Sweet n’ Savory Sensations
Photography: Courtesy of @thecellarwinebistro
Imagine waking up and deciding to put some miles on the car, starstruck with the idea of new places to eat. A few stops in Lafayette can lift your spirits – ones that involve sprinkles, wine and gourmet lunches that won’t hurt your wallet. Over the years, businesses have blossomed in the Lafayette community, particularly for women. The number of female-owned businesses has grown greatly, but for now, consider these 5 places to visit in the area.
If you’re anything like Michelle Wise, you strive to do more than just drink your wine. With the help of her sister and Santa Barbara’s wine culture, the owner of The Cellar Wine Bistro has traveled from California to Indiana to help customers experience a variety of wines. Not only do they offer Merryvale Chardonnay and Aquinas Cabernet Sauvignon, but they pour from other countries like France, Italy and Spain. Wine connoisseurs can also partake in wine tastings and a limited selection of beers. With your drink, feel free to dip into the restaurant’s French-inspired food menu and live music. If a night across the world stirs your appetite, visit 1001 Main St., Lafayette, IN, 47901.
Photography: Courtesy of @mccord.candies
Proclaimed as the sweetest corner in town, McCord Candies has reincarnated after being tossed to different owners since 1912. Denise Bootsma, the current owner of the shop, decided to sweep away years of neglect with red and white stripes. Alongside its transformation sits its original sources of popularity: candy. Bootsma made sure to perfect the recipes for the candy canes and syrups that customers enjoy. Customers can learn themselves through McCord’s candy cane tour, 45 minutes full of history and candy-making for $5 per person. Recently, the business has began year-round candy workshops, ones where customers can create and eat strawberry dips, chocolate bombs, chocolate pizza and caramel apples. Sweet tooths can savor the sugar at 536 Main St., Lafayette, IN, 47901.
Photography: Courtesy of Fuel
Heading out of downtown, Colleen Mathews relocated her coffee shop, Fuel, to the Five Points residential area of Lafayette. Along with the popular blends of coffee offered, the menu includes breakfast pastries and sandwiches, soups and salads. Order the streusel pancakes, buffalo quesadilla, or locally roasted coffee beans inside or out. Beside the coffee bar, Mathews gets an interior space for customers as well as a front yard and parking, assets she did not have at the previous location. While it is popular with Purdue students, don’t be shy to slip in and buy a cup or two at 106 S. 16th St., Lafayette, IN, 47905.
Photography: Courtesy of @gigiscupcakesusa
Speaking of Purdue, the owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes, Brittany Gerber, moved to Lafayette to attend Purdue and has since then served scrumptious treats to her customers. She grew up admiring her mother baking wedding cakes, and she became skilled in the same thing, although preferring cupcakes. The location in Lafayette has freshly baked goodies, some favorites including the Banana Split, Caramel Butter Pecan, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Tiger Tails cupcakes. Aside from their custom-made wedding cakes, catering is available for anyone willing to celebrate with baked goods on their table. If you’ve been searching for a twist on dessert, peek inside the shop at 170 S. Creasy Ln. Suite 1710, Lafayette, IN, 47905.
Photography: Courtesy of Jane’s Gourmet Deli
Since opening in 1993, Jane’s Gourmet Deli has focused on incorporating locally sourced ingredients into her restaurant, sweet and savory. Everything is gourmet on a budget, allowing customers to buy high-quality food and beverages for a reasonable price. Boxed lunches include a sandwich, choice of side, chocolate chunk cookie and jellybeans. Jane Ausman-Mudawar’s restaurant also has a catering service, options consisting of scratch-made wedding cakes, quiches, casseroles and crostini at their rentable dining rooms or other venues. Even if you don’t have a wedding to plan, stop by the deli at 524 N. 4th St., Lafayette, IN, 47901.
More and more female-owned businesses are establishing, so why not try what they have to offer? You can have your cake and eat it too at Gigi’s or test your wine tastebuds at The Cellar. Venture out of the cornfields and dive into some sweet treats!
