Finally the word is in! Our owner Dr. Carl Myers was visiting about a week ago- and we caught tons of cool footage of him on tape. He gave us the low=down on why this restaurant is in existence, what he hopes people will gain from it, and we even catch him posing for manly pix.
We also had a wonderful meet-up "get to know Carl" night- in which several fans came, ate, and asked a lot of questions. As the weeks go on you will start to see music video, mini documentaries, and infomercials from the visitors we caught on tape.
Having Carl join us here in Berkeley had a lot of pros, but I must say there was just one Con that I have to get off my chest...
While filming this go-getting, enthusiastic, blue-eyed, oncologist... a crime occurred. I left my sweet potato fries on the table as a prop for scenic reasons- and he ate them. Next week you will surely see footage of this atrocity. Besides being a fry-thief though... he's a pretty awesome
guy.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Moving On and Moving In
So it has been a few days since y'all may have heard from our crew here at Nature's Express. One reason is because we have been dealing with the bittersweet happening of losing/gaining employees. While some would see this as a negative event, I personally see it as a great opportunity for our community and company grow.
Here are the four wonderful friends who will be frolicking in another direction:
Chelsea: Speedy GRILLzales and Sarcasm Lover
Devon: Dashing Grill Boy and Brilliant Smiler
Stacey: Valiant Leader and Official Soup Tester
Carolyn: Kicka** Bakeress and Cupcake Extraordinaire
Since the beginning of Time (as we know it) these fellow comrades have fought for Nature's Express. Their grill skills, sweet treats, and spicy fight has been a great part of our crew's flavor... and I know they will be missed. HOWEVER these fantastic four are moving on to great futures! (And we at Nature's Express are proud to be able to claim that we were able to help sculpt their work ethic, postitive attitudes, and healthier lifestyles during the period they were here.)
The cool thing about people moving on- is people moving in! We are now in the process of hiring... and WHO can't resist that NEW EMPLOYEE scent?? Sifting through the applicants is kind of like going down the Cereal aisle. Some are a little nutty, some are sugar-coaters, some are full of fiber... okay well the analogy can only go so far- but you get my drift. We are super excited to have so many people competing to work here and can't wait to see how the new dynamics of our restaurant will change Solano Avenue. I hope you will find us to be just as fantabulous as you did before. I guarantee we will still be fresh, delicious, and all around an awesome experience every time you visit. Thanks for supporting us!!!
XoXo,
NE
Here are the four wonderful friends who will be frolicking in another direction:
Chelsea: Speedy GRILLzales and Sarcasm Lover
Devon: Dashing Grill Boy and Brilliant Smiler
Stacey: Valiant Leader and Official Soup Tester
Carolyn: Kicka** Bakeress and Cupcake Extraordinaire
Since the beginning of Time (as we know it) these fellow comrades have fought for Nature's Express. Their grill skills, sweet treats, and spicy fight has been a great part of our crew's flavor... and I know they will be missed. HOWEVER these fantastic four are moving on to great futures! (And we at Nature's Express are proud to be able to claim that we were able to help sculpt their work ethic, postitive attitudes, and healthier lifestyles during the period they were here.)
The cool thing about people moving on- is people moving in! We are now in the process of hiring... and WHO can't resist that NEW EMPLOYEE scent?? Sifting through the applicants is kind of like going down the Cereal aisle. Some are a little nutty, some are sugar-coaters, some are full of fiber... okay well the analogy can only go so far- but you get my drift. We are super excited to have so many people competing to work here and can't wait to see how the new dynamics of our restaurant will change Solano Avenue. I hope you will find us to be just as fantabulous as you did before. I guarantee we will still be fresh, delicious, and all around an awesome experience every time you visit. Thanks for supporting us!!!
XoXo,
NE
Monday, July 19, 2010
Get to know us!!!! #001
Hey everyone! While you are dining at Nature's Express do you ever notice that our staff is a little bit... different than most fast food places? When someone says that food is made with love usually they are kidding. But here, we are serious! That's because at Nature's Express we embrace each other's unique styles, talents, and characteristics... and use them to make our food as epic as it is. In fact we are so proud of each individual that we will be putting out a mini profile/interview each week so that you can get an insight as what makes us...us.
SO without further ado- I give you our first profile... SUE!
Name: Hey yeah, I'm Sue.
Position: I'm a Cook... or really a Jill of All Trades.
Work Music Preferred: I tend to listen to "Trashy Euro Dance Music" and Classical of course! I love Beethoven!
Work Age: 7 months!
If Sue were a menu item what would she be? I would definitely have to be a Spicy Hawaiian Burger with the new ORIGINAL Patty.
Why did Sue apply to work here? I used to do Collections- and it was depressing to TAKE from people every day. So I decided I wanted to do something that gives back... and this was it.
What does Sue want to be when she grows up? I wanna be a Mad Scientist- evil laugh, crazy glasses... the works!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrwPDRcGk60
SO without further ado- I give you our first profile... SUE!
Name: Hey yeah, I'm Sue.
Position: I'm a Cook... or really a Jill of All Trades.
Work Music Preferred: I tend to listen to "Trashy Euro Dance Music" and Classical of course! I love Beethoven!
Work Age: 7 months!
If Sue were a menu item what would she be? I would definitely have to be a Spicy Hawaiian Burger with the new ORIGINAL Patty.
Why did Sue apply to work here? I used to do Collections- and it was depressing to TAKE from people every day. So I decided I wanted to do something that gives back... and this was it.
What does Sue want to be when she grows up? I wanna be a Mad Scientist- evil laugh, crazy glasses... the works!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrwPDRcGk60
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Healthier High-Rollers
HE strolled in... cool, nonchalant, acting like it was simply another regular day in Berkeley CA. A lady by his side and a wallet in his fist, he posed for a moment to scan our menu as if he had no idea what to order. With a nod he decided and leaned over the counter slightly...
"I'll have a mixed berry smoothie, no banana, extra ice. Also a mango smoothie with just a touch of blueberry." He flashed a payment card at me, and I swiped it swiftly- ignorant of what was about to happen.
The monitor hummed a silent undertone... the grill sizzled and crackled in the background... voices floated in musically through the door...
Then SUDDENLY pastel confetti flew through the air! Fireworks blasted through the white-lit ceiling showering us with heat and color! Everyone sitting outside suddenly exploded through the door cheering and yelling "HUZZAH HUZZAH!" The world seemed to be celebrating in our shop- but why???!!!
My heart was pounding with excitement and fright as I tore his receipt off the feeder. My hand trembled awkwardly as I straightened out the piece of paper to review it... then suddenly it all made sense. This customer wasn't just any customer.
He was Peter the Magnificent! High-Roller! He had just barely gotten 250 points on his Nature's Express card!! Which meant that he was suddenly entitled to receive a $25 gift card from us.
So okay it didn't quite happen like that- but it SHOULD everytime. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Nature's Express card it is really simple. Any time you come into Nature's Express and make a purchase we swipe the card and you collect points. When you get to 250 points you get a $25 gift card. FREE! SMILE INCLUDED! (Maybe even a high-five...)
So if you are a Frequent Flyer of Nature's Express... and you want to upgrade to being a High-Roller like Peter the Magnificent, be sure to ask for a card next time you come in.
By the way, we asked Peter the Magnificent:
If you were a Nature's Express food item which would you be?
Signature Salad with a Hummus Wrap and a Maple Coconut bar of course!
"I'll have a mixed berry smoothie, no banana, extra ice. Also a mango smoothie with just a touch of blueberry." He flashed a payment card at me, and I swiped it swiftly- ignorant of what was about to happen.
The monitor hummed a silent undertone... the grill sizzled and crackled in the background... voices floated in musically through the door...
Then SUDDENLY pastel confetti flew through the air! Fireworks blasted through the white-lit ceiling showering us with heat and color! Everyone sitting outside suddenly exploded through the door cheering and yelling "HUZZAH HUZZAH!" The world seemed to be celebrating in our shop- but why???!!!
My heart was pounding with excitement and fright as I tore his receipt off the feeder. My hand trembled awkwardly as I straightened out the piece of paper to review it... then suddenly it all made sense. This customer wasn't just any customer.
He was Peter the Magnificent! High-Roller! He had just barely gotten 250 points on his Nature's Express card!! Which meant that he was suddenly entitled to receive a $25 gift card from us.
So okay it didn't quite happen like that- but it SHOULD everytime. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Nature's Express card it is really simple. Any time you come into Nature's Express and make a purchase we swipe the card and you collect points. When you get to 250 points you get a $25 gift card. FREE! SMILE INCLUDED! (Maybe even a high-five...)
So if you are a Frequent Flyer of Nature's Express... and you want to upgrade to being a High-Roller like Peter the Magnificent, be sure to ask for a card next time you come in.
By the way, we asked Peter the Magnificent:
If you were a Nature's Express food item which would you be?
Signature Salad with a Hummus Wrap and a Maple Coconut bar of course!
What about YOU? What would YOU be??
SERIOUS COOKIES ONLY
Hey there! This is Rain- that tall, devilishly good-looking, and intelligent cashier you may encounter while stopping by Nature's Express. =)
As a lover of food, people, and world peace I find it in the best interest of customer-kind to give some tips on a very important subject... just in case I'm not there while you are visiting. This subject of course is about... COOKIES. Seriously.
People hardly realize that selecting the perfect cookie is an art! There are questions that must be asked and procedure to follow that will allow one to maximize their AWESOME COOKIE EXPERIENCE. Please consider the following!
1: What kind of cookie-monster are you? Soft or crunchy?
-A survey taken at the restaurant showed that men tend to lean more towards crunchy cookies... women towards soft. Sometimes the crunchy/soft factor can make or break a cookie's taste in one bite. So when you walk up to the counter first ask if the type of cookie you want is soft or crunchy.
2: What temperature does your mouth crave?
-Have us throw a chocolate chip cookie under a heat lamp for a minute to enjoy a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience and optimum greatness. Or take home a peanut butter cookie ad refrigerate/freeze it. It will change your life! A science report released by BBC in 2004 proved that temperature DOES have a taste... so indulge in it. It will be worth your while!
3: Sweet or Salty?
-Cookies are an amazing snack with many different character types. There is the solid cookie- such as a peanut butter cookie that will have a better tendency to fill you up quicker and kick you some protein. The power cookie like the Oatmeal Walnut Date will leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle the world. The lighter cookie like the Lime Tahini that will give you a hint of sweet without killing your tastebuds. Or an all out glorious sweet tooth cookie like the Chocolate chip that will just sing in your mouth. Please do not abuse the power of tastebuds! Listen to them! If you are craving sweet go for sweet... not a lighter cookie just because you think it's necessary. If you are craving saltier cookies don't force yourself to stick with the safe Chocolate Chip cookie. Try something new like a Trail Mix cookie... If you fail to follow your taste buds, you will fail to snag an opportunity to achieve total cookie satsifaction!
4: BIG BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!
-The laws of cookie physics state: THE BIG COOKIE GOES ON THE BOTTOM. This of course is to stabilize the pile and give an aesthetically pleasing air to the cookie tray. If you want to get the most for your money... get the biggest cookie! Next time you get a cookie ANYWHERE get your money's worth and go for the one on the bottom.
Now I'm not saying the above is a cookie-cutter perfect way to find deliciousness. Goodness knows I have made some bad cookie choices in my day! However, I think and hope you will find these tips helpful in obtaining some of the most memorable pastry moments you will ever have. Thank you for reading and good luck!
<3>
Rain
As a lover of food, people, and world peace I find it in the best interest of customer-kind to give some tips on a very important subject... just in case I'm not there while you are visiting. This subject of course is about... COOKIES. Seriously.
People hardly realize that selecting the perfect cookie is an art! There are questions that must be asked and procedure to follow that will allow one to maximize their AWESOME COOKIE EXPERIENCE. Please consider the following!
1: What kind of cookie-monster are you? Soft or crunchy?
-A survey taken at the restaurant showed that men tend to lean more towards crunchy cookies... women towards soft. Sometimes the crunchy/soft factor can make or break a cookie's taste in one bite. So when you walk up to the counter first ask if the type of cookie you want is soft or crunchy.
2: What temperature does your mouth crave?
-Have us throw a chocolate chip cookie under a heat lamp for a minute to enjoy a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience and optimum greatness. Or take home a peanut butter cookie ad refrigerate/freeze it. It will change your life! A science report released by BBC in 2004 proved that temperature DOES have a taste... so indulge in it. It will be worth your while!
3: Sweet or Salty?
-Cookies are an amazing snack with many different character types. There is the solid cookie- such as a peanut butter cookie that will have a better tendency to fill you up quicker and kick you some protein. The power cookie like the Oatmeal Walnut Date will leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle the world. The lighter cookie like the Lime Tahini that will give you a hint of sweet without killing your tastebuds. Or an all out glorious sweet tooth cookie like the Chocolate chip that will just sing in your mouth. Please do not abuse the power of tastebuds! Listen to them! If you are craving sweet go for sweet... not a lighter cookie just because you think it's necessary. If you are craving saltier cookies don't force yourself to stick with the safe Chocolate Chip cookie. Try something new like a Trail Mix cookie... If you fail to follow your taste buds, you will fail to snag an opportunity to achieve total cookie satsifaction!
4: BIG BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!
-The laws of cookie physics state: THE BIG COOKIE GOES ON THE BOTTOM. This of course is to stabilize the pile and give an aesthetically pleasing air to the cookie tray. If you want to get the most for your money... get the biggest cookie! Next time you get a cookie ANYWHERE get your money's worth and go for the one on the bottom.
Now I'm not saying the above is a cookie-cutter perfect way to find deliciousness. Goodness knows I have made some bad cookie choices in my day! However, I think and hope you will find these tips helpful in obtaining some of the most memorable pastry moments you will ever have. Thank you for reading and good luck!
<3>
Rain
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)