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Rod's Story

Growing up in an Italian-American family, Rod Rotondi , founder of Leaf Cuisine, learned to cook as a child,  as
well as learn table service and Italian cuisine in Rome at the American Ambassador’s residence (his grandfather).
Rod went on to take French cooking courses in Paris as a teenager, and worked in restaurants to pay his way
through college and graduate school. Through 15 years of world travels, including working for the United
Nations, he picked up culinary lessons from around the globe.

In 1996 Rod discovered raw and living foods where he introduced them in his restaurant in Egypt. Upon
returning to States, Rod opened “Rod’s Wrap & juice Bar” in Marblehead, MA where he won the “best of Show”
and  “Best Theme” awards in a prestigious Culinary Arts Festival.

But California was calling, and Rod moved to Los Angeles where the well know raw foods chef Juliano hired him
to set up, manage, and chef at his new restaurant in Santa Monica.

In 2004, Rod created Leaf Cuisine in order to offer “truly clean, delicious and affordable food in a convenient and
relaxing format.”
 
In the works.....Great Healing Getaways, Episode #4 Weight Loss/Food Cravings features segments with Rod preparing
Raw Foods.  Our productions are a labor of love. Supporting our store helps us to produce more great healing videos for
television/broadband broadcast.
Restaurant Review - Continuation by Nili Nathan

Leaf Cuisine











.....I was amazed at how young and vibrant he looked. Raw foods can set-back the clock as we de-tox and nourish our
body with live enzymes. I was also delighted that the prices on the menu were affordable. Rod says he wanted to make
Raw Foods accessible to the people. "Our intention is to create healthful, tasty, and affordable foods, in their natural
state, using only organic ingredients, imagination and conscious care." Well, by the crowds that frequent his
restaurants, he succeeded. The Bedouin Burrito, with sundried tomato hummus, sprouted chickpea hummus, mixed
greens, tomatoes & sprouts, was delicious. Priced at $7.50  And you have to try the Chocolate Brownie, topped with
chocolate sauce, whipped "cream" & chopped walnuts. A favorite of mine. Priced at $5.99 (you can share for two) Top it
off with an assortment of herbal teas, or a refreshing glass of Lively Lemonade.
Locations: 11938 W. Washington Blvd, L.A.
and 14318 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks.
and 8365 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood

Rod's opening in more locations soon.