Make-your-own pancakes at Old Sugar Mill

I was surprised to see adult-only groups at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill, truth be told, because I thought of it as a family place. But there they were, elderly couples and groups of middle-age ladies, each tableful sitting comfortably in the dining room.

And why shouldn't they? These guests, most of whom visit regularly, enjoy the Sugar Mill’s signature product as much as any 10-year-old.

The restaurant specializes in pancakes. Every table receives one pitcher of unbleached white batter, another of a stone-ground five flour blend — and diners cook and flip their own meals on a griddle in the center of their table.These pancakes are, indeed, the best I have ever tasted.Better yet, you can order some pecans or chocolate chips to mix in, banana slices or blueberries. Or do what we did for the show: order them all and toss the extras in playfully.

Be sure to get a side of bacon; the thick smoky slabs are exceptional.

While you watch our latest On Dining, you'll also meet Proprietor Patty Schwarze. Her parents started the restaurant in 1961, before its surrounding land was part of the state park system.She talks about the restaurant’s history and also the ways its menu is au courant, starting with the vegetarian sausage you can swap for that luscious bacon.

Tune in, then plan an outing to De Leon Springs State Park for a day of feasting and, before and after, enjoying the glorious natural parkland and water.

To find our Old Spanish Sugar Mill feature, follow this route:

• Turn to Bright House Digital Cable channel 300
• Click on Food & Drink
• Select Volusia County
• Scroll to Sugar Mill and click select twice more.

Eat well,

Rona

rona@RonaGindin.com

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