Tender Greens- a chain concept that is not cookie cutter

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog, written by Kirk, ed (from Yuma) and Cathy.  Whenever we feel like it.  Today, Cathy feels like it.

Hi.  If you have been to Liberty Station-( the old Naval Training Center- where part of Top Gun was filmed), you have probably seen the Trader Joe's, the very cool Vons (you enter in a courtyard/open roof area and then go inside to the left for more or less  prepared foods and to the right for more or less groceries- with an extensive adult beverage area), the Starbucks, Sammy's, Panera, La Salsa, as well as The Rock Church and High Tech High.

If you go to the Southern side of the main complex, you'll see on the other side of the fountain,

The overhead sign, and then walking down a long corridor, you'll see

 The smaller overhead sign and the entrance door around the corner.

Step inside, and there is a menu overhead, where you can peruse the offerings (including daily specials in the center bottom  portion)

Basically, the mains are either $5 or $10, with and without protein and then there are a few variables (soup of the day, hot plates, sandwiches).

You order right there, as you see above, and then walk along the line, seeing orders being made...

Varieties of lettuces, dressings, toppings.

Fresh and grilled vegetables...

and flank steak, chicken and seared ahi tuna

Everything is assembled in front of you and at the end of the line, where you can order beverages (including wine) and a choice of desserts.  You pay here.  

Then you find a seat.

  There is an interior area and an outside eating area. It is clean, modern and there are plenty of tables.

This is the $5 baby spinach salad, with goat cheese, hazelnuts and served with a cabernet vinaigrette.

This is the Grilled Chicken Cobb ($10).  It is made with Romaine, Point Reyes blue cheese, Heritage bacon (thick, large cubes of the cooked smoked, deep flavored bacon), avocado, egg, tomato and the dressing is not very garlic-y.

The plates are given to you on these -jelly roll pans, and the water glasses are just so nice.  

The Nicoise Tuna Salad ($10) is plentiful, with green beans, olives, capers, potato, tomatoes and the teensy egg you see there, topped with a sherry vinaigarette.  The tuna is cooked rare and is tender and very, very good, the topping on the tuna is light and parsley-oil based.  

The hot plate of flank steak, yukon gold mashed potatoes and side salad (this one Romaine with Caesar dressing) ($10) was perfectly seasoned and *really* good.

Yes, technically it is a chain -possibly franchised since the website shows different menu items (especially desserts are listed as being made by someone's mom and change daily).  There are only three locations (here, Culver City and West Hollywood).  The food is done extremely well.  Maybe when we aren't full, dessert will be chosen and included in another post.

Tender Greens, Liberty Station Marketplace, 2400 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego 92106 (619)226-6254   Website

  

Comments

[Rosa]

I've been to the Culver City location several times and while it was good, I felt it was a little overpriced for what you got. I've never gotten a craving to go back but it is a popular joint with the lunch crowd out there and I always enjoy my food...love the seared ahi. I do like the fact that it's a healthier option but my brain n' tummy always asks me "Why pay for that leafy green stuff when you could have a yummy Honey Kettle fried chicken a few doors down?" And I can't quite hear my waistline protesting against them...

[Carol]

Funny,the Mister and I were just at LS for lunch on Friday. We ended up at Sushiya. It was the first time at LS for me. I'll have to mention this place to him for the next time we meet for lunch.

[nhbilly]

Looks so fancy for a franchise and from $5-$10 bucks it seems like a bargain. I guess my only complaint just by the looks of the picture and from Rosa's comment - where is the beef?

[Cathy]

Comparing salad to Honey Kettle Fried chicken is kind of unfair, Rosa. I know what I'd pick... Anyhow, since it is a franchise, maybe the CC location is (or was) cutting back on the portion sizes. I find the portions to be just right from the San Diego branch (no leftovers but don't leave hungry).

Small world, Carol! That's when we were there...right down the hall.

It is fancy and the corresponding prices are not bad, Bill. The protein portion is about 6 ounces:normal but not oversized. Only the spinach salad had no protein..you can see the chicken, tuna and flank steak in the photos.

[caninecologne]

hi cathy!
great post - i've been to tender greens twice and liked it both times - i had the angus flank steak...i just wish they'd serve it with some sort of sauce or gravy! the portions are just right as well. : )

[ed (from Yuma)]

I've read about this place - but it's always nice to see the photos. Plus I like your explanations.

[Cathy]

Hi CC-It was quite tasty without the gravy...even the potatoes. I didn't feel the need to add salt or pepper. Must try the rest of the menu...

Thanks, ed. I try :)

[Janfrederick]

We used to frequent a place that was very similar in Palo Alto called Pluto's about 10 years ago. They only had seared beef or grilled chicken though from what I remember. The rosemary bread was amazing though. I wonder if that place is still around?

[Alice Q. Foodie]

Luuurve this place. Had a red velvet cupcake on my last visit and it was life changing - as was the fresh corn soup. I also had a halibut special with white beans (with bacon)that was wonderful. On a technical note - is it actually a franchise or a mini chain? I don't know but it can make a difference, since franchises are independently owned and operated.

[Cathy]

There is a Pluto's (it is vegetarian) at 482 University Ave in Palo Alto, JanFrederick...but Liberty Station is closer.

Hi Alice! Only because each location uses local in season produce, and makes their own desserts (not following a standard recipe) opposed to items provided by 'corporate', I assume it is franchised out. The other day, I sat a table away from owner-types who were discussing aspects of the LS location, as well as taste testing those Asian dumplings you see on the cookie trays on the other side of the counter in the photo with tomatoes in the foreground. In any case, I love it here too. Great fresh food at reasonable prices.

[Tastymealsathome]

We eat at Tender Greens all the time! The concept isn't really that unique but all the food tastes fresh and delicious! Could it be that they use only organic and self-farmed greens? Glad you enjoyed it, the flank steak is really good!

[Keahi Pelayo]

Are they a franchise, if so, when will they be coming to Honolulu?
Aloha,
Keahi

[Cathy]

It is a wonderful place, TMAH. I like the idea of local fresh foods at reasonable prices. Kind of like how I eat at home without having to have all the ingredients to satisfy each of us.

Hi Keahi. The third location opened only 3 months ago (first location opened 3 years ago), so, the economy combined with the concept of local fresh items and complicated state laws, it'll take a while for a Hawaii location. Easier to fly over and try it!

[Brother of Cathy]

Is this near the place where the Mr., you, I and DB had that extravagant pizza and other pasta ? I remember a Von's and TJ's

[Cathy]

Bingo! www.sammyspizza.com I didn't do a post on it though. I will. Mom got some spumoni ice cream at Krogers today. (:

[James]

I love this place and really like the Chinese Chicken salad. Be careful if you go at lunch during the week...this place gets hella crowded!

[Cathy]

Hi again, James. I worked this area on Election Day in May and could not get in for my break...Crazy busy on a Tuesday. Oddly, I have not tried the Chinese Chicken Salad. But I will!

[sawyer]

this place looks pretty good and the prices seem pretty fair. i've been craving fresh choice lately, but these pictures def. top FC by a hundredfold =p i hope they will make one closer to me here

[Cathy]

It is a pretty good deal, Sawyer, although Fresh Choice looks interesting also. The Culver City location of TG is a bit closer for you.

[RT]

I gotta say, your pictures make Tender Greens look pretty great, Cathy. It's officially being added to my list of restaurants to try.