“TRUE FOOD KITCHEN” COMES TO SANTA MONICA
FEATURING A HEALTHY AND INNOVATIVE MENU
Now opened at the new and improved Santa Monica Place is True Food Kitchen, an innovative and healthy restaurant developed in partnership with best-selling author Dr. Andrew Weil and Phoenix-based Fox Restaurant Concepts.
The menu at True Food Kitchen features global cuisine, influenced by the Mediterranean, Asia and California. High-quality grains, vegetables, wild-caught fish, certified Angus natural beef, and free-range chicken are featured, and a variety of dishes are offered as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free. Under the guidance of Chef Michael Stebner, True Food Kitchen offers a globally inspired, seasonal menu appealing to anyone seeking a more balanced lifestyle. It embraces high-quality, locally and regionally sourced ingredients to create a pure, simple menu that tastes great while nourishing the body, mind and spirit.
Dr. Andrew Weil is a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine. He is an internationally recognized expert for his views on leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as his philosophy of healthy aging, and the future of medicine and health care. Dr. Weil is known for providing valuable information and insight on how to incorporate conventional and complementary medicine practices in one’s life to optimize the body’s natural healing power.
During our recent visit for lunch, we started with the Shrimp Dumplings, prepared with Shitake mushrooms, ginger and broccoli. You will find most of the Starter items to be light and savory choices.
Next we opted to split the highly popular Almond Cap Mushroom Pizza, with spring garlic and Tallegio. Also, all pizzas can come gluten-free upon request. This is an extremely hearty and satisfying pizza. With a great garlic taste served with a wonderful crust.
For our entrees we went with the King Salmon, served with snap peas, asparagus, purple potato, and umami, and the Spicy Shrimp & Asian Noodles, made with shaved vegetable, mushroom, tofu, and savory broth. The King Salmon is excellent. It’s fresh, light and sized just right. Ever so tasty, it’s a guilt free meal full of taste that will not disappoint. The Spicy Shrimp & Asian Noodles is a terrific take on solid comfort food. Served nice and hot, it is extremely tasty and satisfying.
While there is a full bar to choose from, including organic vodka, you can also select a beverage from a menu of Natural Refreshments, including the Red Moon, with blood orange, yozu, agave and soda, the Cucumber Refresher made with cucumber and honey lemonade, and the Green Arnie, prepared with Matcha green tea and honey lemonade. These are perfect selections that will get you through the day come lunchtime.
For dessert, you should really give their Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream a try. It’s sweet, tasty and filling. And their sorbet selections are also highly recommended. FYI, lunch selections range from $6-17.
Heartier, healthful dishes are served on the dinner menu, such as: Spaghetti Squash Casserole, Fresh Mozzarella, Organic Tomato & Zucchini; Sashimi Tuna Salad with Avocado, Cucumber, Edamame and Ginger; Teriyaki Brown Rice Bowl, Asian Vegetable, Sesame, Avocado, choice of Tofu, Chicken, Shrimp; Pan Seared Halibut, Snap Peas, Asparagus, Purple Potato & Umami. Prices range from $6-25.
During weekend brunch, many lunch dishes are offered, in addition to breakfast items, including: Antioxidant Muffin, Cranberry & Olivello Glaze; Tofu Scramble Wrap, Soy Chorizo, Pasilla, and Anasazi Bean; Breakfast Burrito, Egg, Turkey Bacon, Provolone, Anasazi Bean & Salsa; Market Vegetable Scramble, Sweet Potato Hash, Onion & Two Eggs. Brunch options are priced from $3-17.
True Food Kitchen is located at 395 Santa Monica Place and is open seven days a week. Reservations are available for parties of 8 or more, with take-out service as well. Underground and valet parking are offered. Call 310-593-8300. Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Brunch served until 3 pm; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Brunch served until 3 pm.
Photography courtesy of True Food Kitchen
