I arrive at Lipka’s (an old fashion soda fountain and restaurant, est. 1895) on the corner of Dowling and Ferry in downtown Montague, MI, with no expectations. I had heard through the grapevine that the food was good, and that’s all I needed to know. After a quick read of the handwritten sign on the door “only cash or check is accepted”, I dig through … Continue reading LIPKA’S – MONTAGUE – MI
Once upon a time, I visited Living Kitchen in Charlotte, NC. A perfect location for three long time friends to enjoy healthier food choices on a hot North Carolina afternoon; little did we know that the whole menu was vegan. We were told we would like the food, and boy was my friend right. After skimming the menu for a dish with meat, then realizing … Continue reading Living Kitchen – Charlotte – NC
Wouldn’t it be just right that after a night of cold photography, trouncing around in knee deep snow shooting the sunset, I would crave a juicy mushroom burger, only to find that my little burger place is closed for the evening? So what does one do? Go somewhere else that’s open, of course! Opting to stay close to home, I chose to stop at a … Continue reading Zaloma’s Pizza Co. – Muskegon – MI
We are made to endure, to persevere, and overcome. We are living breathing hungry souls with fog dripping from our lips, seeking warmth where it may cultivate on this cold and rainy evening. One by one we walk the wet gravel drive, beyond turkeys, goats, chickens, ducks, pigs, cows, and gardens on this little farm full of life and good eating. It is here at … Continue reading Hidden Creek Farm – Muskegon – Michigan
When was the last time you were at Old Channel Inn in Montague, MI? Seriously? That long? Well, must I say, you gotta make a point to get over there and try their baked potato soup, as well as the coconut shrimp. On a recent visit with my mother, we stopped by the Inn mid-afternnon, after a walk on the beach, just down the street. … Continue reading Old Channel Inn – Montague – Michigan
You sit across from me debating which brew to order, neither of us are quite sure, so we test a few while scanning the two sided taproom menu, before committing. This is your kind of place, you say. Good food, beer, and nice people. While you yak it up, I am lost in the aesthetics of urban saloon; wooden booths, original wood floor and exposed … Continue reading Newaygo Brewing Co. – Newaygo – Michigan
In the last four months, I’ve been given the opportunity and free range to create in the kitchen, something I’ve been doing since childhood, but allowed the urge to lay dormant for many years. In that time, I have moved many places and had many roommates, who were excellent cooks. I’ve learned much from them and from my own experiences: pairing foods and drinks, overcoming … Continue reading Homemade
An alluring aroma draws me nearer to a square box in front of me, my senses register that its pizza, but not your average run of the mill pizza. As I fling open the cardboard top, my taste buds begin to water; grilled artichoke hearts, banana peppers, kalamata olives, fresh melted feta and mozzarella cheese on a wheat crust look back at me. I’ve been … Continue reading 750 GRILL – MUSKEGON – MICHIGAN
Heavy rains and dark clouds dampen the little restaurant where my grandmother wanted to eat lunch. I offer take out, leaving her in the car, where the air conditioner can keep her cool from the muggy air. So food focused, I am drawn to the “Today’s Specials” menu, immediately finding myself debating between the Gyro Dog and Bourbon Burger. Not a minute after stepping beyond … Continue reading Max-n-Marley’s Dog House – Muskegon – Michigan
The BLT (as it’s known in the area, rather than its full name The Bear Lake Tavern), is not the dark greasy spoon as I once remember it to be. On a hot muggy Michigan summer afternoon, I find myself entering a cleaner version of nostalgia. Now, called Thrasher’s Bear Lake Tavern, it is very little of what I remember it to be. The face lift … Continue reading Bear Lake Tavern – North Muskegon – Michigan
sporadic traveler 