While I was eating $1.99 Safeway Organic tomato soup for lunch (don't hate—it's close to payday), here's the menu city council members and staff were enjoying at their annual departmental retreat, held this year at the downtown Bell Harbor Conference Center:

Organic Mixed Greens with Assorted Dressings

Classic Caesar Salad

Seasonal Fruit Salad

Greek Pasta Salad

Ruby Beet & Citrus Poached King Salmon with Orzo & Butternut Squash

Grilled Beef Tenders with Red Wine Demi Glace

Vegetarian Roasted Tofu with Coconut Red Curry Sauce

Herb Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Caramelized Onions

Garlic Mashed Red Jacket Potatoes

That's a far cry from retreats in years past, when "lunch" was often limited to dry white bread, cold cuts, and American cheese.