Enjoyed: Saturday, May 27, 2023

Listed on the menu: Yes, as “Old Fashioned”

Ingredients: Bulleit rye whiskey with angostura and orange bitters

The occasion: Memorial Day weekend is also “Race Weekend” for Husband’s family, who has been attending the Indianapolis 500 for a few decades. Whenever I come along, I try to see my side of the family in northwest Indiana. This year, my sister met me for a leisurely lunch at this historic Gothic Revival-style mansion, built by entrepreneur Moses Fowler in 1852.

My rating: *** out of 5. All of the ingredients were classic, so the drink met my expectations, flavor-wise. However, I was puzzled by the cloudiness. Did the bartender muddle an orange slice in there? Was the simple syrup (not mentioned in the ingredient list) not prepared correctly? Could a tiny splash of orange juice be in there? I would have liked to have seen the bartender at work.

Final thoughts: The Fowler Mansion is pretty, with lovely grounds, and with interesting period furniture and art work in the “museum” rooms on the second floor. The outdoor terrace had a charming fountain and the inside dining areas were striving to be elegant, with fireplaces and chandeliers. I understand that a non-profit runs the restaurant and bar, and that proceeds go directly to preserving the house. I was surprised at how few guests were there for lunch–it was a Saturday, and a holiday weekend, but the place was empty. Why? One problem, from my point of view, was that the menu mostly offered “pub fare” choices. In such a historic setting, I would have preferred more unique dishes, or maybe even a “tea party” lunch menu with canapes and scones. Make this a destination restaurant!