Kristen S.
Yelp
I rarely get to write this type of review, a positive one.
Having wanted to go for some time, I finally had the best dinner partner, my mother, who was visiting from out of town. We were excited to get (a little) dressed up and experience an all-gluten-free menu.
Although it's a little tricky finding your way into Conifer due to the street construction, once you make your way into the space, you find yourself in a bit of awe at the restaurant's beauty from both a functional and aesthetic stance.
We were immediately escorted to our table and greeted by the most dazzling server, Frankie, who was just as pretty as she was friendly.
We both ordered our mocktails and were given an overview of the items not featured on the menu. We started with the beet salad and the cornbread for our appetizer while we continued to pursue all the delicacies illustrated on the menu page.
The beets were exceptional for an appetizer, and the cornbread's butter was fresh and zesty.
I ordered the chicken and dumplings, and my mother ordered the crab cakes for our main meal. We split the brussels sprouts, and both ordered dessert...yes, we couldn't stop eating.
Between the oohs and ahhs, Frankie would appear to see how we were doing, and each time, she shared a little about the restaurant, the owner, and how much she enjoyed working at Conifer; such pleasant conversations to go along with such an exceptional meal.
The meal was on par with any other celebrated cuisine, and I have had the luxury of eating at several Michelin-starred and James Beard-winning establishments. NW Arkansas has some excellent restaurants indeed, fewer than you might think for a gentrified area such as this, but a few. I can always find a few things on any restaurant menu that allows me to eat out wherever I go.
Conifer has won the top slot!
Is it pricey? Well, perhaps to some, but for me, having no choice other than a gluten-free diet, it was a delight to eat as I did before having to eliminate gluten. There was something on the menu for everyone, even those without gluten allergies. The chef, Matthew Cooper, was kind enough to come to speak with my mother and me. He was just as cool as his food, and his food was delicious.
Eating at Conifer was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and I am excited to head back and try something new each visit.