The Depot Cafe

The Cascade Rail Foundation is seeking a qualified concessionaire to operate the Depot Cafe. Includes established restaurant (since 2006), fully equipped kitchen & dining areas, cookware, dishes, and more. Contact us with your interest for more information.

Hello and thank you to our loyal Depot Cafe fans, and to new folks curious about our cafe, for stopping by to check out our site for updates. We will be posting our specials on weekends when we are open again.

Since July of 2010, Chef Frank Schuchman and Brian Lee have been donating 100% of their time to operate the cafe on weekends, volunteering about 30 hours a week to make that happen. All of the profits from the variety of creative themed weekends food sales have been donated to Cascade Rail Foundation, while the plans to find and set up a full-time concessionaire at the site are being developed.

With the small volunteer staff, just Brian and Frank, and more recently with prep help from Holly, the Depot Cafe has served up an amazing array of fresh, wholesome tasty favorites in a nearly “can openerless” kitchen, to the delight of  both area visitors and the hometown South Cle Elum crowd for over half a year.

However (and you knew there was a “however” coming here sometime), the impact of the inevitabilities of earning a living, winter colds, holiday family obligations, and catering events (like the Mardi Gras we catered with Cajun food the weekend of Feb. 26-27) on such a small volunteer pool have taken their toll on our days of operation recently.

We have greatly enjoyed and appreciated sharing our enthusiasm for our food with everyone who has supported us, and are sincerely sorry for the weekends that we are unable to cook for you. As the days we are open have become more sporadic of late, we wanted to let you all know the reasons, and that we will continue to offer weekend specials when we are able. Watch for updates both here, and in our local newspaper, the NKC Tribune. You can also follow our Chef Frank’s weekly column there in the paper, called “Frankly Speaking … about good food”.

Or sign up for our email update list with the brief sign-up form in the right column of this website, and we will send you an email with the specials for the weekends we will be open.

In the meantime, we once again extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude for your visit to our website today, and look forward to the opportunity to serve you again very soon.

Thank you!

Brian, Chef Frank and Holly

Hello Depot Cafe fans,

We regrettably must be closed again this weekend, due to a bad cold bug biting Brian. He doesn’t want to share! With a volunteer staff of just 3, this puts us too short to offer the roast beef specials we advertised in the paper for this week.

So we apologize for the inconvenience, and ask you to check back with us again to see when we will be open next.

Thank you for your understanding!

Sincerely,

Frank, Brian and Holly (the Depot Cafe volunteer crew)

Watch for updates this winter, as days of operation will vary, depending on volunteer schedules. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sloppy Joe’s Specials –

time to get sloppy…

One day Joe was making hamburgers and they didn’t turn out so great. Not only did his burgers all fall apart when he dumped ketchup and barbeque sauce on them, he made a huge mess.  He simply shrugged his shoulders and said “oh well, I guess I’m not going to have hamburgers, I’m going to have sloppy Joe’s hamburgers!”  Hello Sloppy Joe!

A Really Sloppy Joe – handmade here with farm fresh tomatoes, green & red bell peppers, sweet onions, a rich tomato sauce, a hint of deli mustard and a sweet smooth barbecue sauce… all slow simmered for hours.  Then blend in some lean ground beef and serve over a buttery burger bun!  Classic

“Joe’s Special Plate” – Grab a Real Sloppy Joe sammy and serve it up with house made barbecued baked beans and a bunch of freshly made Cole Slaw!  Sloppy?  yes  Delicious? yes!!!

The Atomic Joe – Not your average Joe…Take our original Sloppy Joe and bump it up with Louisiana hot spices and southern chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.  Topped with jalapeno marinated onions & bell peppers.  Sweet & savory meets hot & spicy!

Almost My Mom’s Cole Slaw – I only say that because she never showed me how to make her incredible Cole Slaw.  But mine is the best ever.  Farm fresh cabbage with a hint of fancy mayo, white wine vinegar, good olive oil, a little celery salt and white pepper, yes, a pinch of sugar.

Barbecue Slow Baked Beans – always made the day before serving, this magical mix of wonderful beans will astound you.  Flavors of the southwest combine with tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, onions, brown sugar and smoky bacon…no, I won’t give you the recipe.

The Depot Cafe is going Greek again this weekend

Gyro (pronounced yeer-oh)

Our Gyros are made with a perfect combination of the finest quality, seasoned beef and lamb gyro meat and stone ground whole wheat pita’s from Kronos®.  Our traditional tzatziki sauce (dza-DZEE-kee ) is
home made with fresh cucumbers, lemon, organic Peoh Point garlic and Nancy’s® Yogurt: “Real Food for Real People”. They are a very “Green” company! Check them out at www.nancysyogurt.com

Our classic hummus started out here in our kitchen as dried chick peas (garbanzo beans) and then we added organic Peoh Point garlic, roasted sesame paste and some other goodies to transform it  into a hummus fit for Zeus!!

MENU:

Classic Gyro Tomato, sliced sweet onion, Gyro meat and tzatziki sauce on a warm, grilled, whole wheat Pita

Super Gyro! We’ve heard this was a favorite of Heracles!! Gyro meat, tomato, sliced sweet onion, and Tzatziki sauce with  farm fresh lettuce, crunchy cucumbers, feta cheese and Kalamata olives

New Gyro Burger The Greek God’s of the Depot (Frank and Brian) have utilized all of the traditional Gyro ingredients….Tzatziki, Feta, cucumber, tomato, lettuce and onion on our hand pressed, flame broiled burger  to create this twist on traditional Greek fare.

Depot Greek Salad Fresh and tasty! Cucumber, tomato, Kalamata olives and sliced red onion with a touch of lettuce and topped with feta cheese. Then we drizzle it with a bit of Rosemary and olive oil vinaigrette

Comes in Regular  and Side Salad sizes                 Option to add on a grilled, stone ground whole wheat Pita

“Beanery” Hummus Platter Grilled Whole wheat pita with our home made hummus, created from scratch using chick peas, roasted sesame paste, garlic and other goodies!

Mediterranean Beef Soup Zeus could never get enough of this!! We use fresh ground beef, home made chicken stock, celery, carrots, onion and orzo…..served over fresh organic baby spinach.

Comes in Small, Medium, and Large sizes.    Option to add on a grilled, stone ground whole wheat Pita

Beanery” Hummus and Soup Combo get a half order of our Hummus Platter and a small soup

This weekend, come check out the “TWO TURKEYS” at the Depot …

Frank & Brian will be featuring FRESHLY ROASTED TURKEY BREAST!

Slow roasted, tender and juicy, rubbed with local organic garlic & herbs!

Come taste a REAL … TURKEY SANDWICH

Warm up with a steamy bowl of a winter-hearty CREAMY TURKEY VEGGIE SOUP!

BLUE PLATE SPECIAL: Tender slices of turkey breast piled high on bread, smothered in our hearty homestyle turkey pan gravy, and served with mashed spuds and veggies.

You’re Invited! …to a taste of prosperity, happiness and good luck with a traditional southern new years menu!

MENU:

• Hoppin’ John – Black Eyed peas, rice and greens
• Creole Pork sandwiches
• Golden Cornbread muffins
• Bubba’s Bayou Bean Soup
• Sweet Peach Cobbler
• Peach Milkshakes
• also a Voodoo Burger….

Happy New Years Y’all

by your chef, Frank Schuchman

Frankly, every New Years Eve you’ll always find me at my favorite spot… in my kitchen, preparing a bunch of traditional Southern good luck in the New Year foods.

It’s a tradition in the South that you prepare a series of wonderful foods to enter in the New Year healthy, happy and prosperous.  Time-Honored dishes include: black eyed peas to make Hoppin’ John, plus collard greens, cornbread, pork and soups with black eyed peas, greens and ham shanks.

Black Eyed Peas – have many positive meanings, first they represent coins! Often the cook will toss in a dime into the bean pot, so when someone discovers the coin, they are blessed with a prosperous new year ahead.  Others stories tell of Sherman’s March to the Sea during the winter of 1864 – when Sherman ordered his troops to strip the lands from Atlanta to the ocean of anything that wasn’t nailed down.  When they saw black eyed pea plants, the soldiers regarded them as useless and were left behind.  Leaving thousands of Southerners with a food source for the long winter ahead, it is said that the “luck” of the Black Eyed Peas…saved the South!

Hoppin’ John, is a wonderful dish made of black eyed peas, and served over rice.  The kids in the old South were said to dance and ‘hop’ around the kitchen when they were lucky enough to get some simple beans and rice.  Rice & beans were also humbling foods available to all. They represent health, nutrition, sustenance, humility and prosperity in the year to come.

Greens – collard, turnip, beet, mustard, even cabbage works, all widely available and represent green dollar bills – another wish of prosperity to all that eat them.

Cornbread and Pork – the golden color of cornbread is another throwback to riches.  But is also a staple in every kitchen, along with the humble Pig… both represent how we all need to be a bit humble in the New Year ahead.

Ah, but there also foods that you do not want to consume fear for of what they represent!  Chickens, scratch while moving backwards, meaning you will have a set back ahead.  Actually all fowl are discouraged, because your hopes & dreams may fly away! Lobster? Yep, they too swim backwards, regret or dwelling on the past!  The color White is considered to represent death in many eastern cultures, so anything ‘white’ is not consumed around New Years!  Including eggs, white sauces, even white rice becomes ‘dirty’ rice to change its color.

I will also be teaching a FREE Southern cooking class on these recipes at the Depot in South Cle Elum on January 18th, 2011.  To register for the class, spaces are limited, please call me (509-649-3864) or email: ukcfoodgardens@gmail.com

For more info on the Café: www.thedepotcafe.com or find us on FaceBook.

I’m Frank Schuchman, local Roslyn resident, executive chef, Southern food enthusiast and an active member of Slow Food.  www.slowfoodusa.org

Cross the road … er … river to South Cle Elum to treat your tastebuds to some savory chicken specials.

Looks like more snow coming this weekend. Come on over to the cafe, enjoy a ski or snowshoe trek on the trail and then come on in for a hot meal, a cup of coffee or cider and then maybe follow it up with a hand dipped milkshake or a float! We’ll be open Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – the Rail Museum is also open those hours (free admission, donations gladly accepted.)

MENU:

• Dad’s Chicken Fried Chicken Cutlet – Hey, dad cooked too!  Here is one of his favorites.  A large herb seasoned crunchy breaded chicken breast cutlet is flat griddle cooked to golden brown then topped with a creamy chicken chunky filled gravy!  Yep, it’s served up on a slice of white bread. This one sold out FAST the last time we offered it, so hurry in!
• Grilled Chicken Burger – flame broiled and buttery herb basted chicken breast is sliced onto a warmed French roll with our famous garlic herbed mayo with thick cut local tomatoes and leafy lettuce!
• NEW! Hand Cut Breaded Chicken Strips – we start with fresh premium whole chicken breast – no pre-processed stuff here! We hand fillet them and coat them in our own breading mixture, and then fry ‘em up golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Pick your housemade sauce – wild or mild! Both our Hiroshima Hot and Heavenly Mild versions start out with a blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses combined seasoned up just right for your taste.
• Depot Style Teriyaki Chicken & Rice – Hop a ride on the Orient Express as you experience our tender juicy grilled chicken breast slices marinated in classic Teriyaki sauce and served on a bed of fluffy rice.

Sink your fork in to a steaming platter of tender, slow roasted Yankee Pot Roast this weekend, and you’ll be ready for whatever Old Man Winter has in store for you. Irresistible aromas of savory premium beef and roasted vegetables will be wafting from Frank and Brian’s kitchen Saturday and Sunday as they season and cook to perfection.

MENU:

• Yankee Pot Roast platter with potatoes and vegetables
• The Yankee Doodle Dandy Hot Sandwich
• Plus our Favorites menu of Depot Burgers and 1/4 Pound Hot Dogs will be available

While you’re here enjoying the comfort foods, pick up some holiday gift items such as Rails to Ales Brewfest tickets at a special discount, t-shirts from the Brewfest and Cascade Rail Foundation, souvenir Brewfest glasses and cozy Depot Cafe coffee mugs.

“From Russia with Love” – Take the Siberian chill off with a steaming platter of hearty slow simmered thick and rich tender Beefy Stroganoff ladled over a bed of substantial, satisfying Egg Noodles.

Wonderful on a cold, snowy day!

or TRY OUR ‘SHROOM BURGERS! It’s our seasoned, flame broiled patty covered in sauteed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese

Favorites Menu also available:
Depot Burgers • Quarter Pound Hot Dogs • Sandwiches

HOLIDAY CLOSURE: Frank and Brian will be spending some quality time with family and friends and relaxing for the Thanksgiving holiday, so the Depot Cafe will not be open the weekend of Nov. 27 – 28. We will re-open the weekend of Dec. 4-5.

I Need a ... Gyro! (click player to hear appropriate music for this special!)
The train from Greece will be pulling in to the station this Saturday and Sunday. Gyros made from the finest beef & lamb blend, Greek Salads, Ancient Bean Soup and homemade Tzatziki & Hummus are on the menu. Depot Burgers & 1/4 lb Hot Dog favorites too!

The Greek Hero Heracles says,“Come see Brian and Frank! They make a mighty mean Gyro!”

The Cafe will be open this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: THE DEPOT CAFE WILL BE CLOSED THANKSGIVING WEEKEND.

Brian and Frank will be spending the holiday weekend with family and friends, so we invite you to come see us this weekend, and then welcome you back in December.

Visit the Depot Cafe this weekend for our FIESTA!

In addition to our steady Depot Favorites Menu, the specials this week include:

• Tacos!
• Burritos!
• Freshly house-made Pico De Gallo!

Also serving Depot Burgers and Quarter Pound Depot Dog Hot Dogs

Come by Saturday 11-4 and Sunday 11-3

The People have Spoken!

MENU:

You asked, so Frank and Brian are flame-broilin’ 1/4 pound Hempler Hot Dogs and Depot Burgers this weekend!

Back by popular demand, Our Famous Char-Broiled Train Wreck Burger and 5 other tasty burger creations! All of our lean all beef burgers are hand pressed in house, lightly seasoned and then flame grilled for a charbroiled fresh flavor!  All of our ingredients are always as farm fresh and as local as we can get.  No can openers are allowed!  Everything is hand made fresh for you to enjoy… you’ll especially enjoy the fresh flavors and even better… our wallet-friendly affordable prices!

MENU:

Depot Drive In Burger... hand pressed & flame grilled lean hamburger patty and a bun, starting at just $3.95!

Depot Deluxe Burger…. topped with locally made pickle slices, onions, mayo, lettuce and tomatoes!

Depot Deluxe Cheese Burger… your choice of Tillamook medium cheddar, Blue Cheese crumbles or swiss cheese, topped with locally made pickle slices, onions, mayo, lettuce and tomatoes!

Available Add-ons ~ Bacon…  Grilled Onions…  Another tasty burger patty…
Tillamook Medium Cheddar, Swiss or Blue Cheese Crumbles…
Steel Wheel Fries to any menu item…  Steel Wheel dipping sauces…

Rail Spike Burger! on a hand pressed charbroiled burger… green Anaheim chili peppers are grilled and blended with local poblanos, jalapenos and sweet peppers! Then melt cheddar cheese over everything!  A spicy Chipotle (chee-poat-lay) Garlic mayo covers the buns with lettuce and locally grown tomatoes!  Hot-Cha-Cha!!!

The Choo Choo Chili Burger! a knife & fork classic – the burger and bun are smothered in our famous Roasted Garlic & Veggie Chili, then topped with shredded cheddar, onions, scallions and local tomatoes!

The Train Wreck!!! back again from the original 2006 Depot Cafe menu!  You’re not going to believe this one! Tillamook medium cheddar and swiss cheeses, mayo, lettuce, tomato, yellow onion slices, local sweet pickle relish, deli mustard and ketchup topped off with bacon strips and… a fried egg!   Yes, you will need both hands and extra napkins for this one!

MONSTER QUARTER POUNDER HOT DOGS!

Monster quarter pound Gourmet locally made all-meat hot dogs served up in your choice of Classic Depot Dog, Railyard Dog or Choo Choo Chili Dog!
The Depot Dog Classic – our buttered grilled Stadium Roll and the gourmet quarter pound jumbo locally made hot dog!  You ‘dress it up’ at the bar!  Mayo, select mustards, ketchup, onions, locally made relish & local sauerkraut.

Available add-ons ~ bacon, grilled onions, cheddar, swiss, blue cheese crumbles

The Railyard Dog! split open and charbroiled with melted cheddar and swiss!  Topped deli mustard, sautéed organic garlic and onions!  Tasty and messy!  aaaARF!

The Choo Choo Chili Dog! an open faced classic with tons of our Roasted Garlic & Veggie Chili, shredded cheddar cheese, onions, scallions and locally grown tomatoes!  It’s choo choo riffic!

Sides-n-Soups-n-Salads

Steel Wheels (fries) - our signature house made french fry!  Local potatoes are sliced into medallions, then the “wheels” are gently deep fried and lightly seasoned.  By the 1 Pound Basket or add on the side of any meal.

Steel Wheel Sauces this weekend: Smoky Chipotle (chee-poat-lay)… smoked jalapenos in a spicy Adobo red sauce with mayo, or fresh Creamy Garlic & Herb – like a fancy smancy “Ranch” dressing

Lucheonette Salad: a farm fresh lettuce blend and spinach, topped with local tomatoes, onions, red bell peppers, and scallions.  Add fresh blue cheese crumbles, Cheddar or Swiss cheeses $X.XX served with our house made creamy Garlic & Herb or a Balsamic and Olive Oil herb dressing.  Accompanied with our house made grilled whole wheat bread!

From Frank & Brian’s Soup Pot:

Roasted Garlic & Veggie Chili – now famous at the Depot, we take tons of farm fresh veggies and make a wonderful all vegetarian chili.  Thick and hearty…3 types of beans, yellow split peas, lots of roasted organic garlic and locally grown herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary and parsley… all in a rich tomato sauce with Southern & Texas spices!  Top everything with locally grown tomatoes, scallions and onions!
Served with our house made daily whole wheat bread, lightly grilled to order. Order up a big bowl, small bowl or add a cup to any meal.

Desserts, Shakes, Sodas and Drink Specials

Vanilla, strawberry, chocolate or peach shakes. Thomas Kemper Root Beer Floats.

All of our lean all beef burgers are hand pressed in house, lightly seasoned and then flame grilled for a charbroiled fresh flavor! All of our ingredients are always as farm fresh and as local as we can get. Everything is hand made fresh for you to enjoy!

MENU:

Depot Drive In Burger…hand pressed & flame grilled lean hamburger patty and a bun!

Depot Deluxe Cheese Burger… (dressed) choice of Tillamook medium cheddar or swiss cheese, topped with locally made pickle slices, mayo, lettuce and tomatoes!

The Oktober Fest! feast your eyes…and taste buds… on this one!  Our famous hand pressed patty is flame grilled with whole grain mustard and melted swiss cheese, then topped with locally made sauerkraut, raw yellow onion slices and fresh tomatoes!

Never Enough Garlic Burger – slow grilled caramelized yellow onions, smooth & creamy organic Red garlic and local herbs smother our hand pressed burger patty, then top with a horseradished mayo sauce and fresh tomato slices!

The Blue Moon Burger – crumbled blue cheese is melted onto our hand pressed flame grilled patty, with a house made rich & creamy buttermilk Danish blue cheese sauce, topped with caramelized onions and farm fresh lettuce!

The Train Wreck!!! back again from the original 2006 Depot Cafe menu! You’re not going to believe this one!  Tillamook medium cheddar and swiss cheeses, mayo, lettuce, tomato, yellow onion slices, local sweet pickle relish, deli mustard and ketchup topped off with bacon strips and… a fried egg!   Yes, you will need both hands and extra napkins for this one!

PREVIOUS WEEKS’ SPECIALS:

As outside temperatures begin to drop, dig your spoon into a steaming bowl of our simmered-for-hours savory brisket beef stew. Frank and Brian are starting with a huge batch of choice beef brisket gently rubbed with local herbs, then slow roasted for hours to bring out its tender, juicy best. We then stir in a bounty of local late harvest carrots, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, garlic and zucchini into our own richly seasoned beef stock made with a hint of local red wine.

MENU:

1.) Hearty Teanaway Beefy Brisket Stew – Served with our famous freshly made daily bread, and grilled with a garlic & herb butter for dipping!

2.) Teanaway Beefy Stew-Over-Noodles Plate Special – take our incredible Depot brisket beef stew, smother it over a bunch of curly egg noodles, then top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs! … then bring on the house made garlic & herb bread – Stew me up!

3.) Rockin’ Roslyn Brisket Sandwich! – our slow roasted brisket is sliced thinly and then we serve it up on our 8″ inch stadium roll…grilled with garlic & herb butter and slathered with mayo, incredible and starting at only $3.95

4.) Spicy Brakeman’s Barbecue Brisket Sandwich – We take a garlic grilled up stadium roll and fill it up with sliced beef brisket dripping our Texas style hot & spicy housemade BBQ sauce! Then we add a little mayo and sweet onions and serve up with a side of barbecue for dippin’ …and plenty of napkins for wipin’

5.) And for Dessert: Cinnamony Fresh Local Fuji Apple Crisp! Delightful!

Premium Top Round Roasts and Turkey Breasts hand rubbed with organic garlic, herbs and spices were slow roasted until tender and juicy, then hand carved into satisfying homestyle thick cut slices for our hot and cold sandwich specials at the Depot this weekend! Then visit our deli condiment bar for your choice of fun and creative toppings, including some of Frank’s signature sauce recipes. The peak of harvest season is nearing the end, so be sure to come and take advantage of more of the freshly picked local veggies – like juicy beefsteak tomatoes plucked from the vine at their flavorful best – we piled them on our sandwiches and in our Roasted Garlic Veggie Chili!

MENU:

Cold Sandwiches:

1.) “Gobble-It-Up Roasted Turkey Sandwich” – thick sliced tender juicy slow roasted turkey breast served up on 7-grain whole wheat or white bread. Basic sandwich starts at just $5.95 – or upgrade to our Deluxe Bird loaded with cheese, lettuce, beefsteak tomatoes and our own lemon/garlic/herbed mayo.

2.) “Garlic Beefy Sammy” – slow roasted until juicy and tender… hand carved top round roast slices are piled on our 7-grain bread – with a bright and snappy organic garlic and horseradish cream cheese spread! Starts at just $4.95, and for a little more, you’ll enjoy the thick cut, locally fresh picked beefsteak tomatoes and leafy lettuce!

Hot Sandwiches:

3.) The Depot Po’ Boy - a specialty sandwich on a wide Stadium Roll, grilled for crunch, featuring slow roasted turkey and beef, and melted cheddar. You get the sandwich starting at just $3.95. Dressed for $5.95.

4.) The Beefy Depot Cheesesteak Sandwich – We start with the slow roasted Top Round, and add sweet onions, red & green peppers and melted swiss on a Stadium Roll.

Add on the side:

5.) Depo-licious Bacon Tater Salad - We take our delightful Depo-licous Potato Salad and kick it up a notch with crispy smokehouse bacon.

And from Frank & Brian’s Soup Pot:

6.) Roasted Garlic Veggie Chili - the whole garden goes into this one!  Tons of locally harvested veggies simmered with roasted garlic, black beans, red kidney beans, Texas spices, local tomatoes, fire roasted bell peppers and we sneak in a couple of roasted jalapeno and serrano chili peppers!  All topped with chopped Beefsteak tomatoes and crumbled Cotija cheese ~ a Mexican aged cows milk cheese with a light Parmesan flavor!

Thomas Kemper Root Beer Floats, anyone?

7.) Root Beer Floats – Bottles of Thomas Kemper Root Beer do their magic on hand dipped scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream. Yum!

The versatile CHICKEN ruled the roost thats week, as the featured Spotlight Ingredient in that weekend’s Depot Cafe specials. Tender juicy chicken breasts flame broiled to flavorful perfection and pulled chicken broth made from our own stock are the rock stars of our menu lineup this Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 2 and 3). You’ll also want to take advantage of these last chances at straight-off-the-local-farm fresh seasonal produce we’re infusing in to these great recipes.

Menu:

1.) Flame-Broiled Sizzlin’ Chicken Breast Sandwich – flame broiled and buttery herb basted chicken breast is sliced onto a warmed French roll with our famous garlic herbed mayo with thick cut local tomatoes and leafy lettuce!  Served with a big scoop of house made potato salad and a hunk of local watermelon.

2.) The Depot Barby Chicken Dip! flame broiled sliced chicken breast strips slathered in our own barbecue sauce on a big grilled French roll with mayo and sweet onions!  Served up with a side of barby sauce for dipping alongside fresh house made tater salad and a hunk of local watermelon.

3.) All-Wrapped-Up Chicken Sammy! tender pieces of broiled smoky chicken breasts are mixed up with a wonderful assortment of fresh local veggies, and our famous roasted garlic & herbed cream cheese!  Then wrap it all up – in a tasty locally made whole wheat tortilla!  Accompanied with our freshly made local potato salad and watermelon.

4.) Dad’s Chicken Fried Chicken Cutlet – Hey, dad cooked too!  Here is one of his favorites.  A large herb seasoned crunchy breaded chicken breast cutlet is flat griddle cooked to golden brown then topped with a creamy chicken chunky filled gravy!  Yep, it’s served up on a slice of white bread and accompanied with our famous potato salad and a local watermelon chunk!

5.) FROM THE SOUP POT: Frank’s Mom’s “Which Came First the Chicken or the Egg Noodle” Soup ~ at the first signs of cooler weather, she got the soup pot out.  Brimming with celery, carrots, onions, herbs and of course a little local garlic… all went into the heart warming brothy pulled chicken soup.  And you can’t have a bowl without plenty of fancy egg noodles!

6.) Garden Patch Chicken Salad – flame broiled and herb butter basted sliced chicken breast is piled onto a giant bed of farm fresh salad greens and surrounded by local tomatoes, Yakima sweet onions, bell peppers, celery and carrot strips!  Accompanied with our house made dressings.

*7.) “Got Room For Dessert” Apple/Peach Crisp – okay, every recipe features our Spotlight Ingredient of Chicken EXCEPT this fresh house made Apple & Peach Crisp all made from local apples and peaches!  The aromas of blackberry honey, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg will drive you wild!  …served warm along side a scoop of vanilla ice cream … how can you say no?

For the first weekend of Fall… join us at the Depot for another classic homestyle meal! It is truly “Fall Harvest Time” in Kittitas County.  Time to bring out moms’ favorite comfort food dishes!

Our famous “Mom’s Honest Meatloaf” is hand made from one of our mom’s best recipes!  We’ve added jumbo local organic garlic, celery, sweet onions and a ton of fresh herbs and spices.  Juicy and delicious! We’re serving it up four different ways – pick your favorite!

Meatloaf Weekend Menu:

1.) Blue Plate Classic – Homestyle Mom’s Honest Meatloaf – served up with fresh green beans, buttery garlic mashed potatoes and natural beef gravy.

2.) Big Red’s Meatloaf Plate – our famous meatloaf smothered in a rich beefsteak tomato and herb sauce!  Served up with farm fresh green beans and buttery garlic mashed potatoes.

3.) A Real Meatloaf Sandwich – thick cut slab of our meatloaf is grilled up hot on French bread with mayo and beefsteak tomatoes.  (just $4.95!)

4.) Herbed Juicy Meatloaf Sandwich – grilled with melted cheddar on French bread with our herbed garlic cream cheese, fresh cut beefsteak tomatoes and leafy lettuce!  (ask for extra napkins)

And from the Soup Pot:

This weekend we will feature a homemade classic – Creamy Turkey & Veggie Soup! Thick and rich with cream, local vegetables, garlic and herbs!

Top it all off with a Fall Harvest Peach Milkshake! End of season local peaches rich, sweet and delicious!

Wonder What’s Going On at the Depot Cafe?

For the past 9 weekends, our guests have been experiencing the finest and freshest, as Frank and Brian have been cooking up delicious homemade meals for visitors.
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Hand picking tomatoes, peppers and herbs, selecting the finest produce straight from the farms in Kittitas and Yakima Counties, and sourcing quality meats to prepare by hand in-house. Slow roasted fresh turkey breast and roast beef, famous hand-pressed Depot Burgers and quarter pound gourmet hot dogs, garden veggie fests, and pasta sauces made without a can opener prepared with Frank and Brian’s flavorful recipes have been met with contented smiles and “What’s next?” questions. All of the proceeds from these weeks’ offerings have been donated to the Cascade Rail Foundation, as Frank and Brian have been volunteering their time during this trial period. So thank you to everyone who has enjoyed a meal, and know that every tasty morsel is contributing to a good cause.
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While you’re here, visit the Rail Museum or walk the 2,500 ft. interpretive trail. Remodeling of the Depot, built in 1909, was completed in 2006, and many people are excited to see this jewel of South Cle Elum return to operation!

On the “COLORS OF THE ITALIAN FLAG” Pasta Menu:

All entrees served up with a big chunk of housemade garlic bread!

1.) RED – A rich red sauce, spaghetti sauce style, full of fresh harvested local vegetables – with a splash of a local red wine.  Frank says, “My red sauces are hand made fresh – no can openers!”  Tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, tons of garlic and onions.  Then he adds carrots to sweeten, bright fresh flavors of red & green bell peppers, a hint of local hot chili pepper, then we pump it up with a ton of fresh vegetables… summer squash & zucchini, etc. Served either with, or without, our savory beefy garlic herb seasoned Jumbo Meatballs.

2.) WHITE – An incredible Turkey Breast Pasta in creamy garlic white sauce. Another famous Frank sauce – white wine, butter, lemon, garlic and heavy cream reduction bound with aged cheeses.  (“There’s more of course, but I ain’t tellin’!” says Frank.) Fresh local veggie flair added with green beans, summer squash, onions and mushrooms. Served over fun pasta.

3.) GREEN – A big “meal-maker” green salad, chock full of local veggies bursting with fresh flavor. Housemade dressings to top it off.

Flame Broiled, Hand Pressed Fresh GROUND BEEF Meets Locally Grown BEEFSTEAK TOMATOES!
That SUNDAY (We were closed Saturday, for the Cascade Rail Foundation Volunteers and Community Picnic that was held at the Depot on Saturday.)

These burgers were packed full of locally grown, locally harvested vegetables.

“The ginormous beefsteak tomatoes are hand picked by us in Wapato!” Frank & Brian

Everything is hand selected in the Lower Yakima Valley during the most important harvest time of our growing season! The current LYV bounty includes: incredible tomato varieties, tons chili peppers, garlic, sweet onions, summer squash, eggplant, potatoes, corn and melons! Everything is at their peak of freshness and flavors!

Eat Local Now!

Flame broiled gourmet beef, hand pressed patties by our chefs

MENU:

1. The “Never Enough Garlic… Burger” – with the roasted garlic herbed cream cheese and thick cut tomato slices, sautéed sweet onions with tons of garlic… will be killer! Melted swiss cheese over the onions on top of the burger …sprinkled with a little colorful fresh parsley to brighten flavors

2. The “No Burger Burger” – all sautéed local veggies and the cream cheese blend – chilled fresh Beefsteak tomatoes… lettuce… open-faced, a bright and colorful presentation… topped with aged “Cotija” (pr. co-TEE-ha) a Mexican style cheese that has a light parmesan flavor!

3. The “Picnic Burger” – mayo, lettuce, Yakima tomatoes & sweet onions, ketchup, mustard and locally made pickle relish from Mt. Vernon! Add Cheddar for a Cheesy Picnic

4. The “Who Let The Cows Out? Garden Patch Burger” – our ‘now famous’ flame broiled hand pressed beef patty smothered with thinly sliced cross-hatch cut fast sautéed local zucchini, summer squash, sweet onions, red & green bell peppers… then add melted swiss, beefsteak tomatoes and our housemade herbed mayo sauce! Topped with a little Queso fresco! Looks as incredible as it tastes.  Served open faced, a real “knife & fork” burger!

5. The “Bella Italiano Burger” - hand pressed burger patty, our burger bun is grilled with a fresh rosemary and garlic infused olive oil… freshly picked by the chefs, big beefsteak tomatoes are topped with fresh mozzarella ball slices, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil and a Balsamic Vinegar reduction! Bursting with bright fresh flavors and aromas!

6. The “$3.95 Burger” – meat & bun, then off to the “U-Dress It” condiment bar…

Order at the ‘bar’ and when you pick up your gourmet sandwiches, we have a selection of fun stuff to top them with… specialty mustards, hot sauces, etc

ADD ON our “Depot-Licous Potato Salad” – local potatoes are incredible right now. The Yukon Gold variety that Bouchey’s grows are over the top incredible… it is their own variety of potato that they developed… Yum!

Next Week: Pasta, Pasta, Pasta!!! Check back for details!

The weekend before that featured: It’s HARVEST TIME at farms in the surrounding areas, and Brian and Frank cruised the small family farms and local fresh produce markets to bring fresh-picked goodness in to that weekend’s Depot Cafe VEGGIE specials! (And for the carnivores out there, don’t worry, we had you covered with more of those quarter-pound monster dogs from Hempler’s in Bellingham that we sold out of a couple of weeks back. Scroll down if you want to learn more about those.)

THAT WEEKEND’S VEGGIE EXTRAVAGANZA MENU:

Harvest Grill Veggie Sandwich! several types of local summer squash, fresh bell peppers, onions, beefsteak tomatoes, and more, are rubbed with our herbed garlic oil and broiled, then served open faced with Queso Fresco cheese on a grilled stadium roll with a fresh made lemon & garlic herbed mayo.  Queso Fresco is a nice soft flavored Mexican cheese similar to a Monteray Jack

Herbed Cream Cheese Garden Sammy!  a classic killer raw vegetable sandwich with tons of thinly sliced local veggies lightly drizzled with our own Balsamic vinaigrette.  Served atop a freshly grilled stadium roll with our famous cream cheese spread with garlic, herbs and featuring local fresh oregano!

Grilled Tuscan Tomatoes!  We fire grill up locally picked Beefsteak Tomatoes and while still warm, top them “Caprese Style” drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, fresh mozzarella cheese and basil leaves!  Just a hint of sea salt and freshly cracked black peppercorns!  These tomatoes are bursting with flavors and have a wonderful aroma!  Depot-licious!

Roasted Garlic Vegetable Chili ~ the whole garden goes into this one!  Tons of locally harvested veggies simmered with roasted garlic, black beans, red kidney beans, Texas spices, local tomatoes, fire roasted bell peppers and we sneak in a couple of roasted jalapeno and serrano chili peppers!  All topped with chopped Beefsteak tomatoes and crumbled Cotija cheese ~ a Mexican aged cows milk cheese with a light Parmesan flavor!

For the carnivores – our famous Hempler’s gourmet hot dogs from Bellingham, WA!  2 ways:

- The 4th of July – on a classic grilled stadium roll goes yellow deli mustard, ketchup, locally made pickle relish and freshly chopped onions!

- The Railyard Dog!  Take our jumbo dog and grilled roll… then smother ‘em with our home made Roasted Garlic Vegetable Chili!!!  Topped with freshly diced Beefsteak tomatoes and Cotija cheese!  Off-the-charts incredible. Freshly sliced, house marinated* local jalapenos are free on request ~

(*these jalapenos are a super hot but tasty marinated jalapeno topping – made with oil, vinegar, onions, garlic, cilantro, jalapenos, serranos, and some hot dried chili peppers!  This blend of flavors will brighten up anyone’s day!)

The previous weekend we invited diners to “BEEF UP Lunch SUNDAY!” – Beef, slow roasted in-house, served up three savory ways! With FRESHLY PICKED LOCAL VEGGIES!!

Frank and Brian made a day trip to the Lateral A area out of Yakima to hand pick and hand select product for the soup on Sunday. It was Awesome!!! It’s the MAJOR “produce row” of the Yakima valley. Beautiful, fresh product and they stopped in at a couple of organic U-pick farms as well. “Veggie Quest” updates were posted at the Depot Cafe’s page on Facebook.

Sunday’s Menu:
Roast Beef Depot Dip sweet onions and melted swiss cheese served with natural au jus
Beefy Depot
Cheesesteak Sandwich sweet onions, red & green peppers and melted swiss
Harvest Time Vegetable Beef Soup packed with local veggies hand picked and hand selected by Brian & Frank! Slow simmered to bring out all the natural goodness.
Wapato Peach Milkshakes

IT WAS ANOTHER SELL OUT WEEKEND!! Last week guests enjoyed “The HOT Dog Days of Summer” in South Cle Elum! We offered 5 distinct gourmet hot dogs and sausages, starting at just $3.95, along with a lighter fare option.

Locally made Hempler’s gourmet hot dogs… these are truly unlike any other hot dog you can purchase.  Made in Bellingham, WA, by a traditional sausage company “Hempler’s” since 1934.  These dogs are HUGE, four to a pound and 6″ inches in length, these bun busters rock!  We served them up on grilled Stadium Rolls, a classic touch.

The Hempler’s dogs, made from a time-tested  family recipe passed down through the generations from its 1800′s origins in Borken, Germany, are gluten free and contain NO MSG … even better, they are bursting with juicy flavor, more than any other hot dog we have ever tasted!

That Weekend’s Menu:

1. “The Chicago” – locally grown beefsteak tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and garlic tossed with white wine vinegar, olive oil and cilantro!  This hand made Pico de Gallo topping adds a tasty, bright and fresh flavor!  $5.95
2. “The PBR Milwaukee” – sausage and beer!  Choose one of 4 varieties of smoked sausages from Jahr’s European Sausage Co. in Selah (while limited supply lasts!)  in Pabst Blue Ribbon from Milwaukee then smothering it with locally made fresh Sauerkraut!  We then top everything with deli mustard and chopped onions!  Incredible!  $6.95
3. “The St. Paul Grill” – this monster dog is topped with grilled sliced mushrooms, local sweet onions, red bell peppers, garlic and herbs.  Bursting with flavor!  $5.95
4. “The Pacific” - a true dog lovers dog… our gourmet hot dog is accompained with mustard, ketchup, green relish and onions!  $4.95
5. “The Depot Dog” - just a plain Stadium Roll and our bun bustin’ hot dog!  as always, our Depot specials start at $3.95!
6. Add a side - For just a little more… we are serving freshly house made Depot Picnic Macaroni Salad!  We will also serve Tim’s Cascade Chips – perfect with every dog! $1.00 more for your choice of Macaroni Salad or Tim’s® Chips
7. And for the lighter fare selection – Gazpacho… tasty on a hot day for those that want something light (due to the recent egg recall, we will not be serving the quiche as advertised)
8. Fresh Peach Milkshakes! -Killer milkshakes – Lower Valley Wapato Peaches! Flavorful extra ripe local peaches are hand cut slow simmered down and added to our famous hand dipped milkshakes!

We are striving every week to get the freshest, local fruits and veggies in our area.  Hand picked when we can and always each and every menu item is hand selected by us.  We actually personally ‘forage’ throughout the state for our weekly products, we touch, feel, smell, taste BEFORE we buy a single item.  We do not use mega-giant commercial food purveyors like everyone else – then open their box or can.  Instead we go out to the farms, fields and growing regions to make our decisions.  “Farm to Fork” is actually true at our Cafe!

We will be serving from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sunday. The Rail Museum will be open these same hours both days. Brian and Frank will once again be volunteering their time, so all the proceeds from this weekend’s food and beverage sales will be donated directly to the Cascade Rail Foundation. So enjoy an incredible deal on super high quality handmade foods, and support a great cause – and maybe get a little more familiar with the Rail Museum – while you’re at it!

The previous weekend’s special: Missing those beefy Depot Burgers?

We heard ya! Last weekend Brian and Frank fired up the char-grill in the kitchen! (Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 14-15).

They served up a “basic” burger (starting at just $3.95!), a cheeseburger using cheddar or Swiss, a mushroom burger using fresh mushrooms (NO cans!) and they hit the local fresh markets for something special…

The weekend before that we served up “Rail Hopper Po’Boys” – a specialty sandwich featuring slow roasted turkey and beef.

You got the sandwich starting at just $3.95. Dressed for $5.95 or could make it “The Hobo Combo” with the Dressed Rail Hopper Po’Boy, Depot Baked Beans and Housemade Cole Slaw for $7.95.

Guests also tried our homemade granola over yogurt. And could add on: hand-dipped milkshakes in your favorite flavor choice of chocolate, vanilla or strawberry; coffee, water or pop.

Brian and Frank are currently donating their time, so all of the proceeds for these weekends are donated directly to the Cascade Rail Foundation!

The weekend before that we served slow roasted bottom round roast in your choice of sandwiches, ranging from a super value beefy basic for $3.95 to one of our premium sandwiches with all the fixin’s, like our Depot Cheesesteak or Railyard Roaster Dip, and Frank whipped up a crowd pleasing house pasta salad with artichoke hearts and cucumber slices.

Brian hand picked fresh Washington blueberries right before the weekend to top the yogurt with homemade granola and to mix up in a fresh blueberry shake.

Another successful weekend, as we sold out of the beef!

And before that it was freshly roasted Turkey Breast Sandwiches, along with the yogurt with homemade granola, hand-dipped milkshakes and beverages. The response was good and people really enjoyed the fresh locally sourced ingredients.