Flower Patch and Diamond House Bed and Breakfast breakfast

breakfast, central Illinois Amish Country, Gardens, Bed & Breakfast, Arcola, Arthur, Amish

The Legendary 7-Course Breakfast

For more than 20 years the Flower Patch has built a solid reputation as the premier B&B experience in Central Illinois. The breakfast is one of the reasons.

A 7-course breakfast is served around 8:00 AM features a different menu for each day. With an eye for visual pleasure, the Flower Patch changes tablecloths and table settings with each breakfast. With more than 10 sets of porcelain china, the Flower Patch can still surprise those who return with their friends to see the artistic presentation.

The food is delicious, creative, and delightful. Among everyday staples are Lynne's famous angel biscuits and a tempting muffin of the day.

Breakfast starts with a fresh-fruit compote followed by a menu unique for the day. It may include Dutch sausage, egg blossoms seasoned with fresh oregano and chives, or a fresh-garden herbal omelet. A special part about the breakfast experience is that, after ringing her bell at the table, Lynne announces all of the intriguing creations for the full seven-course menu. Because this is Amish country, we start breakfast with a silent, Amish-style prayer that accommodates people from all faiths.

During the summer months, the creators of the breakfast experience use the lush gardens to embellish the dishes wtih fresh herbs and flowers. Lynne, an expert gardener, not only uses her artistic skill in garnishing the dishes, but sometimes she also explains the nature of the plants and flowers. One day you may learn how to eat a nasturtium and how to play with the snap dragon. Another day you might learn not to eat the fox glove or rhubarb leaves. More than a breakfast, the experience of eating at the Flower Patch’s table appeals to the palate as well as to the mind.

Guests get another special treat:
  • Guests are often surprised by the variety and quality of life-stories told by people from all over the nation and the world
  • The B&B owners share local experiences and explain the interesting part of visiting the area, including the rich variety of experiences and fun things to do.
  • The conversations range from Amish life style, shopping, local traditions, history, economics, and attractions in the area.
  • For example, Lynne, who has several personal friends in the Amish community, can explain how they live and their interesting customs, including their practice of using retired race-horses to pull their buggies.