Martin FrimetHigh-speed spuds speak up
March 31st 2008 00:32
Whether you are loading up on a salad at your local Subway or trying the new Carrot Stick Sandwich from your nearest McDonald’s, there can be no doubting now that the fast food industry has quickly begun to realise the importance of being seen to offer healthier eating options. To that end Spudbar, with an ever-growing number of stores across Melbourne, has taken the premise to a new level with a chain that hinges on the slogan of “feeds well” and thus seems to pride itself on being the healthy eating, ethical option.
It is an endearing idea and one that Spudbar clearly takes seriously. Thus each store is plastered with menu options that are low-fat, dry-baked or even energy efficient. On top of that, every branch also seems to come adorned with one beautiful, cheerful, velvet-skinned server who, if I didn’t know better, might very well have just been popped out of an oven themselves.
The menu is fairly basic and, though Spudbar does provide some of its own topping combinations, most visitors are likely to be drawn to the massed counter collection just below eye level, a Jackson Pollock-like array of reds and yellows, straights and circles, which can take more than a few minutes to decipher. Having finally worked out what each option actually is, you are more than likely going to sit down happy with whatever you choose, change from your $10 note pressing lightly in your pocket and a hot potato in front of you that seems to be spout toppings like a volcano shooting out its lava.
That sense of wellbeing will continue as you tear through the vital, gritty skin of the potato, savour the sweet cubes of beetroot, notice at last the fine tabouleh and then enjoy a final finger of sour cream and chives. You will walk out feeling happy. Your skin will probably be a little smoother than when you walked in.
Unfortunately, it’s a feeling that might not last too long. After all, you will eventually remember the huge swatches of cheese and butter that you first put on underneath all that healthy stuff, and, before long, you’re probably going to end up raiding the cupboards at home for that piece of chocolate you know you stowed somewhere.
Like all fast food, Spudbar is a top option for those short of time or money, but try as it might to deny it, fast food is exactly what Spudbar is and it somehow feels healthier to acknowledge that rather than imagine that superhero spuds are saving my stomach and civilised society in one fell swoop.
It is an endearing idea and one that Spudbar clearly takes seriously. Thus each store is plastered with menu options that are low-fat, dry-baked or even energy efficient. On top of that, every branch also seems to come adorned with one beautiful, cheerful, velvet-skinned server who, if I didn’t know better, might very well have just been popped out of an oven themselves.
The menu is fairly basic and, though Spudbar does provide some of its own topping combinations, most visitors are likely to be drawn to the massed counter collection just below eye level, a Jackson Pollock-like array of reds and yellows, straights and circles, which can take more than a few minutes to decipher. Having finally worked out what each option actually is, you are more than likely going to sit down happy with whatever you choose, change from your $10 note pressing lightly in your pocket and a hot potato in front of you that seems to be spout toppings like a volcano shooting out its lava.
That sense of wellbeing will continue as you tear through the vital, gritty skin of the potato, savour the sweet cubes of beetroot, notice at last the fine tabouleh and then enjoy a final finger of sour cream and chives. You will walk out feeling happy. Your skin will probably be a little smoother than when you walked in.
Unfortunately, it’s a feeling that might not last too long. After all, you will eventually remember the huge swatches of cheese and butter that you first put on underneath all that healthy stuff, and, before long, you’re probably going to end up raiding the cupboards at home for that piece of chocolate you know you stowed somewhere.
Like all fast food, Spudbar is a top option for those short of time or money, but try as it might to deny it, fast food is exactly what Spudbar is and it somehow feels healthier to acknowledge that rather than imagine that superhero spuds are saving my stomach and civilised society in one fell swoop.
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