True Foods Kitchen
Linda Rocco
True Food Kitchen is a healthy eating collaboration between
Dr. Andrew Weil and restaurateur Sam Fox. After spending time together in the
late 1990’s, Sam Fox, head of Fox Restaurant Concepts, came to understand how
delicious healthy food could be and realized that Dr. Weil’s concept for a
restaurant that serves great food, that is in fact good for you, could work. The first True Foods Kitchen opened in
Phoenix Arizona in 2008 and was an immediate success. This success inspired Dr.
Weil and Mr. Fox to open other locations in the southwest and make a long-
range goal to expand across the country.
True Foods Kitchen opened in Newport Beach, California in August of
2010.
Dr. Andrew Weil, author, public speaker and Director of the
Center for Integrative Medicine, advocates the Anti-Inflammatory diet. Many of
the dishes at True Foods Kitchen, adheres to the principle of this diet. Dr.
Weil’s vision encompassed a dining experience of delicious flavors, healthy
nutrients, environmental awareness and an inviting natural atmosphere. He
stated that no matter how many locations were ultimately established, he never
wanted True Food Kitchen to feel like a “chain”.
The menu features fresh and healthy ingredients in creative
dishes like edamame dumplings, spaghetti squash casserole, curry and grass-fed bison burgers. There is
also a stand alone bar that features unique non-alcoholic drinks such as the
“Medicine Man” made with pomegranate, cranberry, black tea, soda and sea
buckthorn. Most of the ingredients are sourced locally from two separate farms.
Mr. Fox and Dr. Weil
ultimately hired Testani Design Group of Scottsdale, Arizona to capture the essence
of healthy and balanced living. The “identity
of the interiors” was created by mirroring the underlining ideas of “simple,
fresh and pure”. This concept was
achieved by utilizing a color scheme that alternates between bright and warm
colors combined with great attention to detail. The core design elements emphasized
lighting and carefully selected materials. Splashes of green and yellow on the
bar stools, banquettes, and chairs give a fresh and lively feeling. The airy
outdoor patio boasts a contemporary crystal fire pit and brightly colored
Adirondack chairs lining it’s perimeter. The open concept kitchen is integrated
into the seating area of the main dining room and makes a strong design
statement.
True Foods Kitchen exudes modern design and incorporates
environmentally friendly materials, which reflect the natural and healthy
eating focus. Among the eco-friendly applications used are reclaimed wood
floors, recycled quarry tiles, and low VOC paint. Much of the equipment is also
“green” including waterless urinals, ultra-low water faucets, and low voltage
LED lighting. Some of the kitchen equipment is energy efficient and white oak
butcher block that is sustainable and renewable as well as Caeserstone Quartz were
also used. Additionally an Asian inspired sand garden and a living wall of
succulents was tastefully incorporated in the décor. Wood and concrete used on
the exterior provide a striking backdrop to the metal washtubs of herbs
flanking the inviting entrance.
Unfortunately, the reputation of the brand was marred in
2014 by several patrons becoming ill after visiting the Newport Beach location.
True Foods Kitchen was closed for a few days after the health department
ultimately determined that no two patrons had eaten the same food and the
illness was most likely passed on from person to person. The restaurant was
ordered to close, all surfaces were to be sanitized and all food disposed of. Staff that were working on the days in
question were sent home and workers from other locations were brought in to
replace them. Ultimately, the restaurant reopened quickly, everybody got back
to work and True Foods Kitchen has maintained it’s outstanding reputation ever
since.
Resources:
1.
Dr. Weil.com
2.
Nancy Luna/OC Register
3.
Testani Design Group
10:33 PM
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