When I didn't find a place at Founding Farmers, I headed down to another concept owned by the same group called Farmers & Distillers. Since I had to wait for 30 minutes, I opted to sit at the bar. The idea behind this innovative concept is what makes the place trendy at the moment: the restaurant of North Dakota's Farmers Union, where food is taken seriously using high end ingredients produced by the union members.
Welcoming you for a buffet brunch on weekends, Farmers & Distillers is a big restaurant decorated with lots of wood and the signature orange colors making the place feel like a cottage on the mountain.
At the bar I enjoyed the action and the joyful bartenders creating one drink at a time. Start with the farmer's iced tea, a special drink made of agave and tea. It's fresh, sweet and aromatic. Pay $30 and walk to the buffet to eat as much as you can.
At the buffet choose from a wide choice of regional selections. Kentucky style fried chicken meat balls, Pork ribs, salads, potato, a cooking station for freshly cooked eggs, applewood bacon, among others, before continuing to the dessert station. Homemade donuts, devil's food, lemon glazed donuts and several cakes to satisfy all cravings. I loved the double chocolate devil's cake.
The food is good and feels homey, loaded with regional flavors, spices, tender meat, fresh sandwiches and good eggs Benedict. In here, it's much more than the food, it's the mood, the staff and happy people pouring in at all times.
An inspirational concept, Farmers & Distillers, owned by the same group of two other concepts also well worth trying.
