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 Word of mouth advertising (no pun intended) recently encouraged us to
try a “down-home style” restaurant called the Cottage Inn.
Ida and Hugh Johnson, originally from Baltimore, Md., opened the Cottage
Inn about four years ago nearby in Lady Lake. They came to Florida in
1988 and operated other businesses in the Orlando area prior to opening
the Cottage Inn.
Hugh, who is a flying enthusiast, earned his pilot’s license at age 50.
Once their family was raised, they wanted to live in a “flying
community”, so they moved to this area and opened the restaurant.
 We enjoyed our lunch visit very much. It was very busy, and just about
every table was occupied, but the service was prompt and courteous.
While speaking with Mrs. Johnson, she invited us into the kitchen to
meet her husband, who was manning the grill. Later, we realized that
this was the first time that a private restaurant owner had invited us
into the kitchen to tour the facilities. Hugh proudly stated that every
time the health department dropped in for an inspection, they always
received a 100% rating. He also explained that all of their meat and
poultry is fresh, never frozen. He feels that freezing changes the
flavor, so they insist on cooking with fresh food only. All entrees,
soups and salads are prepared daily with fresh ingredients. Their
desserts are purchased from a bakery in Orlando.
I chose a salad entrée, which consisted of a whole, ripe, tuna-stuffed
tomato. It came on a bed of lettuce with Cole slaw and potato salad -
two of the several sides dishes that come with most entrees. There was
such an ample portion, that I was not able to finish it, even though it
was very tasty and freshly prepared.
My spouse selected the day’s special, which was baked chicken with
homemade cornbread and two sides (cinnamon apples and cole slaw) for
$6.45.
We arrived early to be sure that we could get a table. By 12:30, the
parking lot in front was full.
 The Cottage Inn is open Mon.-Sat. from 7AM until 2PM, serving breakfast
and lunch. The breakfast menu includes everything from French toast and
pancakes, to corned beef hash and omelettes, for about $3.00-$5.00
Lunch items; sandwiches, soups, burgers, melts and subs, are all
reasonably priced. They often feature pasta dishes, country fried steak,
and pork chops. A veggie plate and some seafood dishes complete their
menu, with prices ranging from $5 to $6.
This very popular restaurant is located at 340 Hwy. 27-441 in Lady Lake,
and it’s one of many small, local restaurants that is well worth a
visit.
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