Two more

Continuing with our ongoing quest to uncover good restaurants wherever we travel, we've recently found two little gems here in Southwest Michigan.

The Kalico Kitchen (http://www.kalicokitchenrestaurant.com) near Douglas is a homey little place that you'd expect to run across somewhere in Oklahoma along Route 66.  Not a pinch of pretentiousness, this down home eatery has an ever changing list of daily 'specials' that will satisfy almost any palate.  I settled in on an open faced prime rib sandwich and Sharon ordered the broasted chicken.  I actually could have ordered any of the 6 or 7 daily offerings and would have been happy but the beef sounded good.  I did see one item on the menu that I don't often see and dearly enjoy ... chicken livers.  Okay I know many will view this as some sort of illness on my part but chicken livers have been a favorite of mine forever.  Anyway I asked the waitress if we could get a small appetizer size and she made it happen.  Arriving in just a few minutes, these lightly breaded little morsels of goodness were outstanding.  Just enough to satisfy but not enough to spoil my dinner.  Our meals arrived hot and delivered with a smile (a trait many waitresses have lost).  Out plates were overflowing.  Piping hot and everything looked fresh and appealing.  The portions size far exceeded the normal cost and best of all ... everything was delicious.  With most entrees less than $10 this place is a bargain in a tourist town.  Located on the Blue Star Highway just south of Saugatuck in Douglas, it has plenty of parking and outdoor eating if you want. We'll make plans to return soon.  Oh ... did I mention the desserts?  No we didn't have room for any, but I've heard they are famous for the homemade cakes and pies.

Our next stop on our "eat across America" tour was a trendy little place north of Kalamazoo in a little burg called Richland.  Having passed many times through this sleepy little town years ago, my return turned out to be quite a surprise.  New retail stores and commercial businesses have now settled here and has changed the whole complexion of the little community.

It actually all began as we were having our afternoon 'happy hour' wiith friends here at the RV park in South Haven when the phone rang.   Friends from Battle Creek called with a last minute suggestion that we join them for dinner at this new place in Richland.  It was nearing 7:00 pm and we weren't exactly dressed for dinner but since it was a new place to try and old friends to share it with, we decided to get around and make the hour drive.

Mission Pointe (http://www.missionpointerichland.com) is located in an upscale little mall on the north side of town on M-89.  With sort of a southern California/southern Florida architecture we walked in the front door and were met by a pretty boisterous bar group enjoying the 1/2 off martini night.  The 20 something/30 something group of patrons were having a good time and reminded me of days long gone by.  We sought out our friends in the dining area who were seated by the fireplace.  A nicely appointed restaurant that was sized right for the small community of Richland.

Before too long our waitress came by and went through the menu with us.  This girl knew her job and knew the menu as well as she did her own diary.  Pleasant and informed.  What a concept.  Anyway ... the menu was really unique as it offered up many combination meals that consisted of pairing various meats in ways most restaurants have not explored.  So what do you think of a meat loaf and lobster meal? Or baked walleye and halibut?  Pick any two meats on the menu and pair them up for an eclectic blend of flavors.  Doesn't matter if the combo is listed on the menu or not.  If they have it, they'll pair them up.  A nice idea I wish more restaurant would promote.  Prices were very reasonable too.  One of the specials this evening was sirloin steak and lobster.  Small portions of each but for $11.99!  Now that's a bargain.  And it was excellent.  Three of our group ordered that and I opted for a large chuck of potato encrusted walleye paired with a small tenderloin for $18.99.  This too was excellent.

So there you have it.  Another addition to our ongoing review of neat places to eat in America.  RV'ers take note.  Hot dogs on the barbee get a little old so get out in that 'toad' and explore the local eateries.  You might be pleasantly surprised.

Still livin' the dream.

Phil