True Food Kitchen has revamped their Weekend Brunch menu with new gluten free menu items to help you eat healthier in 2012: Greek yogurt, fresh seasonal fruits, granola, whole grains, coconut milk, and gluten-free bites are just a few of the reasons why brunching at True Food Kitchen is always delicious and nutritious. Last weekend, my friend and health advocate Candice and her adorable daughter met at True Food Kitchen to taste test the new gluten free choices to determine if non-gluten versions of wholesome and familiar brunch foods like pancakes and muffins would pass muster with discerning diners.
First up, rehydrate and revitalize with a couple of their natural refreshments (non alcoholic) packed with good-for-you ingredients. The Natural and Kale Aid have been a big hit and are quickly gaining on the #1 most popular drink: The Medicine Man. We “health nuts” are not put off by green drinks – but taste does matter. All three of these drinks have bright, refreshing flavors that go down easy and make you feel like you’re doing something good for your body!
The Natural: fresh ginger, agave, and club soda
Kale Aid: kale, apple, cucumber, celery, lemon and ginger
Next up: fuel, fiber, and good food for the body.
Gluten-Free Quinoa Johnny Cake with banana, maple syrup & Greek yogurt
Verdict: Better than we ever thought quinoa pancakes would be. And, if you can finish a serving of these, you’re a better man than me 🙂
Open-Faced Egg White Omelet with Mushroom, Kale, Truffle Oil & Parmigiano
Verdict: The crisped kale topped with a sprinkle of Parmigiano added wonderful texture, earthy mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil gave the dish complexity not often found in egg white omelets.
The Gluten-Free Spice Carrot Muffin was moist with pleasantly subdued spices and under the Goji Berry Granola (puffed brown rice, dried blueberries, pistachios & pomegranate arils) was a creamy Greek yogurt with fresh oranges and grapes for a lovely taste surprise.
Overall, we gave the food three thumbs up and extra thumbs up for the reasonably priced menu, the chic Fashion Island location, friendly service delivered by attractive young people with that healthy Southern California aura, and the eco-chic airy interior space and vibrant patio scene awash with glorious sunlight.
Fashion Island
451 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
P: 949.644.2400
Brunch 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
I feel healthier just looking at this menu. The Johnny cakes look fantastic and so do the drinks. Wish there were a place like it near us;)
I like the look of those Johnny Cakes. Did you try any of the alcoholic drinks?
I went for dinner and ran into the Real Housewives. http://pointeviven.blogspot.com/2012/01/true-food-kitchen.html
Hi, Jesse – I’ve had the alcoholic drinks on previous visits – they’re quite good also. And, with the fresh squeezed juices, they have added nutritional value 🙂
You certainly do have a fantastic selection of restaurants around you. I’m not put off by the green so I would love to try the Kale Aid. Everything looks and sounds good.
I have not been there for brunch but everything looks fantastic, I especially want to try that kale drink…looks seriously refreshing 🙂
Hope you had a great weekend, hugs
Open-Faced Egg White Omelet with Mushroom, Kale, Truffle Oil & Parmigiano is talking to me. Love it.
Such refreshing treats..love those healthy and filling drinks!
I found a vegan restaurant here in Charlotte that is gorgeous like True Food. I love how gluten free and vegan restaurants share gorgeous recipes that look and taste amazing! That green juice looks delicious! I just had a kale, mint and apple juice, I loved it:-) Hugs, Terra
Wow, everything sounds fantastic!