TFK’s ancient grains pair with cilantro pesto
Q: My friends and I would love True Food’s ancient grains recipe, including the pesto, if you can get your hands on it. Thanks, and happy holidays! — Natalie Shrock, Fort Lauderdale
A: Happy holidays to you, too, Natalie. What a healthy and flavorful recipe to add to menus this time of year, when overindulgence is a common theme. Pleased to say I was able to get my hands on the ancient grains, cilantro pesto and the miso vinaigrette recipes from True Food Kitchen (Town Center at Boca Raton, 6000 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 561-419-8105, truefoodkitchen.com) But only with the help of Elizabeth Smith, marketing coordinator at TFK’s home office in Phoenix.
In 2008, integrative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil co-founded True Food Kitchen, which now has 25 locations nationwide and growing. TFK’s Boca Raton restaurant launched this February, offering South Floridians seasonally inspired, health-focused, organic menus prepared from scratch. Plans for a second South Florida spot in Miami in The Falls are in the works, adding to existing restaurants in Jacksonville and Naples. In July, TFK gained the backing of Oprah Winfrey when it was announced that she invested in the company and joined the board of directors.
The casual, full-service eatery serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Rotating menus reflect Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet principles while catering to glutenfree, vegetarian and vegan eaters without sacrificing flavor.
The use of wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients and simple preparations allows the food to shine.
You can watch preparations taking place in the open kitchen design. Cocktails get the same royal treatment with seasonal handcrafted selections.
TFK’s popular ancient grains bowl starts with quinoa, brown rice and farro as the base and is topped with vegetables dressed in miso vinaigrette and cilantro pesto. Tofu, chicken, shrimp, grass-fed steak or salmon can be added to the otherwise vegan dish. Additional vegan and gluten-free bowl options include dashi ramen, cashew pad thai, teriyaki quinoa and spicy panang curry.
Stumped for last-minute gifts for your health-motivated family members and friends? Purchase $100 in TFK gift cards and receive a $20 bonus card for free. Purchases can be made at the restaurant or online at truefoodkitchen.com/giftcards.