This place opened recently in South Portage and brings very good Mexican food to this area. La Finca Mexican Restaurant looks fairly ordinary, but the food is very good. We sat down to excellent chips with a very nice salsa. I ordered three different tacos and my wife had the chicken quesadillas. They came out quickly and were excellent. We also really liked the squeeze bottles of red and green hot sauce which were both good. The service was very good and nice. No alcohol. We are looking forward to trying other menu items as well as some of the weekend specials like mole or birra. Many Mexican restaurants have opened recently, but this one is a "don't miss".

Wood Fire Oven used for half the menu!

This place in downtown Dowagiac has great atmosphere. With high tin ceilings, exposed brick walls, curved large front windows, wood floor, open kitchen and art on the walls all giving the Wood Fire Italian Tratorria a great setting. None of that would matter if they couldn't follow it up with food to match. Well, they do. Starting with the bread plate offering three kinds of breads with dipping oil including the usual herbs to which they add balsamic vinaigrette. The wine selection is nice with a page dedicated to Italian whites and reds. We had the quattro formaggio(four cheese) pizza made in their open wood fire oven and we also split a pasta marinara. I added a homemade italian sausage link on the side. Both meals were fantastic. Just bursting with flavor and cooked perfectly. We had some very nice wine by the glass and would both drive the hour to get there anytime! They do offer desserts which we had no room for on this trip. Lots of salads, soups and antipasti. Several other pizzas are offered. They make handmade ravioli which I will try on my next visit. Over half of their offerings are cooked in the wood fire oven. Some other entrees include chicken cacciatore, pork tenderloin, oven roasted salmon or walleye and Italian pot roast. Oh, they also roast ribs in their wood fire oven. This place is fairly pricey but has such a variety and quality I think it is still a good value. Don't miss live music two or three nights a week. Check their website for details. Check the guide for more details and enjoy!

Italian food with an American flair

This downtown Hastings place is housed in a 100 year old building that used to house the local newspaper. High tin ceilings, brick walls and wood floors give this restaurant an impressive location and atmosphere. The Seasonal Grille is mostly Italian with an American flair. Opened in 2010 with lots of housemade dishes featuring local, seasonal ingredients. Justin Straube likes to change the menu 4-5 times a year. Nightly specials like the pork loin with mango sauce I had or the grilled chicken with citrus sauce my wife had are common. Justin's dad makes an appetizer with homemade andouille, italian sausage and meatballs. Full bar, pizza, sandwiches and seafood make this space complete. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the slice of "mile high" housemade chocolate cake we finished with while listening to live music. This is a very nice, casual place with great atmosphere and food. Check out the guide for more details.

History and TexMex

This place has a great atmosphere with artifacts from the Alamo. Engravings of Davy Crocket and Jim Bowie are displayed along with a cannon and a bowie knife. Neat pictures and historical decorations throughout make this New Buffalo TexMex place a neat experience. El Rancho Grande also has excellent food. The chips were some of the best I have had. The hot salsa was in my top three and the carne asada was so tender I would compare it to a new york strip steak instead of the skirt steak used. My meal also had very good rice and beans, guacamole, tortillas, roasted mexican onions and cheese quesadillas. Everything was great. My wife really liked her nachos as well. They also have all your usual favorites along with desserts, kids menu and a full bar featuring margaritas and a full line of Mexican beers. I can't wait to return and try the ribs, chili, mole or the bowie garlic chicken. Yes, they have menudo and another less familar soup called pozole which is pork and hominy. Check the guide for more details.

New sit down Pizza joint

Nice to have the former "Cruisers" place in Portage reopen with a sit down pizza joint. This old and new place is called Jac's Cekola's Pizza which is using the old pizza recipe from Star World for those who remember. It is thin crust with a great sweet pizza sauce and I like the homemade italian sausage with visible fennel seeds. They have a full bar with a great beer selection. They even have my favorite Dragon's Milk on draft! Large menu (which may change) currently has lots of other pizza toppings, garlic breads, pastas, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and entrees. They also have lots of appetizers like nachos and wings along with desserts. The space has been completely redone and has its own atmosphere. Lots of large flat screens and a game area so bring the whole family or come watch the game. But, whatever you do, get the pizza!

New Brewery with food!

New in 2011. This place is small but cozy and located on the main four corners of Decatur. The Patchwork Brewing Co. currently makes four beers and will soon be making six. This is one of only two woman owned breweries in Michigan. They are currently open only Thursday through Saturday. The menu has some nice pizzas and sandwiches. They use fresh ingredients locally procured as much as possible. I had the muffaletta sandwich which was very good. My wife had the pizza and would come back again when in the area. The beers consist of one ale, two IPAs and a "breakfast" stout made with oatmeal, maple syrup and coffee. I liked the breakfast stout alot! Check out more details in the guide.

Fall is nice time to dine near the lakeshore!

This place is very cool! Check out Frankie's Place in Union Pier for fine but not pretentious dining. The fall season shrinks the lake crowd unless the winery visitors form a crowd. Do you like Frank Sinatra music playing while enjoying excellent food? Ever had a grilled cheese and chef prepared tomato soup for an appetizer? Best with a martini and a swagger. This place has lobster cake or ahi tuna appetizers, great soups, nice salads and top shelf entrees. Some nice touches are the "lighter fare" and the "prix fixe" menus. Also, try the aged delmonico steak, the brie & pear pork chops or the New Zealand rack of lamb. Nice desserts and a full bar. Live entertainment on Saturdays. Check out the guide for more details.

Great Mexican place!

How about a great Mexican Restaurant inside a grocery store? I know it has been done before, however La Perla Produce, Inc. located near the Pipestone Mall in Benton Harbor has taken it to a new level. Be prepared to wait in line at this very popular place. The restaurant may take up more square feet than the market. You order at the counter and they bring your food. No alcohol, yet plenty of choices of soft drinks like horchata. I had the Bistec a la Mexicana and my wife had the tortas. Both were excellent and we can't wait to go back and try more like the burritos, tacos, enchiladas, tamales etc. They do have beef tongue, beef cheek and menudo. Homemade tortillas and the freshest produce make these dishes. Not to mention the good beans and rice. For dessert do not miss the homemade ice cream! Lots of authentic choices and nice seating area.

BBQ in Harbor Country

This BBQ joint is near Warren Dunes and Sawyer. Right on Red Arrow Hwy it looks like a carryout place from the road. Once inside Smokin' Woodys Char-B-Q is a classic. Indoor seating is comfortable and they have a neat screened porch in back that makes you feel like you are down south. Great rib tips, smoked chicken and smoked sirloin lead the way, but don't miss the racks of ribs or the pulled pork sandwiches. They also have red hots, hot links and brats. The burger looked very good as well. Nice salads with their smoked meats on top as well as sides like corn on the cob, cole slaw and baked beans. You do not know what potato you will get so just go with it. No alcohol. Fun place for the family with lots of great BBQ. Check out the guide for more details.

Can you get fresher Mexican Food?

This place is first a fresh fruit market with their own farm where you can pick your own stuff. Arellano's Fresh Fruit Market & Mexican Restaurant just on the south edge of Covert is a special place. They have all your favorite Mexican dishes and some harder to find things like Mole. Their Chile Rellenos are fantastic! I also tried a Chorizo taco and a Lomo?? Both were very good. Yes they have Menudo on the weekends. They even have Red Fish and Tilapia. I had their Horchata to drink which was very good. If you want to be brave try the Lengua(tongue), the Tripas(tripe) or the Cabeza(head). Very good Guacamole and a family recipe Char Broiled Chicken. You will have to ask what Lomo is because I forgot to ask when I was there. Do yourself a favor and stop here for an excellent, fresh meal. Be sure to do a little market shopping while visiting. Check the guide for more details.

Dean's Ice Cream re-opens!

Great news! Dean's Ice Cream in Plainwell has reopened after the total loss arson fire last September. This place was opened as a dairy by Al Dean in 1916. This 95 year old landmark makes their own ice cream and offers 36 flavors including blue moon. They are known for the "monster" which is a 44oz. shake and giant banana splits. This place has great ice cream and is located on the river on the edge of a park with a Veteran's Memorial. Nice setting to get your ice cream and roam around or let the kids play. The building is new, but the location and tradition remain the same. Check out the guide for more details.

Best kept secret in Kalamazoo

Most people around Kalamazoo are familiar with the 29 year old home delivered meal and catering company called The Ample Pantry. They have long been known for fresh top quality ingredients and tasty good food! However, many people do not know that you can go have lunch at their nice cottage on KL Ave. The menu is not nearly as extensive as their home delivered dinners. They serve mostly soups, sandwiches and some daily lunch type specials. Very nice desserts are available to finish off with. Lots of people talk about their hot chicken salad which is always on the lunch menu. I have tried it and was very impressed! I have also had the soup and sandwich special which was plenty of food and very tasty. They do offer salads or a soup and salad option. My favorite is the hot chicken salad with their broccoli salad as my side dish. The brownie afterward was small, making it perfect for lunch. The dessert prices are very reasonable so take something home if you don't save room. Great atmosphere, good service and top quality tasty food. Check out the guide for more details.

More beer in Kalamazoo!

New multi-tap place in downtown Kalamazoo, featuring 28 taps with rotating selections from around the world. Called the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange. The beers are shown on their flat screen TV's displayed like stocks on the Dow. This results in "market" prices that give you an ever evolving "happy hour"! Even though they name themselves for beer, this is a good restaurant. Several salad choices including strawberry chicken spinach with apples, candied walnuts, gorgonzola and blush wine vinaigrette. Three soups daily. Two of which don't change. The Wisconsin Beer Cheese and the French Onion. Check the blackboard for the blue-plate special or try their excellent sandwiches for lunch. Grilled salmon, pulled pork sloppy joe or maybe the piedmontese beef burger from Italy. Dinner offers chops, fish, crepes, steak and pasta. Try chef Bill's mac & cheese with three cheeses and truffle oil! Other offerings are the appetizers and snacks like pizza, wings, nachos or a beer steamed hot dog with detroit coney sauce. Neat 2 level place with an open kitchen. Great for food and beer! Check out the guide for more details.

Sports bar in beach town

This place has quickly filled a niche for a sports bar. Joe's Bar & Grill in South Haven has become "the" place to watch sports in this beautiful harbor town. The large flat screen TVs everywhere make where you sit meaningless. They also have seating outside and on the rooftop in good weather. The rooftop would be great during the fireworks! The menu is filled with your usual bar food, however they do a better job with it. The burgers are very good and if you want bacon on your burger or a blt, they use applewood smoked bacon. If you want a fish sandwich, they will hand dip it in their own beer batter. I really liked my corned beef brisket sandwich on their brioche onion roll. Good soups and chili as well as their famous fish and chips. Lots of appetizers and great beer selection. Check it out when you are in town. Check the guide for more details. Also, watch out for the $185 towing charge from Lee's towing(two miles),(cash only) if you park in the closed auto parts store lot!

Nice place on Green Lake

This place on Green Lake actually has a Caledonia address. Sitting across the lake with a nice view is Maria's Pizza and Italian Restaurant. The pizza is very good either hand tossed or thick crust. Some special pizzas like Hawaiian with coconut or BBQ chicken. Nice pasta dishes as well. We had the manicotti which were hand filled and covered with their delicious, sweet housemade sauce. The lasagna is all housemade as well, along with all their sauces. The sausage is also housemade and mom makes the meatballs. Try the meatball sub or any of their 17 subs. Kids menu is available. Other offerings include American food like fried chicken, hamburgers or fish. They even offer some Mexican items with housemade burrito sauce. Salads and soups include BBQ chicken or taco salad and minestrone, clam chowder or chili soups. Desserts include cannoli, tiramisu or ice cream. No alcohol. Nice simple place with a great location and very good food! Check out the guide for more details and a map.

Time to feature a good Battle Creek spot!

This place in Downtown Battle Creek does everything. From breakfast to late night bar with live entertainment. The Griffin Grill and Pub is "good for what ales you". They start with a full breakfast menu featuring a cinnamon roll big enough for two. At 11am lunch starts with hand pattied fresh burgers, soup of the day or their two daily soup offerings of hot pepperjack potato and homemade chili. Lots of other sandwiches including the fish made with the same hand breaded prime cod used in their "famous fish & chips" known as the best in the area(very good!). Daily they offer their fish & chips along with "bubble & squeak". Friday & Saturday add corned beef & cabbage and shepherds pie to round out the irish/english pub fare. Yes they have lots of other items like appetizers, salads, steaks, chicken, shrimp, kids menu and desserts. 14 TV's for game day and 33 beers on tap. They are the only ones in the area featuring 2 cask conditioned hand pulled ales! Lots of Michigan microbrew beers and others from england and ireland. Small wine list and full bar. Check their website for live music. Check the guide for more details.

New "old" Burger joint just opened!

Newly opened burger joint in the old Nisker's location on S. Westnedge in Portage is Lou Nisker's State Burger. Mr. Nisker has returned to reopen his old location with a newly redecorated and improved place. He heard his former restaurant he originally opened in 1986 and sold 20 years later had closed. With a couple of old friends he returned to town and opened State Burger in the same spot. All burgers are prime ground sirloin made fresh daily and never frozen. Fresh buns baked daily in their own ovens and several homemade products like 6 marinades, sirloin chili, sweet sirloin beans and State BBQ sauce. Chicken, beefalo, fish, hot dogs and veggie burgers also. We really like the hand cut curly fries. Hand dipped shakes and South Haven s'mores. Kids menu. Welcome Lou Nisker back to town after a couple of year absence! Check the guide for more details.

Time for cider and donuts

Time for Cider and donuts at many locations throughout southwest and south-central Michigan. Our family tradition includes Crane's in Fennville and Verhage's in Kalamazoo. We have also visited Schultz Fruitridge Farms in Mattawan, Grandpa's in Coloma, Jollay Orchards near Coloma, Wick's Apple House near Sister Lakes and many others. What is better than fresh pressed cider and warm homemade donuts or a peanut covered caramel apple at this time of year. Check the guide under "cider mills" to find lots of great places for the whole family.

Burger and a car wash?

This place in Mattawan seems out of place until you go in and see a nice burger joint and sandwich shop. Chamois Burgers serves fresh burger never frozen, grilled on a nice char grill and served on a fresh bun. Simplicity and quality make a good burger in my world. Indoor seating, ice cream and subs come with the package. Not to mention their chicago dog! Good fries with skin on. For those of you who do not already know, a chamois is a porous leather used to dry a car after washing. It is pronounced "shammy". I only add this as so many have ordered the "cham oyz" burger that it is getting funny. Check the guide for more details and if you spill any food on your car you are in the right place!

Three Rivers-New in 2009

This place used to be a chinese restaurant and now is Mexican. You would never know it had been anything else. The owners of El Camino Real Mexican Restaurant have done a very nice job with atmosphere, service and food. They have a full bar and full service menu. This is a family owned and run authentic Mexican place. This family takes great pride in all aspects of their restaurant. I really like their chili relleno, tamale and chili verde that I tried over a couple of visits. Big menu with all your favorites. Bring the whole family and stay for dessert. Try the banana chimichanga. This is on the main drag right off U.S. 131. Check out the guide for more details.