Green Tomato Grill opens in Huntington Beach

Green Tomato Grill (GTG) has come a long way since its first location in Orange. The chain’s latest venture in Huntington Beach is a reflection of how far the restaurant chain has evolved.

The menu is extensive and features some stellar offerings at the fast casual level. The options are healthy without losing any of the flavors associated with healthier fare.

First off, try one of their house-created drinks ($3.77) including Jalapeño Mandarin, Cucumber Ginger Mint, and Pineapple Berry. There is also a seasonal flavor offered — only available at Brea and Huntington Beach locations. Right now, GTG has Peach Lavender on the menu.

To say that there is something for everyone wouldn’t even begin to describe what Green Tomato Grill’s menu is all about. One of my favorites is Spicy Surf & Turf Bowl ($9.75) which sees white rice at its base, then topped with blackened calamari, chicken, broccoli, corn, onion, shishito peppers, Cheddar Jack cheese, and habanero fire sauce. The calamari is incredibly tender and flavorful with beautiful char flavors throughout.

Those looking for chicken items will be pleased to know there are a myriad to choose from. Mediterranean Chicken Bowl ($8.25) offers brown rice topped with grilled chicken, artichoke, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, chickpeas, cotija cheese, tossed in a Greek vinaigrette. It would be better had it been feta cheese, but I’m just being picky.

Chicken Ranch Wrap ($9.25) was another favorite. A chipotle tortilla is stuffed with grilled chicken, avocado, black bean, corn, cilantro, Romaine lettuce, tomato, Cheddar Jack cheeses, and tzatziki. We were very surprised by how tasty this combination is. The portion is also very generous!

Another delicious chicken offering is the Chimichurri Chicken Melt ($9.25) which is confusing at first, but once you take a bite, everything will make sense. Grilled chicken, arugula, broccoli, caramelized onions, Sriracha bacon, and Cheddar Jack cheeses are wrapped in flatbread and finished with chimichurri sauce. Its name sounds heavy, but the end result is anything but! So very good!

If you’re searching for lighter items, you’ll be happy to know that GTG has loads of selections for you. One such offering is Miso Salmon Salad ($10.95) which comprises mixed greens, avocado, cabbage, carrot, edamame, nori, sesame seeds, all tossed in a miso vinaigrette, then topped with grilled salmon. It is healthy, and it is a solid item which won’t leave you hungry after.

I was especially enamored by several of the side offerings here. The Chipotle Corn Chowder ($4/$6) was especially good, dotted with grilled corn, tomato, chipotle pepper, onion, avocado, cilantro, and strips of tortilla chips. I actually liked this better the next day when the flavors were able to meld together, and after I warmed it up, the tortilla chips blended nicely into the soup to create a thicker, more robust consistency.

The same goes for Quinoa Chili ($4/$6) which was definitely a lot more flavorful the next day. Organic quinoa, black beans, corn, onions, mushrooms, green onions, and avocado complete this rather stellar vegetarian item.

There is so much more on the menu which will take several more trips to get through. The food is fresh, healthy, and most importantly, TASTY! I’m no fan of healthy but bland, tasteless food. Green Tomato Grill has definitely figured out the right recipe to success.

For a Green Tomato Grill location near you, please visit their website.