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.

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.