Anything better than Sweet Tomatoes (San Jose, Cupertino: to live, price, shoppers)

[Scott_403s]

In San Jose area or around?

I find their salad bar really good and delicious except that they lack proteins (except for eggs and beans). They offer a lof of carbohydrates, deserts and soups (pasta, muffins, bread) but no healthy proteins. I am looking for alternative salad bar.

[bigdumbgod]

If I'm going for a salad bar, I'm going to Zanotto's (Rosegarden).

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

Originally Posted by bigdumbgod

If I'm going for a salad bar, I'm going to Zanotto's (Rosegarden).

I agree Zanotto's is much better than Sweet Tomatoes. It's been a long time since I've been there. But, the last time I was there, the set-up was really awkward. We filled up our plastic salad shells, then went up to the deli counter, and they said we had to go into the grocery store section to pay. So, one of us had to wait in line with the grocery shoppers to pay for the salads, while one waited at a table in the deli, so as to be sure we had a table.

Plus, I think they charged by the pound, if I remember correctly. I don't like paying by the pound, as you never know what surprise you'll get at the cash register. Frozo's Frozen Yogurt does the same thing. I used to live across the street, but never went there because they charge by the pound, and everyone I talked to who went there said they were always surprised at how expensive it turned out to be. I want to know what the cost will be up front.

If Zanotto's has changed these wicked ways, somebody please let us know.

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by NoMoreSnowForMe

I agree Zanotto's is much better than Sweet Tomatoes. It's been a long time since I've been there. But, the last time I was there, the set-up was really awkward. We filled up our plastic salad shells, then went up to the deli counter, and they said we had to go into the grocery store section to pay. So, one of us had to wait in line with the grocery shoppers to pay for the salads, while one waited at a table in the deli, so as to be sure we had a table.

Plus, I think they charged by the pound, if I remember correctly. I don't like paying by the pound, as you never know what surprise you'll get at the cash register. Frozo's Frozen Yogurt does the same thing. I used to live across the street, but never went there because they charge by the pound, and everyone I talked to who went there said they were always surprised at how expensive it turned out to be. I want to know what the cost will be up front.

If Zanotto's has changed these wicked ways, somebody please let us know.

Actually, the salads I get there (yup, with exquisite proteins) are surprisingly cheap, especially for the quality. If you've topped $5.00, you're getting kind of crazy massive with it. Usually build a little tasty one for <$3.00 for the office.

[zitsky]

Originally Posted by Scott_403s

In San Jose area or around?

I find their salad bar really good and delicious except that they lack proteins (except for eggs and beans). They offer a lof of carbohydrates, deserts and soups (pasta, muffins, bread) but no healthy proteins. I am looking for alternative salad bar.

Exactly what kind of protein are you looking for? What do you consider healthy protein?

[Wintermomma]

I prefer Fresh Choice to Sweet Tomatoes, mostly b/c I don't eat meat and ST needlessly sticks it into a bunch of their salads.

It seems they have mostly gone out of business, though. I think the Cupertino one may be open still.

You could always go to Whole Foods, but it is pricey.

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by Wintermomma

I prefer Fresh Choice to Sweet Tomatoes, mostly b/c I don't eat meat and ST needlessly sticks it into a bunch of their salads.

It seems they have mostly gone out of business, though. I think the Cupertino one may be open still.

You could always go to Whole Foods, but it is pricey.

Strange: The Fresh Choice at Vallco was rebranded California Fresh awhile ago, but does not appear as a location on the CF website.
Then again, Vallco has always been Silicon Valley's retail Mystery Spot.

[Scott_403s]

Originally Posted by Wintermomma

I prefer Fresh Choice to Sweet Tomatoes, mostly b/c I don't eat meat and ST needlessly sticks it into a bunch of their salads.

It seems they have mostly gone out of business, though. I think the Cupertino one may be open still.

You could always go to Whole Foods, but it is pricey.

Thats very inaccurate statement. They have no meat in salad, thats why I am asking on this forum if they know any better one that offers healthy proteins that may include healthy lean meats like grilled chicken pieces. Since you don't eat meat, you must be very careful in how you pair vegan proteins like beans so you get complete set of amino acids.

[Wintermomma]

Originally Posted by Scott_403s

Thats very inaccurate statement. They have no meat in salad, thats why I am asking on this forum if they know any better one that offers healthy proteins that may include healthy lean meats like grilled chicken pieces. Since you don't eat met, you must be very careful in how you pair vegan proteins like beans so you get complete set of amino acids.

Joan's Broccoli Salad...they put Bacon in it. Fresh Choice doesn't in their Broccoli Salad. I love broccoli salad.

There are also several other of their 'mixed' salads which have meat in them, I'm not sure if they are the "of the month" specials or regulars since I pay little attention to them, I think one may be a Chinese Chicken. I realize the 'needlessly' is my opinion, but overall not inaccurate when it comes to the fact that they do put meat in their salads. Same with their soups. I am guessing it's chicken stock they put in there, but I've never asked.

At least they put warning labels on it.

[Wintermomma]

Originally Posted by bigdumbgod

Strange: The Fresh Choice at Vallco was rebranded California Fresh awhile ago, but does not appear as a location on the CF website.
Then again, Vallco has always been Silicon Valley's retail Mystery Spot.

SERIOUSLY! A mystery that it's still in business and a mystery that it's so empty and depressing...prime location, it could be great, but that might involve a complete razing.