All You Can Eat in Croton Falls

CROTON FALLS, N.Y. - The Croton Falls Fire Department’s annual Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast is expanding this year, both in menu and frequency. Perhaps in terms of waistline as well, since it is advertised as an all you can eat affair.

“We want to do it more often because it’s very popular," said Kay Petroff, who represents the 5 percent female membership of the department. "We’re aiming for three or four times a year.

“All of the firemen are on hand to cook and serve. Twenty or 25 men show up at 6:30 a.m. to starting preparing," she continued. "They put on their chef’s hats and put a lot of work into it. It’s a great community service opportunity for the Boy Scouts too. They do the cleaning up.”

The original Palm Sunday Breakfast was limited to pancakes. “Now it's turned into a true country breakfast,” says Petroff. “Pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast, hash browns, juice, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. We may even add fruit.

“This is our first January breakfast, so it’s a test of sorts. Let’s hope we don’t have a snow storm!”

Volunteer fireman Angelo D’Agostino weighed in on the purpose of the breakfast. “The proceeds go to the North Salem High School scholarship fund," he said. "Any student who volunteers to service the residents of North Salem is eligible.” D’Agostino used to organize the breakfast but passed the baton - or rather wooden spoon - to Petroff.

After 10 or so years of experience, what is his secret for perfect pancakes? “The big secret is Aunt Jemima,” he explained.

The All-You-Can-Eat Country Breakfast at the Croton Falls Firehouse is scheduled for Sunday, January 22, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Suggested donations are $10 for adults, $5 for children.

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