Behind the Menu: Bringing Summer Flavor to Life at the Mansion

Welcome to our very first "From the Kitchen" feature! Here at the Historic Hostess House, we believe that dining in a historic landmark should be an unforgettable experience for all your senses.

Our Thursday Evening Summer Dining series gives our culinary team the opportunity to showcase seasonal ingredients, vibrant Mediterranean influences, and classic culinary techniques.

Take a look behind the scenes at a few of the featured dishes that have graced our Mansion dining rooms over the past few weeks:

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🌿 Starters & Light Bites

Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

Crisp, garlic-rubbed crostini rounds topped with ripe diced heirloom tomatoes, fresh chopped basil, and a delicate drizzle of aged balsamic glaze. A simple Italian classic that highlights the peak of summer produce!  

Crisp Pita & Whipped Dip with Cucumber

Golden, toasted pita triangles served alongside cool, ribboned cucumber slices and a silky, whipped house dip drizzled with local honey and olive oil.

🍽️ Featured Entrées

Sumac-Crusted Salmon Filet

Pan-seared to achieve a perfectly crisp, savory crust dusted with native sumac, this rich salmon filet is served over a bed of warm Mediterranean pearl couscous tossed with Kalamata olives, diced peppers, and fresh herbs.  

Grilled Ribeye with Roasted Pepper and Smoked Gouda Bisque

A beautifully cross-hatched grilled steak rested in a rich reduction, served alongside our velvet-smooth Roasted Red Pepper and Smoked Gouda Bisque soup topped with crunchy croutons, pearl couscous, and a warm dinner roll.

🥄 Decadent Dessert Finishes

Lemon-Basil Panna Cotta

Silky, sweet, cooked cream custard subtly infused with fresh basil, topped with vibrant lemon curd, macerated strawberries, a candied lemon slice, and fresh mint.  

Red Wine Poached Pear with Vanilla Gelato

A tender, whole poached pear infused with deep red wine and spices, garnished with fresh mint and drizzled with a rich berry reduction alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Join Us at the Table!

Our Thursday Evening Summer Dining runs every Thursday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (through August 27th). Whether you choose to dine on our breezy outdoor patio or stay cool inside our historic air-conditioned dining rooms, we have a table waiting for you!  

🍷 Full menu, signature salad bar, dinner specials, and handcrafted summer mocktails available weekly!  

🌐 Reserve online: EVENTS | Hostess House

📞 Reserve by phone: Call us at 765-664-3755  

Which of these summer dishes was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!