Enjoyed: Saturday, June 1, 2024

Listed on the menu: On the daily specials menu, as “Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned”

Ingredients: Maker’s Mark bourbon, simple syrup, Luxardo cherries, bitters, orange rind, and probably a splash of cherry juice

The occasion: My niece’s wedding was still hours away, and we needed lunch. The seven of us were finally together: Oldest Son and Daughter-in-law-to-be, Daughter, Youngest Son, Husband’s Sister, Husband, and me. Truly this was a special occasion, so I wanted to make a new memory in a place full of many fond old memories–Teibel’s! Over the decades, our Indiana family has gathered here for my in-laws’ fortieth wedding anniversary surprise party, my sister’s baby shower, Mother’s Day luncheons, and many other meals. But the most significant event, by far? Teibel’s hosted our wedding reception on a glorious afternoon in October 1988. I wanted to bring the “adult kiddos” back here, because it’s likely we will never again all gather in northwest Indiana. “This is where our family started,” I told them, “where we officially kicked off the celebration of our marriage.” Yes, I got sentimental.

My rating: **** out of 5. I was pleased to see that Teibel’s was “staying relevant” and had expanded its bar options to include craft cocktails and local beers. The smoky and cherry flavors were obvious, and the giant ice cube kept the drink from becoming too watery. It may have only been 11:30 am, but I was having a heavy lunch, so this cocktail worked.

Final thoughts: Hey, friends familiar with Teibel’s –can you guess what the three oldest people in our party ordered? Yes, we had the traditional relish tray with cole slaw, pickled beet slices, and cottage cheese. One taste of that cole slaw and I was transported back decades! I ended up with a turkey dinner, Husband had the fried chicken, and Sister-in-law had the lake perch. Is anyone surprised? We had to stick with the tried-and-true favorites, and they did not disappoint. It’s no wonder this place continues to be a local institution.