Food Review: Mendocino Farms

When driving down Ventura Boulevard, you’ll find a local restaurant that promotes healthy eating as well as the incorporation of local produce into their sandwiches, salads and soups only at Mendocino Farms in Sherman Oaks.

As soon as you walk into the restaurant, there is a big marquee sign that reads, “eat happy” as well as different and fun decorations all over the restaurant.

Mendocino Farms always has a long line that wraps around the building. To speed this up employees take will take your order while you are waiting. Once you get to the register you’re ready to pay.

Although the line to order can get pretty long and even the wait for your sandwich to come out can be about 15 minutes, it is worth the wait because of the fresh ingredients, and the precise execution of flavors and spices.

There are many choices to choose from on the menu and if your diet consists of being vegan, vegetarian, dairy free or gluten free. This menu is perfect for you because of the great selections of different kinds of sandwiches, salads and soups.

Mendocino Farms specializes in gourmet sandwiches, their selection of salads is small but the five options you get to choose from come with sufficiently great amounts of ingredients.

The menu is divided into seven sections, Seasonal Sandwiches Fall, Classics “Mendo Style,” Foodie Favorites, Vegan For All, Salads, Farm Favorites and  can we be more cheesy? Each section is filled with different options for you to choose from.

The Foodie Favorite consists of two sandwich options, one being the “Not So Fried” chicken sandwich with free range chicken and the second option being, Kurobuta Pork Belly Banh Mi, which is a take on the popular Vietnamese sandwich but with, braised and caramelized Kurobuta pork belly.

The standouts are the Pork Belly Banh Mi and the Chicken Prosciutto sandwich as well as the yellow curry couscous.

With all the sandwiches options there is also a selection of deli side salads and if you are uncertain about the taste the employees offer many free samples for you to taste.

Although this restaurant may not be in the budget for college students, the portions are definitely big enough to share or to take back home for the lunch the next day.

Mendocino Farms is a great place to come with friends, family and children because of the warm and welcoming environment you will have a great experience and enjoy healthy food.

Mendocino Farms is located on 14141 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, Calif.