Dreaming Green

Photo courtesy of Wagstaff Worldwide

In the dream, I’m riding my bike through Century City, my eyes peeled for the bright green awning that announces — Greenleaf Gourmet Chop Shop! Visions of what I’m going to order once I arrive cause me to pedal a bit faster. There’s no need to worry about parking. After all, Greenleaf is known for its own bikes, parked just outside the front door. And then… I wake up.

Cursing so early in the morning upon discovering you haven’t reached your destination is never a good way to start the day. Knowing Greenleaf is within driving distance, well that makes the unfolding of the day an adventure. But I digress. Let me start from the beginning.

A friend who knows me well recommended I check Greenleaf out. Not only is the menu chockfull of local green goodness, but Executive Chef Kristi Ritchey’s story was one my friend knew would inspire me. You see, Ritchey lost 110 pounds in less than a year by eating healthfully and working out with Barry’s Bootcamp. Greenleaf, which she co-owns with Executive Chef Jon Rollo, is her way of giving back to the masses. Of letting them know that healthy doesn’t mean boring. Apply that attitude to a personality and you’ve got the vivacious enthusiasm of Ritchey.

Executive Chef Kristi Ritchey and Bekah Wright

What kind of food is Greenleaf serving up? How about this for a starter — a truffle/parmesan tortilla pizza topped with fresh herbs. The pizza’s aroma is intoxicating. It’s flavor fulfills every promise its presentation hints at. Delicious. And guilt-free. The entire pizza is about 350 calories.

“But what about the gourmet salads?” I’m glad you asked. They’re the perfect follow-up to pizza, that is unless you want to make a meal out of either of them. I was sampling various dishes with a friend, so got to taste many of Greenleaf’s menu highlights. Like this little beauty — the Antioxidant Orchard Salad.

Photo courtesy of Wagstaff Worldwide

Two salads tickling my tastebuds were the Lemongrass Chicken and Chef Ritchey’s favorite, the Kitchen Sink Cobb Lite. So difficult to choose a favorite here. The lemongrass kick left me craving this salad (yes, in the dream aforementioned, I was striving for this dish and the tortilla pizza). The Cobb Lite, however, has bacon in it and I love me some bacon.

Next up, a turkey burger with sweet potato fries dipped in, wait for it… guacamole aioli sauce. Are you swooning yet? You should be.

My lunch mate and I quickly dispatched of the burger we split and many leftovers were packed. Why the restraint, you ask? Dessert, of course! I’d read about the Not My Muffin Tops and had to try them. They did not disappoint.

Photo courtesy of Wagstaff Worldwide

Three of the five flavors — Chocolate Chip, Banana Walnut, Carrot & Grilled Pineapple, Cranberry Pecan and Lemon Blueberry — were available that day. Lemon blueberry has woven its way into my subconscious. That flavor of muffin top was another highlight of my dream; a driving force that kept me pedaling towards Greenleaf. And what’s not to love? Each healthy morsel only racks up between 175 and 270 calories a piece. Take that Snickers bar!

So with the holidays upon us, I encourage you to check out one of Greenleaf’s two locations (Beverly Hills and Century City), to look for their fare in select Los Angeles health clubs or at the weekly Century City Farmers Market (1800 Avenue of the Stars; Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Whether indulging in the breakfast, lunch or dinner menu, you’ll definitely get ideas of great healthy fare that can become an everyday fixture in your life. And if Chefs Ritchey or Rollo happen to be in the restaurant, don’t be surprised if they don’t stop by your table to lend some holiday fixin’s advice. That is if they aren’t competing in a push-up contest in the kitchen. So those excuses you had for not being able to fit exercise in, throw those out with the junk food. Greenleaf has launched a healthy revolution. It is, indeed, the stuff of dreams.

For more information visit http://www.greenleafchopshop.com.