Laura Verheaghe always has been a terrific baker and cook, and has had an extraordinary ability for caring for others.
So when she took over ownership of Red Cup Cafe in downtown Chesterton in March 2013, she believed it was a way to blend these two skills together.
“Red Cup Cafe & Deli is all about bringing love and compassion to the community through great food and coffee,” Verheaghe says.
With a comfortable atmosphere of velvet couches, leather chairs, eclectic bookshelves and vintage vinyl playing from the turntable, this restaurant suits both solo Wi-Fi and caffeine-fueled work sessions and lunch with the gang.
Sandwiches, such as grilled Portobello and goat cheese, is served with Dijon mustard, roasted peppers, pesto and red onion on European sourdough. The smoked turkey and bacon comes with tomato, cheddar, red onion and sun dried tomato mayo on organic bread.
The house specialty is the grilled cheese, made with cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella on your choice of bread. Spice up the grilled cheese with tomato and pesto; Dijon mustard, tomato, and bacon; or avocado, tomato and bacon and a side soup or organic greens salad for a delightful meal.
There always is a selection of quiche, soups and salads made daily. Organic and locally sourced ingredients are a priority, and many selections are offered in gluten-free varieties.
Baked goods are a specialty and include batches of creative muffins made every day from scratch. Expect to find the unexpected, like pistachio and French toast muffins, and even a muffin named after Snoop Dogg with a drizzle of chocolate syrup on the top.
Coffee drinks are made by baristas and include lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, Americanos and some out-of-the-ordinary beverages like a rich Mayan hot chocolate and a white mocha. The seasonal pumpkin spice latte is offered, as are chai tea lattes.
Red Cup Cafe & Deli also is host to a number of evening events, including musical performances and poetry readings. The walls are filled with an ever-changing display of local artwork to support the community.
Red Cup Cafe & Deli, 115 Broadway, Chesterton, is open 7 a.m to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call 219-929-1804.
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Heather Augustyn is a freelance writer.