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