the Celery — Restaurant in Portland

This review is not aiming to tear down this new, small business, but hopefully help them improve

I went into The Celery today for my second time to get grain bowls for me and my husband. When I visited for the first time about a month ago, it was clear that an owner or manager was helping at the register, and they knew the ingredients in the food, specifically in their salad dressings. When I went in today, I wanted to order something different than I did last time, so I needed to know about the ingredients again. Both my husband and I are allergic to nuts. I asked the cashier not once, but twice, if there were nuts in the creamy avocado cilantro dressing. She absolutely assured me that there was not. I ordered both bowls and sat down. Once they were ready, a different employee was handing off the bowls, and I wanted to triple check with her that there weren't nuts. Right away she let me know there were absolutely cashews in the dressing. I am glad there was someone working in the shop that was aware of the ingredients, but most people wouldn't have asked a third time. Someone died just yesterday in New York from a very similar situation which is why I asked again. I am very disappointed that this shop's employees aren't aware of what dressings contain the most common allergen in the United States, but even more so with the shop owners for not having that information accessible to customers. There is absolutely no reason that there shouldn't be a sign (at the bare minimum) or preferably an asterisk on the menu to designate what contains nuts and what doesn't. No one would ever assume that an avocado cilantro dressing contains cashews, and most of their other salad dressings do too, but again with no warning whatsoever. In my mind, this is far too dangerous to risk again until they have proper protocols in place. For a restaurant of this style that appears health and diet focused, this really is shocking. I hope they can improve, but I won't be back until then.

*update: I spoke with the owner, Matt, and he was very receptive to the situation and has assured that the signage and menus will be updated accordingly. I'm leaving this review in place, so nut-allergic folks know to proceed with caution in the meantime. I hope to visit again in a few months and have a...

I am deeply grateful for the celery!

We live in a country with an agricultural system that is still dominated by biochemical corporations, their investors, and their pesticide-laden and genetically modified food through the continued oppression of farmers, bribing of politicians, and miseducation of the public, despite the loads of emerging science and data showing the damage of industrial farming and the all-around success of sustainable farming. So when i find a restaurant that goes against the grain and provides people with truly healing food, I will always support them and spread the word.

I work nearby, and usually I bring my own organic food with me to work, but on days when i end up at work without food, i don't have to stress about eating out at a place that's going to wreck my sensitive stomach, because the celery always delivers great organic food! The staff is chill, and the ingredients seem to always be fresh. The smoothie bowls are lovely and the best in town, and i sincerely mean that. The fruit appears to be as fresh as it can be, any time i've had it. I love that the smoothie bowls are still very sweet because it's all fruit, but it's not TOO sweet. Like i don't need cane sugar or syrup in my fruit smoothie bowl lol, that's ridiculous. I'll never understand that. I also think their grain bowls are tasty, considering how gut-friendly they are. I think people with sensitive bodies and taste buds will especially love this place. But also i think there's something for everyone, even if it's just their amazing smoothies! Pro tip if you like saucy livin', add some extra sauce up in them grain bowls....

Amazing find in North Williams neighbourhood. Came here with a group of 8 (5 adults, 3 kids). Food was delivered quickly and looked fabulous. Tasted amazing from the smoothies for the kids to the juices for the adults. The Rain Shadow bowl is AMAZING. Berry Sunny Smoothie was made with oat milk due to an allergy and was fantastic for the kids. Staff were super friendly. Price point was right for healthy eating (server told us everything is organic and cooked in a special oven - no stove top). Decor was clean looking with a light wood outlook and a local artist represented on the walls and windows. Bathroom and kitchen were clean and welcoming. They run recycling for their custom juice bottles. Parking is a little tight but easy access by bus and bike (with bike areas right out front). Totally delicious stop on our Williams...