Going Dutch at Brunch

Editor's Note: Have you eaten at Linny's Kitchen? What did you think? Tell us in the comments. 

It’s widely accepted that technological advancements improve our lives, but do they necessarily improve our food?

It's debatable.

One meal at Linny’s Kitchen (formerly the Dutch Kitchen) inside the Pennsylvania Dutch Market on 11121 York Rd., and I’m thinking the Amish might know something the rest of us don’t.

I don’t plan on breaking my Blackberry addiction any time soon or cancelling my Facebook account, but if limited technology creates breakfasts like the one I experienced at Linny’s, I’ll be back again and again.

There’s something to be said for true homestyle cooking—the kind that doesn’t cut calorie corners with strange-but-healthy substitutions like applesauce in place of oil, or avocado instead of butter.

It may not be good for you, but down-home cooking that doesn’t hold back on the butter, sugar and carbohydrates and quite possibly may literally stick to your ribs is good.

There’s just no way around it.

In the midst of old-fashioned, handmade craft vendors and food stands with local meats and produce fresh from the farm, Linny’s delivers the type of food that can’t be found in a chain restaurant or trendy health food shop.

I’ll admit it, I had my doubts. Linny’s comprises no more than eight or nine tables nestled inconspicuously in a corner of the market. In fact, I almost walked right past it.

But I’m glad I didn’t.

The menu offers everything you could want for breakfast. I wanted ... well, everything, so I opted for something called Dan’s Big Breakfast ($9.99). Dan must be a smart guy, because if you order his breakfast, it comes with eggs, potatoes, meat and French toast, pancakes or a waffle.

My eggs were scrambled perfectly (not too runny, not too burnt), and the bacon that came with my breakfast was thick, fresh and crispy. The potatoes were no slouch either, but I couldn’t finish them because I was so enamored (yes, enamored) with my French toast.

Coming out on a plate of its own, the four triangles of thick, delectable bread covered in powdered sugar was enough to make a meal of its own. It was so addictive. I couldn’t look at anything else on the table before I quickly finished it, wishing there was more.

I also sampled the pancakes ($4.99 for three). Often, pancakes can be thick and heavy, but these were warm, fluffy and buttery. I expect to find myself craving these when the weather gets cold again.

Overall, my first meal at Linny’s got an A-plus. The service was friendly, the food delicious and the prices affordable. My only regret is that I didn’t pace myself in preparation for the rows of food samples throughout the market, or for the donut stand that I had had my eye on since I entered the market.

And you know, what’s a good brunch without dessert? Try the Dutch crumb donut. You won’t be disappointed.