There are very few things that can get me out of bed earlier than 8 am, but when you put the words ‘breakfast’ and ‘free’ together I’m there. Tomorrow and Wednesday from 7 am – 9:30 am Roots will continue giving out free, yes free, servings of their new breakfast options. Needless to say I got out of bed bright and early today to get my free taste.

Roots

Photo by Jacqueline O’Reilly

Despite how horrible this might look, the line went very quickly. However, a word of advice: if you have an early morning class get to Roots at opening. Never underestimate the College’s love for breakfast; this pic was taken only thirty minutes after opening.

Roots

Photo by Jacqueline O’Reilly

So you may ask: was getting up early and waiting twenty minutes worth a Roots breakfast bowl? The answer: hell yes.

Like their salads, you get to choose from a base and, in this case, four topping options. As a base, you can pick from either steel cut oatmeal or chia seed yogurt. For toppings there is the option of fruit: apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, raisins, and coconut shavings; and the option of nuts: pecans or walnuts.

Last, but not least, you can choose to top your creation with either cinnamon, honey or both. This morning I chose to get the yogurt base with blueberries, strawberries, apples, walnuts and both cinnamon and honey.

Roots

Photo by Cailin Diberto

Neither the oatmeal nor the yogurt option was particularly sweet. I don’t have a big sweet tooth in the morning, so the sweetness that came from the honey and fruit was perfect. However, if you know you like a little bit more than just that natural sweetness, you may want to ask for an extra drizzle or two of honey. Overall, the bowl was super filling and they didn’t skimp on portions of fruit or nuts at all.

Roots

Photo by Collette Block

So, final words on Roots as a breakfast option: go, you’ve likely done way dumber things than get up early for a delicious free meal.