True Food Kitchen Awards

True Food Kitchen Restaurant Review:

Created by healthy-living author Dr. Andrew Weil, True Food Kitchen is a breath of naturally fresh air at Newport’s Fashion Island. The space is bright and airy, with warm woods, a floating central bar, a bustling main dining room and a relaxing sunny patio with a fire pit. Chef Michael Stebner developed the menu along with Dr. Weil to create flavorful food with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that nourishes mind, body and spirit. Keep in mind, however, that the restaurant doesn’t make you sacrifice the little pleasures in life, such as wine, beer, saké, meat and coffee. So start with a cocktail or a “mocktail,” which features natural juices rather than alcohol. The menu focuses on Mediterranean, Asian and California influences. Try the Mediterranean chopped salad with quinoa, Persian cucumber, olive, feta, almond and an oregano vinaigrette, or the spinach and roasted mushroom pizza. Entrées run the gamut from gluten-free lasagna Bolognese and grilled salmon with caramelized onion farro to simple fare such as grilled fish tacos with tomatillo avocado salsa and pickled jícama slaw. Desserts include an olive oil cake and a flourless chocolate cake. A healthy spin is seen at brunch, too, highlighted by a large list of blended fruit drinks.