Engrained is a new Aramark restaurant on the second floor of the Memorial Union at Arizona State University.  When you walk in you're greeted by a friendly host that gives you instructions on how to order your food.  You need instructions because it's not very obvious.  The restaurant is organized in a cafeteria style where you can see the food being made and the different options you have - it's an experiential menu.  They also have digital menus, eliminating the need for paper ones thereby saving trees. 

the food:

The food at Engrained is sourced from local farms.  In fact, the oranges, dates and pecans come from the Campus Harvest and campus gardens subsidize produce.  Thank you ASU for finally harvesting all the food that grows on campus!  Much of their meat is free-range and organic.  In terms of nutrition, we felt there was a variety of nutritious options such as sushi, salads and soups, and the portions sizes were appropriate.  As observed from one of the many signs about their sustainable practices, Aramark makes efforts to reduce the energy that it takes to produce and transport their food.



the location:

Engrained gets the highest score for location, it's right in the middle of the ASU Tempe campus!  The campus is easily accessed by bus and light rail, not to mention that bike racks are plentiful. 

the dining experience:

The outdoor patio is shaded and a pleasant place to sit and view the campus. 

There is plenty of daylight and the interior is open and airy.  The kitchen is very accessible visually which contributes to the energy of the dining experience.  Ashley had the soup and sandwich combo with the pesto cheddar panini and arugula basil potato soup.  Taz had the pear and brie panini and zesty homemade fries.  We both enjoyed our meals and thought the food was excellent.  For dessert we had the Campus Harvest Orange Curd Merangue Tartlett.  It was wonderful and made with campus oranges to boot!

the building and operations:

Engrained uses some of the green power produced by ASU's new solar arrays.  They did a great job using sustainable and existing building materials in their space corresponding to many sustainable credits of the LEED rating system (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Engrained has cloth napkins with real dishes and silverware.  They participate in the Memorial Union's recycling program as well as make efforts to reuse the cooking oil and compost their food waste. 

the community impact:

Engrained gets the highest rating in this category because of their sustainability education efforts all around the restaurant.  They have informational signs posted throughout as part of the decor.  Just eating at the restaurant contributes to the eco-awareness of the diner. 


affordability:

The food is reasonably affordable, especially because drinks are included in the price. 

the rating:

Engrained received the highest rating of Dark Green for their valient sustainability efforts.  We also credit ASU for being a leader in the global sustainability movement which has deep roots on the Tempe Campus.

stay tuned for our next review!
a comprehensive look at Lux Coffee Bar, Pane Bianco and Pizzeria Bianco