Apple Spice Junction — Restaurant in Virginia

I attended a function today that was catered by Apple Spice. I have mixed feelings about the lunch box I chose. This is my first time hearing about them, and I can say I am impressed with their packaging. I have had many catered meals; the carboard boxes they use here are perfect, if not over the top. Sturdy and survived the day, even the ride home. The “club” sandwich was just okay, nothing wrong with it, but nothing good either. Just a plain sandwich that appeared to have a slice removed for some reason. Please use bags, that plastic wrap is attrocious. The micro-cup of “sandwich spread” was bland… verging on being better if it had not been included. The cookie was over the top sweet. Almost inedible. The dill pickle spear, while tasty, was very aromatic. I know this because the tiny ziploc bag they put it in, along with a comparable amount of brine, broke open in my travels. My truck now smells like a pickle jar. To me there are worse smells… but still. I am unsure what it will smell like after an afternoon in 90° heat. Should be very pleasant indeed.

Now for the real issue. I am not sure what attempt at cuteness someone was going for with the included side. I have eaten in all 50 states, 4 continents and 26 foreign nations. Food from all walks of life. Never have I encountered something with a name so unappetizing as “FROG EYE SALAD”. Not sure what it is supposed to be, noone at the event had ever heard of it, my wife had not, my 84 year old southern mother in law hadn’t. And none wanted to even attempt it. I am not usually squeemish when it comes to food… but this… a whole ‘nother level. I did what everyone one else likely did. Threw it away Chips would have better. Just seeing “FROG EYE SALAD” on the box made me want to rethink eating anything. Just…NO!! Please stop. As a side note… a real napkin would have been nice too. I truly hope someone who cares actually reads this and makes a change or two.

Edit/update:

A few of us actually did attempt the aforementioned “FROG EYE SALAD”. The comments ranged from “ewwww”, “that’s disgusting”, and my wife spit it back out. As for me, it is easily the most vile substance I have put in my mouth in many years, and I was in Cambodia last year. Approach with caution. This substance is odd… at best. The most difficult thing for me is not being able to say anything positive about it; save it being free to me....

For our first in-person meeting for my business group since COVID, the director chose Apple Spice Junction for our box lunches. Several of us had the avocado BLT. It was delicious. The soft bread didn't quite stand up to the massive amount of food that was stuffed between the two layers but the bread was quite flavorful. I "managed" by cutting the sandwich into quarters. The bacon was perfectly cooked and I had to remove a layer of tomatoes and lettuce (leaving plenty of each) because there was so much! The special sandwich sauce was delicious (I'd buy that for home use), the pickle was crisp, and the bag of chips went quickly. I found the pasta had a bit of a heavy vinegar taste, however, no one in the room complained. I am not a sweet eater but the chocolate chip cookie had huge chunks of chocolate in it and was very good. The entire lunch was packed well. I wish there was a store close to where I live. I'd get these on a regular basis. I want an excuse to return to Richmond so I can...

HORRIBLE customer service! Me and a co-worker ordered about a minute apart, I called as soon as he hung up from placing his order. I got there and saw 2 bags sitting on their counter because, well, you can see inside! My co-worker pulled up maybe 2 minutes after me and his food (one of the two bags) was brought out to him immediately. Mine was not. The woman went back inside and stood at the counter doing whatever for another 10 minutes ignoring the second bag of food. I finally called to see if I needed to come in to get my food and I watched the woman ignore my call! She ignored my call 3 times! I was sitting there watching her the whole time! I sat in their parking lot for 20 minutes before she came outside with my food and a major attitude. And my food was THE BAG THAT WAS ON THE COUNTER THE WHOLE TIME. I work in the building next door and my entire lunch break was wasted being ignored by their rude employee. This was my first and last time eating here....