Destination Dining: Kelly Jae’s Cafe

Exposed-brick walls and an original vaulted tin ceiling lend an urban feel to this tiny Northern Indiana restaurant. Co-owner and executive chef Kelly Jae Graff dishes out trendy plates to match, from wickedly fluffy corn-and-crab beignets to smoldering yellowfin tuna atop a wasabi-cream seaweed salad. The self-taught Graff seems to find inspiration from every great culinary region, creating a diverse menu where Asian spring rolls and lamb meatballs share the table in the tapas-style setup. A melt-in-your-mouth, 9-ounce filet perched atop crisp shiitake mushrooms and smothered in truffle butter masquerades as a dish you’re only supposed to nibble, and the crisp Korean-fried Brussels sprouts and cauliflower are nearly the size of your head. You will want to try them all, and you should. Just unbutton the top of your jeans and enjoy the parade of dishes while knocking back a light, refreshing cocktail. 133 S. Main St., Goshen, 574-537-1027

Hours

Tues.–Thurs. 5:30–8 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5:30–9 p.m.

Drive Time

3 hours

Know Before You Go

Visit during Goshen’s monthly downtown block party, First Friday, and make a night of it.

What’s Your Hurry?

Rent bikes from Lincoln Avenue Cycling and hit the 25-mile Pumpkinvine Nature Trail that connects Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana. Bonus: Amish buggy sightings. 430 W. Lincoln Ave., Goshen, 574-533-7425