Junk Ditch Co brunch. GK Chocolate Doughnuts, Chicken and Waffles, and Croque Madame complemented with a Mimosa.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to brunch on weekends. Preferably with a bloody Mary or mimosa in hand. So imagine my delight when Junk Ditch Brewing Company opened its doors for brunch this past Saturday and Sunday. There was no fanfare, no grand announcement, yet there wasn’t an empty table in the place. My husband and I were able to find some great spots at the bar where we shared in the community feel, chatting with other patrons and the incredibly friendly bar staff. It's no surprise that they were busy despite their discreet opening as they have quite the fan following!
Junk Ditch is affiliated with Affiné Hospitality, which has brought us the amazing Affiné Food truck (pronounced ah-feen-nei) that can be found cruising around the area bringing us mouthwatering Banh Mi creations and locally sourced fare. Affiné joined the food trucks on the streets of Fort Wayne four years ago with the goal of eventually adding a brick and mortar restaurant to its fleet. In order to whet the appetites of its loyal fan base, partners Andrew Smith, Dan Campbell, and Jack May commandeered the kitchen of the Green Frog Inn for Sunday brunch for several months this past year serving up Junk Ditch brunch that was beyond amazing and slightly addicting! (I’m pretty sure I attended most, if not all, of their brunches.) Their years of hard work has manifested with the addition of Junk Ditch Brewing Co at 1825 W. Main Street.
Named for the ditch that winds behind the building, Junk Ditch Brewing Company kept an industrial theme throughout the restaurant with wide open spaces, exposed brick walls, and a distressed feel that compliments their menu and style perfectly. While Junk Ditch will offer brunch, lunch, dinner, and late night dining (you can check out the hours here), I am here to tell you all about the brunch!
Served from 10-2PM on Saturday and Sunday the brunch consists of delicious culinary concoctions such as Croque Madame, Potato Rosti, Chicken and Waffles, and Benedict…as in eggs, not Arnold. The pastries as well as all the bread are freshly made from scratch by Grace Kelly owner of GK Baked Goods and fiancée of partner Jack May. The entire menu is locally sourced in a farm to fork concept that is quickly becoming the trend in Fort Wayne. Pictured here is our brunch of choice in the new digs. Chicken and Waffles, Croque Madame, Chocolate Doughnuts (the cinnamon roll was sold out, because it is life changing!). While all the dishes we tried were tasty, the chicken and waffles were beyond amazing. I mean it's fried chicken and a sweet potato waffle topped with orange, maple, parsley, and sambal…how can you not?
While I had a mimosa for brunch, obviously you will have noticed the “Brewing” in the title. Junk Ditch offers a full selection of craft beers on tap and will have one of their own beers available for their Grand Opening. Serving 72 guests at a time, they plan on not taking reservations initially so be prepared to wait or cozy up to the bar.
Although they are currently open, Junk Ditch’s official Grand Opening is this Friday, so be sure to check them out. Hopefully I will see you there for weekend brunch as well. Cheers!
