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MASON — A commitment to healthy eating is what led a Mason man to open a local cafe in August. The menu at the Wildflower Cafe & Coffee House features organic foods with a gourmet twist, and nothing is fried or filled with preservatives.

"I'm not comfortable with eating chemicals, and everything on my menu was either grown by me or purchased from local farmers," said owner Todd Hudson.

The cafe sits inside an old house in downtown Mason and has two small downstairs eating areas with an upstairs area to be opened by Christmas. The casual atmosphere is designed to cater to those who are looking for a fresh meal or a cup of locally brewed coffee or tea.

"My menu changes several times a week since everything is made fresh without preservatives," Hudson said.

Hudson has worked in the restaurant business for many years, which has given him a background to create the interesting sandwich and dinner choices on his menu. Starters include Crab and Lobster Claw Cocktail and Bacon Wrapped Indiana Duck, which is charbroiled and glazed with a fig and balsamic reduction.

Salads are made with vegetables grown in Hudson's organic garden that is located behind the cafe and include The Wildflower Salad, which is filled with edible orchids, dried cranberries, dried cherries, kiwi berries and black walnut powder tossed in a Raspberry Champagne Vinaigrette. The soup menu changes almost daily and features such delicacies as Rock Lobster Bisque.

"I never know what I'll make on any given day, but it's all healthy," Hudson said.

Sandwich creations include a Fried Green Tomato BLT with fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes fried in cornmeal, topped with smoked bacon, basil mayonnaise and local greens on pretzel bread. The Curried Chicken salad is an unusual blend of chicken and Amish curry with apples, raisins and walnuts topped with organic raspberry greens on a warm croissant.

Dinner entrees include Lobster, Crab & Jumbo Shrimp Fra Diavolo, which is made with Maine Lobster, Jonah Crab, Snow Crab and Hudson's All Natural Shrimp served over angel hair pasta with garlic-rubbed sourdough bread. There also is a variety of steaks, pork chops and pastas.

Hudson's dessert menu is also constantly changing but will feature selections such as the homemade Coffee Glazed Pumpkin Cheesecake and Mocha Pumpkin Fudge. All kids' menu items are made from organic ingredients, and no soda is served in an attempt to keep the menu healthy.

Catering is available from the Wildflower Cafe & Coffee House, and groups of up to 28 can rent the restaurant for private parties. Wildflower Cafe & Coffee House is a free WiFi hotspot, and reservations are recommended for dinner.

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how to go

WHAT: Wildflower Cafe & Coffee House

WHERE: 207 E. Main St., Mason

WHEN: Lunch: 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, (brunch is occasionally served during these hours). Dinner: 5:30 p.m. until owner decides to close. Closed Sundays. *Note: Diners should call the restaurant before traveling to make sure it is open.

COST: Starters range from $8.95 to $12.95. Salads $8.95 to $14.95. Sandwiches are $8.95 to $10.95. Entrees $8.95-$27.95. Dessert prices vary.

MORE INFO: (513) 492-7514 or www.wildflowercafe andcoffeehouse.com

CRITICS CHOICE: Fried Green Tomato BLT