CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Blue Zones Project – Lake County announced that Aromas Café at Woodland Community College has officially earned the designation of a Blue Zones Project- approved restaurant.

This achievement was celebrated recently during the Lake County Restaurant Expo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and certificate presentation.

During the ceremony, Chef Robert Cabreros, who also heads up the Woodland Community College Lake County Campus’s Culinary Arts Program, shared that although the café operates just one day a week during each school semester, the previous session saw over 350 Blue Zones Project-inspired menu items sold.

This success highlights the growing demand for fresh, healthy dining options among community members.

In pursuit of Blue Zones approval, Chef Cabreros incorporated a unique educational component into his culinary program. He developed a lesson plan that introduces students to the principles of the Blue Zones and the Blue Zones Project, equipping them with the knowledge to engage customers on the significance of dining at an approved restaurant.

As part of their learning, students also watch the Emmy award-winning docuseries Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.

Aromas Café updates its menu weekly and has committed to offering at least one Blue Zones-inspired, plant-slant option each week. This dedication ensures that patrons seeking plant-forward healthy meals always have a nutritious and flavorful choice available.

Additionally, Aromas Café supports well-being beyond its menu by offering split plates at no extra charge—promoting portion control and affordability. Takeout containers are also available
to encourage the practice of Hara Hachi Bu, a mindful eating principle from Okinawa, Japan, one of the original 5 Blue Zones.

"Chef Rob’s leadership in bringing Blue Zones Project principles to both his culinary program and Aromas Café is truly inspiring," said Jamey Gill, executive director of Blue Zones Project – Lake County. "By integrating well-being education into his curriculum and ensuring that fresh, healthy options are available to patrons, he is making a lasting impact. We are thrilled to have Aromas Café as a partner in our mission to make Lake County an even happier, healthier place to live, work, and play."

Blue Zones Project is a county-wide health and well-being initiative designed to make healthy choices easier through lasting changes to the environment, policy and social networks. Inspired by
research on the world's longest-lived populations, the project aims to enhance community well-being and longevity.

For more information about the Blue Zones Project – Lake County, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..