Tender Greens, With its Delicious Sustainable Foods Menu, Set to Open Bottle Free Location This Week

Tender Greens, an innovative chef-driven, fast-casual dining concept known for its farmer’s market sensibility and fresh, healthy fare, will open its newest location in Pasadena on or around July 8, 2011 – the sixth in California and the first 100% bottle free store.

Located in the artsy, eclectic Playhouse District, the Pasadena location will feature a cool modern yet comfortable cozy décor designed by Valerio Architects that utilizes reclaimed wood from the former Lighthouse Restaurant in Santa Monica (the location of Tender Greens’ upcoming seventh location.) As part of Tender Greens’ ongoing dedication to an eco-friendly and sustainable philosophy, the restaurant will take reducing their carbon footprint to a new level by completely eliminating bottle consumption. In its place, the restaurant will serve beverages in glassware and use 100% recyclable containers. Tender Greens offers a variety of chef-inspired, slow food menu items prepared fast and affordable.

Helming the kitchen will be Chef Daniel Schaffhauser, a native of the Alsace region of France who cites his memories of his mother’s smoked sausages, choucroute and fresh Alsatian cheeses as some of his most prominent culinary influences. Schaffhauser has worked at the celebrated Hotel de Crillo in Paris as well as London’s acclaimed French restaurant, L’arlequin prior to moving stateside. Additionally, he has held posts at the Ritz Carton in Atlanta and Los Angeles’ Casa del Mar and Beverly Wilshire Hotel prior to joining the Tender Greens family.

“Daniel brings to Tender Greens a deep understanding of sustainable ingredients, creativity to masterfully prepare inspired dishes daily and the keen ability to forge longstanding relationships with local farmers, ranchers, and artisans,” says Erik Oberholtzer, Chef and Co-Owner of Tender Greens. “His passion for quintessential French fare will help guide the Pasadena location, and will take guests on a culinary journey right at home.”

Schaffhauser adds, “The menu will feature daily specials created according to the market and season and will feature new items such as a fresh and crunchy Thai Shrimp and Green Papaya Salad, and rustic French favorites from my childhood.”  The core Tender Greens menu will also include everything from “Big Salads” to “Hot Stuff,” a portion of the menu which includes a choice of grilled protein served with veggies, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes or atop ciabatta alongside a simple salad. There are also soups, daily and Meatless Monday specials, an ever-changing array of desserts and pastries and coffee from local Pasadena favorite, Jones Coffee Roasters.

Tender Greens is a privately held company, started in June 2006, which aims to provide sustainable foods to its guests in a relaxed, eco-friendly space.  The company continues to expand its environmental business practices and impart a sense of responsibility in the community by leading example.  Tender Greens currently has five locations (Culver City, Hollywood and West Hollywood in Los Angeles, Point Loma located near San Diego, California, and Walnut Creek in the Bay Area).

Located at 621 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, the newest location will feature artwork and photography from Aaron Kai and Joe Ledbetter within 3,600 square feet.  Hours of operation will run from 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and from 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.  For more information, please visit www.tendergreensfood.