By Richard G. Biever
A year ago, a cloud of uncertainty hung over the future of the fertile u-pick fields and home-style meals of Joe Huber’s Family Farm & Restaurant. The iconic agritourism destination atop the rolling knobs of Starlight was brought to a very public auction by a division in the family-run business.
But after the final gavel, Huber fans in the greater Louisville region heaved a collective sigh of relief. A group within the Huber family was able to purchase the heart of the business started in 1967 by family patriarch, the late Joe Huber, and matriarch, wife Bonnie. “We never skipped a beat,” said Huber’s granddaughter, Terra Huber-Mahan, director of sales and marketing. The restaurant remained open through it all. “They would be so proud their legacy was saved for all our customers,” Terra said.
The restaurant started in 1983. It was among the nation’s first “farm-to-table” restaurants. But the Hubers weren’t trying to be trendy: just making food the way they were taught on the farm. That “true to the roots” way of preparing the meals remains at the restaurant. Terra notes everything is freshly prepared and made from scratch.
The menu includes Huber Honey Ham, Chicken and Dumplings, a variety of fresh vegetables, and homemade pies and cobblers. In the fall, ever-popular Waldorf fruit salad is added to the menu.
Many of the recipes are based on Bonnie’s favorites and those of Mary Huber, Joe’s mom, from back in the 1920s. Bonnie’s country fried chicken features a secret ingredient that makes it some of the region’s best — crunchy, golden, and juicy. This time of year, especially, it goes perfectly alongside a Huber hallmark: fried biscuits with apple butter.
The restaurant offers carry-out and also provides catering services up to a 50-60 mile radius. In addition, there’s a farm market, soda and ice cream shop, and gift shop. A mini farm/playground includes pony rides and the chance for families to feed fish and ducks.
Autumn events at the farm include a maze and pumpkin patch with wagon rides. As in the past, pumpkin sales benefit the WHAS Crusade of Children, which raises funds to provide services for special needs children. This coming December, a holiday show and dinner will be added to its menu.
RICHARD G. BIEVER is senior editor of Indiana Connection.
If you go …
Joe Huber’s Family Farm and Restaurant
Address: 2421 Engle Road, Borden (Starlight), IN 47106
Phone: 812-923-5255
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
JoeHubers.com
