You can feel it in the air because it seems we have officially left winter behind and now we can prep for spring.

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Sure it's a short spring, but who knows maybe the weather will be comfy enough this summer to have a bite (and a drink) at one of Illinois' best outdoor dining spots.

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I've eaten at Fresco at the Gardens, one of the places highlighted by Enjoy Illinois, and you know what, their summary is totally on point.

With the word ‘gardens’ in the name, you know you’re in for a beautiful experience, right? Located at the stunning Anderson Japanese Gardens, Fresco boasts fresh farm to table cuisine from local suppliers including Living Waters, Chai Town Tea, Belgioioso Cheeses, and many more. Sit on 12 acres of beautiful landscape and enjoy breakfast or lunch creations like Nutella Crepes, Fresco Steak Salad, or the Lobster Roll and one of their signature cocktails like the Blackberry Mimosa.

Those Nutella Crepes are so good, I have tried to make them at home, but nothing beats the real thing.

There are over 120 different reviews of Fresco at the Gardens on Yelp and they are mostly positive.

Colleen S. says "Everything from start to finish could not have been more perfect! From the hostess to our server..., it was fantastic!" but Wendy J. said the food was "cold and tasteless" and "service was horrible."

As I mentioned, I've been to Fresco at the Gardens and never experienced anything like Wendy J. was talking about.

Maybe it's an outlier? Try it for yourself. Fresco at the Gardens is located at 318 Spring Creek Road in Rockford.

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