Chop Chop - Downtown's Healthy Lunch Spot
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
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Comment Options
ChristaSeychew
I have respect for any restaurateur willing to open something new and different to Downtown's lunch crowd. Congratulations to Deb; I can't wait to check it out.
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nascarinbuffalo
While the tranformation might be remarkable, one thing remains from the Theo days: the infestation of rats right outside the Cathedral Place entrance. My suggestion to Deb is that she use whatever influence she has to get this problem remedied.
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clasicgrl
Cant wait to check it out! MMMMMM....noodle bowls!!!
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Quinn
I had the pleasure of trying Chop Chop Friday night with some friends. We each tried a little of several things and we were very impressed. I had the Thai curry tofu dish. You have the option of noodles or rice. I highly recommend having any of the Station #3 items with the rice. Deb told me she found it while on a trip to Napa and she is now receiving shipments directly. The rice is interesting and nutty and soaked up the flavour of the sauce beautifully. There were large hunks of beets and broccoli. My friend Gail had the sesame ginger option with noodles and very large grilled shrimp. Loved it.
I tasted the other Station 3 options and they were really different and tasty. They come in a great Chinese take out style boxes, so you may be able to avoid having to cook dinner later. That's a plus.
I also had the pumpkin soup (it was a cold night, so I did not try the salad items although they looked very fresh). It had a little spicy kick to it. It was different and really hearty. I also tasted the chili, which was really flavourful and better than any I have had in Bflo.
The strombolis were very good too. I think I liked the chicken cordon bleu the most.
Deb also has developed low fat cookies that are just as good as some “full-fat” varieties. If you want to counter the healthy options you had for lunch, she also had her beautiful desserts there.
I am just so pleased that there are more options downtown for lunch. It is a great sign.
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sbrof
ohhhh looking forward to some rice and noodles... :) Can't wait. Too bad my job isn't in downtown anymore. :(
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KTSYumBuffalo
I just returned from Chop Chop for lunch, it is fantastic! I had a wrap and one of the Delish's cookies. Deb and everyone who works there are extremely helpful and nice. It's great to have another luck option dowtown and I think it will do well.
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fredrico
Debbie,
Thank you for the fabulous lunch. The salads and stromboli were delicious!! Great food, great atmosphere and friendly staff. We will all be back. Susan, Lucia, Amanda, Denise
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Jules
Quinn,
You said you visited the restaurant on a Friday night? So they will be open beyond lunch hours? The article doesn't mention dinner hours....
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Quinn
Jules
Friday night was an "dry run" opening by invitation. She will only be open the day hours. She has not ruled out evening hours however. With more and more folks living downtown, I'm sure they can address it with Deb personally. She's that kind o' girl.
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jfab
Thanks for the review Quinn. Can't wait to try Chop-Chop sometime very soon. Does anyone know how the prices are?
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DelishDish
I just wanted to thank everyone for all the good wishes and an amazing first day! To jfab...if you would like a complete list of menu items as well as the prices, visit our site www.ChopChopOnMain.com. Oh yea, Q, you rock! -Debbie
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wizardofza
I haven't tried this place yet, but this looks like one of those culinary amenities that will help make downtown a more attractive place to work. Luckily it's only a few blocks from where I work.
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tommyBluez
Any plans of being open Saturdays for lunch?
Unfortunately, I'm one of the 'reverse commuters' that has to trek to Amherst for work everyday... I wish there were places like this & Washington Market & Globe.... around my work here. They only have the shitty chain places like Panera (awful!.) Sometimes I trek downtown and order for everyone at work, but with traffic, etc. I end up taking an hour back and forth plus time to eat and a chunk out of my day. (Though its worht it) -- anyways --- any plans to be open Saturdays? You're place sounds great; and since I'm off saturdays Globe & WM are already some of my favorites to go to that I can't during the week.
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annemurph
stopped for lunch today and had one of the noodle bowls - was very tasty but I do think that $11 is a lot for 4 shrimp and noodles with a few other minimal additions. I have no issues paying for good food, but I think you could get a little more food for what you pay for. The place looks great though and being that there are only so many lunch options in downtown, will probably be back to try other options...
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ntdrew
Went to lunch there today as well. I agree the prices are way too high for a lunch spot! I also ordered a noodle bowl and a drink and it came to over $12. Too much for such a small meal! 4 shrimp and a halfway full container of noodles does not equal $12 in Buffalo's market.
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urbandweller
I happen to disagree with the majority of comments. The price of food downtown is notoriously high -- and the quality is less than inspiring. Choosing lunch options is one of the most irritating parts of the day, rather than a moment of relief from the office. However, Chop Chop breaks the mold, with healthy and appetizing options each day, and the special noodle bowls tend to be as good or better than what is on the original menu. While the food may be a bit more expensive than the hot dog stand on the corner, you can get a noodle bowl in a line ten deep in three minutes, and the portions are more than enough. The staff is extraordinarliy helpful, and incredible efficient. All in all, well worth $12.
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