Coming up the drive at Beaver Valley Golf outside of Fredericktown, I was overwhelmed with the beautiful scenery. Deep green, almost purple, sprawling hills surrounding the picturesque lush green valley, and right at the heart of this majestic haven is Elaine’s on the Green.
We parked in front of the rustic log cabin styled restaurant surrounded by wild flowers & herb gardens, and made our way up the walk.
The first thing I noticed when we entered was the smells. Spices and pastries, bacon and the unmistakable aroma of a pizza baking in the oven. I could see the kitchen through a large open “window” with a serving counter just to the right of the entrance. It looked just like it had been plucked right out of Grandma’s house and I knew in that moment something magical was about to happen.
We were welcomed in and escorted to our table out back on the dining porch. What a view! The majesty of the enormous looming hills far off beyond the beautifully kept course dotted with leafy green trees and wild flower patches was breath taking. But I had to regain my composure quickly because it wasn’t long before the food started coming.
One bite and I was in love!
The first thing we tried was a traditional Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza, and thank goodness because the smell had me craving it bad. O.M.G. I had not been prepared for such an amazing surprise in such a familiar dish. It was the best pizza I had ever tasted, and I don’t use that term lightly. Homemade hand-tossed crust (Elaine’s own secret recipe) with her homemade sauce, a variety of cheeses, thick juicy chunks of locally sourced sausage, large slices of pepperoni and several different herbs and spices
freshly picked from Elaine’s garden right outside the country home style kitchen. One bite and I was in love!
The Bacon Jam Panini...
I didn’t have very much time to convince the pizza to love me back though. Before I knew it dish number 2 had arrived! But hey, no complaints here! The Bacon Jam Panini was well worth the interruption. Smoked gouda & provolone encasing maple syrup cured bacon, all on a grilled panini made with homemade bread. It was the first time I ever considered that a grilled cheese could be a breakfast sandwich. This sweet and savory mix of flavor surprised my taste buds over and over with every bite!
It was delicious!
Next out was the Greek Pizza. Inspired by a suggestion from long time friend, Trent Wiggins, Elaine created this ethnic masterpiece that looks like a pizza but tastes like it deserves its very own category of food all together. Elaine’s special crust spread with her own freshly made pesto sauce, mozzarella cheese, and chunks of bacon, all topped with large slices of oven roasted heirloom tomatoes and feta cheese crumbles, and garnished with a freshly picked sprig of basil. It was delicious!
...packed with some pretty amazing ingredients.
Next up was another Greek dish. So new to the menu it hasn’t been named, this gyros like treat was packed with some pretty amazing ingredients. A pita base filled with big juicy strips of chicken, big slices of heirloom tomatoes, a lovely bouquet of spring greens, feta cheese, and a spectacular pesto cream cheese mix. Served with a side salad of spring greens tossed with cherry tomatoes, chunks of bacon, cucumbers, shredded cheddar, and delicious homemade croutons, with Elaine’s homemade ranch
dressing lightly drizzled over it all.
I sipped on a glass of red wine while we waited for the encore. I had a glass of Mollie Missouri Table Wine, a soft dry red wine with a smooth, full bodied taste with subtle notes of cherry, hints of pepper, and a light oak finish.
Oh. My. Goodness…
Time for dessert! As they brought the next dish, the excitement that stirred made me feel like I was 9 years old again. The Retro Strawberry Pie looked like it came straight out of a fairytale, and tasted just as magical. Smooth creamy sweet strawberry almost jello type filling topped with fresh strawberries & a mouthwatering whipped topping made from scratch all in a picture-perfect golden-brown crust. Now, I need to take a moment to praise this phenomenal whipped topping. Oh. My. Goodness… The pure vanilla flavoring with traces of sweet almond contained in this light, fluffy, sweet and completely euphoric dollop of wow had me absolutely mesmerized.
...my new favorite dessert!
And finally, the pias de resistance, the Coconut Cream Pie. Sweet, rich, thick & creamy coconut filling in a perfect golden flakey crust with a light fluffy, slightly browned, perfectly sweet merengue topped with crispy strips of baked coconut. They certainly saved the best for last with this one! It was nothing short of heavenly, and my new favorite dessert!
Finally, after all her hard work, Elaine came and sat with us and gave us the skinny on her home away from home. What they don’t grow right there on the grounds themselves, they source locally through farmers markets, butchers and other local places like the Mennonite Farmers Market & Ole Tyme Pantry. Ever growing, they
plan to have their own free range chickens and eggs raised right there on the grounds soon, and eventually Elaine would like to start making her own sausage.
“We’re a scratch kitchen! Everything is made from scratch...even the ketchup is made right here..."
“We’re a scratch kitchen! Everything is made from scratch, the breads, the croutons, salad dressings, and sauces, even the ketchup is all made right here using only the freshest ingredients.” She told us.
I asked her how she got to where she was, what started her interest in foods, and she replied, “Home. I would watch mama cook all the time. My Dad had a passion for ethnic food and was always bringing home something new and crazy. My mom was more for making beans and cornbread type stuff, but she could do some amazing things with country cooking.” Well, the apple certainly didn’t fall far from the tree because amazing is exactly how I would describe Elaine and her phenomenal menu.
“So, with this being here at Beaver Valley Golf, do people have to be a member to come enjoy the food?” I asked.
“Absolutely not.” She said. “It’s casual dining, for anyone and everyone!” Good to know because I love this place, but I’m not much of a golfer…Lol.
“I’m ready for a beer!”
“I’m ready for a beer!” She said with a grin. “Would you like a beer honey?” She asked me as she stood up and started back toward the kitchen. I love this woman!
In no time at all I had a cold beer in my hand. And it was just the thing to close out the day. I had the Sweet Water 420 Strain, a hemp infused beer with an interesting taste and a smooth finish. I also sampled the Sweet Water 420 Extra Pale, another hemp infused beer with a light flavor, very smooth with a sweet, almost grapefruit like finish. It was the perfect way to end the meal and the day.
I can’t wait to go back again and with the shockingly low prices I saw on the menu, I’ll be bringing the whole family with me.
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