Tender Greens Grand Opening in Torrance

While I prefer to do my roaming within the South Bay bubble – there are still wonders around every corner! – I occasionally venture beyond in an attempt to keep up with the world at large.

So it came as a surprise to me that I had never heard of Tender Greens, a chef-driven, fine-casual dining concept, which just opened their twentieth location in Torrance. More surprising was the feedback from a Facebook post when I checked in at the Grand Opening the other night. People were thrilled to hear this restaurant was now in their backyard – and with good reason.

Named one of the “10 Best Chain Restaurants in the World” by Conde Nast Traveler, Tender Greens serves inspired food with friendly service and great value in a comfortable space. The executive chefs at each location focus on the use of fresh, sustainable ingredients through partnerships with local farmers, allowing the restaurant to provide fine dining quality dishes to their ever-growing fan base at an affordable price point.

The event was very much a family affair, with friends, relatives and staff from other locations coming by to lend a hand and join in the celebration. Owners Erik Oberholtzer, Matt Lyman and David Dressler were in the house and during a break in the grazing, said a few words extolling the talents of their team and introducing local Chef Partner, Lacy Moody, who started as a salad maker nine years ago at the original Tender Greens location in Culver City.

The Torrance location will feature a veg-friendly menu with new protein options and plant-based sides, in addition to the mouth-watering Backyard Steak, Thai Shrimp, Tuna Nicoise and other favorites. Guests were served finger-food versions of the menu items and each bite was more delectable than the last. We also enjoyed a particularly tasty item not currently offered on the menu, one of Lucy’s legendary savory tarts. They were so scrumptious, I imagine they’ll be added to the menu shortly.

A beverage station featured locally brewed beer from The Strand Brewing Company, wine and an assortment of Lifestyle Drinks made of house blended fruits and vegetables that I couldn’t get enough of. The intense coloring of the beet, carrot and green drinks were gorgeous to look at and absolutely delicious going down. I’ve never enjoyed a ‘green’ drink so much.

When you have a chance, be sure to stop by and check out Tender Greens located directly across the street from the fabulous new Del Amo Shopping Center in Village Del Amo at 21247 Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance (just south of Torrance Boulevard in the same center as Bev Mo and Elephant Bar).

For additional information, visit the website at http://www.tendergreens.com/.

You’ll have to once again excuse my atrocious photography – expert photographer, Gloria Plascencia, was supposed to attend but was feeling under the weather.

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/tender-greens-grand-opening-in-torrance/