Last night, we had dinner at The Bistro on Park Avenue in Winter Park. I was excited to try it after reading my friend Amanda's glowing review on her blog Eating Out Without.
The Bistro on Park Avenue can be a bit hard to find, though there was signage on Park Avenue pointing guests back to the Hidden Garden where it is located.
We chose to go to dinner on Friday, because I wanted to meet Bob Aungst, who was the guest chef last night. He prepared the specials, which were both gluten free. I first learned about Chef Bob after having gluten free cupcakes at Jillycakes in Winter Park. The winner of Cupcake Wars uses Chef Bob's gluten free flour blend to make their gluten free cupcakes.
Before last night, we had never eaten at The Bistro on Park Avenue, though I had stopped in before to buy some of the lovely ornaments they display in their windows. We sat in the solarium, with beautiful views of the Hidden Garden, and decor that reminded me of restaurants in Italy.
For my entree, I chose one of Chef Bob's specials, the Smoky Bacon Shepherd's Pie, which featured smoked gouda and applewood bacon mashed potatoes atop a meat and vegetable filling.
Chef Bob's shepherd's pie was definitely the best I have ever had, even better than the gluten free shepherd's pies I have had at Rose & Crown Pub in Epcot, and Raglan Road in Downtown Disney.
The filling, which contained ground beef, peas and carrots, was seasoned so well, and perfectly complimented by the creamy mashed potatoes, which were topped with crispy bacon. This dish was comfort food at its finest. My whole family tried a bite, and everyone was as impressed as I was.
My gluten-eating family loved their margherita flatbread, and shrimp & grits. I talked to Erika, the manager of The Bistro on Park Avenue, about their gluten free options. They are working on a menu that labels all dishes that can be prepared gluten free. Some gluten free options are the jambalaya, red beans & rice with andouille sausage, and sandwiches served on gluten free bread, which is also used to make gluten free French toast for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Erika also makes a variety of different gluten free desserts. I was shocked at how many desserts I had to choose from.
My favorite was the key lime pie made with a gluten free graham crust. It didn't look like the key lime pies I am used to, but it tasted great.
My husband and I also liked our second dessert, the raspberry ricotta breakfast cake, which was a little bit dry, but had great flavor. Our desserts were not overly sweet, and they were both served with ice cream on the side, which was a nice addition to both.
My daughter Emma was accidentally served the gluten and dairy free chocolate pudding with balsamic marinated strawberry fig salad and a tofutti raspberry cream, so we got to try this dish, and the dessert she really ordered, the gluten free chocolate fudge cake. We weren't crazy about either one, so I think we will stick with the key lime pie and ricotta cake in the future.
You can read more about The Bistro on Park Avenue on their Facebook page or on their website. I am looking forward to dining there again soon.
What are your favorite gluten free dishes at The Bistro on Park Avenue?
Thank you so much Alexis for your kind words, we enjoyed to have you and your family at The Bistro. Come back anytime and try one of our other gluten-free option.
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