Bonnie Lou's beckons you back to simpler times, food

As featured in the July 3, 2012 edition of Dining Out, Waterloo Region Record (photo credit, The Record)

Ah, nostalgia. It has a way of tugging at your heartstrings, making you long for days gone by when life — and the people and places within it — seemed simpler, more meaningful, grounded by wholesomeness and a quiet happiness.

This feeling was rekindled when I stepped into Bonnie Lou’s Café in Floradale, about 20 minutes north of Waterloo, just off Listowel Road. A historically rich building whose first life was Ruggle’s General Store in 1883, Bonnie Lou’s Café has preserved its memories in original glass display cases: antique bonnets, baby shoes, eye glasses, old medicine bottles, squeeze boxes, turn-of-the-century photographs and even a 1926 copy of the Kitchener Daily Record line an entire wall of the café.

Hardwood floors and Mennonite furniture warm this cozy space and antique heirlooms invite quiet reflection and conversation. Wooden post office boxes are still intact and bear the names of recipients from the 1800s. An antique Coke machine holds a sign advertising root beer floats; an ice cream counter and plate of peanut brittle offer reminders of childhood innocence.

For me, this nostalgia was only heightened by the fact that my dining companion was my dear friend, who I met in kindergarten and have grown with for 32 years.

While we grew up in Waterloo and are accustomed to the Old Order Mennonite community, our breakfast conversation still paused in admiration of a picturesque horse and buggy that galloped by the storefront window, adding to Bonnie Lou’s overall charm, and juxtaposing modern realities such as the BlackBerrys we placed on the table.

Our breakfast-down-memory-lane started with a full-bodied cup of coffee and a gander at the chalkboard menu that featured traditional breakfast specials, omelettes, pancakes, waffles and even a breakfast pizza. Glass-domed cake stands showcased a variety of homemade baked goods that were difficult to ignore, beckoning a return to the antique counter for another look after our meal.

Feeling traditional, I started with the two-egg special ($5.75): farm-fresh eggs, perfectly poached with bright orange yolks and served with homemade rye toast, shredded potato and onion home fries and peameal bacon. Delicious. My friend had the waffles ($7.95), which were airy, crisp, not too sweet and glazed with lavish local maple syrup. Delightful.

As our conversation moved from childhood memories to marriage, motherhood and the circle of life, one cup of coffee turned into three and we finished with one of those gorgeous oversized butter tarts ($2) we had been eyeing from the start. In my mind, these butter tarts are now tied for first place along with Herrle’s Country Farm Market’s variety. And what a way to commemorate an upcoming Canada Day weekend!

For those who know and love Bonnie Lou’s Café, its baked goods are the talk of the town: pies (the fresh strawberry pie had our mouths watering), a variety of tarts, cookies, muffins, enormous cinnamon buns, handmade fudge and peanut brittle greet you upon arrival. Takeout is also available and believe me, it’s worth the drive.

Bonnie Lou’s Café has a way of inviting you to slow down, take a deep breath and reassess life’s most cherished treasures. I will be certain to return; perhaps next time, for a sentimental lunch.

Bonnie Lou’s Café
2238 Floradale Rd, Floradale
Hwy 85N, left on Listowel Rd, right on Floradale Rd.)
519-669-2142

Hours
Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Wheelchair accessibility
Accessible.

Cuisine
Coffee, breakfast, lunch and takeout meals. Sandwich varieties included old favourites such as: egg salad, chicken salad, tuna, smoked turkey, ham and swiss, bag sausage, and grilled cheese. Paninis, wraps, soups and salads are also available. Bonnie Lou’s array of baked goods were positively tantalizing and included fresh pies, tarts, cookies, muffins, cinnamon buns, handmade fudge and peanut brittle.

Reservations
Not necessary.

Atmosphere
Most of the 19th century building’s interior was preserved during its 2009 renovation and change of ownership. Old general store counters and shelves, along with other historical relics were kept, giving the shop a rustic feel. Post office boxes bearing recipients’ names are still intact.

Drinks
Coffees, teas, juices, root beer floats.

Service
Kind, humble, prompt.

The bill
$24.21 for two breakfasts, two coffees and two extraordinary butter tarts.