Vincennes, Indiana, is the site of our state’s first university, first newspaper and first bank. It’s also home to a charming lunch spot where you’ll be tempted to eat your dessert, you guessed it, first. 

Pea-fections, located in Vincennes’ downtown, just steps from the George Rogers Clark Memorial, is a culinary mecca for foodies with a sweet tooth. There are so many delectable dessert options — from a variety of specialty cheesecakes, to a Strawberries ‘n’ Cream Torte, to bread pudding, to Chocolate Bar a la Mode —Pea-fections’ classic take on chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream (pictured at left). 

Bill and Becky Pea (thus the restaurant’s name) started in quaint eatery in 1996. Becky, a Vincennes native, graduated from Purdue University’s restaurant program and Johnson and Wales University’s baking and pastry program. Bill, also a graduate of the Johnson and Wales baking and pastry program, was chief cook and bakery supervisor with the U.S. Marines. 

Bill and Becky have created a menu that shows that soup, salad and sandwiches don’t have to be ho-hum. Bill lends his name to a smoked turkey, cheddar, lettuce, hard-boiled egg, mayo and onion “Creation” and the Texas Pita combines chicken, cheddar, homemade salsa, tortilla chips, along with Southwest mayo, lettuce and ranch dressing on pita bread. Pea-fections’ salad menu is extensive and varied, with choices like California Cobb Salad, Pear and Pecan Salad, and Greek Salad. Homemade soups include Broccoli Cheese and Tomato Basil.

Pea-fections is available for private dinner parties, and wedding and baby showers. It can also cater your special events.

If you go — Pea-fections:

321-323 Main St., Vincennes

812-886-5146 or 812-886-9177

Hours:

Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

(Lunch: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Limited lunch menu: 2–4:30 p.m.)

Saturday:10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Lunch: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.) 

www.pea-fections.com