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| - Disclaimer straight up: Wildflower sent me a gift card, which I used for this lunch. That creates some bias, but it also made me hyper-critical through the whole experience, as I did want to write a balanced review.
It's the holiday season and the shopping center around Wildflower Bread was bustling. I wasn't surprised to find the restaurant's seating mostly full--which was fine, as I was doing take-out. I had two people ahead of me in line but only had to stand there for maybe a minute. I ordered a chicken pistachio pomegranate salad and a bear claw to go. I was given the bear claw right away. I stood back by the drink dispenser, as there was no seating, and to my shock I waited all of two minutes before I was called for my salad. Considering the busy-ness, that was really something.
I arrived home, famished. I rarely get take-out, in part because something is usually left out. I was happy to open my paper bag and find everything there. The two chunks of Vienna bread were just what artisan bread should be: a crust with tender toughness, with a chewy, perfect interior.
The chicken pistachio salad itself had an odd mix that worked in a surprising way. I never would have paired kalamata olives with oranges, but it ends up with a sweet/sour dynamic. The onions were a little strong, but everything else was just right in flavor and texture: feta, mixed cabbage, chopped pistachios, very fresh and flavorful chicken, and a dressing that was of good sweetness.
I tried only a small piece of the bear claw--the rest was for my husband, who greatly enjoyed it with his coffee. This was one huge pastry! It's a meal unto itself.
This visit to Wildflower Bread Company reminds me that I should visit much more often. I can't really find anything bad to say about it, even when I try.
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