Cooking on the barbee

I promised a review of another one of the local eateries so this time it will be the 'The Grill House' in nearby Allegan.

Thankfully I have a GPS so I plugged in the address and followed the young lady jabbering from the silver little box stuck to the inside of my SUV's windshield. She's pleasant enough but just doesn't shut up when you make a wrong turn. Helpful I suppose ...but annoying.

Anyway the 20 some mile journey east of South Haven takes you though small farm country to this neat little town of which I had never before visited. A quick tour of the downtown area was kind of step back in time as it had the feel of the 1950's to it. We're anxious to return to the Old Regent Theatre just for a nostalgia trip. The outside marque is just as it was probably 60 years ago. Add garish neon, buttered popcorn, and a box of Thin Mints... maybe there will even be some 'necking' going on in the balcony!

Back to The Grill House... An old farm house with just a touch of modernization. Just about two miles out of town in farm country on M40. We planned to dine with friends on a Saturday night but when calling for a reservation we learned they were completely booked. "In Allegan?" "Completely booked?" you're kidding I thought to myself. I figured it must have been a 4H convention or a hog auction to get that kind of crowd in the middle of 'nowhere' but I couldn't have been more wrong.

We all settled for Friday night but still could only get an early seating. We arrived on time and were promptly taken to our seat. Not the best table in the place (like one near a window) but at least it was close to our kitchen. 'Yea Gads' you say! A table by the kitchen. How tacky. But wait! Remember I said our kitchen. You see 'our kitchen' is the one we'll use to cook our own food. Now wait another minute .... spend a goodly amount of money and have to cook your own food? Have we been out in the heat too long? But wait... that's what this place is famous for!

Let me tell you how The Grill House works... After seating, drinks, appetizers, and a salad we we're herding (local talk I'm told) off to the kitchen. First stop was the meat case. Spread out in front of us were stacks of Porterhouse, New York strip, fillet Mignon, and rib eye. Some fresh ... some dry aged for extra flavor. Not into beef ? ... then pick out chicken fillet, salmon, or large, in shell, shrimp. Behind us was this hot charcoal grill about the size of two picnic tables. A little odd I thought as it was slanted...higher in the middle and lower to the edge. I'll explain later. We picked out the steak I wanted and did I forget to tell you... you can share a steak with your date.
Talk about saving money! You have a service charge added for the person you're sharing with but you save a bit cash and almost avoid bursting the buttons on your trousers from over-eating.

Okay... we've picked out our meat (a well marbled NY strip) and the friendly staff tells you what you need to do to have a great meal. First he pointed out the far wall which had several racks and a table filled with a variety spices, salts and peppers to doctor up your steak if you wish. Then he explained the grill and how to use it. The highest point of the grill was about 750 degrees, the middle about 450 degrees and the lowest part about 300 degrees. Start off at the top of the grill for about 2 minutes a side then move to the middle for several more and finally the bottom to finish it off. At the same time, you're grilling you can also be simmering your button or portabella garlic and butter enhanced mushrooms in their own little iron skillet.

Oh the heat ... the sizzle ... and that Oh My God aroma of steak on the barbee. I not sure if I'm breaking out in a sweat from the sight of this delectable morsel laid out before me ... or the heat from this inferno I'm standing in front of. Doesn't matter as it's almost time. Time for this delicious looking slab of beefdom to find its self on my platter along with roasted red skinned potatoes and mushrooms. Yup... man food at its finest. Back to my primal roots as the kingdom's hunter/gatherer. I drizzled a little melted butter atop my prize and returned to the table to share with my woman.

Our dear friends who joined us for the feast (we're all seasoned diners) and over the last 35 years we've been getting together several times a year to celebrate either a birthday or anniversary. Tonight was anniversary night where collectively we have enjoyed over 120 years of marriage. We tried to convince the waitress that 120 years should be worth a free desert but no luck. She stood her ground and we had to buy our own. Everyone in our group was very pleased with the quality of our food and the unique atmosphere.

Yes you could pay an additional $2 and the grill master would cook the steak for you but that's half the fun of going there. One thing for sure it would be difficult to ruin your dinner as the staff is really looking over what you're doing and ready to step in and save what you may be slowly turning to charcoal. And another thing is that you'll never have to complain that your food is cold as you're the one doing the cooking.

So ... plan ahead. Make a reservation. Enjoy whichever way you need to drive to get there. And be prepared for a fun evening, great food, and and friendly atmosphere. You can even kick up your heels in the lower level as they have live entertainment and lighter meals as well. Expect to pay somewhere between $22 and $30 for a steak (and don't forget you can share). They also have a steak that weighs in at 42 ounces. This monster, if eaten within an hour will win you a The Grill House tee shirt. (hope it's XXL after that meal).

We're sure to head back there before summer is out so why don't you give them a try? The hit cable show "Travel Channel" recently featured them in their series on 'Great Steak Houses in America' so I'm in good company with my recommendation.

Still livin' the dream

Phil

4 o'clock

I'm not sure who invented 4 o'clock but I've discovered over the years lots of good things occur at that hour of the afternoon. For instance: It's after school and your mom is home cooking up something for dinner and the house smells so good. Or... it's 4 o'clock on Saturday afternoon and your first date with that real cute girl is soon to happen. Or... it's 4 o'clock and it's almost quitting time at the office. Or... it's 4 o'clock and it's happy hour in our campground.

A time to share memories, aches and pains, hobbies, and most importantly ... a laugh or two. Maybe it's human nature to gather in these groups and that helps create the bonds that keeps us civilized. Sort of mankind's way of smoothing out life's bumps and bruises. We of course don't do any of these things or subscribe to any of those lofty principles but simply use it as a way to legitimize the daily imbibing in our favorite drink. Anyway that's my story.

Throw in a few lawn chairs, a bowl of popcorn, a little sunshine and we're having a party. Not to excess mind you, but just a little something to knock off the edge of a day filled with the stresses of napping and snacking.

Everyone is welcome. Yes there is a core of regulars, but new blood always is welcome. Stories are shared, sometimes more than once, but no one cares if there is a repeat or two. Considering the depth and breath of life's experiences of those attending, there are enough stories from our collective past to last many more summers. Letting one's hair down is the end result and this is a good thing.

So stop by, introduce yourself, pull up your lawn chair and relax.

Still livin' the dream ...one 4 o'clock at a time

Sampling the wares

Once a restaurant critic...always a restaurant critic.
Previous entries have detailed our experiences at eateries across the midwest and south. To the point that some have inferred that our travels are mere excuses to eat out. Okay you caught us. We do like to sample the local cuisine more often than not because neither of us like to cook. We sorta do... but we like to dine out more.

First off is 'Su Casa'. I think this means 'my house' is Spanish but for all I know maybe it's the owners name. Located in downtown South Haven just down the street from the movie theater, it's sandwiched between other brownstone buildings circa 1900 with a large glass front and a placard in the street hawking the day's drink special. Up a couple of steps into a long, narrow room with tall 16 foot ceilings, a long bar and seating for maybe 75. Pretty sparsely decorated but clean and neat. A very pleasant young woman took us to a table close to the front door. Not the classic strategic seat for power eaters but provided a great view of what others were being served and who's coming in the front door. We're also thinking that if the service or food didn't look that good be could quickly escape.

Our waitress brought us the drink menu and a heaping bowl of warm salsa chips, salsa, and a small bowl of carrots and peppers that had been cured in something nuclear. The snacks are apparently included with all meals. The veggies are Hot... but oh so good. Something you eat slowly and in small doses. I ordered a margarita but she said something about being a virgin and I began wondering where the conversation was headed but then realized that she was telling me the drink would not have alcohol in it. Apparently they hadn't been blessed by the state licensing bureau yet. I discarded the margarita idea and went out on a limb I seldom, if ever go out on. I ordered one of those yuppie (are they still around?) drinks with pineapple, cranberry juice, guava droppings and a spiffy name that I still can't remember. Sharon ordered some sort of limey concoction and after a fashion they both appeared at our table in sweaty cold classes and sprigs of some sort of green leaves atop for decoration. Mint I suspect but could have been anything. It looked nice but a overflowing shot of Jose Cuerva would have made it rrrrrrrrrreally good.

As we sipped our drinks we had a chance to look around and see what others were having. I like watching others eat and what they're eating. Somehow I glean from their pleasure or displeasure what I should consider ordering. I look and look and wonder but usually end up ordering tacos. They're cheap and filling. The perfect meal. So I scanned the menu and decided that tacos are generally small so I'll order three. One chicken, one steak, and one beef. Throw on a little cheese, tomato, and lettuce in semi-soft, yet delicately fried tortilla and now you're talking a meal. Sharon ordered a chicken fajita with the normal trimmings including a little onion. After a short wait our waitress brought out our tray of goodies. All things good and wonderful lay before us. Not exactly health food but classic comfort food you'll return to time and time again. My tacos were each wrapped in aluminum foil to keep them warm until I was ready to eat. Sharon's fajita was served a little different than she was accustomed to. Normally served with the meat on a hot skillet with a side of steamed tortillas and loads of peppers and veggies... but in this case the meat and veggies were placed on a single plate and it really didn't matter as the results were very tasty. As I could barely finish the second taco, I knew I'd have a snack to take home. Delicious stuff but there was just too much to eat. Anyway I had a snack to take home and enjoy later. All in all we can certainly recommend 'Su Casa' for quality, quantity, and value.

Next time I'll review our outing to Allegan's 'Grill House'. Featured on cable TVs Food Network recently, we'll tell you how it met with our taste buds.

Still livin' the dream

Phil

Not good news

Not a happy ending to report today. Oprah, the camps new pet is missing and presumed off to 'hawk heaven'. The youngster wasn't content to stay in her cage, but always crying to get out and see the world. So as she grew older, she had earned more privileges; now having the run of the garage and riding around the camp in a golf cart with Hal. Apparently she managed to scoot out an open barn door when no one was looking and the local red tailed hawk may have seized the opportunity. We all hoped she had just wandered off but the odds are slim that she did. She has been missing for three days now.
So life in the animal kingdom is sometimes cruel and unforgiving but for a very short time this early summer, she provided us all with a special friendship and fond memories. R.I.P.

The 4th and beyond

Our nation's holiday has passed and the park is starting to settle down at bit. The weekenders have left but South Haven has a new crowd in town. It seems the city fathers have decided that as long as people wanted to have a fireworks display it should be on a day when the weekenders were gone so the locals could find a parking place and enjoy an evening of booms and star bursts. Well surprise surprise. Many of the weekenders are still hanging around and some folks are making the trip into town from miles around. The results is there is still few places to park, the beaches are crowded, the town fathers are still footing the fireworks bill and the locals still have to struggle to see where their tax dollars are being spent. At least all the interlopers are spending a little of their cash and that helps the merchants.



Yesterday, the 4th, was quite a day here with park owners Hal and Mary Cousins putting on a grand pig roast. Hosted by Corky, Micki, Jerry and Bonna, there were no stomachs left unfilled. Well planned with even a motorcade with decorated golf carts all decked out in red, white and blue. The pig was sooooo tasty you had to be careful not to eat too much. Doing so and you'd miss all the homemade salads and of course the homemade desserts. It was definitely one of those two pound days.

Just an update on the Hal's new best friend Oprah.... (that's NOT her above)... I went to the barn yesterday morning and she crawled out from one of the lawn tractors to greet me. She sniffed around me and headed outside apparently thinking I wasn't either food or somethings to play with. There is a big maple tree next to the barn and she scampered up. I thought she'd only go up a few feet up as she looked tentatively back now and again. But up and up she went. Maybe she was expecting me to follow but since a step ladder is about my limit, that wasn't in the cards. So after a few wobbly minutes she was perched some 60 feet over my head. Just a little banded-eyed speck amongst the limbs and leaves.

Since the pig roast was soon to begin, I figured she'd be up there for the day or she'd fall victim to a misstep so I headed to the festivities. After about and hour or so I returned to the tree and spent a few minutes looking for the little critter. Without seeing her amongst the leaves, I began to look around the ground to see if she had made a bad step and maybe didn't make it. After a quick walk around I found nothing and became a little worried. Walking back to the coach, Hal's Grandson Colin went whizzing by me on his electric scooter doing about 20 mph. Perched on his shoulder was Oprah. Nose into the wind with tail whipping in the breeze. Now what stories will this raccoon tell her kits someday?

We've all been wondering if Oprah would be staying in camp this summer but ...apparently not. Grandson Colin has gotten permission to take Oprah home with him in a week or so. So it's been fun Oprah ... write when you can and good luck.

Today was left-overs day as there was enough food left over from the roast to have a nice lunch. So we all returned to the trough for another go at it. Just as good as yesterday but fewer desserts. Oh well... didn't need them anyway.

Tomorrow we're heading back home for a couple of days to take care of some business. It's getting harder to leave the park as summer has begun but the time will go quickly and we'll soon return to 'livin' the dream'.

Phil

Okay ...Okay

Okay so you want to see more of the little critter. I cornered the little rascal over at the barn and she (Oprah) was willing to pose for a few pictures. Oprah is quick becoming the darling of the park and is often seen riding around on one of the golf carts sitting on Hals' (park owner) shoulder. If you come around her she will follow you everywhere. So anyway here she is.

I'll keep you up-to-date on her growth...




























Looks like little Oprah is also 'livin the dream'