True Food Kitchen Arlington, Ballston Quarter

So a nice time. eating was amazing and the service was top notch. so happy!

The protein was left off of all of our meals. We’ve had great meals hee in the past, but they were definitely working with 2nd string staff before the holidays. One ask for her food mild and it was served very spicy. The parang curry was really good as usual. The seasonal special sweet potato noodles were so so. The dessert menu had one interesting seasonal option, and the rest could’ve been on any diner menu — molten chocolate cake or ice cream. Boring. Our serve was trying to be helpful, but when the protein was forgotten on all of our meals, she just brought out a side bowl of chopped chicken for each of us. Not marinated or anything. Just plan chopped chicken breast. She didn’t really go out of her way to insist that the kitchen make it right.

This is my first time at this location. I chose it for the proximity to DC; easier than driving all the way to Bethesda, where I usually go. I am utterly disappointed with my experience at this location. We were seated around 8:45-9pm on Saturday where last seating was at 9:30pm. The staff was not as attentive, as it was almost the end of the shift. We were hosting a guest from WA state that we didn 't see since 2005 and wanted to take to a special, quality of food, organic restaurant that we love. The food and drinks were good, with exception of my Teriyaki Bowl was added steak was not of great quality; hard to chew. The service was not good, as we were rushed to finish and never asked for dessert and coffee menu. The music stopped playing while we were eating, bright lights were put on while we were eating, and no one came by to ask us how our food was. Staff was cleaning up for the day, all while our dinner was still going on. There was another table there too. Then, server brought our check while we were still eating without us asking for it. It was loud and clear that we were no longer wanted. I just couldn 't believe what I was experiencing, but didn 't want to say much as our time with our guest was so precious and lasted only for the duration of that dinner. However, this service behavior is what not to do at the restaurant. I know as I held service jobs, including managing of a restaurant. If you operate in such a way, why don 't you stop serving by 8:30pm, then. Also, no one greeted us while we exited even though bartender and some other staff were hanging at the bar. This is a rookie mistake for bad customer service and not expected of True Food standards. Needless to say, I will NEVER to back to this location. It was stupid of me to think that standards are the same for the chain restaurant of this caliber. I have to stick with my Bethesda location going forward, as I love this brand and love their food, but definitely have to steer clear from VA.

Sunday brunch service was average and I appreciated the server that allowed me to order menu/modification according to my dietary wars. prairie mary was fantastic, but only an olive.

Another great meal at true food! love the people and decoration also