Monday, February 02, 2009

Published in CSUF's Daily Titan newspaper on Feb. 2.



A nutritional treasure rests just a few miles from Cal State Fullerton and is housed in a vintage beauty, but don't let the name quell your appetite.

The founders of Rutabegorz may have been quintessential tree-hugging hippies, and maybe that explains their ability to wrench inspiration from a turnip, but to think the food bland and boring would be borderline psychotic considering its had 39 years to ripen.

Upon entering, a sweet aromatic wave of homemade salad dressing rushes the nose, then the eyes kick in and take over. The decor is reminiscent of special yard-sale gems, and the artwork adorning the walls range from some sort of old Egyptian kitsch to modern randomness.

Decisions begin with looking for a place to sit, then intensify when thumbing through the menu. The choices seem endless. There's the mu shu burrito with snow peas and almonds, the chicken cacciatore with penne pasta and mozzarella cheese and the falafel wrap with herb dressing. Each selection seems like a perfected experiment first conducted in a kitchen by a broke college student.

Fortunately, the atmosphere is mellow and the employees are patient, even during a lunch rush with casual professionals and family members. The crew's relaxed demeanor affords you sufficient time to choose the right plate, but how can anyone make a decent choice without a beverage?

The Fullerton Rutabegorz (there are other locations in Tustin and Orange) boasts a healthy selection of beer and wine ranging from locations near and far. For those fresh from a day of tests, you may find comfort in knowing hard alcohol is also served, but for the designated drivers there is an abundance of non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas, lemonade and hot-spiced cider.

The Pinkus Organic beer from Germany is big and tasty, and if you happen to pour a bit into a cracked glass the waitress or waiter will be happy to serve you another one for free.

Their garlic chicken sandwich proved savory and filling. Bite-size chunks of chicken are sprinkled with jack cheese and stuffed inside a warm French roll with perfectly ripened avocado pieces, fresh tomato slices and a few cuts of lettuce. A cup of oil and vinegar, ideal for spooning extra flavor onto each bite, is served on the side. The plate also holds a side of coleslaw, a cut of dill pickle and a pineapple slice.

The portions are generous, but with prices averaging around $8 to $9 a plate, they better be. Students may not have the budget to frequently indulge at Rutabegorz, but once in a while seems quite reasonable. It's a perfect place for vegetarians and carnivores to peacefully come together, eat smart and enjoy the company of each other. The food is worth it. The service is worth it. The peace of mind is worth it.

For more information on items and prices visit www.rutabegorz.com


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