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| Salmon Cake - Pickled Egg Salad, Watercress, English Cucumbers and Sesame |
A hidden gem, and located in the most unexpected place you can imagine, American Harvest Eatery is considered a game changer for the heart (and stomachs) of Springfield. If you enjoy locally fresh farmed raised ingredients, artsy presentations, a nice vibe and atmosphere, then a visit to this fine dining establishment is worth your time. I have dined there several times and ordered something new at every visit and I must say that the use of innovative techniques and styles radiates from each plate. Lots of bright colored starches, vegetables, purees, and subtle hints of spices makes each meal that more intriguing and simple, but complex at the same time. By using locally grown ingredients and leveraging the harvest from local farmers, American Harvest is sure to produce a superior product every time you dine there. Not to mention, the customer service is impeccable! The menu changes depending what’s in season, and the restaurant offers delicious specials too. But if you are one of the lucky ones, you may catch the following in rotation:
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| Executive Chef Jordan Coffey (right) |
• Cornbread with Honey Butter
• Fried House Made Pickles
• Green Beans
• Salmon Cakes
• Pei Mussels
Entrées
• Short Rib with Greens and Carrot/Ginger puree
• Any entrée with the Chorizo Jam in it
Also, if you have a sweet tooth, try their desserts!
During my time there, I had the pleasure of speaking with Executive Chef, Jordan Coffey, about how he started in the industry and worked his way up to such an admirable position in the kitchen. He sat down at the table for about fifteen minutes and explained how he started as a dishwasher, then sandwich maker, and had the privilege of running the kitchen at the café sandwich shop. Coming from a humbling background, Chef Jordan branched out to other restaurants and climbed his way up the ladder while becoming more accustomed to the daily grind of the culinary world. Gaining real world field experience and not through the traditional classroom setting, Chef Jordan was able to work for some of well-respected restaurants right here in Chicago! But, he couldn’t do it alone, as his wife, Aurora, joined him in the culinary journey by attending Robert Morris University’s culinary program. With support from his wife, and pure drive and determination, they decided to join forces and take on the rewarding project of supporting community efforts, providing local cuisine, and culinary awareness across Springfield.
If you are looking forward to your next date night, or just a casual evening out with the family and friends, please be sure to visit this farm to table restaurant. American Harvest Eatery caters to all audiences! The restaurant is located on 3241 W. Iles Ave in Springfield, Illinois inside a convenient strip mall. They are open for lunch, Tuesday through Friday from 11am – 2:30pm and Saturday from 11am – 2pm. They reopen for dinner from 5pm to 10pm, Tuesday – Saturday and Sunday for brunch from 10am – 3pm. The owners, chefs and staff will take short break by closing on Monday.
Visit them at: http://www.americanharvesteatery.com/
Also, be sure to ‘Like’ them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Harvest-Eatery/#!/pages/American-Harvest-Eatery/136866819713445
Executive Chef Jordan and Aurora Coffey and company, I just want to thank you again for your warm hospitality, gratitude and for bringing fresh ingredients from Illinois’ local farmers to Springfield residents.
Your Community Food Chef, Lamar J. Burrell
