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The Pretzel Melt Everyone is Talking About: Visiting St. Augustine’s Authentic Amish Market

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

Traditional Tastes Arrive in the Ancient City: Ancient City Plain & Fancy Deli Opens Its Doors

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – The cobblestone streets and coastal breeze of St. Augustine have welcomed a new, unexpected neighbor that is already turning heads and filling stomachs. Tucked away just north of the historic district, the Ancient City Plain & Fancy Deli has officially opened, bringing the heartwarming, scratch-made traditions of Amish and Mennonite cooking to Northeast Florida.

Situated at 123 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084, this new establishment offers a stark, delightful contrast to the typical coastal fare. Stepping through the doors, visitors are greeted not just by the enticing aroma of fresh-baked bread and simmering soups, but by a simpler, slower approach to food. The focus here is strictly on quality ingredients, time-honored techniques, and unpretentious comfort food that feels like a hug in every bite.

A Commitment to the “Slow Way”

The Ancient City Plain & Fancy Deli is not just about sandwiches; it’s a dedication to craft. The deli counter features premium meats and cheeses, many sourced from Plain communities renowned for their smoking and curing methods. The attached bakery works tirelessly around the clock, utilizing stone-hearth ovens to produce breads, pies, and pastries that contain no preservatives—just flour, water, yeast, and patience.

“Our philosophy is simple,” says one of the founding members of the operational team. “We don’t believe in shortcuts. When you take the time to do things right, from kneading the dough by hand to slow-smoking the meats for hours, you can taste the difference. We wanted to bring that dedication to authenticity to a city that truly appreciates history and heritage.”

Pantry Provisions and Bulk Goods

Beyond the fresh deli and bakery, the market section is a treasure trove for home cooks. Wooden shelves are stocked with bulk spices, specialty baking ingredients, and a wide assortment of “jarred goods.” Visitors can stock up on homemade jams, jellies, apple butter, and traditional relishes like Chow-Chow, all put up in clear glass jars that reveal the vibrant colors of farm-fresh produce.

Pretzel Melt

Pretzel Melt

The Favorite Items: What Regulars Are Already Ordering

While the menu rotates based on seasonal availability, several items have already established themselves as mandatory orders for those “in the know.”

  • The Pretzel Melt: A massive, hand-twisted soft pretzel is sliced open and piled high with hickory-smoked ham and baby Swiss cheese, then toasted until melty and brushed with sweet hot mustard.
  • Lebanon Bologna Sub: A generous portion of authentic, tangy, and smoky Lebanon-style bologna is served on a fresh-baked sourdough roll with sharp cheddar and crisp vegetables.
  • Shoofly Pie: A definitive classic. This wet-bottom molasses pie is gooey, rich, and covered in a delicate crumb topping—perfect with a hot cup of coffee.
  • Cinnamon Rolls: These are not your average rolls. They are exceptionally large, fluffy, and covered in a thick layer of homemade cream cheese frosting that melts into every swirl.
  • Amish Potato Salad: A creamy, mustard-based potato salad that perfectly balances sweet and savory, a staple at any Plain community gathering.

Real Quotes from Early Visitors

The buzz surrounding the deli’s opening has been amplified by glowing testimonials from locals and tourists alike, praising the quality and nostalgic nature of the food.

“I haven’t had bread this fresh since I visited Lancaster County! The pretzel sandwich is a absolute game-changer, and the staff are incredibly kind. It feels like stepping into another time.”

— Sarah Jenkins, St. Augustine local

“The portions are huge, and the flavors are exactly what you expect from real, slow-cooked home style. We split a sub and still needed a box for the cinnamon roll, which was worth the drive alone.”

— Dennis R., visiting from Jacksonville

“This is comfort food at its finest. They have a baby Swiss that is unmatched in this area, and their bakery counter is dangerous. I’m already planning my next trip for a whole Shoofly pie.”

— Michael T., Pinecraft resident

Ancient City Plain & Fancy Deli is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. They are closed on Sundays to honor tradition.

Sun, Sand, and Shoofly Pie: Finding Authentic Mennonite Flavor in Rural Georgia

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Restaurants

Georgia’s Best Kept Secret: Real “Plain People” Cooking in the Heart of the Deep South

When you think of Georgia, you likely picture peach orchards, pecan groves, and bustling Atlanta streets. You probably don’t picture horse-drawn buggies, Plain dress, and the distinct aroma of Pennsylvania Dutch home cooking. Yet, tucked away in Macon County is a cultural anomaly that has been drawing crowds for decades.

Located near the small town of Montezuma is a thriving Mennonite community. While often confused with the Amish, Mennonites share similar Anabaptist roots, a dedication to a simple lifestyle, and, most importantly for food lovers, a commitment to scratch-made comfort food that is almost impossible to find in modern chain restaurants.

If you are looking for a true taste of this tradition in Georgia, there is only one place to go: Yoder’s Deitsch Haus.

The Details

  • Name: Yoder’s Deitsch Haus
  • Address: 633 GA-26 E, Montezuma, GA 31063

From Pennsylvania to Georgia: A Culinary Journey

Yoder’s Deitsch Haus is not a themed restaurant; it is the real deal. The restaurant operates cafeteria-style, a nod to efficiency and tradition. When you walk in, you are greeted by staff, many of whom are members of the local Mennonite community, wearing traditional bonnets and Plain clothing.

The setting is simple, clean, and unpretentious, but the food is anything but ordinary. It is hearty, rich, and made with techniques passed down through generations. It represents a fascinating fusion of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch recipes adapted to the ingredients available in the Deep South.

The Menu Favorites: What to Look For

While the daily offerings can shift, there are staple items that regulars swear by. If you want the full Yoder’s experience, keep an eye out for these dishes:

  • The Fried Chicken: This is the star of the show. It is crispy, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly juicy. It rivals any Southern fried chicken you will find.
  • Homemade Mashed Potatoes & Gravy: These are the real deal—not from a box. They are creamy, lumpy in the right way, and smothered in rich, savory brown gravy.
  • Creamed Corn: Forget the canned stuff. This corn is sweet, creamy, and buttery. It’s a vegetable side dish that feels like a dessert.
  • The Pies: You cannot leave Yoder’s without dessert. Their pie selection is legendary. Top picks include the Coconut Cream Pie, Peanut Butter Pie, and, for traditionalists, a deep-dish Shoofly Pie that is gooey, molasses-rich perfection.
  • Freshly Baked Bread: The rolls are yeast-rising, fluffy, and usually served warm with butter.
Yoder's Deitsch Haus

What the Locals (and Tourists) Are Saying

You don’t have to take our word for it. The reviews for Yoder’s Deitsch Haus are overwhelmingly enthusiastic, often highlighting the nostalgic nature of the cooking.

“The closest thing to my grandma’s cooking that I have ever had. The fried chicken alone is worth the hour-and-a-half drive. It is just real, honest food made by hand.” — Sarah J., Macon, GA

“We stopped on a whim while driving down GA-26 and it was the best decision of the trip. The Peanut Butter Pie is a revelation. The staff are so friendly and the atmosphere is wonderfully calm.” — Mark R., Florida traveler

“This is food for the soul. The portions are huge, the prices are incredibly fair, and the quality is consistent every single time we visit. It’s a Georgia treasure.” — Review from Yelp user Emily T.

If you are craving comfort food made with love and tradition, set your GPS for Montezuma. Just remember that Yoder’s is closed on Sundays, so plan your pilgrimage accordingly.

Yoder's Deitsch Haus

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.