I took myself for a romantic little lunch the other day. At moments, I felt like I was sitting at a small outdoor European café – without all the exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke.
I was actually in the courtyard of Plump Peacock Bakery and Café, the type of cozy and comfortable café that Louisville could really use more of.
Housed in one of the 1800s buildings that make up Middletown’s tiny “downtown,” Plump Peacock is the creation of chef Liz Wingfield, where she and her customers are having a love affair with pastry.
Wingfield has gathered a following at Louisville farmer’s markets over the last few years, and is known for her specialty, Maple Bacon Muffins, which combine a rich, dense, just slightly sweet cake with a candied bacon slice on top. Of course, you must eat them strategically, making sure to get a piece of bacon in each bite. Savory and sweet and a whole meal in one paper wrapper.
Now her sweet little café is open for breakfast and lunch, and each day, you can see what she’s baking: scones, cookies, cakes, pies, cheesecakes, macaroons and breads are just the start.
Breakfast and lunch entrees are not fussy, but mostly classic and well-made. House-made quiches, Belgian waffles, sandwiches, salads and soups are fresh and many healthy choices are available. The soup of the day was thick and spicy; the sandwich was basic, but with good quality white cheddar.
My recent lunch of a cup of tortilla soup and half a Nestled Gobbler turkey sandwich was just right; the soup was hearty and spicy, and the sandwich basic though with good quality white cheddar, leaving me plenty of room for dessert.
But everyone is really there for pastry. I recommend the lemon cheesecake with blueberry sauce – a lighter dessert with a home-made cookie crust. My slice was huge, so I made it last, sitting in the courtyard and listening to the sound of the nearby fountain. I could have sat there all afternoon – if I didn’t have to go back to work and they didn’t close at 3:00.
The service is extremely friendly and efficient. Ask for a bakery box of desserts to go, too – and check inside for a cute message or joke. No detail is left ignored at Plump Peacock.
Photos: Kachina Shaw
