Opened as The Lamplighter in Peddlers’ Alley Waterville over 30 years ago, the eatery, now located in Perry’s Landing in Perrysburg, is known as the Extra Virgin Lamplight Café & Bakery, is a quaint place for breakfast, brunch or lunch. The charming cafe serves up typical breakfast favorites with a unique take on some classic dishes. With a cozy indoor dining area that seats just over 50, there is an additional outdoor patio seating for use with cooperating weather.
Inside, warm natural lighting and the hum of a kitchen hard at work provide a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy a morning meal. Minimal decor and a straightforward menu allows the food to speak for itself.
A history within the community
Over 30 years ago, The Lamplighter was opened and operated by the Haas family. Jim Haas, who was involved with the Anthony Wayne School District for many years as an educator and administrator, moved the cafe to its current location in the early 90s and popularity grew among Perrysburg locals.
Haas, followed by his children, worked hard serving the community, especially during the holidays – working overtime to fulfill bakery orders. In late 2016, his children decided to pursue other ventures and the cafe was sold to Extra Virgin Food Services, which has many years of experience offering corporate and student dining, vending solutions, catering and consulting throughout Northwest Ohio. Renovations to the restaurant included updating the interior and expanding the kitchen and bakery, which they finished for the restaurant’s reopening in 2017.
The special ingredient
One central and important ingredient that ties it all together is olive oil – hence the cafe’s “Extra Virgin” namesake. Displayed on the cafe wall is an explanation, “Extra virgin olive oil is derived from the first pressing of the olives and has the most delicate flavor, strongest antioxidant benefits and it is a staple ingredient in our kitchen.”
All day breakfast or lunch
The menu offers an appealing selection of both breakfast and lunch options including omelettes and benedicts with several options to choose from, including the Farmer’s Market Omelette, with fresh bacon, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, asparagus and cheese, and The Commodore Benedict, with poached eggs, lobster and Old Bay seasoning served on an English muffin with Hollandaise sauce.
RELATED: Swanky Scoops Ice Cream is a Soon to be Staple
Along with a handful of specialty selections like the Bagel & Lox Platter, Brendan’s Breakfast Burrito with eggs, bacon, onion, cheese and Hollandaise sauce or the Quiche Lorraine with bacon, onion, spinach and Swiss cheese. The menu offers
the usual breakfast favorites such as pancakes, french toast, bacon and sausage as well. Coffee lovers have unique iced coffee flavors to sip on.
For lunch, there are a variety of sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads to choose from, including a fresh Lobster Roll, Lamplight Burger and the Mediterranean Wrap – packed full of chicken, veggies and a delightful Tzatziki sauce.
Eater’s choice
The Signature Potato Balls with Sriracha aioli are a must order. No surprise that they are highly recommended by the servers, described as hash browns, sour cream, cheddar, onion and bacon rolled into a ball, breaded with panko crumbs and deep-fried. The potato balls are crisp on the outside, cheesy on the inside and packed full of flavor.
For a sweet treat, try a gigantic cinnamon roll. Larger than the plate, composed of light and fluffy dough with sweet cinnamon filling and a rich drizzle of icing, the cinnamon roll is the perfect way to end the Lamplight Café experience.
Extra Virgin Lamp Light Café & Bakery. 121 W Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. 419-874-0125 or evfoodservices.com. Open every day from 7 am to 2:30 pm.
