After five years of research and development, Organic Fork, a dynamic fast casual venue featuring a chef-crafted menu of responsibly sourced ingredients, opened its first location in Long Beach’s Bixby Village Plaza (5726 E 7th St.) this summer. Specializing in health-conscious eats like signature tortas with homespun flavor profiles and thirst-quenching aguas frescas, all for $12 or less, the time-strapped, hangry and health-conscious finally have a restaurant home. Cutlery and to-go boxes will all be made of plant-based materials and biodegradable.
“At Organic Fork, we’ll provide the community with fresh, healthy food served quickly at an affordable price by a friendly team,” says founder and Southern California resident Ivan Flores, who also owns nearby thriving quick-service concept The Buffalo Spot, which he expanded to 15 locations in three states. “Guests will select from a range of tortas, plates, bowls, salads and soups — made from scratch — with a choice of organic or responsibly-sourced proteins, grains and legumes.”
All meats and produce for the menu are carefully and ethically-sourced from farms and ranches in California, but for nearby Baja-caught yellowtail. To place an order, guests choose a protein for their plate, bowl or torta — the restaurant’s signature menu item. Options include citrus-marinated grass-fed, carrot-finished, hormone-free grilled steak; hormone-free Duroc pork carnitas; organic, free-range chicken and black salt-crusted Baja yellowtail).
Plates include a grain or legume, like organic rice, quinoa or lentils, and a small salad. Bowls feature a choice of protein over a serving of grains or legumes and lettuce. Tortas are typically served with jalapeño aioli, cheese and veggies.
“We’re proudly celebrating Mexico’s influence in Southern California with real, fresh ingredients and cross-border flavors,” Flores adds. “Everyone deserves to have healthy options when they dine out.”
Organic salads are also on offer, including the Mizuna tossed with Asian vinaigrette and the Baby Spinach with strawberries, almonds, goat cheese and served with honey Dijon dressing. All salads come with an option to add a protein for an additional charge.
Flavorful soups like Roasted Tomato Basil and Curry Coconut Carrot are cooked fresh and from-scratch daily, as are sides including grilled vegetables and bone broth.
To drink, Organic Fork offers housemade aguas frescas in dynamic flavors including cucumber pineapple and hibiscus lime alongside Stubborn Sodas in flavors like Agave Vanilla Cream, Lemon Berry Acai and Classic Root Beer.
