This past Friday my guy and I were able to take a much needed date night.  Love them Littles, but a night off with a couple great cocktails at Fashion Island’s newest restaurant, True Food Kitchen, was just what we needed!

To back this story up a bit, I was recently introduced to an organization with a TRUE commitment, Beckstrand Cancer Foundation.

Why is this organization a part of my favorites list?

Because of this…

“Beckstrand Cancer Foundation serves patients who are in the midst of cancer treatment and struggling to cope with day-to-day critical survival needs. The programs provide direct financial assistance, patient advocacy, supportive counseling, community resources, and life planning. By making crucial payments, intervening with debtors and advocating on the behalf of patients, the Foundation ensures that each patient’s focus remains on treatment and recovery – rather than how to keep a roof over their heads or food on the table – and encourages families to stay hopeful, supportive and together.” (source)

I cannot imagine the fight that families must commit themselves to when diagnosed with Cancer. To know that there is an organization out there that is providing assistance with LIFE for them is a TRUE COMMITMENT and exemplary action.  Please take a moment to check out their site.

If you are local, join them for An Evening in Havana, sure to be an unforgettable night!

As part of their fund raising efforts,

a pre-opening dinner was hosted at True Food Kitchen, the newest restaurant to join Fashion Island.

“True Food Kitchen is an innovative new eatery developed in partnership with Fox Restaurant Concepts and best-selling author Dr. Andrew Weil…we believe simple, fresh, pure ingredients create the most satisfying and memorable dining experiences. While our menu is packed with nutritious, good-for-you vegetables, whole grains, and proteins, we never sacrifice flavor. You may not notice the difference, but it’s there.” (source)

Oh they are not kidding…”IT’S THERE!” When I told my guy where we were going, his response was, “We’re going to a Vegan place???”.

Let’s just clear something up, because something is HEALTHY . It does not mean, VEGAN, CARDBOARD, or TASTELESS!  While True Food Kitchen does offer a selection of vegetarian, and gluten free dishes, that is not the primary focus. (I’m 100% sure those dishes wouldn’t taste like cardboard either, but you are talking to a meat lover here…)

The focus is on food that is healthy, TASTES GOOD, is seasonal, locally grown, sustainable, organic, natural and wild.  Let me say it again, food that TASTES GOOD.

Let’s get the party started.

Though beautiful, this display had the carnivores in us a little concerned…

However, this house specialty Ginger Margarita put us at ease.

On to the menu.  Great selection. Good, reasonable prices.

First up ~ Caramelized Onion Tart with Smoked Garlic, Black Figs & Gorgonzola

Next ~ Hamachi Sashimi (FABULOUS flavor! Always huge for me to say, since I’m not a seafood lover.)

2 courses down, we take in the surroundings. This is the wall behind me out on the outdoor patio, breathtakingly beautiful.  The photo doesn’t do it justice.

A service table in front of me, love the casual elegance!

And then came dinner…

My guy’s Grilled Steelhead Salmon with Local Arugula, Beets, Pomegranate, Lemon & Cold Pressed Olive Oil.  He loved it!

My Teriyaki Brown Rice Bowl with Asian Vegetables, Sesame & Avocado.  I chose chicken, but was also offered with Tofu or Shrimp ~ DELICIOUS!  Could someone make this for me every night??

Let’s see if we can end this well…

Though both desserts were wonderful, mine won.

Banana Chocolate Tart with Mesquite Flour Crust & Brazil Nuts

My guy ordered the Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Marinated Strawberries and Greek Yogurt.

Great casual, but upscale vibe.  Decor details were on the money.

Even the service stations were functional but design savvy.

And though we didn’t get a chance to enjoy it, you can be sure we’ll be spotted out by this firepit in the weeks to come!  True Food Kitchen opened Monday evening, be sure to put it on your list of spots to check out this summer.

(Disclosure: I was one of many invited guests of the Beckstrand Cancer Foundation at True Food Kitchen‘s pre-opening dinner.  Neither organization knows me, nor asked my to write this review.  These are my true and honest opinions.)