IT’S BEEN SOME TIME since my last visit to The Manitou, and I have no idea why I waited so long to again enjoy their excellent fare.
I so appreciate their website’s by-line that claims: "Woodsy space for elevated American fare.” It describes accurately the setting and culinary offerings.
Our table of four opted for broiled whitefish and walleye served with a side of summer squash puree. Their house salad had a homemade cherry vinaigrette dressing that was to live for. Wow, this dinner was last week and I'm still savoring the tasty flavors. Our group shared bites of Key Lime pie and a Raspberry pie ala mode to finish the meal. Both were delicious.
As I write this post I remember enjoying fresh fish at Joe Muer’s on Gratiot Avenue in Detroit in the 1980s. They offered fresh seafood flown in nightly from Boston always accompanied by a creamed spinach dish that I prized. The spinach had a hint of fresh nutmeg in a cream sauce. I can still remember thinking how creative their chef must be. Scrod was the luncheon special I frequently enjoyed -- a term used to brand a smaller ocean cod fillet. The chef often finished it in lemon and dill which was simply delicious.
Combining these seafood experiences, I began to wonder which restaurants along our M22 corridor feature truly fresh fish. I would love to hear from readers about their recommendations for favorite seafood spots in our region.