11/21/2011 - QC Foodie - Cafe Fresh

Cafe Fresh

Ricardo and I went to Cafe Fresh for dinner a few weeks ago. I had been there before for lunch a couple of years ago when it was located in the smaller location down the street. Now it is located in the former La Flama location. I was so intrigued with the new restaurant that I went back with my mom yesterday. The evening Ricardo and I went, he had beef and chicken sizzling fajitas and I ordered Amanda's orange bourbon salmon. He wasn't overly impressed with his meal but my salmon was prepared perfectly. I thought the sauteed vegetables could have been more along the lines of zucchini and squash rather than quite a bit of onions and a couple other vegetables thrown in. The signature potatoes were not my favorite but I'm not a huge fan of white sauce. I loved the atmosphere and was glad to see so many patrons on a Friday night.

On our visit yesterday, I ordered the fruity chicken, which was chicken salad tossed with apples, grapes and sugared pecans in a wheat wrap. My mom ordered the b, l, t. a, or bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado. Our sandwiches came with a large slice of pickle wrapped in ham filled with cream cheese. We both enjoyed our wraps with sides of Miss Vickie's sea salt potato chips. The sandwiches were delicious and I had a difficult time choosing from the array of great-sounding lunch items. Again, I was pleased to see the restaurant was filled with diners. We were tempted by the fabulous-looking pastries but being calorie-conscious before the holidays, we declined dessert.

The cafe is a great addition to downtown Moline which I was thrilled to see was abuzz with activity. The décor is uncluttered, comfortable, light-hearted and matches the whimsical flower logo. The table tent on our table yesterday also said their venue is available for special events as well. The bar/lounge “re-fresh” looks chic and cool and I can't wait to come back in the evening with my friends for drinks.