The Cider House Rules
Luminary Distilling,
Fuhrman’s Cider & Eatery
It all started when I heard about a forgotten apple orchard that a coworker had told me about behind his second workplace.
Curious, and loving cider and in the neighborhood one day, I found the spot, picked some apples, then Googled “cider mill Erie.”
That’s when I first heard of Fuhrman’s Cider Mill several miles outside Erie’s city limits. On Peach Street.
Peach Street?
Yep, Peach Street.
While it’s actual name is “Luminary Distilling, Fuhrman’s Cider, Eatery,” my fanciful concept of a cider mill (an old-timey wooden structure with a wooden porch, wooden rocking chairs and a checkerboard atop a hooped wooden barrel, all capped underneath a tin roof), was dashed when I pulled in the newly-paved parking lot and discovered what looked like a newly constructed establishment that wore many hats, as it were.
Turns out Fuhrman’s Cider Mill (which actually doesn’t process people’s apples), is an amalgamation of a cider mill, liquor distillery, bakery and a restaurant.
Inside it has a nouveau rustic décor. Wood walls, a working fireplace, this gastropub also has a roomy dining area that would be a swank place for a first date.
Though I got there around noon and wasn’t necessarily in the mood for alcohol, I decided to try one of their exotic drinks: a Moscow Mule called a Berry Stormy. Chockful of BrewErie ginger beer, actual berries, crushed ice and definitely, vodka, I liked it and sipped it throughout my meal, though leaving some remaining when I departed.
For an appetizer, I ordered the Cranberry Crostini. A mixture of mixed field greens, goat cheese, candied walnuts with apple vinaigrette, Mascarpone cheese and cranberry chutney, it was served on tiny, warm French baguettes. A serving that would’ve satisfied a group, since I dined alone, I ended taking several of the tasty morsels home.
My entree was the Awesome Rum Burger (see above), “an 8-ounce Angus beef on a house-made Brioche bun, with smoked bacon, carmelized onions, mushrooms, candied jalapenos, Swiss cheese and spiced rum barbeque sauce,” according to the menu. Alive with flavor, it was served with thick, piping hot french fries, but the tall, delicious sandwich and its spud side proved more than my girdle could handle. I placed this in the doggie bag, too, for a second meal at home.
While I dined, I saw what I assumed to be locals visiting the glass bakery display, ordering muffins, pies and unique donuts. Though my tummy said I was full, for some reason, I still wasn’t satisfied. I wandered over to the bakery and spied a plump, elderberry pie that I purchased and also took home. Such a big pie, as of this writing, I’m still eating it.
During my stroll around the dining area’s interior, I spotted a liquor display with something called “Apple Pie Moonshine” that contained 40% alcohol. Though I was tempted to take that home, too, once my waiter brought my bill ($75.95! The most I’ve ever spent eating out by myself), I decided to give my already weeping purse a break.
Next time you’re on Peach Street and you’re hungry, why not drive a little further south, just past I-90 and give Luminary Distilling a try? Great environment, unique cuisine. And yes, the next time, I’m there going to try their cider, which brought to their locale in the first place.
Eat your veggies, Dearies!
*** The Lunch Lady
Luminary Distilling, Fuhrman’s Cider, Eatery is located at 8270 Peach St., Erie. For more information, visit www.luminarydistilling.com
