MI Best - Weekend Edition - June 18, 2023

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is where Italy meets the U.P. Comensoli’s

KALAMAZOO, MI

comensoli’s restaurant isn’t your ordinary Italian restaurant.

It may be the only place in the Kalamazoo area that serves cudighi, an Italian sausage spiced with nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon and popularized by Italian immigrants in the Upper Peninsula a century ago.

Today, cudighi sandwiches and sauces remain a U.P. specialty, but they’re hard to find elsewhere. Comensoli’s offerings include a cudighi and pepper pasta dish as well as a cudighi supreme pizza, both made with sausage that relies on a century-old family recipe from Peter Comensoli’s grandparents, who immigrated from Italy to the Marquette area.

“All of our recipes were handed down through the generations, with the flair of the U.P., so we have some of that influence as well, where it mixes with the Italian,” said Shelby Hindman, manager of Comensoli’s.

Peter Comensoli opened his Kalamazoo restaurant in 2001 near West Main Street and Michigan Avenue, on the western edge of downtown Kalamazoo. It was originally named Pasta Pasta and featured a pasta bar where patrons could choose between a variety of pastas and sauces.

His son, Paul, took over the restaurant in 2007. He eventually renamed it Comensoli’s and rebranded it as a more traditional Italian restaurant.

Open six days a week but only for dinner, the menu currently features 12 pasta dishes, ranging from $14 for the meat or vegetarian lasagna to $26 for the seafood pasta with shrimp, scallops and mussels.

There also are seven other entrees, including chicken piccata and chicken marsala (each $19), veal parmesan ($24) and a red snapper in a light red sauce with artichokes, capers and kalamata olives ($23).

Comensoli’s most popular dish is cream chicken and polenta ($20), Shelby said. A staff favorite is the pesto rigatoni with cream sauce ($15).

The restaurant prides itself on locallysourced ingredients, including the main ingredient in the exotic mushroom pasta ($19), a blend of locally-grown mushrooms mixed with red onion, truffle oil and white wine served over fettucine. “That’s probably our most popular pasta dish,” Hindman said.

“Our meatballs, Paul makes them fresh every day,” she said. “They’re so good and you can really top any of our pastas with them and it makes the dish.

“Paul is our executive chef, and he’s really good,” she added. “If he’s not here, we’re not open,” which is why the restaurant is only open for dinner.

Hindman said the restaurant was able to survive the pandemic shutdowns well, thanks to a brisk takeout business and a loyal customer base. One silver lining: The shutdowns gave the opportunity for the Comensolis and the staff to rethink the menu and the business itself.

One result is taking better advantage of the restaurant’s back room, dubbed The Hideaway. It can accommodate up to 65 people for private parties, including those looking for a menu with vegan and/or gluten-free offerings.

Another new development: Although the Comensoli’s has long had an extensive wine list and a regular array of specialty cocktails, they’re expanding their offerings of mocktails and alcohol-free beverages.

In fact, “the last couple years have been the busiest that I’ve seen” at the restaurant, Hindman said. She recommends making a reservation for weekend dining.

These days, Comensoli’s draws a wide range of clientele -- from college students and parents seeking a nice dining experience near the Kalamazoo or Western Michigan University campuses; to people who have been coming to Comensoli’s since the Pasta Pasta days; to those looking for dinner near the college or downtown

entertainment venues.

Beyond the location, it’s just a great restaurant, Hindman said.

“We offer an intimate dining experience with a staff that’s really passionate and been here a long time,” she said. “It’s not just about making money, but about caring for families. We’re dedicated to making sure that when people come in, they have an experience that makes them feel like they’re in a quaint little diner in Italy, where they get that attention to detail and can enjoy great food and company.”

Comensoli’s is located at 762 W. Main St., just west of the intersection with Michigan Avenue. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Thursdays, 5 to 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 5 to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 5 to 8 p.m. They are closed on Mondays.

Reservations are recommended for weekends, and can be made through their website at www.comensolis.com. The restaurant’s phone number is 269-345-6755.

AUTOH!

tAttention gearheads: Bring your ride to The Big Show with Small Town Charm

he 47th annual St. Ignace Car Show Weekend has become synonymous with summer in the Gateway to the Upper Peninsula.

Stretching for nearly two miles right along the lakeshore, the big All Makes-All Models car show in St. Ignace has by far the best view of any car show in Michigan. And being located just off the Mackinac Bridge at the Gateway to the Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace also has the best location of any car show in the state.

Just a quick ferry ride to Mackinac Island – or a short drive to Tahquamenon Falls, Drummond Island, Munising, Sault Ste. Marie or Manistique –the St. Ignace Car Show Weekend gives you a few days to enjoy both vehicles and a vacation.

“This is a car show plus a vacation,” said Quincy Ranville, event director for the 47th annual St. Ignace Car Show Weekend, scheduled June 22-25. “Aside from Mackinac Island, St. Ignace is pretty central for a lot of northern Michigan activities, not more than an easy day’s drive for a lot of locations.”

The Big Show for almost half a century has been a summertime attraction in St. Ignace, known for its love of automobiles and deep-rooted car

culture. The event has grown through the years and attracts upwards of 800 cars of all makes and models, and more than 20,000 visitors who take over the entire downtown for one weekend each year.

The gathering is not only one of the biggest and most beautiful car shows in Michigan, but also one of the oldest and most respected. That’s why it draws vehicles from every nook and cranny across Michigan, around the Midwest and beyond – from vintage beauties to rat rods and everything in between.

“St. Ignace has a population of 2,000 and from the surrounding cities I will pull, like, 60 cool cars,” Ranville said. “How do all these people have these cool cars in this tiny little town?

“It’s kind of just become part of the identity of St. Ignace.”

Here’s a rundown of this year’s events:

• 7 p.m. Thursday, June 22 – Cruise Night kicks off the festivities. Take a spin around town and show off your pride and joy. On-site registration and show vendors are all centrally located right in the heart of downtown this year.

7 p.m. Friday, June 23 – Down Memory Lane Parade with cars and bands. You get to really feel the vibe of a big time car show, and at the same time enjoy the small town charm of St. Ignace.

• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 24

– The Big Show with all makes and all models of cars plus live music, vendors, special guests and fireworks at dusk.

While a lot of car shows are held in parking lots or convention venues, “we shut down our literal main street for, like, 2 miles for 12 hours on that Saturday, and that’s where the cars are all parked,” Ranville said. Register online by June 9, or on-site during the car show weekend. There’s no registration or admission charge for spectators.

• 10 a.m. Sunday, June 25 – Awards

Ceremony with prizes given to the Top 40 show cars, as determined by professional judges. Counting specialty awards, upwards of 50 vehicles will be recognized.

“We want to reward the gearheads that have built their cars in their back garages,” Ranville said.

You can register for this year’s St. Ignace Car Show Weekend at stignace.com.

Registration includes a spot in the show right downtown as well as entry into the Cruise Night and Down Memory Lane Parade. You also get $10 of free slot play at Kewadin Casino and a commemorative car show gift.

Many people also come just to see all the incredible cars, whether they are showing one of their own or not. It’s a great way to spend the whole weekend, or just as one day of a U.P. vacation based in St. Ignace. Either way, book your place to stay in St. Ignace and make plans to be part of one of Michigan’s best outdoor car shows this year.

Two days of bliss:

This Michigan travel itinerary compels dreamers to take action

hen it comes to planning a quick spring or summer getaway, Michigan residents often look to get Up North. But their inspiration and imagination rarely allow them to consider the Upper Peninsula because of a common perception that the drive is too long.

What if there was a one-stop-fits-all-needs resort on the shores of Lake Superior, a place that combines the best of outdoor adventures, outstanding dining locations, championship-

Day 1:

Getting to Bay Mills Resort & Casino

The drive to visit Bay Mills Resort & Casino, whether taking a meandering route along Lake Michigan or Lake Huron or a direct shot on the highway, is loaded with beauty, but there’s never anything better than a trip across the Mackinac Bridge. The 5-mile state treasure, which is ranked as a top three must-see destination in the U.S., is always a delight for first-timers and those who have made multiple trips. Once off the Mighty Mac, guests arrive at the resort sanctuary in about 45 minutes.

Upon arrival, refuel at Back Bay Grill and Games, the U.P.’s only waterfront sports bar. Juicy burgers, mouthwatering wings and all the sports you can possibly want featured on our 50” flat screen TVs visible from every seat in the house. Take in a round of twilight golf with special rates available after 2 p.m. at the resort’s Wild Bluff Golf Course. The course, which is across the street from your room at the hotel or your spot at the Sunrise View RV Park offers breathtaking views and five sets of tees ranging from 5,300 to 7,100 yards for players to choose what type of test to take on. A Michigan golf

level golf and an exciting gaming floor with the U.P.’s only live sportsbook?

And what if it were only roughly 5 hours from the population hubs of Grand Rapids, Metro Detroit, Lansing and Kalamazoo, but you didn’t travel to where everyone else is going?

That’s the allure of Bay Mills Resort & Casino in Brimley, a not-so-faraway destination that answers all the calls for a relaxing, yet activity-filled break from the grind.

expert recently identified the grounds as a “hidden gem” and featured it as having one of the 10 toughest holes in the state. After golf, head up to The Loft above the clubhouse to enjoy the sunset for what is sure to be the perfect end to your day.

Day 2:

Sights to see, moments to remember

It’s time to explore the Eastern U.P., and there are some fantastic options for day trips and sightseeing:

• Lake Superior: The largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and the third-largest by volume, holding 10% of the world’s surface fresh water, is front and center of a Bay Mills Resort & Casino vacation. The resort is perched on the water, providing panoramic views all day long.

• Mission Hill Overlook: A short hike or drive away, guests can enjoy the amazing vista that overlooks Spectacle Lake, Monocle Lake and the St. Mary’s River. Keep your eyes peeled for the freighters traveling the region.

• Brimley State Park: Sandy Beaches and natural areas are a great way to spend a day on the shores of Lake Superior.

• Tahquamenon Falls: One of the most beautiful and the largest waterfalls in Michigan is just a short drive away.

• Hiawatha National Forest: The massive 900,000-acre national forest has the terrain for any hike, ATV ride or leisurely drive through the hardwoods and valleys.

• Whitefish Bay and Point Iroquois

Lighthouse: You won’t be able to get enough pictures of this landmark beauty and its surroundings. After a day outdoors, it’s time to hit the resort for a night of fine food and great games!

• Sacy’s: Classic comfort foods and expansive menu to satisfy any craving

• Gaming: More than 600 of the newest slots, table games and live sports betting offer fun for anyone in your traveling party.

Morning Wake Up Call

Breakfast at Sacy’s is a beautiful way to start the day. Rise and shine to eggs and bacon or one of our mouthwatering omelets. Or choose a stone-baked flatbread with a side of our signature

Prime Fries! Of course, the coffee is hot and delicious or enjoy a libation of your choice. Not ready to go home? We understand. Take in another breathtaking visit around the Eastern UP or enjoy a full round of golf at Wild Bluff. You could even take a trip through the Soo Locks, which is only a quick 25-minute drive!

What’s an apple pie burger?

Comstock Park’s Bier Distillery has one

COMSTOCK PARK, MI f you’ve got a hankering for a great cocktail and some classic Dutch fare, Bier Distillery in Comstock Park has you covered on both fronts.

Owners Joel and Sara Bierling opened Bier Distillery in 2016 and added its Dutch food lineup in 2020.

The menu honors Joel Bierling’s father, who was born in the Netherlands. Dutch classics like split pea soup and cod are sprinkled in among more over-the-top choices.

“Growing up, I pretty much ate all this type of food,” Bierling told MLive/ The Grand Rapids Press. “(My dad) was born in the Netherlands and the whole family immigrated in 1950.”

The menu even includes such items as the apple pie burger and the Dutch Boy burger. Bierling describes the atmosphere of the distillery and restaurant as cozy and warm, with furniture made from barrels and a variety of seating options. The main level of the restaurant has a bar, and an upper-level mezzanine overlooks the main level. There is also a back and front patio, both of which are open for the season. For appetizers, try the Bitterballen, which are breaded and fried balls filled with beef pot roast and served with whole grain mustard for $12. Or try the Kibbeling, cod marinated in

beer, egg and mustard, then coated in rice flower, fried and served with a house-made tartar sauce for $15.

“One of the more popular ones is Bitterballen,” Bierling said of the Dutch menu choices. “It’s a ball that’s got some meat and vegetables in it. It’s a very common food in the Netherlands, it’s often a street food.”

Bier Distillery’s menu offers a wide range of burgers, including the Dutch Boy burger. The hefty steak burger is topped with Gouda cheese, sauteed mushrooms, olives and a whiskey cream sauce for $13.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try the apple pie burger. The burger is served on a brioche bun with bacon, Gouda cheese, battered and fried Granny Smith apple slices and covered with an apple cider barbecue sauce for $16.

“The burgers, our Dutch Boy burger is my favorite of the bunch,” Bierling said. “That’s what I steer people to.”

A classic Dutch favorite on the menu is the Uitsmijter, which is an open-faced sandwich on toasted sourdough bread made with grainy mustard, ham, Gouda cheese, tomato and an over-easy fried egg for $15.

Of course, if you leave room for dessert, try the Stroopwafel ice cream, topped with chunks of the beloved Dutch caramel waffle cookies, drizzled with

caramel sauce and topped with a mini Stroopwafel for $7.50.

Bier Distillery started off, of course, as a distillery and maintains a large cocktail menu. One of the most popular cocktails is the Henry Jackpot, made with Sole Cry rye barrel reserve whiskey, Henry’s absent absinthe verte, lemon and house grenadine for $12. If you’re looking for a summer cocktail, try the Heartbreak Lemonade, made with vodka or gin, lemon, cranberry, ginger syrup and ginger soda for $10.

“We took some of our favorites we’ve had in the past and developed a completely original cocktail menu off that,” Bierling said. “Another popular one is the ButterBier. That has rum in it and it’s extremely popular.”

INFO

Bier Distillery is located at 5295 West River Drive NE in Comstock Park. The restaurant is open 3-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-7 p.m. Sunday. A full menu is available online at bierdistillery.com and the restaurant can be reached at 616-888-9746.