From the experts...

Andrew Weil, M.D. - How to Make Tuscan Kale Salad from Andrew Weil, M.D. on Vimeo.

We were very honored to hear that Dr. Andrew Weil was cooking with our own Tuscan Kale. Check out the video from Dr. Weil and Michael Stebner from True Food Kitchen making a Kale Salad using McClendon's Select Kale. If you haven't tried the Kale Salad at True Food you are missing out. You feel healthier with each bite, and there is not an ounce of guilt for eating something that tastes so good. It is very generous of them to share the recipe for their incredible salad. (This recipe is also on their website, you can find it here.)

We also recently had another chef sharing her brilliance at the Town & Country Market. Chrysa Robertson from Rancho Pinot had samples of McClendon's Select produce with her Red Wine Vinegar Honey Dressing. These samples were a huge hit and went fast. Lucky for those of us who missed out (like yours truly) she shared the recipe too! Give this a try...

Rancho Pinot's Red Wine Vinegar Honey Dressing

1 Tbsp. McClendon's Select Honey

1 small Shallot, minced

2-3 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar

1 Tsp. Rosemary, freshly chopped

6 oz. Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper to taste

Whisk the first four ingredients together, slowly whisk in the oil. Adjust seasonings to taste.

The salad Chryssa served with this dressing included arugula, sliced strawberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.

And, should you need some advice or inspiration while at the markets, we now have a resident chef there to help out. Chef Frank Zucchini will be on hand at the Town & Country Farmer's Market on Wednesdays and the Old Town Scottsdale Market on Saturdays. With a name like that, I think he is exactly the person to go to for a little cooking expertise, don't you?

Staying True...

One of our go-to places for good food is True Food Kitchen. I didn’t say healthy food, vegan food, or vegetarian food, although it has all of those, I just said good food. Because even though True Food Kitchen is all about conscious eating, they just make really wonderful cuisine. That you are also eating healthy is the bonus.

True Food Kitchen is the marriage of Fox Restaurant Concepts, known for their stylish eateries, and Dr. Andrew Weil, noted author on well-balanced lifestyles and nutrition and the director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. The menu was developed to promote a balanced diet with recipes that focus on seasonal, locally grown organic produce, sustainably harvested seafood and hormone, anti-biotic free poultry and beef. There are a number of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, although all of the dishes created by Chef Michael Stebner have a wide appeal, whatever your dietary preference.

Each table also has a copy of Dr. Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid. This pyramid was developed as a practical eating guide to help reduce risks of age-related diseases and to promote optimum health. An anti-inflammatory diet is designed to provide the ideal nutrition to help counteract chronic inflammation, which is the root cause of diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and heart disease. While I realize that this is a lot to consider when dining out, there is something reassuring about knowing you are making good choices, especially when you have a menu full of them right in front of you.

Plus, let’s face it, True Food Kitchen is just a cool place to spend an evening. I had spent many hours in my twenties in this same space when it was the Coffee Plantation. I am now happy to return (slightly older) and spend time again. Aunt Pat – come to Phoenix and we will take you there!

P.S. Happy Birthday Annie!

True Food Kitchen

Biltmore Fashion Park

2502 East Camelback Road, #135

Phoenix, AZ 85016

602-774-3488