Classic Drive In since 1962

I don't know what took me so long to stop at this place. I absolutely love drive-in restaurants and Lutz's Drive In between Decatur and Dowagiac is a classic. Carhops wait on you or you can go inside to their 60 seat restaurant. Mr. Lutz opened this place 50 years ago in 1962 and still goes to work there. The neon sign is a classic "route 66" style landmark. They serve the traditional drive-in fare like burgers, dogs, rootbeer and baskets. However, their most popular item is their pizza! They start making pizza when they open at 11am. They also offer Alaskan pollock for Friday night fish fry or a seafood dinner including crabcakes! I almost forgot to tell you they do have prime rib! A full offering of ice cream options and some great homemade pies like the peach we had or try the lemon meringue or german chocolate. This place is a classic summertime must visit. Check the guide for details.

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!

Old Fashioned Soda Fountain with food!

In 1922 the Chicago Candy Kitchen(since 1918) was sold and renamed after the new owners, Antonio and Emilia Caruso. Caruso's Candy Kitchen in Dowagiac has changed very little since that time. The italian marble soda fountain is still used as well as the old fashioned booths and tin ceiling. This place is still in the Caruso family now working on the fourth generation! This is one of my favorite candy stores with fantastic toffee. They have all your ice cream favorites and some unique offerings like a "scotch lassie" or a "sauerkraut sundae". Try the Toffee Sundae. However, don't think of this place as just a soda fountain or candy store. They have very good sandwiches, soups and salads. Try their famous olive nut sandwich. I could not believe how good this very unique combo was. Lots of other choices include olive salad, chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad or ham salad. I am starting to see a trend. Some Specialty's are their rueben, a dry tuna and a shredded ham with salami called "The Caruso". Have lunch while saving room for an ice cream treat and take some great homemade chocolates home and you will have a great treat in downtown Dowagiac! More details in the guide.

Try a place near the lakes

Michigan has so many lakes that I had to pick just one area to blog about for Labor Day weekend. Try the excellent breakfast at The Wright Place in Sister Lakes. With 10 lakes in the area, I thought this might get you to take a drive. They are known for european style pancakes that hang over your plate. I liked the pumpkin pancake with creme anglaise sauce, secret spices and walnuts, topped with whipped creme. You may prefer the "murtle turtle" which is covered in pecans, caramel sauce, chocolate, more pecans and whipped creme. Also known for omelets, skillets, waffles(similar to the pancake offerings) and fresh baked items. Check out the area's cider mills, golf courses and lake activities. Check the guide for more details.