Kitchen Principles

  • Menus are written based on seasonality and availability of regional fresh product. Whenever possible, these are produced locally using sustainable and organic practices.
  • Chicken and turkey breast are purchased free of non-therapeutic human antibiotics.
  • Hamburgers are made with fresh ground chuck from beef raised on vegetarian feed without antibiotics or hormones.
  • Other meats are raised without antibiotics as a first preference.
  • Milk is free of antibiotics and artificial Bovine Growth Hormone as available
  • Shell eggs are produced cage-free and Certified Humane.
  • Vegetarian options are plentiful at every meal.
  • Healthy menu items are a mainstream offering throughout our cafés.
  • Salsas, Pizza, Marinara and other sauces are made from scratch.
  • Stocks are made from scratch, the day before use to ensure the removal of fats.
  • Turkey and beef are roasted in-house daily for deli scratch.
  • Tuna is dolphin-safe, packed in water.
  • Seafood should be purchased fresh when available locally. Salmon is wild caught. We support the Seafood Watch guidelines as recommended by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
  • Olive and canola oils are used for everyday salad dressings, specialty oils for other purposes (i.e. walnut oil or chili oil).
  • Trans fats are not used in our kitchen.
  • All salad dressings are made from scratch. Nonfat and low-calorie dressings may be purchased as necessary.
  • Vegetables are prepared in batches at the last possible minute and served in the smallest possible batches. MSG and peanut oil are never used in the preparation of our food.
  • Mashed potatoes are made from fresh potatoes.
  • Fresh squeezed lemon juice is used for cooking and sauces.
  • Cookies, muffins and breads (where possible) are baked fresh daily.