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Searching for chow in Michigan City/New Buffalo area

Searching for chow in Michigan City/New Buffalo area
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  • Post #31 - January 19th, 2008, 12:02 pm
    Post #31 - January 19th, 2008, 12:02 pm Post #31 - January 19th, 2008, 12:02 pm
    Mario's Pizza in Union Pier is a very good New Jersey pizza and grinder spot.
    Everything is homeade by the hard working family who are trying to eke out a living there.
    I had a white pizza which was excellent along with a tennis ball sized meatball sandwich.
    Mostly take-out, but they have a few tables for dining in.

    Mario's Pizza
    local.yahoo.com
    (269) 469-4633
    16170 S Red Arrow Hwy
    Union Pier, MI

    Get Directions
  • Post #32 - January 23rd, 2008, 9:39 am
  • Post #33 - January 31st, 2008, 11:46 am
    Post #33 - January 31st, 2008, 11:46 am Post #33 - January 31st, 2008, 11:46 am
    D'Agostino's Italian Restaurant & Navajo Lounge, now there's a restaurant name for ya. I'd driven past it countless times, and the sign conjured up unclean thoughts of fry bread smothered in pesto so I kept moving right on by. Though the parking lot was always jammed on weekends, I chalked it up to hey whatever different strokes.

    Lo and behold, it's now my favorite place around here. Step into the large foyer, and on the left side of the building is the brightly lit white tablecloth Italian restaurant D'Agostino's, soft music in the background and populated by sedate well-dressed blue hairs discussing last week's sermon in hushed tones. On your right, abandon all hope all ye who enter the dark, rowdy, smoke-belching, bad metal on the jukebox, billiard balls clacking Navajo Lounge. A few canoe paddles and snowshoes hanging on the walls is the extent of the ancient Navajo culture on display.

    Very decent pizza served in the lounge, thickish doughy crust with well-balanced toppings. Very nice burgers and good fries, lasagna is very good. You can also ask to order off of the full restaurant menu in the lounge. Everything I've ordered here has been up to snuff and the bar menu is cheapcheapcheap. Two people can eat and drink very well and walk out of here for under $40 total. Crikey, first time we sat at the bar I ordered two martini's and got change back from a $10 which was my whoa! moment. Popular hangout for the guys getting off of work at the nuke plant down the street, they serve hard drinks for men who want to get drunk fast. Which is why I've hesitated to publicize it to a Chicago crowd - they're not in need of more business, and would be a shame to see it devolve into a frou-frou Red Arrow Roadhouse scenester place with hour waits for a table. But, I'm sure they'll welcome any extra cash in this economy.

    D'Agostino's Italian Restaurant and Navajo Lounge
    8970 Red Arrow Highway
    Bridgman, MI 49106-9524
    269.465.3434

    5pm to 11pm Mon-Thu,
    5pm to Midnight Fri-Sat
  • Post #34 - January 31st, 2008, 12:20 pm
    Post #34 - January 31st, 2008, 12:20 pm Post #34 - January 31st, 2008, 12:20 pm
    Wagner's has some of the best ribs within an hour of the city. A buddy of mine's parents have a place in Long Beach, IN and ribs and wings from Wagner's have been a must every stop thru there, proving once again "theres more than corn in Indiana" but not much else.

    Note: I think I remember seeing some younger kids not allowed to dine in a couple summers ago but cant say for sure.

    Wagner's
    361 Wagner Rd.
    Porter, IN 46304
    219-926-7614
  • Post #35 - February 10th, 2008, 5:52 pm
    Post #35 - February 10th, 2008, 5:52 pm Post #35 - February 10th, 2008, 5:52 pm
    Unaware that Stop 50 is a seasonal business, we were highly disappointed to be shut out in the snow, especially after an agreeable less than two mile drive from our accommodations. We went down the checklist heading northbound on the Red Arrow. Poor driving conditions led us to the next stop, my parents' fave, Brewster's, which I knew to also have decent wood fired pizza. An hour and a half wait. Cruised by a packed RA Roadhouse (my s/o is a vegetarian and their menu is not the most veg friendly). Landed for a maiden voyage at Cafe Gulistan. Prices, as stated elsewhere, were steep, especially for those of us who spend a great deal of our time in Albany Park. Combo app. was an 80% success- good smoky ganouj, a spicy ezme of roasted tomato, a tangy "sumac" salad of cabbage and beets, crispy and moist falafels in a garlicky yogurt sauce, a bright tabbouli with the colorful addition of finely grated carrot- all tasty and cleaned off the plate. Our only significant criticism was the bland hummus. An order of fattoush took a wrong turn- overly dressed in a gloppy honey sweetened dressing. I went out on limb- maybe not the best move for Southwestern Michigan Turkish food- and ordered something new, the namesake dish, Gulistani. Minced lamb in a cumin-y gravy was not unlike nor more interesting than old school chili. On a mound of Basmati rice and flanked by more sumac salad, it made a satisfying enough dinner, washed down with Bell's amber ale, the meal was just fine for a blustery evening. But I have to say, wood fired pizza at a GNR just down the road from the family cabin would have been perfect.
  • Post #36 - February 10th, 2008, 9:09 pm
    Post #36 - February 10th, 2008, 9:09 pm Post #36 - February 10th, 2008, 9:09 pm
    Jefe wrote:Unaware that Stop 50 is a seasonal business, we were highly disappointed to be shut out in the snow, especially after an agreeable less than two mile drive from our accommodations. We went down the checklist heading northbound on the Red Arrow. Poor driving conditions led us to the next stop, my parents' fave, Brewster's, which I knew to also have decent wood fired pizza. An hour and a half wait. Cruised by a packed RA Roadhouse (my s/o is a vegetarian and their menu is not the most veg friendly). Landed for a maiden voyage at Cafe Gulistan. Prices, as stated elsewhere, were steep, especially for those of us who spend a great deal of our time in Albany Park. Combo app. was an 80% success- good smoky ganouj, a spicy ezme of roasted tomato, a tangy "sumac" salad of cabbage and beets, crispy and moist falafels in a garlicky yogurt sauce, a bright tabbouli with the colorful addition of finely grated carrot- all tasty and cleaned off the plate. Our only significant criticism was the bland hummus. An order of fattoush took a wrong turn- overly dressed in a gloppy honey sweetened dressing. I went out on limb- maybe not the best move for Southwestern Michigan Turkish food- and ordered something new, the namesake dish, Gulistani. Minced lamb in a cumin-y gravy was not unlike nor more interesting than old school chili. On a mound of Basmati rice and flanked by more sumac salad, it made a satisfying enough dinner, washed down with Bell's amber ale, the meal was just fine for a blustery evening. But I have to say, wood fired pizza at a GNR just down the road from the family cabin would have been perfect.


    Jefe:

    My condolences. Thanks for your post. I've been in your situation - dead of winter - and I've tried to go to Stop 50, only to be disappointed. My congrats to you anyway, for making the trek to MI during this winter. (I myself haven't been since NYE due to the snow.) Just think - spring is around the corner. :)
  • Post #37 - February 10th, 2008, 9:21 pm
    Post #37 - February 10th, 2008, 9:21 pm Post #37 - February 10th, 2008, 9:21 pm
    Link below for Stop 50 website

    http://www.stop50woodfiredpizzeria.com/
  • Post #38 - September 9th, 2008, 6:34 pm
    Post #38 - September 9th, 2008, 6:34 pm Post #38 - September 9th, 2008, 6:34 pm
    Business took me to SW Michigan today and on the way back I stopped for lunch at Wagner's Ribs in Porter, IN. There, I ordered what might have been the worst ribs I've ever eaten. It was not a good sign that the menu described them as "tender" and "falling of the bone." But, it was too late to go somewhere else, so I hoped for the best but it was simply not to be . . .

    Image
    Half-slab of Wagner's baby back ribs

    These ribs had never been anywhere near charcoal, wood or smoke. They were baked in an oven -- maybe even boiled before that -- and then slathered with an ultra-sweet sauce that nearly sent me into a diabetic coma. The FOB meat was as soft as pudding and the only discernable flavor was conveyed in the sauce.

    For fans of genuine bbq, this is most definitely a place to avoid. Too bad Stop 50 is closed on Tuesdays.

    =R=
    By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada

    Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS

    There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM

    That don't impress me much --Shania Twain
  • Post #39 - September 9th, 2008, 6:52 pm
    Post #39 - September 9th, 2008, 6:52 pm Post #39 - September 9th, 2008, 6:52 pm
    Damn, I had thought to post about Wagner's and their "Chicago-style" ribs and to avoid them at all cost if you like real smoked BBQ. I also admit that as a youth, I loved this place. Here is a better option for anyone in the area in the future.

    Da Beef wrote:Image
    Frosty's Cajun BBQ has become one of my favorites in the Michigan City area. As a youth I liked Wagner's but that was when I didnt know what real BBQ is. They smoke ribs and serve Cajun sides like succotash gumbo, red beans and rice and Cajun sausage. The star of the show are some of the best rib tip's you can consume. when this is place is on they are real on.

    Image
    Rib tip's with hot BBQ sauce on the side is the way to go...Im not really big on sauce with my smoked pork but I love their hot stuff.
    Frosty's: Cant find it listed but I can assure you it has reopened and its on 12-20 in Michigan city, IN around the blue chip casino.


    I still cant find a listed address, but I do know that it moved from the Franklin St. location to where it is now on US 12-20. So dont go to the franklin st address listed on some sites.
  • Post #40 - September 9th, 2008, 7:05 pm
    Post #40 - September 9th, 2008, 7:05 pm Post #40 - September 9th, 2008, 7:05 pm
    ronnie_suburban wrote:These ribs had never been anywhere near charcoal, wood or smoke. They were baked in an oven -- maybe even boiled before that -- and then slathered with an ultra-sweet sauce that nearly sent me into a diabetic coma. The FOB meat was as soft as pudding and the only discernable flavor was conveyed in the sauce.




    Barbecue flavored ribs perhaps?

    " 'Barbecued meats' - Consumers expect these foods to have been cooked by a direct source of radiant heat and not in a pan or an oven. When meats are cooked by frying, broiling, etc. and simply flavored with barbecue sauce, the kind of meat should be named and a descriptive term added like 'barbecue flavored' or 'with barbecue sauce', eg. 'barbecue flavored pork chops' "

    As stated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency........I always knew they had something better to offer us than those bone numbing arctic cold fronts.
    Last edited by T Comp on September 10th, 2008, 9:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
  • Post #41 - September 9th, 2008, 8:43 pm
    Post #41 - September 9th, 2008, 8:43 pm Post #41 - September 9th, 2008, 8:43 pm
    Da Beef wrote:Wagner's has some of the best ribs within an hour of the city. A buddy of mine's parents have a place in Long Beach, IN and ribs and wings from Wagner's have been a must every stop thru there, proving once again "theres more than corn in Indiana" but not much else.

    Da Beef wrote:Damn, I had thought to post about Wagner's and their "Chicago-style" ribs and to avoid them at all cost if you like real smoked BBQ.

    I'm confused?
    One minute to Wapner.
    Raymond Babbitt

    Low & Slow
  • Post #42 - September 9th, 2008, 9:30 pm
    Post #42 - September 9th, 2008, 9:30 pm Post #42 - September 9th, 2008, 9:30 pm
    G Wiv wrote:I'm confused?


    Well I wrote the first one before I had been back this summer and hadnt been to it in a quite a few years even before I wrote that, I was writing it based on childhood memory. But like I said I liked that place as a kid, I liked anything called rib's. Ribs were my favorite food and some of the places I remember I liked back in the day were Russell's, the old Stevie B's in the strip mall at Clybourn and Racine, an old place long gone at Montana and racine called the Chase tavern, Twin anchor's (all served Chicago-Style, I think) but I also loved Farmar Brown's and another old school joint in cabrini thats name escapes me better than all those places, I just liked ribs, I even loved the McRib and who knows what that really is. It wasnt until college when I started becoming really interested in BBQ and grilling that I learned the difference between the two. Sorry, I meant to make a post recanting my statement but forgot when my mind moved to other food.
  • Post #43 - September 10th, 2008, 9:45 am
    Post #43 - September 10th, 2008, 9:45 am Post #43 - September 10th, 2008, 9:45 am
    ronnie_suburban wrote:. . . I stopped for lunch at Wagner's Ribs in Porter, IN. There, I ordered what might have been the worst ribs I've ever eaten. . . .this is most definitely a place to avoid.


    Boy, I couldn't disagree more. This is an immensely popular and successful rib restaurant that I've eaten at for many years and have rarely been disappointed with. They have been so very successful, that they've had to expand their restaurant many times. Hard to find, but worth the trip in my humble estimation. Different strokes I guess. I would encourage people to just try it. With such enormous success that they've had . . . one has got to think that they must be doing something right.
  • Post #44 - September 10th, 2008, 10:03 am
    Post #44 - September 10th, 2008, 10:03 am Post #44 - September 10th, 2008, 10:03 am
    We visited the area this weekend. In the past we've had trouble finding good grub, so I was armed with a short list courtesy LTH...

    We ended up at at the Red Arrow Roadhouse in Union Pier. All of us meat eaters had a big ol' prime rib hamburger (Saturday's special) that was really spectacular. Onion rings were fried in a light tasty batter and were quite good.

    Good to hear that Frosty's Cajun Smokehouse is recommended -- we'll have to try that next time. There's also an outpost of Woody's BBQ along that stretch.
  • Post #45 - September 10th, 2008, 10:38 am
    Post #45 - September 10th, 2008, 10:38 am Post #45 - September 10th, 2008, 10:38 am
    BTB wrote:
    ronnie_suburban wrote:. . . I stopped for lunch at Wagner's Ribs in Porter, IN. There, I ordered what might have been the worst ribs I've ever eaten. . . .this is most definitely a place to avoid.


    Boy, I couldn't disagree more. This is an immensely popular and successful rib restaurant that I've eaten at for many years and have rarely been disappointed with. They have been so very successful, that they've had to expand their restaurant many times. Hard to find, but worth the trip in my humble estimation. Different strokes I guess. I would encourage people to just try it. With such enormous success that they've had . . . one has got to think that they must be doing something right.

    Definitely different strokes and all that.

    I did my best to provide specific details about the food and why I didn't like it. If, however, one is a fan of that style of cooking, there's probably no reason they wouldn't like it. I just happen to hate ribs that are cooked that way. The fact that the place is popular and successful is largely irrelevant to me. Subway is popular and successful too and you couldn't pay me to eat there.

    =R=
    By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada

    Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS

    There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM

    That don't impress me much --Shania Twain
  • Post #46 - September 10th, 2008, 11:12 am
    Post #46 - September 10th, 2008, 11:12 am Post #46 - September 10th, 2008, 11:12 am
    BTB wrote:I would encourage people to just try it. With such enormous success that they've had . . . one has got to think that they must be doing something right.


    BTB-

    I think it was you that had raised before the issue of popularity as a marker of a good restaurant. While I thoroughly disagree with that notion, and know of several crowded restaurants which do not deserve their business, I have to ask, did you see the picture of Wagner's ribs upthread? They really do not look that different from the McRib.
  • Post #47 - September 10th, 2008, 11:53 am
    Post #47 - September 10th, 2008, 11:53 am Post #47 - September 10th, 2008, 11:53 am
    ronnie, that's fine and if you don't like their baby back rib product, that's ok. But many, many feel otherwise. I may be wrong, but from remarks like "I just happen to hate ribs that are cooked that way. The fact that the place is popular and successful is largely irrelevant to me . . . ," it seems like one would be "pre-disposed" to dislike their style of ribs. And that's ok. And it's unfortunate that you didn't know that before you tried them.

    Frankly, I don't know how they make their ribs. I like many different styles. What is IMPORTANT to me is the reaction of my taste buds upon delighting in the flavor, tenderness, softness, quality, positive impression, aura, savoriness, enthusiasm. etc . . . . . . of the Wagner's style of ribs. What can I say . . . I LOVE the taste of their ribs. You did not. Many, many feel otherwise. And I'm sure you can find others to agree with you. Like I said, different strokes. But I sure wouldn't want to discourage others to go and try an immensely, immensely successful restaurant (despite what I think is an inapplicable Subway anology) that has a fantastic reputation for great baby back ribs (and they don't have the advertising and coupon power of a Subway). If they would pay me to eat at Wagner's, I would be there every night and be about 200 lbs more in weight unfortunately.

    I know you like and love good ribs for which you and I would probably agree with 95% of the time, but I very much like Wagner's ribs. Now that you've brought up the subject (for me, at least), I think my wife and I will head out there in the next week or two.

    To aschie30: it seens like you can't really get over my comments to you about the Journeyman, can you? Yes, ashie30, I saw the picture of the ribs, but much more IMPORTANTLY ate . . . what I feel . . were incredibly delicous ribs at Wagners. And you, counselor . . . ? That comment on the picture of Wagner's ribs not looking "different from the McRib" is a little bit too much, but, hey, this is America.
    Last edited by BTB on September 10th, 2008, 1:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.
  • Post #48 - September 10th, 2008, 12:07 pm
    Post #48 - September 10th, 2008, 12:07 pm Post #48 - September 10th, 2008, 12:07 pm
    BTB wrote:To aschie30: it seens like you can't really get over my comments to you about the Journeyman, can you? Yes, ashie30, I saw the picture of the ribs, but much more IMPORTANTLY ate . . . what I feel . . were incredibly delicous ribs at Wagners. And you, counselor . . . ? That comment on the picture of Wagner's ribs not looking "different from the McRib" is a little bit too much, but, hey, this is America.


    BTB-

    I just couldn't resist a little ribbing. :) Having said that, I don't think that crowds or lack of them are any indication that a restaurant's food is good. I find that to be true especially in Indiana, Michigan, etc., where the crowds tend to follow crowds, rather than good food. (I know that's a generalization, but one I've found to be generally true.)
  • Post #49 - September 10th, 2008, 1:29 pm
    Post #49 - September 10th, 2008, 1:29 pm Post #49 - September 10th, 2008, 1:29 pm
    You are, of course, right on the crowds thing. I was just thinking of the times this summer when my wife and I ate at a restaurant that seemed to have a big following and we wondered . . . why? The food wasn't that good. While there are several, the restaurant that I am thinking about in particular at the moment is Lindy's, which is in between Dowagiac and Cassopolis. I had perch and my wife had salmon and we wondered why our negative opinions were not in line with the crowds that were at the restaurant. It is a good example of the crowds thing, which you correctly mentioned.
  • Post #50 - September 10th, 2008, 1:31 pm
    Post #50 - September 10th, 2008, 1:31 pm Post #50 - September 10th, 2008, 1:31 pm
    BTB,

    I completely respect our difference of opinion on this. We can't all like the same things and if we did, the world would be a very boring place.

    The purpose of my initial post was to provide some salient details about the food. From that point forward, my hope is that people can better decide for themselves whether they want to go there or not.

    I don't begrudge Da Beef on this but the fact is that if he had provided the same details in his post that I provided in mine, I would have simply gone somewhere else.

    =R=
    By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada

    Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS

    There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM

    That don't impress me much --Shania Twain
  • Post #51 - September 10th, 2008, 4:30 pm
    Post #51 - September 10th, 2008, 4:30 pm Post #51 - September 10th, 2008, 4:30 pm
    ronnie_suburban wrote:BTB,I don't begrudge Da Beef on this but the fact is that if he had provided the same details in his post that I provided in mine, I would have simply gone somewhere else.=R=


    Well thats good, because theres been some places heavily endorsed on here that I thought sucked too, but instead of saying it was the worst place ever, I focused on other places to write about so it didnt stir up a food fight.

    For instance: I just tried Wagners again for the first time in some time this summer and I found out the ribs were baked to fall of the bone or whatever they do with them and didnt think they were all that good but still not the worst thing ever..it is still pig. However since I tried them on the back end of my trip on the circle tour, it didnt stick in my mind since I had 50 other places I was trying to keep memory of and maybe post about. So oh well, you had bad meal, but you even admitted you knew it wasnt going to be good and stayed...whether or not it was time constraint I have no idea nor is that my fault. I guess next time trust your gut instinct.

    and for the record I think ribs at Wagners suck if your looking for real BBQ...sorry I forgot to post about over a busy summer...What was I thinking?
  • Post #52 - September 10th, 2008, 6:26 pm
    Post #52 - September 10th, 2008, 6:26 pm Post #52 - September 10th, 2008, 6:26 pm
    Da Beef wrote:
    ronnie_suburban wrote:BTB,I don't begrudge Da Beef on this but the fact is that if he had provided the same details in his post that I provided in mine, I would have simply gone somewhere else.=R=


    Well thats good, because theres been some places heavily endorsed on here that I thought sucked too, but instead of saying it was the worst place ever, I focused on other places to write about so it didnt stir up a food fight.

    For instance: I just tried Wagners again for the first time in some time this summer and I found out the ribs were baked to fall of the bone or whatever they do with them and didnt think they were all that good but still not the worst thing ever..it is still pig. However since I tried them on the back end of my trip on the circle tour, it didnt stick in my mind since I had 50 other places I was trying to keep memory of and maybe post about. So oh well, you had bad meal, but you even admitted you knew it wasnt going to be good and stayed...whether or not it was time constraint I have no idea nor is that my fault. I guess next time trust your gut instinct.

    and for the record I think ribs at Wagners suck if your looking for real BBQ...sorry I forgot to post about over a busy summer...What was I thinking?

    Well, I certainly didn't mean to put you on the defensive. Nor did I ever say it was your fault. I know you weren't in the kitchen at Wagner's, so you are definitely not to blame. :wink:

    Having read some of your other posts here, though, I thought our tastes in bbq were more aligned, which is why I was so stunned by what I was served at Wagner's -- especially in the context of your initial comments here about the place. In the future, I'll be sure to ask for more details instead of blindly following an endorsement (in general, not just regarding any specific person's posts).

    And fwiw, I certainly didn't think it was the worst place ever; just hated the ribs. I liked the jalapeno-studded steak chili and my ice-cold 3 Floyds Alpha King was great, too.

    On a separate and much more positive note, we also stopped at Fruit Acres, where I picked up some of the best sweet corn and broccoli I've had this year. I also bought a flat of super ripe Star 66 peaches that were unbelievably good. I picked up a few other items there, too but I have yet to try them, although I look forward to doing so.

    =R=

    Fruit Acres Farm Market
    3390 Friday Rd
    Coloma, MI 49038
    (269) 468-5076
    By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada

    Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS

    There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM

    That don't impress me much --Shania Twain
  • Post #53 - September 10th, 2008, 6:39 pm
    Post #53 - September 10th, 2008, 6:39 pm Post #53 - September 10th, 2008, 6:39 pm
    No worries, in all honesty I felt bad when I read it b/c the day we ate there over summer, my first thought after my first bite was literally "I have to make sure I didnt post about this place, this is the exact same thing as twin anchors and I know they dont like that" I dont like that style either anymore. I used to love both of those spots before I realized what I was missing. It more than likely was here or from posters on here from the old chow-hound that I learned what real BBQ is and where to find it, so I thank all for your knowledge shared. Reading what I wrote sounds like I was getting defensive but I was just trying to explain that in the past 8 years my knowledge of BBQ has greatly expanded. After reading your post I thought about just deleting that post I made, which I think was a couple years old b/c I hadnt been in some time. Then I thought an explanation would be better than just running from it. Again I am sorry b/c I did say that and I feel embarrassed I did.
  • Post #54 - September 10th, 2008, 6:44 pm
    Post #54 - September 10th, 2008, 6:44 pm Post #54 - September 10th, 2008, 6:44 pm
    Da Beef wrote:No worries, in all honesty I felt bad when I read it b/c the day we ate there over summer, my first thought after my first bite was literally "I have to make sure I didnt post about this place, this is the exact same thing as twin anchors and I know they dont like that" I dont like that style either anymore. I used to love both of those spots before I realized what I was missing. It more than likely was here or from posters on here from the old chow-hound that I learned what real BBQ is and where to find it, so I thank all for your knowledge shared. Reading what I wrote sounds like I was getting defensive but I was just trying to explain that in the past 8 years my knowledge of BBQ has greatly expanded. After reading your post I thought about just deleting that post I made, which I think was a couple years old b/c I hadnt been in some time. Then I thought an explanation would be better than just running from it. Again I am sorry b/c I did say that and I feel embarrassed I did.

    No worries whatsoever. One of the great things about LTHForum is that we learn about new places, try them and expand our horizons. In that process, our tastes change, evolve and develop to the point where places we once loved sometimes lose their luster. I think it's happened to all of us. It's a good thing and it comes with the territory. For me, this has been especially true with Thai food, which I love. Many places that used to be my favorites are places I don't even patronize anymore. I don't think there's any reason to be embarrased because there's no right or wrong here. We're just all spouting off. :)

    =R=
    By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada

    Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS

    There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM

    That don't impress me much --Shania Twain
  • Post #55 - September 12th, 2008, 7:32 am
    Post #55 - September 12th, 2008, 7:32 am Post #55 - September 12th, 2008, 7:32 am
    Da Beef wrote:After reading your post I thought about just deleting that post I made, which I think was a couple years old b/c I hadnt been in some time. Then I thought an explanation would be better than just running from it. Again I am sorry b/c I did say that and I feel embarrassed I did.

    Da,

    Thank you for your consideration, deleting an old post is a poor choice as the continuity of the subject and board is interrupted. Much better to do, as you did, simply provide an update.

    Far as giving Ronnie_S a bad lead, it happens to all of us at one time or another. Hell, TonyC regularly trashed my favorite restaurant and namesake of this board (my last abominable meal @ LTH), but no, I wan't happy to see him move to LA, no, really, I wasn't. :)

    Anyway, every meal is not going to be majestic, even if you are Ronnie_Suburan Food Geek, and sometimes it fun to write about a place that is not to your taste.

    Enjoy,
    Gary
    One minute to Wapner.
    Raymond Babbitt

    Low & Slow
  • Post #56 - September 12th, 2008, 7:27 pm
    Post #56 - September 12th, 2008, 7:27 pm Post #56 - September 12th, 2008, 7:27 pm
    There's no right or wrong here. We're just all spouting off.


    Now THERE'S a banner quote.
  • Post #57 - November 24th, 2008, 4:44 pm
    Post #57 - November 24th, 2008, 4:44 pm Post #57 - November 24th, 2008, 4:44 pm
    dddane wrote:a little quiz ...


    on a somewhat recent visit to michigan city, we found ourselves asking a local where to go... we told him we wanted a river/lake/etc-side place that
    had seafood where you could eat on a deck outside. he said "follow me" and took us a few blocks aways (we started out by the outlet mall) ... the place was on the river/canal, you could dock your boat right there and come and eat... it was by no means gourmet, and more on the dumpy side, but it was decent food, and a good place to relax...

    there was also a really unique swing bridge that rotated horizontally on a pivot ... once or twice while we were there, a loud siren rang and the bridge swung into action... a train shortly crossed over it (amtrak?) .. and hey a little google found me a picture..
    http://www.michiganrailroads.com/RRHX/B ... Bridge.htm ..that page says its on "trail creek" ...


    now that its getting warm again, i'm looking to go back. i'm not totally convinced we can find it on our own, so i'm trying to remember the name... i feel like it may have also have been just northwest of the casino, though i really have no idea? ;P

    anyone know of the place i'm talking about?

    The place you're referring to is Bridges, located on Pioneer Pier. You're right--it's not "high end" or gourmet by any means, but it is a fun spot to grab a bite in the summer/early fall.
  • Post #58 - May 26th, 2009, 5:36 am
    Post #58 - May 26th, 2009, 5:36 am Post #58 - May 26th, 2009, 5:36 am
    Pablo's Cafe & Grill has just opened recently, a welcome addition to the local dining scene. For years I've been pining for a quality Mexican restaurant in these parts, ala the numerous Bayless offshoots in Chicago. Pablo has boldly stepped into the void.

    They're in the old Horsefeathers spot, which always felt like eating in a converted gas station - dark, bare concrete floors and unadorned walls. Pablo's has transformed it nicely, bright tropical colors liven it up and the concrete floor has been resurfaced. Much more comfortable and invitiing inside, and the outdoor patio in back is also a comfortable and attractive spot.

    The menu is brief, with a lot of interesting items - moving well beyond the usual Gringo/Mexican suspects. Prices are super reasonable, most items gravitating around the $10 range. We only had breakfast, but my wife's omelette (with poblanos, chihuahua cheese and chorizo) and my chilaquiles were excellent. Salsas and frijoles all made from scratch, generous and professionally prepared portions - the fried egg on my chilaquiles were perfect. Salsas had some serious kick to them, so they're not toning anything down for the meek. Given the generous and quality ingredients, this place offers high value, eg a fresh squeezed OJ came in a pint glass and only costs $2.50.

    They're open 7 days a week right now, breakfast lunch and dinner. Lunch and dinner menus are a mix of mostly Mexican and a few Cuban items - Cuba represented by ropa viejas and empanadas. Everything on the menu looks interesting, I'll definitely be coming back to work my way through it. They have a full liquor license but it hasn't been issued yet, call first and they'll tell you if you should BYOB while the license is pending.

    I'd highly recommend this place, and I wish them luck.

    Pablo's Cafe and Grill
    12857 Three Oaks Rd (at the corner of Red Arrow Highway & Sawyer Rd)
    Sawyer, MI 49125
    269-426-3237
  • Post #59 - July 13th, 2009, 8:23 am
    Post #59 - July 13th, 2009, 8:23 am Post #59 - July 13th, 2009, 8:23 am
    In New Buffalo this past weekend and, having been unimpressed with their burgers before, skipped Redamak's.

    I did discover that directly across the street from Redamak's is a burger that is orders of magnitude better.

    Ozzie's Eatery is a cookie-cutter tourist-trap style frozen custard stand that is over-decorated by faux automotive memorabilia straight from a "start your own custard stand" booth at a entrepreneur's trade show.

    But, it looked empty and kid-friendly enough for us to stop in for lunch. They advertised freshly-ground, never frozen burgers. I opted for a bacon cheeseburger (which came standard as a double), and it was excellent, exceeding my wildest expectation. It was nicely seasoned, tasted of beef, and was clearly recently formed into a patty. The bacon was smoky and crisp and made a nice pair with the burger. It was just plain good. I'd pay double for an Ozzie's burger over a free Redamak's burger any day.

    Ozzie's remained totally empty for lunch while Redamak's across the street had people lining up through the parking lot. I probably never would have stopped at Ozzie's if not for needing a place that looked easy to manage with twin one-year-olds, but I'm glad I did.

    Someone else's Ozzie's picture on flickr.

    A brief mention by JoelF here.

    Oh, we had a free sample of the pistachio custard, which was quite tasty.

    Best,
    Michael

    Ozzies Eatery
    603 East New Buffalo St.
    New Buffalo, MI 49117
    269-469-9437
  • Post #60 - July 17th, 2009, 8:41 pm
    Post #60 - July 17th, 2009, 8:41 pm Post #60 - July 17th, 2009, 8:41 pm
    Well it looks like Hannah's in New Buffalo has closed.Not sure why or if it is permanent.I hope not, a lot of local people have jobs there.The economy?,competition from the Four Winds Casino ?just don't know.

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