http://www.josephdecuis.com/ en aeshelman@josephdecuis.com Copyright 2011 2011-07-18T19:46:54+00:00 http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/read-this-great-article-about-us/ http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/read-this-great-article-about-us/#When:19:46:54Z http://www.thequestforzest.com/locals/farm-to-fork-with-aaron-butts.html Check out this article by bloggers & foodies Josh and Danielle. They “get it” or rather us. They spent the evening at the restaurant enjoying a beautiful dinner and then got a personalized tour and interview at the farm with Aaron. This article talks about Joseph Decuis as – sustainable, seasonal, local, fresh and inspiring. Thank you Quest for Zest for helping to feather our nest!    General 2011-07-18T19:46:54+00:00 http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/tea-time-at-the-inn-at-joseph-decuis/ http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/tea-time-at-the-inn-at-joseph-decuis/#When:17:49:16Z Joseph Decuis announces Tea Time at the Inn at Joseph Decuis.  Join us up the road in Roanoke at our charming retreat.  Our series of teas presents a chance to catch up with friends and enjoy an afternoon in the quiet, relaxing ambiance of "Grandma's" house.  Teas are scheduled to include, February 3 ~ Chill Out * Warm Up * Shop On; April 28 ~ A ROYAL TEA in honor of the Royal Wedding {Wear your hat and toast the wedding couple - add $6 for sherry or sparkling; July 14 ~ Mid-Summer Tea on the Lawn; September 22 ~ Fall Tea; December 8 ~ Holiday Tea. All teas take place at The Inn at Joseph Decuis, 492 N. Main Street, Roanoke, IN 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm $20 per person + tax/tip Reservations Required - Call (260) 672-1715. General 2011-01-27T17:49:16+00:00 http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/joseph-decuis-named-one-of-aaas-four-diamond-restaurants-in-indiana/ http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/joseph-decuis-named-one-of-aaas-four-diamond-restaurants-in-indiana/#When:21:44:51Z Updated: Friday, 14 Jan 2011, 12:04 PM EST Published : Friday, 14 Jan 2011, 12:04 PM EST   CHICAGO (WANE) - Joseph Decuis in Roanoke, Indiana has once again been named a Four Diamond restaurant by AAA Chicago. The restaurant has made the list since 2005. Only three other restaurants in Indiana were given Four Diamond distinction by AAA. The LaSalle Grill and The Carriage House in South Bend along with Restaurant Tallent in Bloomington were also bestowed Four Diamond status. AAA did not award Five Diamond status to any restaurants in Indiana. To become AAA Diamond rated, hotels and restaurants undergo an inspection by one of AAA’s 65 evaluators. Five Diamond establishments complete a more extensive review that includes a series of inspections and final committee review. AAA rates more properties than any other rating entity and is one of only two that conduct physical, on-site evaluations. General 2011-01-14T21:44:51+00:00 http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/joseph-decuis-named-one-of-top-50-restaurants-in-u.s/ http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/joseph-decuis-named-one-of-top-50-restaurants-in-u.s/#When:16:44:07Z Joseph Decuis named one of top 50 restaurants in U.S. by Carrie L. Bragg (Herald Press)  Published: 12/ 23/10 Ten years ago when the Eshelman family opened Joseph Decuis restaurant, they began with two goals in mind. We made a statement to our staff that number one, we will not compromise on quality and No. 2, we will be one of the top restaurants in the country, reflected co-founder and owner Alice Eshelman. Back then, she and the staff had laughed about their dream of being a top restaurant, but early this week, that dream was realized when Joseph Decuis was named one of the Top 50 Restaurants in the U.S. by Open Table Online. Open Table is a leading restaurant reservation and guest management system and issued the list of the top 50 restaurants in the U.S. based on critiques determined by their diners. With more than 7 million reviews of more than 15,000 restaurants, Joseph Decuis the only restaurant named from Indiana appeared on a list featuring renowned restaurants from 22 states, including Per Se and Le Bernardin in New York City and The French Laundry in Napa, Calif. “I was ecstatic, amazed and very honored, especially looking at the names of some of the other restaurants on that list, we are in very good company and honored to be there,” said Eshelman, citing Thomas Keller, owner of The French Laundry and one of the most recognized chefs in American, as one particular inspiration to her. “To be in the same Top 50 as Keller is inspiring.” The news of being named a Top 50 restaurant was a pleasant anniversary gift, Eshelman said, as the restaurant recently celebrated its 10 years. “After 10 years, being in the Top 50 is right where we want to be. It’s awesome,” she said, crediting their success to hard work, an eye for quality and going local. Since its start, Joseph Decuis has grown its own beef and vegetables, controlling the quality of their own ingredients and has worked with likeminded producers; people who believe in sustainable, local and organic ingredients. The staff has established an approachable air, said Eshelman, and the chefs, including 10-year Executive Chef Aaron Butts, make efforts to be conscientious of their guests. “They are unbelievable,” Eshelman said of the restaurant staff. “It takes a team effort and they certainly are a team. They (the chefs) volunteer to go somewhere to increase their knowledge, bring in young culinary students to help them learn and work well with each other.” Joseph Decuis’ open kitchen adds to the ambiance of the restaurant, as do Eshelman’s invitations to dinner on the farm where the food is grown. “We host dinners at the farm, so you can see where your food comes from and it’s pretty spectacular,” Eshelman added. “I think we’ve lost that over the years, that connection to our food.” Eshelman said one of their biggest obstacles to overcome is that people assume their prices are outrageous, while the prices are directly in line with other caliber restaurants in the area. Huntington resident and Rotary Club member Rose Meldrum frequents Joseph Decuis and agreed that it is not only a place to go for special occasions. “We enjoy going to the restaurant not only for special occasions but just to get good food and to celebrate the little things in life,” Meldrum said, adding that she appreciates the kindness of those who wait on them. “We’ve always had really good service. The waiters and waitresses know us and call us by name, and we like to go there because they always use a mix of whatever the fresh vegetables are of the season. They work very hard to maintain certain standards and to give their customers the best possible culinary experience they can have. We look forward to our next meal.” Joseph Decuis hosts wine-tasting in the summers on the location’s courtyard and events throughout the year. The restaurant is open for dinner hours from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is located at Main and Second streets in Roanoke. Eshelman also encourages visitors to stop in for an appetizer or a dessert and a drink. For more information about Joseph Decuis, go to www.josephdecuis.com . To view the Open Table Top 50 list, go to www.opentable.com . Copyright, 2010, Huntington Herald-Press (Huntington, IN) General 2010-12-23T16:44:07+00:00 http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/joseph-decuis-makes-opentables-top-50/ http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/joseph-decuis-makes-opentables-top-50/#When:14:02:49Z Joseph Decuis Makes OpenTable's Top 50 Best Overall U.S. Restaurants in 2010 Diners' Choice Awards Quoting from the OpenTable website: "Our diners have spoken! Below are the top 50 restaurants OpenTable diners identified as the 'Best Overall' based on more than 7 million restaurant reviews over the last year. As you will see, the list features a delicious variety of restaurants across 22 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. If you ever had the desire to go on a culinary road trip, consider this list your map!" The 2010 Winners of OpenTable's Annual Diners' Choice Awards •Addison at the Grand Del Mar — San Diego, CA •Ambience — Carmichael, CA •Binkely's Restaurant — Cave Creek, AZ •Blue Hill at Stone Barns — Pocantico Hills, NY •Bone's — Atlanta, GA •Boulevard Bistro — Elk Grove, CA •Café Renaissance — Vienna, VA •Charleston — Baltimore, MD •Charleston Grill — Charleston, SC •Chez Francois — Vermillion, OH •Cyrus — Healdsburg, CA •Daniel — New York, NY •Daniel Lounge Seating — New York, NY •Eleven Madison Park — New York, NY •Erling Jensen The Restaurant — Memphis, TN •Fearrington House Restaurant — Pittsboro, NC •Forage — Salt Lake City, UT •Fountain Restaurant — Philadelphia, PA •Franklinville Inn — Franklinville, NJ •Frasca Food and Wine — Boulder, CO •Halls Chophouse — Charleston, SC •Highlands Bar & Grill — Birmingham, AL •Joseph Decuis — Roanoke, IN •Kai — Chandler, AZ •L'Auberge Chez Francois — Great Falls, VA •Le Bernardin — New York, NY •Les Nomades — Chicago, IL •Madrona Manor — Healdsburg, CA •Mama's Fish House — Paia, HI •NAOE — Sunny Isles, FL •Orchids at Palm Court — Cincinnati, OH •Palace Arms at the Brown Palace — Denver, CO •Per Se — New York, NY •Plume at the Jefferson Hotel — Washington, DC •Primo — Rockland, ME •Russell's Steaks, Chops and More — Williamsville, NY •Saint Jacques French Cuisine — Raleigh, NC •St. John's Restaurant — Chattanooga, TN •Terrapin Restaurant —Virginia Beach, VA •The 1913 Room — Grand Rapids, MI •The French Laundry — Yountville, CA •The French Room — Dallas, TX •The Gamekeeper — Boone, NC •The Hobbit — Orange, CA •The Kitchen Restaurant — Sacramento, CA •The Melting Pot — Myrtle Beach, SC •Uchi — Austin, TX •Vetri — Philadelphia, PA •Vintage Tavern — Suffolk, VA •White Barn Inn — Kennebunkport, ME General 2010-12-17T14:02:49+00:00 http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/joseph-decuis-gourmet-restaurant-tenth-anniversary/ http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/joseph-decuis-gourmet-restaurant-tenth-anniversary/#When:18:26:10Z TIDBITE from "Bite of the Best"  Joseph Decuis Gourmet Restaurant Tenth Anniversary October 27, 2010 The Joseph Decuis Gourmet Restaurant located in Roanoke, IN is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Proprietors Pete and Alice Eshelman have taken the “Farm to Fork” experience to a new level during the past decade. What started out as a small town gourmet restaurant has turned into a fine dining destination that now includes the Farm, Emporium, Culinarium and Inn. Most recently the restaurant was honored to cook at the James Beard House in New York. Joseph Decuis raises their own Wagyu beef. “Because we grow the foods for Joseph Decuis, we have absolute control over ensuring superior quality,” Alice Eshelman explains. “We believe in and adhere to all-natural, drug-free, humane, stress-free and sustainable farming practices. Japanese Wagyu experts have called our Joseph Decuis Farm “Heaven for Wagyu.”   Over the years, Joseph Decuis has won honors for outstanding food, service and wines. AAA distinguished Joseph Decuis as a Four Diamond restaurant — the only restaurant in Northeast Indiana with such distinction. Wine Spectator Magazine also honored the restaurant as one of only three restaurants in Indiana with its Best of Excellence Award. Joseph Decuis 191 North Main Street Roanoke, IN 46783 http://www.biteofthebest.com/joseph-decuis-gourmet-restaurant-tenth-anniversary General 2010-11-22T18:26:10+00:00 http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/try-a-farm-to-fork-encounter-healthy-aging-admin-published-10-24-2010-trave/ http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/try-a-farm-to-fork-encounter-healthy-aging-admin-published-10-24-2010-trave/#When:14:57:25Z Check out Roanoke, IN for culinary classes, vineyard luncheons and more   “A farm to fork encounter”. Try a "gourmet getaway" to Joseph Decuis Gourmet Restaurant, Farm, Emporium, Culinarium and Inn in Roanoke, IN, just outside of Fort Wayne -- http://www.josephdecuis.com Scheduled events to plan a trip around in November/December include:   November 11/13/10 - Culinarium Cooking Class – Bouchon, Thomas Keller Thomas Keller, one of the most recognized American chefs working today, is known for his well-honed culinary skills. Good food coupled with a memorable social and sensual experience has always been Thomas' focus. "Our food is serious," he says, "but we also want people to have a good time with it." If the reputations of his restaurants are any indication, he has succeeded. “Bouchon” (bistro food) is food rooted in tradition and less complicated in nature. “Bouchon,” Keller says, “retains the "spirit of the original bistro, the spirit of embracing you... restoring you and making you happy." This Joseph Decuis class promises to do the same.   11/20/10 - 2010 Vineyard Luncheon Series - Tuscany A multi-course luncheon featuring the cuisine and wines of Tuscany. December 12/4/10 - Christmas in the Village Join us for Roanoke’s annual Christmas in the Village. Stroll through our quaint town as you visit our shops, and stop by our local churches for tasty treats such as homemade apple dumplings. Visit local crafters, and delight in the unique style of each artisan. Santa Clause will be waiting for you at the Roanoke Public Library, so prepare your Christmas wish list. â�¨You will enjoy the Christmas celebration atmosphere of this free holiday event. Delicious Signature Joseph Decuis foods can be sampled at The Emporium at Joseph Decuis as you shop for that gift for your “special someone.” 12/4/10 - Culinarium Cooking Class – Cooking, James Peterson The Culinarium is our kitchen for production and instruction located next door to the restaurant at the Emporium. In celebration of our 10th Anniversary, we have created a new and unique cooking series. We are paying homage to past James Beard Award-winning chefs and their cookbooks; those who inspired us to embark on our own culinary journey. These are chefs who are revolutionary yet classic and who have embraced what we hold dear: really good & honest food, and of course, local when possible.   12/11/10 - 2010 Vineyard Luncheon Series - Washington State A multi-course luncheon series featuring the cuisine and wines of Washington State. About Joseph Decuis: The Joseph Decuis 'Farm to Fork' enterprise located in Roanoke, IN, just outside Fort Wayne is celebrating its tenth anniversary in business as a culinary destination. Most recently the Joseph Decuis team cooked at the prestigious James Beard House in New York -- the only restaurant in Indiana to date to have received this honor. Further, Joseph Decuis is the only AAA Four Diamond Restaurant in Northeast Indiana, and one of only three restaurants in Indiana to have received the Best of Excellence Award from Wine Spectator Magazine. Proprietors Pete & Alice Eshelman, pioneers in the movement for fine dining restaurants to operate their own farms and gardens, have taken the 'Farm to Fork' experience to a new level during the past decade. Distinguishing themselves by raising Wagyu 'Kobe-style' beef at the Joseph Decuis Wagyu Farm, they've nurtured what started out as a small town gourmet restaurant into a world-class fine dining destination that now includes the Farm, Emporium, Culinarium and Inn. General 2010-10-30T14:57:25+00:00 http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/joseph-decuis-10th-anniversary/ http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/joseph-decuis-10th-anniversary/#When:16:24:14Z 10 years! Wow, time flies when you're having fun! When I first came to Joseph Decuis (then Café Creole) back in 2000, I was a 23 year old “know-it-all” who apparently “did not know it all”. I’ve had a long journey from being the young, hot-shot Sous Chef to the Executive Chef of one of the best restaurants in the country. Honestly, when I was a young cook, I never worked in a restaurant for more than a year or so. I grew tired of the current job and was always on the lookout for the next new thing; until I came here I was never satisfied. When I look back on the past 10 years I think about the evolution of the restaurant, the changes in the actual space and the changes in the menu. We have come a long way from starting as a quaint restaurant in the tiny village of Roanoke to a fine dining destination where the food, service and ambiance rivals that of any other restaurant in any major metropolitan area. And, all the while, continually raising our own standard of excellence.   I have seen the demand for our signature soups and gumbos result in the construction of our USDA approved production kitchen, The Culinarium. I have seen our small display case of items for sale in the cottage turn into a shopper’s paradise, The Emporium. I have seen our push towards locally sourced ingredients taken to the next level and become a commitment to quality by cultivating our own vegetables and herbs at the Joseph Decuis Wagyu Farm. Pete’s love of American Wagyu Beef led to raising his own herd of Wagyu cattle, in which, the cattle served double duty as a present to Alice!   And last, but not least, I have heard every mispronunciation of “Decuis” imaginable.   On a personal note, in 2001 Carmen and I were married and had our wedding reception at Joseph Decuis, and the food was spectacular! (imagine that?) We have worked side by side for 10 years and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now we have two beautiful daughters, Zoe and Luca who are our family but they are also a part of our “restaurant family”. We take trips to Joseph Decuis Wagyu Farm where they get to play with the animals, meet the baby chicks and more importantly, see where all the food comes from. It’s an experience that they will remember for a lifetime and it wouldn’t have happened at any other restaurant.   My thanks go out to all of our staff, customers and local producers for without you we never would have made it this far. And a special thanks to Pete, Alice and Tim for having the vision and making it all happen.   As far as 2010 goes, it is our best year yet. The kitchen is buzzing with new ideas for our Wagyu beef and the garden has been overflowing with vegetables. Culinarium classes took on a new, exciting format by celebrating selected James Beard award-winning chefs and cookbooks, featuring a different one every month and I’ve been enjoying heading up the Vineyard Lunches. What a treat they are. And, this being our 10th year and a great cause for great celebration, we took this show on the road to The Big Apple in August for our own dinner at the famed James Beard House. As we were the first independent restaurant from Indiana to cook there, we represented all things Indiana and wowed the crowd.    We are celebrating an amazing decade full of great food, great wine and great friends.   Bon Appétit, Aaron General 2010-10-06T16:24:14+00:00 http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/a-decade-of-decuis-dining/ http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/a-decade-of-decuis-dining/#When:18:06:17Z August marked our 10 year anniversary and upon reflection, it's been an experience not unlike raising kids. With a lot of nurturing and round the clock care I am a very proud Mom as our business matures into adulthood; from a small town gourmet restaurant to a world class fine dining destination. When we first opened our doors, I knew everyone dining here and they knew each other. I will always cherish their support; they taught us how to walk. Today we draw from a wide geographic area which has allowed us to meet many, many wonderful people and new friends. I am humbled that our Joseph Decuis experience is enjoyed by so many. Our dining guests used to be primarily my age and older but we now have many guests in their 20's, 30's, and 40's who love great food and have made it a priority in their lives. I'm thrilled when families bring their children to experience Joseph Decuis - making lifetime memories for the parents and new positive experiences for the kids. It's never too early to teach kids about the importance and enjoyment of great food and dining as a family. The growth of our farm has been huge and when I look back, destiny. In 2001 we built a raised bed garden for all-natural vegetables and herbs. It has since tripled in size and provides most of the seasonal vegetables and herbs we use at the restaurant. In 2004, Pete gave me 20 pregnant heifers, an extremely touching romantic gesture, and this gift became the start of our Wagyu Farm and the beef we feature on our menu. Along the way we added free range hens for their eggs, built a beautiful outdoor pavilion for entertaining and added our Farm to Fork dinners - where else but at the farm - for the true Farm to Fork dining experience. We've just celebrated our 10th year, by hitting a homerun in the Big Apple. We took Joseph Decuis to New York City and cooked a dinner at the legendary James Beard House. From start to finish the evening was flawless, delicious and fun. Kudos to Aaron and the team! The menu was a tribute to Indiana farm raised natural foods with the Joseph Decuis flair and New York - the culinary capital of the world - applauded and savored every bite. We made Indiana proud. (Check out our You-Tube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1vGUfjTCvY ) Like raising kids, a parent's job is to teach them values that will guide them in making the right decisions in life. The value that has guided our success has been an unwavering commitment to quality; it's what we stand for and what you expect. I am looking forward to seeing you at the restaurant and hope you raise a glass to toast our 10th, with many more to come. Thank you for your support. Alice Eshelman, Proprietor General 2010-09-23T18:06:17+00:00 http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/giddy-about-wine/ http://www.josephdecuis.com/news/post/giddy-about-wine/#When:17:59:51Z I am seriously giddy with news! As usual, we've been keeping busy with a whirlwind of events. From weddings and receptions to wine tastings, and BBQ's; from our Farm to Fork dinners, farmers markets and James Beard dinner in New York City, we have been hither and yon. And, if you can believe it, we are adding fuel to the fire to give you yet another great service from our team. Coming soon on Friday, October 8th we will launch the grand opening of our own fine wine store in Roanoke. Called Emporium Fine Wines we are housed in the Emporium at Joseph Decuis and we will offer more than 300 varietals from more than 60 countries. For years I've had guests ask if they can buy our wines, in particular at special events and wine tastings, and up until now the answer has sadly been no. That is all about to change. Many of the wines on our award winning list will now be available for purchase as well as select other wines. We're proud to be able to offer quite a wide range of tastes and and include some unique choices that are not readily available elsewhere or nearby. I plan on being very hands on in the new wine store, shoring up a special list of you who are interested in unique, extraordinary wines who would like personal help to guide you in your purchases, big or small, so let me know if you are interested. We all know you can buy wine in many places but what I think sets us apart is our quality and service. We will guarantee all wine purchases, and you can be assured that our wines have been shipped and stored according to the highest of standards. Our pricing will be at or below vineyard prices and very competitive with local retail pricing. We want our grapes to be savored and enjoyed. We believe that this enjoyment of wine is one of life's great pleasures and enhances a quality meal. Over the past decade, our restaurant's wine list has consistently earned Wine Spectator's "Best of" award for excellence and the restaurant is known for both its food and wine of incomparable quality. So now, from Emporium Fine Wines and The Emporium at Joseph Decuis, you really can in fact, take the experience home!   Cheers! Carmen McGee, General Manager/Wine Director General 2010-09-14T17:59:51+00:00