Trendy Taste Sensations Offer Healthful Twists

  with Glori Fickling

This enticing new entry on the Newport Beach dining scene promises “globally inspired cuisine that nourishes mind, body and spirit”.  As significantly translated following an enticing experience at the recent preview party, True Food Kitchen proved a tasty introduction to global cuisines primarily prepared with seasonal, local and regionally grown ingredients, healthful fats, wheat free pastas, up to and including organic beers, wines and cocktails. The resulting dishes emanate in subtle flavors largely dependent  upon all those wonderfully fresh components.

Provocative flavors of the Mediterranean, Asia and California are the forte of creative executive chef, Michael Stebner, who relies upon purity and simplicity of  basic elements rather than overwhelming seasonings to achieve ultimate flavor.  Entering the spacious interior, flanked by  a long stretch of  bar and an immaculate open kitchen, there are elongated bench style sofas upholstered in crisp stripes beckoning to arriving guests and individual tables await groups or two or more.  The room is handsomely  complemented by sunny yellow walls for a comfortable  laid back ambiance. 

The many faceted all day menu features starters from $6 to $11; salads $7 - $15; sandwiches, $10 - $13; pizzas $10 - $12; pastas and entrees $11 to $24.  Among 16 diverse beginnings, my delighted guest and I launched dinner sharing a tantalizing quartet of shrimp dumplings, tender gyoza wrappers plump with scallion/ginger/soy pureed crustaceans floating on a seductive mushroom and broccoli accented broth. 

There are a dozen main courses ranging from organic ricotta ravioli and spaghetti putanesca to miso glazed black cod and steak avocado tacos.  No hesitation to decide on the wild Pacific halibut, a delectably memorable experience.  This delicate umami seasoned sensation arrived atop an al dente mix of julienned asparagus tips, snap peas and Peruvian potato chunks,  an indulgence I anticipate relishing again.   Quickly settling on Panang curry, my friend delved enthusiastically into his capacious bowl of tender chicken chunks, brown rice, potatoes, broccoli and carrots, the lemongrass and coconut liquor elevating this dish to interesting new heights.  

Chocoholics will be especially excited with dessert choices here, most specifically the warm, gluten free flourless cake prepared with organic bitter chocolate, almond butter and raw cane sugar for a phenomenally sensual taste experience.  Sided with a scoop of vanilla gelato, this is truly the definitive dessert “to die for”. 

Exceptional consideration was utilized in compiling the comprehensive selection of alcoholic beverages. Wines, particularly, are listed according to price structure noted by the glass and bottle to simplify ordering, ie, six labels at $6 a stem, $24 a bottle, up to and including seven vinyards at $12 a glass, $48 a fifth.   Nor have non imbibers been overlooked.  Consider \some  dozen imaginative mixtures of assorted fruit, veggie & soda concoctions at a nominal $3 to $6.  Clearly, True Food Kitchen looks to be  a hands-down winner to which adventuresome diners are  soon to become addicted.

451 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach

Phone 949  544-2400.

www.truedfoodkitchen.com