Debbie Croft: Lumberyard builds reputation for great food

When traveling amid the foothills from my home to Coulterville, and on to Groveland or Sonora, I drive through the community of Lake Don Pedro.

Lately I’ve seen a sign announcing, “World Famous Burgers.” I was skeptical until I asked around. According to Mariposa residents, The Lumberyard Café and Brew serves mouth-watering food with great customer service.

January is California’s Restaurant Month. And the Lumberyard is one example of what happens when determination merges with culinary expertise.

Restaurant owner, Steve Marquette first operated a hardware store and lumber yard in Lake Don Pedro. When the economy collapsed in 2006, he did some serious thinking.

“What do people need?” he asked himself.

Food and water were the answer. He tried selling groceries. But when he brought in a grill to cook burgers, business picked up.

Marquette heard that a restaurant in Vacaville closed. The owners accepted his offer of $1,800 for the fixtures, if he could clear the place in two days. He called all his friends who owned trucks. Together they brought back booths, walk-in refrigerators and salad bars.

The inside isn’t fancy, but it’s friendly. Mis-matched tables and chairs and a pool table provide a casual atmosphere. He has plans to add more seating and redecorate eventually.

The Lumberyard has become a favorite local hangout, especially when Marquette brings in live acoustic music. Outdoor seating is available, with boulders nearby for restless kids to climb on.

Less than a year ago chef Bill Mitchell joined Marquette. Mitchell helped make menu changes and clean up the place.

Both enjoy mingling with guests during business hours.

Local resident Debbie Cook is a regular customer. “On Friday nights,” she says, “my husband tells me, ‘You don’t have to cook. The Lumberyard has clam chowder.’”

Guests coming from the coast aren’t sure if a land-locked café can serve good clam chowder. But so far no one has been disappointed.

And the 1-pound Lumberjack burger, which sits at least 6-inches high on a place, is made with two half-pound patties – and doesn’t disappoint either. “The Black Angus certified Midwest beef is the best we can buy,” says Marquette.

Mitchell’s award-winning chili has earned ribbons in Groveland’s 49er Festival and Chili Cook-off.

The gourmet chef has been cooking since he was 18 years old. Working with executive chefs in Monterey and Santa Cruz improved his skills. More experience led to opportunities as a guest chef at California restaurants and wineries. He has lived in the foothills for 15 years and was the executive chef at the Hotel Jeffrey in Coulterville from 2003 to 2005.

He offers restaurant consulting and caters private gourmet dinners. His reputation preceded him when he joined Marquette. To Learn more about Mitchell culinary career, go to his website at www.privatedinnersbychefbill.com.

At The Lumberyard, though, Mitchell says, “It’s not gourmet – just great food.”

He claims it’s a magic act. The staff is small, and the kitchen doesn’t have a commercial range. He uses slow cookers to keep food warm. And diners are asked to clear their own tables.

But it’s the only eatery of its kind for miles around. Locals love the warm hospitality. “It’s like eating dinner at home,” Cook says.

Last week the horseshoe pit was replaced by additional parking spaces. Inside, the spacious cement floor is perfect for the tricycles and scooters in the back corner. Kids ride in between the dining tables, and nobody seems to mind.

The Lumberyard is at 3473 Merced Falls Road, one block east of Highway 132. Hours open are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. Call (209) 852-0146 for details.

Pasta on Thursday nights, and prime rib and clam chowder on Friday nights have proven to be big hits, according to customers I spoke with. And a special dinner menu is planned for Valentine’s Day.

So the next time you’re heading to Mariposa or Tuolumne County, consider stopping by The Lumberyard and get to know the two guys who are building a reputation for cooking up great food.

This story was originally published January 23, 2015 at 1:08 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Lumberyard builds reputation for great food."