IT’S BEEN MANY YEARS since my last visit to The Manitou -- and for the life of me, I have no idea why I waited so long to enjoy their excellent fare. I so appreciate their website’s by-line that states: “Woodsy space for elevated American fare.” It accurately describes the setting and culinary experience.
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 The Manitou delivered.
I remembered enjoying fresh fish at Joe Muer’s on Gratiot Avenue in Detroit in the 1980s. They offered fresh seafood flown in nightly from Boston accompanied by a creamed spinach dish that I absolutely prized. The spinach had a hint of fresh nutmeg and a splash of cream. 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 the broiled scrod 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 favorite seafood spots in our region. rba