True Food Kitchen opens in Oak Brook shopping center

Margarita pizza and turkey burger from True Food Kitchen (Sullivan/LION).

Robert Sullivan, reporter

True Food Kitchen welcomes visitors with a split panel canvas sprawling across the back wall reading “Eat More Color.” They not only abide by the artwork with colorful, nutritious meals, but they are also able to fulfill almost any customer’s craving with a wide range of seasonal foods and flavors.

As someone who grew up with my mom’s cauliflower rice, I was very hesitant to order the server’s favorite starter, charred cauliflower ($10). And yet, I am happy to report I was left fully satisfied with the result: a well-spiced dish sweetened with medjool dates and garnished with mint leaves. There was also a surprising crunch with the addition of small pistachios to the dish.

Although the charred cauliflower is offered year-round, many of the menu items are only offered seasonally. Roasted brussel sprouts ($10), butternut squash pizza ($17) and the winter immunity bowl ($14.50) are among some of the meals that were added in early January. The restaurant’s seasonal menus reflect their commitment to the freshest foods, manager Vail Hallmann said. True Food Kitchen will transition to their spring menu in March.

After finishing the charred cauliflower, I ordered two American classics—the turkey burger ($15) and margarita pizza ($13.50). True Food Kitchen ensured that both of these meals follow their nutrition-oriented code by using organic tomato and fresh mozzarella for the pizza and fresh turkey and avocado for the burger. Although both were very good, there was a noticeable difference as the two entrees lacked the fattiness and grease found in more traditional burgers and pizzas.

To top the meals off, True Food Kitchen offers an array of desserts, none of which exceed 500 calories. The chia seed pudding ($7) is, with good reason, a restaurant favorite. The pudding texture is complemented well by toasted coconut shavings and banana slices.

Overall, I was delighted with the service and quality of food at True Food Kitchen. The chain, which now consists of over 30 locations across the U.S., was the brainchild of Dr. Andrew Weil, a renowned doctor of integrative medicine. He sought to bring delicious dining and conscientious nutrition together.

True Food Kitchen is located at 105 Oak Brook Center and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays.