Wildflower Cafe

In our quest to eat locally, humanely and sustainably raised food we have also been frequenting restaurants who share our same beliefs.  One of our favorites is Wildflower Cafe.  We have actually been eating there before we started this quest because the food there is excellent.  My mother in law turned me onto this restaurant and we even had them cater our rehearsal dinner. 

They use all local sources for their food and all of their farmers raise their food sustainably and humanely.  When I eat there I always feel good about what I am eating.  The menu is constantly changing based on what is in season and available.  In the main dining room the menu is written on a wall sized chalkboard.  The restaurant has the charm of a cute cozy farm style restaurant but still has bistro appeal for any urbanite with a wine bar upstairs.  Based on appearances you might think that the food is going to be simple but the Wildflower easily competes with all the upscale gourmet cooking in the city and won the #1 burger in Cincinnati in 2010 by Cincinnati Magazine.  We love this restaurant and always keep going back for more.

Two different versions of the burger, it's hard not to always get one especially since it is the best!

Steak and Crab with garlic mashed potatoes, fresh veggies, and beurre blanc

A's Bday and 20 Brix

Happy Birthday Andy, today he turns 28!  Because this past weekend was Easter we actually went out to celebrate over a week ago.  Andy chose 20 Brix a local restaurant and wine bar, located in old downtown Milford, that we have been wanting to go to for years but just never got around to it.  It definitely did not disappoint.

We were sat at the table closest to the waiter's station and kitchen.  I really didn't mind, sometimes you get better service sitting that close to the kitchen and you get to see the action.  When the waitress came over she had in hand free glasses of champagne since we had the table with the least ambiance.  I almost want to request this table from now on.

The food was absolutely decadent and delectable.  The presentation was top notch, feasting with your eyes before the mouth.  We started the meal with some appetizers, salad and wine while the main stars of the meal were. . .

The venison was tender, juicy and not at all gamey.  It sat atop roasted carrots, greens, potato fritters with a red wine reduction.

Trout, I wish I could remember what the sauce was but it was served with a mixture sautee of potatoes, celery, olives and tomatoes.  It was good!

Shrimp and Grits with a sherry sauce and pancetta.  I have to tell you these grits were creamy, smooth and dangerous.  If I knew grits could be this good I would have become a convert years ago.

This is the complimentary birthday dessert I think it was called the chocolate kiss.  It just showed up at the table without having to order it.  The chocolately goodness was the perfect ending to our meal. 

Our meal was amazing, we would definitely give it five out of five stars and look forward to visiting 20 Brix sometime soon hopefully.

Virgils

A couple of weekends ago after the Newport Garden Walk we went out to lunch at a place in Bellevue, KY that one of the home owner's recommended.  The restaurant is called Virgils and makes delicious food that is French New Orleans inspired.  It was a cute boutique cafe.  The decor was warm and inviting, draped fabrics, and original artwork.  I ordered a Croque Madame with sweet potato fries.  I have always wanted to have one of these quientessential French sandwhiches but I have never seen one on a menu.  All I have to say is it was a piece of heaven on a plate.  I definitely plan on going back soon!

After lunch we went next door to a cute little store, Adaptique.  This store was a mixture of antiques and new pieces that were made to look antique.  The stop rounded out a perfect Saturday in the summer.