Greetings!

What better way to celebrate our first year of our newsletter than helping to celebrate a new restaurant here in San Diego?! Our article features the new True Food Kitchen in Fashion Valley. Staying with the theme of being active and healthy our featured product is from our new line Lekue! 

Great News! Goes Out..... True Food Kitchen

As of July 2nd, San Diego has become the home to one of the five True Food Kitchens in the region. This Arizona- based restaurant concept focuses on high quality, locally and regionally grown ingredients creating a flavorful and healthy menu. Author Dr. Andrew Weil and Fox Restaurant Concepts have successfully developed the concept of simple, sustainable, yet elegant food in a certified green environment. The produce and meat on the menu mostly comes from Suzie's Farm, Crow's Pass Farm, Griffin Farm and Shamrock Foods.  

 

When you walk up to the entrance you can't help but notice the dacor. There is an herb garden that is watered with rain that has been collected in their "rain bucket." You are greeted by the warm staff (all wearing yoga gear) which creates a calm setting. The kitchen is open, inviting guests to take a look at the immaculate kitchen. We had an early dinner so there was no wait, however when we left, the restaurant was filling up quickly. If you do have to wait, they've got complimentary ice water flavored with fresh strawberries and melon to keep you cool and relaxed.   

 

We were blown away at the deliciously fresh menu. The key at the bottom of the menu continued their concept by telling you whether the dish was gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, biodynamically farmed, organically farmed or sustainably farmed. The menu had a natural refreshment section listing some non-alcoholic concoctions such as, Apple Carrot Ginger Tonic. Our server let us know that any of the unique combinations could easily have alcohol added to make them adult beverages; giving you the option to become your own bar tender. You also have the option of choosing from their wine list of specialty made wines exclusive to True Food Kitchen.

   Our first dish was the Daily Market Soup. This was a sweet corn soup that was not too heavy and just the way to begin our healthy vegetarian meal.   You can really tell when ingredients are fresh and in season. This dish could defiantly be for both a starter and entrée. Next was the Caramelized Onion Tart with smoked garlic, black fig and Gorgonzola. This dish was full of flavor yet still light enough to be an appetizer.

 

 

        

We wanted to try so many different items, but we wanted to keep it light (which was easy to do). The Farmer's Market Salad was our next dish. This was made with peas, asparagus, avocado, corn, artichokes, mint, Manchego cheese and champagne vinaigrette, giving you a nice variety of texture. The combination of fresh produce made us want to start our own garden!

 

 

Next up were the Edamame Dumplings with daikon radish and white truffle oil. This was a truly unique menu item that had a smooth texture of pureed edamame, a strong broth, and a bit of white truffle oil leaving you extremely satisfied with this dish.  

 

 

Ricotta Cheese Ravioli was one of our favorite dishes of the night. This was made with spinach, oven dried tomatoes, and roasted corn broth. The flavors were perfect and the ricotta was light and fluffy. These little pillows soaked up the essence of the corn broth and made for an absolutely delightful treat.   

 

 

We were so good about eating healthy that we splurged and got the Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream and Homemade Caramel. This was a decadent way to finish... and we didn't leave the restaurant feeling weighed down by greasy, heavy food.   

 

 

This restaurant fits the San Diego active and healthy lifestyle perfectly. Bring a date to sit outside by the fire pit, or the kids after a long day of shopping. We will absolutely be coming back soon to share this new found wonder to friends and family. Since the menu is seasonal it could be different every time you go, how exciting is that?!

 

Hours:

Monday - Thursday from 11:00AM - 10:00PM

Friday from 11:00AM - 11:00PM

Saturday from 10:00AM - 11:00PM (brunch served until 4:00PM)

Sunday from 10:00AM - 9:00PM (brunch served until 4:00PM)

 

Location:

True Food Kitchen is located on the east side of Fashion Valley, 7007 Friar's Road, Suite 394, San Diego, CA. 

For more information, visit www.truefoodkitchen.com.

 

Price Range:

$$

Accepts Credit Cards:

Yes

Parking:

Yes                  

Attire:

Casual

Good for Groups:

Yes

Good for Kids:

Yes

Takes Reservations:

Yes- for groups over 8

Delivery:

No

Take-out:

Yes

Waiter Service:

Yes

Outdoor Seating:

Yes

Good For:

Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert

Alcohol:

Full Bar

Wheelchair Accessible:

Yes

STUFFED THREE BEAN BURGERS WITH CHILE REMOULADE SAUCE

By Katherine Emmenegger

Serves 6

 

Caramelized Onion and Pepper Jack Filling

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 large yellow onions, peeled and julienne

3 garlic cloves, sliced

1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese

 

In a large sauté pan over medium heat, heat the oil and sauté the onions and garlic; stir occasionally.

 

Let cook for about 30 minutes stirring every few minutes. After the first 20 minutes you may want to lower the heat. The onions should be amber in color and very soft.

 

Transfer from the heat and combine with the cheese.

 Lékué 1.5qt Steamer Case with Tray

 

   

 

The steam case is a simple and exquisite way to prepare your dishes in the oven or microwave.

The shape of the case lets the steam circulate for faster, easier cooking

 

Cooking can be done with or without the tray depending on the desired results. 

No Tray: The food cooks in its own juices, the flavors blend together, the aromas are intensified and the nutrients are conserved. 

With Tray: The removable interior tray guarantees the liquids accumulated during cooking, preservation or defrosting will drain away from the food.

 

 The Lékué silicone steam case is made to withstand high cooking temperatures in microwaves and oven, it is dishwasher safe, maintains all its properties intact and can be reused as many times as needed.

 

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