Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop @ SoCo Costa Mesa – Media Tasting

Ever since I was introduced to Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop in Costa Mesa back in January, I have been a huge fan.  I’ve brought my family and friends here regularly and everyone raves and loves it!  You can read about my previous post here.  I had heard about the second location at SoCo and could not wait for it to open as it is closer to me.  The day finally came and Allen and I were thrilled to be invited back to try their Happy Hour Menu served daily 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.  It’s available at both Costa Mesa (234 E 17th St Costa Mesa, CA 92627) and SoCo Costa Mesa (3321 Hyland Ave Costa Mesa, CA 92626).

Although the SoCo location is smaller than the Costa Mesa location, the charming Eco-friendly design is still the same.  I love the wall garden and natural wood furnishing.  Whether you sit inside the restaurant or outside at the patio, you feel in touch with nature.

(Photos by Allen Taylor Photography)

We started off with a cool refreshing House Squeezed Plum Lavender Soju Lemonade.  This couldn’t have been more perfect for the warm summer day.

Our first plate was Grilled Deliciousness (grilled peach with peach puree, salted pecan-crusted burrata cheese, baby arugula, & prosciutto salad with balsamic reduction).  This dish is a combination of a little sweet with a little savory plus a little tart.  In other word, DELICIOUS as its name suggests.

Turkey Sliders (mini turkey burgers with butter lettuce, roasted tomato, red onion marmalade, and pomegranate aioli on a sesame bun) were served next.  These were packed with flavor.  I really appreciated that the buns were soft and not dense like a lot of other sliders.

Pizzas came soon after.  All made with whole-wheat tortilla.  I had tried them before and I thought this time around I liked them even more.  This is as healthy as you can get eating pizzas.

Romesco Sausage Pizza (crispy whole wheat tortilla topped with romesco sauce, turkey sausage, Parmesan cheese, arugula, and fennel) was meat lover’s favorite.  The sausage had a nice kick.  If you like a little spiciness in your food, you will love this.

Mushroom Truffle Pizza (crispy tortilla topped with goat cheese spread, sauteed mushroom, Parmesan cheese, arugula, and Pecorino drizzled with truffle oil) had great flavor.  You can’t go wrong with mushroom and truffle oil.

Burrata Pizza (crispy whole wheat tortilla topped with basil pesto, baby tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and burrata drizzled with balsamic reduction) was a surprise to me.  The combination of creaminess, acidity and saltiness was perfect.  It was my favorite of the three.

One of the sides we tried was Farro Salad (sofritto and vegetable stock finished with Feta).  I had to look it up.  According to Wikipedia, Farro is a food product composed of the grains of certain wheat species in whole form.  I absolutely loved it!  To me, it tastes like barley and brown rice but firmer and nuttier.

We also tried Kristi’s Quinoa (sofritto and green onion accented by balsamic vinegar).  I tried making Quinoa once and failed miserably.  Chef Kristi has perfected it.

Antioxidant Orchard Salad (Scarborough Farms baby mixed greens, grapes, celery, walnuts, dried cranberries, apples, Bleu cheese, mint, red onion, cucumbers, strawberries, and blueberries with pomegranate whole grain vinaigrette) is my all-time favorite salad and I can eat it everyday!

Lastly the Almond Chicken Sandwich (served with tangy slaw and romesco sauce on a vegan harvest bun).  This is from the regular menu not the happy hour menu but Chef Kristi added on to the menu for us to try.  It was a great ending to our tasting.

Outside of the restaurant at the courtyard, there is a little garden with tables nearby.  It’s nice to know that some of the ingredients used are grown right there on site.

Special thanks to Devon of Wagstaff Worldwide., Chef Kristi, and Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop for their hospitality!  If you haven’t visited SoCo Costa Mesa, stop by on your way home and pick up some dinner.  Too tired?  You’re in luck.  From now until September,  SoCo Costa Mesa is offering free local delivery ($25 min. to 92728, 92799, 92626, 92704, 92707).  Lunch and dinner are served daily with breakfast served on weekends.  And come enjoy the Happy Hour daily 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.  In addition to the $4 wine and beer, $5 Soju Cocktail and Pizzas, all side dishes and small plates are 50% off.  I know I will be back so see you soon!

Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop
3321 Hyland Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 862-2480