On a recent trip up to Milwaukee we wanted to find something different, to try for dinner. While searching online Centro Cafe came up. It met my normal criteria, new, different, and a swanky little place. I read a few bad reviews about poor service at peak meal times. Since it was a bit later in the evening I decided to ignore those reviews and give it a try. I was very glad we did.
Right away we noticed the menu was clearly marked with little GF's for the gluten free options. They had everything from Appetizers to Desserts. They even had New Grist beer! I honestly stared at the menu for some time. So it was good that our server was a bit backed up on coming back to our table. They had too many good options. Incidentally my boyfriend ordered gluten free just because it sounded so good.
My boyfriend ordered the butternut squash lasagna. Not something I would normally order, but I tried some of his and it was tasty. I was super stoked that they offered gluten free garlic bread as an option. It was so good. I really wish I could replicate this at home.
I went with the Pasta Pomodoro, with the gluten free pasta substituted. It was tasty, and it came topped with cheese! It was a great tasty combination with the beer and garlic bread, it was a wonderful meal. The atmosphere was cute and cozy. It seemed that they had a back porch that you could dine on as well to expand the capacity. Everything about this place was unique and cute, and definitely worth a visit to check them out!
I give them 4 Dragonflies for pure cuteness of a place to try. Their menu was huge and had a lot of great options. I really liked this place, and wish it was closer to home. I will go back when in the area, and really hope others go check it out. Food was great, service was a bit slow, but it allowed us to really take in the atmosphere and observe the whole place.
Gluten Free Fried Chicken, YES! Where you ask?? Traverso's in Naperville. I'd heard this was a real possibility and had to check it out myself. The next question I had, was is it made in a dedicated fryer, the answer was yes. This got me super excited. Our server was very versed in gluten free and was asking why we hadn't been there before. She shared my excitement of gluten free goodness. She kept telling me how good the pizza was. I told her maybe next time. I have 1 thing in mind with this trip!
I looked over the menu and there were a lot of good looking options. But I decided I was here for the chicken I was getting the chicken. They also had gluten free beer options on the beer list which was great, it was like a regular night out meal.
I got so excited looking at the menu I didn't notice my meal came with bread and a salad. They actually had gluten free baguette bread. It was so nice and warm and tasty. It came wrapped in foil so I did feel safe it wasn't contaminated. I was able to get a Caesar salad, no croutons and bread. I think I was as excited over the bread as I was the chicken. They brought me my own butter and I was happy. Ordering the meal I was slightly confused, but overwhelmed more than anything I realized. I was so happy the chicken was fried in it's own fryer I didn't think about the fact the French Fries would be in the same fryer, and opted for a baked potato. Next trip, I'm getting the french fries.
Everything was so tasty. I definitely was in food heaven, and couldn't finish all my food. My co-workers the next day kept telling me how good my left overs smelled, and were excited for me I found fried chicken. Not an everyday meal for sure. But a great treat that's worth the drive down to Naperville.
I give them 4 stars, and WILL BE BACK! The service was a bit slow, but other than that the food was fabulous and they were well versed in gluten free. My boyfriend ordered the ribs, but wasn't as impressed... He said he'd give a better review going with something that might be more of a signature dish next time.
