Review: Mixed impressions at Peoples Organic

I had eagerly anticipated visiting Peoples Organic for years. Known as a successful chain with a stellar reputation, it came highly recommended by a friend as her favorite lunch spot. My expectations were high. After perusing the menu online and being enticed by the promise of fresh ingredients and a decaf latte, I was ready to dive into the experience.

Meeting my friend on a picturesque September morning at 11 a.m., the location was easy to find, with a spacious and mostly empty parking lot. To my surprise, there was a drive-thru option, a feature I had yet to learn about but appreciated, especially in the age of COVID-19.

Upon entering the restaurant, I immediately noticed the contrast between the dark lighting and the vibrant rainbow flag on the chalkboard. The latter advertised a happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays, featuring starters, flatbread, beer, wine, and the price of their coffee beans ($11 a pound at the time).

The glass counter showcased an array of mouth-watering options, from cinnamon rolls to vegan brownie bars and blueberry scones. Even the vegan and gluten-free choices looked delectable. This was slightly overshadowed by signs announcing the need for a barista, cashier, and front-of-house supervisor — a detail that would become more significant later.

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Opting for a decaf caramel latte and the rosemary potato flatbread, my initial experience was positive, warranting a 5 out of 5 rating.

However, my enthusiasm dwindled when I received my latte. As a seasoned consumer of specialty coffees for over 20 years, I can confidently say this drink was not made correctly. Despite ordering a caramel latte, it tasted overly chocolatey — a deviation from the norm. Additionally, serving it in a glass instead of a mug or cup that retains heat was a letdown.

Sitting outside on the patio with my friend, the neat and clean environment couldn’t salvage the fact that my coffee cooled too quickly as I awaited my flatbread. Though the food was average, featuring fresh ingredients, the flavor profile erred on the side of bland — far from deserving a raving review.

In conclusion, Peoples Organic left me with mixed impressions. While the atmosphere and menu presented promise, the disappointing latte and mediocre flatbread brought the overall experience down a notch. It’s a spot with potential, but improvements in both beverage preparation and flavor infusion are necessary for a more satisfying visit.

Peoples Organic in Eden Prairie is located at the corner of Valley View Road and Prairie Center Drive. It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Do you have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at Rachel.Engstrom@eplocalnews.org.