I always preferred multiple choice...
For several years now, Wesley True has been bringing Mobile an unmatched culinary experience with his fine dining institution, True. True has a varied and impressive background, that includes respected positions at two restaurants holding the coveted Michelin Two Stars, a sous-chef position at Gordon Ramsey’s Mesa Grill, and a finalist nod for the very prestigious James Beard award. Starting tonight, the eatery will make a major change to the menu; from the pricier, fine French cuisine, comes a more casual, comfortable and affordable old-world Italian selection. Tonight and tomorrow (Friday 1/13 and Saturday 1/14), patrons can get a taste of the new eats at a 50% discount when reserving ahead.
Tuesday, I (along with 5 other guests) had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at what will no doubt become a new Mobile favorite. The menu is small but varied. Choices range from recognizable fare such as spaghetti with meatballs in a tomato sauce, to local seafood, to several cuts of steak, to risotto and beyond. At lunch, an assortment of flatbread pizzas, and sandwiches prepared with house-made focaccia, are also available.
The new line of dishes accentuate the ultimate in freshness, and According to True, “One benefit of this menu is that it’s easy to integrate local products. We have sourced local seafood, lamb, pig, quail, beef, and eggs, and we have a lead on a farmer in Baldwin County who grows specialty produce. We’re very excited about what the future holds.” Items also feature local cheeses from Elberta, and house-made ricotta.
After sampling practically all of the antipasto selections- the, Prosciutto with Alabama Crab Meat, White Wine Poached Pear and Pickled Onions was my personal fave, while the Marinated Mushrooms, and the Meatball in Tomato Sauce also garnered high praise around the board- our entrees arrived. I had the Local Shrimp and Mussels on a Fried Polenta Cake with a Spicy Sicilian Butter Sauce. The shrimp were abundant, large, and very fresh, and the spicy sauce perfectly complemented the sweet polenta. One companion from Texas, which apparently automatically makes him an expert on steak, described the Rib-eye as “The best steak I’ve had in Mobile.” I tried it, and tend to agree. Another guest had the Marinated Hanger Steak with Sautéed Broccoli Rabe and Walnut Pesto and got the “most diverse explosion of flavor” he’d ever experienced. The Lobster Cauliflower Risotto with Local Goat Cheese and the Wild Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan and Basil were also heartily enjoyed. Portions were quite nice, though side items are also available to those with a ridiculous appetite.
And now we come to…dessert. Despite everyone being uncomfortably bloated and sufficiently full, True insisted that we have not one, but TWO of each of the three dessert options. First, a trio of house-made gelatos. Delicious and safe flavors of pistachio and chocolate were followed by Olive-Oil and Sea Salt Gelato. Sounds crazy, right? Wrong. Unbelievably good. A perfectly paired combination of sweet and salty. Consider it the fine dining equivalent of dipping your french fries into your milkshake. A Polenta Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream and White Wine Poached Pear, and a Panacotta with Plum Sauce and Apple Compote deliciously finished out the final round of this knockout meal.
True also boasts a climate-controlled wine room with 1200 bottles representing over 150 selections of an award-winning wine list, with glasses and bottles available to fit any budget. An eclectic classic cocktail list is also available, which includes a Negroni- my cocktail of choice at the moment.
All in all, I’m glad to see one of Mobile’s most unique dining experiences become more accessible to the average Joe like myself. This weekend’s half off special is a great way to check it out for yourself, but remember that you must make a reservation first.
TRUE is located at : 9 Du Rhu Drive
Suite 201
Legacy Village on Springhill Ave.
Mobile, AL 36608
You can make your reservations by calling (251) 344-3334
*Thanks to Ryan Johnson and Tasha Tupa for their help
This sounds awesome. I am longing for the taste of some delicious Polenta with Shrimp. I made it here recently and while it was a success, I think being home and eating it there would still feel different. I used to work at True when it first opened, and well I quit for various reasons ( thought the owner was a dickhead etc ) I still understood that they made good food. I am glad the menu is now affordable and I’m enjoying your food reviews. Lots of love – Mel
Thanks, Mel. You dickhead.