SW Michigan

Union Pier — Timothy’s — Located near the south shore of Lake Michigan in Union Pier, Timothy’s is a premier destination for food enthusiasts. Timothy Sizer, Owner and Executive Chef, transplanted his inspired, Asian-infused culinary genius from Florida back to his hometown. Tim’s ideology is straightforward, simple ingredients harmonized to create complex and magnificent taste experiences. Located within the Gordon Beach Inn, a quaint lakeside inn, Timothy’s has steadily earned the reputation as one of the finest restaurants in the Midwest. While the menu remains consistent, seasonal variety is added throughout the year. Tim’s expertise is in the preparation and presentation of fresh, regional, and exotic species of fish. Equally satisfying is the fillet and fowl dishes offered. House specialties include: conch fritters, calamari, award-winning soups and chowders, and the Horseradish Encrusted Whitefish. Weekly and seasonal specials add flavor to your dining experience. While the restaurant and bar are small, they are inviting. The staff is knowledgeable, courteous, and dedicated to the epicurean experience each diner has. The wine menu is extensive and the bar well-stocked. A meal at Timothy’s is so much more than three courses. It is truly a special way to end a day in southwest Michigan.
Grand Rapids — GP Sports —The Amway Grand Plaza Built and operated by the original fat cats of Grand Rapids, The Grand, as it is called locally, is a gorgeous destination for locals and visitors alike. As we walked through one of several sets of glass doors into a massive and decadent lobby that spanned the entire ground floor of the hotel, memories flooded back to college and one of the many times I maxed out a credit card trying to impress a girl. Would I have known previously that her notion of luxury was the Howard Johnson, I might have thought twice and spent the money some of the other extravagances of college life, like heat. House had picked the spot for lunch, GP Sports. I have to admit, a sports bar in a luxury hotel was an incongruity, but the restaurant delivered. House suggested the Laker Burger, a monstrosity of a hamburger heaped with olives and some strange variation on mayonnaise. Ah, you have to love a burger named for our sacred university.
Grand Rapids — San Chez Tapas Bistro — Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Make San Chez Tapas Bistro a must-see when you visit. The atmosphere may strike you as snobbish and drool, but in truth, the staff is not only non-threatening, but inviting to a vault. The menu can overwhelm the average individual (myself included) with the multitude of varieties of cuisine. While not my first visit to San Chez, this was first time that I truly examined the menu. Knowing that I was helpless and hopeless, I relied on my server to assist in making this an enjoyable meal. C took over immediately. She offered what she believed to be one of the best wines that the restaurant carries. Not being a wine aficionado, I was grateful for the recommendation. The wine was excellent, a 2006 Carmenere from Case Silva Wineries. My first course was a fantastic offering of green chilies, sautéed with fresh garlic in olive oil, topped with kosher salt. C followed up with San Chez signature calamari with Spanish ham and onions. My server had proved valuable and psychic. The third course was a black bean soup with a habanero salsa and dry wafer. C was batting a thousand. My final offering was the tip for me and fed my epicurean desires: a fillet with Michigan blueberries over sautéed onions. This was by far one of the best meals that I had had in a long time, surpassing even the $5 foot-long deal that I have been taking obscene pleasure in this summer. Following a sample of after-dinner drinks and the bottom of the wine bottle, I took a leisurely stroll back to the hotel through town.
Stanwood — Tap Room at Tullymore — This was a great option after our round. We were treated like family and enjoyed the conversation with the waitress and manager. I suggest the Mexican Queso Fondue as an appetizer. It really hit the spot prior to our meals.