Clever concept

A new, fast, casual concept restaurant called Citrine has just opened in Redwood City. What's new and different about this concept restaurant is that its owner is not some inspired yet undercapitalized entrepreneur, but Safeway! No, Citrine is not in a foodservice section of an existing supermarket -- it is a stand alone concept.

The experience
It essentially cafeteria style -- so you stand in line, place your order, serve yourself coke or iced tea and then grab a seat. They give you this gadget card thing when you order that you place in the thingamajiggy on your table that notifies the staff where you are sitting so that they can bring the food to you.

The restaurant caters to busy dash and diners. If you want, you can order your food online and pick it up.

The atmosphere
The atmosphere is cute and vibrant! It's a peppy, perky little place. Booth and table seating is available and the booths come equipped with electrical outlets so that you can plug in your laptop.

The decor is modern, yet comfortable.

The food
The food is called "world-bistro." It is fresh and high quality and everything we saw coming out of the kitchen looked good. The menu is divided up by region (Pacific Rim, Mediterranean, Latin & Caribbean, American and New World) and every region is represented by entrees, sandwiches, soups, salads, side orders and desserts. Menu items include everything from grilled Asian pork loin, to Italian pizzas to Jamaican grilled shrimp. A wide selection of selection of the world's wines, beers, coffees and teas are also offered. In addition, there's a cute children's menu with enticing items such as Ninja Stir Fry.

The service
The staff was awesome! Numerous nametag-clad cheery individuals stopped by to check on us and see if we wanted to order anything else or if they could refill our beverages.

The price
Everything on the menu is reasonably priced with entrees ranging from $8.99 to $13.99. And, if you can believe it, they do NOT accept. Tips. I repeat, THEY DO NOT ACCEPT TIPS! Apparently any and all tips left on the table are donated to the local food bank.

The company
Could not be beat!