This week's frigid winter weather is so widespread that even sunny Florida has not been left out. Even so, writing from Fort Lauderdale this week where the weather, while cold for us, was still WAY above zero. Over the recent Christmas through New Year's holiday, we took a break from the sunny south to visit Northern Michigan. Above you'll see how inviting Bay Harbor, Michigan looked in the summer of 2009 and how it looked over the Christmas season. Obviously, the marina was not the attraction at this time of year. What compelled our visits to Bay Harbor were the delicious meals and beverages offered at the harborside restaurant Cava.
Our first apres ski visit was the Monday after Christmas where we enjoyed a hot and potent Cava Java prepared by Tim Markey. We only had time for a quick visit at the bar and took time to go over the menu with Tim. The next night we were back for Cava's Tuesday spaghetti and meatballs special which was awesomely special. The meatballs were tender, flavorful and the size of two bites. The bright red sauce was robust with chunks of tomatoes. The taste was fresh and slightly spicy with the flavors well-balanced. This entree is only available on Tuesday nights this season and is a value at only $8! My companion had the chef's totally grown-up mac and cheese, the ultimate comfort food (next to spaghetti and meatballs perhaps). In keeping with the comfort food theme, we shared the polenta appetizer which could be a meal in itself -- definitely a satisfying brunch for a cold winter weekend. The creamy polenta was topped with hot steamed arugula, crispy pork shoulder, and a poached egg. It was so good that we had to go back just for that alone.
Wednesday night four of us went to Cava when the special was a 12-ounce rib eye for $14. Three of us ordered the rib eye and each of us ordered it prepared at a different degree of wellness; they all came out perfectly. The steaks were tender, nicely charred on the outside, and hot. The table shared the polenta appetizer and it was just as delicious the second time although a bit heavy as an appetizer for the steak except for the heartiest of appetites.
These dinners warmed us up so much that we were able to indulge in the home made ice cream trio of honey, espresso and cherry ice creams. Wine specials were available each night and we took advantage of those as well.
If you're in Northern Michigan, be sure to check out Cava and its sister restaurant in Petoskey, Chandler's. Their menus are original and are designed to take advantage of the area's best local ingredients. Both are open seven days a week so it's easy to count on them to feed you well throughout your stay.
Cava is located at 4000 Main Street, Bay Harbor, Michigan 49770. Tel: 231-439-200
Chandler's is located at 215 Howard Street, Petoskey, Michigan 49770. Tel: 231-347-2981
Post by Tracy Datlen. Photos of Bay Harbor, Michigan by Charles Datlen.
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