Santa Monica, CA. 90401
310.587.2777
http://www.TenderGreens.com/
$$($10-$20)
Driving to Santa Monica's Farmers Market on Saturdays always feels like surviving one round of Death Race. What's worse is -- I am always starving when I get there. I can never decide between Nectarines at $3.00/ lb., Strawberries at $13.00/ pint, or a small herb garden for $250.00. Good thing dogs aren't allowed and I was kicked out before depleting my bank account on delicious strawberries and herb gardens.
Just on the other side of the "No Dogs Allowed" sign, I spotted a line of people extending from a doorway. Above them it read: "Tender Greens." I had to see what all the hub-bub was about. Waiting in line is something I hate, but I guess that means the food is good -- right? The yoga class ahead of me is quickly taken care of, either these people knew what they wanted or their service is incredibly efficient, either way, I was at the front fumbling my order in no time at all. Inside I was immediately reminded of the Subway, Chipotle, Qdoba, set-up, just a longer assembly line and happier employees.
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| Mint Lemonade [$3] Housemade Lemonade + Fresh Mint |
Nothing really settles you in on a hot day in Santa Monica like a tall glass of ice cold lemonade. The lemonade is made in-house and has a generous helping of macerated mint floating about. The drink is lightly sweetened and very refreshing, all it's missing is some vodka.
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| Half Order: Rainbow Carrots [$3] Half Order: Asparagus [$3] Roasted Rainbow Carrots + Roasted Asparagus |
Simple Roasted Asparagus and Rainbow Carrots. Veggies are perfectly firm and lightly salted. A perfect side.
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| Backyard Marinated Steak Sandwich [$11]Flank Steak[M. Rare] + Ciabatta + Roasted Peppers + Aioli + Kale Salad |
The Backyard Marinated Steak Sandwich is a hefty serving of steak on a ciabatta, with a light spread of sweet roasted peppers and aioli. Because Tender Greens is an assembly-line style fast food restaurant, all meats are pre-cooked and ready to be cut-up then served. The steak, is more medium than rare and retains a bit of chewiness. Though slightly chewy, the steak is still mighty tasty. The roasted peppers add a sweetness to the sandwich but doesn't detract from the steak. The ciabatta is toasted and absorbs the juices from the meat, roasted peppers, and aioli, successfully integrating and delivering these flavors.
Tender Greens is an assembly line of fresh ingredients, everything is made to order -- kinda like Subway. Unlike Subway, Tenger Greens provides a delicious final product that is well worth the price. Tender Greens is definitely a place where you'd want to get fat.
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