I call the city of Altadena, CA home.

It’s where my family and I grew up and even at my age, I haven’t moved out. The neighboring city, Pasadena, is where I find myself spending a decent amount of my free time. In my explorations of the city that is so close to home (literally) I’ve noticed that I would never consider Pasadena a food destination. Sorry, Dena. At least not yet. Sure, there are a few great eateries, but it’s not a hub the way Downtown LA or Santa Monica have become. This is especially true for me in Old Pasadena. While there isn’t a great deal of open space and there are few places that have surpassed time, I see more doors closing than opening day after day. A space that seems to be almost cursed with turn over can be found at the far west side of Colorado Boulevard. It wasn’t until recently that I got to walk into a new restaurant filling the once vacant location. What restaurant now sits in its place? None other than, True Food Kitchen.

I was invited to a media event that showcased the restaurant prior to its grand opening. In collaboration with Pasadena Weekly, True Food Kitchen was unveiling its new menu and gorgeous dining space. Taking a walk around, the restaurant was exactly that: gorgeous. Walking in from the street you enter an open dining area that looks like it could be a central focus on a Lowes commercial. It’s the kind of space where you want to sit all afternoon ordering more plates than you planned because you don’t want to leave. A swift turn to the left and you’ll see an enclosed dining space that is casual and sprightly thanks to its color. A short walk away and you’ll be in an room with an interior designed so beautifully that you’ll wonder if a photography crew is about to arrive to take photos. Don’t worry they’re not—they probably came earlier. Looking at the gorgeous communal table and its set up, I wanted to eat at the head of the table. The only thought to cross my mind before I did, “I need to find 12 friends.”

After I finished staring at the layout and furniture I began to see so many different types of drinks in the hands of the guests. After being captivated by all the glasses, I found myself eagerly sampling as many drinks as possible. I mean, they all looked so good that I had to!

One of the first drinks I got was the Pomegranate Chia Limeade ($5). Please know that I’m already biased when I write this as I love lemonade and give preference to those with any unique take on the drink. To see True Food Kitchen have a version with pomegranate and chia seeds made me so excited. The pale pink and dainty drink was such a light lemonade with a friendly hint of sweetness that I fell in love with it instantly. It would absolutely be my go to drink should I come back for brunch! After my straw couldn’t find anymore of the lemonade I went with the Kale Aid ($6.50). The description of kale, ginger, apple, celery, and cucumbers sounded like it would be perfect for any LA girl after a yoga class, so I decided to give it a shot. What’s the worst it could do, be nutritious? It wasn’t that bad actually. As a personal preference, I don’t care much for ginger so that part threw me off a bit. However I loved the density and texture of the drink and the way the apple was a discrete flavor to pop up throughout my sips. I would highly suggest this drink to the juice lover who love green drinks and especially to anyone who favors ginger!

As I was getting drink after drink to try, I picked up samples of food. We got to try small version of full plates, which was a great idea. This way, I got to fill up on every item instead of just one or two. I like to call that: fat tactics. Out of all the mains they had I found a few that I really liked. The first was the Shiitake Lettuce Cups ($10). The cups held tofu, sambal, jicama, Thai basil, and cashews. In each bite, I really liked the way the lettuce was so fresh that they had a crunch in every mouthful. On top of that, I really liked the taste of the cashews and the tofu—something I never thought I would say.

One of the dishes that I was pleased to like so much was the Charred Cauliflower ($8). Made of harissa tahini, medjool date, mint, dill, and pistachios this was such a great combination to serve. I originally expected very little from this dish, seeing as it was predominately cauliflower, but for a second I could feel it growing on me. And it quickly did! The cauliflower was made so nicely that each time I tasted it, I didn’t want a single bite to end. Part of it was due to the layer of tahini sauce and the other was thanks to the pop of mint flavor at came through at the end.

Then there was the lasagna, and who doesn’t love a good lasagna? When it’s a Lasagna Bolognese ($16) that’s gluten free, everyone wins! Here the lasagna was packed with homemade chicken sausage, lemon ricotta, spinach, mushroom, and fresh herbs. I have to be honest, gluten free or gluten full, this entrée was delicious and I would eat it either way. I adored the heartiness of it all and felt like the lemon ricotta was a delightful accent that made me want more. When I finished the many samples I took, I left appreciative of the way True Food Kitchen put a creative spin on a traditonal plate. It wasn’t one that I would expect or forget.

My absolute favorite dish of the night was the Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl with Shrimp ($20). The bowl was full of shrimp, bok choy, brown rice, and toasted sesame seeds. The bowl had a delicious and healthy array of pieces that went together expertly. I enjoyed the grains against the vegetables alongside the seasoned shrimp to the point that I had 4 of these. Well, four after the first four. So eight. I had eight.

Although Old Pasadena sees restaurants that come and go, I’m excited about the arrival of True Food Kitchen. The location is beautiful, the drinks are refreshing, and the plates are both delicious and healthy. I really enjoyed trying many of the items on their menu and finding a few that could become favorites of mine. With this menu and design, I hope True Food Kitchen becomes a restaurant that stays with the city for years to come.

To check out more drinks and food from the event, click through the gallery below!

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Address: 168 West Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, California 91105
Phone: 626-639-6818
Hours: Sunday – 10:00am to 9:00pm, Monday through Friday – 11:00am to 10:00pm, and Saturday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
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