By Brian Garrido
Northern Indiana’s Kosciusko County boasts almost 100 lakes of various sizes. All that freshwater makes for a thriving agricultural community, which includes Maple Leaf Farms, the world’s largest producer of duck products. With such an epicurean item as duck fueling the economy, it’s reasonable to assume that the locale offers cluck-worthy eating and drinking – in fact, those destinations have been bundled into trails that diners can follow. If area visitors desire to start their morning meal experiences with something egg-ceptional, then it’s time to hit the Breakfast Trail.
More than a dozen restaurants participate in the trail, with each presenting unique options for the morning meal. However, the Breakfast Trail also offers a chance to win a cash prize while collecting check-ins on a digital “passport.” Once passholders check in at all 14 locations on the digital passport, they will be entered to win a grand prize of $100 in Kosciusko Cash, a redeemable certificate offered by the Chamber of Commerce. The certificate is for use at participating area retailers and restaurants only. So, what are you waiting for? Get your eggs on. Sign up for the passport here.
A few highlights of the trail include:
Creighton’s Crazy Egg Cafe & Coffee Bar: If anything yolky is your breakfast jam, then you can’t go wrong with any of the eggy creations at Creighton’s Crazy Egg Cafe & Coffee Bar. Located just outside of Warsaw, the restaurant, which opened in 2016 to the eggs-pectant public, is owned by egg producers Creighton Bros LLC, bringing credibility to the term “farm fresh.” Guests can choose from selections such as Scotch eggs (hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and crusted in kettle chips), the Crazy Eggs Waffich (think breakfast sandwich with waffles instead of bread) and loaded fries (yep, a carb-loaded plate with house-made sausage gravy and eggs).
American Table Restaurant: Here, diners can have American fries instead of French or order fruit-stuffed crepes if they want something Gallic. Either way, the charming restaurant, started in 1987, has outlived notable food trends of the era. Serving scratch-made breakfast all day, the Katris family provides an enjoyable and straightforward repast.
Lightrail Cafe & Roaster: Located in the picturesque town of Winona Lake, this charming spot offers single origin coffees and gluten-free alternatives such as buckwheat pancakes and baked oatmeal with fruit, in addition to eggs and pastries. But it’s the in-house roasted java that makes this place so unique. Expect your brew to come from El Salvador, Ethiopia and Guatemala.
Early risers who want to get a stamp on their Breakfast Trail passport can feast at some of these and other morning dining spots. A few establishments offer 10 percent off passport holders’ meals in addition to the stamp. Please visit the locations’ websites or call ahead for info.