You know how life works….. one thing leads to another….. And my trip to Brooklyn Girl the night before (see blog review on this site) led me to the discovery of True Food kitchen in the Fashion Valley Mall, yesterday. “Combat the trend toward processed food and fast food”. That’s our man Andrew Weil talking there…. (Did I mention you’re in for a treat)? lol
Now, if you’re anything like me….. you would travel far and wide to get yourself to a Cheesecake Factory, because it represents all that time the kids were growing up, and that was your ‘to go’ place….. Lot’s of great choices, and the ex loved their Cheesecake (I, on the other hand ~ saint that I am ~ just kidding…..never, not ever ordered dessert. And it wasn’t that it wasn’t good. With all the others ordering Cheesecake: One bite was enough. Two bites confirmed “Yeeeeaaah. That’s good. And the third bite? You remember…. Now I’m being naughty). So whenever I’m tempted, I enjoy each bite and limit that temptation. And I’ve always lived that way. (There’s something about ‘mindful’ eating that really works for me)!
Anyway, I remember the restaurants that went in and out year after year across from The Cheesecake Factory in Fashion Valley Mall. With True Food Kitchen going in? I’m here to tell you, this is here to stay!
Read my blogs. Who do I follow? Dr. Andrew Weil, right? And who is partnering with Dr. Andrew Weil and who is there for the grand opening of every new restaurant and helps make and change the recipes? You’ve got it. The king of swing (if you’re swinging in the whole foods forest)!
And who is he partnering with? Michael Stebner.
WHO IS MICHAEL STEBNER CHEF MARIAN?
I’m glad you asked!
To quote an article written a while back in San Diego Food Finds: “Under the guidance of Executive Chef Michael Stebner, who began his culinary career in San Diego before venturing to Arizona to open the flagship location, True Food Kitchen offers a globally inspired, seasonal menu appealing to anyone seeking a balanced lifestyle”.
Wanna see what we ate?
IS THAT RED QUINOA CHEF MARIAN?
You bet!
Mediterranean Chopped Salad, which is gluten free and vegetarian and includes
Cucumber, Olive, Cherry Tomato, Quinoa, Feta (which I eliminated), Marcona Almond and Lemon Oregano Vinaigrette, which by the way is also gluten free!
But wait! There’s more! lol
Organic Tomato Roasted Kale with Caramelized Onion & Garlic PIZZA! And I ordered the Gluten Free crust!
I had the opportunity to speak at length with both my server who, by the way is into health like me and had some great theories…. and I even shot video of Manager David Gonzalez (which at some later point, I probably will insert here) talking about how he hires people with ‘intention’, people that personally are into their own good health, giving their servers an ‘advisory’ position because they know, like and have experienced the foods and can offer you what you are wanting… with great suggestions. Brilliant!
And if we look at the kids menu? I think that sums it all up.
Integrating nutritious ingredients…… Isn’t that what I do when I teach kids age 16-21 Cooking? Don’t they get to eat veggies they never thought of eating?
Yep. This place is on the right track my readers and eaters.
And because of their outside area, not only are they kid friendly, but dog friendly too!
I leave you with one last picture…. With Alice Waters saying: “Things should taste of what they are”….
Hey friends! I enjoy you reading me so much. If you enjoy me as much as I enjoy you…… please feel free to forward this to friends, family, favorite animals … well, you get the idea! And check me out on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google+ and Facebook. Its ChefMarianPage on Facebook. Don’t ask me why. That’s a whole other topic! lol
Thanks so much for your continued support!
Take a load off……Click my RSS Feed and get my blog automatically every time I write.
Happy Eating!
Best,
Chef Marian
mm@chefmarian.com