Spire Farm to Fork Cuisine in LaPorte: Way Above "Par"

Brad Hindsley, a LaPorte, Indiana native, has found a way to bring his lifelong passion for food to his community – and at a rather unlikely location: a golf course. Legacy Hills Golf Course has the wonderful opportunity to share the beautiful setting with Spire Farm to Fork Cuisine, a restaurant operated by Hindsley. Looking out from the small but beautifully appointed restaurant with a great bar, there is green as far as the eye can see. There are real hills at Legacy Hills, a nicely maintained course that is one of the oldest in Indiana and provides a challenging round of golf at a great price.

One might expect the fare off the fairway of a golf course to be little more than quick sustenance to get one through the next nine. Spire is way beyond those expectations. Chef Brad has created a menu that changes with the seasons – all the better to incorporate fresh and local products like fruit, vegetables, cheeses and jellies into his dishes. He includes special additions to his menu, like watermelon salad with pistachios and tomato-goat cheese in the Cobb salad.

The Spire BLT is heavenly. You won’t find a solid tomato in it; instead, a delicious tomato jam with substantial candied bacon. The open-faced veggie sandwich includes pepper jelly that adds a sweet, tangy flavor while the melted Gouda over the garden vegetables is creamy and flavorful. For dinner, the menu steps it up with some comfort food such as Pork Pot Pie, Salmon with Corn Pudding, Porcini Crusted Ribeye and Spire Meatloaf.

Chef Brad recently convinced Pastry Chef Rachel Murphy, of Frankfort, IL, to relocate from a post in Chicago to LaPorte. At Spire she found her own little corner of the kitchen to create some dessert masterpieces. The menu includes sorbets and ice cream, as well as flans and cheesecake. One of Chef Rachel’s additions is a Basil Panna Cotta that blends cream, honey and sugar with other flavors to create a decadent delight.

Both Chef Brad and Chef Rachel are graduates of Robert Morris University’s Institute of Culinary Arts. Living and working in his hometown, Chef Brad believes in becoming involved in his community and participates in many LaPorte activities. Eating at Spire is a wonderful experience and well worth the trip from the Chicago area – a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon or evening. As we move into fall and harvest time, look to Spire to add some wonderful dishes that complement the changing foliage and cooler weather.

Spire is located at 299 W. Johnson Road in LaPorte, IN. For more information or to make reservations call 219-575-7272 or go to:

http://www.spirefarmtofork.com/

Photos: Spire’s front door; view from the patio, interior views of dining room, freshest coffee possible, Basil Panna Cotta; Chef Brad and Chef Rachel.