Everyone knows Victoria’s Delights as that quaint European bistro located in the heart of downtown Oxford.
But what everyone may not know is how deeply committed owner Victoria Connolly is to keeping the local economy strong, the environment clean and her customers healthy.
‘I’m trying to practice what I preach,? said Connolly, who’s 12-year-old 12 S. Washington St. restaurant and catering business is one of the few downtown business that recycles.
When it comes to vegetables, you won’t find a local eatery that offers a fresher, more organic variety from the lettuce and tomato on a sandwich to the redskin potatoes sitting next to a piece of wild caught Alaskan salmon.
Connolly said with all the food recalls and concerns about pesticides, both she and customers feel better when they know exactly where their food’s coming from.
Last year, Victoria’s Delights, a popular spot for lunch and dinner, began partnering with the garden program at Crossroads for Youth, a nonprofit agency in Oxford that helps troubled youth.
Connolly’s mother, Kathy, is among the certified Master Gardeners who teach the kids how to grow a variety of summer favorites such as tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, onions, cucumbers, gourds, sunflowers, corn and potatoes.
‘I found it extremely exciting to work with the kids,? she said. ‘They have a huge garden there and it was very successful last year.?
Kathy said the program helps expose kids, many of whom comes from urban environments, to gardening and the benefits of raw vegetables. ‘It’s increasingly important to know where your food comes from,? she said.
The garden grows enough to supply the kitchens at Crossroads and Victoria’s Delights. In return, Connolly, who was named Crossroads Volunteer of the Year in 2007, donates time teaching culinary classes, so the kids experience food from the seed to the table.
Offering her customers healthy dining choices has always been important to Connolly. That’s why she offers some vegetarian dishes and lean cuts of meat.
‘I’ve always been on the healthier end without being on the granola-crunching fringe,? Connolly said. ‘I’ve never deep-fried anything here or served trans fats.?
That’s why on her new dinner menu Connolly’s offering a quarter-pound wild caught Pacific salmon burger ($7.95) and a 1/3-pound buffalo burger ($9.95), both served on a whole wheat Kaiser bun.
‘Bison’s a good clean meat that’s chemical-free and shown to help lower cholesterol, and the salmon’s fresh and high in Omega 3,? she said. ‘It’s something healthy and different from your regular burger and fries.?
For those diners who crave smaller portions and affordable prices, Connolly added a selection of ‘Lite Bites? to her dinner menu. Customers can choose any of 10 entrees including various crepes and quesadillas, pasta, smoked salmon pizza and mini crab cakes. Prices range from $3.50 to $7.95.
To help keep things organic and healthy in the kitchen, Connolly hired Katie Hummel, the former executive sous-chef at Mind, Body and Spirits in Rochester.
A student of natural medicine, culinary arts and using food for healing, Hummel specializes in creating dishes that revolve around customers dietary needs from gluten-free to vegetarian/vegan.
Having been raised on a farm in Casco Township, St. Clair County, Hummel understands the importance of serving foods that are both fresh and local. ‘I don’t know of any other restaurants in the area that are supporting organic items like Victoria’s.?
Victoria’s Delights is also a big proponent of buying and selling Michigan products whenever it can. The eatery’s a frequent customer of Dearborn Meats and Eastern Market.
Even the restaurants adult beverage selection contains 10 Michigan wines and 10 Michigan beers. ‘I’m doing my best to support the local economy,? Connolly said.
When she recently remodeled the front of her building, she used Valley Building and Repair and Pioneer Door, both from Oxford, and the Lake Orion-based Pine Tree Lighting. She also used LW Design, of Oxford, for her signage and Kate Kogelman, of the Oxford-based Fauxscapes Studio, for her painted brick facade.
Victoria’s Delights isn’t just a place to eat, it’s also a place to learn. The bistro offers monthly cooking classes for $35 per session or three for $90. There are also wine classes for $25 per session or three for $60.
‘We’re trying to stay diversified,? Connolly said. Planning a party, shower or wedding, don’t forget Victoria’s Delights offers first-class, professional catering at affordable prices. Victoria’s can even host private parties on Sundays.
For more information about Victoria’s Delights visit www.victoriasdelights.com or call (248) 969-3477.