Tomorrow marks the grand opening of Deb Clark's (of Delish! fame) highly anticipated restaurant in downtown Buffalo. I got a sneak peak at Chop Chop earlier today, and though I had never stepped into the former Theo's space, I did happen to look inside the windows a few times. The transformation from Theo's to Chop Chop is remarkable. The colors alone are enough to make anyone's day. Bright and cheery oranges and yellows pop as soon as you walk through either of the entrances. There are two distinct seating areas (48-person capacity) that are divided by the 4-station counter/kitchen partition.
The idea behind Chop Chop is to bring a different type of menu to downtown workers in a modern cafeteria setting. There is an extensive blackboard menu to the right (Main Street entrance) just before the first station is reached. The salad station is designed so that customers can create their own health conscious meal. The salad choices are virtually limitless. If a salad is not your thing, then maybe station #2, featuring stromboli and wraps, is the way to go. Here, the special ingredients such as the use of Buffalo's own Pete's Lebanese flat bread will turn health nuts into just about everyone. I would imagine that station #3 is going to be one of the most popular stops. That is where the rice and noodle bowls will be found. Choose from lemongrass chicken, sesame shrimp, beef chow fun, or Thai curry tofu... all of the combinations sound delicious. Last lunch stop is the baked goods. Here, customers can grab homemade cookies and cakes before they head back to work or huff it on home.
There is so much more to Chop Chop. At this point, the restaurant will be open from 11am to 3pm... and within a couple weeks Deb plans on opening earlier to catch the breakfast crowd. Coffees and pastries will always be available... and workers will enjoy the 2 O'clock Tune-Up, which includes a huge baked Delish! cookie and a cup of coffee for two buck. A series of soups, local artwork, open kitchen, theatrical lighting, brass railings... Chop Chop looks top-knotch and knowing Deb, the food is going to be out of this world.
When you’re heading downtown tomorrow, don't forget to stop in to check out Chop Chop. Deb has done a smashing job in creating a lunchtime destination on Main Street. Chop Chop - 300 Main Street | 716-852-1018