Nestled in the charming Malletts Bay area of Colchester, Vermont, Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe emerges as a delightful culinary destination. For Jean-Luc Matecat, chef and co-owner, this cafe marks not just a restaurant opening, but the realization of a long-held dream. Having officially opened its doors on May 29th, Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe is quickly becoming a local favorite, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere alongside a menu brimming with approachable and delicious fare.
Owners Lindsay and Jean-Luc Matecat, the husband-and-wife team behind Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe in Colchester, Vermont, showcasing their passion for local cuisine.
For Chef Matecat, a Vermont native with over 25 years of kitchen experience, Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe represents a significant milestone – his first restaurant ownership. The welcoming ambiance immediately puts patrons at ease, inviting them to savor not only the food but also the experience of dining in a space crafted with genuine passion. During a recent visit, the simple pleasure of sitting at the counter with a hot coffee, observing the kitchen staff in action, highlighted the authentic restaurant experience Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe delivers.
The breakfast sandwich, a featured item, perfectly encapsulates the cafe’s philosophy: quality ingredients, expertly prepared, and offered at accessible prices. This particular sandwich, boasting a fried egg, cheddar cheese, roasted mushrooms, and arugula on a toasted brioche bun, was not only satisfying but also remarkably affordable at just $6 (with mushrooms adding a mere $1.50 to the base $4.50 price). This commitment to value without compromising quality is a cornerstone of Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe.
Adding to the cafe’s appeal is its ability to foster community connections. A chance encounter with a fellow patron, Chris Reed, revealed the cafe’s growing reputation. Reed, a bank officer and Colchester commuter, enthusiastically declared the chicken sandwich he’d enjoyed the previous day as the best he’d ever tasted. Returning to sample the breakfast menu, Reed’s breakfast tacos, priced at an agreeable $6 for two, further underscored the cafe’s commitment to affordability and deliciousness. This sentiment of value and quality resonates deeply with the local community, making Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe a welcoming space for all.
Affordability and community accessibility are indeed central to the Matecats’ vision for their new establishment. Jean-Luc Matecat’s culinary journey began in his youth, washing dishes at the renowned Common Man Restaurant in Warren, owned by his French-chef father, Patrick Matecat. This early immersion in the demanding environment of a French kitchen instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep respect for culinary craft. He fondly recalls the rigorous training, emphasizing the importance of speed and precision in a professional kitchen setting. His heritage also connects him to a lineage of service, with ancestors who served French royalty – a history that informs his passion for cooking and serving people.
Chef Matecat’s diverse culinary background spans various establishments, from inns and barrooms to chateaus and country clubs. This breadth of experience has shaped his culinary philosophy, leading him to appreciate the simple satisfaction of creating well-executed, comforting dishes. His time at ArtsRiot further solidified this realization, demonstrating that culinary joy can be found in both elaborate creations and classic comfort food. This philosophy is clearly reflected in the Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe menu, which balances familiar favorites with touches of culinary expertise.
The menu at Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe is designed to appeal to a broad range of tastes, featuring classic American breakfast and lunch options. Breakfast offerings include staples like eggs and home fries, breakfast sandwiches, waffles, and hash browns, setting the stage for a comforting start to the day. The lunch menu, available from 11 a.m., expands to include salads with options like grilled salmon or crispy fried chicken, alongside satisfying choices like crispy chicken and fried fish sandwiches, burgers, vegetable pitas, lobster rolls, and chili.
One of the more unique items on the menu is the Big Pac, an alpaca burger. This adventurous offering reflects Chef Matecat’s willingness to introduce diners to new and interesting flavors while maintaining a sense of approachability. Sourcing alpaca from Cas-Cad-Nac Farm in Perkinsville, Vermont, highlights his commitment to local and sustainable ingredients. Matecat’s expertise with alpaca extends beyond the cafe menu; he is also the author of The Cas-Cad-Nac Farm Cookbook, further demonstrating his knowledge and passion for this unique protein. Despite its slightly unconventional protein, the Big Pac is designed as a classic burger experience, complete with American cheese, secret sauce, pickles, and lettuce, ensuring a familiar and satisfying bite.
In the kitchen, Chef Matecat is supported by a dedicated team, including Matt Toll and Kyle Alber, both of whom he previously worked with at Vermont National Country Club. He recognizes the value of skilled line cooks in today’s culinary landscape, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and retaining talented kitchen staff. This focus on his team reflects his broader philosophy of care and community, extending from his staff to his patrons.
Balancing the demands of restaurant ownership with personal well-being is a priority for Chef Matecat. While he admits to still enjoying long workdays, he is consciously shifting his routine to accommodate the early morning hours required to prepare for the cafe’s 7 a.m. opening. These early hours are dedicated to “big projects,” such as crafting his signature sauces, showcasing his continued dedication to quality and flavor. This adjustment to a morning-focused schedule represents a positive shift, allowing him to maintain his passion for cooking while adapting to the rhythms of his new venture.
Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe is more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to Chef Jean-Luc and Lindsay Matecat’s dedication to creating a welcoming space that offers delicious, affordable food, rooted in community and culinary expertise. Whether you’re seeking a comforting breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or simply a warm and inviting atmosphere, Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe is a must-visit destination in Colchester, Vermont.
