The Kitchen is the center of any household. It’s a warm place where meals are prepared, dreams are shared, and family bonds are deepened.
True Midtown Kitchen was born from Chef Wesley True’s longing for authenticity in a corporate world. From its roots as an early century bakery, to its brick walls and long rustic wood tables the space speaks of authenticity. Food is prepared with local, fresh ingredients with tenacity, creativity and care. The menu is inspired by products and culture surrounding the south east, but refreshed and elevated by Chef True’s experience in some of New Yorks most well respected establishments. This concept is even embraced in the cocktail menu where pre-prohibition classics meet house made tonics and fresh, local fruit juices. Finally, Midtown Kitchen is a family affair, owned and operated by members of the True family.
Our Team
Wesley True / Executive Chef
Chef True is a two-time James Beard Award semi-finalist for “Best Chef in the South” and has received widespread recognition in the likes of Southern Living and Garden & Gun for his culinary work at True and True Midtown Kitchen and participation in national food events alongside the country’s best chefs. Born and raised in Mobile, Ala., Wesley attended the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Miss. where he took his first cooking job at John Currence’s popular restaurant, City Grocery. Inspired to pursue a career in culinary arts, True enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. While there, he did his externship in Manhattan where his love for fine dining was born. After eight years of working for some of Manhattan’s most influential chefs including Bobby Flay, David Bouley, Marcus Samuelson and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, Wesley moved back home to Mobile in 2007 to open the now closed but highly regarded True Restaurant. As executive chef of True Midtown Kitchen, Wesley is able to bring his creativity and experience in fine dining to more people, more often. He is inspired by Mobile’s food and culture to recreate classic southern dishes with a twist as well as completely new creations using regional ingredients as a jumping off point.
Wesley is an avid supporter of Alabama Gulf Seafood and the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission’s campaign to promote the state’s seafood industry through a series of TV commercials and other marketing initiatives. In 2012, Wesley was also selected to participate in the Alabama Tourism Department’s “100 Dishes to Eat Before You Die,” Alabama Restaurant Week, Alabama All Star Food Festival, “Sunday Supper” James Beard Benefit Dinner in Atlanta, Taste of Alabama Dinner in Birmingham, Auburn’s “Real Food” Fest and the Farm-to-Fork Food Invasion in Montgomery. He is also executive chef and co-owner of the recently opened True-Montgomery.
Richard True / General Manager
After 17 years living in New York and New Jersey, Richard is excited to return to his roots to be a part of True Midtown Kitchen. His passion for exploring all avenues of food and drink sprouted while touring Europe and the United States as an actor. His question to the locals was always, “What do you like to eat and where do the locals eat it?” As an actor in New York, Mr. True followed a well-worn path into the restaurant business by working at some of New York’s most popular restaurants including Rue 57 and Fireman’s of Brooklyn. As well working for some of New Yorks busiest catering companies. His interest in all things food and wine exploded while living with his brother, Chef Wesley True, in Astoria New York. During this time the brothers thrived in New York’s culinary scene, Wesley by training and Richard by eating and drinking his way through the city. After a stint on the 25th Anniversary National Tour of the musical Evita, Richard returned to the restaurant industry as a manager. Managing the very busy Sabor Latin Bistro in North Bergen NJ prepared him to return home a restaurateur. At Sabor, Richard not only managed the day to day operations of the restaurant but was heavily involved in working with the Chef and owners on wine selection, menu revisions, and party planning. When not at True Midtown Kitchen, Richard most enjoys spending time with his wife Amy, and daughter Parker.
