Archive for the ‘Restaurant Reviews’ Category

And though I rank restaurants according to a star system, that doesn’t necessarily predict where I’ll want to eat on any given night. Stars reflect a restaurant’s ambitions and how well it fulfills them. A great hamburger or pizza joint is certainly something to celebrate for doing one thing perfectly. But neither can be compared to a top restaurant with a highly trained staff putting out an ambitious menu made with the very best ingredients and executed with skill. I never write about where restaurants rank on my star system, but I can tell you this, I only write about the ones that rank the highest. That being said, last night I ate at one of the best restaurants around. I’m talking about Teddy Griffins Road House. If you have dinned there before you know what I am talking about, and if not, you must check it out. Owner, and operator for 22 years, Joe Griffin has created a menu with a vast variety of chicken, pork, veal, seafood, pasta, award winning prime rib, and steaks using the highest quality aged Black Angus beef. There are several appetizers to choose from like, Oysters Rockefellers $11, Maryland crab cakes $10.50, Teddy style frog legs $10 and several more. House made soups and numerous salads are available.

For entrées just to name a few, Chicken Marsala or Chicken Madagascar sauted breasts in garlic, artichokes and mushrooms finished of with demi glace $20. If pork or veal is your thing they have lots to offer. Try the local favorite Baby back Ribs, tender Chicago pork ribs slow roasted then slathered with house made hickory BBQ sauce ½ rack $17. Another local favorite is the great lakes perch, and If you can’t decide between the two, the Road House offers a perch and rib combination at $23.00.

Teddy Griffins has a very inviting atmosphere. Comfortable padded wood wraparound chairs, a huge stone fireplace, red tablecloths with a complementary basket of crackers, and house made cheese spread, and top notch service sets the stage for a great dinning experience. We ordered the Atlantic salmon, and the 18oz T-bone black angus steak. Started out with a couple salads, a nice blend of mixed greens topped with one of the best house made blue cheese dressings I’ve had in a long time, with some fresh, soft bread right out of the oven. The Salmon was a generous portion, broiled to perfection, moist and flaky, covered with a light spinach dill cream sauce accompanied with a baked and veggies $21. The T-bone was completely off the chart. At $29 it was a deal. This 18oz cut was cooked to a perfect medium rare, tender and juicy it was so good I was tempted to gnaw on the bone. The veggies were a blend of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. For dessert, they tempt you with quadruple chocolate mousse divine at $5.50 or Irish cream Baileys cheese cake $4.25 and a few other selections. (Hot tip) Early bird special two entries for $25.

Smooth move Joe bringing in areas best mixologist, Ken Fowler who is also the bar manager of their large full service bar offering a huge selection of liqueurs and spirits. A wildly eclectic and exciting new world wine list with over 340 different labels, and a seven time wine spectator award of excellence notched in their belt.

Joe’s dad Teddy Griffin was the inspiration of the Road House and a huge hockey buff. He left his mark with a massive collection of hockey memorabilia scattered throughout for all his customers to enjoy. Take it from me, visit Teddy Griffin’s at 50 Highland Pike Road, just off of Pleasant View in Harbor Springs.

Raving compliments to Executive Chef, Gregory Tanner, and staff for an awesome dinning experience.

I get comments on my web site all the time, and periodically, I receive suggestions on places to visit. The Side Door Saloon has come up a couple of times. I usually take my readers advice and check them out. I have driven passed the Side Door Saloon, in Petoskey, many times. Although, I was uncertain, weather or not, I wanted to dine there, I have to tell you that I was very impressed. The Side Door Saloon has an unpretentious, laid back kind of atmosphere, with solid wood tables, and upholstered wood chairs. The large, full service bar provides about fifty different kinds of beer. The walls are decorated with antiques, and crazy things to look at while you dine. They even have a separate section with a few couches, coffee tables and lounging chairs with a large flat screen TV.

Upon arrival we were seated immediately. Our server was at our table shortly after we sat down to take our order. We ordered the blackened whitefish, and the olive mushroom bacon burger. Before we knew it, our order was brought out. I was completely amazed with the kitchen on how fast they knocked out our order, considering how packed the place was.

The whitefish had just the right amount of Cajon seasoning, although not to spicy at all. Moist and flakey and tasted extremely fresh, topped with Pico de Gallo, a great marriage of flavors. The baked potato was hot but not over cooked, and the veggies were a nice blend of broccoli, cauliflower, and snap peas, served with warm French bread.

And now the Meat of the matter. The burger was D E L I C I O U S! Thick and juicy, cooked to order, hot and juicy just the way I like ‘em. There was PLENTY of flavor in the meat, the sautéed mushrooms were well cooked, tender but not soggy, and the bacon (a nice portion) was actually crispy, adding a great crunch to the burger. The olive mayo complemented it, making it a complete masterpiece. I’m no burger novice, so it takes something extraordinary to make me sit up and take notice, and this is one burger that has it. It’s no wonder, the Side Door Saloon has the right to boast about winning the 2009 Best Eats award by the Traverse City Magazine

Frank Gotts the owner and operator, is right on point with their menu. Loaded with some good old comfort food, and some very unique items. For starters you can get, white fish nachos, loaded with smoked white fish, jack and cheddar cheese, lettuce, and Pico de Gallo $8.99. Smoked white fish quesadilla with herb cream cheese, cheddar jack cheese, Pico de Gallo, with seasoned sour cream $8.99. They also have several salads to choose from like Southwest salad or Mandarin sunset salad, along with homemade soup’s and chowders. If it’s wraps or sandwiches your craving, they have many to offer. Check these out; Ruski wrap, loaded with chicken salad made with pineapple, dried cherries, dill and romaine, wrapped up on a flour tortilla at $6.99. Smoked BBQ chicken wrap also at $6.99. The portabella mushroom sandwich is a popular one, a large portabella cap, marinated and grilled with onion, served on focaccia bread, with pesto mayo, with fresh spinach and tomato $7.49. The side door is most popular for their burgers. Third pound of freshly ground beef served up many different ways, like the Tuscan burger, lettuce, tomato, pesto mayo served on focaccia bread. The craving killer olive, mushroom, bacon burger $6.99. And if your real hungry try the “Big Momma” at $9.49. Many dinner specials are also offered, like the blackened salmon or Mahi Mahi, 8oz filet served on a Caesar or Greek salad with bread, and house veggies $14.99. Seafood pasta is a local favorite, plenty of jumbo shrimp, scallops, crab, bowtie pasta in a creamy lobster sauce.

For dessert you have got to try this, a home made brownie filled with Reese’s peanut butter cups, M&Ms, and Snickers toped with vanilla ice cream $4.99, sinfully delicious. Weekly specials are Mondays- pint of leinenkugel or Labatt’s for $1.50. Twin Tail Tuesdays- steak and lobster for $27.95 or two lobster tails at $32. Thursday is ladies day, Chardonnay $3.50, martinis $5, Bud and Bud lite $2.50 all day. Monday-Thursday Burger, and a pint of beer, or pop $5.50, 9:00 till midnight.

Make sure to visit the Side Door Saloon at 1356 N. US Hwy. 31 for casual dining, family fun, and great eats. Trust me, you’ll be sorry if you don’t give it a try.

A couple weeks ago, one of our readers e-mailed me to let me know how much he also enjoyed the City Park Grill, and to let us know about one of his favorite places. He recommended the Roast & Toast Café on Lake Street in downtown Petoskey. He said, “they have the best soups by item and by selection. They are unrivaled anywhere”. As I was unfamiliar with the Roast & Toast, and intrigued by his comments, we had to experience it first hand.

You can’t miss the sign, just look for the coffee cup mosaic surrounding the entrance. I was pleasantly surprised by this little café. It is what you would expect in a street side bistro, with some unexpected twists. The café has an eclectic décor, and is heartwarming to both young and old. Upon entering you will notice the wall mount chalk boards featuring their menu, daily soup specials, and an endless array of flavored coffee, cappucino, and espresso. Over fifty types of coffee and espresso are freshly roasted on site, with roasted coffee beans available for purchase. The wonderful aroma envelopes you with a warm and cozy feeling, perfect for lingering over a homemade meal on a chilly afternoon.

The menu offers eighteen different sandwiches, like their local favorite Chicken Club, with sliced chicken breast, blue cheese, pesto mayo, prosciutto, red onion, lettuce and tomato. All sandwiches are served on thick slices of fresh baked whole wheat, rye, sourdough, or vegetable bread. The Roast & Toast serves over one hundred different homemade soups on an alternating basis. Many specialty salads, wraps, soup combinations, and even a breakfast menu with egg wraps, French toast pancakes, bagels, and more. The very tempting baked fresh goodies like granola, sweet loaves, cookies, brownies, and glazed cinnamon rolls all look absolutely scrumptious.

We enjoyed the chicken corn chowder, and potato leek soup which were hearty and fabulous. We can also recommend the turkey avocado club, and the chicken salad sandwiches, also perfectly delicious. The piping hot turtle mocha is to die for. Also unique is the Ghiradelli hot chocolate, Chai tea, fresh squeezed lemonade, and iced Italian sodas. The Roast & Toast Café definitely does not disappoint, so make a point to stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner for something really terrific anytime. We raise a toast and thank our reader for the suggestion, as you were spot on.

CJ. Ray

In early 1900 Jack, and Florence Pappas came to the United States from Greece in search of a better life. They wound up in Cheboygan in 1926, and opened the Carnation restaurant, still owned, and operated by the Pappas family today. They made the 2nd floor, above the restaurant, into their main residence, living there until 1956. After it sat empty for many years, it was converted into the Loft restaurant in 1972. In 2007 it was remodeled, and the Top Of The Greeks was born. Owned, and operated by Paul and Jaki Tallman, (formally Jaki Pappas). Head chef, Kelly Bailey, puts his own twist on the original recipes brought over from Greece by Jaki’s grandpa, Jack Pappas. Everything served at the Top Of The Greeks is in house made, and from scratch. They have a lot to offer on their menu like Calamari, served with Greek red sauce, as an appetizer or Greek sticks, fresh green beans, breaded then flash fried with portabella mushrooms served up with red sauce and lemon aioli. Avgolemono soup, Tuscan ceasar, or a Greek salad. For entrees how about Shish Kabob, the chefs choice of meat with green bell peppers, and onion served on a bed of rice, or Veal Piccata, tender veal pan fried with capers served with baby asparagus, and rice $16.00. They also have Greek lasagna, spinach pie, or parmesan encrusted chicken breast topped with lemon cream sauce at $13.00, and several more Greek entrees that will entice you. If Greek is not your thing, they have many American entrees. Try their hand cut steaks, 10oz filet mignon at $22.00, or the Delmonico, and the New York strip are a popular choice. Steak & Shrimp, top sirloin with jumbo shrimp $19.00. White fish, or Baby back ribs, also a favorite.

We started off with a couple appetizers. The feta hummus, absolutely the best hummus I have ever had, served with warm grilled pita points. The Saganaka is a show all on its own, pan fried Greek cheese flamed, and cooked tableside, served with pita points. Braised lamb shank, and pan seared Salmon were our entrée selections, with a choice of Avolemomo soup or salad. If you order the salad, upgrade to a Greek or Tuscan salad, you wont be sorry. The Lamb shank was off the hook, much larger than I expected, it was super tender served in a small pool of Greek sauce with Mediterranean rice. The sauce was so good, my mouth exploded with flavor as it hit my taste buds “WOW“. The salmon equally as good, prepared perfectly in olive oil, super moist and flaky, with roasted peppers, lemon, and capers covered in baby asparagus, served on a bed of rice. After all that we were stuffed, but had to try the home made baklava, so we ordered it to go, to enjoy later. So glad we did, as it was gooey, and flaky, the perfect snack for later.

Winter hours are Wed – Sat 4-9 and in the summer Mon – Sat 4-10. Thursday night is date night, Wednesday is Pasta night with ½ price wine, and Saturday is lamb night.

We thoroughly enjoyed our dinning experience, with their friendly staff, and top notch service. If you’re a fan of Greek food, or have never tried it before, The Top Of The Greeks is an experience you simply must try. Unfortunately, it is not handicap accessible, although you can also dine downstairs in the Carnation restaurant, as they offer a full service menu.

If you have never been to Topinabee, it’s one of those little so called one horse towns, if you blink while driving through you might miss it. It consists of one gas station, a small hardware store, and a post office. The old train depot has been converted into a museum loaded with information and photos dating as far back as1881. You will also find a bar on the edge of town, and right in the middle of town is a quant little restaurant called the café Noka. This rustic café is serving up some of the best breakfast and lunches in northern Michigan. The café noka is furnished with original Rittenhouse furniture from the Rittenhouse factory that was located at the north end of town. Owner Theresa Pearson of fifteen years starts her day at 5:00am the old school way, making everything from scratch, and using the freshest ingredients possible. Starting out with the highly guarded secret pancake recipe that even her daughter can’t get her hands on. Pies, cakes, muffins, and soups are all homemade and also her famous cinnamon rolls, which are a local favorite.

In the center of the cross roads of, Good times & good food sit’s a quaint rustic lakeside tavern loaded with history dating back to the 1940. You can spend over an hour gazing at the old photos covering the knotty pine walls, sparking the memories of yesteryears. Sit and watch your favorite sports game on one of 15 Tvs or challenge your skills on one of their pool tables.“The Breakers is a local watering hole for everybody.

It’s gone threw several changes since the 1940s, horseshoe stile bar, and a kitchen was added a few years ago, we just finished our out side patio, now we can offer out side dinning with a spectacular view of beautiful Mullet lake. We have a long dock for our guests that arrive by boat, you can also find your way to the breakers by snowmobile, were about 100ft off the trail that runs through Topinabee. We get an occasional plain that lands on the frozen lake in the winter” (Owner Derrick Schittekat explains)

We offer the areas best pizza starting at $7.99 House made soups and Breakers chili, shrimp, fish, chicken, corn beef, turkey, and pastrami Sandwiches, pitas, and the all famous “Breakers Burger” all our meat here is fresh and at the highest quality possible.The olive burger, I think, is the favorite of most, although our pizzas are gaining strength in popularity“.

The Breakers has plenty of snacks & starters, like, Buffalo wings with a spicy hot BBQ sauce,$7.99 Buffalo shrimp jammers at $6.50, or Con queso dip with chips $5.99.  Enjoy the famous Breakers burger starting at $4.75, or the “Shamrock“, pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and 1000 island all on an onion role $5.99, maybe the Big Alls pita, pita bread filled with diced chicken tenders, lettuce, tomato, mayo and Swiss cheese at $6.25, and a lot more to choose from. Wet your whistle at the bar, they offer many different kinds of beer both domestic and import and a huge array of spirits. You have got to try there 60oz margarita, either strawberry, raspberry, mango, or the traditional sweet & sour.

You will also find a kids menu for 12 and younger at $4.50, and lots of video games to keep the younginns occupied  “When it comes to customer service we are second to none, our highly trained staff is here to serve you as soon as you walk in the door. Team work is our motto, we make sure every customer leaves here with a smile on there face.  We try to create a home kind of atmosphere, were everybody is comfortable, kind of like the 70s TV show cheers were you would expect to see Norm sitting at the end of the bar holding a mug of beer, (says Derrick). We now offer soup & salad bar, and daily lunch specials. We have a lot more plans for expansion in the near future. Were presently adding a large full service kitchen that will allow us to add many more items to our menu, and some day we will be adding a second story to the Breakers“. There is a lot of strange or funny stories at the breakers in the past, one of which (Derrick recalls) I heard from a local, back in the late winter of the 40s someone would park a car on the lake out in front and bets were taken as to when the car would sink.

owner Derrick Schittekat and long time employee of 28 years, Beth Blaskowski

 The Breakers is located at 967 N Straits hwy Topinabee. You can also visit them at

www.breakersbar.com or call them at (213) 238-0108

Christmas time in Harbor Springs, one of my favorite places to go during the holidays.  This scenic, lakeside town, with history dating back to the 1800’s, is bursting with holiday cheer. Take a walk down main street, do some shopping, and enjoy the festive display of lights that illuminate the trees along the way, and dine at the New York Restaurant on the corner of Bay and State Streets. The New York Restaurant, overlooks the Little Traverse Bay waterfront, and offers gourmet dining, eclectic cuisine, with a lighter fare menu. Chef, Mat Bugera serves up his latest creations.   Originally, The Leahys’ New York Hotel and restaurant opened in 1904, consisting of a large lobby with a bar, for gentlemen only, on one side, and a bowling alley on the other. In 1912, the bowling alley was converted into a theater. Several years later, it became Johnston’s coffee shop. In 1977, it was reborn into the beautiful, high end, moderately priced restaurant it is today. A comfortable dining experience with a full service bar which boasts an award winning wine list of over three hundred wines, and an elegant dining area that stretches the length of the building with a view of the waterfront area through huge picture windows. The beautiful wood work, and the high tin ceiling provides the turn of the century feeling while you dine.  For starters some house made French onion soup, or smoked White Fish chowder, sesame seared sea scallops, escargot, and many more. Entrées like Veal ala Dave, tender veal scallops with smoked pork loin, Gruyere cheese, and Madeira wine sauce, $23.00. Pasta Pollo, bow tie pasta tossed with sautéed chicken, artichoke hearts, Shitake mushrooms, and chive cream, $17.00. Baby back ribs with their own house made spicy plum barbeque sauce, $19.00. I can recommended the Rosemary Roasted Chicken with fingerling potatoes and roasted vegetables. A boneless, roasted chicken, super moist, and juicy, simply loaded with flavor. And the Shaking Beef. Sliced Tenderloin stir fried with French beans, red onion, garlic, and spicy red Chile sauce. All I can say is WOW! This dish was incredible. If you like sweet spicy, you will love this, tender beef that almost melts in your mouth. Exploding with flavor on top of Basmati rice.  Here’s a hot tip, if you are seated by 6:00 you can enjoy any two entrees for the price of one. The New York Restaurant opens daily at 5:00. They can also accomodate private parties, and have a private dining room available for intimate gatherings. Call for reservations. To see their complete menu visit them at www.thenowyork.com Our dining experience was excellent. Their customer service, second to none, with a knowledgeable, friendly staff to see to your every need. You can see this review, and other Northern Michigan reviews at, www.purenorthernmichighn.com C.J. Ray

When you drive by a restaurant time and time again, and it’s always busy, you have to wonder if it’s just a popular local hangout, good prices, or just good food. My curiosity got the best of me, and I had to see why.  The place I’m referring to is the Northwood’s Restaurant in Conway. About five miles north of Petoskey. The Northwood’s is neat, and clean inside and out. It has a hometown kind of feel, with a subtle nautical charm.  We arrived at 6:30, and had about a twenty minute wait. We decided to sit in the bar, and enjoy a drink, while we waited. The manager stopped by to inform us that our table was ready, and we were promptly seated. The menu at the Northwood’s has an extensive variety of seafood; sea scallops, shrimp, salmon, walleye, perch and Alaskan Halibut. On the land side, you can find steaks, ribs, burgers, chicken & pasta, starting at $6.99. All entrees include choice of potato or rice, vegetables, salad or seafood chowder.  My wife ordered the perch at $16.99, baked potato and salad. The delicate fillets of perch were lightly battered, deep fried to a golden brown, and served piping hot. Excellent flavor, and not the least bit greasy, just perfect.   I decided on the popular fresh walleye at $18.99, with long grain wild rice and the seafood chowder. I always thought I made the best chowder. . . until now. The Northwood’s homemade seafood chowder is simply fantastic. It’s chock full of sea scallops, shrimp, and large chunks of white fish, and a few other hidden secrets. It is a must have, it’s really that delicious. Walleye is a staple found on most Northern Michigan menus, and I have eaten it prepared in many different ways. I thoroughly enjoyed the Northwood’s walleye with Italian breading, sautéed to a golden brown, moist and flaky on the inside. Our entire meal was excellent, beginning with the salad, soup and warm rolls, to our main course with large portions of fish. The service was excellent from our waitress to the general manager who actually brought our entrees to the table.

The Northwood’s is one of those places with little fanfare, as their friendly service, and tasty food does all the talking. Definitely a new favorite. If you want to try something new, especially if you’ve got a taste for seafood, take the short drive to the Northwood’s, you won’t be disappointed.

C.J. Ray

When you get that craving for a thick, juicy burger, and fast food just won’t cut it, go to the Mitchell Street Pub, downtown Petoskey, for some good old comfort food.  The Mitchell Street Pub is Petoskey’s first, and only, true pub. They have been serving up local favorites for the past 35 years, with a full service bar that includes over fifty different kinds of beer.  They have a complete menu, everything you would expect in a pub, like a Chicago style hot dog, or a patty melt at $7.95. The local favorite, a grilled cheese with three kinds of cheese, tomato, onion, on a Ciabatta artesian bread $6.95, and probably the best Rubin you will find anywhere. Lots of appetizers to start off with, and several different kinds of salads to choose from. White chicken chili, and nachos are another local favorite, or choose one of the homemade soups prepared daily.  The atmosphere here is laid back, fun, and comfortable. A place where you get a basket of complementary peanuts, and you’re expected to toss the shells on the floor. Mitchell Street Pub serves up, an unbelievable, four tons of peanuts a year!

There is so much to look at. You will find yourself mesmerized by the craziest ,off the wall collection, of stuff hanging on walls and from the ceiling. Antiques, photos, memorabilia, a bear rug, musical instruments, a miniature saddle riding atop a bomb from WWII , and many, many more. It is so incredibly interesting, you can sit and look at at everything throughout your meal.  We ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich and the pub burger. I love buffalo chicken sandwiches, I’ve had some of the best, and some of the worst. This tasty, spicy chicken sandwich rates at the top of my list. A tender breast of chicken drenched in buffalo sauce, with blue cheese, lettuce, tomato, served on a soft Kaiser bun, with unpeeled French fries, or hand dipped onion rings. I couldn’t decide, so I got both. The onion rings are fantastic, some of the best we have had. The burger was cooked perfectly and delivered hot, and juicy with lettuce, tomato and onion, on a nice soft Kaiser bun, with piping hot fries. The food was excellent, and definitely satisfied our craving for hearty, pub cuisine.  Desert beyond reason, deep chocolate cake with layers of smooth chocolate mousse toped with white chocolate mousse, and a sprinkle of cocoa on top at $4.95.  Clean spacious restrooms, and plenty of parking in the back make the Mitchell Street Pub easily accessible, and a fun, enjoyable place to eat.  A separate non smoking dining area is also available.