Lunch on the go’s often considered the enemy of Slow Food, but in downtown Los Angeles, Mendocino Farms makes quick eats with local, artisan style for busy locavores. And while the locavore-friendly company’s best known for its self-described “premier eco-artisan sandwich concept,” any Mendocino Farms sandwich can be made “salad style” for $1 more — served on a bed of local, organic greens to make for a cool and light summer lunch.

To be fair, most Mendocino Farms customers probably aren’t 100-mile dieters. The company’s two downtown sandwich shops do a brisk business with the office lunch crowd, who generally care less about Mendocino Farm’s local sourcing policies than the flavorful and creative sandwiches. I stopped by the location on Grand a couple weeks ago to find a line out the door — luckily a fast-moving, efficient line. Many got sandwiches on the go, while a few settled at the seats inside or the tables in the sunny courtyard for a yummy break away from the office.

Mendocino Farms’ commitment to local farmers and food artisans is hard to miss. A glance at the menu lets you know that the heirloom tomatoes for the Heirloom TBL sandwich come from Tutti Frutti Farms in Lompoc, Calif., the blue cheese spread in the Wine Country Steak & Brie from Point Reyes Farmstead, and the mustard in the Cubano Classico from Mendocino Mustards.

Mendocino Farms’ chef Judy Han shops for her produce at the Farmer’s Market every week — and even offers tips for successful farmers market shopping. Plus, the line to the register takes you by a “Featured Farmer” profile. Once you’re near the register, you’ll be offered free samples of a bunch of creative cold sides — like a Korean-style potato salad!

I went for the Vegan Shawarma (top photo; $10.25 salad style) and loved the delicious Mediterranean chickpea shawarma served on very fresh veggies. My one regret is that I asked for the organic bean puree and vegan tzatziki on the side — then forgot to eat them or the tortilla wrap that came with the salad. My friend got The 128 and enjoyed the combo of sweet and tart green apples and dried cranberries with savory grilled chicken — topped with honey roasted almonds and a warm goat cheese dressing.

The one eco downside of dining at Mendocino Farms: Even if you opt to dine in, you’ll get your meal in one-use disposable containers with plastic utensils. The dining spot does have a 3-bin recycling system in place, but a zero-waste lunch isn’t possible here. Take your own utensils to try and reduce waste.

Mendocino Farms. Two downtown Los Angeles locations: 300 S. Grand Ave., 213.620.1114; 444 S. Flower St. 213.627.3262.

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