I have been enjoying wraps from HOUSE at Burlap & Bean for months now, and finally had to check out the place that all those fabulous and healthy sandwiches were coming from. It's pretty easy to find on Jackson Street in bustling downtown Media, and relatively easy to find a parking spot. I passed a sign on the corner of Jackson and State letting me know I was getting warm. We went at lunchtime and it was total chaos. Standing room only. If ever a place needed an expansion project, House is it. There are a half dozen tables jammed into the tiniest of spaces inside. Outside on the sidewalk, there are four small tables with chairs, but this place needs more room! It's very popular, and I can see why. It took me a couple of minutes to get to the front of the line, where all the menus were. They had big blackboards behind the counter that I assumed were for specials and menu items but they were totally blank. By the time I go to the front of the line, there was a long line of people behind me and I felt really cramped and rushed, with only a few moments to look at a menu.
So, here's how it works: you order, grab your drink from the refrigerated case, and find a seat, if you can. They bring your food to you, and when you are done, you go back, stand in line and pay. I wasn't a big fan of this system. I did come at a very busy time,
though. Regardless of the cramped quarters, House still manages
to shine. Today I tried
The Lightweight: Roasted squash, red peppers, mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette. For some reason, I thought I was ordering a wrap, but instead out came a panini. It was delicious. Better than the wraps I love. 
The kids each ordered
The Maxwell: mini sized grilled cheese with a side of organic sliced apples. Each plate had a half a grilled cheese, with some thin organic apple slices. It doesn't look like much food, but it was enough for my kids.
Unfortunately, for Vegans, everything listed on the menu has either cheese or meat. Of course, since it is all made in house, I am sure that the staff can prepare most items sans meat and cheese. Many of the choices are so stuffed full of flavor and vegetables, that you really would not miss the cheese.
Five of the thirteen Paninis on the menu were "Vegetarian-Friendly", as noted. A couple of the Grilled Cheese sandwiches on the menu had meat, but they too were mostly vegetarian. Three of the seven Salads were Vegetarian-Friendly. There is also a Tomato soup, and Soup of the Day. The menu is seasonal, and does change regularly. House uses Locally Farmed Greens, Organic Produce, and Fair Trade items. The staff makes everything on the premises, so it doesn't get any fresher than this! I complain sometimes about prices, but the three of us had a great lunch at House for less than $22, with beverages. Not too shabby. I'll be back!
www.eatathouse.com
