From the Roots Up, a concept offering vegetarian soul food, has opened in the Bubble Noodle strip mall space on Alma School between Southern and U.S. 60 in west Mesa.
In a somewhat confusing situation, Bubble Noodle debuted earlier this year as a noodle bar but morphed into more of a boba tea shop. It then hosted a vegetarian ramen pop-up by Valley chef Jared Lupin over the summer.
During the Labor Day weekend, Bubble Noodle hosted the soft opening of From the Roots Up as a pop-up eatery. Now, FTRU is dishing its creative soul food out of the space from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Pulled barbecue jackfruit, available in sandwiches or tacos, is the signature menu item. Others temptations include deep-fried chipotle cauliflower tacos (pictured), veggie Philly sandwiches, and curry veggie and rice bowls.
The menu is somewhat limited for now, but about 40 items are planned.
Local artists are invited to hang their pieces on the walls, and the restaurant hosts open-mic nights for local performers.
