I grew up in central Illinois farm country yet had never been to
Bishop Hill. On a visit back home it took a Facebook post from a cousin about an upcoming quilt show in Bishop Hill to get us there. What a nice surprise. Founded in 1846 by Swedish immigrants, the village is much as it was 160 years ago. We came for a few hours and spent the day. Which meant a stop for lunch, of course. We couldn't miss Bishop Hill Bakery and Eatery located right in the heart of the village on Bishop Hill Street. The outdoor seating and the entire setting looked so inviting we had to give it a try. I confess that their ad in the Bishop Hill brochure did have something to do with our decision. I mean, how can you resist the phrase "Baked Goods from Scratch, Handmade Lunches to Match!"
It was a gorgeous spring day so we joined other diners at the umbrella covered picnic tables outdoors. Ordering has been simplified with the slips pictured. You can take your time perusing the choices and simple circle exactly what you want with the pencils provided, a novel and efficient idea. Among our group of four we chose a cup of Spinach Bisque with a 1/2 sandwich of Chicken Salad on Spinach Parmesan Bread (the gals), Swedish Meatballs with Salad, and a Ham Sandwich served with chips and a pickle (the guys). All I needed was one taste to decide to Blog about Bishop Hill Bakery and Eatery. Everything was fresh and delicious.
I had had a peek indoors to check out the indoor dining and the bakery counter while waiting for our food to be prepared. What a delicious looking assortment of baked goods filled the case and shelves!
It was so tempting to haul home all sorts of goodies. But pie lovers all and especially Strawberry Rhubarb, that was our choice to carry away to enjoy later. And believe me, that was a hefty pie. I knew it was going to be great the minute I picked it up. Their website says they start with lots of fruit for the filling they make themselves, and mix up their crusts from scratch from an old family recipe. I believe them. I'm a pretty good from scratch pie maker myself but I can't beat theirs. 
So, in closing, when in central Illinois, be sure and plan a day in Bishop Hill (a National Landmark Village listed in the National Register of Historic Places) with its interesting museums, eateries, gift shops, and art galleries. And make your day complete with a lunch stop at Bishop Hill Bakery and Eatery. (Be sure and leave room in the car to carry away a sackful or two of goodies from the bakery!)
