By LEIGH FLYNN DOTY

A quaint restaurant in downtown Alexandria might typically be overlooked by travelers to and through town, but that is not the case for one local eatery.

Word of Mouth Café is not only a popular lunch spot for central Louisiana residents who anticipate a great meal during their lunch hour. The restaurant also attracts visitors from out of town, who find (and leave) reviews on Google and Yelp.

Among the reviews are descriptions such as “culinary adventure,” and “a delightful exploration of flavors.” One Google reviewer described his experience as follows: “Word of Mouth Café, with its culinary prowess, certainly knows how to leave a lasting impression on its patrons. The seared Ahi Tuna salad and the blackberry bread pudding were not just dishes; they were culinary experiences that elevated my visit to a memorable and delicious adventure.”

The restaurant, nestled among the crepe myrtles on Foisy Street between the Rapides Parish Courthouse and Jackson Street, offers daily doses of fresh food in a down home atmosphere, with a generous helping of personal service.

Owner/Chef John Foster Gunter, who opened the restaurant 13 years ago, says the café was the realization of a lifelong dream. After renovating an event center and handling the catering for the facility, Gunter knew he wanted his work to have a “smaller, more hometown feeling.”

His family had several properties downtown, and when the perfect spot became available, Gunter jumped at the chance to bring a small café business to the area.

Gunter can be found early every day buying fresh foods, which he then uses to prepare the daily meals from scratch. The fresh food and friendly atmosphere are among the highlights of the Yelp reviews, and they are two aspects of the business that bring pride to Gunter and his wife, Tamera.

“We want the story of WOM to include a warm, friendly, family-like atmosphere where everyone feels welcome,” Gunter said. 

“People who come in for the first time are always surprised that we give individual attention to everyone,” Gunter said, “not to mention the talking and laughing while waiting in line because of the funny quips from the chef behind the counter.”

“We hope that, in years to come, people will remember the great food, memories, funny stories, and the nostalgic, downtown feeling we gave them,” Gunter said. 

The cafe’s website (www.nomwom.com) describes the cuisine as “comfort, gourmet”. Among customers’ favorite dishes are the shrimp, corn, and potato bisque, the blackened chicken pasta, and the muffulettas. Their homemade dressings are also popular, as well as the famous almond bread pudding. 

The restaurant serves a daily special, and “Pot Roast Thursday” is typically one of the most popular days. WOM also offers sandwiches, wraps, salads, and soups on a daily basis.

Word of Mouth serves lunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are located at 918 Foisy Street in Alexandria.