On Dining: It's mighty sweet at 'Sweet Traditions'

Ask my friends: If they want to meet for lunch close to home, I'll almost always suggest we go to Sweet Traditions.

It's a refreshing change from the polished chains on Sand Lake Road and the -- well, I won't even discuss the other chains within a 15-minute drive of Windermere. I go for a combination of food and atmosphere. Crepe or salad, omelet or pastry -- my latest breakfast there was merely an almond croissant with a cup of cappuccino after stocking up on produce at the Saturday morning farmer's market -- and I'm a happy gal. The dining room and patio are great, too. The long thin space with its original tile floor and tin (I assume) ceiling was for years and years the town's hardware store. The place has character. It's also a social hub. I run into neighbors pretty much every time I show up, often discussing business with associates.

Christine and Stephane Crocher own the restaurant. She's American; he's French. They first owned similar concepts in New England college towns, and then took their enterprise to Paris, Stephane's home town. Now they're here, merging European traditions with American ones.

The owners had to change a few things once they settled into Winter Garden. For one, they had to do away with the absolutely delicious garlic-herb butter that was originally served with Stephane's homemade bread. Gone! Guests were turned off by green butter. And the Crochers added items like hamburgers to the line-up of crepes and quiches because that's what sells on the western edge of town. The couple kept their quest for quality, though; they form the patties themselves and even stuff one variety with Brie, the French cheese, to add a Gallic touch. They also changed the onion soup. It's still a rich broth served in a nice crock, but now it's topped with provolone, which is gooey, instead of the more authentic Gruyere, which has a better bite but a less pliable texture.

Francophiles will feel at home in Sweet Traditions, but the place has enough Americana to appeal to other diners too. I'll see you there.

Eat well,

Rona

Sweet Traditions Bakery & Cafe
126 West Plant Street, Winter Garden
(407) 656.6338
Sweet Traditions Website