This place opened in 2013 in downtown Chelsea. The building for Smokehouse 52 BBQ is really neat with high tin ceilings, hardwood floors and exposed brick. It is the former location of a small grocery store. Inside this historic location is a true original BBQ joint offering real pit smoked BBQ like pulled pork, brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken and even pork chops. They offer a couple of unique soups like smoked chicken corn chowder or their chili made with their brisket. On the table are four different types of BBQ sauce. They offer a unique salad called the "piggy colada" which has pulled pork, pineapple, banana bread croutons and sliced almonds, then covered with house made coconut vinaigrette dressing! Since Chelsea is the home of "Jiffy Mix" the croutons and cornbread are all made from this local iconic company's mixes. Want more? Our grandson had the chicken and waffles. I tasted his fried chicken and would come back to make that my dinner. How about mac and cheese or even cajun mac and cheese? They do offer some fish like cedar plank salmon or bacon wrapped BBQ shrimp. They also have sandwiches and burgers. Kids menu and a bar round out this place for the whole family. Roomy and comfortable. Check out the guide for more details.

I have driven by this place many times and thought someday I need to visit. That day came and I was glad to find a neat place near Clark Lake just south of Jackson. In Good Company is a full service spot with many unique items. They are known for one of the largest selections of Bourbon between Michigan and Kentucky. I had the Bourbon BBQ ribs which were excellent! My wife had the Sticky Pecan Bourbon Chicken which was also very good. Other entrees include Bourbon BBQ Shrimp. They do have non Bourbon items as well like pot roast, Delmonico or flat iron steaks, fish or chicken. I was also impressed with their award winning white chicken chili. The pasta sounded good. They offer grown up mac & cheese, deep blue mac or southwest mac. They also offer other pasta dishes like lasagna. Salads, sandwiches and desserts round out the lunch and dinner portion making this a good place to bring the family. Full bar with lots of Bourbon! They do have breakfast, but I will save that for another visit and another review.

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.

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.