IRVINE, California -- June 7, 2010 -- Mimi's Cafe, the All Day Fresh Cafe, expands its fresh take on regional American cuisine and touch of French inspiration with the roll out of a new menu. One of the most significant innovations to the menu in Mimi's history, an array of freshly prepared, flavorful food and drink choices await guests at Mimi's in locations coast-to-coast. More than 40 new breakfast, lunch and dinner items have been added.

Known for its all day fresh menus, Mimi's newest offerings are bound to satisfy the palates of sweet and savory eaters alike. "Our new menu is designed to appeal to today's consumers who want flavor, variety, choice and value whether dining in or on the go," said Mimi Somerman, Senior Vice President of Marketing. "As we further our efforts to enhance the dining enjoyment and experience of our guests, they are discovering Mimi's Cafe in a fresh new way."

Perfect to start a meal, Mimi's new Small Plates menu features 10 tapas-style dishes made for sharing and pairing. Mimi's selections range from crispy Crab Fritters, filled with crab, spinach and artichoke hearts served with citrus remoulade to a signature Hummus Sampler consisting of original and sundried tomato hummus with basil and feta, served with baked whole wheat flatbread chips and cucumbers.

Salad lovers will discover fresh twists on classics like Mimi's Seared Steak Salad, flat ironed steak, griddled peppers and onions, feta, tomatoes, and bleu cheese fritters with pomegranate berry dressing. The BBQ Chopped brings the tastes of summer to the plate: BBQ chicken, iceberg lettuce, diced avocado, tomato, cheddar, corn, green onions and corn tortilla strips with BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. All salads are served with a freshly baked muffin.

Mimi's continues a celebration of its culinary roots, expanding its signature Gourmet Francais section to lunch and dinner. Seize the day with a Pacific Croissant, an all-butter croissant filled with scrambled eggs, garlic spinach, smoky bacon, tomatoes, Swiss cheese, avocado and basil pesto aioli. Midday, Mimi's artisan baguettes frame a new line of sandwiches: Turkey, Albacore Tuna Salad and BBQ Pulled Pork. Dinner entrees include Chicken Brie Dijon, Roasted Chicken Crepe, Beef Bourguignon and Asparagus & Brie Quiche.

On the lighter side, Mimi's Cafe Fresh & Fit menu enthusiasts will delight in more choices for 650 calories or less. The California Crunch Salad (578 calories) combines baby greens, pistachios, walnuts, sliced almonds and seasonal fruit topped with fat-free balsamic vinaigrette; the Grilled Veggie Flatbread (475 calories) is whole wheat flatbread with zucchini, red onions, mushrooms, red peppers, tomatoes and hummus, served with baby greens and fat-free balsamic vinaigrette; and the Petite Filet (255 calories) pairs a perfectly broiled 5 oz center cut beef tenderloin, asparagus and balsamic baby greens.

The menu also features all day breakfast items, pastas, steaks, chops and ribs, artisan sandwiches and burgers and delicious desserts. Make room for Mimi's Molten Chocolate Cake, warm chocolate cake with a soft creamy center drizzled with chocolate ganache, served with fresh strawberries. Also new to the dessert tray is a Key Lime Cheesecake Bar with graham cracker crust, deliciously tart key lime custard and strawberry sauce. Other favorites include Mimi's Berry Pom Lemonade and Berry Pom Smoothies, a refreshing indulgence to curb any sweet craving.

Mimi's Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.  Many Mimi's Cafe restaurants have a full-service bar featuring specialty beverages including margaritas, mixed cocktails, seasonal beers, wines and smoothies. For social and business gatherings, Mimi's offers private dining rooms.

For the full menu, restaurant hours and location information, please visit MimisCafe.com. You can also receive a "Buy One Breakfast Entree, Get the Second Free" coupon and other offers by joining the Mimi's Cafe eClub.  Find Mimi's on Facebook at Facebook.com/MimisCafe and at Twitter.com/mimis_cafe.

ABOUT MIMI'S CAFE

Mimi's Cafe is a collection of upscale casual dining restaurants with 146 locations in 24 states as of the end of the third fiscal quarter (January 22, 2010). Mimi's Cafe is a unit wholly owned by Bob Evans Farms, Inc. a publicly traded company (Nasdaq: BOBE), known and loved for its bountiful breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with high-quality cuisine, unparalleled service and tastefully appointed decor.

 

###