MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- During an unprecedented taste
testing for food critics age 12 and under, more than 30 kids donned chef
coats and agreed to sample the food choices -- yes, even healthy ones --
planned for the newly re-themed park at Mall of America.
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As official tasters, members of the Nickelodeon Universe Kids Panel
sampled menu items from each of the new food concepts at Eats in
Nickelodeon Universe, including Noodles, Grill Grill, Rotisserie, Flatbread
and Greens. Between courses the kids had a chance to cleanse their palates
with ginger flavored fizz.
Although kids in general can be picky when it comes to healthy food,
the result was overwhelmingly positive.
"The menu we've designed gives kids a chance to have fun and 'play'
with their food," said Chef Keith Keogh of Levy Restaurants. "While it's
incredibly rewarding to create food that's nutritious, it was even more
rewarding to see the kids dive in. Food should be good. People should enjoy
it, and in this case, kids should enjoy it."
Mall of America and award-winning, industry leading Levy Restaurants
announced plans in November to partner to create and deliver a re-invented
theme-park dining experience at Nickelodeon Universe.
Chicago-based Levy Restaurants, known for delivering innovative menus
to restaurants, stadiums and arenas, is committed to providing delicious,
healthy options for kids. The grand opening of Eats, located in the
southwest corner of the park, is scheduled to coincide with the grand
opening of Nickelodeon Universe March 15. Levy has tapped many of its
creative, culinary and operational experts to develop fresh and innovative
menu offerings, including organic, natural and locally grown foods and
dishes, as well as new twist on theme park favorites and ethnically diverse
tastes.
"Levy has been known as the leading premium foodservice operator in the
country and we are thrilled for them to be part of Nickelodeon Universe,"
said Maureen Bausch, Executive Vice President of Mall of America. "This
partnership means healthier food offerings and more options. In fact, we
expect that our food, like our rides, will become a destination."
About Mall of America
Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment
complex. The 4.2 million square foot complex is home to more than 520
world-class shops; the nation's largest indoor family amusement park;
Underwater Adventures, a 1.2 million gallon walk-though aquarium; a
14-screen movie theater and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is
located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and
St. Paul. For more information visit http://www.mallofamerica.com.
About Levy Restaurants
Levy Restaurants was founded in Chicago in 1978 and is recognized as
one of America's fastest growing and most critically acclaimed restaurant
companies, and is the leader in premium sports and entertainment dining
concessions. Levy's diverse and expansive portfolio includes award-winning
restaurants such as James Beard-winning Spiaggia and Bistro 110 in Chicago,
Fulton's Crab House and Wolfgang Puck's Grand Cafe at Walt Disney World
Resort, renowned sports venues, such as Lambeau Field in Green Bay, STAPLES
Center in Los Angeles, and American Airlines Arena in Miami, retail
locations including Hershey's, Build a Bear and the Harley Museum, and
events including Super Bowls, World Series, Kentucky Derbies, and the
Grammy Awards. For further details on Levy Restaurants, visit
http://www.levyrestaurants.com.