Los Angeles - June 16, 2006

Love Me Tender

Tender Greens Opens

Making your own lunch for work seemed like a brill idea. Until candying your own walnuts and medallioning goat cheese lost its thrill (on day two).

Now, not only could you care less if Artie from accounting steals your boring old tuna sandwich from the fridge, you almost hope he does.

Especially since Tender Greens is open in downtown Culver City. They serve just the kind of fresh, organic fare you wish you had time to make yourself. There’s no sign yet, but you’ll know it from the wide-open windows and 1,200-square-foot patio. (Plus, it’s right next door to Ford’s Filling Station.)

Choose from generous salads like grilled flatiron steak with butter lettuce, radishes, beets, and horseradish vinaigrette; chipotle barbecue chicken with romaine hearts, avocado, jack cheese, tortilla strips, and creamy lime dressing; and classic Caesar. Or you can build your own with add-ins like fresh ahi. In a rush? Grab a sandwich to go and bring it back to the office.

Just don’t let Artie get his hands on it.

Tender Greens, 9523 Culver Boulevard, between Cardiff and Watseka Avenues, Culver City (310-842-8300 or tendergreensfood.com).