Yoder’s Kitchen is about one hour and one world away from downtown Wichita. Prior reservations for groups of 10 to 40 are required to eat at this Amish farm just outside Yoder, Kansas. Dinner is not served on Mondays, presumably because the pies are baked the day before and Monday servings would mean baking on Sundays. No alcohol is available, nor is electricity, and the host family has no automobiles, but you may drive yours to the farm. Be sure to remember where you parked since you will have to find your car in the dark at the end of the evening at the very time when 99% of your blood supply will be needed to digest the feast you have enjoyed!

Before dinner, you can walk around the farm to see the chickens, cows, horses, sheep, cats, and dog. For the first time, I saw a sheep with a tail that had not been docked. The large gardens, structures, and animals are all well maintained. When you make your reservation, inquire about the possibility of taking a buggy ride before dinner. (It is acceptable and welcomed for you to tip for the buggy ride.)

The meal is served in a building with one large room for dining and a formidable kitchen on the side. Our group of about 35 sat facing each other at two lines of tables with a space between them for the host family members to serve water, iced tea, and coffee. The table was set with butter and strawberry jam. Then large bowls and platters were passed down each line of tables with (in order) bread, mashed potatoes, gravy, chicken and noodles, corn, baked chicken, coleslaw, and Salisbury steak. And just when we thought we couldn’t eat any more, caramel bread, chocolate pie, and apple pie appeared in front of us! By this time, many in our group were leaning back in their chairs, assuming “the Thanksgiving position.”  After dinner, guests can purchase homemade jams, pickles, applesauce, sauerkraut, toffee, and rugs to take home and share with family and friends.

Dinner at Yoder’s Kitchen is a great experience for several reasons: First, the food is consistently delicious. I recommend that you review the menu before sitting down at the table so that you can pace yourself. Alternatively, go ahead and stuff yourself. Second, the setting and the host family give you an opportunity to learn about a community that has solved the challenges of daily living without electricity. I took particular note of the buggy, the propane lights, and the men’s trousers. Do not make the mistake that I did by searching for the switch to turn off the light when I left the bathroom. I’m sure that some of the members in the host family are still chuckling about that!  I find it intriguing to learn about the history of a place and ponder how it has shaped life now. If you’re looking to escape the city and gain a different perspective on daily living, I highly recommend making the trip to Yoder’s Kitchen.

For reservations, call 620-465-2551.

(image source)

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