VALPARAISO, IN - It's been quite a few years since Strongbow Inn in Valparaiso, IN made its famous turkey dinners using turkeys raised on the farmland outside the restaurant.

    But some things haven't changed.

    Strongbow Inn is still famous for its turkey dinners. And they still use fresh, naturally-raised turkeys (they arrive four times a week from Michigan).

    The restaurant, which has fed luminaries such as former U.S. Supreme Court member Sandra Day O'Connor, remains a popular draw year round, ever more so on Thanksgiving.

    Each Turkey Day, the restaurant serves 3,500 people. That means cooking 130 turkeys weighing 30 pounds apiece. It means serving 1,400 pounds of whipped potatoes, 140 gallons of gravy, 20,000 famous Strongbow rolls, 400 gallons of dressing and 750 pounds of cranberries.

    Save room for dessert, because they serve 720 pies and 5,000 pastries on Thanksgiving.

    Chef and owner Russ Adams said he's proud that the quality that went into the first turkey dinner that was served in 1940 remains today. That's probably why the business has been a favorite for so long.

    "Tradition is one thing we're proud of. We've hung on to our quality," Adams said.
 

     Many families come to the Valparaiso area each year and do something active - like hiking at the nearby Indiana Dunes or participating in Valparaiso's Turkey Trot race and walk - and also enjoy a family celebration at Strongbow Inn.

    Strongbow Inn still makes its own breads, desserts, sauces and dressings from scratch. And while the turkey dinner, turkey schnitzel and turkey pie remain the most popular dishes, the menu has evolved and features a variety of fresh seafood choices, grass fed beef steaks, pasta dishes, vegetarian options and gluten-free choices.

    Adams and his wife, Nancy, received affirmation about their work when they were named 2011 Restaurateurs of the Year by the Indiana Restaurant Association -- although Adams said he gets to see how the restaurant is doing every time a customer eats a meal.

    "The awards and recognition are nice, but I suppose it's the people that make the difference," Adams said.

    "Our repeat business is a huge part of our business."

    The restaurant's spacious dining room is decorated with black and white pictures of the restaurant's past. Strongbow Inn also features a large banquet area and a retail bakery. Many people stop in just to pick up a loaf of bread, a pie, a cake, cookies or other delectable treats.

    Strongbow's Blue Yonder Lounge is also a fun room to sit in, with its model airplanes hanging from the ceiling and its curved walls and windows designed to make people think they're sitting in an airplane. In all, Strongbow Inn seats 725 people.

    The restaurant also has special events -- like having a jazz trio perform on Wednesday nights. Guests can enjoy some relaxing music while they feast on a selection from the menu or a buffet that includes turkey and the trimmings, a pasta station, salads, soup and desserts.

    The Sunday brunch also offers guests a chance to order off the menu or sample a wide variety of offerings. The Sunday brunch features turkey, ribs and fish, as well as omelets, waffles, fruit and cinnamon rolls.

    As for Adams, he never tires of turkey. The turkey pie is his favorite.

    And, in case you were wondering, having spent more than 50 years in a family whose business is serving turkey, Adams has never celebrated Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving day. And, as long as Strongbow remains as popular as ever, he'll gladly wait until the next day to enjoy his turkey.
    Strongbow Inn is located at 2405 U.S. 30 in Valparaiso. Call 219-462-5121 or visit www.strongbowinn.com for more information.




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MEDIA CONTACT
Ken Kosky
T +1 219 926 2255
E ken@indianadunes.com