According to their menu, Wildflower says they continue “to set the standard for innovative, yet classic, American cuisine with European and Asian influences.”
Hummm. Sounds intriguingly vague, not to mention contradictory, all at the same time. Just as their public relations specialists intended. But, if the food is good, I can forgive their circuitous propaganda.
As we approached the front of Wildflower, we observed a very nice patio area with a walkway down through the center to the main entrance. At the door, the young, beautiful, and half-naked hostess asked if we would like to be seated on the patio or inside. Read More
Generally, if the weather is nice, we prefer outside seating, but this was mid-day and there was a lot of noisy traffic on Oracle. Unfortunately, Wildflower’s patio seating was just a little too close to a major thoroughfare. Perhaps in the evenings when traffic dies down, the patio, which looked quite pleasant, would be quieter and irresistible, but not at noon.
As the young lovely turned to lead us to our booth, there was no way not to notice that she had a tattoo on her right shoulder blade. Not just any tattoo, mind you. It wasn’t an image, like a heart or motorcycle, or cross. It was handwriting, but I didn’t have my cheaters on and so couldn’t read what it said. More about this mystery shortly. She seated us in a booth toward the back with a full view of the entire restaurant.
As my 78-year-old male dining companion and I awaited our drinks, we took note of the furnishings and décor. It was interesting enough to provoke a friendly argument. I said it reminded me of a 1930’s ritzy Manhattan hotel. My dining companion thought it might be reminiscent of a fine 1940’s hotel restaurant, but in the mid-west, perhaps Chicago or Kansas City.
We decided to ask Dono (short for Donovan), our waiter. He said he would have to think about it and would return with his considered opinion, our drinks, and some fresh Italian bread shortly.
Dono returned with our drinks and fresh bread & herb butter, but not with ‘his’ opinion of the design. Rather he arrived with the speculation of his more experienced manager. Said manager opined that Wildflower was designed to resemble a 1950’s luxury liner. Considering the exceedingly tall columns and high ceiling, we could go with that … particularly considering the very large skylight in the middle of the ceiling … which raised yet another question. Why was what appeared to be a beautiful skylight covered over with wallpaper? Dono didn’t know. Even his manager didn’t know.
Dono took our order. My companion ordered Parmesan Noodles with roasted chicken, tomato, spinach, and pine nuts for $12. The Grilled Kobe Skirt Steak with roasted potato, caramelized onion, and blue cheese fondue sounded delightful, but instead I ordered the House Made Pasta & Italian Sausage with spicy tomato, fresh mozzarella, and parmesan for $13. By consulting the opposite side of the menu, we realized that had this been dinner instead of lunch, my companion’s dish would have cost $4 more and mine would have been an extra buck.
All this raised two other questions. First, what is the difference between “House Made” pasta and “Home Made”. According to Dono, none. Second, why was dinner more expensive than lunch? Was there something different about what is served … larger proportions, perhaps? Apparently, the only difference, other than price, is the difference between day and night. We failed to see the logic.
Back to the discussion about the furnishings and décor. We now had three different opinions. A ritzy 1930’s Manhattan hotel; an upscale 1940’s Mid-West hotel restaurant; and a 1950’s luxury liner.
Dono brought our lunches. The food was very good. I don’t mean “good”. I mean VERY GOOD. My Italian Pasta & Italian Sausage was spicy, but not overly so. Excellent sauce. Dining companion delighted in his Parmesan Noodles & Roasted Chicken. Dono saw to it that we were never out of fresh bread and our drink glasses were never empty. Not only personable, but attentive.
But there was still the unresolved issue of the furnishings and décor. So I used my mobile device to go online and see what the Wildflower propagandist had to say. To wit:
“Guests feel they are dining at home in the cozy and comfortable interior setting of Wildflower. Antique?farmhouse furniture complements the hues of deep blue, bright white, yellow, and green. Oversized walnut finish tables and chairs resting over floral carpet are similar to the traditional family room table; modern meets shabby chic.” Turns out, we were all wrong. I’ve actually eaten in more than one old farmhouse, and none looked like the interior of Wildflower.
Now, back to that half-naked hostess. My dining companion and I did not want to seem too forward least we come across as two old perverts. So we asked Dono if he knew what was permanently written on the young woman’s right shoulder blade and what could possibly be so important that she wanted to live with it for the rest of her life. He said that he didn’t know, but that he would make inquiries.
Shortly thereafter, Dono returned to report that the young lovely’s tattoo is a Bible quote …Psalms. Something about “Lord, give me strength …” Amen to that. We left Wildflower having had a most pleasant experience: very good food, large portions, excellent service, conversational décor, and eye-candy.
Yet one mystery remained. Why is the big skylight in the center of the very high ceiling covered with wallpaper? Perhaps when we return, someone will have the answer.
Wildflower Tucson
7037 N Oracle Rd Tucson
For Dining reviews of the
Best Dining in Southern Arizona by Cuisine visit us here.
For an Alphabetical list of Dining reviews of the
visit us here. 
December, 2011 – We two had completed our errands and were trying to decide where to eat lunch.