Dan Duris, the co-owner and chef of the charming Gypsy Café in Lincoln, N.H., brings artistry to every dish – and every wall – in his restaurant. Not only does he design the menu, packed with unique dishes created from scratch with local, seasonal ingredients, Duris also creates vivid artwork for the restaurant’s walls, ceilings and tables to give customers a truly memorable experience.
Twelve years ago, Duris was a prep cook at a local brewery and restaurant and his mom was retiring as an auditor. They brought their mutual passion for creative dining and fun experiences together when they purchased the Gypsy Café, which features world cuisine with a creative twist. The charming spot is nestled in the White Mountains close to the Appalachian Trail.
Duris developed the “very popular” Bacon Corn Johnny Cakes with Maple Drizzle as a dish that would be well-received throughout the day, wanting to offer “something with flavor, that was unique and could be executed in a busy restaurant.” In this award-winning dish, Duris starts with Gold Medal™ Corn Muffin Mix to streamline production and creates a towering twist on traditional Johnny cakes with the addition of bacon, corn and fresh basil.
One of the winners in the 2016 Neighborhood to Nation Recipe Contest, Duris chooses to use General Mills products “all the time – both for savory dishes as a main component or as a side and for the house-made desserts” that his mother makes to much acclaim.
“We are a family-run business that tries to give customers the best dining experience possible. We create original dishes with big flavors that are all made in house with a colorful, unique environment,” he added, when discussing what makes his restaurant so special.
In addition to donating meals and participating in fundraising activities, Duris believes in "supporting the community whenever we can." As the North East Regional Recipe Winner in the 2018 Neighborhood to Nation Recipe Contest, Duris will receive $5,000 as well as $1,000 to share with a local nonprofit. He has chosen Jean’s Playhouse, a non-profit performing arts center that offers year-round production of high-quality performances and is a valuable part of the Lincoln-Woodstock community.