Downtown West Palm Beach has an eclectic mix of restaurants but where can you find one where inventive salads, fresh juices and vegetarian options are the stars? Field of Greens, commonly known as FOG, is the newest not-so-new hotspot for healthy and tasty dining on Clematis Street, a popular destination for foodies and fun seekers.
In April 2003, Field of Greens opened its first location in bustling City Place, a lifestyle shopping center in the heart of West Palm Beach. Co-founder and New York native, Debbie Lakow, sat down with me on a busy Thursday afternoon to tell me about her journey as a restaurateur.
“I grew up in New York and worked on Wall Street for years. The funny thing about the city is you can get a salad anywhere, even a Korean Market. When we moved my family to South Florida twenty years ago, you couldn’t get a salad anywhere,” Lakow explained. “It was funny because I don’t cook, but I started making dressings out of my house, beginning with balsamic and ranch.” With no restaurant management or culinary training, but recognizing an opening in the market, Lakow made the bold move to open a place for great salads.
Lakow called her brother, David Steinhardt, who sadly passed away this past March, and proposed her idea. He had just sold his business and was on the first plane to Florida to become her partner.
The siblings did not want to create a typical health food establishment, but a place where customers have healthy options that can satisfy any dietary restriction. And they did just that. “We had 900 square feet and we were rocking. We were so busy. It was great,” Lakow proudly remembered.
With one success under their belt, Lakow and Steinhardt opened two other South Florida locations. After nine years at their original Palm Beach location, they decided it was time for a move, a facelift and a new partner, Hess Musallet. In January 2013, Field of Greens relaunched on Clematis Street with a new menu and a new look.
The Clematis Street space is modern industrial meets farmhouse chic. Designer Sterling Kenan incorporated reclaimed wood, cement floors, wainscoting, high ceilings and an open kitchen for a look unlike anything else in the area. “We wanted it to be fast and lively. More of a downtown feel. Very welcoming. Very boutique-y,” said Lakow.
The Clematis location features a more upscale menu and a juice bar, an addition that new partner Musallet thought was a must. Salad dressings take center stage. They are all homemade and preservative free. Field of Greens is known as the place to go for the freshest salads, sandwiches, soups and juices. “[At Field of Greens], you can be as healthy as you want to be. We have our employees chopping and tossing made-to-order salads.”
During the interview, Lakow paused to say hello to multiple customers, greeting them and calling them by name. She also has a wonderful rapport with her employees. Lakow describes her employment policy as “recovery friendly,” meaning that she is open to hiring individuals who have faced personal challenges and are making positive changes in their lives. “We really believe in giving people second chances.”
When asked about future expansion, Lakow explained their intention to bring the two other locations up to speed with the Clematis one. This consistency among the stores will most certainly grow their loyal FOG fan base.
Read about Field of Greens online at http://www.fieldofgreensonline.com
