It’s common knowledge that pretty much everyone who goes to Lafayette has been to Bread Co. at least once.  It constitutes as a meeting place for study groups, a get-together with friends you haven’t seen in awhile and a perfect place for a quick lunch in the middle of the day.

However, that is exactly the problem with Bread Co. EVERYONE goes there.  You can’t walk into a Bread Co. without seeing someone you know.  That isn’t such a bad thing, except for if you just want to go and hang out with your friends without seeing everyone else in your contacts list.

And that’s not to mention the lines.  In my experience, it’s no fun to stand and wait to be served for ages.

For those wanting a quick, healthier option off the beaten path, Crazy Bowls and Wraps is just the place.

Having heard great things about it from many a person, I had to go and try it out for myself.

The first thing I noted was the variety they had on the menu, but not only that, the flexibility as well.  You can choose whether you want noodles, a bowl, a wrap, the size, the sauce, meat or tofu and the list goes on.

After much debate, I finally decided upon the Chicken Caesar Wrap with tofu instead of the chicken and brown rice.

After a surprisingly short wait, my friends and I were given our meals by a cheery employee, served in colorful, orange and green bowls.

The food tasted just as delicious as it looked.  I anticipated a creamier, mild Caesar, and was surprised that it had a little more kick, bordering on spicy.  The tofu mixed with the perfectly cooked rice and signature Caesar made the wrap unlike any other I’d ever had—definitely in a positive way.

Served on the side were multi-colored tortilla chips, which of course, were made with a quality to match the main course.  Not only that, but to the left of the fountain station, there was an assortment of different salsas and sauces for the chips, including hummus, corn salsa, buffalo and jalapeno sauce.

The overall feel of the restaurant was calming and modern—the bold color scheme of orange and green, sophisticated tables and booths, tasteful choice of music and artsy display of the menu contributed towards a soothing atmosphere.

The only downside to my experience would have to be the cleanliness of the restaurant—or lack there of.  There were crumbs on the tables of the booths, and I had to search for the cleanest-looking booth, which took some work.  Even at that, the booth I decided to sit at had crumbs and debris on it from the previous patron, which I had to wipe off.

Considering it was not overwhelmingly busy at the time I arrived, this could easily have been fixed by the seemingly idle employees.

However, overall, Crazy Bowls and Wraps won my vote.  I have to give them props for their outstanding menu, bold design and pleasant atmosphere.

Price of my meal: $8.85

Location: 1627 Clarkson Road (by Trader Joe’s near the Chesterfield Mall)