Fine Dining
at Creekwood Inn
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Hours
Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 9 pm
Reservations recommended
Group breakfasts, luncheons and dinners are available by special arrangement
Route 20/35 at I-94
Michigan City, Indiana 46360
(219) 872-5624
Out & About by Julie Berry
The Herald-Argus, Thursday, April 13, 2006This could be your next favorite place to dine
OK, I've got to admit it, I've been jones-ing for a fine dining experience, but since the Dan Ryan is a disaster, Chicago is out of the question. And I've haunted Heston Bar, Enzo's and Portafino (the usual LaPorte suspects) a little too often, so I've been in search of discovering something new.
I had to leave a trail of breadcrumbs to find my way back...but it was worth the loaf. Kelly's Table at Creekwood Inn sits well back from the road and is surrounded by 33 acres of woods and lovely gardens. It's just the secluded spot to get my gourmand fix.
The small but tantalizing menu offers creative starters and eye-catching entrees that are glazed, crusted or spiced and perfectly paired with carefully crafted sauces or chutneys. I guessed correctly that the chef was well-traveled, highly experienced and classically trained in French cuisine.
My mouth watered as I read the dessert menu (which I always do first) with such rich selections as Vanilla Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Sauce, Grand Marnier Creme Brulee, Brownie Sundae with Warm Caramel Sauce, Caramelized Pear and Dried Cranberry Bread Pudding, Key Lime Pie with Shortbread Crust, and–yum–Kelly's Chocolate Pots de Creme.
The restaurant is part of Creekwood Inn, a popular bed and breakfast, but operates as a separate business owned by entrepreneur and chef Pat Molden.
Are you asking yourself–where does Kelly come in? Glad you asked! Kelly is Molden's maiden name and as one of nine children raised in Chicago by parents who loved to entertain in high style, her dining room table was often surrounded not only by their enormous family, but also by swarms of friends who fondly referred to the favorite dining spot as Kelly's Table.
Now the restaurant's name is a gracious nod to her family and to the quaint 1930's home-turned-inn. The 50-seat restaurant is warmed on chilly evenings by a brick fireplace, and a tiny sun porch bar is a romantic nook to sip an after-dinner drink.
Locally grown food is a top priority for Molden, who invites area farmers and purveyors to approach her with their offerings. She fondly remembers a local farmer knocking on her door with a box of fresh, organic produce. Molden was so blown away by the quality and flavor that she immediately purchased everything he'd brought.
I'm still kicking myself for missing the latest sold-out event at Kelly's Table. Molden just hosted her second annual wine tasting dinner in March to rave reviews and I begged to be placed on the invitee list for next year.