Salad Spinners serves lunchtime-in-the-Loop fare with a socially progressive spoon. Rich Levy, self-proclaimed "head tomato" of the joint, has his mission written on the wall (well, menu but you get the drift.) "Salad Spinners is dedicated to American farmers. (Our restaurant) was created to bring their produce to the market and educate Americans about American farms." Lovely, but how does this affect your lunchtime? It's all in Levy's guarantee: "rich folk's food at down-home prices."
The morning menu features an array of breakfast goodies that ougtta put Denny's to shame. Expect stacks of strawberry banana, Oreo or plain pancakes ($6.95 for six) and smoked turkey eggs benedict ($7.95). Other options include the Mango Mama waffles ($4.95) and a roster of cheesy three-egg omelets, each less than $5.
After 10:30 a.m. salads, soups and sandwiches spin out of the kitchen. For less than $8 you can order up a farm fresh spread of salad (go for the Mexicali with cilantro, corn, black beans and honey lime vinaigrette), a heapin' bowl of homemade soup (think butternut squash) and chips and soda. Sandwich options include wasabi tuna, peppercorn bleu roast beef, and the salami, pepperoni and provolone-stuffed Soprano; it's enough to make you wonder if the folks lined up at Quizno's know what they're missing.
Sunflowers in watering cans, tractor seats slung up on the wall and a sign above the employee entrance reading "Farmhands only" underscore the Spinner's red barn vibe.
Reviewed By: Jennifer Berg
