PUMP Energy Food

I was recently invited to sample the newly redesigned, revamped PUMP up on 40th and Madison.  I had a lovely chat with one of the PR people for PUMP while we sipped on smoothies and noshed on some yummy food.

The redesigned space, though I hadn’t been there before, felt very open, airy.  I loved the super high ceilings and how clean the place felt; apparently, previously it had been covered in posters of bodybuilders, to encourage the idea of healthy eating… though that seems a bit disturbing to me.

The basic concept of PUMP is an excellent one: eat healthy while still on the go.  You don’t have to think about what you’re putting in your body because someone else is making sure it’s of the highest quality, lower salt, lower fat, and yummy as well!  Everything is freshly made (as fresh as it’s possible), when you order it.

I started off with the Mocha Rocket, (small: $4.10) a blend of coffee, milk, and chocolate whey protein.  Yup- there’s even body-rebuilding protein in a chocolate shake!  You can add in more protein or choose from a bunch of yummy extras, including acai, creatine, Greek yogurt, soy protein, even peanut butter, each with their own add-in price.  My choice had a very creamy mouth-feel, despite the fact that it was made with skim milk and nonfat yogurt (along with ice, of course).  The chocolate flavor was pleasant and not chalky, nor was it overwhelmingly chocolate and in your face.  Not a bad choice; something that tastes like I need to run a couple of miles to make up for it, but is actually not bad for me. 

I chose the New York sandwich as my main, with chicken (white meat, of course).  Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, hummus in a whole wheat twist- and we know how much I love hummus, right?  For $7.10, the sandwich was a decent size, about average or what you’d expect.  I wasn’t sure how to eat it (I’ve actually never eaten a burrito…) so I cut into it.

While pleasant enough to eat- enough flavor- I wished there’d been more hummus inside or more tomatoes at this end.  I really do not like dry foods at all, and my sandwiches tend towards the excessive spread/crunchy vegetables to contrast and make it more pleasant. 

However, as I ate further down the sandwich, I discovered that it was quite tasty, and had more than enough of everything.  It was just the ends that were lacking and inconsistent with the center of the wrap.  Yummy!

Because I’d never heard of baked falafel before, I had to order a side of it to try ($2.45, four pieces).  I was really excited because falafels themselves are known to be healthy and protein-packed, but deep frying them kind of negates a lot of the healthy effects.  I have to say, I was really, really disappointed with this one.  They felt over-fried, to be honest, super hard and dense, almost like hockey pucks.  Flavorless, too, I know they try to use less salt here, but it could have used more seasoning, a better mixture.  I’m all about flavorful foods that are low in calories or fat, pumping up the flavor by using lots of fresh herbs and seasonings.  This hadn’t had that benefit applied here, unfortunately. 

Super dense cross section.  Boo.  I think this could be improved greatly and would taste much better.  Since I’ve never made falafel, I can’t say as to how to improve it except that it was lacking all the falafel goodness flavor, and the texture was way off, overdried and too dense.

I have to say, despite the flop that the falafel was, I am still excited to hear that they plan on opening a PUMP closer to where I work (wayyy downtown) sometime this year.  Though I don’t go out to eat lunch that often, on those days when I just can’t get it together enough to pack a bento, it is really nice to know that there are still healthy and affordable options out there.  Not just good- good for you is the whole idea. 

Food that makes you feel good….. indeed.

Yvo says: I love the concept and I think given a little bit of time to iron out the kinks, rework the falafel recipe, this place will become a go-to place for lunch for many- those who want to eat healthy without having to think about it.  It achieves its goal and isn’t overly pretentious about it, which I love, and is affordable.  Some of the dishes are hit or miss, but I wouldn’t mind going back to try some more!
recommended

275 Madison Avenue;
Multiple locations