True Foods Kitchen

                                                         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