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The Mohawk Valley’s Best Kept Secret: Inside Fort Plain’s Authentic Amish Deli

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Market

Hidden in the Mohawk Valley: The Real Amish Deli Experience You Have to Try

When most people think of upstate New York, they picture the Adirondack peaks or the Finger Lakes. But tucked right into the Mohawk Valley of Eastern New York is a thriving Amish community, and with it comes some of the most hearty, authentic, and high-quality food in the region.

Located in Fort Plain, Dutch Country Market isn’t a tourist trap relying on “Amish-style” marketing. It is a genuine, no-frills bulk food store and deli that serves up incredible made-to-order sandwiches, fresh pantry staples, and local dairy. If you are taking a scenic drive through Montgomery County, or just out running weekend errands with your wife and twin daughters, a stop at this deli counter is guaranteed to keep the whole family well-fed and happy without breaking the bank.

The Details

  • Name: Dutch Country Market
  • Address: 56 Willett Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339
  • Hours: Monday – Saturday (Closed Sundays and major Christian holidays)

The Favorites: What to Look For

  • The 12-Inch Made-to-Order Subs: The deli counter is the undeniable main event. They stack high-quality, thickly sliced meats and cheeses on fresh bread. The portions are huge—easily enough to split if you aren’t completely ravenous.
  • Custom Sub Platters: If you are feeding a crowd, the deli creates beautifully arranged sub platters loaded with all the trimmings, including pickles, cucumbers, black olives, and banana peppers.
  • Friday Baked Goods: While the grocery and deli are open all week, the fresh, from-scratch baked goods arrive on Fridays. You have to get there early if you want the best selection of traditional breads and sweet treats.
  • Walnut Creek Foods & Amish Staples: The shelves are packed with traditional Walnut Creek jams, jellies, and jarred goods, alongside authentic Mrs. Miller’s homemade egg noodles.
  • The Coffee & Sandwich Bar: Beyond the cold cuts, they offer a great little coffee station to pair with your breakfast or lunch sandwich.

What Real Shoppers Are Saying

The secret is definitely out among the locals. Here is what real reviewers have to say about their trips to Dutch Country Market:

“What a great store!!! Clean and prices are right! They have a great Deli, coffee and sandwich bar is amazing. The quality candy selection is outstanding… Worth a trip. Next door is a great place for gifts and fabulous fabrics.”

— Trish OC

“We ordered sub platters for a baby shower and they were beyond delicious, beautifully made and placed on platters with tons of extra sides including pickles, cucumbers, black olives and banana peppers! Everyone raved about how good they were!”

— Melanie S.

“I have been here three or four times in the past year. They have great prices and a good variety of products. I wish I lived closer so I could make weekly visits.”

— Rocco C.

Albany’s Whoopie Pie Shortage is Over: Inside the New Dutch Kitchen & Deli

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

By Elizabeth Montgomery, Food Editor

Skip the Drive to Lancaster: Authentic Amish Deli Opens in Albany

ALBANY, NY — The bustling corridor of Central Avenue is known for its diverse culinary offerings, from quick-service chains to international eateries. However, a new establishment has set up shop, bringing a drastically different pace and flavor profile to the state capital.

The Capital District Dutch Kitchen & Deli has officially opened its doors at 805 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206.

Situated in a newly renovated storefront that boasts simple wood accents and a spotless, unassuming interior, the deli aims to bring the “slow way of cooking” from Pennsylvania’s plain communities directly to upstate New York urbanites. It is a family-owned operation focusing strictly on Mennonite and Amish-style deli staples, cured meats, fresh-baked breads, and traditional bulk dry goods.

A Taste of Tradition

While the deli counter features staples like smoked turkey and sharp cheddar, early crowds are forming for items rarely found outside of southeastern Pennsylvania.

Foremost among these is the traditional Troy Bologna, a hickory-smoked beef bologna known for its coarse texture and distinct tang. It is served sliced thick on warm, homemade salt-rising bread with a smear of sweet hot mustard.

Troy Bologna

“You cannot find a bologna like this north of Poughkeepsie,” said Mark Chen, a local resident waiting in line during the grand opening week. “I grew up near Lancaster, and this is exactly what I remember. The smoky smell is incredible.”

Another menu favorite quickly gaining traction with the lunch crowd is the Dutch Pretzel Melt. This features ham and swiss cheese piled onto a massive, hand-twisted soft pretzel, brushed with butter and coarse salt, and toasted until melty.

From the Hearth: Bakery Favorites

Beyond the deli meats, the bakery counter is a central attraction. Each morning, the air fills with the aroma of yeasty doughs and molasses.

Early reports identify the Giant Pumpkin Whoopie Pies as the bakery’s undisputed star. Soft, heavily spiced cake cookies sandwich a thick layer of traditional, fluffy marshmallow-buttercream filling.

Sarah Miller, who manages the kitchen operations, emphasizes the commitment to freshness.

“We do not cut corners here. If the bread is not baked this morning, it does not get served on a sandwich. If the pie is not cooling on the rack, we do not have it,” Miller said. “It takes more time to do things by hand, but that is how you get that true homemade flavor. We are proud to bring our heritage to Albany.”

Rounding out the dessert favorites are the rich, gooey Wet-Bottom Shoofly Pies and cinnamon-sugar dusted Apple Fritters, baked, not fried, to an impossible softness.

Whoopie pies

Bulk Goods and Provisions

True to its farm-to-table heritage, the Capital District Dutch Kitchen also features a robust pantry section. Wooden barrels hold bulk items like oatmeal, flour, and dried soup mixes. Shelves are stocked with specialty canned goods, including Spiced Peaches, Chow-Chow (a pickled vegetable medley), and several varieties of small-batch fruit jams.

The store is also a mandatory stop for home bakers looking for high-quality, whole ingredients not easily found in chain supermarkets, such as clear jel and real, hand-rolled butter.

The Capital District Dutch Kitchen & Deli is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays.

Dutch kitchen

Wait, There’s an Amish Community in Florida? Inside Sarasota’s Best Hidden Deli

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Market

A Taste of Lancaster in the Sunshine State: Exploring Florida’s Real Amish Deli Scene

When you think of Florida, you likely picture palm trees, beaches, and maybe a certain mouse-themed theme park. You probably don’t picture horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and the smell of fresh-baked shoofly pie.

However, tucked away in the heart of Sarasota lies a cultural anomaly that has been a thriving part of Florida for nearly a century. This is Pinecraft, a unique neighborhood that serves as a winter retreat and year-round home for members of the Amish and Mennonite communities.

While there are several fantastic restaurants in the area known for family-style dining, the true gem for those looking for a quick bite or authentic ingredients to take home is the deli and market experience.

If you are looking for the most authentic Amish deli experience in Florida, you need to visit Der Dutchman’s market and bakery side, located directly within the Pinecraft community.

The Spot to Visit

Name: Der Dutchman (Bakery & Market Side)

Address: 3713 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232

Der Dutchman is a legendary name in Ohio’s Amish Country, and their Sarasota location brings that exact dedication to simple, high-quality comfort food to the Gulf Coast. While it is a massive restaurant, the attached bakery and market area function as the neighborhood’s definitive deli and food hub.

Favorite Items: What to Order

Walking into the Der Dutchman market is a sensory experience. The air is thick with the scent of yeast, sugar, and hickory smoke.

If you are visiting for the first time, these are the “must-try” items that locals and snowbirds swear by:

  1. Peanut Butter Pie: This is the undisputed champion of the dessert case. It is rich, creamy, and ridiculously indulgent. They offer many pies, but this is the one that put them on the map.
  2. Whoopie Pies: If you need a snack on the go, grab a massive whoopie pie. They are soft, cake-like cookies sandwiched around a huge dollop of sweet, fluffy cream filling. Chocolate is the classic, but their oatmeal is a strong contender.
  3. Hickory Smoked Meats & Cheeses: The deli counter offers high-quality, authentic cuts that are difficult to find elsewhere in Florida. Their smoked hams and bacon are popular, as is their selection of domestic Swiss and sharp cheddars.
  4. Apple Fritters: These are not your average donut shop fritters. They are dense, packed with real apples, perfectly spiced, and covered in a glaze that melts in your mouth. Get there early; they sell out fast.
  5. Amish Trail Bologna: A specialty beef bologna with a slightly coarse texture and a distinctive tang. It’s perfect when paired with Swiss cheese and a bit of hot mustard.
Amish Trail Bologna

Real Quotes from Pinecraft Shoppers

The draw of the Amish deli experience in Florida is the consistency and comfort. It doesn’t matter how hot it is outside; stepping into Der Dutchman feels like stepping into a Midwestern autumn.

Here is what visitors have to say about the experience:

“Best Peanut Butter Pie, EVER!!! There’s definitely something about Amish baking that can’t be explained!” — Yelp Reviewer, Sarah J.

“It’s a bizarre and wonderful juxtaposition. Outside it’s 85 degrees and there are palm trees. Inside, you are buying homemade apple butter and some of the best deli meats you’ve ever tasted. It’s a mandatory stop whenever we are in Sarasota.” — Google Reviewer, Mike L.

“Der Dutchman has the best bakery in Florida, hands down. It doesn’t matter if it’s the bread, the pies, or the fritters—everything is fresh and authentic. We always buy a loaf of salt-rising bread and some trail bologna to take home.” — TripAdvisor Review, Emily R.

So, if you are looking for a break from standard Florida fare and crave the comforting, unpretentious flavors of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, take a detour to Sarasota’s Pinecraft neighborhood.

Der Dutchman

Pies, Pretzels, and Produce: The Ultimate Guide to the Valley View Amish Market

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

Traditional Tastes, Local Roots: Valley View Amish Farmers Market Opens in Southwest Ohio

WILMINGTON, OH — The distinctive clatter of horse-and-buggy traffic just got a little louder in Clinton County. In a welcome shift from modern big-box retail, Valley View Amish Farmers Market has officially opened its doors, bringing authentic, old-world craft and flavor to Southwest Ohio.

Situated just outside of downtown Wilmington, the new market acts as a central hub for several families from the surrounding plain communities. The sprawling, timber-framed structure serves up a sensory-rich shopping experience that feels like a slow-down in a fast-paced world. Inside, the warm scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls mingles with the earthy aroma of vine-ripened produce, offering a genuine farm-to-table connection for local residents.

The Details

  • Name: Valley View Amish Farmers Market
  • Address: 4500 State Route 730, Wilmington, OH 45177
  • Hours: Thursday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Sunday through Wednesday).

From the Soil and the Stone Hearth: Market Favorites

While the inventory shifts with the southern Ohio seasons, the market has quickly established several year-round favorites that keep the early crowds coming.

  • Heirloom Produce: Forget the uniform, flavorless vegetables found in modern supermarkets. The produce tables are stacked with a riotous color of heirloom tomatoes, crisp zucchini, sweet bi-color corn, and giant heads of cabbage, all grown using non-electric, traditional farming methods.
  • The Stone Hearth Bakery: You will likely smell this section before you see it. Locals are already lining up for their signature massive Cinnamon Rolls doused in homemade icing, thick loaves of Sourdough Bread, and authentic Whoopie Pies in alternating seasonal flavors.
  • Aged Cheeses & Smoked Meats: The deli counter offers a robust selection of sharp cheddars, Swiss, and hot pepper cheeses, alongside smoked hams, bacon, and traditional Lancaster-style trail bologna.
  • Pantry Staples: Stock up on local raw honey, pure maple syrup, homemade fruit jams (strawberry-rhubarb is a top seller), and a massive variety of bulk dry goods, from artisanal flour to specialty spice blends.

Authentic Charm, Real Raves

amish pies
Amish pie

The response from the community has been overwhelming, with shoppers praising the quality of the goods and the genuinely kind atmosphere.

“We used to drive an hour and a half to Holmes County for this quality, and now it’s right here in Wilmington. The sweet corn actually tastes like corn should. It’s unpretentious, high-quality, and you know exactly who you are supporting when you buy it.”

— Sarah Jenkins, Dayton-area resident and repeat shopper

“Their baked goods are dangerous! My family barely makes it back to the car before half the cinnamon rolls are gone. Everything is so soft, fresh, and obviously made by hand. It’s exactly what Southwest Ohio needed.”

— Dennis R., local Wilmington resident

“The attention to detail and craftsmanship, even in the vegetables, is stunning. The Amish vendors are incredibly polite and genuine. Shopping here doesn’t feel like a chore; it feels like a community connection.”

— Michael T., Lebanon resident

Valley View Amish Farmers Market isn’t just a place to buy groceries; it’s a retreat to a simpler, more flavorful way of life. Make sure to arrive early, especially on Saturdays, as the favorite items tend to sell out before the final closing bell.

Battleships and Butter: Inside the Navy Yard’s Bizarrely Perfect Amish Restaurant

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

From Battleships to Butter Churns: The Unlikely Home of Philly’s Best Amish Kitchen

By Elizabeth Montgomery, Food Editor

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia Navy Yard is famous for its towering naval ships, sleek corporate headquarters, and sprawling brick warehouses. It is an epicenter of industrial history and modern business. It is probably the last place on earth you would expect to hear the gentle hum of a butter churn or smell the sweet, earthy aroma of rising sourdough and molasses.

But tucked inside a retrofitted, 19th-century shipbuilding warehouse, The Iron & Oak Dutch Kitchen has officially opened its massive steel doors, bringing the slow, methodical magic of Lancaster County cooking directly to the heart of Philly’s industrial shipyard.

The contrast is breathtaking. Huge steel I-beams and exposed brick are softened by the glow of replica gas lanterns, vast wooden family-style dining tables, and the sight of waitstaff in traditional Amish dress serving up hearty, farm-to-table classics to men and women in business suits and hard hats.

The Details

  • Name: The Iron & Oak Dutch Kitchen
  • Address: 1200 Admiral Peary Way, Philadelphia, PA 19112 (Inside the Navy Yard)
  • Hours: Monday – Saturday, 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Sundays)

From the Kitchen: Where Farm Meets Forge

The culinary team at Iron & Oak refuses to let their urban setting change their traditional methods. The kitchen operates without modern fryers or microwaves, relying entirely on slow-roasting, scratch-baking, and recipes passed down through generations.

Early Menu Favorites:

  • The Shipbuilder’s Breakfast Skillet: A nod to the location’s history, featuring a mountain of crispy home fries topped with homemade Lancaster scrapple, two over-easy farm eggs, and smothered in rich country gravy.
  • Traditional Amish Chicken Pot Pie: A far cry from the frozen aisle version, this is a thick, savory stew loaded with massive chunks of tender chicken, potatoes, and signature homemade slippery square noodles, served with warm crusty bread.
  • Forge-Baked Sourdough Pretzels: Hand-twisted and baked fresh all day in the massive stone-hearth ovens built into the old warehouse walls. Served warm with a side of sweet-and-tangy Amish mustard.
  • Slow-Roasted Pork and Sauerkraut: A true Pennsylvania Dutch staple. The pork falls apart with a fork, paired perfectly with tangy, slow-simmered sauerkraut and creamy mashed potatoes.
  • “Dry-Dock” Shoofly Pie: A classic wet-bottom molasses pie, baked until the crumb topping is perfectly crisp, served with a dollop of fresh, hand-whipped cream.
The Shipbuilder's Breakfast Skillet

The Shipbuilder’s Breakfast Skillet

What The Locals Are Saying

The Navy Yard is packed with thousands of workers every day, and they have quickly adopted Iron & Oak as their new favorite escape.

“I usually grab a quick salad or a food truck sandwich between meetings. Walking in here is like hitting the pause button on my entire day. It’s quiet, the staff is incredibly kind, and the chicken pot pie tastes exactly like the one my grandmother used to make. It’s the ultimate comfort food.”

— David R., Navy Yard Corporate Executive

“My family and I were visiting the historic ships down here, and we stumbled into this place. It is surreal to be eating authentic, hearty Amish food while looking out a massive factory window at a retired aircraft carrier. We bought two loaves of fresh bread and a pumpkin roll to take home.”

— Elena T., visiting from Ohio

“The portions are massive. You definitely need to loosen your tie after eating the pork and sauerkraut. But the real star is the bakery counter. The smell of the cinnamon rolls hits you the second you walk through those big steel doors.”

— Marcus K., Philadelphia resident

Forget the Seafood: Why an Authentic Amish Kitchen is Charleston’s Hottest New Restaurant

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Restaurants

Southern Charm Meets Pennsylvania Dutch: Charleston’s Newest Culinary Surprise

CHARLESTON, SC — The Holy City is world-renowned for its Lowcountry boils, shrimp and grits, and elevated coastal cuisine. But the culinary landscape of downtown Charleston just welcomed a completely unexpected, deeply comforting new addition. The Heritage Carriage House & Amish Kitchen has officially opened its doors, bringing the slow-paced, scratch-made magic of authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking to the South Carolina coast.

Located in a beautifully restored historic building on King Street, the restaurant offers a stark, refreshing contrast to the bustling, modern seafood spots nearby. The scent of pluff mud and salt air outside is quickly replaced by the irresistible aromas of rising yeast, hickory smoke, and slow-roasted meats. Inside, the space features warm gas-style lighting, solid oak family-style tables, and waitstaff in traditional dress.

The Details

  • Name: The Heritage Carriage House & Amish Kitchen
  • Address: 512 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
  • Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Closed Sundays)

From the Kitchen: Southern Staples Meet Amish Tradition

The culinary team is strictly adhering to traditional Amish cooking methods—no microwaves, no shortcuts, and baking done fresh every single morning.

Amish Tradition

Early Menu Favorites:

  • The “Dutch-Country” Fried Chicken: Forget what you know about Southern fried chicken. This authentic Amish broasted chicken is pressure-fried to lock in an unbelievable amount of moisture while creating a shatteringly crisp, golden-brown skin.
  • Slow-Roasted Beef and Homemade Noodles: A massive platter of fork-tender beef piled high over thick, hand-rolled egg noodles drenched in rich, dark savory gravy.
  • Sweet Corn & Bacon Pudding: A rich, savory-sweet side dish baked in cast iron that perfectly bridges the gap between Pennsylvania farm fare and Southern comfort.
  • Pecan Shoofly Pie: A brilliant fusion of a Southern staple and a Northern classic. The gooey, traditional molasses base of a wet-bottom shoofly pie is topped with a thick, crunchy layer of toasted local pecans.
  • Warm Sourdough Pretzels: Hand-twisted, baked fresh all day, and served with a side of sweet-and-tangy Amish mustard or homemade apple butter.

What Diners Are Saying

Though it has only been open a few weeks, the restaurant is already drawing massive crowds of both locals and tourists looking for hearty, homestyle meals.

“I’ve lived in Charleston my whole life and have eaten at every high-end Southern restaurant in town. This place is just pure, unpretentious comfort. The broasted chicken rivals anything we have down here, and the service is incredibly genuine.”

— Sarah Jenkins, Charleston local

“My wife, twin daughters, and I were visiting from Ohio, and we were thrilled to find such incredible, hearty food down south. The beef and homemade noodles were phenomenal, and the portions were exactly what we needed to feed a hungry family after a day of sightseeing.”

— Dennis R., visiting from Ohio

“Do not leave without visiting the bakery counter by the front door. We grabbed a half-dozen pumpkin whoopie pies and a loaf of fresh sourdough bread to take back to our hotel. Absolutely phenomenal.”

— Marcus T., Mount Pleasant