McCormick & Schmick's, Chicago

After a great day at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, we were very hungry, but it was almost 3PM.  Needed something quick and McCormick & Schmick's was close by.

McCormick & Schmick's is located near the Old Orchard Mall property.   Parking in the middle of the afternoon was very difficult to find.  Packed parking lot would be a better description.

We found the entrance and immediately went into the plush cocktail lounge.  Lunch serving was over in the dining room but the staff was more than gracious to help with our hunger pains.

The first view was the great looking dessert cart!   Oh...that could cause some problems

Since we were too early for the Happy Hour Menu (330-530PM),  we looked at the Lunch Menu.  Our bartender/server was busy with after lunch clean up duties, but she was always available when we needed her assistance.  We chose from the Lunch Selections that included Fish & Chips Beer Battered, Chesapeake Fries, Tartar Sauce 14.95 and Buttermilk Fried Shrimp Chesapeake Fries, Cocktail Sauce 13.95.  

The Fish & Chips

The Buttermilk Fried Shrimp

 All the seafood was well prepared, freshly made and worth the parking hassle.  

We enjoyed a nice quiet lunch while the world passed us by.  

Private Dining Booths in the Main Dining Room

Darrow's Family Restaurant--Mackinaw City

Darrow's Family Restaurant has been a Mackinaw City main stay since 1957.   

Four generations have been making scratch made food since they opened.  

This was my first trip for breakfast and the restaurant was almost empty, but then again, the "season" hadn't started in Mackinaw City. 

Our Server greeted and delivered coffee to the table.  After browsing the menu, it didn't take long to make a decision.     We placed our order with the server and they didn't write it down...but we assumed it would be correct.    Our egg preference was mixed up in the kitchen, and our server suggested that we return the plates to the kitchen.  I said no to that, (learned long ago not to return ANYTHING to the kitchen)  and we swapped the eggs at the table.  All the food was good but the hash brown potatoes were a little short on flavor.   Everything was as good as you would expect in a diner setting.  Nothing exceptional but good food at a very reasonable price. 

Scrambled, Sausage and Toast $6.99

Over Easy, Hash Browns, Bacon and Toast $8.49

Pleasant Dining Room

Save your Fork...There's PIE!

We didn't order the pie...but the temptation was there!   They all looked so good 

but we had to get back on the road for more travel. 

The Pink Pony--Mackinaw Island

Our Day Trip to Mackinaw Island was too short!   We need to come for a longer stay...and overnight at the minimum.  

While touring the island, we enjoyed a horse and carriage ride since there are no cars permitted on the island.  A hold over from the past century when Grand People vacationed at the Grand Hotel.  The Grand Hotel was featured in the movie, Somewhere in Time (1980) with Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour. 

After our Island Tour, it was time for lunch....and we stopped in front of the Pink Pony which is located in the lobby of the Chippewa Hotel.    

The Entrance

The Chippewa Hotel Front Desk

Since it was getting close to 230 PM, we were seated immediately.  Our server was quick to recommend the local Michigan brews on tap.  We found this throughout our trip where restaurants were featuring the local ales and brews, including Michigan Brewing Co., Mackinac Pale Ale, Michigan Brewing Co., Celis White, Mt. Pleasant Brewing, Co. Railyard Raspberry Wheat, Mt. Pleasant Brewing, Co. Cow Catcher Red Ale, New Holland Brewing, Mad Hatter, Bell’s Porter. Founders Cerise Cherry Ale. 

After viewing the Lunch Menu, it was easy to make our selections. 

White Fish Tacos
Pan seared whitefish, cilantro
cabbage, and a lime chipotle vinaigrette on
3 flour tortillas. Finished with an avocado
aioli. Served with tortilla chips  $12

Whitefish Sandwich
Fresh Great Lakes whitefish
beer battered and deep fried. Served with
our house made tartar sauce, lettuce
and tomato, and Cole slaw.  $11

Our food was fresh and very flavorful....and what could be better on a warm afternoon but to enjoy the wonderful vista out our marina side window. 

View from our Table

I would return again and again to the Pink Pony.  Everything was very nice....a place you would enjoy.

Thai Jasmine--Lima, OH

Our recent road trip took us from Dearborn, MI down I-75 to an evening stop at Courtyard by Marriott.  Very nice accommodations at a great price.  I had not been  to Lima before,  so we asked the Marriott staff where would be a great place to eat.   Of course, I could look out the window and see six ordinary restaurants that are next to every interstate hotel/motel.  They suggested Thai Jasmine.   This was perfect choice since we had enjoyed everything on this road trip BUT Thai.  

Upon arriving to the restaurant, there was no parking available, but we did find a very convenient parking lot in the rear of the restaurant.  The entrance is also located here.  We arrived about 8 PM and the place was quite busy but our host immediately had a booth ready for us.  It was a disappointment to find out they didn't serve any Thai beers or liquor.   He informed us that we could bring our own in...but at that point, it was getting late.  We chose their Thai tea, very refreshing.  

Crispy Roll

Spring Roll

Our Appetizer Selections were great!   

The entrée selection was quick and easy!   Sesame Beef with Noodles and Sesame Duck.  Both were well prepared and very good.   I would search this restaurant out next time in Lima....it would be worth the trip!  

Sesame Beef with Noodles

Sesame Duck 

Cheerful Interior!