& other diversions

NORTHERN INDIANA LAKES COUNTRY CUISINEWaterfront restaurants are as prevalent as homemade pie in the northeast corner of Indiana, thanks to Steuben County’s impressive menu of more than 100 lakes. Meals of aged steaks and flown-in seafood fuel visitors for swimming, hiking and sight-seeing adventures. It’s time to fill up and explore.

FROM THE EDITORS OF

Northern Indiana Lakes Country

AngolaFremont

VISIT

Spaghetti at Caruso’s, Angola.

Play a round on Zollner Golf Course on the campus of Trine University, Angola.

lakes101.org

®

Things have changed since 1976 when Joe and Barb Caruso bought their pizzeria, but not their passions— food and family. Back then, Joe worked the kitchen, Barb out front. These days, all three generations of Carusos work some nights cooking up the family’s recipes of pizza and pasta. The extensive menu also lists trendier versions of Italian fare. Parmigiana comes layered with tender chicken, veal or eggplant. Guests with gusto opt for the too-big-to-hold sausage roll, a concoction of meat, mushrooms, sauce and cheese baked to a golden brown. House-made blueberry ice cream accompanies the mascarpone cake. That freshness extends to the look: Gone is the red, white and blue siding. Now, stone and stucco hint at the Tuscan decor of rustic-color walls lit by wrought-iron chandeliers above guests warmed by a stone fireplace.

CARUSO’S

2435 N. 200 W. ANGOLA (260) 833-2617 CARUSOS-RESTAURANT.COM

The white clapboard exterior of Clay’s could be mistaken for someone’s home. In a sense, that’s what it’s been for diners over the past 65 years. Wooden tables and plaid curtains are homey touches, and there’s plenty of delicious homestyle cooking to keep the parking lot full. Dig into plates of tenderloins and fish, or opt for the reasonably priced soup-and-salad bar. Rookies may fall into the trap of eating too much before dessert; regulars save room for slices of from-scratch fruit and cream pies. The specialty Oops! pie is a dense treat with pecans and chocolate chips. On weekends, employees fuss like mothers at Christmas to make sure the buffet chafing dishes are full of scrambled eggs, corned beef hash, link and patty sausages, bacon, pancakes, French toast, and biscuits and gravy. Even if Fremont isn’t home base, you’re always welcome here.

7815 N. OLD 27 LAKE GEORGE FREMONT (260) 833-1332 KPCMEDIA.COM/CLAYS

CLAY’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

MAD ANTHONY’S LAKEVIEW ALEHOUSE & RECEPTION HALL

4080 N 300W ANGOLA (260) 833-2537 MADBREW.COM

The phrase “Peace, Love and Hoppiness” graces the front of the menu; it’s a fitting motto for this laid-back pub. Three friends with a passion for craft beer and food share the love in this fourth iteration of Mad Anthony’s, which has a reputation for pub grub with a twist. A 10-inch baked tortilla forms the crust for Unwraps, pizzas topped with spicy jambalaya, Philly steak or a garden of veggies. Whatever you have piled on your Unwrap, there’s a perfect house brew for pairing. Can’t decide? Order a sampler of six 3-ounce pours, including the refreshing Raspberry Wheat. During your pursuit of hoppiness, enjoy lakefront views from a picnic table in the beer garden on the bank of Lake James. A peaceful experience under the string lights includes an indulgent slice of turtle cheesecake or triple-layer chocolate cake.

A classic date-night atmosphere flows throughout this two-story log cabin on the southern bank of Crooked Lake. Wood-paneled walls, candlelit tables and a stone fireplace with flickering logs set the tone for an intimate evening. Diners toast the romantic waterfront view with classic martinis served in stainless-steel glasses while perusing the menu of old-school surf and turf. What’s not to love about options like tender shrimp in a kicky cocktail sauce, single or twin rock lobster tails and New York Strip steak with house-made steak sauce? Sides of mashed potatoes made zippy with horseradish and signature blue cheese coleslaw pair beautifully with the artfully prepared entrees. Experienced waitstaff check in regularly to make sure guests are enjoying every savory moment at this special-occasion destination.

3070 W. SHADY SIDE RD ANGOLA (260) 665-5663 CAPTAINSCABINRESTAURANT.COM

THE CAPTAIN’S CABIN

Change is in the air at downtown Angola’s fine-dining establishment. A 2014 rebranding of The Hatchery turned the place from a more exclusive establishment with strict dress code into a place where everyone’s welcome. Don’t be mistaken: The two-story redbrick building still houses a quality atmosphere with white tablecloths and a fireplace. But now you can choose your level of formality, from a casual deck and lounge to the upscale dining room. No matter where you sit, a refreshed culinary lineup will satisfy you. Starters include an addictive pairing of bacon-wrapped scallops and sweet potato fries. House sauces elevate dishes like wine-cherry glazed Indiana duckling and the dill-caper sauce that marries a French baked potato. Hand-cut steaks and flown-in seafood round out the new menu that adds a dash of spice to Angola’s dining scene.

THE MOUND Two blocks from The Hatchery, a Civil War monument rises from The Mound, which sits at the center of a roundabout. The monument anchors a public square populated with historical theaters, stores and eateries. Plenty of free two-hour parking encourages lingering, so grab a sandwich and brownie at Sutton’s Deli before spending an afternoon exploring antiques and crafts stores. Don’t miss a photo op in front of the architecturally stunning redbrick Steuben County Courthouse.

CITY CENTER

118 S. ELIZABETH ANGOLA (260) 665-9957 THEHATCHERYRESTAURANT.COM

THE HATCHERY

Full-size canoes hang upside down from the ceiling, and miniature ones top tables at this home-style restaurant within The Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park. The playful atmosphere caters to park-going families, some of whom make the Grille a tradition thanks to its outstanding Sunday brunch buffet. Navigate a culinary river of fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, crispy bacon, made-to-order omelets and pillowy DIY waffles. Guests can also order from the extensive menu of aged steaks, regional fish (lake perch, walleye and blue gill), meat loaf and burgers. While you’re waiting for the food to arrive—or if you just need a break between plates—bring out your inner child by coloring the paper table coverings with provided crayons. You’ll leave happily full, but calorie-burning activities abound here, including hiking, biking and, of course, canoeing.

POKAGON STATE PARK Known for its ¼-mile-long tobogganing run in the winter, this lush property makes for a prime outdoor destination year-round. Glaciers formed the lake-dotted landscape, which contains nine hiking trails that weave through scenic hardwood forests and marshland. Up North-themed Potawotami Inn makes an ideal base for days spent fishing, swimming, biking and horseback riding. Park entrance fee is per car, per day: $5 for Indiana residents and $7 for out-of-state visitors.

LAKE COUNTRY

6 LANE 100A LAKE JAMES ANGOLA (260) 833-1077 INDIANAINNS.COM

THE LAKEVIEW GRILLE

A sign billing steaks and seafood hangs on the A-frame log building just off Angola’s main drive. And mounted animal heads inside complete the hunting lodge look. But the menu offers more than your stereotypical American foods, it’s a world tour of surprises. Tried-and-true appetizers include loaded cheese fries alongside rumaki (bacon-wrapped chicken livers) and balls of sauerkraut, ground beef and sausage. Order your catch-of-the-day one of five ways, including Japanese-style, with sesame and pickled ginger, or Timbers Style (charbroiled with garlic butter). Mexican specials reign on Wednesdays, and Thursdays feature all things Italian. Want a good steak? Timbers has you covered with five varieties, from an 8-ounce ribeye to a 20-ounce porterhouse. Still hungry? They serve hearty breakfasts—pancakes, waffles, three-egg omelets, steak and eggs and more—until 2 p.m.

TRINE UNIVERSITY Well-kept brick buildings and thoughtful landscaping keep this private college looking young for its 131-year-old age. It’s worth exploring for the architecture, but if you’re lucky, you can also catch one of the music department’s free concerts at T. Furth Center for the Performing Arts. Looking for a place to hit the links? Bring your clubs for a round at the 18-hole Zollner Golf Course across the street from Timbers.

BACK TO CAMPUS

1212 W. MAUMEE ANGOLA (260) 665-7487 TIMBERSANGOLA.COM

TIMBERS STEAKHOUSEAND SEAFOOD

Like most mothers, Connie gave her son a solid start. It was her 15 years in the restaurant business and time as owner of the Herb Garden that provided chef Tim Barry the organized base he needed to build his successful, unique place. In 2008, Tim took over the rustic-chic log cabin, where model airplanes hang from the ceiling and baskets perch on wooden beams. Tim’s love affair with cooking began with fish, so it’s no surprise that the menu features a wide range of seafood, including seared ahi tuna, chili-glazed mahimahi, almond-crusted walleye and New England-style crab cakes with homemade remoulade sauce. Steaks, chicken sandwiches and build-your-own burgers leave meat-lovers satisfied. Most satisfying for Barry: Mom still prepares Timbuktoo’s soups and desserts.

WILD WINDS BUFFALO PRESERVE Five miles from Timbuktoo’s, adventurers board a tractor-pulled wagon for a 45-minute tour that provides encounters with the preserve’s 160 shaggy beasts, which can reach more than 1,000 pounds. Guides welcome questions and provide factoids along the way. (Did you know buffalo eat 20 pounds of grass a day?) Back at the farm, a gift shop sells handcrafted jewelry, inspirational books, bison meat and even mounted bison heads.

SAFARI ON THE PRAIRIE

215 E. STATE RD 120 FREMONT (260) 495-1658 TIMBUKTOOS.COM

TIMBUKTOO’S