We’ve come a long way, baby. I’m mainly speaking to vegans and vegetarians. What was once a style of eating that conjures up images of tree-hugging hippies, practicing a plant-based diet has gone mainstream (some companies have even released their own IPOs—think Impossible Burger). And if the diet leads to heart health, unclogged arteries, lower cholesterol, a boosted immunity and more, then we’re moving in the right direction.
Helping to spearhead the movement is restaurant chain True Food Kitchen, which focuses on anti-inflammatory foods. Those who are not plant-based eaters don’t need to fret; there are wickedly good dishes for carnivores, too. With nearly 50 outposts across the county, the health-conscious brand just opened one right on the Las Vegas Strip in The Forum Shops at Caesars. Part of True Food’s mission states that “delicious dining and conscious nutrition can go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity and indulgence.”
Even the handcrafted cocktails let you booze it up with health benefits. Take the ginger margarita—a mix of organic reposado tequila, ginger liqueur, honey and sea buckthorn, a berry that grows high in the Himalayas—that provides a nice shot of antioxidants and vitamin C.
Since most ingredients are fresh produce, True Food Kitchen sticks to seasonal menus, and a recent trip included selections from the winter menu (although you can find many popular mainstays no matter the time of year). Two tasty examples are the fig and Gorgonzola flatbread with thin-sliced figs, melted Gorgonzola, garlic purée, caramelized onions and herbs; and a twist on a traditional Mexican favorite, edamame guacamole with smashed avocados, cilantro pesto, pumpkin seeds and a nice bite of spice from Aleppo pepper.
Pizzas here are thin crust, balancing chewiness and crunch, with flaxseed in the dough giving each bite a nice nutty flavor. Butternut squash pizza is a must-try with caramelized onions, roasted garlic, organic kale, dried cranberries, sage and thick shavings of squash, plus dollops of house-made vegan almond ricotta (to die for!). For carnivores, there are several healthy, belly-filling choices. The chicken sausage pizza with crushed organic DiNapoli tomatoes, roasted fennel and smoked Gouda has a fresh, piquant flavor; and wrap your hands around the hearty grass-fed burger layered with mushrooms, caramelized onions, arugula, Parmesan and mayo on a flaxseed bun.
A hearty, filling treat for all types of eaters are True Food Kitchen’s bowls (tofu, chicken, steak, shrimp and salmon can be added to any bowl). The teriyaki quinoa bowl is a bright blend of broccoli, sliced rainbow carrots, bok choy, mushrooms, brown rice, avocado and toasted sesame seeds—you can make it even more filling with the addition of teriyaki-glazed tofu.
Dessert is where the indulgence shines most. If you want to taste sweet vegan perfection, order the squash pie, similar to pumpkin pie, with a thick graham crust supporting the squash filling. The vegan coconut whipped cream deserves a foodie award—much like many things at True Food Kitchen.
The Forum Shops at Caesars, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-midnight Fri., 10 a.m.-midnight Sat. 702.340.2600
