The Donner Party Diner

The Donner Party Diner





In the mood for something a little different?  The Donner Party Diner is a private supper club just outside of Greenfield, Indiana.  Serving award winning cocktails, cheese nibbles, outrageous entrees and fine box wines, this off the beaten path restaurant has become one of my favorite dinner options.

The Tammy and I decided on the DPD this past Saturday because it was close enough for us to ride our bikes to (and more importantly from) in the event that our box of gewürztraminer became too cumbersome. The proprietors encourage you to bring your own box and of course there is never a corkage charge.

The hostess on duty that evening greeted us with an adorable sick puppy in her arms that helped conjure up strong images of that fateful 1856 wagon train.  It really helped set the tone for a fabulous evening.  The menu (as usual) was a touch on the short side but Phil and Stephanie Donner seem to instinctively know just how to please.  Phil majored in Gastronomy at Purdue University with a concentration in hops and yeast while Stephanie studied turntablism and invented languages at the Herron School of Art and Design. Not surprisingly, both of the Donners graduated with honors.

Our meal began with a comfortable selection of cheeses: white cheese, white cheese with holes, and white cheese with specks of hot stuff.  There was also a box of funny tasting crackers. We ate them anyway.

On to the entree?  Wasatch Mountain Passover Ham...an enormous bone in ham that was desalted for 3 days, resurrected and then marinated in Dr Pepper (I swear).  It was unspeakably good. The ham was paired with the now famous Donner Party Scalloped Potatoes.  Phil said we didn't have to eat these but we did. Indeed.

Did you all save room for dessert?  Glad I did.  I stood by in amazement as Phil fired up his torch and put the finishing touch on his celebrated Great Salt Lake Desert Crème Brûlée.  Smooth and creamy, burnt to a perfect crust and topped with chopped pistachios and fresh blackberries. I swooned.

Anyways, I'm gonna give The Donner Party Diner a solid five out of five tee shirt rating.  This place has it all. Great service, bottomless boxes of wine, great atmosphere, fresh and creative eats and a fenced in back yard.



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