“I don't know how to write this review. I don't have the appropriate words. It was a spiritual experience. Bear with me.We are foodies from the west coast, and moved to Michigan a year ago. More often than not, our uppity palates have been disappointed by the amount of restaurants in MI that carry solely Cisco (or the like) products.Max the tender, and Jer the cook were the only ones at the bar at 1pm on a Saturday in December. I was nervous there was no one there, but starving so we ordered the shiitake appetizer and the Brisket sandwich.We settled in with our marvelous pints and we started eating - with each bite it became more obvious that this seemingly simple food had been thought up by a person who has a delicate, discerning taste of a brewer. The flavors are expertly balanced, high quality ingredients with humble honest plating.My foodie demon has been reawakened.I tackled Max with questions, and this dude does not disappoint. a wealth of knowledge and hospitality, he probably is the closest thing you can get to the mythical bar-keep only seen in fantasy taverns.Upon telling him my experience, he recommended several other places to try on our travels- one of which we went to on our way back. Thai Orchid in Petoskey. After finishing that meal we almost cried. But that is another story.He needs to run for office. In fact, I think we should create a whole new elected official position. Culinary Cultivator and Almighty guide, or some such b.s...I also want to mention that we live in Manistee, in case some restaurateur takes pity on us and decides our community deserves more high quality, honest food.“
Recommended
“I don't know how to write this review. I don't have the appropriate words. It was a spiritual experience. Bear with me.We are foodies from the west coast, and moved to Michigan a year ago. More often than not, our uppity palates have been disappointed by the amount of restaurants in MI that carry solely Cisco (or the like) products.Max the tender, and Jer the cook were the only ones at the bar at 1pm on a Saturday in December. I was nervous there was no one there, but starving so we ordered the shiitake appetizer and the Brisket sandwich.We settled in with our marvelous pints and we started eating - with each bite it became more obvious that this seemingly simple food had been thought up by a person who has a delicate, discerning taste of a brewer. The flavors are expertly balanced, high quality ingredients with humble honest plating.My foodie demon has been reawakened.I tackled Max with questions, and this dude does not disappoint. a wealth of knowledge and hospitality, he probably is the closest thing you can get to the mythical bar-keep only seen in fantasy taverns.Upon telling him my experience, he recommended several other places to try on our travels- one of which we went to on our way back. Thai Orchid in Petoskey. After finishing that meal we almost cried. But that is another story.He needs to run for office. In fact, I think we should create a whole new elected official position. Culinary Cultivator and Almighty guide, or some such b.s...I also want to mention that we live in Manistee, in case some restaurateur takes pity on us and decides our community deserves more high quality, honest food.“