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Photo by Stephanie Breijo
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A Vietnamese bowl over quinoa, with fried egg added (Photo by Stephanie Breijo)
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Add a side of chili or mac 'n' cheese at the new restaurant. (Photo by Stephanie Breijo)
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A Vietnamese broth bowl (Photo by Stephanie Breijo)
Festival food fixture Goatocado finally found a space of its own, and after more than a year of renovation and planning, it opens its doors in The Fan on Tuesday. The local fast-casual chain has been bringing its build-your-own bowls, smoothies and teas to farmers markets, music festivals and local retailers such as Ginger Juice and Carytown Bicycle Co. since the company's first cart launch in April of 2011, but on Oct. 25, it opens its first brick-and-mortar location.
In April 2015, co-founder Ian Newell told us of his intentions to lighten up the space, and he made good on his plans: The 1,400-square-foot restaurant at 1823 W. Main St. now features white tile; sleek, backlit wood accents; and an open patio bordered by shamrocks, herbs and wood. The bright, modern simplicity complements the menu. Find the trademark Goatocado bowls in a variety of flavors such as Japanese (dried seaweed, bell pepper, edamame, cucumber, carrots, green onions, cashews and ginger dressing), Italian (cannellini beans, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, seared squash, fresh herbs, roasted Brussels sprouts and Parmesan) and Vietnamese (portabella mushrooms, pickled vegetables, red cabbage, cucumber, peanut sauce, carrot aïoli and avocado), all at $8.75, then choose a base of naan and baby greens, mac 'n' cheese, or organic quinoa and baby greens. Also on the menu is a "BROTHS" section, comprised of two wheat- or rice-noodle soups: Thai and Vietnamese, each at $8.25 per bowl, each with add-ons such as soft-boiled eggs, portabella mushrooms, organic grilled chicken, fried egg or charred jalapeños. Eventually, the restaurant hopes to offer local beer on draft.
An open kitchen provides a window into how your food is made with ingredients such as Shenandoah Valley Organics chicken from Harrisonburg or Pair-a-Dice Farm eggs out of Lunenburg. And, much like it does in its food stands and carts, the restaurant will use recyclable and compostable utensils and other items. The new Goatocado will be closed on Mondays but open throughout the rest of the week, and of course you can still find the popular bowls, smoothies and teas at the brand's other outposts, carts and catering operations around town.
Goatocado is located at 1823 W. Main St. and opens Tuesday, Oct. 25.
