The brainchild of diet guru extraordinaire Dr. Andrew Weil, True Food Kitchen has raised dining out to a whole new experience. TFK serves foods which are Seasonal, Sustainable, Simple, Pure….and delicious. In a spacious, bright, indoor /outdoor setting, the extensive menus feature a variety of choices, from very down-to-earth dishes to multi-ingredient more elaborate fare. The beautifully presented bouquet of fresh veggies accompanied by cups of tzatziki and a black olive dip is a filling but light selection. Seafood Caldo, a mouthwatering combination of sea bass, shrimp, collards, white bean, cilantro, chili and lime broth brings taste to new heights.
Everything in between is available from salads, soups and pizza to a variety of sandwiches including a fabulous and filing grass fed bison burger. Most menu items designate vegan, vegetarian or gluten free status. Diners never get the feeling they are in a health food restaurant where the food, although healthy, lacks taste and pizazz as does the True Food Kitchen.
An extra special treat for the young’uns is the True Kid’s Menu where they may choose from such healthy options as almond butter, apple and banana sandwiches, chicken teriyaki bowl or mozzarella and organic tomato pizza. It’s all about starting them off young with healthy eating options.
Deserts range from the simple, refreshing and delicious made on the premises lemon ginger frozen yogurt to it’s hard to believe that it is healthy flourless chocolate cake or squash pie with coconut whipped cream.
Under the heading of Natural Refreshments, a variety of delicious and unusual nonalcoholic drinks are listed including those with such enticing names as Medicine Man, Red Moon, Hangover Rx and Kale Aid. A full menu of wines and beer, several of which are organic, sake and cocktails are also offered.
Here and there throughout the restaurant, seemingly scrawled on a blackboard messages continue the ideology behind the restaurant including Dr. Weil’s “Get people back into the kitchen and combat the trend towards processed and fast food” and Thomas Edison’s “The doctors of the future will give no medication but will instruct patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause of treatment of disease.”
Kudos to TFK for their environmentally and sanitarily well thought out bathrooms which include sanitary wipes for opening doors from the inside. They’ve thought of every detail to make this a healthy and delightful experience for its patrons. Kudos to the helpful, cordial and efficient wait staff, always with a smile.
Dining at True Food Kitchen offers a happy, healthy delicious experience for the whole family. Hopefully it will portend the trend of the future.
True Food Kitchen
395 Santa Monica Place, #172
Santa Monica
310/593-8300
www.truefoodkitchen.com
February 1, 2013
SC Guide