Review of SŌW Plated

I dined at SŌW Plated recently with my friends and we had a good experience, for the most part. I have several dietary restrictions beyond GF, and our server made sure that everything I ordered was safe.

I knew I was already getting charged an extra $3 for a gluten-free bun (a common practice that I disagree with but we GF-ers have unfortunately come to accept). However, I didn’t expect to be charged an extra $5 for substituting a side. (I couldn’t eat the hummus/pita chips due to onion/wheat nor the salad due to certain leaf lettuces). I was never informed that the broccolini would be extra, and it really shouldn’t have been given I have no control over having food allergies. My friends agreed that they understood it to be a substitution and NOT a side dish with an additional charge. I didn’t realize this until I later saw my email receipt (side note: we were only told a total at the table and were not able to review the charges before paying, which seems sneaky, untypical, and definitely not preferred).

I had to order my sandwich without several ingredients that it usually comes with, so I was already overpaying for the dish. Yes, the 2 pieces of broccolini were “only” $5, but the principle of the matter is what bothers me. For one small appetizer, a GF bun with simple grilled chicken, 2 pieces of broccolini, tax, and tip, the total was $50!

When I emailed them about this experience, I got a rather rude reply:

“Thank you for your feedback on your experience. We will absolutely speak with the staff to remind them the importance of informing guests of any additional charges for modifications they have to make to dishes, but I'm not exactly sure you're upset about the fact you weren't informed about the charges, or the fact that the charges exist at all. While we offer substitutions and extremely flexible options for guests from all walks of life and dietary restrictions, our concept is based on the diet that science has proven to help and support brain health and mental wellness, not allergies or dietary inclusion focused. Fortunately, the diet is a plant-forward diet that aligns well with a lot of the common allergens, but that's more of a coincidence, than an emphasis… Cheers! Louis C. Hatzipetrakos”

His attitude about food allergies/dietary restrictions and people who have no choice over their condition(s) is appalling. The situation left a bad impression and I will not be back, neither will my 4 friends (who are not GF).

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies
• Reservations recommended