Healthy Food Choices Planned for Nickelodeon Universe Pass the Test

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.
(Photo: here)
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 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 www.levyrestaurants.com.
SOURCE Mall of America

Katie Kirby, cell, +1-312-208-1869, kkirby@levyrestaurants.com, for Levy
Restaurants; or Dan Jasper, cell, +1-952-240-9306, djasper@mallofamerica.com,
for Mall of America