Damn -
Going on two years since I last posted in this one.
Gwinn, Michigan:
The guy who owns Towners Pastry has a Chicago connection. I know he used to live in Chicago and worked at a bakery in the city. I only talked to him for a few minutes at a time when I've seen him. I DID ask him if he'd make some "Quign Aman" and his eyes lit up. He said he might give it a go and hope for a good response, but he also said they were a lot of work to put in, and the prices might turn people away. He has also opened a pizza shop next door to the pastry shop. I've bought a few pies from him in the past few years and I wasn't overly impressed because I was kinda expecting a more Chicago experience, and they definitely weren't that. Still good, tho. I haven't gotten one from them this year, but I will at some point. He's doing well enough to have opened a new bakery location in Marquette. If you are in the area, I'd say the bakery is destination worthy. He knows what he is doing for real:
https://www.towners.shop/https://www.pizzeriamozzi.net/==
Now, onto a new find in the big city: MEXICAN FOOD. Wait, wait, hear me out on this...
La Catrina Cocina Mexicana.
Listen - I've been in and out of this area for over 20 years. I know the deal. Trust me, this is WAAAAY elevated for this area. My son said it was the bext Mexican restaurant he's ever been to. I quickly reminded him of the first place back home that came to mind, and he immediately rescinded his claim, BUT, this new place is THAT good. It'll make you regain hope for decent ethnic food in this wasteland.
I opted for the fish tacos - fried fish strips stuffed into a fajita sized flour tortilla that was actually griddle browned and warm! The fish strips were long and thin, and each taco had about 5 or 6 strips. So it wasn't like a one strip fishstick kinda prep. Three tacos per order, and I think 12 bux for the meal, and it was a borderline bargain. Came with a side of Mex rice which was damn good, but I was stuffed so I barely touched it. It also came with a "creamy ranch salsa" on the side that I didn't touch, assuming it was gonna be a horror show. After I was done, I dipped a finger in it to try, and it was good as hell! Savory, not even a hint of sweet, and it had a chipotle smokiness to it. I've already decided I'm getting the fish tacos when we go back. LOL - also, I just thought if something - I didn't offer a single tablemate a fish strip. I offered my son a taco trade - he got the pastor tacos. But, we never finalized the deal.
So, the boy got the pastor tacos, and they were fantastic. They had that sloppy, pasty red LOOK, but they were anything but what I expected, when you see that in Chicago. It was just a simple roasted red chile prep. Maybe annato as well, but I mostly tasted that deep, roasted red chile flavor that I hope for (and usually get disappointed) when ordering enchiladas rojas. Guajillo maybe? Anyway - the pastor was an eye opener, imo. I would happily order these and hope they were just as good every time. Other tablemates had mixed fajitas, and chimichangas, and raved. Another note - the son's salsa that came with his tacos was real deal roasted arbol, and it actually had for real heat. We loved it. The table salsa was pretty par for the area - could have come from a jar as far as I'm concerned. I'm guessing they used canned tomatoes. It wasn't BAD, but it wasn't remarkable in any way, and compared to the rest of the food, it was a step down in what you'd expect.
I ordered the guac appetizer, and again, for the area, this was next level. Obviously fresh ingredients, and LOTS of them. Huge bowl for $8.99, and I was expecting MUCH less in quantity and quality. 4 ppl ate the shit out of this huge bowl before our mains came, (it was the only app,) and we still had plenty to share to dollop on our mains, and took some home as well.
The other "decent" Mexican place in the area, "Sol Azteca" will probably have to up their game, because this new place is easily next level by comparison. This place should not disappoint if you are looking for Mexican food in this area. The game has been upped by a decent margin, and when we left, there was line to get in the door. Hopefully it sticks - it should, imo.
http://catrinacocinamexicana.com/Another new joint in Negaunee, Michigan: Campfire Coffee.
I'm not any kind of coffee drinker, so I can't comment. BUT, they have a tiny food menu with a few sammiches, and a few pastries. Their "gimmick" is stuff named after camping themes, like "Matchstick Sandwich," "Kindling Wrap" things of that ilk. You WILL want the cudighi sandwich, and you will DEFINITELY want the "Camp Cake."
You will not be sharing the Camp Cake, so each person will want their own. It's their take on the Krupsua or Krepsua, or Finnish Pancake. Rectangular slice of a custardy textured pancaked with whipped cream, and syrup. It's bascically 6 or 7 forkfulls of hell yeah (In my mind I substitute the f-bomb for the word hell.)
I should also mention that Crossroads Bar & Grill seems to have upped their game. I've always been a fan (mentioned upthread) for their value compared to other places in the area, but I think they've even gotten better. HIGHLY recommend any burger, and the fried lake trout for the Friday fish fry.
I have yet to try Queen City Burger, and I'me hearing there's a new Bubble Tea place - both in Marquette.
If you're in the area, though, I think this new Mexican place is well worth a stop. It's more "Suburban Strip Mall" Mexican than anything else, but in this area, that's a huge step in the right direction, and I'm going to be a regular customer immediately.
We cannot be friends if you do not know the difference between Mayo and Miracle Whip.
Pronoun: That fool over there
Identifies as: A human that doesn't need to "identify as" something to try to somehow be interesting.