LYFE Kitchen E-packet

LYFE KITCHEN MEDIA ePACKET

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LYFE Kitchen 2013 Spring/Summer Menu Press Release

2013 Spring/Summer Menus

Media Coverage Highlights

o New York Times Coverage

o Chicago Tribune Coverage

o Washington Post Coverage

o WIRED Coverage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Kara Feigenbaum Michael Donahue (617) 226-9351 (312) 981-1220 ext. 1232 [email protected] (630) 441-8080 [email protected]

NEW LYFE KITCHEN SPRING AND SUMMER MENU

EXPLORES PRODUCE AND FLAVORS OF THE SEASON

Taste New Dishes Inspired by Our Chefs, Our Moms, Local Growers and Our Customers Friday, May 17, 2013 – In an ode to spring, LYFE Kitchen Restaurant today invites customers to enjoy its new menu that celebrates the bounty and flavors of the season. Created by LYFE Kitchen Executive Chefs Art Smith, Tal Ronnen and Jeremy Bringardner, the new LYFE Kitchen spring and summer menu is bursting with seasonal produce, fresh herbs and bold flavors in all-new dishes, as well as LYFE Kitchen favorites updated for the season. Inspired by the iconic herb wall that greets every LYFE Kitchen guest, LYFE Kitchen Chefs Smith, Ronnen and Bringardner turned to basil, mint, tarragon and hibiscus to create new layers of flavor, dimension, texture and taste. With fresh spring produce like peas, leeks and rhubarb now available, the chefs worked with local suppliers and LYFE Kitchen health, wellness and lifestyle experts to create innovative combinations and dynamic dishes that are brimming with good-for-you ingredients and simply taste great. “The spring menu for LYFE Kitchen is all about flavors, taste, freshness and inspired recipes,” said LYFE Kitchen Corporate Executive Chef Jeremy Bringardner. “There are so many great ingredients that our growers and Mother Earth provide. We wanted to use them in as many ways as possible while maintaining the nutrition standards that we’ve set for ourselves. So, while you will find some new flavors and new offerings, everything on the LYFE Kitchen menu still allows you to love your food, everyday.” A young Chef Jeremy and his mom,

Carol Bringardner, the inspiration for our new Rhubarb Quinoa Crunch

New Spring Favorites on the Plate

A Spring Chicken (Sandwich) With Fresh Avocado Bursting with light flavors for spring, the LYFE Kitchen Grilled Chicken Sandwich now combines roasted tomatoes, fresh avocado, romaine, red onion and an herbaceous aioli served on a scrumptious nine-grain bun. Roasting the tomatoes with oregano and garlic creates an intense, deep flavor profile that is balanced by the aioli with hints of tarragon and dill and the tang of capers, garlic and lemon.

Dessert Inspired by Mom Inspired by Chef Jeremy’s memories of his mom, Carol who loved the sweet-and-sour fruitiness of this often underestimated spring vegetable, the new Rhubarb Quinoa Crunch is a dessert truly worthy of the season. Paired with quinoa, oats, whole-wheat flour, brown sugar and cinnamon to create a crunchy, decadent treat, this dessert is finished with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprig of fresh mint and aromatic orange zest to balance the tang of the rhubarb.

Flat Bread, Big Flavor For fans of LYFE Kitchen flatbreads, the all new vegan Grilled Asparagus version offers a combination of flavorful grilled asparagus, roasted tomatoes, basil and capers and a new LYFE Kitchen-invented tartufo sauce – which uses smooth tofu blended with olive and truffle oils to deliver the creaminess of cheese along with hints of garlic and lemon zest. The Pleasing Power of Peas The new Pea & Leek Risotto is a seasonal update to the popular LYFE Kitchen squash risotto and offers a dose of protein with those tiny nutritional powerhouses: peas (that’s why mom wanted you to finish yours). Featuring fresh spring leeks and fava leaves, the crunchy, garlicky, nutrient-dense dark green leaves from the fava bean plant, this new risotto will have everyone asking for more peas, please!

Rhubarb Quinoa Crunch

Pea and Leek Risotto

Grilled Asparagus Flatbread

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Pea & Leek Risotto

Can’t Beet This Salad The popular LYFE Kitchen Beet-Farro Salad undergoes a spring makeover – by replacing roasted beets and apples with raw shaved chiogga beets and fresh dill. The chiogga beets, also known as candy cane beets for their striking appearance and crisp sweetness, are sliced thin to provide a delicious, sweet crunch and the fresh dill provides light, savory freshness. Now Batting for Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower There is new reason to raise a fork and rejoice. To take advantage of some of the best produce of the season, the iconic LYFE Kitchen Brussels sprouts are making way for this season’s heavy hitters: cauliflower and asparagus to accompany Art’s Unfried Chicken. Roasted to impart a deep, caramelized flavor, then dressed with capers and chives, a simple Dijon vinaigrette adds balance to each bite.

Kale Caesar! With the popularity of kale at an all-time high, LYFE Kitchen is adding sweet, succulent baby kale to its Caesar salad. A sprinkling of herbed breadcrumbs (instead of croutons) and microplaned parmesan (instead of grated) adds crunch and that elusive umami, while being a great-tasting replacement for extra calories or sodium.

Kimchi Meets Barramundi (Culver City only) LYFE Kitchen is adding the hottest ingredient in So Cal, kimchi, to its Grilled Barramundi with soba noodles, edamame, baby spinach, shiitake mushrooms and scallions. Kimchi, the popular Korean pickled cabbage with sour and spicy notes, creates an intense, bright red broth for the Barramundi.

Grass-Fed Burger Springs Forward The LYFE Kitchen burger is, as always, made of 100% grass-fed beef. Rich in omega-3s, the new burger is presented on an airy nine-grain bun and paired with a creamy, bold sauce that really amplifies the flavor quotient of the Classic Burger.

Art’s Unfried Chicken with Cauliflower and Asparagus

Grilled Barramundi with Kimchi

Hot New Beverages to Cool You Off this Summer

Strawberry-Rhubarb Chia Water Rhubarb Chia Water infuses the essence of fruit into effervescent water to create a refreshing beverage with subtle herbal properties to help cleanse the body and soothe the throat. Sweetened with basil, a snappy ginger syrup and fortified with chia seeds – an amazing superfood that provides energy, lasting hydration and serves as a great source of omega-3s and omega-6s – this new cooler will leave guests feeling cooler by the sip. Beet-Hibiscus Cooler While the beverage world remains transfixed with green juices, LYFE Kitchen is exploring the next “it” ingredient – beets. The new Beet-Hibiscus Cooler tames the earthiness of beets (a great source of antioxidants) with the mild taste of hibiscus tea. Lemon and apple juices and ginger syrup round out this crisp, refreshing, and beautifully hued cooler. Raspberry-Lime Soda with Mint & Basil Craving a beverage that is as complex as it is refreshing? Take the effervescent Raspberry-Lime Soda with Mint & Basil for a spin. The sweetness of the fresh raspberries is offset by the subtle licorice quality of the basil, resulting in a drink that is as easy on the eyes as it is to drink. A Customer-Inspired Dark Chocolate-Banana Smoothie Inspiration comes from everywhere, but it is always best when it comes from LYFE Kitchen’s guests. Inspired by a Palo Alto regular who often visits the restaurant after long bike rides craving a delicious, replenishing chocolate smoothie; the new LYFE Kitchen Dark Chocolate-Banana Smoothie combines soy milk, bananas and a homemade chocolate base. This simple dessert-like smoothie is the perfect ending to a ride, a run, or a great LYFE Kitchen meal. LYFE Kitchen is committed to the idea that great-tasting food can also be good for you, affordable and convenient. With choices to please anyone, from flexitarian to vegetarian, omnivore to vegan, our celebrated chefs have developed a menu that is as delicious as it is inspiring. Using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible with the highest standards of quality and adhering to the highest level of socially responsible practices, LYFE Kitchen is creating a new category of lifestyle restaurant. Visit www.lyfekitchen.com for more. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lyfekitchen and Twitter and Instagram @LYFEKitchen.

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New LYFE Kitchen Spring Beverages

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breakfast entrées

CLASSIC BREAKFAST organic LYFE eggs, turkey sausage, fingerling potato hash, chipotle aioli 6.99

366 CALORIES | 599 MG SODIUM

FARMER’S MARKET FRITTATA organic egg whites, avocado, spinach, scallions, cheddar, served with fingerling

potato hash, salsa fresca 6.49343 CALORIES | 568 MG SODIUM

BREAKFAST BURRITO your choice of organic LYFE eggs or organic egg whites in a whole-wheat tortilla with organic arugula, avocado,

cherry tomatoes, chipotle aioli, cheddar, salsa fresca 6.49max 505 CaLOrIes | max 636 MG sODIUM

MORnInG TOFU wRAp scrambled tofu, gardein sausage, vegan cheddar, organic arugula, avocado, cherry tomato, red onions, chipotle

aioli in a whole wheat tortilla, salsa fresca on the side 6.49 578 CaLOrIes |758 MG sODIUM

BREAKFAST SAnDwICh organic LYFE eggs, choice of turkey sausage or gardein™ sausage, tomatoes, organic arugula,

cheddar on harvest seeded english muffin 5.99max 473 CaLOrIes |max 769 MG sODIUM

ART’S START steel-cut oatmeal with dried cranberries, almond granola, greek yogurt, 100% maple syrup 4.99

388 CaLOrIes | 123 MG sODIUM

AnCIEnT GRAIn BUTTERMILK pAnCAKES griddled with whole-grain farro and quinoa, served with fresh berries,

greek yogurt, 100% maple syrup 4.99480 CaLOrIes | 613 MG sODIUM

GREEK YOGURT BOwL with fresh blueberries, pomegranate-soaked chia seeds, chocolate buckwheat granola 3.99

259 CaLOrIes | 92 MG sODIUM

without nuts159 calories | 50 mg sodium

CARROT-zUCChInI-wALnUT MUFFIn 2.99 190 CaLOrIes | 138 MG sODIUM

hARvEST SEEDED EnGLISh MUFFIn 1.99230 CaLOrIes | 250 MG sODIUM

ChILD’S pAnCAKES served with fresh berries, greek yogurt, 100% maple syrup 2.99

340 CaLOrIes |404 MG sODIUM

s I D e s

TURKEY BREAKFAST SAUSAGE 2.99180 CaLOrIes | 580 MG sODIUM

GARDEIn™ SAUSAGE 2.99132 CaLOrIes | 360 MG sODIUM

FInGERLInG pOTATO hASh 2.99176 CaLOrIes | 137 MG sODIUM

SEASOnAL FRUIT SALAD 2.9967 CaLOrIes | 2 MG sODIUM

b r e a k f a s t

served until 11 a.m. daily

Vegan and Gluten-free Menus available

5 - 1 5 - 1 3

Contains nuts

Gardein™ (Garden + Protein) is made from delicious plant-based foods slow cooked to have the authentic taste and texture of premium lean meat.

LYFE kitchen uses shared cooking and preparation areas, so while we will try our very best to accommodate you, we cannot guarantee that any menu item will be completely free of nuts or any other allergens.

b e V e r a G e s

C O f f e e a n D t e a

CERTIFIED ORGAnIC COFFEE our blend of artisan, shade-grown coffee, regular or decaffeinated 1.99

0 calories | 10 mg sodium

CAFé AMERICAnO organic espresso and steamed water 2.99


CAFé LATTE organic espresso, steamed organic 2% milk 2.99


CAppUCCInO organic espresso, frothed organic 2% milk 2.99


CAFé MOChA organic espresso, house-made chocolate syrup, steamed organic 2% milk 2.99


ORGAnIC hOT TEA organic earl gray, bombay chai, organic green tea, chamomile citrus,

organic african nectar 1.990 calories | 10 mg sodium

hOT ChOCOLATE made with bittersweet cocoa, organic cane sugar, ugandan vanilla,

a pinch of sea salt 2.99277 calories | 162 mg sodium

s M O O t H I e s

KALE-BAnAnA made with raw kale, fresh ginger, banana, cucumber,

organic apple juice, lemon juice 4.99202 calories | 34 mg sodium

ChOCOLATE-BAnAnA guittard cocoa, bananas, flax, organic cane sugar, soy milk 4.49


STRAwBERRY-YOGURT made with organic strawberries, greek yogurt, banana, organic apple juice,

fresh-squeezed orange juice 4.49226 calories | 32 mg sodium

f r e s H - s Q U e e Z e D

ORAnGE JUICE 2.99126 calories | 2 mg sodium

CLASSIC LEMOnADE 2.49167 calories | 11 mg sodium

RASpBERRY LEMOnADE 2.99198 calories | 12 mg sodium

C H I a W at e r

STRAwBERRY RhUBARB ChIA wATER filtered water infused with fresh rhubarb, strawberries, mint, parsley,

lime, ginger and chia seeds 1.9960 calories | 10 mg sodium

LYFE ChIA wATER filtered water infused with ginger, mint, lime and chia seeds 0.99


5 - 1 5 - 1 3

g l u t e n - f r e eVegan Menu AVAIlABle

free-range chicken breast 2.4984 CAlOrIeS | 119 Mg SODIuM

agave-lime tofu 1.9988 CAlOrIeS | 195 Mg SODIuM

grilled shrimp 3.4997 CAlOrIeS | 415 Mg SODIuM

grilled salmon 3.99185 CAlOrIeS | 178 Mg SODIuM

Farmer’s market organic greens with blackberries, agave-pickled onions,

spiced pecans, goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette 8.99


Gluten-Free kale Caesar salad organic baby kale, organic romaine,

cherry tomatoes, english cucumbers, broccolini, chive, shaved parmesan,

eggless caesar dressing 6.99341 calories | 344 mg sodium

Chopped napa CabbaGe cucumber, edamame, cherry tomatoes, broccolini,

scallions, basil, dried cranberries, cashews, mint, lime, and ginger-sesame dressing 8.99


S O u p S

Gluten-Free sweet Corn Chowder made with sweet corn, peppers, potatoes, cashew cream 3.99

144 calories |462 mg sodium

seasonal soup ask about today’s soup 3.99

turkey breakFast sausaGe 2.99180 CAlOrIeS |580 Mg SODIuM

seasonal Fruit salad 2.9967 CAlOrIeS |2 Mg SODIuM

FinGerlinG potato hash 2.99176 CAlOrIeS | 137 Mg SODIuM

Gluten-Free breakFast sandwiCh organic LYFE eggs, turkey sausage, tomatoes, organic arugula, cheddar,

gluten-free bread 6.49532 CAlOrIeS | 959 Mg SODIuM

Gluten-Free Greek yoGurt bowl with blueberries and

pomegranate-soaked chia seeds 3.99159 CAlOrIeS |50 Mg SODIuM

S A l A D S

A D D t O A n y S A l A D

e n t r é e S

Gluten-Free Grilled barramundi with edamame, baby spinach, shiitake,

scallions, in a kimchi broth 12.99223 calories |787 mg sodium

f l At B r e A D S

our gluten-free flatbread crusts are handmade with egg, brown rice, tapioca, and potato flours

Gluten-Free marGherita fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, pomodoro sauce, five cheeses 8.49


Gluten-Free bbq ChiCken free-range grilled chicken, sweet corn, roasted onion, cilantro, agave BBQ sauce,

and five cheeses 9.49449 calories | 723 mg sodium

Gluten-Free roasted mushroom and Goat Cheese portobello, crimini, roasted onions, fresh herbs,

and pomegranate-balsamic drizzle 9.99496 calories | 650 mg sodium

Gluten-Free Grilled asparaGus with roasted tomatoes, garlic, capers, basil, tartufo sauce 8.49


S A n D w I C h e S A n D B u r g e r S

sandwiches and burgers served with a kale and carrot side salad

Gluten-Free Fish taCos grilled mahi, chayote slaw, avocado, green onion, cilantro,

chipotle aioli, salsa fresca on warm corn tortillas 9.99485 calories | 448 mg sodium

Gluten-Free ChiCken sandwiCh with roasted tomatoes, avocado, organic romaine, red onions,

herbaceous aioli, on a gluten-free bun 8.49564 calories |855 mg sodium

Gluten-Free Grass-Fed burGer 100% grass-fed beef, organic romaine, tomato, red onion, farmhouse pickle,

dijonnaise, on a gluten-free bun 8.79536 calories | 603 mg sodium

add cheddar cheese 0.25585 calories | 676 mg sodium

B r e A K f A S tserved until 11 a.m. daily

ClassiC breakFast organic LYFE eggs, turkey sausage,

fingerling potato hash, chipotle aioli 6.99366 CAlOrIeS |599 Mg SODIuM

Farmer’s market Frittata organic egg whites with avocado, spinach, scallions, cheddar, served with fingerling

potato hash, salsa fresca 6.49343 CAlOrIeS | 568 Mg SODIuM

S I D e S

eGG sCramble organic LYFE eggs,organic arugula, avocado, cherry tomatoes,

cheddar, chipotle aioli, salsa fresca 6.49max 239 CAlOrIeS |max 435 Mg SODIuM

art’s Grilled ChiCken with roasted asparagus, cauliflower, capers,

chives, dijon vinaigrette 12.99417 calories | 754 mg sodium

S tA r t e r S

Gluten-Free edamame hummus with fresh crunchy vegetables, smoky paprika, gluten-free crackers 5.99


Grilled artiChokes with garlic aioli 7.99184 calories | 232 mg sodium

Chunky GuaCamole with house-baked corn tortilla chips, salsa fresca 5.99


S I D e S

Green salad

with lemon vinaigrette 2.99114 calories | 51 mg sodium

roasted asparaGuswith cauliflower, capers,


5 - 1 5 - 1 3

baby kale salad marinated in fresh-squeezed lemon juice 2.99


baked sweet potato Fries with agave ketchup 2.99


S I D e S

Contains nuts

5 - 1 5 - 1 3

g l u t e n - f r e eVegan Menu AVAIlABle

S M O O t h I e S

kale-banana made with raw kale, fresh ginger, banana, cucumber,


ChoColate-banana guittard cocoa, bananas, flax seed, organic cane sugar, soy milk 4.49


strawberry-yoGurt made with organic strawberries, greek yogurt, banana, organic apple juice,


f r e S h - S Q u e e Z e D

oranGe JuiCe 2.99126 calories | 2 mg sodium

ClassiC lemonade 2.49167 calories |11 mg sodium

raspberry lemonade 2.99198 calories | 12 mg sodium

I C e D t e A S

blaCk or hibisCus 2.490 calories | 10 mg sodium

C h I A w At e r

strawberry rhubarb Chia water filtered water infused with fresh rhubarb, strawberries, mint, parsley,


lyFe Chia water filtered water infused with ginger, lime, mint and chia seeds 0.99


w I n e A n D B e e r

To learn more about our selections please request our wine and beer menu

Fresh-squeezed oranGe JuiCe 1.99

126 CAlOrIeS | 2 Mg SODIuM

orGaniC apple JuiCe 1.99133 CAlOrIeS | 22 Mg SODIuM

Gluten-Free Child’s hot ChoColate 2.99


C h I l D ’ S M e n u

D e S S e r t S

ChoColate budino with pomegranate-soaked chia seeds

and toasted almonds 3.99 211 calories | 25 mg sodium

rhubarb quinoa CrunChwith greek yogurt 3.99


B e V e r A g e S

C O f f e e A n D t e A

CertiFied orGaniC CoFFee our blend of artisan, shade-grown coffee, regular or decaffeinated 1.99


CaFé ameriCano organic espresso, and steamed water 2.99


CaFé latte organic espresso, steamed organic 2% milk 2.99


CappuCCino organic espresso, frothed organic 2% milk 2.99


CaFé moCha organic espresso, house-made chocolate syrup, steamed organic 2% milk 2.99


orGaniC hot tea organic earl gray, bombay chai, organic green tea, chamomile citrus,


Gluten Free hot ChoColatemade with bittersweet cocoa,

organic cane sugar, ugandan vanilla, a pinch of sea salt 2.99


C O O l e r S

CuCumber mint fresh cucumber juice with mint, lime, agave 2.99


hibisCus beet hibiscus tea, beet, apple,lemon, ginger 2.99


h A n D C r A f t e D S O D A S

GinGer-mint 2.99101 calories | 48 mg sodium

strawberry-basil 2.99107 calories | 40 mg sodium



Gluten-Free Child’s Cheesy Flatbread 4.99

MAX 359 CAlOrIeS | MAX 537 Mg SODIuM

Gluten-Free Child’s Fish taCo 5.99max 328 CAlOrIeS | MAX 402 Mg SODIuM

All child’s entrees are served with a choice of baked sweet potato fries or fresh fruit

L u n c h a n d d i n n e rVegan and Gluten-free Menus available

contains nuts


Crispy gardein™ ChiCken sandwiCh shishito pepper relish, organic romaine,

tomato, red onion, chipotle aioli on multi-grain bread 8.99


Veggie Burger gardein™ patty, organic romaine, tomato, red onion, farmhouse pickle,

dijonnaise, on a nine-grain bun 8.49 440 calories | 596 mg sodium

add daiya vegan cheese 0.25 559 calories | 845 mg sodium

s o u p s

sweeT Corn Chowder made with sweet corn, peppers, potatoes, cashew cream 3.99


seasonal soup ask about today’s soup 3.99

roasTed MushrooM and goaT Cheese portobello, crimini, roasted onions, fresh herbs,

and pomegranate-balsamic drizzle 9.99533 calories | 772 mg sodium

grilled asparagus with roasted tomatoes, garlic, capers, basil, tartufo sauce 8.49


f L at b r e a d s

our whole-wheat flatbread crusts are handmade with flax seed and toasted spices

s a L a d s

s ta r t e r s

edaMaMe huMMus with fresh crunchy vegetables, smoky paprika, flax crackers 5.99


grilled arTiChokes with garlic aioli 7.99184 calories | 232 mg sodium

Chunky guaCaMole with house-baked corn tortilla chips, salsa fresca 5.99


free-range chicken breast 2.4984 caLories | 119 MG sodiuM

gardein™ chicken 1.99102 caLories | 290 MG sodiuM

agave-lime tofu 1.9988 caLories | 195 MG sodiuM

grilled shrimp 3.4997 caLories | 415 MG sodiuM

grilled salmon 3.99185 caLories | 178 MG sodiuM

FarMer’s MarkeT organic greens with blackberries, agave-pickled onions,

spiced pecans, goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette 8.99


BeeTs and Farro organic field greens, candy cane beets, fennel, fresh dill, red onion,

walnut, dried cranberries, maple-sherry vinaigrette 8.99


arT’s unFried ChiCken or gardein™ ChiCken with roasted asparagus, cauliflower, capers, chives,

dijon vinaigrette 12.99max 507 calories | MaX 975 mg sodium

porToBello pasTa wiTh Free-range ChiCken or gardein™ ChiCkenwhole-grain penne pasta with roasted mushrooms, spinach, scallions,

cashew cream-sherry sauce, parmesan, lemon zest 11.99 max 581 calories | 903 mg sodium

Tal’s anCienT grain Bowl stir-fried vegetables and gardein™ “beef tips,” served over whole-grain farro

and quinoa with sweet chile-ginger sauce 11.99598 calories | 674 mg sodium

kale Caesar salad organic baby kale, organic romaine, cherry tomatoes,

english cucumbers, broccolini, shaved parmesan, chive breadcrumbs, eggless

caesar dressing 6.99358 calories | 350 mg sodium

Chopped napa CaBBage cucumber, edamame, cherry tomatoes, broccolini,

scallions, basil, dried cranberries, cashews, mint, lime, and ginger-sesame dressing 8.99


Baked sweeT poTaTo Fries with agave ketchup 2.99


green salad


roasTed asparaguswith cauliflower, capers,


BaBy kale salad marinated in fresh-squeezed lemon juice 2.99


e n t r é e s

gardein™ sausage and Mozzarella raVioli

with kale, broccolini, cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil 11.99


grilled BarraMundi with soba noodles, edamame, baby spinach, shiitake, scallions, in a kimchi broth 13.99


peas and CarroTs risoTTo made with farro, steel-cut oats, pea tendrils, leeks, tomatoes, truffled tofu “cream” 9.99


with shrimp 13.49489 calories | 999 mg sodium

roasTed loCh duarT salMon with steamed baby bok choy, shiitake, jalapenos, scallion, ginger miso 14.99


MargheriTa fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, pomodoro sauce, five cheeses 8.49


BBq ChiCken free-range grilled chicken, sweet corn, roasted onion, cilantro, agave BBQ sauce,

and five cheeses 9.49486 calories | 845 mg sodium

Fish TaCos grilled mahi, chayote slaw, avocado, green onion, cilantro, chipotle aioli

salsa fresca, on warm corn tortillas 9.99485 calories | 448 mg sodium

grilled ChiCken sandwiCh with roasted tomatoes, avocado, organic

romaine, red onions, herbaceous aioli,on a nine-grain bun 8.49


a d d t o a n y s a L a d

s i d e s

s a n d w i c h e s a n d b u r G e r s

quinoa CrunCh wrap fresh crunchy vegetables, avocado, edamame hummus,

forbidden rice, and adzuki beans in a whole- wheat tortilla, hot sauce on the side 8.99


grass-Fed Burger 100% grass-fed beef, organic romaine, tomato, red onion,

farmhouse pickle, dijonnaise, on a nine-grain bun 8.79


add cheddar 0.25575 calories | 536 mg sodium

5 - 1 5 - 1 3

c o f f e e a n d t e a

CerTiFied organiC CoFFee our blend of artisan, shade-grown coffee, regular or decaffeinated 1.99


CaFé aMeriCano organic espresso, and steamed water


CaFé laTTe organic espresso, steamed organic 2% milk 2.99




CaFé MoCha organic espresso, house-made chocolate syrup, steamed organic 2% milk 2.99


organiC hoT Tea equator breakfast, cranberry & orange, green tea 1.99


hoT ChoColaTe made with bittersweet cocoa, organic cane sugar, ugandan vanilla,


c o o L e r s

CuCuMBer MinT fresh cucumber juice with mint, lemon, agave 2.99


spiCed CranBerry hiBisCus cranberry juice, hibiscus tea, mulling spices, agave 2.99


h a n d M a d e s o d a s

ginger-MinT 2.99101 calories | 48 mg sodium

apple-ginger 2.99101 calories | 54 mg sodium

Child’s Cheesy FlaTBread 5.49MaX 377 caLories | MaX 598 MG sodiuM

Child’s arT’s unFried ChiCken 4.99max 378 calories | max 669 mg sodium

Child’s pasTa wiTh ToMaTo sauCe 4.99max 325 caLories | MaX 321 MG sodiuM

Child’s Fish TaCo 5.99max 328 caLories | MaX 402 MG sodiuM

Child’s Crispy gardein™

ChiCken Tenders 4.99max 340 caLories | MaX 695 MG sodiuM

d e s s e r t s

b e V e r a G e s



c h i L d ’ s M e n u

5 - 1 5 - 1 3

s M o o t h i e s

kale-Banana made with raw kale, fresh ginger, banana, cucumber,


ChoColaTe-Banana guittard cocoa, bananas, flax seed, organic cane sugar, soy milk 4.49


sTrawBerry-yogurT made with organic strawberries, greek yogurt, banana, organic apple juice,


f r e s h - s Q u e e Z e d

orange JuiCe 2.99126 calories | 2 mg sodium

ClassiC leMonade 2.49167 calories |11 mg sodium

raspBerry leMonade 2.99198 calories | 12 mg sodium

i c e d t e a s

BlaCk or hiBisCus 2.490 calories | 10 mg sodium

c h i a w at e r

sTrawBerry rhuBarB Chia waTer filtered water infused with fresh rhubarb, strawberries, mint, parsley,


lyFe Chia waTer filtered water infused with ginger, lime, mint and chia seeds 0.99


w i n e a n d b e e r

To learn more about our selections please request our wine and beer menu

c o f f e e a n d t e a

CerTiFied organiC CoFFee our blend of artisan, shade-grown coffee, regular or decaffeinated 1.99


CaFé aMeriCano organic espresso, and steamed water 2.99


CaFé laTTe organic espresso, steamed organic 2% milk 2.99




CaFé MoCha organic espresso, house-made chocolate syrup, steamed organic 2% milk 2.99


organiC hoT Tea organic earl gray, bombay chai, organic green tea, chamomile citrus,


hoT ChoColaTe made with bittersweet cocoa, organic cane sugar, ugandan vanilla,


c o o L e r s

CuCuMBer MinT fresh cucumber juice with mint, lime, agave 2.99


hiBisCus BeeT hibiscus tea, beet, apple, lemon, ginger 2.99


h a n d c r a f t e d s o d a s

ginger-MinT 2.99101 calories | 48 mg sodium

sTrawBerry-Basil 2.99107 calories | 40 mg sodium

Fresh-squeezed orange JuiCe 1.99

126 caLories | 2 MG sodiuM

organiC apple JuiCe 1.99133 caLories | 22 MG sodiuM

hoT ChoColaTe 2.99277 calories | 162 mg sodium


rhuBarB quinoa CrunChwith greek yogurt 3.99


ChoColaTe Chip Cookiefresh baked daily 1.49/each


ChoColaTe Budino with pomegranate-soaked chia seeds


v e g a ngluten-Free Menus available

s a l a d s

Farmer’s market organic greens with blackberries, agave-pickled onions, spiced

pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette 8.99 308 calories |337 mg sodium

art’s unFried gardein™ ChiCken with roasted asparagus, cauliflower, capers,

chives, dijon vinaigrette 12.99 428 calories | 885 mg sodium

Peas and Carrots risotto made with farro, steel-cut oats, pea tendrils, leeks, tomatoes, truffled tofu “cream” 9.99


tal’s anCient grain Bowl stir-fried vegetables and gardein™ “beef tips,”

served over whole-grain farro and quinoa with sweet chile-ginger sauce 11.99


gardein™ sausage and daiya mozzarella ravioli

with kale, broccolini, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil 11.99


Beets and Farro organic field greens, candy cane beets, fennel, fresh dill, red onion, walnut, dried

cranberries, maple-sherry vinaigrette 8.99 397 calories | 425 mg sodium

ChoPPed naPa CaBBage cucumber, edamame, cherry tomatoes, broccolini, scallions, basil, dried cranberries, cashews, mint, lime, and ginger-sesame dressing 8.99


kale Caesar salad organic baby kale, organic romaine,

cherry tomatoes, english cucumbers, broccolini, chive breadcrumbs, eggless caesar dressing 6.99


gardein™ chicken 1.99102 CalORIes | 290 Mg sOdIUM

agave-lime tofu 1.9988 CalORIes | 195 Mg sOdIUM

Baked sweet Potato Fries with agave ketchup 2.99


green salad


roasted asParaguswith cauliflower, capers,


BaBy kale salad marinated in fresh-squeezed lemon juice 2.99


Quinoa CrunCh wraP fresh crunchy vegetables, avocado, edamame hummus, forbidden rice, and adzuki beans in

a whole-wheat tortilla, hot sauce on the side 8.99547 calories | 457 mg sodium

veggie Burger gardein™ patty, organic romaine, tomato, red onion, farmhouse pickle, dijonnaise, on a nine-grain bun 8.49


add daiya vegan cheese 0.25559 calories | 845 mg sodium

s O U p s

sweet Corn Chowder made with sweet corn, peppers, potatoes, cashew cream 3.99


seasonal souP ask about today’s soup 3.99

s ta R t e R s

edamame hummus with fresh crunchy vegetables, smoky paprika, flax crackers 5.99


grilled artiChokes with caper aioli 7.99316 calories | 318 mg sodium

Chunky guaCamole with house-baked corn tortilla chips, salsa fresca 5.99


e n t R é e s

B R e a K F a s tserved until 11 a.m. daily

a d d t O a n y s a l a d

s I d e s

gardein™ BreakFast Patty 2.99132 calories | 360 mg sodium

seasonal Fruit salad 2.9967 calories |2 mg sodium

soy yogurt Bowl with fresh blueberries, pomegranate-soaked chia seeds, and

chocolate buckwheat granola 3.99 264 calories | 58 mg sodiuM

without nuts154 calories | 18 mg sodium

art’s start steel-cut oatmeal with dried cranberries, almond granola, soy yogurt,

100% maple syrup 4.99 388 calories |119 mg sodium

morning toFu wraP scrambled tofu in a whole-wheat

tortilla with gardein™ sausage, organic arugula, avocado, cherry tomatoes, daiya

vegan cheddar, salsa fresca 6.49 578 calories | 758 mg sodium

s I d e s

5 - 1 5 - 1 3

Contains nuts

grilled asParagus with roasted tomatoes, garlic, capers, basil, tartufo sauce 8.49


F l at B R e a d sour handmade whole-wheat flatbread crusts are made with flax seed and toasted spices

toFu taCos agave-lime tofu, chayote slaw, avocado,green onion, cilantro, chipotle aioli, salsa fresca on warm corn tortillas 8.99


CrisPy gardein™ ChiCken sandwiCh with roasted tomatoes, avocado, organic romaine, red onions,

herbaceous aioli, on a nine-grain bun 8.99563 calories | 808 mg sodium

s a n d w I C h e s a n d B U R g e R s


5 - 1 5 - 1 3


v e g a ngluten-Free Menus available

Child’s CrisPy gardein™ ChiCken tenders 4.99

max 340 CalORIes | max 695 Mg sOdIUM

Child’s toFu taCo 4.99max 314 CalORIes | max 357 Mg sOdIUM



Fresh-sQueezed orange juiCe 1.99

126 CalORIes | 2 Mg sOdIUM

organiC aPPle juiCe 1.99133 CalORIes | 22 Mg sOdIUM

hot ChoColate 2.99233 calories | 138 mg sodium

C h I l d ’ s M e n U

B e v e R a g e s

s M O O t h I e s

kale-Banana made with raw kale, fresh ginger, banana, cucumber,


ChoColate-Banana guittard cocoa, bananas, flax seed, organic cane sugar, soy milk 4.49


strawBerry-yogurt made with organic strawberries, soy yogurt, banana, organic apple juice,


F R e s h - s Q U e e Z e d

orange juiCe 2.99126 calories | 2 mg sodium

ClassiC lemonade 2.49167 calories |11 mg sodium

rasPBerry lemonade 2.99198 calories | 12 mg sodium

I C e d t e a s

BlaCk or hiBisCus 2.490 calories | 10 mg sodium

C h I a w at e R

strawBerry rhuBarB Chia water filtered water infused with fresh rhubarb, strawberries, mint, parsley,


lyFe Chia water filtered water infused with ginger, lime, mint and chia seeds 0.99


w I n e a n d B e e RTo learn more about our selections

please request our wine and beer menu.

C O F F e e a n d t e a

CertiFied organiC CoFFee our blend of artisan, shade-grown coffee, regular or decaffeinated 1.99


CaFé ameriCano organic espresso, and steamed water 2.99


CaFé latte organic espresso, steamed organic soy milk 2.99


CaPPuCCino organic espresso, frothed organic soy milk 2.99


CaFé moCha organic espresso, house-made chocolate syrup, steamed organic soy milk 2.99


organiC hot tea organic earl gray, bombay chai, organic green tea, chamomile citrus,


hot ChoColate made with bittersweet cocoa, organic soy milk, organic cane sugar,

ugandan vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt 2.99233 calories | 138 mg sodium

C O O l e R s

CuCumBer mint fresh cucumber juice with mint, lime, agave 2.99


hiBisCus Beet hibiscus tea, beet, apple,lemon, ginger 2.99


h a n d C R a F t e d s O d a s

ginger-mint 2.99101 calories | 48 mg sodium

strawBerry-Basil 2.99107 calories | 40 mg sodium

d e s s e R t s

rhuBarB Quinoa CrunChwith greek yogurt 3.99


ChoColate ChiP Cookiefresh baked daily 1.49/each


ChoColate Budino with pomegranate-soaked chia seeds


April 3, 2013

March 28, 2013

April 23, 2013

Okay, it was bright green. But that was the only clue that the kale-banana smoothie I was sipping included

a cup of kale leaves and was certifiably “healthy.” The only tip that my chicken, served alongside a

medley of baby Brussels sprouts, butternut squash and dried cranberries, was good for me was that it had

noticeably little salt. Had I been served the chocolate budin in a fashionable Washington restaurant, I

never would have guessed that it had just 211 calories.

And that’s the way LYFE Kitchen prefers it, even though the new fast-casual chain has strict nutrition and

calorie standards: At LYFE (the acronym stands for “Love Your Food Everyday”) the kitchen uses no

butter, no cream, no white flour, no high-fructose corn syrup, no trans fats, no additives, no preservatives.

Every dish, from the fish tacos to the grass-fed hamburger, has fewer than 600 calories and no more than

1,000 milligrams of sodium. “We don’t sell health,” says Mike Donahue, the company’s chief

communications officer. “We sell taste.”

The strategy is part of a broader trend, dubbed “stealth health,” in the restaurant industry. Along with

LYFE, there are vegan restaurants Veggie Grill and Native Foods Kitchen, Seasons 52 (from Darden

Restaurants, which owns the Olive Garden and Red Lobster) and Energy Kitchen, which serves lower-

calorie burgers and shakes and opened its first District store in January. The trend is based on an obvious

truth. While most of us say we would like to eat healthfully, we really don’t want to give anything up,

especially when eating out. According to research firm Technomic, about half of consumers go to

restaurants to indulge or treat themselves. The sad fact is that in most people’s experience, healthful food

— tofu, brown rice and low-fat whatever — is the opposite of delicious.

I was particularly interested in LYFE Kitchen because its aim is to change that unhealthy and peculiarly

American perception. (Only in the United States do people consider eating nutritious and nourishing

foods an obligation.) Created by a team of former McDonald’s executives, LYFE sources mostly organic

and local ingredients and serves them up in sensibly sized portions of, say, corn chowder and grilled

barramundi with soba noodles.

http://lyfekitchen.com/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/restaurants/energy-kitchen,1247887.html

Art Smith, former Oprah chef and owner of Art and Soul restaurant on Capitol Hill, designed the menu

along with vegan chef Tal Ronnen. There are some soy proteins; Gardein brand “beef tips” top the

“ancient grain bowl” of whole-grain farro and quinoa. But for the most part, the dishes showcase real

food — 100 percent grass-fed beef, fish such as mahi mahi and salmon, and lots of kale — and make

good use of fresh herbs, coconut milk and cashew cream to deliver big flavors without excessive calories

or sodium.

I visited LYFE Kitchen this month at its first outlet in Palo Alto, Calif. It’s a beautiful space, with oodles

of natural light, an herb wall full of lemon grass, lovage and marjoram and enough eco-friendly bamboo

and recycled wood to cause it to be mistaken for one of those high-priced farm-to-table restaurants up the

road in Berkeley. The messages on the menu are deliberately subtle. There is no preaching about organic

or sustainably sourced ingredients, no justification for why you won’t find Coke or Pepsi. Instead, there is

a list of options and, in small gray print underneath, the number of calories and total sodium in each. The

Art’s Unfried Chicken that I tasted had 518 calories and 625 milligrams of sodium. The roasted

mushroom and goat cheese flatbread has 585 calories and 810 milligrams of sodium.

“We don’t want to be in your face,” Larry Taylor, LYFE’s vice president of systems and franchises, told

me over a plate of grilled artichokes and garlic aioli that had been lightened with Greek yogurt. “Some

people might be nervous to come into a healthy restaurant. They might be embarrassed if they think they

might be surrounded by a bunch of foodies. We don’t want to intimidate.”

Seasons 52, Darden’s casual dining concept, has made a similar calculation. Like LYFE Kitchen, it limits

calories and uses neither fryers nor butter. True to its name, it changes its menu with the seasons and

offers specials each week that incorporate a bumper crop of strawberries or the run of Copper River

salmon. The top of each menu reads: “Seasonally Inspired with every item under 475 calories.” But

executive chef Clifford Pleau insists that servers mention the standards only once. “We tell them, ‘If you

say it at all, you say it once, and never, ever at dessert.’”

LYFE and Seasons 52 are proving that stealth health has broad appeal. Seasons 52 opened 10 new

restaurants last year, bringing its total to 32 outlets in 16 states (including one in North Bethesda and one

in Tysons Corner). LYFE has made a splash in Silicon Valley. Its first year, it sold 13,000 pounds of

Brussels sprouts, a vegetable that chief executive Mike Roberts has sworn to transform into the next

french fry. The restaurant beat its revenue projections of $2.4 million by 25 percent. LYFE Kitchen plans

to open eight more restaurants in California this year — you can’t fault it for trying out a sure-thing

market first — and 250 over the next five years. Cities on the short list include Chicago, New York and

the District.

I didn’t love everything I tasted at LYFE Kitchen. The flatbreads, made with whole-wheat flour and flax

seed, tasted, well, healthful. And although I loved the freshness of the dishes, I wondered whether the lack

of salt would turn off regular customers of McDonald’s or the Olive Garden. But perhaps the biggest

potential glitch in LYFE’s plan for 21st-century food domination is the price. LYFE is not exclusive. But

it certainly costs more than dinner at Chipotle or Energy Kitchen. Art’s Unfried Chicken, LYFE’s biggest

seller, costs $12.99. The (delicious) sustainably raised Scottish salmon, served with bok choy and shiitake

mushrooms, costs $14.99. And it’s easy to spend more when you order a glass of biodynamic wine or a

house-made ginger-mint soda.

“It was a little expensive,” said Tori Pennings, a 23-year-old grad student in education at nearby Stanford,

who had come for the first time and ordered the $8.99 beet-and-farro salad. “But I like that it’s quick and

healthy.”

LYFE is counting on lots of people having the same willingness to pay for that alluring combination of

healthful and convenient. It certainly has worked for Whole Foods Market. Despite its nickname “Whole

Paycheck,” the grocer saw sales rise 14 percent, to $3.9 billion, in its most recent quarter. As prepared

foods make up nearly a quarter of Whole Foods’ sales, I’m betting that the prospects of a guilt-free meal

you don’t even have to heat up in the microwave are pretty good. Pass me another kale-banana smoothie.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/restaurants/art-and-soul,1153835.html

http://www.seasons52.com/locations/?restaurantid=4514

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/supermarket-customers-are-hot-for-takeout/2013/02/25/3e817c0a-7790-11e2-95e4-6148e45d7adb_story.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/supermarket-customers-are-hot-for-takeout/2013/02/25/3e817c0a-7790-11e2-95e4-6148e45d7adb_story.html

July 31, 2012

LYFE Kitchen E-packet

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Transcript of LYFE Kitchen E-packet