The Iron Whisk serves up good times and incredible flavors

Last Saturday I was lured 45 minutes away to Cobden, Illinois, by the possibility of trying a limited time menu item at The Iron Whisk: The Violet Femme Dutch Baby. Their online menu describes a Dutch baby as an iron skillet puffed pancake, "like if an omelette married a crepe and had a baby." The name Violet Femme is a genius nod to the band The Violent Femmes, Pride Month and the locally-grown lavender they use in the cream. If they put that much thought and creativity into naming a menu item, I had no doubt the food would be a treat.

I sent them a message through their Facebook page to confirm they still had that dish on the menu and was informed they did, however, it was selling fast and there was no guarantee it would still be available upon my arrival. I asked about reservations and the expected wait to be seated. They do not take reservations and due to Father's Day weekend they estimated the wait could be as long as an hour. After perusing the rest of their breakfast/brunch focused menu options I was confident the drive would be well worth it regardless of what I selected.

It was a quick and relaxing drive from Cape Girardeau to Cobden. I can certainly understand why the route to the Bald Knob Cross is popular amongst Harley- Davidson motorcycle riders. I initially drove right past the small unassuming building but easily found my way back. The host put me on the list and I enjoyed a cold drink in the breezy patio area while I waited. Before I knew it, it was time to head inside. The first thing I noticed was the upbeat music, followed by the natural lighting and relaxed atmosphere.

Cut to the chase? OK, here goes ...

I tried the mocha Coco Loco beverage and (after eating healthy all week long) it was a rich, creamy dream come true. I admit, I am easy to please — if you concoct something involving coffee and whipped cream then toss it in a mug you will not be hearing any complaints from me.

The Iron Whisk offers delicious standards made with fresh ingredients and just enough of a culinary twist to add some pizazz.Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo

Next, I sampled their special sandwich: Jon Banh Mi Jovi. It was comprised of lightly toasted bread filled with pulled pork belly, fried egg, avocado, pickled daikon radish and carrot, cucumber, scallions, cilantro, jalapeno, mint chili mayo. The ingredients were fresh, crisp and packed with robust flavor. This may be one of the best sandwich options around on a warm summer day.

The Violet Femme was the perfect example of the Iron Whisk achieving their goal of combining creativity and the finest ingredients to take an everyday dish from ordinary to extraordinary. The baked pancake was served in an iron skillet and covered with whole blackberries in a lavender coconut sweet cheese with blackberry honey syrup, then sprinkled with toasted coconut. The lavender flavor was fully present on the palette yet delicately combined with the remaining ingredients for a truly satisfying brunch experience that left me regretting my decision not to order a mimosa.

The staff was friendly, the mood was light and airy, and the food left me eager for a return trip. Next time, I hope to see you there!

The Iron Whisk is located at 200 S. Front St. in Cobden.

They are open Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for breakfast and lunch. For more information, call (618) 893-1999 or visit their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

A Mocha Coco Loco at The Iron Whisk.Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo