BeckEats: Bistro off Broad in Winder, GA

I have a lot of dietary restrictions. It’s a huge bummer, especially for celebratory dinners out.

So, when my in-laws told us they wanted to us to go out for our shared anniversaries, I got nervous

  They were raving about this restaurant in Winder, GA and they clearly were invested in our enjoyment of the experience. My hopes for a smooth, stress free dining experience are few in ANY restaurant, much less one in Winder, GA. 

(Sorry, Winder. I’m an Atlanta, Nashville, Miami girl. What you are is wonderful. You are not as diverse and populous as a large city.)

So, I did all I could do; I contacted the restaurant the week before and crossed my fingers without getting my hopes up. And I called my therapist. 

A few days went by without answer from Bistro Off Broad. I chalked it up to being ignored.

I was allllllll the way wrong. Super duper wrong.  

I got a personal phone call from the executive chef, Alex Friedman, and I was infected by his creative spirit and joie de vivre. He saw my restrictions as an exciting challenge and promised me a beautiful meal full of stuff I hardly ever get to eat. He mentioned that he truly understands how challenging allergies are and that he would like to treat me to an exciting meal, ForOnceInMyLife.

Of course, he offered me simple stuff, too. However, as a former fine dining enthusiast, I missed being able to experience creative dishes made by culinary artists. It’s not exciting when your only choice is ALWAYS steak and asparagus. 

Btw- I’m in full acknowledgment of the #FirstWorldProblems here. I am grateful for any food I receive. My restrictions are just so numerous that I wouldn’t categorize eating as fun anymore.

Well, it was fun at Chef Alex’s table. 

He served me !!PASTA!! and !!!FRIED!!! squash blossoms. I never get to eat pasta or anything fried! My whole table was jealous of MY food!

Clearly, Chef Alex has exciting covered. :) 

He visited our table several times to check on us and even made fresh rice flour tempura batter because he discovered cayenne in the batch he made for the kitchen.

I felt like a rock star, VIP, celebrity instead of an inconvenience or a bother.

It was a profoundly positive experience that I used to take for granted before my health needs changed.

Can’t recommend the place highly enough. Please, go spend all your money there. Come on. Appetizers, dessert, AND wine, y’all. These folks deserve it.