Choice Bits

Round-the-region snapshots of the dining scene

Sept. 24, 2012

CITY PARK GRILL: Moderate prices are married to the imaginative  cuisine of the ‘90s, with PetoskeyÂ’s best nightlife scene to boot.  Fresh pasta, steaks and seafood. 432 E. Lake, Petoskey, 231-347-0101.  

HARRINGTONÂ’S BY THE BAY:  A wonderful Bay view awaits the diner here.  Open for lunch and dinner serving traditional American fare . 13890  South West Bay Shore Dr. Traverse City, 231-421-9393

THE ROWE INN: Gourmet restaurant renowned for its Michigan regional  and French-inspired cuisine.  The Rowe is also famous for the depth  and variety of its wine list.  Look for an imaginative blend of wine  tasting dinners and folk nights in the “off” season.16303 East Jordan  Rd. Ellsworth, 231-588-7351. Dinner.

DINGHYÂ’S:  The place for B-B-Q ribs, full rack or half, slow smoked  and smothered with a special sauce. They also feature a Friday night  whitefish special and are known for their homemade twice-baked potato  soup and tenderloin Caesar salad. With a full bar and open year  around, dinners run $5-15. Downtown at 417 Main St., Frankfort.  231-352-4702.

SIREN HALL: This lovely addition to Elk Rapids dining is the  
inspiration  from the people who brought you LuluÂ’s Bistro in  
Bellaire. An interesting and varied menu awaits the diner. Quite a  
wonderful experience. Downtown Elk Rapids, 231-264-6062.

HERMANNÂ’S EUROPEAN CAFE: Dine in this comfortable old world  atmosphere.  Chef Hermann offers many international favorites, as well  as a variety of appetisers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pastas  
and steaks. All beautifully prepared and served by the friendly  waitstaff.  DonÂ’t leave without having one of their special desserts!  214 N. Mitchell St. Cadillac, 231-775-9563.

STAFFORDÂ’S WEATHERVANE RESTAURANT:  Set in a fabulous, rambling  building perched on the channel between Lakes Charlevoix and Michigan,  the Weathervane and its extensive menu of steaks, seafood, prime rib,  pastas and salads offers one of MichiganÂ’s most unique people-watching  opportunities as various boats and their crews pass by its windows.   Full bar service, wine list and great desserts.  106 Pine River Lane;  
Charlevoix,  231-5474311.

RIVER STREET STATION BAR & GRILL: Courtesy boat docks, indoor or  outdoor dining for breakfast, lunch & dinner.  Famous for their  RuebenÂ’s, fish fry and prime rib.  350 River St. Manistee ,  231-723-8411.

SUGAR BOWL RESTAURANT: Family-friendly and varied, the Sugar Bowl is a  great place for a late brunch or a family dinner - their full menu  includes Greek specialties. 216 West Main Gaylord , 989-732-5524.

ARTÂ’S TAVERN:  Everything a small resort town beach bar should be,  offering burgers, whitefish, Mexican, steaks and sandwiches along with  an imaginative selection of microbrews. 6487 Western Ave.Glen Arbor,  231-334-3754.