Lesser Evil Snack Foods

"Snacks that feel and taste good".

Do I really care if my snacks "feel" good?  Nah.  Am I a healthy snacker?  Ha.  But do I love snack foods?  Oh yes.  And do I jump at the chance to try new products and brands, even if they don't appeal at first glance (hey, this is how we discover some gems!).  Of course.

Lesser Evil makes several product lines, including my #1 snack obsession (popcorn!), along with Paleo Puffs, "Power Curls", and now, cookies.  All are gluten-free, certified organic, plant based, etc.

I can't say I'm a brand lover, as they really are generally a bit too light for my style, but there are a few items that aren't too bad.

Organic Popcorn (Previously branded as "Buddha Bowl")

"If you have heard of Buddha bowls you know the ingredients you are meant to put in them are healthy and beautiful. Like in a Buddha Bowl we only wanted to put healthy and beautiful things in our popcorn bags. Our popcorn is special because it's earth friendly (it's organic), so it's free of many of the chemical residues that exist on convention popping corn. Also, we air pop only the most tender kernels so we don't add unwanted fat and calories. We then use either coconut, avocado oil or ghee. The oils are cold pressed without heat or chemicals keeping the essential nutrients intact. We then dust with Himalayan salt which we think is the purest form of salt available. We think you will like the ingredients we use."

The popcorn is available in a slew of varieties, savory and sweet.  Classic Cheddah, Avocado-Licious, Himalayan Gold (e.g. "butter"), Himalayan Pink, Himalayan Sweetness, Jalapeno & Honey, Oh My Ghee!  They also introduced new seasonal flavors like, sigh, Pumpkin Spice.  I've tried many.

"We air-pop the most tender butterfly popcorn, making it lighter, fluffier and lower in fat and calories."

The popcorn all is ... fine.  It is fairly fluffy.

Savory

Oh My Ghee!

"The first organic popcorn made with organic grass-fed ghee. We tumble this popcorn in ghee with an amazingly silky flavor that is much easier on the digestive system than traditional butter."

This was a very simple variety, just plain salted popcorn, but made with ghee instead of traditional oil or butter.

It is ... fine.  

Simple, well popped, slightly salty, popcorn.  It doesn't taste any different than popcorn made with more traditional fats, so if you want simple salted popcorn that is possibly better for you ... try it?  For me it was too plain. **+.

Oh My Ghee! (June 2020).

I didn't seek it out again, but my partner's company sent him monthly snack boxes during the COVID working from home situation, so of course I stole any popcorn that came our (uh, his?) way.

It certainly isn't what I normally go for - very plain, savory, but, nice when I've had too much sweet.  Slightly almost cheesy flavor.  Nicely popped kernels.  Guilt free at 100 calories per bag?

I ate it happily (frozen) one night late at night when I was munchy, and had really overdone it on sweets.  It hit the spot, but again, I don't seek this out on my own. ***.

Classic Cheddah.

"The ultimate cheesy popcorn that will instantly enlighten your taste buds. Lovingly dusted with a specially crafted organic cheddar cheese blend."

This was ... also just fine.  Well popped, good salt level, but the cheesy nature was very muted.  Probably the lowest calorie cheesy popcorn I've had, and, it was clear it was a lighter style.  Not really for me.  **+.

"No Cheese" Cheesiness.

I was really craving cheesy popcorn, and so I tried the cheese-less cheesy flavor from Lesser Evil.  It uses nutritional yeast to create the cheese-adjacent flavor, which was fine, but not great.  However, like most of their popcorn, the coconut oil flavor was really quite strong, and I didn't care for that underlying taste.  Well popped popcorn, but, another that just isn't for me.  **+.

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Himalayan Pink

"Our original flavor is made with just three simple ingredients – organic popcorn, organic extra-virgin coconut oil and Himalayan salt."

Another very simple flavor, more well popped, nicely salted popcorn.  Somehow I liked this more than the others, I think because it wasn't trying to be anymore more than it was.  But still, not an exciting variety, and I don't really like the coconut oil base.  **.

Sweet

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Himalayan Sweetness

"For the sweet tooth in every household!"

Ok, so they tried to do sweet but not crazy decadent.

In this product, the coconut oil base works quite well.  Coconut and sweet are a good combination.  In particular, I liked this one frozen, the coconut oil provides a coating that gets crunchy.

This, frozen, was my favorite of all varieties I tried, no question.  I'd get it again. ***.

Seasonal

The seasonal offerings are definitely far more exciting than the regular products, although, still, healthy style ...

Dark Chocolate & Himalayan Pink Sea Salt.

"Your favorite Himalayan Sweetness flavor is all dressed up for the holidays. This subtly sweet, organic popcorn tumbled in luscious dark chocolate proves that indulgence really can be guilt free."

This is an interesting flavor.  

It is not nearly as decadent as other popcorn I go for that features chocolate - e.g. the kind that is drizzled in generous melted chocolate (like Salted Caramel & Fudge from PopWorks or Dark Fudge Peppermint Drizzlecorn from Popcorn Indiana), and usually is sweet crispy kettle corn under all that.  Or the kinds that are *entirely* coated in chocolate, such as Harry & David's signature Moose Munch (omg, so good, but soooo decadent) or the equally ridiculous Zebra Caramel Corn from Popcornopolis (yes, fully coated rich caramel corn, with both white and dark chocolate coating in addition!).

It is not a decadent style, and I didn't expect it to be.  This brand is about better for you options, and, they call this one "guilt free" and "subtle sweet".  Which it was, more the style like Johnny's Popcorn (chocolate chip) or Skinny Pop (chocolate), a lighter style, cocoa dusting rather than melted chocolate.

This was the best of the lighter styles I've tried though - a more intense chocolate, richer, real cocoa flavor (at least on some pieces), than other brands.  I did find myself hunting for the kernels with more coating though.

It had decent salty component as well, and the kernels were fluffy and well popped.  It was definitely good, not the kind of popcorn that I crave usually, but, for the style, the best I've had.  

Over time, it really grew on me, particularly once I froze it! ****.

White Chocolate & Matcha.

"Behold the un-matcha-ble combination of white chocolate and matcha! Turn any space into a cozy teashop with a bag of this lightly sweet, vegan, seasonal treat."

Another holiday only variety, although I really don't understand why.  There is no reason not to enjoy matcha and white chocolate in the summer!

I have long been a fan of matcha white chocolate popcorn, although usually go for, as you likely suspect, a much more decadent version.  One covered in tons of white chocolate and matcha.  This was, like all Lesser Evil popcorn, very, very lightly dusted, just a little sugar, salt, matcha powder, and ... "organic flavor".  No actual white chocolate.

But it was good, again, for a lighter style.  You just have to be ready for the lighter style.  Sorta sweet, sorta matcha flavored.  Again not what I generally go for, but I liked it enough.  I wouldn't get again though.

***.

White Chocolate & Matcha (Seasonal).

"We're spilling the TEA on what makes our snacks so awesome - clean ingredients! Our limited edition White Chocolate and Matcha popcorn will satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season! Creamy white chocolate and herbacious matcha create a melt-in-your mouth flavor combination that is simply zen-sational."

I forgot that I had tried this last winter holiday season (when Lesser Evil has dubbed matcha & white chocolate appropriate).  I didn't dislike it then, but, I probably would not have gotten it again if I had re-read my review first.

The base popcorn itself was fine.  Big puffy kernels.  Well popped.  Unlike most of their flavors, I don't taste the slightly odd coconut oil much here.  But ... it really is a quite light popcorn.  Very very very mild chocolate flavor, and really barely any matcha.  I easily could have believed it wasn't matcha flavored at all.  As you can see, it isn't even green colored to give it away.  It was lightly sweet, and good for a healthy popcorn, but certainly no decent white chocolate drizzlecorn like most other brands.  Fine for what it was, ***, but I generally want something more decadent, sweeter, and, well, that tastes like matcha if I buy something matcha.

Pumpkin Spice (Seasonal).

"Tis’ the season(ing)! Our Pumpkin Spice Popcorn is a superb autumnal treat. Our signature blend of coconut oil and Himalayan Pink Salt gets cozy with Organic Pumpkin Spice seasoning. It’s a sweet, spicy, salty snack you’re sure to Fall in love with."

This is the tale of two popcorns.  First, we have the popcorn that made up the majority, probably 75%, of the bag.  This was lightly pumpkin spice seasoned plain popcorn.  A little sugar, salt, cinnamon, and a touch of something else, but nothing aggressive.  Fairly plain popcorn, really, with a hint of fall if you really searched for it.  

And then, the bright orange glazed popcorn, <25% of the bag.  These were a light caramel corn, that just happened to be oddly orange, and seem to have been kissed by a touch of pumpkin spice.  Blindfolded, you'd likely think it was just light caramel corn, maybe cinnamon caramel corn.

Put them together, and basically a very, very mild pumpkin spice lightly sweet experience.  Rather boring really (not that I wanted a punch in the face of nutmeg!).  I ended up breaking this bag down entirely, eating all the orange glazed popcorn first, which of course made putting the bag down impossible, as I got rather obsessed with finding all the pieces.  Eating just those pieces, in quantity, made for a sweet treat, which became cloying by the end, but, they were my favorite.  No better nor worse though than average light caramel corn.  ***.

Then, the plain lightly spiced ones, even more boring.  **+.

Overall, fine, but, not remarkable, and if you are looking for strong pumpkin spice vibes, they aren't here.  ***.

Grain Free Paleo Puffs

"Our organic puffed snacks are packed with nutrient-dense cassava, coconut, and sweet potato flours. We stand for the little things both in our products and in this life and it's the simple acts that make this world great."

The puffs are available in three varieties: Himalayan Salt, Apple Cider Vinegar, and  “No Cheese” Cheesiness.  I tried the later.  They ... weren't bad, actually.

 “No Cheese” Cheesiness.

Ok, these *really* surprised me.

The puffs are made of cassava flour, tapioca starch, coconut flour, and more, a fairly strange texture, but not entirely unpleasant, and they were light and airy.  Not a bad base, really.  The "cheese" came from a combination of garlic, onion, and sweet potato powder, plus ground mustard (?!), and nutritional yeast.  It was a kinda cheesy, kinda zesty mix, and, well, I was fascinated with it.  It paired well with the base puff.

Overall, I don't want to run out and purchase bags of these, but, I did actually find myself enjoying the ones I had.  Well, huh.

***+.

Fiery Hot!

"When you're craving something smoky and spicy, our Fiery Hot Paleo Puffs, pack all of the flaming hot flavor you love without all the bad stuff."

It had been several years since I had Paleo Puffs, and somewhat forgot that I had tried them before (in another flavor).  I was drawn in again by the form factor, and the promise of heat.

I tried a few, and was somewhat put off.  But I was also a bit fascinated, and had a few more.  Which quickly turned into nearly half the bag.  Gulp.  At least these are, after all, "Lesser Evil", even if I quickly went way past a normal serving size.

The puff is super crunchy, yet a bit airy, which I find really compelling.  It is that great crunch that keeps me going.  They look ugly, but, hey, something about it really works.  Great form factor and eating experience: ****.

The base flavor is where they start to seem a bit odd.  The combo of cassava flour, sweet potato flour, tapioca starch, and coconut flavor leans in the direction of tasting too "healthy"ish, or hearty perhaps.  And then the coating?  That's where things get confusing.  I don't care for the nutritional yeast very much.  But onion, garlic, salt, vinegar, and habanero?  Sure.  Very savory, and some slight heat.  I actually wanted, and expected more heat from the habanero, but, there was some.  So flavor wise, I couldn't tell if I liked them, tolerated them, or disliked.  I think probably somewhere in the "tolerate" spectrum, with an appreciation for the slight heat.  **+ flavor.

I easily finished my bag, but there were enough little misses here that I wouldn't purchase again.  Low *** overall.

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Nation’s Giant Hamburgers & Great Pies

Nation's Giant Hamburgers & Great Pies.

I had never heard of this place, but it is a diner chain, with 28 locations, that has been around since the 1950s.  Started as a hot dog stand, expanded from there.  I guess pretty successful.

As you can guess from the name, they serve burgers.  Large burgers.  The burgers are all 3/4 of a pound.  Along with regular hamburgers/cheeseburgers/bacon burgers, they also offer wild salmon, chicken, and meatless alternatives, plus hot dogs and grilled cheese.  Fries.  Shakes.  Pretty standard diner menu, plus all the breakfast classics (french toast, pancakes, eggs, toast, hash browns, etc).

Since the other half of the restaurant name is "& Great Pies", of course, they offer a slew of pies, including fruit pies (apple, berry, cherry, no sugar-added apple), classics (custard, pumpkin, pecan, lemon meringue), and a bunch of cream pies (banana creme, chocolate creme, coconut creme, lemon creme).  And cheesecake (is that a pie?).  Pies are available whole, half, or by the slice, either a "regular" slice, aka a full 1/4 of a pie, or, perhaps more reasonable, a "small" slice that is only 1/6 of a pie.  Yes, finally, a place that understands "Parent family" slices!  It is still inconceivable to me that normal people think a pie can serve more than ~4 people.

Anyway, as a dessert lover, I've only indulged in the pie section of the menu, so I can't comment on the rest of their offerings.

Update Review, May 2024

You would think that after my abysmal review of the fruit pie I tried from Nation's nearly 10 years ago, that I wouldn't be interested in trying more of their pies.  And yet, I did.  

In the 10 years since my last Nation's experience, not much has changed.  They still have exactly the same pie lineup.  You can still order by slice (1/4 of a pie), half, or full size 9" pie.  Prices have gone up nearly double (!), with slices now ranging from $6.50-8.50, half pies $11.60-14.25, and whole pies $16.95-23.25.

Banana Crème (slice). $6.95.

"Fresh hand-cut bananas in crème inside a flaky pie crust with whipped topping."

The pie from Nation's I was most excited for was the banana cream, er, "crème".  It is their most popular, and the one that gets all the rave reviews.  

It looked much like any grocery store calibre banana cream pie, although it had a strange scattering of sliced almonds in the very center (that aren't mentioned on the menu, so, beware if you have nut allergy!).  The crust wasn't really what I'd describe as "flaky", but it was a good blonde style crust, soft, pleasant enough.  The style of crust often used for this kind of pie, and definitely better than a graham crust (which they do use for the cheesecakes), but not as good as a true flaky style like used for most fruit pies.  So, good enough crust of this style.  ***+.

Above that, the bananas.  Sliced bananas, a bit mushy, a bit darker brown indicating that they weren't super fresh, but, I think we all know how quickly bananas turn brown.  Less fresh tasting than most actual bakery banana cream pies, but on par with a grocery store style.  ***.

The "crème" was a thick pudding, well set, and I think it may have had a touch of banana flavor, but it might have just been vanilla.  It was good pudding, and the ratio was done well.  ***+ crème.

And finally, the whipped topping, that was super fluffy, super sweet, and although not rich cream forward whipped cream, it worked well enough.  ***+.

Essentially, all slightly above average components, but ones that did come together to be greater than the sum of their parts.  The balance and ratios were all right, and although no component was high quality on its own, they worked together in a very classic comfort foods way.  One of the better banana cream pies I've had really, particularly for this style that isn't trying to be something more upscale.  Low ****?

And yes, a "slice" is a full 1/4 of a pie, so the $6.95 price that might sound high for a slice, really is more reasonable if you consider it 2 (or even 3) slices.

Coconut Crème (half). $11.60.

"Refreshing coconut cream filling inside a flakey pie crust. Topped with whipped topping."

For the coconut cream, I opted for a half pie.  I think I sorta got a smaller half though, this looked more like 40% of a pie.  The construction was much the same as the banana: blonde crust, thick set crème filling, lots of fluffy white topping, garnish in the center (this one, coconut flakes).

And indeed, it was quite similar in taste too.  The middle layer was slightly coconut flavored, well set, thick pudding.  The topping was sweet but not cloying, super fluffy.  The toasted coconut on top added a bit of texture and additional coconut flavor.

It wasn't the most coconut forward coconut cream pie out there, but, the pudding and the topping really are quite good for their style, so I enjoyed it.  ***+.

Peaches & Crème (slice). $6.95.
May/June Seasonal Pie of the Month.

"Peaches in cream in a flaky pie crust with whipped topping."

Every month Nation's has a pie of the month.  They follow the same schedule, year after year.  The month prior, April had a very tempting looking blueberry cream pie.  I knew that after this, July would bring the cherry pie.  But for May and June, it was peach, which struck me as slightly odd, as it seemed a bit early for fresh local peaches.

And then I got my slice.  And I understood.  It didn't matter when peach season was.  Because, um, these weren't fresh peaches.  If this photo looks like canned peaches, a thick cream filling, and light orange fluffy whipped topping, that is exactly what it was.  The crust was the same as the other cream pies, a decent enough simple pale blonde crust.  The cream layer was nicely set, thick, but pretty flavorless.  The canned peaches were ... um, canned peaches?  Sorta soft, some goo around them, and just not fresh tasting.  The lofty light orange whipped cream was remarkably fluffy, very light, but tasted extremely fake, more akin to "whipped dairy-adjacent topping" than whipped cream, in the direction of Cool Whip that had been extra whipped up.  It had mild peach flavor ... I think?

So overall, this did feel a bit like someone took a pre-baked pie shell, added canned peaches, some pudding from a container, and generic non-dairy sweet topping, and made a pie in <2 minutes flat (ok, maybe a little longer given the piping skills), but it certainly didn't taste fresh baked, homemade, or made with quality ingredients.  If you go into it wanting and expecting that, it is perfectly fine, but I was really hoping for actual fresh peaches.  Low ***, as it wasn't bad exactly, just, not very good.

Original Review, June 2015

I haven't actually visited any Nation's restaurants, but I got to try a pie when a co-worker brought one in.

Boysenberry Pie.  $9.95.

If you've read my posts about blackberries, and in particular, blackberry pie, you might know where this review is going.  I hate seeds.  And boysenberries have seeds.

But there was much more wrong with this pie than just my non-liking of seeds.

The filling reminded me of ... goo.  It sorta seemed like they just took a jar of jam and put it inside a pie.  It was sweet and well, gooey.  And, of course, loaded with seeds since it was boysenberry.  I really did not like the filling.

But the filling is only one component of a pie.  Even if a filling isn't good, I am more than happy to just devour crust, and this was a double crust pie.  As a crust lover, this made me excited.  Twice the goodness!

Except, the crust was really dry.  It wasn't decadently buttery, but rather oily instead.  I normally steal extra crust from others, and in this case, I didn't even want all of my own crust.

So I didn't enjoy a single thing about this pie. *. $9.95 for a whole fresh pie is a good price though.

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Restauracja Kogel Mogel, Krakow

I was excited when I found out that one of our business dinners was taking place at Restauracja Kogel Mogel, while we were in Krakow.  They had Michelin star at one point, and reviews looked good.

"Fine-dining restaurant with stylish decor presenting refined takes on classic Polish cuisine."

The setting was nice - a rustic building, filled with many different rooms, so it felt fairly private.  The menu was, well, Polish.  

This will be a quick review since I didn't have time during my business trip to write this up or even take notes.  But, the summary is easy: do not recommend.  Very average, if that. 

Service was slow.  Our server upsold every guest on something, somewhat forcefully pushing people to order entree size salads instead of side salads as starters, doubling up orders of shared dishes, etc. The food was all under-seasoned.  Overall, fairly bland, boring food really.  We ordered a large swath of the menu, as every person got an individual starter, and an individual main, AND about 7 other dishes (for a group of 10) that our server pushed on us, so 27 dishes + bread.  We left before dessert, as no one was inspired to try more (even though I liked the sounds of their dessert menu, I had no faith, and knew it would add another hour or so to our already drawn out dining experience ... so I stopped elsewhere on my way back to the hotel to satisfy my sweet tooth).

Asparagus. PLN 52.

"Asparagus, Hollandaise sauce, Bursztyn cheese, cherry tomatoes, truffle oil."

To start, a seasonal offering: asparagus!

I love fresh asparagus.  I love Hollandaise.  I like truffle.  This ...  just fell flat. The asparagus didn't taste fresh and vibrant, it just was there.  The Hollandaise lacked depth and acidity.  It all badly needed seasoning; salt and pepper would go a long way here.  I tasted absolutely zero truffle oil. 

This dish really seemed like someone forgot the final finishing steps of seasoning and drizzling with truffle oil.  Sadness, as these are all things that should have been good.  It also was served cold, which maybe was expected?  **.

Goose Liver Pate. PLN 64.

"Goose liver pâté, wine gel, port jelly, Maldon salt, caramelized brioche."

And then, liver!  Yes!   But ...

Meh.

The caramelized brioche was actually interesting, lightly caramelized, fluffy brioche. ***+.

But the rest again fell flat.  The pate itself was very liver forward, which is good, but it lacked needed salt (despite being a listed ingredient), and there wasn't any on the table.  Very one dimensional.  **.

The wine gel and the port jelly didn't have enough sweetness to really accent the strong liver, and the gel texture was a bit off putting.  **.

The crumble, which I'm not sure what it was, was good.  ***.

Overall, just not very good, particularly compared to the great one we had the night before at Padre.  **+.

Dumplings.  PLN 54.

"Dumplings with white cheese and potatoes, fried onion."

I didn't actually have the vegetarian cheese dumplings pictured here, but rather tried the veal filled ones in mushroom cream sauce (sorry, no photo).  The wrapper was thick and too doughy, the filling just dense.  Cream sauce was ok.  **+.

Bread and Butter.  PLN 16.

The bread arrived after the starters.  Additional fee for bread, which wasn't mentioned when the server suggested we get several for the table.

There were two kinds of bread. I didn't have.

Halibut. PLN 82.

"Halibut fillet, butter sauce, green asparagus, dill olive oil."

Halibut! More asparagus!  Again, things I really generally love.

This ... was another letdown.  Again, lacking any and all seasoning, and none available for me to fix it.

The asparagus was worse than in the salad, as this was over cooked, and flavorless, and greasy.  I didn't taste dill oil, although there was a tiny drizzle of something green and oily.  I don't even like sunddried tomatoes, but found those bits to be the best elements of the dish, as they actually had flavor.  * vegetables.

The halibut itself was cooked ok, but kinda airplane food quality, just poached I think?  Bo-ring.  No crispy skin or redeeming element.  **.

And then, the butter sauce, which truly seemed to be just that.  Butter sauce.  No lemon for acidity, no seasoning, just, butter.  It made the dish strangely rich.  *.

Overall, it honestly tasted like an airplane meal.  Such a letdown.  *.

The vegetarians who got the only vegetarian main dish, stuffed cabbage, were not pleased with theirs either.  Both said it just simply was not good.

Slow Cooked Beef. PLN 86.

"Slow-cooked beef, parsnip purée, wine sauce."

I didn't try this, but the person who got it enjoyed.

Others got a pork chop that seemed to fare better as well.

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Helvetic Airways, WAW-ZRH, Business Class

Flight Details:

• Flight: LX 1343
• Class: Business
• Origin: Warsaw, Warsaw Frederic Chopin (WAW)
• Departing: Friday 17 May 2024 at 9:35AM
• Destination: Zurich, Zurich Airport (ZRH)
• Arriving: Friday 17 May 2024 at 11:35AM

Our inbound aircraft was delayed getting in, but wow, they got people off fast, and turned the plane around in <10 minutes. I was honestly stunned by how fast they got it ready for boarding.  Taxi time was essentially zero, no line for takeoff, runway super close to the gate, made up time in the air, so we didn't arrive all that late (although the connection was still stressful because boarder control lines were crazy long and slow).

Anyway.  No wifi, no power outlets besides USB-A.  Modern enough cabin, layout is 2-2, but with one seat blocked every row in Business, which was quite nice, better than the standard 3-3 with just the middle blocked.  My ears seriously popped both going up and down.  But otherwise, smooth enough flight.

"Breakfast".

Trays were distributed pretty quickly once underway.  "Breakfast?", was the question asked, no choices.  I asked what it was, and the flight attendant told me it was vegetarian.  No further details. It was an adventure through some very random, but relatively tasty items.

Drinks were served from the same cart.  I had my own coffee from the airport, and sparkling water to finish, so I didn't get anything.

Croissant.

After the meal trays were distributed, a basket came by with a choice of bread: brown, white, or croissant.  We were offered butter or several kinds of marmalade. 

I went for the croissant.  It was not warm.  It was clearly not very fresh.  Not flaky.  Generic airline croissant, a poor choice on my part.  I didn't want it. *+.

Vegetarian Adventure.

The main dish was this platter.  I call it an adventure, because, wow, it was.

There was a small grain salad.  A blob on top.  A more mousse-like blob in the middle.  Poached pears.  Radish slices.  Nut crumble.  It was an odd assortment, I don't know what much of it was, but, um, I liked it?  Fairly tasty, and just kinda interesting.  

First up, the small scoop of grains.  They were super flavorful, creamy almost, well cooked with nice texture.  Great level of garlic.  My favorite component.  Somewhat reminded me of the Mendocino Farms cous cous salad that I love.  I wish the scoop was bigger! (And also, this is kinda strange for breakfast ...).  ****.

Next, the blob on top.  Some kind of flavorful, savory aioli.  Didn't seem yogurt based, likely mayo.  It was good, but I wasn't sure what to do with it.  The grains were already creamy, and it didn't seem quite right to just sit there eating aioli by the spoonful.  Good, but, out of place to me.  ***.

The blob in the middle was a mousse I think.  More well set than the blob on top.  Slight cheese flavor?  Lightly savory.  It was fine.  ***.

The poached pears were also fine.  They went well with the mousse blob.  Soft but not mushy, decent flavor.  ***.  The slices of radish just confused me.

And finally, the almond crumble.  This was delicious, provided excellent crunch, and went well with the grains, and the mousse/pears.  ****.

So, overall, pretty enjoyable, not really what I think of as breakfast, and mostly unknown.

Muesli (watermelon?!).

I *love* bircher muesli.  I was so excited when I realized the little pot was bircher.  The pink color made me think it was likely berry infused?  The garnish looked a bit like strawberries, just very ripe one.

I took one bite, and sorta panicked.  Ok, the muesli was actually really awful - complete mush - but the real issue is that I tasted something distinct, that I haven't had in my mouth in a very, very long time.  MELON.  Zomg.  I'm extremely allergic to watermelon, pretty badly allergic to most melons, and absolutely did NOT expect melon in the muesli.  ZOMG.  I spit it out, I washed my mouth out, I tried to calm myself, but, I was pretty terrified.  I had two epi pens with me, but, being on a late flight, with a short connection, and the melon was truly terrifying.  0 stars all around, but it was total mush anyway and not good regardless.

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