Designed by the skilled culinary team of The Peninsula Chicago, our new Naturally Peninsula menu items are inspired by the anti-inflammatory, plant-based diets that are found in areas around the world that are often referred to as the “Blue Zones”. These Blue Zones are places on the planet where people notoriously live longer than the average lifespan, largely due to their diet, environment, movement, and connection to community. The Blue Zones consist of Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California.

Drawing inspiration from cuisines of these locations, our chefs use locally sourced ingredients to create plant-based dishes that elicit the same health benefits as the diets of those located in the Blue Zones.

Some of the main anti-inflammatory foods found in both the Blue Zones and our Naturally Peninsula menu are whole grains, sweet potatoes, beans, tofu, olive oil, berries, tomatoes, nuts, and leafy greens. You will find a blend of these ingredients in the Naturally Peninsula breakfast, lunch, and beverage items in The Lobby and via our in-room dining service.

While all the Blue Zones follow similar plant-based diets, learn more about local cuisine in each region below.

Blue Zone Regions

Okinawa, Japan

Sweet potatoes are abundant in the Blue Zones, especially Okinawa, where both orange and purple sweet potatoes are consumed. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, beta-carotene, and Vitamin C, and are extremely rich in antioxidants. You can find this ingredient in our Naturally Peninsula lunch menu item, Illinois Sweet Potato.

Ikaria, Greece

Olive oil is found as an ingredient in most meals in Ikaria, Greece. Extra Virgin Olive Oil has been known to provide health benefits against heart disease, chronic inflammation, and type 2 diabetes due to its antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids. You can find this ingredient in our Naturally Peninsula beverage menu item, Breakfast Tomato Juice.

Sardinia, Italy

Beans are eaten daily in Sardinia, Italy, especially white beans, chickpeas, and fava beans. Beans are a great source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants and protein, which is key for maintaining and repairing your body. You can find chickpeas in our Naturally Peninsula lunch menu item, Saag & Tofu Chickpea Bread. 

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Local fruits, such as berries, are a staple in the cuisine of the Nicoya Peninsula. Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, contain anthocyanin compounds that act as potent anti-inflammatory agents, which benefit the brain and heart. You can find berries in our Naturally Peninsula beverage menu item, Mixed Berry & Almond Shake.

Loma Linda, California

Nuts and seeds are a large part of the diet in Loma Linda, California. Nuts offer heart-healthy fats and have shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. You can find nuts and seeds in our Naturally Peninsula breakfast menu items, Organic Milled Buckwheat Pancakes and Whole Avocado.