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(Food) Stops from Chicago to Detroit

(Food) Stops from Chicago to Detroit
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  • Post #61 - October 16th, 2013, 7:50 pm
    Post #61 - October 16th, 2013, 7:50 pm Post #61 - October 16th, 2013, 7:50 pm
    We did trek to the Dunes this past summer. Stopped in Chesterton for sandwiches/burgers at Octave Grill. Small spot and do note it's open for weekday dinner and weekends they open at noon, so no early birds.

    Going to try to get to the Great Lakes Cafe in Gary. Will report next time...
  • Post #62 - November 4th, 2013, 12:57 am
    Post #62 - November 4th, 2013, 12:57 am Post #62 - November 4th, 2013, 12:57 am
    During my drive across MI last week, I stopped at the Friendly Tavern and Grill, recommended up thread. Charming place that really is friendly. Great burger: I'm guessing 6 oz. of meat, perfectly rare. Cajun seasoning was mild enough to hardly be noticeable, but the Swiss cheese that comes on this "Cajun burger" was surprisingly tasty and the sautéed mushrooms were abundant and flavorful. The French fries are battered and very crisp. Iced tea was brewed and tasty. Not a destination place, but a nice stop -- and attractive, with a pressed-tin ceiling tile floor, and a considerable amount of wood, including booths and a long bar.

    On the trip home, stopped at Zingerman's Creamery, which was fun, if expensive. Discovered that it's in something of a Z-strip, with Zingerman's Baking school next door, Bake Shop next to that, and Coffee Shop on the other side. Got a nice raw milk gruyere and a "dry jack" at the Creamery, and tasted the paw paw gelato -- just because I've heard of paw paws most of my life but had never tasted one. Got a class brochure at the school and a fabulous palmier at the bake shop. With a long drive ahead, coffee seemed wise, so I got a cup. It was good, but priced to make Starbuck's look like a bargain.

    Stopped in Marshall for lunch. What a delightful town. Historic markers all over the place, and a hotel that was built in 1838 and has been in continued use since then. It's on the same street (Eagle) as Schuler's, which was my destination, having seen the sign on many trips but not having stopped. The Schuler's dining room was packed and there was a long wait, so I opted for the tavern. I had the seafood chowder, which was nice. I might have ordered something else, but a woman dining alone is easily overlooked, especially on a busy Sunday afternoon (it was about 2:30pm), and after 15 minutes of trying to catch the waitress's eye, I decided I'd just get the bill and go, if I could get her attention (which took another 10 minutes). So I'd consider returning, but not on a Sunday afternoon.

    I do have one question: has anyone eaten at the Stagecoach Inn (the place that was built in 1838)? They appear to mostly have burgers and such, but if the burgers are good, the history of the place might make it worth a visit next time.
    "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

    http://midwestmaize.wordpress.com
  • Post #63 - December 16th, 2013, 3:48 pm
    Post #63 - December 16th, 2013, 3:48 pm Post #63 - December 16th, 2013, 3:48 pm
    Question -- is there more than one "La Perla" market? I see the address above as 1231 Pipestone in Benton Harbor. However, a search on the Internet shows up a Yelp review that puts it at 8080 E. Napier in Benton Harbor. Don't know whether or not I'll make it this week, when I drive to Michigan, but I'd love to know which is correct, just in case -- because the two addresses are in opposite directions from I94.

    Thanks for any insight.
    "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

    http://midwestmaize.wordpress.com
  • Post #64 - December 16th, 2013, 4:49 pm
    Post #64 - December 16th, 2013, 4:49 pm Post #64 - December 16th, 2013, 4:49 pm
    Both are correct. There are 2 from the same family. The one on Napier is near Sister Lakes in the orchards and vinyards and serves migrant pickers. It's more rustic. The other one is in town and more of a modern grocery/taqueria. I am more familiar with the Napier store.
  • Post #65 - December 16th, 2013, 5:56 pm
    Post #65 - December 16th, 2013, 5:56 pm Post #65 - December 16th, 2013, 5:56 pm
    Hi- The one on Pipestone is much closer to the highway, and is much larger. The one on Napier I have never been inside it, but from what my sister tells me it is either exclusively or mostly take out. She told me that they both have good food, but that the Pipestone location is much larger. I have only been in the Pipestone location once last year when I was on my way back from Christmas shopping. I decided not to buy anything there, since my sister had a ton of food there. The Pipestone store also has a small grocery store, and has at least 10 tables in the restaurant. It is on Pipestone between the Pipestone and Napier exit off of I-94. It is probably closer to the Napier exit. The Pipestone exit is where the mall is, and there is also a Meijer's, Lowe's and Walmart, as well as some other chains. The Napier location is located at the corner of M-140 and Napier, and is probably four miles from the highway, whereas the Pipestone one is only half a mile from I-94. My sister's Mexican help love the Napier location she said. There is supposed to be a Mexican restaurant in downtown Lawrence ehich my sister highly recommends, but I forget the name of it. Lawrence is at exit 50, and the Pipestone exit is I believe exit 28. Hope this helps, Nancy
  • Post #66 - December 16th, 2013, 11:12 pm
    Post #66 - December 16th, 2013, 11:12 pm Post #66 - December 16th, 2013, 11:12 pm
    Exit 30 is closest to both, I'd say.

    Both are stores first and taquerias second, though both prob make as much or more on the restaurant side - much as can be said of many carnicerias with a taco stand sideline.

    The pipestone branch is much closer to the highway, and the road out to the Napier spot can be a challenge in this weather - often unplowed, hilly and winding. I'd hit the one in town, I agree.
  • Post #67 - December 18th, 2013, 6:42 pm
    Post #67 - December 18th, 2013, 6:42 pm Post #67 - December 18th, 2013, 6:42 pm
    JeffB wrote:Exit 30 is closest to both, I'd say.

    Both are stores first and taquerias second, though both prob make as much or more on the restaurant side - much as can be said of many carnicerias with a taco stand sideline.

    The pipestone branch is much closer to the highway, and the road out to the Napier spot can be a challenge in this weather - often unplowed, hilly and winding. I'd hit the one in town, I agree.


    Thanks for the tip -- because this is precisely the weather I'll be facing. (Leaving Friday.) Heading home to look after mom when she gets out of the hospital, so crashing the car is not really an option!
    "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

    http://midwestmaize.wordpress.com
  • Post #68 - April 17th, 2014, 8:04 pm
    Post #68 - April 17th, 2014, 8:04 pm Post #68 - April 17th, 2014, 8:04 pm
    Recently made the trip to Hastings, MI (not our usual) and decided to make the stop in Gary and properly track down the location of the Great Lakes Cafe. Google would previously put it south of 90 in town, but it now properly shows it north of 90 on the industrial side.

    It's appears to be a cute Greek diner with booths and tables - plenty of parking and service is fast. The surrounding scenery isn't much to look at it, but it is nicely decorated inside (country retro?) I do remember the soup and egg salad sandwich was good, but chopped steak burger was ok. Crispy coated fries. Our first visit, so I'd give it another try and focus on the specials of the day.

    So next time...I'll be choosing between a revisit here vs. dropping into the Indy Cafe in East Chicago. Indy Cafe does have later hours for dinner, so that might work on the return. If we can't wait that long, it'll be time to check out La Perla.
  • Post #69 - April 28th, 2014, 6:42 am
    Post #69 - April 28th, 2014, 6:42 am Post #69 - April 28th, 2014, 6:42 am
    JeffB wrote:Exit 30 is closest to both, I'd say.

    Both are stores first and taquerias second, though both prob make as much or more on the restaurant side - much as can be said of many carnicerias with a taco stand sideline.

    The pipestone branch is much closer to the highway, and the road out to the Napier spot can be a challenge in this weather - often unplowed, hilly and winding. I'd hit the one in town, I agree.



    I talked to one of the owners a few years ago. They expected the taquerias to make about 10% of their revenue. They were at about 30% then and have increased seating capacity twice since then.
    Bruce
    Plenipotentiary
    bruce@bdbbq.com

    Raw meat should NOT have an ingredients list!!
  • Post #70 - April 28th, 2014, 6:52 am
    Post #70 - April 28th, 2014, 6:52 am Post #70 - April 28th, 2014, 6:52 am
    The owner of La Perla opened El Gallo Blanco in Kalamazoo about 2 years ago. This is a restaurant with no groceries. The menu is more extensive but still on par with La Perla. I've stopped a few times since they opened and the food is excellent

    El Gallo Blanco
    2838 Portage Rd
    Kalamazoo, MI
    269-382-7020

    Hours of Business:
    Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
    Sunday: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
    Bruce
    Plenipotentiary
    bruce@bdbbq.com

    Raw meat should NOT have an ingredients list!!
  • Post #71 - August 14th, 2014, 1:06 pm
    Post #71 - August 14th, 2014, 1:06 pm Post #71 - August 14th, 2014, 1:06 pm
    On my most recent drive across Michigan, I made a stop in Marshall, this time to find out if food at the historic Stagecoach Inn was any good. The front half of the building is a bar, and the food is classic bar fare, but the hamburgers are hand made, the buns are good, the toppings (I had mushrooms and swiss cheese) generous, and the sweet potato fries, excellent and made only after they are ordered.

    I did check a few reviews, and most folks said this place has the best burgers in Marshall -- which, after eating one, was easy to imagine. Served in a basket. Good food made remarkable by the setting -- the oldest continuously operating inn between Detroit and Chicago (built in 1838, became a hostelry in 1845). (And if you haven't been to Marshall at all, it's definitely worth a side trip, as it's a charming, historic town that was once more important than it is now. Buildings are splendidly kept up, so it is vibrant and attractive.

    Stagecoach Inn
    201 West Michigan Ave,
    Marshall, MI 49068
    (269) 781-3571
    (at the corner of Michigan and Eagle -- with Eagle being the location of the better-known Schuler's)
    "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

    http://midwestmaize.wordpress.com
  • Post #72 - August 18th, 2014, 1:15 pm
    Post #72 - August 18th, 2014, 1:15 pm Post #72 - August 18th, 2014, 1:15 pm
    This is not really a destination place, but rather a viable option if you stop at a non-food destination place nearby.

    On my most recent drive across Michigan, I diverted to Michigan City, IN, where I visited the astonishing Barker Mansion. The mansion was built by the man who created the country's largest factory for building railway cars back in the late 1800s. One fun note is that, because the house was less than a block from the plant, central vacuums, electricity, and steam power were all supplied directly to the house from the plant, making it fairly modern for its day. Glorious place, fascinating bit of Midwest history.
    http://www.michigancity.com/BarkerMansi ... nsion.html

    When I was through with the tour, I asked the docent if the nearby Top Dog was any good. She replied that it was excellent and very popular. The popular part was proven by the fact that it was packed even at 1:30 on a Wednesday. It's a modest hotdog stand enthusiastically operated, with Chicago-style hotdogs, hand formed hamburgers, Polish sausage, and similar fare. I wanted to get on the road again, so I kept it simple -- burger and ice tea. Really good burger -- good meat, nicely cooked. As I said before, you wouldn't pull off the highway to eat here, but if you're visiting the Barker Mansion (which is worth a visit, if you like local history or fabulous Victorian decorating), it's nice to be able to walk half a block to a reliable place before heading back to I94.
    "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

    http://midwestmaize.wordpress.com
  • Post #73 - August 22nd, 2018, 11:27 pm
    Post #73 - August 22nd, 2018, 11:27 pm Post #73 - August 22nd, 2018, 11:27 pm
    Made a trip to South Haven this past weekend (might have missed some trips since 2014), so these are our current faves:

    On the way out:
    - Dat Donuts on the way south through Chicago - short detour off Skyway
    - Panini Panini in Michigan City - popular as ever, going strong - don't skip dessert

    On the way back:
    - La Perla (finally!) - great sope, lengua and steak tacos edge out the pollo and pastor. Get an aquas frescas - we went with lime! Curious but didn't try, their quesadillas which are deep fried.
    - Rather than tracking down an alternate Schoop's than our usual in Michigan City, we headed to Miner-Dunn which is our new unique favorite for burgers. (go deluxe for fries and sherbet). We got a coconut pie slice as a $1.50 add on to the deluxe. Had a great cheeseburger supreme (your choice of bread, we went with sourdough and the effect was like a great patty melt). Also had a good pork tenderloin sandwich off the specials menu.
  • Post #74 - September 2nd, 2018, 12:49 am
    Post #74 - September 2nd, 2018, 12:49 am Post #74 - September 2nd, 2018, 12:49 am
    Cynthia wrote: This is not really a destination place, but rather a viable option if you stop at a non-food destination place nearby.
    On my most recent drive across Michigan, I diverted to Michigan City, IN, where I visited the astonishing Barker Mansion. The mansion was built by the man who created the country's largest factory for building railway cars back in the late 1800s. One fun note is that, because the house was less than a block from the plant, central vacuums, electricity, and steam power were all supplied directly to the house from the plant, making it fairly modern for its day. Glorious place; fascinating bit of Midwest history.
    When I was through with the tour, I asked the docent if the nearby Top Dog was any good. She replied that it was excellent and very popular. The popular part was proven by the fact that it was packed even at 1:30 on a Wednesday. It's a modest hotdog stand enthusiastically operated, with Chicago-style hotdogs, hand formed hamburgers, Polish sausage, and similar fare. I wanted to get on the road again, so I kept it simple -- burger and ice tea. Really good burger -- good meat, nicely cooked. As I said before, you wouldn't pull off the highway to eat here, but if you're visiting the Barker Mansion (which is worth a visit, if you like local history or fabulous Victorian decorating), it's nice to be able to walk half a block to a reliable place before heading back to I-94.
    Wait a minute.
    I'm pulling this reply out of the filing cabinet because I could have gone here, but I did not know about it.
    There is a catch, of course. This venue is lunch only if you're in Chicago [10:30 am - 4:00 pm]. But you can get here from Chicago, and you do not have to drive.
    You can catch a South Shore Line electric interurban railroad train (the last remnant electric interurban in the U.S.A. and all of North America) from downtown Chicago to 11th St. in Michigan City, IN. The round-trip fare will be $20.50. That's the cost of two cocktails at some fancy-schmancy patio lounge in Chicago.
    The stop in Michigan City is 11th Ave. From that stop (in the street), you walk (there is no public transportation in Michigan City) two blocks west (to Washington St.). Then go north on Washington, and you will espy Top Dog (@ 701). Go ahead; eat there.
    Then, you can go on to where was my destination, past the Barker Mansion, when I rode this train {because I did not know about Top Dog :x}: the Shoreline Brwy. @ 208 Wabash St., further up the street. The craft beers @ Shoreline are pretty good. I appreciate it has not been slapped with a 'cease-&-desist' order for the appearance of its logo.
    So, go ahead. Spend a weekend afternoon in Michigan City, IN. Eat hot dogs, browse a mansion, drink craft beer, ride electric trains (without having to go to Japan or Germany).
    Valuable links for survival, without the monetization attempt: https://pqrs-ltd.xyz/bookmark4.html
  • Post #75 - September 26th, 2018, 11:03 am
    Post #75 - September 26th, 2018, 11:03 am Post #75 - September 26th, 2018, 11:03 am
    My girlfriend and I having been living in the Detroit area since June working on a rental property we bought and yesterday was the day of our return. I was excited to stop in Ann Arbor and finally try Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger with their Seinfeld Soup Nazi style ordering (and great food I hear). We were finally starting to pack up late in the day but the forecast was calling for thunderstorms in the evening so I was trying to hurry which was futile. We had so much stuff left (throw away, store, pack, recycle) plus final cleaning (couldn't clean until everything was out of the way) and she had to work all day so it was hectic. Around 7:00 the rain started and then it exploded within the hour. It was torrential rain. I had packed up a bunch already, but then it was impossible without literally taking a shower. As the minutes went by I could feel that my Blimpy Burger was not going to happen. I was bummed thinking we'd triumphantly leave Detroit and have a victory meal at a legendary place. I finally gave up hope when close to 9:00 a Tornado siren went off. We started laughing at the irony. All the hard work that went into the house would be destroyed by a tornado on the last day. In the meantime it would not stop pouring. Finally at 9:30 the rain let up and we finished packing. We pulled down the driveway to find the street completely flooded. Now I'm trapped? AND with no food? I had a Honda Pilot so I decided to go for it. Had I been driving my Altima, I probably wouldn't have attempted escape. It was quite a long drive through floodwaters and I was nervous. But we got out. I settled for a Culver's late night meal and we got home at 2:30 in the morning. I was tired, but overall it wasn't too bad of a drive for me being sleepy because it was 3:30 in the morning based on where we were coming from.
  • Post #76 - December 5th, 2018, 10:40 am
    Post #76 - December 5th, 2018, 10:40 am Post #76 - December 5th, 2018, 10:40 am
    We live in Toledo and one of the very best stops in the Uptown Toledo district is Manhattans Pub and Cheer. The owners are friends of ours so we may be a bit jaded, but the place is awesome for casual dining and they have the best Sunday buffet in the area. Definately recommended. The owner knows how to make authentic Irish Coffees as well and they are one of the host venues for the largest Zombie Crawl in the world. Worth the trip! http://mymetrotoledo.net/best-restaurants-toledo-sylvania-maumee-perrysburg-bowlin-green
  • Post #77 - July 8th, 2019, 12:49 am
    Post #77 - July 8th, 2019, 12:49 am Post #77 - July 8th, 2019, 12:49 am
    Hi- I went home to Michigan last weekend to attend a family reunion in Hillsdale. fter we left the reunion, we were driving to my other sisters in Coloma. On our way there we decided to stop off at Paw Paw to get some dinner. It was almost 8:00. We ended up going to a Chinese restaurant called Rich China. It was a buffet all you can eat for $8.99. The price and the fact that we were the only customers in the place should have told me to leave, but we stayed. Usually we both love Chinese food, but none of us went back for seconds. The only thing I enjoyed was the ice cream. I think part of the problem was that the stuff had probably been sitting out for hours. While we were eating another couple walked in and ordered the buffet. I found out afterwards that there was another Chinese restaurant with better reviews a block away. I do not recommend Rich China.

    Rich China
    218 E. Michigan Ave.
    Paw Paw, Mi
  • Post #78 - August 3rd, 2021, 1:28 pm
    Post #78 - August 3rd, 2021, 1:28 pm Post #78 - August 3rd, 2021, 1:28 pm
    We had an eccentrically bad picnic order from Panini Panini in Michigan City last month, which has stuck with me enough to post even given significant sympathy with restaurant challenges at the moment.

    Each pale toasted or grilled sandwich was only barely warmed, with little browning or crispness, and on clearly stale bread. The Cuban was saturated in garlic dressing that had started to turn and unmelted Jack cheese. The Caprese had positively goofy ice-crunchy tomato end-cuts. The "French Toast and sausage" tasted of old grill oil and was accompanied by food service pizza topping Italian sausage slices. The bottled drinks were entirely missing. The bacon on the BLT were limp and thin, like halfway-microwaved shelf-stable slices. Our exorbitant order total "qualified for a free dessert" of macaroons which were tasty but really not set on the inside. This is still the number one TripAdvisor restaurant for the area, but something was or may be up - YMMV.
  • Post #79 - November 7th, 2021, 8:08 am
    Post #79 - November 7th, 2021, 8:08 am Post #79 - November 7th, 2021, 8:08 am
    I've moved back to Illinois after nearly 5 years on Michigan and thought I'd share a couple of spots from my, now, former home. The food scene in Jackson may be limited but a couple of sites stand out.

    Burgers: The mainstay of Jackson restaurants. However, one tiny shop outdoes all the rest. For more than 90 years, Schlenker's Sandwich shop has been serving burgers, cheeseburgers, fries and onion rings. Thin, crispy-edged patties come single, double, triple, or quad (!) with several topping options, including their signature "everything" sauce. The shop claims to seat 16 at a horseshoe counter. They also do a large take out business. Hours are fairly limited 11-7 Tuesday through Friday and 11-3 on Saturday.

    Schlenkers
    1104 E. Ganson
    Jackson MI
    https://www.facebook.com/schlenkerssandwichshop

    Donuts: Hinkley Bakery, est. 1913, is what I miss most about moving. The signature chocolate crescent (a huge sickle-shaped cake donut) is worth the detour off I94. Fluffy interior with a crunchy exterior and slathered with chocolate icing, these donuts are a Jackson legend. Seasonal varieties include blueberry and cherry. They're only open Wednesday through Saturday, 5:15 am to 1 pm and they do sell out.

    Hinkley Bakery
    700 S. Blackstone
    Jackson MI
    https://www.facebook.com/hinkleybakery/

    Best,
    D.
    "The only thing I have to eat is Yoo-hoo and Cocoa puffs so if you want anything else, you have to bring it with you."
  • Post #80 - November 7th, 2021, 11:59 am
    Post #80 - November 7th, 2021, 11:59 am Post #80 - November 7th, 2021, 11:59 am
    Hi,

    I see there is a military museum and an opportunity to tour a jail.

    Long ago, there was a segment on television about a federal prison about to open for business. They allowed people to spend the night there in advance to see what it was like. I always wanted to visit and spend the night, though not as an obligation.

    I have a pending trip to Grand Rapids, though this might make for an interesting side trip.

    Welcome back!

    Regards,
    Cathy2
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #81 - November 8th, 2021, 7:22 am
    Post #81 - November 8th, 2021, 7:22 am Post #81 - November 8th, 2021, 7:22 am
    Cathy2 wrote:Hi,

    I see there is a military museum and an opportunity to tour a jail.

    Long ago, there was a segment on television about a federal prison about to open for business. They allowed people to spend the night there in advance to see what it was like. I always wanted to visit and spend the night, though not as an obligation.

    I have a pending trip to Grand Rapids, though this might make for an interesting side trip.

    Welcome back!

    Regards,
    Cathy2


    Hi Cathy2,
    Thanks, I'm glad to be back in Illinois. I'm in Champaign now and always looking for new recommendations :D

    If by jail, you mean the the prison museum (Cell Block 7), it closed at the end of 2019. It was part of the museum complex I ran and a partnership with the Michigan Department of Corrections. We both reevaluated at the end of our initial 5-year lease and decided, for operational reasons, that it wasn't feasible to continue. The parent museum, the Ella Sharp Museum, might be worth a visit though. Or you might mean the ruins of the original Jackson prison, Michigan's first prison. They're in a park-like setting and you can walk around the remaining walls. There's a short trail with some signage. Those are near the center of town.

    The military museum is in Grass Lake. It's a small operation run by volunteers. If you go, there are 2 other small museums in Grass Lake so it might be worth seeing all 3. The Lost Railway Museum is interesting and well done, particularly if you like inter-urban railroad history.

    Do know that Jackson is a bit of a hike (1 1/2 hours) from Grand Rapids but if you've got the time, it's also worth driving through the downtown to see the murals.

    Best,
    D
    "The only thing I have to eat is Yoo-hoo and Cocoa puffs so if you want anything else, you have to bring it with you."
  • Post #82 - November 8th, 2021, 12:46 pm
    Post #82 - November 8th, 2021, 12:46 pm Post #82 - November 8th, 2021, 12:46 pm
    Cathy2 wrote:Long ago, there was a segment on television about a federal prison about to open for business. They allowed people to spend the night there in advance to see what it was like.

    I first read this as "in advance" meaning in advance of being incarcerated and then realized it meant in advance of the prison opening for business :lol: :lol:
    "Your swimming suit matches your eyes, you hold your nose before diving, loving you has made me bananas!"
  • Post #83 - June 4th, 2022, 6:16 pm
    Post #83 - June 4th, 2022, 6:16 pm Post #83 - June 4th, 2022, 6:16 pm
    It has been a while since I made regular trips across Michigan, but at one time, the Friendly Tavern in Coloma (built in 1899) was a regular stop, thanks to this thread. But today, I learned that Coloma offers more than the Friendly Tavern--but learned it in Palatine. I was at the farmers market, and one of the farmers was, his sign attested, from Coloma, MI. I mentioned that I enjoyed the Friendly Tavern, thinking he'd be surprised that someone in Palatine knew Coloma, but he simply replied that, while it's good, Easy Street is better. Made a mental note, just in case -- and then came home and looked it up. Easy Street has 4.5 stars to Friendly Tavern's 4 stars -- but the thing that surprised me was that the tiny town actually had a "top 10 restaurants" list -- though the area's greater claim to fame is fruit growing. So while I was buying asparagus from the Coloma farmer today, I'm guessing I have fruit to look forward to as summer progresses. And a new place to dine in Coloma, should I have reason to cross MI once again.
    "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

    http://midwestmaize.wordpress.com
  • Post #84 - June 4th, 2022, 7:56 pm
    Post #84 - June 4th, 2022, 7:56 pm Post #84 - June 4th, 2022, 7:56 pm
    Hi- I just looked at the list of vendors at the Paletine market to see who was from Coloma, and you bought asparagus from Mike Churchill, who used to be my father's foreman for our farm. He should have lots of peaches this summer starting the middle of July, and he might have a few cherries.

    My sister likes Easy Street too. The Friendly was strictly a bar that also served hamburgers while I was growing up in Coloma. It then became a Mexican restaurant and was extensively renovated. I have not been in it since it became Mexican.

    I saw the list of farmers at the Paletine market, and the only farmer that comes to Evanston is Geneva Lakes. I occasionally buy something from them, but there are better people at the Evanston market. My sister will have upick cherries starting 6/25, but she will only have them for about four days. She should have upick peaches starting the end of July. She has 100% of a crop of peaches and apples this year, but she only has 50% of a crop of cherries. Her fruit stand is right by the Coloma 1-94 exit, and her upick is down the street South of Coloma. She thinks that she will have no problem getting customers, because when gas is expensive, she says people like to drive for only 2-3 hours, instead of taking a big road trip. They are going to have the glad peach festival the beginning of August, I think. They cancelled it in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. Hope this helps, Nancy
  • Post #85 - June 4th, 2022, 9:00 pm
    Post #85 - June 4th, 2022, 9:00 pm Post #85 - June 4th, 2022, 9:00 pm
    NFriday wrote:My sister likes Easy Street too. The Friendly was strictly a bar that also served hamburgers while I was growing up in Coloma. It then became a Mexican restaurant and was extensively renovated. I have not been in it since it became Mexican.

    She thinks that she will have no problem getting customers, because when gas is expensive, she says people like to drive for only 2-3 hours, instead of taking a big road trip. Hope this helps, Nancy


    Small world -- how astonishing that you'd be able to identify the man from whom I bought asparagus this morning. What fun to have that "connection."

    As for Friendly Tavern, I did see a couple of Mexican-like items on the menu, but it was still pretty much a burger place when I was there a couple of weeks ago -- and more family orientation than bar -- roast prime rib on weekends, "tower of tater tots" appetizer, and equally homey items. So maybe it changed to ride out COVID. Don't know. Hadn't been there in five years, so don't know what happened in between visits.

    Will look forward to peaches this summer -- definitely my favorite fruit.

    And hoping people want to stay near home helps me sell my Destination Heartland book -- would be nice to have something positive come out of the insane prices.

    But thank you for the update and info. Will check Easy Street next time I cross MI.
    "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

    http://midwestmaize.wordpress.com
  • Post #86 - June 4th, 2022, 10:05 pm
    Post #86 - June 4th, 2022, 10:05 pm Post #86 - June 4th, 2022, 10:05 pm
    I looked at the list of vendors at the Paletine market, and Mike was the only person from Coloma. A cousin of mine that lives in Inverness said that he has bought peaches from Mike too. The Friendly might have started out as Mexican when the place got gutted out maybe 30 years ago. It was nowhere near as nice when I lived in Coloma. The current owners apparently bought the place in 2003 according to their website, but I assume that is after the fire that took place there. It might have been Mexican before the fire. Somebody from Chicago was renting the building next door to the Friendly for a restaurant, and I heard the food was awful, and the owner had an anger problem. The person that owned the building finally got the nerve to take him to court for failure to pay rent for a year. The building was then set on fire, and the Friendly was badly damaged too. The police know that this guy from Chicago caused the fire, but they have no proof, and so he never got charged. When you live in a small town word travels fast. Hope this helps, Nancy
  • Post #87 - June 5th, 2022, 7:41 pm
    Post #87 - June 5th, 2022, 7:41 pm Post #87 - June 5th, 2022, 7:41 pm
    It certainly is a good reminder that there is a story behind every door. Thanks for the additional info.
    "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

    http://midwestmaize.wordpress.com
  • Post #88 - June 16th, 2022, 3:33 pm
    Post #88 - June 16th, 2022, 3:33 pm Post #88 - June 16th, 2022, 3:33 pm
    I typically prefer to drive to Detroit/Windsor through Toledo the last few years. The Toll Road/Turnpike are far less crowded and the travel plazas are all newer, clean and are about 45 minutes apart. This does mean that I don't usually get off the highway for food, but once you get to Toledo you are on 75 and no more tolls there is a pretty good little diner called Schmucker's (kind of hard to not laugh if you speak a little Yiddish) that has been around since 1948. It's pretty much what you'd expect; comfort food like hot turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy and a lot of homemade pies (20 varieties). They have booths and tables plus 13 chrome stools if you want to eat at the counter. Of course by the time you are in Toledo you are around 45 minutes from Detroit so you may want to press on.

    Schmucker's Restaurant
    2103 N Reynolds Rd
    Toledo OH
    419-535-9116
    https://schmuckersrestaurant.com/
  • Post #89 - June 16th, 2022, 5:32 pm
    Post #89 - June 16th, 2022, 5:32 pm Post #89 - June 16th, 2022, 5:32 pm
    I've made Schmuckers a regular stop on my trips to Cleveland. As Ram4 says, it's solid comfort food, no surprises, no life changing culinary illuminations to be had there. Just good grub, and good pies too. Schmucker's is more about a time capsule experience. I'll wager not much has changed there since opening in 1948.

    If you hit them at just the right time (usually mid-afternoon, weekdays), you will have the pleasure of being served by a sassy waitress named Gidget. No lie. Apparently her older sister was a fan of the '60s TV show, and insisted on the name when their mother was about to give birth to her little sister.

    After hearing her story, I told her about an old high school friend who picked up the name Bambi under similar circumstances. The joke around school was, she was lucky they didn't name her Thumper.

    Buddy
  • Post #90 - July 1st, 2022, 12:10 pm
    Post #90 - July 1st, 2022, 12:10 pm Post #90 - July 1st, 2022, 12:10 pm
    BuddyRoadhouse wrote:If you hit them at just the right time (usually mid-afternoon, weekdays), you will have the pleasure of being served by a sassy waitress named Gidget. No lie. Apparently her older sister was a fan of the '60s TV show, and insisted on the name when their mother was about to give birth to her little sister.

    After hearing her story, I told her about an old high school friend who picked up the name Bambi under similar circumstances. The joke around school was, she was lucky they didn't name her Thumper.

    Buddy
    My girlfriend's name is Sunshine. She was born during a snowstorm and her parents just wanted sunshine. Her sister is Summer. The other sister was going to be Autumn but Katrina prevailed somehow.

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