New Spanish restaurant in Marshall

This place is right on the main drag in an old building with a high tin ceiling and brick walls. The unique Zarzuela Spanish Restaurant in Marshall will provide a special dining experience to those willing to try something new. Several sandwich, soup and salads for lunch using Spanish recipes and real Spanish ingredients. I had a serrano ham sandwich with 12 month aged manchego sheeps milk cheese. The dinner menu is larger with paella specials nightly. They also have some nice pastas like espagheti carbonara or pasta con gambas. Try the Spanish olives, almonds, cheeses and cured meats. If you like squid or gazpacho sevillano soup...they have it. The liquor license is on its way. Desserts are house made, as are many of their unique offerings. Check out the guide for more details.

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.

Memphis style BBQ downtown

After spending a lot of time in Memphis, Mat Stedman learned to appreciate uncomplicated BBQ. He says "sometimes simpler is better". This place in downtown Jackson is called Mat's Cafe and Catering. You can smell the smokers going where the pulled pork is cooked for 12 hours then served on breads and buns baked in house. Great pulled pork sandwich! Make sure you grab a fork. Order at the counter then prepare to feast. Also known for their famous chicken gumbo. I also really liked the cornbread I got with my sandwich. Nice atmosphere, great food! Check the guide for more details.

Heading to Ann Arbor today?

Since 1911. Check out this historic bar and restaurant in Chelsea. The Wolverine Food & Spirits is a classic bar that also serves good food. Back in 1911 it opened as an all night diner for travelers and truckers using then major highway US 12. In the '60's started serving liquor by the glass and now is known for steaks, burgers and fish. They are especially known for their award winning flat iron steak(Michigan beef contest 2005). Fish specials daily. I had a burger and a bowl of their homemade chili and was impressed. Large menu has something for everyone, so take the whole family. Large screen TV's if you want to watch the game. If you are so inclined they do offer a liverwurst sandwich. Check out the guide for more details. Note: I don't suggest you wear all green if you visit today even though you would match the color of their awning??

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.