17 minute read
HITTING THE SPOT
food
Hitting the Spot
Check out these two dining spots for real comfort food and friendly atmosphere
BY WRITER’S NAME CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Nothing works up an appetite like a day on the trails, and the Keweenaw Peninsula does not disappoint when it comes to options for meals. Here’s a look at two mainstays that are popular with both locals and tourists.
GINO’S
Not only is it right next to a popular trail, its sign even features a vintage snowmobile to let sledders know they are welcome at Gino’s in downtown Hancock at 800 Quincy Street.
The restaurant marks 100 years in 2023 but you’d never suspect that due to its contemporary feel. It’s gone through lots of changes through the decades, not all of them for the best, and was shuttered in 2017 to the community’s dismay. But it’s charted a steady path forward since June 2018, when Daryll and Tracie Williams, along with a few other family members, gave it a much-needed overhaul.
“We always liked this place and one time I opened my fat mouth and said, ‘if it ever comes up for sale, we should buy it,’” Daryll says. “We had to do quite a bit of work to get it up to snuff.”
Indeed, the eatery had fallen on hard times and the previous owner lasted just two years before giving it back to the bank. But Gino’s is now a thriving business with dependably good food and service in a warm and friendly
atmosphere. The outdoor patio is especially popular and it’s not unheard of to see it open on unseasonably warm days, even in the dead of winter.
The restaurant features salads, burgers, sandwiches, wraps and homemade raviolis and signature marinara sauce; a “half and half” of spaghetti and meat or cheese ravioli is a longtime favorite.
The clientele is a mix of locals and visitors; Daryll has noticed quite a few sledders from Iowa and Illinois. “We try to make it a fun, clean environment where you can come and have a good time. We’re more on the family side than anything,” he says. “We are not just a bar.”
Word of mouth is responsible for the brisk business the restaurant does with sledders. “We are a member of the Keweenaw Snowmobile Club and sometimes have their events here,” Daryll says. “A lot of networking goes on on the trail. We have found that if you treat people good, they will spread the word.”
And what about that iconic sign? “It was there from previous owner, probably since the 1960s,” Daryll says. “It doesn’t light up anymore, so we will probably, eventually, get it rewired.”
THE HUT
Anyone who drives by The Hut on Highway 41 in tiny Kearsarge about a mile north of Calumet can’t help wondering about what’s inside. But you kind of have to see the sprawling Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired site to believe it.
continued on page 12
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continued from page 11
The landmark restaurant dates to 1952 and has been added on to over the years. The result is an interesting hodgepodge of several dining rooms beneath a low wooden shake ceiling. There are walls made of rocks or wood planks, a lighted tunnel that leads to the back portion (duck if you’re taller than 6 feet), and a small pond and waterfall that are now, alas, empty as they await repair.
The décor is one of a kind dominated by relics from the mining days and vintage shiny booths. Each tabletop has unique surprises under its glass top. Some display old photos from the mining era or vintage postcards of Lake Superior lighthouses or freighters. One features the Upper Peninsula rendered in pennies, and another showcases old menus (a root beer float in frosted mug was 25 cents, and a “Hut Dog Deluxe” could be had for $1.60.) It’s all quite charming and cozy, and the coffee is arguably the best in the Keweenaw.
The extensive menu offers up pasta, sandwiches, burgers and salads – but no alcohol. Of note is the Grasshopper Pie -- mint ice cream in an Oreo cracker crumb crust with whipped cream and hot fudge. Or, if you’re feeling especially daring, try the five-pound Lucchesi Burger. Named for a man who polished it all off in a halfhour, it costs $50 (and an extra $6 for cheese), but if you can match that feat, it’s free – and you even get your name on a plaque! •
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nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately WE SELL SKIDOO SNOWMOBILES! nd really took a good ATV’S & SIDE X SIDES FROM HONDA, look at those pill bot- KAWASAKI AND CAN AM. ASK ABOUT tles. If you know what I OUR SNOW-PLOW PACKAGES. But, when I got there, Martin told me that they just decided GET SNOWMOBILE CLOTHING, PERMITS, OIL, BELTS, PLUGS, CARBIDES AND MORE ON YOUR WAY NORTH. to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always seem to have something to do around the CURTIStime of the picnic, so
they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
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The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard.
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10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019 nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately nd really took a good look at those pill bottles. If you know what I But, when I got there, Martin told me that they just decided to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always Find Us on seem to have something to do around the time of the picnic, so Facebook!
www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com SALES • SERVICE • RENTAL 906.586.9531 2022 Book Online at FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com
they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020
Parts, Clothing, Services,
Rental Packages with Lodging
Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019 nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmal- The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything lows, for a second happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa there, I thought I had Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately nd really took a good look at those pill bottles. If you know what I But, when I got there, Martin told me that they just decided to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always seem to have something to do around the time of the picnic, so CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
Sales & Service Rental
® TM Trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020
Parts, Clothing, Services,
Rental Packages with Lodging
Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019 they made the move to make the move. Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect. Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
Sales & Service Rental
® TM Trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020
Parts, Clothing, Services,
Rental Packages with Lodging
Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019 nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately nd really took a good look at those pill bot- The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything tles. If you know what I happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. But, when I got there, Martin told me that they just decided to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always seem to have something to do around the time of the picnic, so CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
Sales & Service Rental
® TM Trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020
Parts, Clothing, Services,
Rental Packages with Lodging
Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $259 PER DAY Sales & Service Rental
® TM Trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
2021
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