SS
Scoop'sStorytime
5 days ago
I had never been into the whole smoothie, acai bowl—Jamba trend.
I just wasn't thrilled at the thought of filling up my stomach with what is basically dessert before gettin to the food.
For a little while now, my other half and I have been investigating new-to-us food places.
No hemhaw, no refusals, nowhere to hide from "the smoothie thing."
We have scoured the area within an hour and a half drive from IF in all directions, searching eateries of all types.
Yours truly prompt engineered the search Gem!
So, Tuesday morn, after stopping at a coffee kiosk for the absolutely necessary breakfast beverage, we followed our list to Jamba for breakfast.
That's OK:
Actually, since the new generation of this trend entered the scene, bringing actual food and toasts with 'em, I've been enjoying some of them anyway.
We've been to some super great places lately, with amazing food, smoothies, and fresh tasty bowls.
So at Jamba:
There were three of us trying to place orders that day, and it was like we were playing baseball.
First, I was eager to order a bowl that sounded delicious—nope, out of fresh bananas—strike one.
Ok well, this other bowl sounds pretty good—nope outta Greek yogurt—strike two.
Ok, you get the baseball metaphor.
All three of us had to settle on bowls that were maybe third or fourth choice.
The other great places I mentioned make-to-order a variety of toasts and sandwiches.
Jamba carries pre-packaged breakfast items—so expectations weren't high on our sandwiches & other snacks.
After ordering, as the day was nice we took a seat outside-- which some of those others don't have—score one for Jamba.
Despite three employees being there, and they weren't busy, they call your name over a speaker when your order is ready. Other similar places we've been to recently—give table service under those circumstances.
No big deal.
Outside, the ambiance was peaceful, delivering exactly what the breezy and sunny day should.
Sitting out there talking while waiting, when suddenly the employee that took all of our orders comes out the door.
Timidly she approaches my other half (who had already settled, due to out-ofs), sort of wavering her stance while apologetically cringing, "Sorry—we're out of CocoWhip too—sorry, I just found out."
Wow, why even be open?
This meant two of our orders had to change to frozen yogurt base.
While I felt sort of sorry for the employee who had to come out and break the news, I was really disappointed with my breakfast.
Long story short:
The pre-packaged sandwiches we got were, and are, a sorry excuse for food.
The bowls are too big to start—basically a base with a bit of topping and a drop of sour fruit.
If this is Jamba's specs--move over, your day is done.
So I don't imagine a truck delivery improving much of anything.
1* for this location, but I will score it as Jamba in general 2*--wish there was a 1.5