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Miller's Dutch Kitch'n Offers a Taste of Food the Way It Used to Be

By Dave Mast

BALTIC — If you enjoy delicious food prepared just like the best of moms and grandmas would prepare it at home, Miller's Dutch Kitch'n is just what you're looking for. Located in the heart of Amish country in Baltic, Ohio, the folks at Miller's Dutch Kitch'n would like nothing more than to create a dazzling dinner that will tickle your taste buds and treat your tummy.

Yet while the food is incredibly tasty, it is very down to earth and created by a trio of cooks that have a great deal of experience in the kitchen. The head cook is Elvina Miller, who founded the restaurant in 1972 along with her husband Levi. She has been a fixture there ever since, and truly enjoys creating cuisine that keeps customers coming back for more. Along side Elvina (82) areVerba (73) and Mandy (65), who have their own share of experience over a hotstove. Together the trio have worked side by side for a long time.

"We do have quite a bit of experience in the kitchen, that may be an understatement," said manager Marvin Miller, Elvina's son. "Those ladies really know what they are doing in the kitchen, and it shows up in the food." A pinch of this and a dash of that, the experienced cooks know just what it takesto make a dish perfect. That knowledge goes into every dish, but according toMiller, the one that people keep coming back for is the broasted chicken. "With out a doubt, our specialty is broasted chicken, but we also think our roast beef is outstanding," said Miller. "I can't tell you how many times I've heard people come in here saying that they were going to try something new this time, only to order the chicken in the end."

The fixin's for all of the meals, whether it is the chicken, roast beef, homemade Swiss steak or pork chops, includes real mashed potatoes, homemade dressing, homemade gravy and pies topped with our homemade ice cream to complete the All-American dinner.

While others may opt for instant mashed potatoes or bottled dressings, Miller's wants their patrons to experience the full extent of homemade Amish cooking and the prowess of the trio of cooks in the kitchen.

"There isn't one inkling of instant potatoes in our mashed potatoes," said Miller. "We don't want to simply settle for the quick and easy fix; the inexpensive wayout. We want to provide the best possible food for our patrons." That includes homemade salad dressings like French, thousand island, ranch and sweet & sour, as well as homemade pies and soft serve ice cream. They even have homemade root beer from Memorial Day until December.

"That's how mom and dad started the restaurant, and we've tried to stay true to that,"said Miller. "We've been using basically the same recipes we used three decades ago."

Miller's Dutch Kitch'n has been a family-operated restaurant since 1973. The food offered there has always been just like that which you might get from your grandma's stovetop for a Sunday dinner, and that is what they pride themselves in promoting. For the folks at Miller's Dutch Kitch'n it is almost as if they are preparing their meals for their own family - albeit one gigantic family. "We simply prepare more food for our friends who come to eat with us," said Miller, whose wife, Dee, is helping to manage the restaurant.

Other featured dinners include homemade Swiss steak, pork chops, and there are also many choices available from the breakfast menu that will help you kick start our day in Amish country.

And just as tantalizing as the food, are the reasonable prices. Miller's Dutch Kitch'n provides a whole lot of food at a very good price. "We feel our prices are very reasonable," said Miller, and on Monday nights we give an extra 10-percent discount to senior citizens on complete dinners."

They also offer meals for groups as large as 65 people, with banquets being served family-style for over 20 people. Under 20 people may be served family style or you may choose from the menu.

While the food is scrumptious, the people at Miller's Dutch Kitch'n pride themselves in making everyone feel at home when they enter their doors. Being part of the Miller family and sending their patrons out full and satisfied is goal No. 1.

"Our friends, are our prime consideration," said Miller. "We open early for their convenience. We appreciate their patronage and we try to offer the best service possible. If you have not dined with us before, we hope you will come in as a customer and leave as friends. We do all we can to make you feel at home when you're here.

"We haven't changed much over the years, although we've added a little here and there. That quality and consistency is all part of helping people to feel comfortable when they come back."

Miller's Dutch Kitch'n is located at 108 East Main St., Baltic, OH. For more information,or for reservations for banquets, please call 330-897-5481, or visit them on the Internet at: www.mdkitchen.com. Hours are Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Sunday.