I was first introduced to True Food Kitchen when I was traveling in southern California in October 2012. I've been a fan of True Food Kitchen since I first ate at its location in Newport Beach, California at Fashion Island. Its restaurants are bright and laid-back while still offering a cozy vibe. I absolutely loved the restaurant and wondered why the Washington DC area didn't have a location yet. I was really feeling cheated and also frustrated that I couldn't order the Thai-Basil Grapefruit Martini whenever I wanted one! You couldn't imagine my excitement when I saw a True Food Kitchen was opening near me in Merrifield, Virginia?!
True Food Kitchen is celebrating the autumnal equinox this year with its opening in Merrifield, Virginia. Check out the local, sustainable fare inspired by Dr. Andrew Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid. {See the pyramid on the restaurant's website.} The idea is to use foods to counteract chronic diseases by eating foods to help you maintain optimum health. Who could argue with that, right?
If you're looking for meals that will satisfy and meet the needs of various dietary restrictions or lifestyle diets like keto, paleo, gluten-free or Whole30, True Food Kitchen is the perfect place. I trust their staff when it comes to knowing what's in the food I'm eating.
True Food Kitchen will be sourcing from the following farms for the Fairfax location.
- Richardson Farm, MD
- Fifer Orchard, DE
- Mocks Greenhouse, WV
- Blue Ridge Produce, VA
- McDowell Mushroom/Basciani Farms, PA
- C&E Farms, MD
- Torrey Farms, NY
- Leone Produce, NJ
- Fresh2Go, VA
- Lancaster Vegetable Exchange, PA
My sister and I were lucky enough to be invited to the restaurant's soft open. We enjoyed dinner there on Saturday night and my sister proclaims that it's her new favorite restaurant. I'm envisioning us there at least once during opening week! Here are a few things you have to look forward at True Food Kitchen.
Root & Remedy: Beet, Carrot, Ginger, Turmeric & Honey Lemonade
Expect: Slight sweetness to compliment the bold beet flavor with a vibrant carrot ending.
Thai-Basil Grapefruit Martini
Expect: Balanced subtle flavors coming from the sweet herbaceous basil followed with a sweet tangy grapefruit finish.
Harvest Chopped Salad: Squash, Brussel Sprouts, Pomegranate, Mulberries & Balsamic Vinaigrette
Expect: Lots of texture from the creamy goat cheese to the crunchy apple and walnuts pair perfectly with the slightly sweet and chewy baked squash.
Striped Sea Bass with Brussels Sprouts, Purple Potato, Wild Mushroom & Umami
Expect: moist, flaky fish with the perfect amount of crispy skin and saltiness.
Squash Pie Topped with Coconut Whipped Cream and 72% Flourless Chocolate Cake
Expect: A true flavor explosion from the squash pie. The squash is sweet and perfectly balanced with harvest spices. The coconut milk whipped cream is the best I've had; I enjoyed it more than traditional whipped cream.
If you like chocolate, you'll love the 72% Flourless Chocolate Cake topped with dairy-free ice cream. It's not overly sweet, but also not bitter. It's quite rich and the caramel is flavorful, without being cloying. I love the cocoa nibs on the top because they add a nice additional texture.
What are you waiting for? Make a reservation now.
Disclosure: USA Love List was hosted at True Food Kitchen unconditionally for review purposes. Our opinions are always our own, and we aim to write fair and balanced reviews to promote only the very best of American-made products, and experiences.
Image credit: True Food Kitchen
The Striped Sea Bass looks amazing!
It really was! You’ll have to see if they have a location near you, Susan.