I recently visited Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop after seeing all my friends check in there on Facebook. I was confused. Is it a steak house? But “greenleaf” sounds vegetarian. All of my questions were answered when I walked inside and perused the menu.
The simplest way to explain Greenleaf is “a fast casual version of True Food Kitchen”. The restaurant is beautiful and embodies the ‘green’ look throughout.
There is a little store connected to the dining room where you can find sauces, olive oil, and other gourmet food on the shelves. There are pre-packed sandwiches in the refrigerator case for those on the run. Gourmet coffee and teas are also available here.
We were here in the day time so breakfast was being served. We also were able to try some lunch items as well.
Mexplosion Omelet ($9) is perfect for those wanting something healthy. An egg white omelette, with black beans, corn salsa, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno jack cheese and avocado, this vegetarian dish is tasty and filling. You can always add meat to it for an extra charge.
The Breakfast Pizza ($10) looked so interesting so naturally we had to try it. Spicy turkey sausage, roasted potatoes, goat cheese, baby arugula and pecorino on a non-traditional pizza crust is completed with a sunny side up egg. The latter oozes as soon as my knife pierces it creating a creamy texture throughout.
From the lunch menu, Antioxidant Orchard Salad ($10.95) was not only colorful, but also, delicious. The salad is layered with Scarborough farms baby mixed greens, grapes, celery, walnuts, dried cranberries, apples, blue cheese, mint, red onion, cucumbers, strawberries and blueberries, with a pomegranate whole grain vinaigrette served on the side. The salty sweet flavors were right up my alley. I loved the crunch from the walnuts and the beautiful antioxidant fruits were plump and vibrant.
What’s better than a sandwich for lunch? Chicken Avocado Panini ($9.95) has generous chunks of chicken with pesto sauce and avocado sandwiched between whole wheat bread and toasted. I enjoyed this a lot but was not able to finish the whole portion.
This is a really great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Quality produce is prepared in a healthful manner, giving diners the opportunity to create their own combinations whether it be with meat or not. The space is gorgeous and there is free wifi for those who want to linger and take advantage of the inviting environment.
Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop
234 E 17th Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Tel: 949-200-3950
Looks great!
Mmm, looks wonderfully fresh and delicious!
That place is great!