After driving by this “True Food Kitchen” at Fashion Island for the past six years, I recently decided it was time to do some research. Immediately after seeing the menu, I knew I had to prioritize coming here. That day finally came, and I’m SO glad it did!
From the second I walked in the door, I felt like I was in restaurant-Disneyland. The place is HUGE, funky, fresh, and just emits good vibes- I swear. Team members everywhere, bright colors, and a delicious smell…. easy to say that my face quickly lit up. My server, Bonnie, soon greeted me after I was sat and was very helpful. She knew the menu inside-and-out, and gave me some background on the restaurant as well. Chef Chris joined in and told me even more about TFK.
True Food Kitchen is a fresh, open-kitchen, seasonal, health-driven concept that believes in catering to the guests’ dietary needs and creating food to make you feel great. Each location works with nearby bakeries and suppliers to get the best ingredients. They make everything in-house daily- EVEN THE SAUCES. Yes, Chef Chris told me that there is a basement prep-kitchen where the chefs make everything for the restaurant- including all the sauces and dressings: everyday! And….they make their own grilled pita bread as well! I knew that I was in for a treat.
Since it was my first time dining at True Food Kitchen, Chef Chris wanted me to get a taste of a variety of dishes, so I prepared myself for the feast.
- Charred Cauliflower – dates, dill, and pistachios?! 3 of my favorite ingredients paired with my favorite vegetable?! This was such a unique cauliflower dish, unlike anything I have had. I really enjoyed it!
- Roasted Artichoke Pizza – WOW. Hands-down the best 100% vegan item I have ever had. I still cannot even believe it, honestly. The “vegan almond ricotta” cheese was SO tasty- I wish this came on every pizza in the world. TFK has a magical way of creating vegan options. This is sheer talent.
- Grilled Chicken Salad – UGH one of the best salads I have ever had!! Perfectly tossed with the right amount of dressing, LOTS of chicken, and plenty of dates and almonds! All the flavors and ingredients married perfectly together.
- Ancient Grains Bowl – Not something I intended on ordering, but Chef Chris brought it out and thank goodness he did! A big bowl of vegetable heaven! Avocado, grilled portobello, caramelized onions, glazed sweet potatoes, and this amazing pesto sauce. I felt so full of vitamins and healthy-goodness after eating this! So tasty!
- Spicy Panang Curry with Shrimp – Wow. Many Thai restaurants don’t even do curry this well! Loved how it is served with quinoa rice!
- Herb Hummus – I’ve had a lot of hummus in my life, and this was certainly was one of the greatest. I love how it is topped with feta cheese and kalamata olives. Not to mention the killer, house-made, grilled pita bread it is served with!
Sauce Boss Suggestions : Get a side of the cilantro pesto. It is addictive and delicious.
All in all- I will be returning to True Food Kitchen. A MUST for vegans, vegetarians, healthy-eaters, and foodies all around!
Sauce Boss Shelby 