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Business & Tech

Mall-Goers Rate Food Options at Westfield Culver City

The square mile around the shopping center provides an opportunity for a close examination of food, health and obesity issues, which mirror larger concerns across California.

A massive mall sprinkled with clothing and department stores, eateries and a fitness center is certainly not hard on the eyes, but is it hard on your health? The Cafe Style Dining Terrace of the Westfield Culver City mall is decked with 14 diverse and contemporary food options; though some taste good, are any of them good for the body? 

"Nothing here is healthy to eat," Culver City resident Sam P. said as she was snacking on a free chicken sample from Viet Gourmet Express during her first visit to the mall's food court.

Other mall visitors disagreed. With restaurants including California Steak & Fries, Cilantro Fresh Mexican Grill, Ono Hawaiian BBQ, Sarku Japan Sushi Bar and well-known chains such as Panda Express and Sbarro, shoppers Laura Kane and daughter Lena said healthy options were plentiful.

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"There are tons of good, healthy places to eat here," Laura Kane said. "Healthy is what you make of it—and depends on what you order."

Kane feasted on a fresh vegetable meal at Great Khan's Mongolian Grill, her favorite food-court restaurant, and said she likes how it doesn't use oil, just water, to prepare the food.

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Lines of people waiting for fast-food options wrapped around the dining terrace. In addition to the food court, crowds flocked to the 16 other mall eateries. 

On one particular afternoon, many people packed into BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, known for its delectable deep-dish pizzas loaded with calories. Manager Jamie said the house salad may be the restaurant's only healthy option, though it does offer a lighter menu with meals under 670 calories.

Other spots in the mall cater more to those with a sweet tooth, such as Creme de la Crepe, Baskin-Robbins, Millions of Milkshakes, Auntie Anne's Pretzel and Cinnabon. There are candy dispensers located on each floor of the mall, a Fuzziwig's Candy Factory, See's Candies, Red Ribbon Bake Shop and Mrs. Field's Cookies. These eateries and snack shops make up about 30 percent of the total retail space in the mall.

To help combat the candy, Gold's Gym resides on the first level with the latest exercise machines, a number of fitness classes and a full staff of personal trainers. Fitness coordinator Rodney Dickerson said membership has been growing since it opened eight months ago. 

"I think our close location has been a good, healthy distraction," Dickerson said.

More workout and recreational opportunities can be found near the mall, including at Fox Hills, El Marino and Blanco parks. 

Fox Hills Park is one of the best kept secrets of Culver City, according to Kevin, its recreation coordinator, who has been working for Culver City parks for 11 years.

The Owak family has been coming to the park every couple of months to play sports.

"It's safe, it's pretty and it's quiet," said oldest sibling Jessica Owak, who enjoys having picnics there.

 In the coming weeks we look forward to documenting the food choices available to local residents in the square mile surrounding the mall. These will include articles and slide shows about the availability of fresh produce in this neighborhood, and how local people are taking on the rising problem of obesity. We also plan to look at ongoing environmental stories within this square mile, including the two main cemeteries, Holy Cross Cemetery and Hillside Memorial, and their maintenance. We hope our coverage can help people understand how to live a healthy life with the options they have at their fingertips.

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