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Have Vegetables, Will Travel

I recently got back from a family vacation to Northern Michigan. I was really worried about what I saw in Dinning Guides about my restaurant choices.  It looked like meat on top of meat with a side of potatoes and meat.  Thankfully we found a few gems (and a few duds) during our travels.

Stalking Up

First off, breakfast: I don't risk it here.  We went to a local co-op, The Grain Train and loaded up on fruit.  We were also lucky enough to have a refrigerator so that we could buy various veggies for wraps and salads for later in the week.

The day we went to Mackinac Island however, we ate all of our meals on the island.  First we stopped off at the Fort Mackinac Tea Room, it is run by the grand hotel so I thought the food would be great.  There were many meaty sandwiches to choose from, so we opted to share a fruit bowl with yogurt and ricotta cheese, a danish, and tea (of course).  The views from the restaurant were amazing, the tea and food however were not.  The fruit tasted frozen and the tea, Earl Grey (my favorite) was very bland.

Island Gems

We fared much better at Lunch/Dinner.  We found a place called the Yankee Rebel.  A sweet story behind the name, even sweeter was the service.  The staff happily told me that they recycle everything and have a compost bin in the back.  They said that they are not allowed to use anything grown on the island in their dishes because the USDA doesn't regulate the items, but they only buy veg and meat from Michigan.  It's nice to feel good about the establishment where you are eating.

I ordered a Grilled Rye Garden - a sandwich with arugula, avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes, thyme, and chevre cheese.  It came with homemade kettle chips and was very tasty.

All in all, I'd say it was a pretty successful day on the island!

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