Dear Dandelions

I was a little skeptical that Jon & Dave of Handsome Biscuit fame was going to make a run of it at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens Café. In the past we had been to the café when my children were younger, it was nothing special but It served it’s purpose when visiting during hours. I had a nice conversation with Dave late Spring about the concept of the new restaurant and was excited. He did caution me that the transition would be occurring during the Summer if I visited. So when I stopped in late early August, around six weeks after opening I thought things would be in further along.
So to expand a little on Dave’s vision of bringing in fresh ingredients like they are known for. But also utilizing NBG resources such as honey. The menu would be kept simple, but again focus on fresh ingredients… exciting! However, we discussed admission to the gardens as being a possible limiting factor, but one that ultimately would be a great partnership with NBG. I have an annual membership and recommend others do the same. An adult pass will run $ 11, for a child $ 9, I call that a bargain. There is also a $ 1 coupon that is on their website good for up to 4 people. A family + is $ 95 and admits up to six, do not have to be related. They also offer military/​senior discounts. You cannot possibly see all that is offered in a dozen visits and there is always special programming through the year. You can upgrade on your first visit to an annual and your admission deducted.
The building that houses the café is behind the visitors center. I have always loved the round structure and thought the architecture was pretty awesome retro 60’s. There are a few tables at the front entrance to dine at. The exterior was disappointing with a lot of peeling paint. This is not necessarily there problem, but they need to be involved with getting it corrected and too bad it was not before they even opened.
The interior is very bright with all of the windows looking out. The high windows in the atrium are awesome! The floors are perfect, a slate tile are beautiful. As well they interior has had a fresh coat of paint and looks clean. I think, but not sure the tables and chairs are the same which is fine, they work great! The décor is something that is probably one of those works in progress, it’s pretty barren, especially in the care out room where there are empty shelves. A new counter is present with the overhaul. One of the stronger aspects of the space is the outdoor back patio with chairs and umbrella’s on a stone floor. Also beautiful landscaping overhangs and offers an über atmosphere. All the empty tables were clean, but some debris was present at ground level. The indoor dining room was spotless.
My daughter was with me and we had yet to view the menu. First off it was disappointing that a kids menu had not been implemented. This is a place that kids come to everyday, so being open for over a month should have been ample time. I am assuming in the Fall this will happen when they expand from a Thursday-​Sunday operation to add days and prepare for school groups.
I found the young gentlemen that helped me to be friendly and helpful in an attempt to try and locate something that would work for my daughter. However, there was not anything she agreed to. I got the chicken and pecan wrap with chips. There was some business, but they were preparing to close on a Saturday so I did not think it would take too long. Check out was easy on the iPad system and I thought the prices were fair.
However, for something so simple it took around 15 minutes with no one else coming up to the counter after us. Unfortunately there was no WiFi offered, NBG network does not extend over. My name was called, picked up the wrap and was prepared to share with my daughter if she would have it. I found it to be a really delicious and large dish. My daughter also tried and like it, but still was not satisfied. I found it to be a terrific tasting wrap and would get it again.
In this instance I wanted to hold off longer for a review due to the fact I know more changes will be taking place. However, I balanced that out with letting perspective customers have an idea of what to expect in the short term. There is no doubt improvements will take place and the biggest one is the addition of a children’s menu. Second the expanding of hours since currently they have supplemented with food trucks to make up for the days they are closed. Finally taking care of exterior painting that should be a NBG responsibility as well it would be nice if the landlord would extend their WiFi network to include the café.
This will be an easy one to update in the Fall since I am a season pass holder. I am positive they will keep getting better and figure there new space out. I have faith in Dave & Jon and have confidence this will be a successful partnership with Norfolk Botanical Gardens.