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Skip the Drive to Shipshewana: Authentic Amish Baking Arrives in Fort Wayne

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

A Taste of Tradition: The Heritage Dutch Bakery Opens Its Doors in Fort Wayne

FORT WAYNE, IN — The bustling Lima Road corridor just got a whole lot sweeter. For those who usually have to drive out to Grabill or Shipshewana for authentic, scratch-made Pennsylvania Dutch treats, the drive just got significantly shorter. The Heritage Dutch Bakery has officially opened its doors, bringing generations-old recipes and traditional baking methods right to the heart of Fort Wayne.

Stepping into the newly remodeled storefront is a feast for the senses. The air is heavy with the scent of cinnamon, proofing yeast, and brown butter. You won’t find any commercial dough conditioners or massive factory mixers here. Instead, a team of bakers in traditional dress works behind a glass partition, kneading dough by hand and pulling massive trays of golden pastries from the ovens.

The Details

  • Bakery: The Heritage Dutch Bakery
  • Address: 4812 Lima Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
  • Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Sundays & Mondays)

From the Oven: Fan Favorites

The bakery case is a sprawling display of comfort food. Everything is made daily, meaning when they sell out, they close up shop. It pays to get there early.

Must-Try Items Include:

  • The “Giant” Glazed Yeast Donut: True to its name, this donut is roughly the size of a saucer. It’s impossibly light, airy, and coated in a crackly, sweet glaze that shatters perfectly when you bite into it.
  • Caramel Apple Fritters: Crispy, jagged edges giving way to a soft center packed with chunks of real apples, all drizzled with a rich homemade caramel icing.
  • Amish Friendship Bread: Sold by the loaf, this sweet bread has a dense, pound-cake-like texture and a thick cinnamon-sugar crust. It pairs perfectly with a morning cup of black coffee.
  • Wet-Bottom Shoofly Pie: A traditional Lancaster County staple that is hard to find done right. The thick, crumbly topping sits over a rich, gooey molasses base.
  • The “Grabill” Monster Cookies: A massive, chewy cookie loaded with creamy peanut butter, whole rolled oats, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolates.

What Fort Wayne Locals Are Saying

The line has been out the door since their grand opening on Tuesday morning. Here is what early customers had to say about the city’s newest sweet spot:

“I usually make the drive out to Amish country once a month just for the baked goods, but this is exactly the same quality, right here in town. The apple fritters are the best I’ve ever had, hands down. Get in line early because it gets busy!”

— Sarah M., Fort Wayne

“I stopped in on my way to work to grab a box of donuts for the office. I ended up eating two in the parking lot before I even put the car in drive. The dough is just incredibly fresh and light. This place is going to be my new dangerous habit.”

— Jason T., works on Coliseum Blvd

“The smell alone is worth the trip. The staff was so incredibly polite, and they even let my kids watch them hand-roll the soft pretzels through the window. The friendship bread is absolutely to die for.”

— Emily R., local food blogger

Amish "Grabill" Monster Cookies

Forget the Diet: Why The Brewster Dutch Kitchen is Putnam County’s Best New Restaurant

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Restaurants

Putnam County’s Best Kept Secret: Authentic Pennsylvania Dutch Dining Arrives in Brewster

BREWSTER, NY — Commuters and locals traveling along the Route 22 corridor are accustomed to the usual rotation of delis, pizzerias, and fast-casual chains. But there is a new, tantalizing aroma wafting through Brewster this month. The Brewster Dutch Kitchen, a sprawling, authentic Amish-style restaurant and bakery, has officially opened its doors, bringing the slow-cooked, scratch-made magic of Lancaster County right to the heart of Putnam County.

Located in a beautifully retrofitted timber-frame building that feels miles away from the hustle of the Metro-North, the restaurant offers a total escape. Stepping inside, the glow of replica gas lighting, the sturdy solid oak tables, and the sight of waitstaff in traditional dress instantly transport diners to a simpler time where meals were meant to be savored, not rushed.

noodles Amsish style

The Details

  • Restaurant: The Brewster Dutch Kitchen
  • Address: 1215 Route 22, Brewster, NY 10509
  • Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed Sundays & Mondays)

On The Menu: Hearty, Scratch-Made Classics

The kitchen philosophy here is simple: if it can be made from scratch, it is. There are no microwaves in the back, and the ingredients are sourced with an emphasis on local farm freshness.

Fan Favorites Include:

  • Traditional Amish Chicken Pot Pie: Forget the crust you are used to. This authentic version is a thick, rich stew filled with massive chunks of tender chicken, potatoes, and homemade slippery square noodles.
  • Slow-Roasted Pork and Sauerkraut: A Pennsylvania Dutch staple. The pork falls apart with a fork, paired perfectly with tangy, slow-simmered sauerkraut and creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Warm Bread & Apple Butter: Every table is greeted with a basket of thick-sliced, warm homemade white bread and a jar of sweet, spiced apple butter.
  • The “Putnam” Breakfast Skillet: A mountain of crispy home fries topped with crumbled homemade sausage, scrambled eggs, and smothered in a rich white country gravy.
  • Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: The bakery counter up front is churning out these massive, soft cake-like cookies sandwiched with thick cream cheese icing.

What The Locals Are Saying

Amish dinner

The restaurant has only been open a few weeks, but it is already drawing crowds from neighboring Westchester and Danbury. Here is what diners are saying:

“I usually drive three hours down to Pennsylvania a couple of times a year just to stock up on baked goods and get a real Amish meal. I am thrilled I only have to drive ten minutes now. The chicken pot pie is absolutely incredible—just like I remember.”

— Michael T., Carmel, NY

“Come hungry and prepare to take a nap afterward. The portions are absolutely massive and the prices are so reasonable. We bought two loaves of sourdough and a whole shoofly pie from the bakery counter on our way out.”

— Sarah Jenkins, Brewster

“It is so nice to have a sit-down family restaurant in town that doesn’t feel like a corporate chain. The staff is incredibly polite, and the food is just pure comfort. The roast beef practically melted in my mouth.”

— David R., Danbury, CT

whoopie pies gobs

Forget the Turnpike: Why Secaucus’s Newest Opening is an Amish Oasis

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Restaurants

A Slice of Lancaster Country Arrives in the Meadowlands

SECAUCUS, NJ — The sprawling retail landscape of Secaucus, known more for big-box stores and the hum of the NJ Turnpike than for rolling farmland, has just welcomed an unexpected oasis of calm and comfort food. Lancaster Lane & Dry Goods, a massive, authentic Amish-style restaurant and attached gift pavilion, has officially opened its timber-framed doors near the Mill Creek Mall.

The arrival of Lancaster Lane marks a significant shift in the local dining scene, offering scratch-made, slow-cooked meals in an area dominated by quick-service chains. Walking in from the asphalt parking lot, the sensory shift is immediate: the smell of diesel is replaced by the aroma of fresh yeast doughnuts and hickory-smoked meats, and the fluorescent lights give way to the warm glow of replica gas lanterns and rough-hewn oak beams.

It’s a full immersion into Pennsylvania Dutch culture, right in the shadow of the NYC skyline.

The Kitchen: Comfort Classics Done Right

The culinary team at Lancaster Lane is adhering strictly to tradition—no shortcuts, minimal freezers, and recipes passed down through generations. The dining hall is designed for family-style eating, encouraging groups to share hearty platters.

Menu Favorites Already Emerging:

  • The Meadowlands Broasted Chicken: Pressure-fried to lock in moisture while creating a shatteringly crisp, golden-brown skin. It is already being hailed as a contender for the best fried chicken in North Jersey.
  • Amish Wedding Roast Beef: Slow-roasted for 14 hours until fork-tender, served open-faced on thick-cut homemade white bread and buried under dark, savory gravy.
  • Brown Butter Noodles: A simple, comforting staple. Thick, hand-rolled egg noodles drenched in rich browned butter and topped with toasted breadcrumbs.
  • The Bakery Counter: A dangerous stop on the way out, featuring saucer-sized sticky buns, traditional wet-bottom shoofly pie, and fresh sourdough loaves still warm from the hearth oven.

The “Dry Goods” Gift Shop

Attached to the restaurant is an expansive retail space that feels miles away from a standard highway rest stop gift shop. It’s a trove of handcrafted artisan goods sourced directly from makers in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Shoppers can browse intricate, hand-stitched quilts hanging from the rafters, test out solid oak rocking chairs, or stock their pantries with hard-to-find items like spiced pickled beets, dozens of varieties of jams, and traditional chow-chow.

What The Locals Are Saying

The soft opening last weekend saw the parking lot packed. The early verdict suggests Lancaster Lane is a hit.

“I work near the Meadowlands and usually just grab fast food. This is a game-changer. It’s like stepping into a different world for an hour. The chicken pot pie tastes exactly like my grandmother’s. It’s the ultimate comfort food escape from the Turnpike.”

— Mark D., Rutherford resident

“You have to see the size of the cinnamon rolls to believe them. We bought four to take home for Sunday breakfast, and they barely survived the car ride. The glaze is incredible.”

— Sarah & Tom L., Jersey City

“Finally, a place to buy actual, quality wood furniture and unique gifts that aren’t plastic junk. It’s such a peaceful spot to browse after a stressful week.”

— Brenda K., Secaucus Local Guide

Visit Lancaster Lane & Dry Goods

Address: 550 Mill Creek Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Closed Sundays)

Comfort Food Heaven: Why Das Dutch Haus is an Ohio Bucket List Destination

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Restaurants

Das Dutch Haus: The Heart of Hospitality in Columbiana

In the charming town of Columbiana, Ohio, there is a landmark that has become synonymous with the “Slow Food” movement long before it was a trend. Das Dutch Haus is a sprawling, multi-generational destination that offers a genuine taste of Ohio’s Amish-style heritage. Since opening its doors, it has grown from a simple dining room into a massive campus that includes a bakery, a gift shop, and an adjacent inn, making it the ultimate destination for those seeking comfort and tradition.

The philosophy here is simple: serve high-quality, wholesome food in an atmosphere that encourages guests to linger. With its warm wood accents, large windows overlooking the manicured grounds, and a staff that treats you like a long-lost neighbor, Das Dutch Haus isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to recharge.

Pennsylvania Dutch favorites

The Menu: A Buffet of Blessings

While you can order a la carte, most visitors come for the legendary buffet. It is a rotating showcase of Pennsylvania Dutch favorites, featuring everything from pressure-fried chicken to slow-simmered pot roast.

The star of any meal at the Haus is undoubtedly the homemade noodles. Thick, buttery, and cooked to the perfect tender bite, they are often served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes—a “double carb” delight that defines Ohio comfort food. If you’re visiting on a Friday, the baked or fried fish is a local tradition that draws crowds from across the state line.

Don’t Skip the Bakery

Before you head back to your car, a walk through the Das Dutch Haus Bakery is mandatory. The shelves are lined with “made-from-scratch” breads, massive cookies, and their famous cream pies. Whether it’s the Peanut Butter Cream or the Dutch Apple, these pies are crafted with flaky crusts and rich fillings that have won countless local awards.

Plan Your Visit

Name: Das Dutch Haus Restaurant

Address: 14895 South Ave, Columbiana, OH 44408

Phone: (330) 482-2236

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

Note: Closed on Sundays.

Favorite Menu Items

  • Broasted Chicken: Crispy on the outside, incredibly juicy on the inside.
  • Amish-Style Dressing (Stuffing): Rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned.
  • Peanut Butter Pie: A decadent, creamy masterpiece that is a fan favorite.
  • Dutch Haus Salad Dressing: Their signature sweet-and-sour dressing is a must-try.
  • Apple Dumplings: Served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Peanut Butter Pie

What the Guests Are Saying

“If you want real comfort food, this is the place. The chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes is a game changer. We drive over an hour just for the buffet!” — Mark L., Long-time Patron

“The bakery alone is worth the trip. We picked up a salt-rising bread and a coconut cream pie that were both out of this world. Highly recommend for families.” — Janice P., Google Reviewer

“It’s more than a restaurant; it’s an experience. The gift shop is beautiful, and the food tastes exactly like what my grandmother used to make.” — Robert D., Visitor

Huge Portions & Home Cooking: Why Bridgeton Loves Dutch Family Restaurant

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Restaurants

A Cumberland County Classic: The Warmth of Dutch Family Restaurant

In the heart of Bridgeton, New Jersey, where the pace of life slows down just enough to appreciate a home-cooked meal, stands the Dutch Family Restaurant. Known for its massive portions and a menu that reads like a greatest hits collection of American comfort food, this local institution has been a cornerstone of the community for years.

Whether you’re stopping in for a sunrise breakfast or a hearty weekend dinner, Dutch Family offers a dining experience that feels less like a commercial establishment and more like a gathering at a neighbor’s house. It’s the kind of place where the coffee is always hot, the staff knows the regulars by name, and “leaving hungry” simply isn’t an option.

Dutch Family Restaurant

The Menu: Big Plates, Bigger Hearts

The hallmark of Dutch Family Restaurant is its commitment to traditional value. They specialize in the “blue-plate special” style of dining—unpretentious, filling, and expertly seasoned.

Morning visitors rave about the custom omelets and the creamed chipped beef, a nostalgic dish served over thick toast that perfectly fuels a long workday. For those visiting later in the day, the Broiled Seafood Platter and the Open-Faced Turkey Dinner (complete with a mountain of stuffing and gravy) are the definitive choices for a true South Jersey comfort meal.

A Community Hub

Beyond the kitchen, Dutch Family is a vital social hub for Bridgeton. It’s a place where families celebrate milestones and local farmers talk shop over slices of homemade fruit pie. The atmosphere is bright, clean, and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for everyone from solo travelers to large groups.

Plan Your Visit

Name: Dutch Family Restaurant

Address: 1012 N Pearl St, Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Phone: (856) 455-2313

Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Hours may vary on holidays).

Favorite Menu Items

  • Creamed Chipped Beef: A savory, creamy classic that is a top breakfast seller.
  • Stuffed Flounder: Freshly prepared with a rich crabmeat filling.
  • Country Fried Steak: Served with a thick white gravy and two sides.
  • Belgian Waffles: Topped with fresh fruit and a cloud of whipped cream.
  • Homemade Pies: The coconut custard and apple pies are legendary in Cumberland County.
Dutch Family Restaurant

What the Locals Are Saying

“The food is always fresh and the portions are huge. You definitely get your money’s worth here. It’s my favorite Saturday morning tradition.” — Carlos M., Local Resident

“Best breakfast in Bridgeton, hands down. The chipped beef is exactly how my grandmother used to make it. Friendly service and a very clean environment.” — Sarah T., Visitor

“We had a party of ten and they handled us with ease. The turkey dinner was delicious and the stuffing was top-notch. Don’t skip the pie!” — Kevin R., Google Reviewer

Dutch Family Restaurant

Forget Ranch! This Warm Bacon Dressing is the King of Amish Comfort Food

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Recipes

In the world of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, few things are as iconic as a crisp salad wilted by a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet Amish Hot Bacon Dressing. Traditionally served over dandelion greens in the spring or garden-fresh spinach in the summer, this dressing is the ultimate way to turn simple greens into a decadent meal.

Authentic Amish Hot Bacon Dressing Salad

This recipe uses the “sweet and sour” profile that defines much of Amish cuisine. The key is using the rendered bacon fat as the base for the dressing, which creates a silky texture that clings perfectly to the leaves.

Ingredients

  • 6 slices Thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1/2 cup Red onion, thinly sliced (or green onions)
  • 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 3 tbsp Granulated sugar (adjust to your preference for sweetness)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 large Hard-boiled egg, chopped (traditional garnish)
  • 8 oz Fresh spinach or mixed spring greens
  • Optional: Sliced radishes or mushrooms for extra crunch

Instructions

  1. Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the diced bacon until it is brown and very crispy.
  2. Save the Gold: Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon bits and set them aside on a paper towel. Do not drain the grease. You should have about 3–4 tablespoons of liquid gold left in the pan.
  3. Whisk the Base: Lower the heat to medium-low. To the warm bacon fat, whisk in the sugar, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard until the sugar begins to dissolve.
  4. Emulsify: Carefully pour in the apple cider vinegar and water. Be prepared for a bit of steam! Whisk constantly for 2–3 minutes until the dressing thickens slightly and becomes a cohesive, glossy sauce.
  5. The Wilt: Place your fresh greens in a large heat-proof bowl. While the dressing is still hot, pour it directly over the greens. Toss quickly so the heat slightly wilts the leaves without making them soggy.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Top the wilted greens with the reserved crispy bacon bits, the sliced onions, and the chopped hard-boiled egg. Serve immediately while the dressing is still warm.
Forget Ranch! This Warm Bacon Dressing is the King of Amish Comfort Food