The new Wildflower Bread Company location opens up at Arrowhead today. We enjoyed a delicious lunch over the weekend at their soft opening. It’s been years since I’ve been to one and I will say that our family will be returning for many reasons. Read on for your chance to WIN one of 2 $25 Wildflower gift cards. 
I was able to sit down with the owner of Wildflower bread company, Louis Basile. I learned a couple of things that will make me a repeat customer and even a convert from the traditional cafe I frequent. Did you know Wildflower is an AZ local company? The Arrowhead restaurant is the 12th location! Each location is unique, the colors, artwork, accents, and layout are one of a kind, however, you will notice one common theme; the iconic handblown glass flowers. The Arrowhead location lends itself to a very friendly and open space. My favorite feature was the bar. I can see my mother in law enjoying her newspaper and coffee Sunday mornings here. And with Free Wi-Fi she can even pull up her New York Times on the iPad. My music teacher and percussionist husband noticed the wind chimes lining the patio as soon as we drove up. It added a beautiful ambience to dining outdoors. And the food, oh the food, such a great selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastas. I loved my caesar salad and spicy meatball sub. The prices are fair and the portions generous. My whole family enjoyed our leftovers for dinner.
Green
Now Wildflower doesn’t label its company green, but I did notice several green features throughout this particular location. Not all new restaurants take the time to put in a recycling center. The perfect place to put that Sunday morning newspaper. The bright windows let the heat in to warm up the place and rolling shades help keep the dining room cool during hot afternoons and summers. Then checkout these solar skylights, Louis said they are able to control the amount of light let in by opening and closing them. All powered by the sun, how fitting.
Giving
Another conservation effort, the days leftovers are donated to area shelters and organizations. In 2011 they donated leftover bakery and bread items totaling $313,000. The soft openings proceeds will be donated to 3 separate organizations: Susan G. Komen, Kidney Foundation of AZ, and the Deer Valley Racquet Club. And during todays opening a representative from each organization will have the opportunity to increase those donations by 5, 10, or 15 percent in a friendly bread toss. As a former teacher I really love everything they do for schools in their community. From percentage nights to donations; take note teacher friends.
Catering
Wildflower offers catering for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks. The perfect option for baby showers, birthday parties, meetings, and celebrations. They have options from boxed lunches, deli trays, desserts, and complete meals. Make sure you say hi to my friend Jenn Libby, catering manager at Arrowhead, if you use them for your next event.
Giveaway
2 lucky Eclectic Momsense readers will win a $25 Wildflower gift card to use at the location of their choice.
Enter
Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter as many or few tasks you’d like. This is a local giveaway, please read the giveaway terms in the form.
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Wildflower Arrowhead was kind enough to provide the gift cards for the giveaway.
