Shay Station
7-Layer Tuxedo Cake
Sometimes going out just for dessert is fun. Most of us talk about going out for dinner, but when was the last time you said “let’s go out for dessert”? Sure, in the summertime we say let’s go for ice cream, but going out for dessert is something we should embrace year-round.
Recently, I was in Cadillac and stopped at the Shay Station at the recommendation of family and friends. As I walked through the door the dessert case immediately caught my eye. An impressive, eclectic collection of baked goods and pastries -- some made in-house -- with the 7-Layer Tuxedo Cake calling out to me. I had already enjoyed dinner earlier in the evening but the dessert options at that particular establishment were very pedestrian, so I passed. For me there are two important aspects to the conclusion of a good dinner, enjoying a great dessert and a fantastic fresh brewed cup of coffee. I was treated to both at the Shay Station, which opened four years ago in downtown Cadillac. Every aspect of my after-dinner experience was perfect from the service, to the cup of espresso, to the ambiance. The place was full of a wide ranging age demographic with a group of 30-something moms chatting about their children while sipping on wine, to a handful of older couples playing cards and discussing the Obama health care initiative. All while the acoustic stylings of Mark Lagerwey and Katie Schoenherr performed in the background.
The 7-Layer Tuxedo Cake was exceptional. I never inquired if they made it themselves, it didn’t matter; the experience was a memorable one and certainly would bring me back again as I have my eye on a slice of cherry pie. For a list of their desserts, breakfast, lunch or dinner menu items check out their website, shaystation.com. --Rick Coates
Shay Station Wine, Beer & Coffee Bar
After opening nearly four years ago in downtown Cadillac, the Shay Station expanded their beverage offerings last spring by adding a beer and wine license. They had already built a reputation as being a coffee and sandwich destination (with great desserts) but by adding the beer and wine component they have put themselves in a league by themselves.
This is a great concept; it is essentially the winery or brewery tasting room model expanded to cover all the wines and beers they sell to be enjoyed on site. Patrons are able to “taste” before they buy. Every Tuesday they offer a “weekly wine” tasting, often bringing in an expert to explain the wines and after the tasting you may purchase or order wines. The fourth Saturday of each month they offer “Beer School,” in the evening with the opportunity to sample a variety of beers. With their “Pick Six” program you are able to create your own six-pack.
Shay Station has an assortment of beers, including Northern Michigan craftbrews from Shorts to Three Sergeants.
Add in the food, smoke-free environment and local entertainment offerings, Shay Station provides a cozy environment to meet friends, go on a date and enjoy a beer, glass of wine or a coffee drink. Michigan laws now allow for restaurants to have patrons take unfinished bottles of wines home. This makes for the perfect opportunity to gather friends or a group of couples and create your own wine tasting event at Shay Station.
Just a few weeks ago Shay Station opened their barrel room in the basement. Not only do they have an assortment of wines for sale but an array of wine accessories and trendy gift items. Hmm, seems like the perfect date night; take your wife shopping then enjoy a glass of wine and some great music all in the same place. For hours, entertainment, wine and beer event schedules check out shaystation.com. --Rick Coates
7-Layer Tuxedo Cake
Sometimes going out just for dessert is fun. Most of us talk about going out for dinner, but when was the last time you said “let’s go out for dessert”? Sure, in the summertime we say let’s go for ice cream, but going out for dessert is something we should embrace year-round.
Recently, I was in Cadillac and stopped at the Shay Station at the recommendation of family and friends. As I walked through the door the dessert case immediately caught my eye. An impressive, eclectic collection of baked goods and pastries -- some made in-house -- with the 7-Layer Tuxedo Cake calling out to me. I had already enjoyed dinner earlier in the evening but the dessert options at that particular establishment were very pedestrian, so I passed. For me there are two important aspects to the conclusion of a good dinner, enjoying a great dessert and a fantastic fresh brewed cup of coffee. I was treated to both at the Shay Station, which opened four years ago in downtown Cadillac. Every aspect of my after-dinner experience was perfect from the service, to the cup of espresso, to the ambiance. The place was full of a wide ranging age demographic with a group of 30-something moms chatting about their children while sipping on wine, to a handful of older couples playing cards and discussing the Obama health care initiative. All while the acoustic stylings of Mark Lagerwey and Katie Schoenherr performed in the background.
The 7-Layer Tuxedo Cake was exceptional. I never inquired if they made it themselves, it didn’t matter; the experience was a memorable one and certainly would bring me back again as I have my eye on a slice of cherry pie. For a list of their desserts, breakfast, lunch or dinner menu items check out their website, shaystation.com. --Rick Coates
Shay Station Wine, Beer & Coffee Bar
After opening nearly four years ago in downtown Cadillac, the Shay Station expanded their beverage offerings last spring by adding a beer and wine license. They had already built a reputation as being a coffee and sandwich destination (with great desserts) but by adding the beer and wine component they have put themselves in a league by themselves.
This is a great concept; it is essentially the winery or brewery tasting room model expanded to cover all the wines and beers they sell to be enjoyed on site. Patrons are able to “taste” before they buy. Every Tuesday they offer a “weekly wine” tasting, often bringing in an expert to explain the wines and after the tasting you may purchase or order wines. The fourth Saturday of each month they offer “Beer School,” in the evening with the opportunity to sample a variety of beers. With their “Pick Six” program you are able to create your own six-pack.
Shay Station has an assortment of beers, including Northern Michigan craftbrews from Shorts to Three Sergeants.
Add in the food, smoke-free environment and local entertainment offerings, Shay Station provides a cozy environment to meet friends, go on a date and enjoy a beer, glass of wine or a coffee drink. Michigan laws now allow for restaurants to have patrons take unfinished bottles of wines home. This makes for the perfect opportunity to gather friends or a group of couples and create your own wine tasting event at Shay Station.
Just a few weeks ago Shay Station opened their barrel room in the basement. Not only do they have an assortment of wines for sale but an array of wine accessories and trendy gift items. Hmm, seems like the perfect date night; take your wife shopping then enjoy a glass of wine and some great music all in the same place. For hours, entertainment, wine and beer event schedules check out shaystation.com. --Rick Coates
