Restaurant Review: Aviary Cafe and Creperie with [Video] Recipe

Strawberry, Banana, Nutella, Gluten-Free Crepe

My prospects for a trip to Paris in the near future are non-existent, so yesterday I opted for the next best scenario in the mid-west, lunch at the Aviary Cafe and Creperie.  Upon entry, the decor gives homage to the quaint artsy-crafty detail of the French countryside. I immediately smiled as I entered, leaving the cold cloudy December day behind. 

A bit too much drama? Maybe?

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

The Aviary is the perfect beginning. The employees are some of the most attentive and knowledgeable I've encountered. Our server was conscientious and eager to make our dining experience positive and gluten-free. It didn't come up, but I don't think "hold the bacon" would upset the staff. 


Yes, they offer gluten-free crepes for just $2.00 extra. What a treat! The options are plentiful and next time I plan to try the Coq au Vin, but yesterday I had the Venetian Garden crepe served with a side of sauteed butter beans and kale. The crepe is a tasty faire of fresh asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes sauteed with garlic and shallots, inside the crepe the mixture is topped with ricotta. The flavor is divine and much to my surprise the portions are man-sized. That's right guys, you won't walk away hungry. The menu includes many beef, chicken, and pork options and if you aren't in the mood for a crepe, no worries, Aviary offers a wide variety of sandwiches and salads. 

I don't drink alcohol at lunch unless the occasion is extra special, nevertheless, tempted to try the Spanish Sangria, I resisted and had some excellent coffee instead. I can't wait to return on an evening with friends to share a mimosa drink board described on the menu as "A bowl of oranges, a bottle of bubbly, flutes and a juicer! For fun and for sharing, when you just want to do it yourself."  It does sound fun.

The restaurant  has an excellent website: Aviary Cafe and Creperie on the web!

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SPRINGFIELD GOURMET TACO COMPANY in Springfield, MO

No guessing, Pat Duran's Springfield Gourmet Taco spells out the answers for celiacs', vegetarians and the health conscious, no excuses the information you need to make smart choices is available for you to ponder. That's right, it's on the table listed in plain sight. There is no need to fuss and explain your complicated dietary needs with the servers.

The prices are likely the best value around...

Springfield Gourmet Taco Company takes a simple taco and broadens the spectrum beyond our wildest imagination. The combinations are plentiful enough to suit anyone's taste buds. Yes, you can take "I hate Mexican,"  Uncle Frank and order a bbq chicken taco.

Tacos are fun, and eating with your fingers is always an enjoyable ice breaker. Saturday night, I dug right into a fresh lettuce wrapped taco. Although it was a difficult decision, I decided on the Asian inspired Hawaiian with citrus lime chicken covered in shredded cabbage and pineapple, and complemented by the delicious cilantro cream sauce. I had a couple of bites of the Baja. It's unique with a blend of fajita chicken in a Mediterranean style with spinach, feta and balsamic vinegar. Both were excellent choices, but if I had to choose a favorite it would be the Hawaiin.  However, rest assured, I have returned several times and it's never boring. The Frito Pie with cistrus-lime chicken is awesome and a new favorite is the Island Salad; it's Huge! 

THE ROOST BAR and GRILL in Springfield, MO

Margarita

It's dark. The music is rather loud. The floor is bare concrete.The front and back aligned entrances create a bit of a draft. Nevertheless, the drinks are huge, potent and the price is right and in all seriousness the food is clever, fresh and pretty darn good at The Roost. 

Chicken becomes more interesting than beef and pork at The Roost. There are so many chicken choices, it's easy to overlook the burger menu. They claim their chicken is hand-cut and never frozen. I believe it

This was my second visit. The first time I ordered upon the bartender's suggestion and I did not see a menu. I ordered a bun-less jalapeno burger with waffle fries. Covered in jalapenos, I could hardly see the patty. But the beef was extraordinarily tasty. Even though, I know that suggests it was somewhat fatty, it was worth it. 

This time I studied the entire menu. Bread eaters will love The Pick'in'Chickin section of the menu with eleven different chicken selections to enjoy as a wrap or a sandwich, grilled or fried and served with a side for a modest price. What a deal!

FLO EATERY AND WINE BAR in Springfield, MO:

Design, texture, color, and architecture might remind you of  fabulous atmosphere, but add flavor and you’ve just described the food at Flo Eatery & Wine Bar. Under the direction of a fine staff and owners Johnson and Johnny Tan, exotic dining truly is a surprisingly affordable experience. Known around town for their social plates, Flo’s full menu features an array of whimsically designed Sushi, and international entrees as well as local favorites.

Begin the evening with a nice wine from the largest by the glass selection in town or my favorite, the smooth Island Margarita Martini, but do yourself a favor and ask the server to sweeten the rim with sugar instead of

salt. Pair your tonic with a Spicy Tuna Tuna Roll, and enjoy the sweet tangy lime as it contrasts with the peppery sushi loaded with the freshest red tuna around.  Beware; it is an explosion of provocative excitement for your taste buds. Shared, amongst the seductive red décor and ambient lighting, it’s the perfect beginning to an intimate night out.

Continue the evening with one of the many entrees from the new menu. On the lighter side, try one of my favorites, grilled fish tacos topped with guacamole, Pico de Gallo, and spicy mayo. I like to drizzle mine with a generous amount of house hot sauce, messy, fun, and delicious, but if you are particularly in the party mood try the ultimate social appetizer, Flo’s famous fresh guacamole custom made table-side by your server.