IT HAD BEEN SIX YEARS since my last visit to the Western Ave Grill in Glen Arbor. The idea of having a dinner get together came from an invitation by a Traverse City buddy who had received half-off coupons at Christmas, and he was ready to use them.
Near sunset we headed from Frankfort traveling north on M-22. The fact that it hadn’t snowed for days in early January made the drive even more appealing. After a rather relaxing half hour on perfectly dry roads we arrived in Glen Arbor. We had the pick of several parking spots and my companion and I expressed our deep appreciation for this off-season benefit.
A couple toddies at the bar caught us all up on our already waning New Year’s resolutions and further served to energize our next move as we headed to the dining room. Thankfully, an overly bright light at our booth was quickly offed by my friend’s turn of his wrist and hand. We settled into our darkened booth and our attention soon focused on the crackling fire across the room. The atmosphere was splendid.
We were greeted by a most attentive waiter and during his menu introductions discovered that perch and walleye were the featured specials. This seemed to spark our decision-making and we promptly ordered. A homemade dill tartar sauce accompanied our entrees. We eagerly shared bites, expressing both surprise and delight at the exceptional flavor of these hot and tasty morsels. Our unanimous conclusion, the fried fish fillets were the best we had had in years. The French fries and coleslaw were also most praiseworthy.
If this presentation and quality can again be duplicated on my next visit, I will be happy to move the Western Ave Grill as a prime candidate to being one of our Best of the Best Along M-22.
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A nice toast your way!