Polk County itemizer observer., May 18, 2016, Page 7A, Image 7

Polk County
Living
Polk County Itemizer-Observer • May 18, 2016 7A
Claudia Austin-Prevost
serves coffee, quiche and
scones to guests on a
Wednesday morning. The
Buena Vista House Cafe
and Lodging is open five
days a week for breakfast
or early lunch. Food is
made from local, fresh in-
gredients by Austin-Pre-
vost.
EMILY MENTZER/
Itemizer-Observer
FIND YOURSELF AT BUENA VISTA HOUSE
Claudia Austin-Prevost creates country hide-away with secluded gardens, delicious meals
By Emily Mentzer
The Itemizer-Observer
BUENA VISTA — Tucked
away in the small town of
Buena Vista lays a haven
away from the everyday
hustle and bustle.
Inside Buena Vista House
Café and Lodging, guests
are welcome for the morn-
ing or the weekend by Clau-
dia Austin-Prevost, who has
truly created a home away
from home.
The café was opened in
1997 by Claudia and her
husband, Dave, after they
restored the 120-year-old
home. Lodging was added
in 2000.
The first five years, the
couple didn’t do much in
the way of advertising or
spreading the word about
the café and lodging.
“Typically, they were just
lost,” Claudia said. “They
were so damn glad to see
anything at that point, they
would eat whatever I gave
them.”
Claudia is a master in the
kitchen, using whole grain
flours and buttermilk to cre-
ate delicate scones, or sea-
sonal produce in a delicious
quiche.
Guests may enjoy break-
fast from 7 to 11 a.m. Satur-
day through Wednesday, but
dinners are all by reserva-
tion. Claudia wants people
to RSVP so they know exact-
ly what they will get.
Also, it helps her cater to
someone’s specific dietary
needs, like people who pre-
fer not to eat gluten or who
are vegetarians.
Overnight guests are
treated to Airlie wine and
appetizers upon arrival, and
espresso and pastries in the
morning.
Claudia loves to make all
her guests feel at home, re-
gardless of how long they
choose to stay in her little
piece of home.
Claudia and David creat-
ed a unique space in Polk
County, something she said
she enjoys — and she loves
watching other people enjoy.
For more on the cafe and
lodging, see Explore Polk
County in the May 25 Item-
izer-Observer.
EMILY MENTZER/ Itemizer-Observer
A resident cat relaxes near the wood stove, which is used to create wood-fired pizza
and other goodies. Claudia Austin-Prevost often collaborates with the Bread Board.
EMILY MENTZER/ Itemizer-Observer
EMILY MENTZER/ Itemizer-Observer
The garden at Buena Vista House Cafe and Lodging is carefully maintained to provide
fresh ingredients for owner Claudia Austin-Prevost’s culinary creations.
Butterscotch scones are made with whole grain flours, and are delightfully light in tex-
ture. Paired with fresh fruit and coffee, these scones are a perfect second breakfast.
Only $35
Year Subscription
delivered
to your door!
147 SE Court St., Dallas, OR • 503-623-2373 • www.polkio.com