On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of lunching at True Food Kitchen at the Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix. Many of you recommended it on the blog and on my Facebook page (thank you!), so we figured it was a safe bet. I later found out that the famous Dr. Andrew Weil (along with restaurateur Sam Fox) opened this first location of several, in 2008. The entire menu is based around Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet and food pyramid with an emphasis on local and organic food whenever possible.
The weather was gorgeous and sunny, so we opted to sit out on the large patio. A quick peek inside the restaurant revealed a huge interior absolutely packed at 1:30pm on a Tuesday. That’s always a good sign!
We soon deemed the weather beer worthy.
I tried the organic Eel River Acai Berry Wheat Ale. Loved it. Light and fruity, but not overly so.
For an appetizer, my mom and I shared the Shiitake and Tofu Lettuce Cups with Ginger, Cashew, and Garlic.
The lettuce cups are filled primarily with cashews, teeny-tiny bits of tofu, and shredded carrot all coated in a lovely Teriyaki-like glaze. Very fun to roll up and make a huge mess!
For my main, I ordered the Teriyaki Brown Rice Bowl with Asian vegetables, sesame, and avocado. I also added big chunks of tofu.
Oh my gosh was this ever amazing. Easily, one of my favourite meals in a long time. It’s so simple, but not lacking in any way. I also loved the huge sliced avocado half on top. Not one single piece of rice was left behind.
Eric and John ordered the Turkey Burger with provolone, lettuce, tomato, avocado, mayo, on a flax seed bun. It came with sweet potato hash and a kale salad.
They both gave it two thumbs up!
Mom ordered the Spaghetti Squash Casserole with mozzarella, organic tomato, and zucchini. She also really enjoyed it, but thought the cheese was a bit heavy.
For dessert, Eric devoured the warm & pudding-like Flourless Chocolate Cake. No surprise there!
My mom and I shared the Vegan Apple Crisp with Maple Ice Cream. John also had the apple crisp, but did not share with anyone. ;)
Absolute perfection. The crispy, sweet crumble topping was the best part.
I washed it down with a big glass of water when I realized that beer probably wasn’t the best idea before hiking a desert mountain!
After lunch, Eric and I drove straight to Camelback Mountain to begin the hike of our lives, my dangly earrings and all.
All in all, it was a great experience at True Foods. The service was friendly and attentive, the atmosphere to die for, and the food fresh and satisfying. My only suggestion is that the restaurant adds more vegan options on their menu as there were only 2-3 vegan entrees indicated on their lunch menu.
As for that hike, my glutes and quads might recover some day. Just not today.
Tomorrow = Sedona and the promise of more hiking. Better rest up!
Looks fabulous xx
Oh man that looks so delicious!! I’m REALLY hoping to get a research internship in Flagstaff, AZ for the summer, and I am a big hiker so reading all your trips is making me VERY excited and really hopeful that I get to go. I have family in Phoenix, so it would be nice to spend more time with them as well. You need to eat some tamale’s while you’re out there and then come up with an incredible recipe for them, they are one of my favorites!!
I hope you get it Rachel! That would be amazing.
Loved that place! And their desserts are fantastic way to end the meal!
It’s gloomy and rainy here in PA. I’m so jealous of your outdoor lunch and a brew in the sun!!!!
Did Eric and John share the turkey burger or did they, both, order the turkey burger…it’s be cute if they shared :D
January + Arizona = sunny summer days looks lovely, Angela! enjoy yourself OH S(she)O MUCH(glows – um this last word didn’t really work)! you and your mother are adorable!
heh no they got their own :)
You MUST hike Cathedral Rock. Bear Mountain is also an amazing experience as well as Devil’s Bridge. We also have a hot yoga studio that is fantastic. Enjoy Sedona and check out the breweries and wine rooms while you are here!
Wow, that food looks good! I really need to make lettuce wraps. I’ve never attempted to make them myself for whatever reason. Time to change that!
Also, the vegan apple crisp is calling my name… :)
What a great restaurant! I wish we had one of those around here! The food looks wonderful, and I want to try the spaghetti squash meal your Mom got, just with less cheese!! Have fun, I’m enjoying reading about all the fun your having.
That dessert looks amazing. I cannot wait for the Sadona post. I have always wanted to go there. I will live vicariously through you….for now.
You MUST go to the Enchantment Resort for lunch or a drink when you are in Sedona. The view from the restaurant is spectacular.
looks delicious!! Great pics :)
The food looks amazing, especially the lettuce wraps and brown rice bowl with tofu and avocado. Mmmmm…!
I’m more of a wine person than a beer person, but do like a really good, cold beer on a warm sunny day – especially on vacation. Your pics make me want one now! Well, maybe not at 9:45 am. ;-)
I know what you mean, I’m the same way!
That lunch looks so fresh and yummy! So jealous! I know a woman who is obsessed with Sedona. She is a reiki master and met her reiki “master” there and was trained. She also replicated her wedding there… please take tons of pics!! :)
hah that’s cool. I’m sure our pics will top 500 today ;)
The food looks amazing! We are overdue for a trip to Phoenix to visit relatives, and I am definitely putting this on our list of places to go. I’ve never hiked up to Camelback, but last time we went to Squaw Peak. Love the views!
Hey Ang, I was at a restaurant a while back and they said that the teriaki sauce was not vegetarian/vegan because it is made with chicken broth. do you know if this is true for all teriaki sauces?
Thanks!
Hey Colleen, I’m not sure. I think it’s always best to ask for clarification unless otherwise indicated.
Ooooh that looks like my kinda place! Everything looks so incredibly delicious!
Wow and wow to all that food. I could eat that turkey burger plate for every meal. You’re going to love Sedona.
When you get home, will you please run to the kitchen and make all those delicious foods and then share the recipes?:) They all look so good…JK to the above, make sure to go home and rest, traveling can take it out of ya!
Happy Friday!
Yes, I def want to make them at home….the best part is they seem quite easy to make!
No wonder it was so highly recommended- all of that food looks amazing! I would have definitely ordered the same dessert that you did. I will lean towards a fruit crisp or cobbler 10 times out of 10 over anything else on a dessert menu- especially if it’s a la mode.
I hope you try to recreate the lettuce cups when you come home and post a recipe… hint, hint. :)
Oh man, now I really want to make a vegan apple crisp! And vegan maple ice cream!