Slideshow

A Look at True Food Kitchen’s Space and Food, Open Monday at Santa Monica Place

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Monterey Bay sardines

Hugging the Western front of Santa Monica Place, Arizona-originated True Food Kitchen opens its first L.A. location this coming Monday. It immediately feels like this should be a cornerstone of any glossy mall worth its salt opening in a tony town like Santa Monica, with its healthy and pricey cuisine based on Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid. The place is actually pretty impressive in both its ambition and execution. A fresh juice bar squeezes together refreshing natural concoctions that carry nearly as many medical claims as a bottle of funky cold medina, two men stand in a station hand-making ravioli and buns for the buffalo burgers, an attractive army of glowing faced servers (vegans, we suspect) brings whole grains, giant salads, and fresh, clean flavors to the table, while the kitchen isn’t afraid to leave a piece of fish or beef gloriously rare. We foresee The restaurant being full of both those who lean healthy and those who refuse hit Wetzel’s Pretzels or any of the upstairs imports. Check out the menu online, and see our slideshow of the space and a few dishes sampled during last night’s friends and family dinner.

A Look at True Food Kitchen’s Space and Food, Open Monday at Santa Monica Place