Five on Black

Healthy, gluten-free, fast lunch.

"Take the titillating taste of Brazil and mix it with a scintillating slice of carnival. It's happiness in a bowl." That is Five on Black's online introduction to the world. Setting some pretty serious expectations there! But after having visited on several occasions for lunch, I have to agree- it really is happiness in a bowl. Five on Black has a very similar layout to Chipotle, with the lunch assembly-line setup, but instead of burritos Five on Black’s bowls burst with the bold flavors of their creative ingredients- like savory collard greens and sweet potato. The sauces further pack a savory punch and complement each one of the other ingredients in the bowl. Garnishes at the end of the lunch line include avocado, cilantro, limes and a powder that most people with celiac would look at with suspicion. But fear not! It is farofa, which is simply toasted cassava flour combined with a mixture of spices including salt, black pepper, onion, garlic, and chive. Complement your bowl with Pao de Queijo, Brazilian cheese bread, or a Brazilian coffee cookie (both gluten-free), and you have one solid lunch plan. There are locations in Denver and Boulder- the Denver restaurant is just east of the 16th street mall on California, and the Boulder one is in the strip mall on the northeast side of 28th and Canyon Blvd.
​http://www.fiveonblack.com/