CLOSED: Lunch Ladies: Savory and Sweet
The Southwestern Steak Crepe at Savory & Sweet in Orem. Photo by Lyndsi Seltz
The Thai Curry Crepe at Savory & Sweet in Orem. Photo by Jennette
The Seoul Connection Gluten-Free Crepe at Savory & Sweet. Photo by Gabby Harris
Clockwise from top left: The Seoul Connection Gluten-Free Crepe, Thai Curry Crepe, Southwestern Steak Crepe and the Sunrise Salad with Chicken Breast at Savory & Sweet in Orem. Courtesy photos
The Sunrise Salad with Chicken Breast at Savory & Sweet in Orem. Photo by Sylvia Abbott
The first time I attempted making gluten-free crepes from rice and tapioca flours, I was all prepared for disaster. I was afraid the consistency, texture,and flavor would be off. Not to mention my own skill level would not be up to par. However, much to my surprise, the end result was fabulous. The gluten-free flours blended together and made a perfectly lightweight, spongy, delicious crepe!
I even was so bold as to offer my gluten-free creations to my family and friends who do not need such dietary limitations, and the verdict was still the same — excellent! Since then I have made crepes on many occasions. From dessert crepes, with Nutella, ice cream, fresh strawberries and a drizzle of caramel-yum; to dinner crepes with mushrooms, chicken, jack cheese and cream sauce.
Crepes are really one of my favorite dishes. And even though they aren’t really a ton of work, I sometimes feel like they are a lot of steps. Mixing the gluten-free flours, making the batter, cooking one crepe at a time, then preparing the meat, the veggies and everything to go inside. It takes work. Sometimes I just want a delicious gluten-free crepe without the prep time or effort.
So several months ago, I was on a quest to find a restaurant in Provo that had gluten-free crepes. It seemed to me that more and more creperies had been popping up, so I figured at least one would offer gluten-free crepes. I called every crepe place I could find or was referred to. Nowhere seemed to offer gluten-free crepes. Even some that promoted on their website that they offered gluten-free crepes, said they didn’t on a regular or reoccurring basis, or they didn’t anymore. (Um, I’d update my website, folks.)
I found Quirky Bistro via Instagram and its kind chef said he’d find a great gluten-free recipe for me, but, sadly, they are located in Pleasant Grove, and I don’t really make it that way very often. So I gave up my treasure hunt to find gluten-free crepes at a local restaurant.
Then last week, my fellow Lunch Lady Jennette sent me a photo of a menu from Savory & Sweet in Orem. The picture was of a section entitled “Gluten-Free Crepes.” I immediately knew where our next stop should be!
We entered the open floor plan of the bright, airy restaurant. Took in the pleasant, stylish décor, and were quickly seated. We perused the menu, and I secretly contained my giddiness over ordering crepes at a restaurant for the first time and having numerous delicious options to choose from.
Here is what we went with:
Jennette: Thai Curry Crepe — $8.79
I have been to Savory & Sweet a few times and I always get the same crepe, Seoul Connection. Today I decided to try something new. I think I made a good choice in the Thai Curry Crepe. The crepe was filled with seasoned chicken, onions, green peppers, mushrooms and is covered in Thai coconut curry sauce. These made a delicious combination. The sauce is sort of sweet and the mix of veggies was excellent. Yes, they do have Diet Coke and it is pretty good there. Overall, lunch was delicious!
Sylvia: Sunrise Salad with Chicken Breast — $9.99
Jennette and her sister have been talking about this place for a long time, and I am so glad we went. Just a bit pricey for everyday lunches, but with the diverse menu, nice atmosphere and the good company, I definitely hope we go back. My salad was delicious. Built on a base of mixed greens, it was loaded with mangos, and strawberries, plus red onions, a generous sprinkling of cashews and almonds — all topped with mango dressing and a healthy helping of chicken breast. It came with some nice smelling garlic bread that I passed off to Lyndsi for her to enjoy.
Lyndsi: Southwestern Steak Crepe — $9.49
I was very intrigued when the ladies suggested Savory & Sweet as our lunch stop for the day. I checked it out online before we headed out and was excited about the variety offered on the menu. So the few crepes I have had in my life, I was not the biggest fan of the texture — so today I tried to play it safe and order the Southwest Pasta with Chicken. Fate, however, had different plans for me. There was a small mistake, and I ended up getting the Southwestern Steak Crepe instead of my pasta. They were more than willing to take it back and fix it but I figured why not just try it, who knows it could be amazing! The crepe was stuffed with fajita steak, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and lettuce with mixed cheese, chipotle ranch dressing, and sour cream, and it was delicious. I again had issues with the texture, but I was more than willing to break it open and eat all the wonderful contents. Sylvia was also gracious enough to give me her toast, even though I know it was just so it wasn’t tempting her. So my lunch was a little of an adventure, but next time I think I will try for the pasta again.
Gabby: Seoul Connection Gluten-Free Crepe — $9.89
Unlike my counterpart Lyndsi, I LOVE the texture of crepes! And those at Savory & Sweet definitely delivered perfection! My soft, spongy crepe was filled with tender steak, crisp lettuce, marinated cucumbers, red onions, and Korean BBQ sauce. A tangy, sweet red sauce and sour cream were drizzled on top to accent the exciting flavors and tie it all together. It was served with a side of salty, buttery, roasted potatoes that were seasoned with garlic and parsley. A great flavor contrast to the sweetness of the sauce. I loved every bite and loved someone else doing the work!
An exciting new experience, some good laughs, and some great food, left us Lunch Ladies with a new lunch spot that we are eager to revisit. We enjoyed the creativity of the menu items, the ambience of the restaurant, and the chance to chat it up Lunch Lady style; another delightful lunch hour that kept us going through the work week.
— Savory & Sweet: 182 W. Center St, Orem. Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and Sundays.