With a Grand Opening date right around the corner, the team behind the award-winning, wellness-focused, seasonally-driven True Food Kitchen is excited to open its very first Tucson location.
15 years ago, True Food Kitchen was founded by Tucson native and renowned medical doctor Dr. Andrew Weil, who developed the restaurant’s mission to inspire people to eat better, feel better, and live better. The very first restaurant “planted its roots” in Phoenix, before expanding nationwide.
Grand Opening
True Food Kitchen is opening on Monday, November 13 in a custom-designed space inside the La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E Skyline Dr. #298 (former Humble Pie location). Open daily for lunch, dinner, and a weekend brunch, each ingredient is intentionally sourced from responsible and sustainable growers, farmers, and producers who are committed to growing seasonally and giving back to the planet.
“We have always been looking to expand in our home state of Arizona, and Tucson is the perfect next move for our brand,” said John Williams, True Food Kitchen CEO.
“As we celebrate our 15th-year anniversary,” he added, “We couldn’t think of a better time to bring this experience to our founder Dr. Weil’s backyard. With our commitment to serving fresh, wholesome, and delicious dishes, we can’t wait to become a beloved part of Tucson’s culinary landscape.”
Exploring the Menu
Like the other locations, Tucson’s menu will emphasize wholesome ingredients with simple preparations to highlight the natural health benefits and flavors — creating a dining experience that makes you feel as great as the food tastes.
If you’ve been to a True Food Kitchen in the past, you’ll recognize familiar shareable plates like Edamame Dumplings with dashi, white truffle oil, and herbs, or the Organic Tuscan Kale Salad (Dr. Weil’s original recipe and where the idea of True Food Kitchen initially began). There’s also the Ancient Grains Bowl that’s topped with miso-sesame glazed sweet potatoes.
In addition, the Tucson restaurant will have a few special additions including a Spinach and Mushroom Pizza and Vegetable Enchiladas.
True Food Kitchen also dishes out an ever-changing selection of seasonal pizzas, pasta, grass-fed steaks, and responsibly sourced/line-caught seafood.
Liquid Delights
In the beverage space, the bar serves fresh-pressed juices, organic teas, and natural refreshers, such as The O.G. and Kale Aid in addition to seasonal favorites like the Peach Lemonade and Pink Lemonade made with dragon fruit. Plus, craft beer lovers will find a nifty selection of brews, wine aficionados can sip on sustainably grown wines, and those looking for something unique should dive into the handcrafted cocktail menu.
Each cocktail is made with fresh ingredients with organic and additive-free spirits. Signature cocktails include the Smoke Show Old Fashioned and Citrus Skinny Margarita along with seasonal selections and artfully crafted zero-proof cocktails.
An Eco-Friendly Space
Nestled in the mountain foothills of North Tucson’s La Encantada Shopping Center, the 5,244 square-foot full-service restaurant features a dining room with 150 seats, an open kitchen designed to bring guests closer to the restaurant’s culinary craft, and a full-service bar.
Plus, it’s been constructed with eco-friendly materials. If you’re looking for some fresh air while dining at the restaurant, there’s an extensive outdoor dining patio. Soak it all in with Tucson’s beautiful fall weather and the scenic views.
True Food Kitchen will be open daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sunday. You can enjoy the food for dine-in, takeout, delivery, and even catering.
True Food Kitchen is located at 2905 E Skyline Dr. #298. For more information, visit truefoodkitchen.com.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
