Your Guide to Fine Hospital Dining

Oct. 4, 2007— -- While hospital food is traditionally viewed as a whipping boy of the inpatient experience, some medical centers spare no effort to add gourmet flair to medical center fare.

Here is just a sampling of three-course meals straight from the in-room menus of some culinary-minded hospitals across the country:

Kaiser Permanente Hospitals:

Crisp Garden Salad

Ancho-Citrus Marinated Loin of Pork

Served over an essence of Natural Jus, paired with Cinnamon Stewed Apples. Comes with Barley Pilaf and Steamed Broccoli.

Seasonal Fresh Fruit

See the full menu here.

Beth Israel Hospital, New York:

Tuna Nicoise Salad

Large flake tuna with green beans, tomato, egg, onion, black olives and greens. Drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.

Seared Salmon

Served with zucchini, onion, black olives and orange couscous in tomato sauce.

Apple Streudel

University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle:

The Evergreen Salad

A fresh baby green salad with your choice of grilled salmon, julienne of chicken breast, grilled vegetables or tofu. Served with balsamic vinaigrette.

Lemongrass Pork Loin

A taste of lemongrass, fresh ginger, lime juice and soy sauce -- cooked to perfection.

Chocolate Torte

Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C.:

Mixed Greens Salad

Fresh greens garnished with tomato, pepperoncini, calamata olives, cucumber, red onion and feta cheese.

Filet of Beef Mignon

Grilled beef tenderloin filet served with roasted red potatoes, marinated vegetables and mushroom bordelaise (wash it down with a glass of cabernet sauvignon, also available).

Fresh Strawberries with Whipped Cream

Mercy Medical Center, Rockville Center, N.Y.:

Pineapple Carpaccio

Ripe sweet pineapples are sliced thin, topped with ricotta cheese and served with fresh strawberries.

Stuffed Lemon Sole

Fresh lemon sole stuffed with sautéed peppers and shiitake mushrooms, finished with a zesty tomato, mango and cilantro salsa. Served with Basmati rice and steamed broccoli.

Cheesecake