Wildflour, the hip new restaurant on Windward Parkway, offers patrons a lunch menu full of unique combinations. Chef Michael Field prides himself on serving only the freshest of ingredients which he picks himself daily. “Because everything including the bread is freshly made each day, our customers can count on the best taste each time” says Field when describing his new restaurant.    Wildflour offers gourmet sandwiches, pastries, freshly baked breads, soups and salads for the lunchtime crowd and catering for nearby businesses and special occasions. Field is a seasoned culinary veteran and popular restaurateur known to many in Atlanta. He owned and operated Portabella’s restaurant in downtown Alpharetta up until 2004 when he closed to be a full time dad to his now four year old son Andrew. “It was the perfect time to take a break and enjoy being a father” says Field. “Andrew is a blessing and I wouldn’t trade the time with him for anything. I’m grateful to be back in the kitchen though where Andrew joins me from time to time. He makes a mean sugar cookie.”   A Family Affair Chef Field admits that he couldn’t have made the comeback on his own. He is supported by many friends from Portabella’s and his church, but on a daily basis he relies on his wife and Wildflour owner to manage the books and keep him in business. His sister Michelle and his mom Kitty often make an appearance at lunch to help lend a hand with the rush. “We love coming out to visit with Michael and support him wherever we can. Many of his customers have become friends in the process and the restaurant is such a happy atmosphere because of it” says Kitty of her son’s newest venture.   The Menu Field prides himself on an ever-changing menu, flanked by mainstays such as the popular tomato basil soup and the Seinfeld. Regular customers enjoy seeing the changes in the specials each day as Field likes to introduce a few new items each week. Whether diners crave a freshly roasted Turkey Reuben with homemade braised cabbage or a lighter spinach salad with balsamic salmon, Wildflour has something for every taste bud and appetite.

On top of the regular lunch offering, Field also regularly caters lunch for many of the local businesses and special events around the city. “I’m still not ready for the dinner scene because of the time commitment” says Field, “but I love the creativity involved in a catered event and the opportunity to help make someone’s party special means a lot to me”. Eventually, Michael plans to add evening hours to Wildflour’s offering, but for now, he’s enjoying the balance between the restaurant and still having time to spend with his family and the occasional fly fishing trip to North Carolina with his in-laws.   The Atmosphere Wildflour is a cheery place with custom paint colors to match the modern floral window treatments. Similar to Portabella’s, there are several rooms for dining and a deck overlooking the Roswell Mill. Not so similar to Portabella’s there is plenty of parking in front and even more in back. It’s a cozy location that seats plenty while still maintaining a comfortable setting. Serve yourself iced tea, water, and soft drink stations fit close by to the order counter and pastry showcases which are filled daily with everything from mouth watering cookies to delectable chocolate ganache covered mousse desserts. Too full to eat your dessert? Don’t worry. Wildflour offers desserts and pastries to go too.

He’s Back for Good Field says he was also inspired to return to the restaurant by all the fans he would encounter over the years. “I still remember standing outside a Billy Joel concert when one of my former customers recognized me and begged me to reopen. He gave me his number so I could call him when he could get another crab cake sandwich. I felt like a rock star myself! Now that I’m finally open again, it’s been like a family reunion and I’m so grateful to everyone who has come back to me and all the new faithful customers of Wildflour. Roswell feels like home to us now and we plan to be around for a while.”   Wildflour is located on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta. Hours are 11 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Catering or call ahead orders placed at 678-822-WILD (9453).