There is a new Copper Branch location in the Plus 15 of the Suncor Energy Centre, downtown Calgary. I was happy to see a healthier option for ‘fast food’ since so many options are pretty standard. I love my Vietnamese vermicelli with chicken and a spring roll, but sometimes I want something a little less noodle-y.
I’ve made my way to Copper Branch a few times now, and I’ve even downloaded their app on my phone to get points because I know I’ll be a regular customer. They also take AMEX so I’m contributing to my future travels, collecting points on my credit card (woot!).
My first time to Copper Branch I ordered the Aztec bowl. Honestly, it’s a little overwhelming looking through the menu board when you’re not super familiar with all the vegan options and healthy lingo. It may be worth your while to look at the website before you go, so you know what you’re going to order in advance. I got the large Aztec bowl with brown rice and veggie keftedes. For $14.25 the dish was hearty and full of flavour and texture. Some people might say that $14.25 is expensive for ‘fast food’ but you could get the smaller size, and also – you’re always going to pay more money for nutritious food. To note, the veggie keftedes were kind of like falafels but not as good.
Next, I hit up the restaurant for breakfast… it was one of those mornings when nothing seemed to go well after I hit snooze too many times! I didn’t have time to eat breakfast if I wanted to catch the last bus, so I planned to grab food at work. I ordered the tofu scramble wrap for $8. It was ugly, but surprisingly delicious. I usually avoid tofu because it’s a soy based product, but eating it once in a while isn’t going to kill me. Personally I think the wrap was a bit overpriced, but again (sadly), you’re going to pay a premium for healthy food.
Two people had recommended the Copper Burger ($9.75) – a beet-based burger. It was definitely a beety patty, but it didn’t taste like I was biting into a beet. The patty had a good texture and all together the burger, on a kamut bun, hit the spot. I was craving something unhealthy (yay, stress!) but I made a healthy choice and I was happy I did. I would definitely be happy to eat the beet burger again, but next time I think I’ll try the black bean burger.
I ordered a side of copper cubes (oven roasted potatoes) for $3.95 but they were out of potatoes (I was told after I paid for the order) so they subbed sweet potato cubes instead. The sweet potato cubes were oven roasted to tender and seasoned nicely, with a kick of heat. The regular serving of potatoes/sweet potatoes is actually too much. They should offer a small size so that it is a decent sized side to a burger.
My overall experience at this location has been good from the food perspective but my observations of how the restaurant is run seems a little chaotic. Every order I’ve made triggers questions from one staff to another about what to do and how to do it, and I’m honestly surprised that in the end I get what I ordered. I hope they streamline their process or better train their staff soon. And, I will avoid it during any big rush I think.
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