By Daniel Leopold
Contributing Writer
Looking for an atmospheric breakfast experience that can rival your mom’s pancakes?
Stop your search at Sprague’s Maple Farms. Sprague’s twisting driveway and immense seating area make the short trip for breakfast more of an experience than a simple dining effort, especially on your first visit.
A not-so-well-kept secret around Bonaventure is although the food at the Hickey Dining Hall is good, eating at the same place every day can get old. I welcomed the chance to spice up my eating options. I jumped at the opportunity to go to breakfast at Sprague’s, even though I am usually very cautious at trying new places.
On a bright Sunday morning, I woke up ready to depart. Driving through the rustic air of Olean was very pleasant and inviting.
After about 10 minutes of gazing at the mountains, I arrived at a long, winding driveway marked with a large sculpture of two horses pulling barrels. Continuing down the driveway, I passed a large reservoir with swans swimming on its banks. These very rural images prepared me for the comforting, down-to-earth atmosphere of the restaurant.
Trails heading up to the peaks of the hills and a cloud of rolling mist in the distance provided a beautiful backdrop for Sprague’s. Nothing but the ebb of the pond and the calls of birds could be heard. For all I knew, I could have been in a national park.
Leaving the beautiful outdoor scenery behind, I stepped into the lodge-like building and was greeted with the shrieks of two vivacious cockatoos. An attendant immediately sat me and my party down after I had acquainted myself with the zealous birds.
Scattered across the log cabin-style seating hall were statues of bears and moose and a table set up for plush facsimiles. After being seated, I immediately became aware of why Sprague’s is called a maple farm. Aside from the many maple leaf decals and maple wood scattered through the room, there were four different kinds of syrup available on the table. There was also a round container of “maple salt,” a delectable breakfast condiment I had never come across before.
Once the menus were passed around, the decision-making began. Pictures of everything from breakfast steak to pancakes to toast filled the menu, most of the choices coming with a side of thickly sliced bacon, country ham or maple sausage patties.
After about 30 minutes of perusing the menu, we made up our minds. I ordered the classic, three buttermilk pancakes, while others chose deep-fried French toast with apple crisps and breakfast combos that came with pancakes, eggs and breakfast meat.
Within 30 minutes, all of our meals were sitting, piping hot, in front of us. I accepted defeat after taking an hour to engulf as much as possible, and took home the leftovers in a box. I inhaled a breath of country air after I surrendered my knife and fork to the table.
This was indeed a step up from the Hickey.
Sprague’s Maple Farms has served a staggering 250,000 meals a year to hungry patrons looking for a slice of rustic charm. Breakfast is available all day long, and any meal that is served with pancakes comes with an unlimited stack. The different flavors include classic buttermilk and maple, apple cinnamon, hearty buckwheat maple and blueberry. The Maple Farms offer lunch and dinner as well, with a fish fry every Friday.
Visit spraguesmaplefarms.com and click the “Restaurant” tab to view hours and menus. Just make sure you come prepared to eat!
