The Airport Café in Riverside has become the city’s first restaurant to join the Blue Zone initiative, adding healthy menu options while maintaining its reputation for hearty comfort food that pairs perfectly with watching planes take off and land.
The restaurant now marks healthier choices with blue circular logos throughout its menu, including items like the Riverside Veggie Omelet with egg whites and vegan cheddar cheese, Jen Jen Avocado Toast, and a plant-based burger option — giving diners more variety whether they’re fueling up for travel or just enjoying the unique runway views.
The Blue Zone concept originated from National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner’s research into five places around the world where people consistently live past 100. Research shows that only about 20% of longevity is dictated by genes, while about 80% is influenced by lifestyle and environment.
Restaurants earn Blue Zones Project Approved status by adopting practices that promote healthier lifestyles. The initiative uses public-private partnerships involving government policies, restaurants, schools, workplaces and grocery stores to make healthy choices easier in participating communities.
“Our chefs have done a really good job with the menu,” said Leimamo Taylor, the café’s owner. “It is exciting to have something new to offer our customers and maybe even something to draw in new customers.”
The café continues to serve popular items like chorizo biscuits and gravy, chilaquiles, and the Mile High breakfast alongside the new offerings.
The Blue Zone designation helps customers quickly identify healthier options without studying ingredient lists. The initiative is expected to expand to other Riverside restaurants in the coming months, potentially making the city a healthier place to dine out.
Located near the airport runway, the café has built a loyal following based on its unique setting where diners watch planes take off and land during meals. Taylor has been credited with the restaurant’s success through her attention to service and ability to translate high standards to her staff.
The restaurant’s stick-to-your-ribs menu has traditionally catered to travelers and locals seeking substantial portions.
Similar Blue Zones projects have shown impressive results in other communities. In Southern California’s Beach Cities, the initiative resulted in a 14% reduction in body mass index and a 30% drop in smoking. A separate Gallup-Healthways study found similar drops in obesity and smoking among participants in a Los Angeles-area Blue Zones Project.
New menu items include the Plant Powered Patty served on a whole grain bun with lettuce, tomato and pickles, with vegan cheddar cheese available upon request. The Riverside Veggie Omelet features onions, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, bell pepper and cheddar cheese, topped with avocado.
Other Blue Zone options include egg white preparations and dishes emphasizing vegetables and plant-based proteins. Traditional favorites — including various omelets, breakfast sandwiches and Angus burger options — remain unchanged.
Taylor expects the expanded menu to attract health-conscious diners while retaining longtime customers. The Blue Zone initiative aims to make nutritious dining more accessible throughout the community.
Airport Café continues to operate during regular breakfast and lunch hours, maintaining the same service standards that have made it a local favorite. The restaurant’s location provides views of aircraft operations while diners enjoy meals in either traditional or Blue Zone categories — proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean giving up the things that make dining out special.
More information: The Airport Café is located at 6951 Flight Rd and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit their website at riversideairportcafe.com.
Riverside launches a five-year initiative to boost community health and longevity, starting with a free family-friendly event at the Municipal Airport on May 17.
