Flavors from around the world with an unparalleled atmosphere to match is what you will find in Dan Duris’ Gypsy Café—a charming casual restaurant known for its exotic cuisine with a New England twist. It’s a can’t-miss destination for anyone who visits Lincoln, New Hampshire, nestled in the White Mountains near the Appalachian Trail and the Loon Mountain ski resort.
Dan, who co-owns the restaurant with his mother Claire, has traveled extensively and loves recreating the dishes he has experienced in other cultures. He prides himself on bringing cuisine from around the world together in a way that works for his customers who include local regulars as well as the seasonal tourists who flock to the area for sports and outdoor activities.
Thai, Indonesian, Mediterranean, Ethiopian and Asian flavors are all represented on Gypsy Café’s diverse lunch and dinner menu—not to mention a number of desserts such as Chocolate Trifle made daily by Claire. Menu favorites include Egyptian Brussel Sprouts, flash-fried with hazelnut feta dipping sauce, and Japanese Spiced Salmon, oven roasted in seven-spice honey, topped with crunchy rice flakes and served on a wasabi cream sauce. But it’s Dan’s latest addition to the menu, his creation for the Neighborhood to Nation Recipe Contest, that’s sure to have customers raving.
Dan’s Waffled Salmon with Spicy Orange Maple Sauce is a twist on fish and chips that starts with Gold Medal™ Belgian Waffle Mix to create a savory Belgian waffle batter to dip salmon into. It is served with a sauce that is the perfect blend of sweet, with local maple syrup, and tart, thanks to orange juice concentrate. “The Gold Medal mix helps to make the dish foolproof,” says Dan. “Even with the delicate process and steam from putting a fish in the center of the waffle the finished product comes out light, fluffy, with a crispy exterior every time.”
This type of creativity is likely no surprise to those who visit the Gypsy Café. Beyond the menu of unique and distinctive dishes, Dan’s artistry can be seen in the intricate tile mosaics throughout the restaurant. Since purchasing the space 10 years ago, he and local artists have added new installations each year—yet one more reason the restaurant is such a big draw in the area.
Gypsy Café is proud to be part of a rich arts community and is an avid supporter of many local organizations, happily donating meals and participating in fundraising activities. However, Dan is quick to acknowledge “for as much as we support the community, it is the community that supports us.”
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Address: 117 Main Street, Lincoln, New Hampshire (population: 1,662) Website: http://www.gypsycaferestaurant.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gypsy-Cafe-210317411084/?fref=ts