December 2022 Palate Passion: Tate's Umapine Mercantile

Column Courtesy of Roy Elia

It has been so much fun to share some of the pleasant dining experiences I have had in Milton-Freewater over the last several weeks. But it's nice to know that those occasions can be enjoyed on the outer fringe of the community as well.

One such stop lies just seven miles out of Milton-Freewater - Tate's Mercantile in Umapine. Tate's possesses all the characteristics you'd expect from a seductive, small-town establishment. It's cozy, comforting, and caressable.

I would highly recommend the loaded omelet or the strawberry-stuffed French toast if you are stopping in for breakfast. The loaded omelet includes chopped onions, sausage, ham and cheese within the confines of not one, not two, but three eggs. Fried potatoes and toast play a key role in complementing the plate's eye-catching allure. The strawberry-stuffed French toast offers just that - sliced strawberries within multiple half-slices of French toast topped by a snow-flurry's worth of powdered sugar.

You may have these items on your mind one day but, on said day, your morning slumber might extend close to the noon hour. No need to fret.

Tate's offers terrific lunch items such as the Cowboy burger. Its calling cards include cheddar cheese, bacon, and grilled onions on top of a half-pound patty. Lettuce, a sliced tomato, a pickle portion, and chips are alongside for a more adventurous person seeking to build a bigger burger.

Then there are those Friday nights when one may want to consume in style. Tate's offers a ready-for-prime-time prime rib that is a sure-fire way to kick off the weekend. The prime rib is delivered to your table with a dish-supporting cast of a vegetable, bread, potatoes, au jus, and sour cream.

So, the next time you venture outside of Milton-Freewater looking to fork, knife, and spoon your way to prosperity, pay a visit to Tate's Mercantile in Umapine.