Okay, folks. Sorry for the delay. We decided to take the family out of town for the long 4th of July weekend, and I'm just now getting around to posting this summary of the replies to my query about romantic spots in Michigan for our anniversary dinner.
The replies were quite varied, as I had hoped. The most highly recommended restaurant by far was the Lark in West Bloomfield. A sampling of kudos:
THE LARK, WEST BLOOMFIELD
"Rated #1 in the USA by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine"
"The absolute finest in Michigan"
"The one we choose consistently for a wonderful meal, excellent
service, unpretentious attitude, lovely romantic atmosphere. The Lark needs reservations weeks ahead, and runs about $80-100 a person, and is well worth it. This coming from someone who hates blowing cash unnecessarily, and is pretty frugal. love it, when I want a place that is really special, and no question that I will get my money's worth."
DUSTY'S ENGLISH INN, EATON RAPIDS
Next in praise was Dusty's English Inn in Eaton Rapids. This is the spot that I ultimately decided to go with. After reading the postings and email I got about it, I drove out there and fell in love with the setting. It's an old English house (duh) in a beautiful setting of woods and gardens. The availability of carriage rides pushed this place over the top for me, besides the fact that we already love the food at Dusty's Cellar in Okemos. Plus, we can fit in an hour at our favorite local hot tub establishment and still get home to feed little J.D. We'll be making the trip by limo, thank you :-). Dusty's reviews:
"It is _very_ romantic."
"The waitstaff were extremely polite, the atmosphere was relaxed,
elegant, and entertaining (they have live piano), and the food was nothing short of absolutely superb. I really was very pleasantly surprised with everything. I knew it was supposed to be very nice, but it went beyond that to perfect. From appetizer to dessert, everything was delicious, the wine was fantastic, and it was a beautiful place."
"Forget about Dusty's. The food is overpriced and pedestrian." [Oh
well, I bet we'll like it!]
Here are the other restaurants that were recommended to me. I'm sure they're all great or our friends wouldn't have recommended them:
BILLINGSGATE, SW OF JACKSON
"A very nice restaurant ... in a remodeled church. Reservations ONLY,
fixed price meal about $30 plus drinks. Menu changes each month, with 2 or 3 selections."
BOWERS HARBOR INN, TRAVERSE CITY
"Located on Old Mission Peninsula, it is right on the Bay in an old
house. It can be very romantic and also has unbeatable service and food."
CHARLIE'S CRAB, GRAND RAPIDS
"A cheap but elegant way to dine. Expensive does not always mean good
and Charlie's Crab proves this. You'll have to reserve several weeks in advance to get a river side seat (which is worth the wait). Plates are around $15-$17 but again well worth it. The atmosphere is good next to the river but it's not as great if you don't get a good table."
CLAMDIGGERS, SOUTHFIELD
"Nice atmosphere and the service is incredible. Nice desserts and good
portions. And the food is excellent."
THE COMMON GRILL, CHELSEA
"Exceptional food, very fun atmosphere, will serve you a real bottle of
wine."
COUSIN'S HERITAGE INN, DEXTER
"Lots of interesting game dishes, quite a romantic atmosphere"
"Exotic offerings, limited wine list, excellent food (my venison
actually tasted like venison, and the vegetables are really good."
CYGNUS, GRAND RAPIDS
"Wonderfully elegant dining."
ESCOFFIER, ANN ARBOR
GANDY DANCER, ANN ARBOR
"Your best choice."
"It's located in the old train station, and it's the best I've found
around here for that kinda thing."
GOLDEN MUSHROOM, SOUTHFIELD
GRAZI, ANN ARBOR
"Unbelievable food, really good service"
HELMUT'S KAFFEEHAUS, NASHVILLE
THE HUNTER, MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA
"In a small, quaint hotel off Lake Michigan, incredible."
THE KNIGHT CAP, LANSING
"The best steak in Michigan. Really good service."
MAUDE'S, ANN ARBOR
THE MOVABLE FEAST, ANN ARBOR
OPUS ONE, (DETROIT AREA)
PARAGON (DETROIT OR SOUTHFIELD)
RITZ CARLTON, DEARBORN
"Sunday brunch: delicious food, unbelievable service, unrushed
romantic atmosphere."
THE SUMMIT, DETROIT
"Nifty location, not romantic, somewhat overpriced."
SWEETWATER WHARF, LAINGSBURG
"Very pretty, right on a lake, food only pretty good, service can
vary."
TOO CHEZ, NOVI
VICTORS, ANN ARBOR
[Out of business, but I mentioned it in my original posting so I
thought I'd better clear the air.]
THE WHITNEY, DETROIT
"The food was excellent, and the service outstanding. The restaurant
is on Woodward at ~6 mile in Detroit, next to the old Vernors plant in a converted mansion."
1913 ROOM, GRAND RAPIDS
Thanks to all who gave advice:
Mark Bobak
Mark Charette
Chuck Chiavarini
Richard Cohn
Terry Dexter
Larry Diehr
Peter Dorman
Noel Estabrook
Todd Gibson
[email removed]
Cindy Hamilton
Brian A. Henk
Matt Holtz
Brian Kelley
Matthew B. Landry
Steven Miller
Nguyen-Anh Le
Lee Pearson
Glenn M. Poorman
Chuck Reti
Shawn C. Robak
Carol Sitea
Marcie V. Smith
Rick Stiphout
Greg Stockton
Alan Vayda
Richard G. Vissers
Bruce L. Werner
Marilyn Wulfekuhler
[email removed]Michigan