Decisions ... decisions

We all knew what we wanted to do but ... we just couldn't decide where to do it.  We could do it in this place or ... maybe that place ... or maybe that place over there.  Sometimes important things in life take figuring out.  We looked ... we smelled ... we touched (all important things to do upon entering any place to eat I think).  But before the day was done and chowed down,  we had to check out the area and this is how it all started ...

The little day trip to St. Joseph Michigan (http://www.sjtoday.org), took Bill, June and Sharon and I on a drive to visit the twin cities south of us (Benton Harbor/St. Joseph).  The drive down consisted of poking around the back roads to see what we'd not see before ... just enjoying the great weather and new sites.  We even stopped a Covert Park where, as a young lad of about 10 or so, I was taken on a rare father/son camping trip with a bunch of other kids and their dads.  Though some 55 years had passed, the hills and valleys were still recognizable and memories came flooding back.  Shooting a bow and arrow, a BB gun, sleeping in a dark and scary tent that smelled of mold and mildew, and eating cold food alongside a fire on a dank and rainy weekend.  Not the greatest of locations but one of the few things I did alone with just my Dad.

Anyway ... we finally made it to St. Joe and toured around the downtown and beach area.  The city has made an excellent effort keeping the downtown interesting for tourist.  A number in neat shops and several choices of restaurants occupied the area.  Surprisingly most of the buildings were being used; unlike many cities of this size with store vacant fronts.  The beach looks typically nice, as do most of the beaches along Lake Michigan; and on a warm sunny day like this day was, was well occupied by a wide variety of sun worshipers.

So as we puttered along, the thought of a bite to eat surfaced and the search began.  All of us sort of agreeing that anything would do, we came to the first place downtown.  A small deli-like place that warranted a look-around so we went in and looked, smelled and decided collectively it wouldn't due.

Walking across the street we checked out an Oriental place, asked the waitress about their specialties ... looked, smelled and left.  Not exactly what we were looking for either.

Window shopping for lunch

Onward, up the street, around the corner and down the block to another Oriental place.  We checked out the menu, went inside, looked, smelled, noticed that there were no other customers or workers for that matter, and walked out.  Not what we had in mind.

Number 6 or 35?

Along the way we came across one of the many statues (?) of farm animals placed all around the downtown area.  Pigs, chickens, donkeys, and several lovable cows of which this mildly (?) decorated one caught our attention.  Not exactly sure why the town was full of these whimsical creatures but they were fun to look at.

Bessie ... is that you?

Checked out local restaurants in my smartphone Google app and got the address of another potential eatery and headed down the street in the opposite direction.  Got there, looked inside and, maybe because we were all more than hungry by then, asked for a table and settled in.  The menu had a nice variety and our waiter was very helpful.  First item ordered was an order of calamari.  I hate to break anyone's bubble but calamari is really octopus legs sliced up and deep fried.  If you're lucky you'll even get a whole baby octopus which is an extra crispy treat ... really.  Regardless of how it sounds, it's a great dish when fresh and deep fried properly;  this was and we really enjoyed it.

Scrumptious calamari

Each of us ordered different things of which they were all very good, well prepared, and served promptly so I think I can safely recommend The Pump House Grill (http://www.pumphousegrille.com) as one of St. Joe's better stops.

So in the end we finally had made up our minds and it all turned into another interesting and 'fulfilling' adventure.

Now before I get any email complaining that we didn't give any of those other places a try, I'm pretty sure that  if they didn't serve good food they wouldn't have stayed in business as long as they have so the next time we're in town we may still give them a try.

Still livin' the dream.

Phil