This Examiner has found a hidden gem located in the heart of downtown Kenosha, WI, called The Good Garden Cafe and Wine Gallery, that has some excellent gluten-free options on it's menu. The atmosphere in this cafe is very warm, inviting and relaxing, with an amazing staff on hand as well.
The Good Garden Cafe and Wine Gallery was formerly known as The Secret Garden Cafe. Owner Raymond K. Roberts purchased the cafe this past January, and has made some exciting changes with more to come in the near future. The cafe is now open seven days a week from 7am-3pm for breakfast and lunch, and will soon be opening in the evenings for wine and tapas (yes, there will be gluten-free options for tapas too and of course, wine is gluten-free!). There is an area of the cafe up front where local musicians perform occasionally and is also set up for open play, for those who know how to play a guitar and are interested in entertaining the cafe patrons. There is also a gallery throughout the cafe with paintings and photography, from local artists and photographers, available for purchase.
Current gluten-free options include: two bread selections (GF white and whole-grain) to have one of their very tasty sandwiches or grilled items on, which include a Portobello Stacker, that is made with organic and locally grown portobello mushrooms, Frittatas (similar to a quiche but without the crust), Salads (you can build your own), Soups, Hummus Plate with Veggies and Olives (minus the Pita bread), Peasant Lunch (GF Bread, olives, cheeses, dried fruits and nuts) and a delicious Granita, Chai Custard or Ice Cream for dessert. For those who have not tried a Granita, it is a very tasty Italian Ice style dessert mixed with red wine. According to their very talented Executive Chef, Jackie Ortelli, they hope to roll out some delicious gluten-free muffin options very soon as well. They do also have vegetarian and vegan options available.
Their beverages are also outstanding and include teas from Tiesta Teas (try the Maui Mango mixed with Chinese Gunpowder!). What is really cool about how they serve the tea is the infuser it comes in. If you haven't tried an infuser, (they use Teaze infusers there, available for purchase) you place it on top of your cup and the blended tea and hot water automatically release into your cup. According to their very pleasant and knowledgable General Manager, Betsy Davis, they have fresh roasted coffee delivered weekly from Coffee Fresh. Betsy also mentioned that in the Farmers Market season, the cafe will work with local farmers to get fresh local produce.
The menu options change daily. This Examiner tried an outstanding Pork Frittata made with Free Range eggs, recommended by their baker Joseph Edmark, who was very helpful. Joseph also recommended trying one of their flavored homemade butters. They have several delicious choices and the Olive Rosemary flavor, was out of this world. The Granita perked this Examiner's interest and lived up to Joseph's recommendation as well.
The Good Garden Cafe and Wine Gallery is located in downtown Kenosha at 5925 6th Avenue. It is definitely worth checking out!
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