to start a negative campaign on these folks!!

i just felt really crappy and agave and shoyu will make me feel all sorts of crappy....and then as a crappy feeling human will sometimes do I decided to spread my own misery.

triple shame on me!!!!!!!

i could have easily ordered celery juice and come out of there with a huge grin

they call their carrot juice the "snowman's nose" super cute :p

[green jeanie]

three reviews i found on goneraw:D




Just wanted to tell all you Seattle people that I tried Thrive (the new raw restaurant) and I LOVED IT!!!! The food is so so so so good and the people are really nice. We had both appetizers and the pasta pomadoro and everything was amazing. I want them to do well so they won't close down like Dalene's....so give it a try if you haven't already, it's really yummy!

Yeah, I had the chili and the chocolate mocha yumminess (chocolate coffee torte) when I was there, and they were both very good. The Shine smoothie with pineapple, coconut water and coconut butter is also great! I plan to go there regularly. We're having meetups on Sundays from 4-7pm, so please come and join us! LOL.

OoOo, We went again last night and tried the chili and the teriyaki noodles....they were both soooo good. My non raw boyfriend who doesn't really like anything I make ordered the noodles and ate the whole thing and LOVED it. Now I have tried all the entrees and they are extremely tasty, probably the best raw dishes I've ever had. I also had the chocolate coconutty smoothie which was really good. I just love this place and I want to go there everyday!!!

[Eva]

Welp, I appreciate your honesty and thorough and impartial information.

I LOVE the Organic Garden in Beverly, Mass... but I have left there with a stomach ache. I also took a class with the owner and left that with a stomach ache. It was a raw class, and the almonds were blanched. They use tamari and consider it to be raw. I believe nutritional yeast as well.

At the time that I lived in the area, I was very much doing a 100% 100% of the time raw diet. I was also thriving yet sensitive to ANY amount of "raw" but not really raw ingredients.

No one else seemed to have problems, but I learned my lesson. After the first couple times I ate there, I was very thorough when asking questions about the food. Many of the items on their extensive menu were cooked, and many were 100% raw, and then the in betweens. They were knowledgeable and friendly, answering all of my questions. No harm, no foul. I wish them well and think they add an amazing addition to the area.

If it weren't for my strong desire to support establishments that offer raw food, I might have not been back after the first couple trips. But I went with my guard up and would recommend the restaurant to ANYone now, cooked, veggie, or otherwise.

This is the first time I've been so thorough in sharing my experience, mostly out of fear of stepping on someone's toes. But, let's be real, you're not looking to slander this new restaurant. You brought 8 friends and went back even after a somewhat negative experience.

So, to a long and successful time for this restaurant! May it thrive! And may the waitstaff be trained and comfortable with the raw food police and all raw foodists, as well as those looking to add a bit of raw to their SAD lives!

:)

[Quirples]

I have to say, I was a bit surprised by this review. THRIVE is such a warm, cute cafe, built on community love and support. Monika (the owner) created this cafe not for the fun of owning a cafe (ask any restaurant owner about that!) but to feed and serve the community with awesome, quality food! She is so passionate about raw food (she is the founder of the Raw Network of Washington) and makes sure everybody leaves happy and satisfied! Its a new cafe so there will be bumps. If you want "perfect", then maybe a chain restaurant is better suited for you. And that's really ok!!

AS we know, we live in a very un-perfect world which is great. It gives us all room to grow and experience! Although this may not be the place for some, I personally think that most people that come in will love the food, feel loved and appreciated, and have a great experience. And how many other places can you get that from? Yes, service is not as fast as McDonalds or Starbucks, but when I go to Thrive, I go there with my friends to talk, eat leisurely, and be in the moment. And the food....awesome!

My suggestion to anyone who wants THRIVE to thrive is to tell Monika about your experience, both good and bad. She has survey cards that are readily available to anyone. Monika WANTS feedback so don't be afraid to tell her about your concerns or praise! Another great point about connecting with Monika and being on the mailing list is that she will connect you with every other raw experience possible (classes, retreats, etc). Its a win win for everybody! Have fun and try the coconutty....yummm!!

[Eva]

I have to say, I was a bit surprised by this review.... If you want "perfect", then maybe a chain restaurant is better suited for you. And that's really ok!!


It's not like she was just making it up. I don't think this response to her honesty and fairness is really appropriate. Seriously? Maybe she should go to a chain restaurant?

I almost don't want to go to this restaurant when in Seattle, not because of the review, but because of the couple of aggressive responses by the owner's friends.

[green jeanie]

oooooooooooooooooK

so please note my sincere efforts to NOT slam them and give a full review from other voices

that said please feel free to tell Monica this: she needs to put her ingredients on the menu. not just for easier clarification and efficiency for her customers and staff but because THE STAFF DOES NOT KNOW!!!

i was in seattle last week, (that is 6 days ago) and again thought....it would be good to support them, they are new and friendly etc

i went in and went straight for the "all greens" smoothie
figured that would be an absolutely safe bet

when i asked what is in it, LITERALLY 3 EMPLOYEES all shrugged at me

the responses I got were and I quote directly:

"I don't know" this was from the waitress
"whatever is lying around, I don't know" from the actual chef

no suggestions of ingredients that i could choose from or what they had on hand to make my drink with just a blank stare. (not a mean or rude blank stare.....just BLANK) It was actually kind of awkward and surreal. I stood there with cash in my hand waiting to at least here some options...like "hey here's some parsley....." I'm cool with creative.

I LOVE that it could be whatever is fresh and available....put that on the menu..."changes daily"

i don't need "fast food raw".

but these people were about to make me something and can't even tell me what they are putting in it

i literally got silence. i literally could not have ordered if i wanted to.

i ended up with packaged food from their shelf for lunch.....flax crackers i think....instead of live food from their kitchen. i could have walked across the street to whole foods but i believe in the local and the little.

that's the facts. it was strike three for me and i am out of there. sorry. back to the co-op when i am in town.

[snoops]

Don't blame you. Three strikes and I'd be gone too. I don't think it is too much to ask to have the ingredients on the menu or expect the staff to know them. Especially for raw people who are very particular about what they eat.

Also agree with Eva about the responses to you. I think you were more than fair.

[Coolexplosion]

Green Jeanie: Love the review. Seriously, we need more impartial reviewers telling it like it is in the world and especially on this board. The service sounds like it's deplorable and that alone is disgraceful. It matters not who put what together in the restaurant, a crappy restaurant is a crappy restaurant. Let them go out of business. In this economy, the bad businesses will surely go by the wayside.

Don't feel ashamed for telling the truth!

[debilana]

To Support something means you condone it. I wouldn't even pass that street. They need to Go out of busness.

a crappy restaurant is a crappy restaurant. Let them go out of business. In this economy, the bad businesses will surely go by the wayside.

jeez guys, this lady has only been in biz for a few months- at least give her a chance to work the kinks out. I understand theres issues but the best thing to do is TELL THE OWNER and let her try and fix the problems. She actually is a caring person who wants people to discover raw and be healthy.

I see nothing wrong with having steamed grains on the menu. Cafe Graitude does it, so does Chaco Canyon. Its an alternative for the non raw or high raw crowd. My daughter ordered that grain bowl and it was smothered in fresh raw veggies, avocado, and cashew sour cream.

I think is is a very good thing to be honest and bring issues to light, but to not communicate with the owner and wish her to go out of biz, when she has been trying to open this place for years and worked her ass off doing so, is really passive aggressive.

The staff there does seem a bit rusty but they need your imput and patience so this can become a good raw place. Not talking to anyone and just saying oh it should die is really harsh, and that unsupportive attitude about LOCAL and SUSTAINABLE business is what leads to rows and ROWS of fast food and chain restuarants! come on guys, wheres your raw patience and love? I am really ashamed of RFT right now.

and for the record, I spent 20 years in the restuarant biz, and I know the sweat blood and tears these small biz people put into thier restuarants.

also- last time I went there, I asked for a recipe and they showed me the recipe book. Thats total full disclosure! Just ASK for what you want! Even Chaco Canyon wont give me the raw brownie recipe=)

(it was the owner who showed me, not sure the staff would/could- but anyway, I thought that was pretty cool. She did say they have no problem giving recipes out- I was curious what was in the salad dressing))

[Quirples]

Yes, they are very open about their recipes. They even made a declaration on their pre-opening night that they would be giving out their recipes if you asked. And Eva, I was just being honest and fair to Green Jeanie stating that it's actually OK to eat where ever you feel most comfortable. If she doesn't like Thrive, and it's not suited for her, that's OK.

I think what the people on this post who are stating positive things (not just people that know the owner) are saying is the Cafe has been open only a month. If you see something that confuses you, ask for clarification. If the staff can't help, ask the owner. This will help it become a better cafe. Thrive will not be 100% perfect for everyone (what place is?) but at least its one step closer to bringing health, sustainability, and raw to the mainstream. And that, I support.

I, too, am shocked but the hatred on this post. To say that the economy will drive a 'bad' business out is very ignorant. Bad businesses are getting government injections right now to stay afloat. If you look at the news, the only restaurants making it and showing a profit are...fast food chains! Not because they are good, but because they are cheap. The bottom line is if you folks really want more raw cafes and are truly passionate, supportive and loving, you would take the time to communicate with the staff, managers, or owner about your complaint. They will not be able to read a crystal ball. They need actual communication (even a short email!). Every place has its growing pains. This is your chance to be an actual part of it.

On a positive note, the food is awesome. The location is great. And the cafe itself is warm and inviting.

[zeros&ones]

You know....this is exactly why I am grateful for Mathew Monarch's views on this subject which can be read in his news letter, and Heidi and Justin's as well.

It takes time for some, and extreme ways are a set up to fail. imo.

[Coolexplosion]

To everyone's comments targeted at me: Look, I am going by Green Jeanie's post. I see no reason why he/she (I'm guessing she) would lie about all of those things. The customer is right whether they're right or wrong. At the end of the day, a business wants money. If it can't even attract people that are in its niche anyway, it will fail. If what Greenjeanie said is true, there needs to be a LOT of work done in that place for it to be viable.

To the random's comments: Businesses considered "too big to fail" by a die roll in Washington get injections, the rest of us are supposed to fail so they can succeed.

[zeros&ones]

The word eclectic menu, and the usual poor service one finds in just about every eating establishment these days lol.... comes to mind^

Yes this is a raw web site , but people are not perfect. What if a place like this inspired a meat eater to DECREASE their consumption, and then one day, low and behold .... they are vegans and then raw.



Confucius said, "The gentleman(woman) calls attention to the good points in others; he does not call attention to their defects. The small man does just the reverse of this."

[muddskipper]

It sounds like the owner's heart is in the right place here and that she has indeed created a great thing - a healthy, mostly raw restaurant! However, it seems it will take some time for her to educate and train her staff properly. Failure / success starts at the top, so it's important that she nip this in the bud. However, she can't do so without knowing these things!

I personally believe that if you have a restaurant nearby that serves ANY raw dishes (let alone 80%+ of the menu) you are lucky! I live in NC and such places are really tough to find (still looking).

I agree that GJ received some pretty poor service, which is not the way to treat someone who is trying to support the cause. Whenever I receive poor service, I make sure the owner/manager is aware (in a polite manner, but giving specifics). Usually these problems don't just fix themselves.

Wishing I had a 'Thrive' nearby...