Toast N' Jams

Last weekend we were visiting my parents in Muskegon. They took us out to breakfast at the cutest little restaurant, Toast N' Jams. Unfortunately, I got there without my camera. :( It's not a huge place, but it's full of people and energy! It's got a cool retro feel, complete with a Route 66 mural. My husband and I had omelettes, which were both delish! My mom had stuffed hashbrowns and my dad had a belgian waffle with pecans. Yum! My son, well he had cocoa krispies...

It gets busy, so get there before or after the rush to avoid a wait. They're also open for lunch.

I've already decided that the next time we go there for breakfast, I'm trying the strawberry cheesecake pancakes!

Michigan Stay-Cation: February 13th

As promised, here is my first post about our "staycation". Day one wasn't all that exciting, really. We laid low and watched the Olympics. We did head out to lunch at our favorite local mexican restaurant, El Patio. There are 3 locations: Waterford, Farmington and Milford, but I've only been to the Waterford restaurant. Everything has always been fresh and yummy. Service is lightening fast and the staff is friendly and outgoing. If you prefer carry-out, call as you walk out the door. Your food will be ready and waiting. One time I ordered take-out and then was delayed for a few minutes. When I arrived, they re-made everything (and it was a big order)! It took about 5 minutes and they wanted to make sure my food was as fresh as possible!

Day 1 cost: $30.25 (3 meals, 3 drinks and tip)

Get out there and experience some local restaurants. I promise you will find one (or lots) that will knock all the chains off the map!

Congratulations to Zingerman's and Grand Traverse Pie Company!

These two staples of Michigan food are both featured in this month's "O" magazine as outstanding online food stores! Here's a link to the online list of featured sites. If anyone has a copy of the magazine, let us know how you liked the article. In the meantime, I'm going to stock up on pie at Grand Traverse Pie Co., and all kinds of deli goodness at Zingerman's!

If you've never tried either place, I highly recommend them both! Zingerman's and Zingerman's Roadhouse are both in Ann Arbor. Grand Traverse Pie Co. has several locations throughout Michigan (and beyond!).

Sidetrack Bar and Grill in Ypsilanti

Sidetrack has been one of my favorite restaurants since I live in Ypsi several years ago. Their burger has been rated as one of the best in the country by GQ magazine and their sweet potato fries are awesome! I have never had anything at Sidetrack that I didn't enjoy and they have a really nice selection of wine, beer and liquors. It's not a huge place, but it's cozy and fun, and the staff is friendly and efficient.

For a little under $20 (not including tip) you can get a cheeseburger, sweet potato fries, a drink (I had the hard cider on draught) and dessert.

Next time you're in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area, I highly encourage a stop at Sidetrack!

Extreme Comfort Food at Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

As we get closer to the cool days of fall, I can't help thinking about a hot bowl of soup and a gooey, rich sandwich. Where do I go to satisfy the comfort craving? Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup! Several varieties of soup are made fresh every day, with tomato bisque always on the menu. A wide assortment of sandwiches and salads are also available. Try the pulled pork for a modern twist on the southern favorite. Or go traditional with a grilled cheese (you get to choose up to three kinds of cheese for your sandwich). Meatloaf, mac and cheese, and chicken pot pie are also available.

I highly recommend treating yourself to some gourmet comfort food at this really yummy Michigan restaurant!

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup is located on Northwestern Highway in Farmington. Check out the menu here.

Detroit Restaurant Week

I'm just hearing about this, but I'm very excited! From September 18 to September 27th, 17 premiere Detroit restaurants will be offering a three course menu for $27 per person. This is a great way to check out some of the more exclusive eateries downtown for less money than usual.

Some of the restaurants participating include: Roast, The Whitney,and Opus One. For a full list of participating restaurants, menus and reservations check out: Detroit Restaurant Week.

Hiller's Michigan Foods Fair

Hiller's is a Michigan-based grocery chain that is spearheading a campaign to support Michigan companies. Their circular highlights which products are from Michigan and how many people each company employs. Not only that, they are very fun store with lots of gourmet and hard to find items!

On March 21-22, 2009 from 11am until 4pm there will be a Michigan Foods Fair at the Union Lake Hiller's store on Commerce Road. Vendors will be offering samples of their products and people will be on hand to answer questions about supporting Michigan and what else you can do to help. Check out Hiller's website for more information.

Another awesome thing going on at Hiller's is the Hometown First program. When you spend $100 at Hiller's you qualify for a Hometown First card. There is a list of local businesses that will accept your Hometown First card as a coupon. The card is redeemable one time. There is a more detailed explanation here.

Please find your local Hiller's and check them out! You will find a great selection of products and you will be helping Michigan businesses-everybody wins!