In Dearborn, Michigan — near Detroit — the fascinating Greenfield Village has a magical dining venue: Eagle Tavern. It’s a real cabin that was built in Clinton, Michigan, in 1831 as a stagecoach stop for weary travelers! Moved to Dearborn, the tavern serves locally sourced food and drinks that would have been available during the 1850’s in the area at that time: the ultimate in seasonality. Even the cocktails are authentic to the period! I was very glad to have been hosted to experience it.
From time to time, the tavern hosts special evenings, such as the recent Holiday Nights. Servers and hosts were dressed in period garb. An emcee told jokes and led singalongs. There were also lovely professional singers, singing Christmas carols that would have been known in those days.
The room was lit by candles, so warm and welcoming. A roaring fire burned in the fireplace.
Food was served family-style at long plank tables, so you get to know some strangers during your meal: just like in old-time taverns.
This was what was served — you could have as much as you liked:
Housemade Apple Sauce
Fresh Cranberry Relish
Squash Soup
Pork and Apple Pie
Natural Roast Chicken
with Cherry Sauce
Roasted Rib of Beef
with Fine Brown Sauce
Buttered Carrots and Brussels Sprouts
Herb Roasted Red Potato
Carrot Fancy Cake
with Cream Cheese Glaze
Luxe & Down-Home Cuisine/Culture/Travel/Style 