The Morgan House in Dublin, Ohio has perfected the ladies luncheon. This historic restaurant opened in 1985 in a log cabin originally owned by Civil War Veteran John Hunt Morgan. The cabin was dismantled at its original location and rebuilt on the 5-acre property where The Morgan House sits today. Over the past thirty years, additions have been made to accommodate a second dining room and an extensive gift shop.
Location: 5300 Glick Road, Dublin, [amazon_textlink asin=’1402733828′ text=’Ohio’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e0d2617c-c64f-11e8-b090-09a11a6b3705′]
Menu: An uncomplicated, yet interesting menu means everyone is pleased. There are simple salads and sandwiches that look and sound familiar for the safe eater, as well as a few creative surprises, for the more adventurous epicurean. I would be surprised if anyone leaves The Morgan House disappointed.
A soup of the day is offered, along with the signature Morgan House soup, a thick, cream-based soup with celery, onions, mushrooms, white wine, and black wild rice featuring dominant flavors of sherry and curry. It is a delicious combination of complimentary flavors. Yet, if the ingredients weren’t listed on the menu you might not be able to identify them by the taste alone.
People travel for miles to get the Morgan House chicken salad, served either on a bed of greens as a salad, on a croissant as a sandwich, or in the Basket Lunch, in combination with the soup. The Seafood Salad with shrimp, scallops and surimi crab is extra special because of the tarragon-mustard vinaigrette dressing.
The “Hidden” sandwich is an open-faced ham and turkey on rye with swiss cheese, hidden under a blanket of iceberg lettuce and thousand island dressing. It is a variation on a Reuben. A traditional Rueben is also offered.
Mini-muffins are served complimentary to guests as the hostess seats each party. This small bite satisfies nicely while reviewing the menu. The restaurant is often crowded, and while service is good, the establishment makes sure no one goes hungry waiting to order on a busy day.
Beer, wine, and liquor are served.
Thoughts: What’s so special about a ladies luncheon? Perhaps it is the date with an old girlfriend, where the food is important, but the real objective is to catch up on each other’s lives and solve all the world’s problems. Or, maybe it’s a time to get the neighborhood ladies together for a good chat. The warm, country atmosphere, a fire in the fireplace, attentive service that is not rushed, possibly a cocktail, and the company of good friends make The Morgan House is just the right place for Ladies Who Lunch.
Shopping is another reason to explore The Morgan House. In addition to the two dining rooms, several rooms of gift items and home accessories have been added through the years. No reservations are taken for lunch, so expect to put your name on the list, then browse until you are called. An extensive variety of edible items are on display, many sourced from small purveyors that you can’t find everywhere. Lots of unique gift items make this a great location to come to stock up on hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, to fill Easter baskets, or discover interesting items for your own home and pleasure. Every season and holiday are celebrated, making a meet up at The Morgan House an annual occasion for many groups of ladies.
Men are welcome at the Morgan House too and will find many menu options to please a hearty appetite.
There is no regular dinner service, but private parties of 25-110 people may reserve the dining room for dinner.
Price Range: $9-$18
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