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.

New Winery in Mattawan

New in 2010. Third generation grape grower and hobby wine maker has taken hobby to a new level and opened the area's newest winery. Cody Kresta Vineyard and Winery will sell their 8 wines only at the tasting room at the winery. Get there before the end of October because they will close from November till April. Cody is the name of their late golden retriever and Kresta means "crest" or "hilltop" in Croatian which is the owners heritage. They make a chardonnay and a bourdeaux style blueberry wine. Check out the guide for more details.

New addition in Fennville

I have heard many good things about this Fennville eatery and finally tried Salt of the Earth after picking apples at Crane's Orchards. It is everything I have heard. They bake their own breads and pastries. They source their products locally. From meats, produce and fruits to local cheeses and gelato. Most everything is made in house or from local providers in the area. They have buttermilk bleu cheese, pecorino romano, aged white cheddar, chevre, feta, provolone, fresh mozzarella and other goat cheese all from local Michigan producers! Most rave about the brussel sprouts, pork belly and pierogie appetizers. The grilled cheese is very special. Try the grilled hangar steak, char grilled ribeye, braised pork shoulder or wood oven bone-in salmon. Speaking of wood ovens be sure to try the wood fired gourmet pizzas. Yes they have pastas and chicken dishes as well. Good salads and soups. Fenn Valley Wines (Fennville). Don't miss Palazzolo's(Fennville) gelatos for dessert. The coffee shop cafe and bakery open at 7am. Try the cinnamon roll! My wife and I split 1/2 piece and took the other 1/2 home. Brunch on weekends with fresh squeezed juices. Full bar. This is a great restaurant and worth the drive! Check the guide for details.

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.

Time to feature one of my all time favorites!

This place calls itself Saugatuck's "Marquee dining spot". What looks like an ordinary neighborhood bar with a marquee is in fact one of the area's best dining stops. Phil's Bar and Grille has some great items like their lobster cobb salad or the portabella mushroom sandwich. I really like the broasted chicken dinner and the burger is fantastic! The burger is served on their in house baked ciabatta bread. I get the gorgonzola cheese on mine. Everyone is still talking about the gorgonzola dip. They are also known for ribs and have been voted "best bar & grill" on the lakeshore. All salad dressings, sauces and soups are housemade. Everything we have tried has been delicious! The atmosphere inside is quaint with brown paper tablecloths and crayons so you can draw. Full bar with very good drinks. They have a small outside seating area. When you are finished you get a small cup of animal crackers. Check out the guide for details.

Try to find this one!

This place has been hidden away since 1978. Take a drive in the country to see if you can locate the Country Road Steak Barn. Between Butler and Girard. The building is an old pole building, the parking lot is gravel, the inside seems like most bars except it has a neat fieldstone fireplace to go with the pool table. It is the first time I have enjoyed an excellent prime rib dinner while watching people play pool. I would go back anytime for that prime rib as well as the salad bar or the soup. My wife had good tender and crispy fried chicken. Our other friend liked the prime rib as well as I did. They have other steaks, fish and chicken dishes. This is another one of the places that make this guide so useful.