As you can tell by the byline, this reporter may or may not have a bias. As a result, multiple sources were consulted in writing this article, and no source was told the reporter’s last name.
Most enter a restaurant called Beefsteak expecting to be served some type of meat. But upon seeing walls, kitchens, and–surprisingly enough–trays of vegetables, their assumption will be proven wrong: the name refers to the beefsteak tomato. Since the restaurant’s Spanish chef, José Andrés, is usually associated with Spanish Iberico ham, it may be surprising that the Spaniard’s newest investment is vegetable-based. Located on the George Washington University campus and in Dupont Circle, Beefsteak is a fast, casual restaurant where vegetables, not meat, are “center stage,” according to its website. In a 60 Minutes interview with Anderson Cooper, Andrés comments on his belief that “the future is vegetables and fruit.” And this future that he envisioned has finally come to fruition with Beefsteak.
Beefsteak’s motto, “vegetables unleashed,” perfectly complements the quirky blue designs on the walls and creates a very lively ambiance. Serving as a comfortable and convenient place to both work and eat, Beefsteak’s individual seating area allows customers to charge any electronic device–perfect for local college students. Beefsteak became an instant success, “with the line always wrapping around the block,” according to a George Washington University professor. Beefsteak is especially popular within the GW community, as many college students are eager to find healthy, tasty, and affordable food.
Currently, only two locations are open–the GW campus and Dupont Circle–but a third location is scheduled to open on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in early 2016.
Though only up and running for around six months, Beefsteak already has its own app. Similar to the Starbucks app, users receive rewards, offers, and store credit the more frequently they dine there. This app induces you to dine there more often and invites you to savor and appreciate vegetarian delicacies.
Ordering at Beefsteak is very simple, and nearly limitless choices are available on the menu. You can either make your own vegetable bowl or choose one of the signature ones. First, you choose which locally grown vegetables you would like in your bowl, from a seemingly endless list. Your vegetables are then boiled in front of you for one minute. You then add your choice of grain, sauce, “something meaty,” and dressing. Once your vegetables are ready, you can add fresh and crunchy toppings to your delicious bowl.
Apart from the bowls, the restaurant’s signature dish, the Beefsteak Burger, is heavenly–a thick slice of beefsteak tomato, chopped red onions, a dab of mayo, and fresh avocado are served inside an olive oil brioche bun. According to Chloe Lacombe, ’17, the Beefsteak Burger “is as tasteful as the traditional burger.”
A vegetable bowl paired with one of Beefsteak’s daily selection of house-made juices is a perfect meal for any time of day. Stone Ridge girls can go to Beefsteak after school, since it remains open until 10:00 p.m. during the week. And they will doubtlessly leave feeling satisfied and craving more yummy vegetables and nutritious, wholesome meals.
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