GREENLEAF GOURMET CHOPSHOP - Were healthy comes to play.

Tasty – check, healthy – check, inexpensive – check, yes this place has it all.  From its specialty salads to its thin crust pizzas the taste is in your mouth.  Nothing is made with mayonnaise!  My favorite is the Turkey Melt served on pretzel bread with truffle oil.  The cheese melts perfectly and is warm and inviting on a cold spring day.  The local favorite is The Antioxidant Orchard Salad with baby missed greens, grapes, celery, apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, blue cheese, mint, red onion, cucumbers, strawberries and blueberries dressed with pomegranate whole grain mustard vinaigrette.  But look if your looking for more than just a salad try panni or BYO hot Entrée (it’s a choose your own protein and 2 sides). The protein is anything from grilled chicken breast, flat iron steak to tofu or seared ahi tuna. 

The thin crust pizzas are just that thin crust.  You can go basic with wild mushroom and truffle pizza to spicy turkey sausage and fennel.  Okay, nothing at this establishment is basic.  The spicy pizza has a delicious kick and is not served with tomato sauce but what appears to be a spicy buffalo sauce.   Don’t be chicken it is flavorful so give your mouth a spicy treat.

The credit machines were down when I went to everyone was scrambling for cold hard cash which does not exist anymore.  The cashier was awesome he provided free drinks and told us to wait 15 minutes as happy starts at 3 pm.  During Happy Hour all pizzas are half price along with the kicking gourmet sides.  There are 14 sides to choose from so there has to be something you like. I recommend quinoa salad or Tuscan kale salad but there are also baked sweet potato fries, hummus or any number of delicious pasta salads. This place is customer friendly with a capital FRIENDLY.

This is not fancy sit down establishment.  It is simple order at the front and they bring your food to you.  But they are always there to assist you with a smile.  There is wine bar to belly up to and an outside dog friendly patio area. 

The prices for health are inexpensive.  Greenplate Special ½ panni and your choice of side salad or fresh made soup is $7.95.  You will not leave hungry.  The desserts are just as tasty and you will not be wasting calories because they are totally worth it!

This place is 4 Forks Up for food, price, atmosphere, friendliness.  I cannot say enough good things.  Best time of day is after 3pm because of half price options.  Great to shop then drop off for a bite.  Or even after a swim at the beach which is just a stone’s throw away.  This particular location is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.  The Century City and Beverly Hills locations are only open for Breakfast and Lunch. 

  234 East 17^th St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627