Tastemakers: Cherry Hut Cherry Chicken salad Plate w/ Cherry Ade - Cherry Republic

July 6, 2005

Cherry Hut Cherry Chicken Salad Plate w/Cherry Ade
 
  While there are hundreds of events this week at the National Cherry Festival to keep one busy there are also “cherry” opportunities elsewhere for the adventurous type. When in Benzie County, make your way to Beulah and stop at The Cherry Hut for lunch for the Cherry Chicken Salad Plate and a glass of Cherry Ade. Chunks of chicken, dried cherries from the region, celery and almonds are combined with the perfect amount of mayonnaise. Add to the plate a fresh cherry muffin and a couple of slices of cantaloupe and this is the perfect meal after a day of golf or enjoying the beach.
A glass of Cherry Ade is the perfect accompaniment to this plate and no meal is complete without a slice of the famous Cherry Hut cherry pie.  New York times Washington Bureau Chief and famed travel author R.W. “Johnny” Apple has said, “This is the best cherry pie anywhere.”
The Cherry Hut started in 1922 by the Kraker family as a means for selling their orchard products to tourists visiting Crystal Lake. In 1959 Leonard Case, who managed the Cherry Hut, bought it from the Krakers and still owns it today with his son Andrew who manages the day-to-day operations. Finding the place is easy -- just look for the smiling face of Cherry Jerry the distinguishing sign that is the trademark of The Cherry Hut -- and don’t forget to take home a fresh cherry pie or two for later enjoyment. -- Rick Coates