Every spring I always want to find the perfect spot to enjoy a nice, yummy, proportional lunch. But no matter where I go, I find that the food is either too heavy for warm weather or not enough for my hearty appetite. In my opinion, both spring and summer are the hardest times to find the right restaurant. People are either too hot to enjoy a nice juicy burger at the local hamburger stand or not in the mood for a petite house salad with olive oil and vinegar at the bistro down the street.
Well ladies and gentlemen, I hope to change this annoying situation by introducing you to MAD Greens’ inspired salads. Who would have thought that one could be satisfied, or even full, after eating a salad? Some may claim that a salad is always enough. I usually beg to differ. But folks, I think I have to change my mind about that statement after eating one of MAD Greens’ delicious, innovative salads.
MAD Greens is a restaurant that can provide either a quick on-the-go lunch, or a nice relaxing afternoon lunch. However, it is not a typical restaurant with wait staff, a maitre’d or bus boy. It is an over-the-counter establishment. The service, though quick, is perfect for this establishment; fun, informative and energetic.
If you have any questions about the menu or how the restaurant “works,” someone’s always willing to provide an answer. Moreover, there is still comfortable seating both inside and out of the restaurant.
There are three options to choose from when eating at MAD Greens. You can pick a “designed salad,” build your own (BYO) or select a delicious Panini. If you’re daring like myself, then taste one of their original salads in either a small size for $4.50 or a regular size for $6. You can try their recommended salad dressings or choose your own.
If you feel like there is something missing in the salad, feel free to either substitute an ingredient or add one of their “add-ins” for an additional $2. There are 14 different MAD designed salads, each unique in its own way. My personal favorites are the Crazy Ivan, the Van Gogh or the Edgar Allen Poe, the weirdest names on the menu.
The Crazy Ivan is the perfect combination of bold and sweet, which features innovative ingredients that wouldn’t normally be seen in a salad together. It is a combination of baby greens, roasted beets, pumpkin seeds, goat cheese and croutons. Out of the 24 mouth-watering salad dressings, it is served with a sherry molasses vinaigrette. It is a smooth blend of sweet, overpowering, thick molasses, which is controlled by the subtle sherry flavor.
The Van Gogh takes a different route. It combines fresh spinach with Middle Eastern couscous, carrots, sweet currants and dried apricots with bold tomatoes. It is recommended that this salad be accompanied (for safety reasons) with a lemon curry vinaigrette. With a voice of reason, I suggest you add the citrus grilled chicken or spicy shrimp which made the salad taste much better.
Out of these three amazing salads, I must say that the Edgar Allen Poe gets a perfect score of 10. Though some might argue that this salad is great in the fall, I say it’s perfect any time of year.
It is a combination of baby greens, red leaf, apples, pears, walnuts and blue cheese. The ingredients complement each other, which is always important with any meal. It is recommended that the salad be topped with Port vinaigrette, which is an excellent choice. But, I also say that the creamy ginger salad dressing is another great option for adding an extra POW to this dish.
If a salad is still not enough, you can order half of a panini for $4 or a whole one for an average price of $7. Their Marilyn Monroe turkey panini is a great choice. It is a combination of sun-dried tomatoes, cucumbers and goat cheese with a pesto spread. When it is grilled, the Marilyn Monroe definitely does shine.
I know that my stomach is craving a MAD creation. If yours is also, then visit MAD Greens located in Cherry Creek North under the Village at 222 Columbine St. If you’re in a hurry and need to order on the go, then give them a call at 303. 333.1842. Enjoy, and I hope you believe me that you can get full from eating a salad at MAD Greens Inspired Salads.
