Casa Bolero

116 Portage St.

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

(269) 382-3148

www.casabolerokzoo.com

Benny and I had a wonderful date night riding our bikes downtown Kzoo to Casa Bolero. We had wonderful service in the bar area. Our food came quickly as did our drinks (the bartender was our server and was very on top of things) I have been dreaming of these Enchiladas since I had them a couple of weeks ago (and ate them so fast I forgot to take a picture)....this time I was able to slow myself down and enjoy every bite of it. They also had tequila flights on special....so we sampled two : )

Casa Enchiladas (Mushroom)

(gluten free and vegetarian) -seasoned mushrooms with garlic mushroom cream sauce and Monterey jack cheese. Served with cilantro lime rice and tortilla chips. Mmmmmm these babies left me full and happy. Stuffed with sautéed mushrooms and a sauce that had just the perfect amount of kick. I was so full from guacamole that I was able to take one home and enjoy later.

Tableside Guacamole  (Gluten free)

Tequila Flight with tomato chaser 

Cucumber-jalapeno margarita  

Arcadia Brewing Company-Kalamazoo

701 East Michigan Ave.

Kalamazoo, MI

49007

www.arcadiaales.com

Oh la la, mmmmm mmmm good. Arcadia has wonderful sunshine, fresh vegetarian sides, wine, cider and flavorful beer. Perfect location for us to ride our bikes, meet friends and eat until stuffed. I love that the food is local and I can add fresh jalapenos...and even better they have free dill pickles : )....I am not much of a beer drinker, however I have been dabbling in Arcadias Deliverance and ohhhh boy does it make my taste buds happy. Cant wait to see what's on the menu next time!

So happy to see they have a cider on tap!

 Yellow and purple beet salad, with sour cream dressing, made fresh while we watched.

Pasta and Kale salad with peas.  

 Potato Salad...mmmm mmmm good!

Jalapeno Cheddar Corn bread 

Mac and Cheese- I added the fresh jalapenos and asked for a sprinkle of green onions 

Pretty sure on any sunny day this our go too spot, can't wait for the patio and outdoor area to be finished. Beautiful view of the river and perfect way to greet Kalamazoo out of towners! 

Bordeaux-Crowne Plaza Lansing West

925 S Creyts Rd. (Inside Crowne Plaza Lansing West)

Lansing Charter Township, MI 48917

517-323-4190

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/194/1025468/restaurant/Lansing/Lansing/Bordeaux-Lansing-Charter-Township

My office mate Steffany and I had the opportunity to attend an Autism conference in Lansing, unfortunately our room was not ready, however the staff gave us two free drink vouchers which we were forced to take. Starving from sitting down all day we ordered an appetizer and partook in some cocktails while we waited for our room. We had wonderful service, checked into our room an hour later and then wandered back down for happy hour and dinner and office-mates sis in law to join us. Bordeaux offered a drink special -last nights was a berry margarita....went quite well with the beer cheese and pretzel basket (so hungry I forgot to take a picture..oopsies)  The restaurant was quite busy due to two other conferences, this added some entertainment to our evening and a much later bedtime then planned. Service continued to be excellent, food was good, pretty flowers on tables and drink specials were yummy.



Grilled Greek Flatbread $8

Tomato, red onion, olives, feta cheese, pepperoncini, artichoke hearts, and Greek Dressing on the side. I loved the huge chunks of artichoke and all of the feta. Enough for my full meal, but would also be great as a split appetizer.  

Zeb's Trading Co.

7990 S 8th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-6778 

http://www.allmenus.com/mi/texas/42439-zebs-trading-co/menu/

At first I was a little bit skeptical of driving out of my normal five mile radius, however Zeb's was totally worth it! $1.00 bloody Mary's and yummy vegetarian food. Can't be beat! They also have outdoor seating. Service was great too! I have been back since and tried the potato skins. Also deeeelish!

$1.00 Bloody Mary!! $.25 for green olive skewer, comes with a pickle.

Pictured below is a double for $2.00

 Veggie Pita $6.95

avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, sprouts and mozzarella cheese on fresh pita bread, served with pasta salad and ranch dressing on the side. I ordered mine toasted, this was large enough for Ben and I to split.

 

Large pasta salad as a side. Was super delish and Ben doesn't like olives so I ate them all : )

Old Chicago

 

5314 S. Westnedge Ave.

Portage, MI 49002

269-344-1111

http://www.oldchicago.com/locations/portage

Benny and I have been searching for a go to spot for Trivia, yummy food and drink specials. We tried Old Chicago on a Friday after work and it had all three : ) Their starters were all half off and drink specials included ALL draft beers and well liqueur's. Even though I  did get my butt beat in Trivia, still had a wonderful time. Service was great (we sat at the bar, but the manager checked on us, as well as two different bar tenders) Ended up being a cheap date for Benny, thanks to their awesome specials. We left very full! Next time we'll have to try the pizza!

Grilled Cheese Panini With Tomato Soup Dip $5.89        

Handmade ciabatta bread stuffed with five cheeses, layered with marinated cherry tomatoes, garlic sauce and black pepper. If you are craving a grilled cheese and tomato soup this is perfect! Couldn't beat the half off price of less than $3.00!! Warm and cheesy with lots of flavor. 

Artichoke Dip $8.09 

Artichoke hearts melted with cream cheese and our own spice blend. Served with fresh garlic bread and veggies. This appetizer came with garlic bread that would have been good on its own, but the dip made it perfect. Tons of veggies hiding underneath the bread too...green pepper, carrots, celery and cucumber made a vegetarian very happy. I like that the dip is made with cream cheese and not mayo as well, lots of garlic. mmmmmmmmmm mmmm good.  

Angry Orchard and Soft Parade with Trivia....Perfect~!

 

Shakespeare's Pub

241 E Kalamazoo Ave #100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

(269) 488-7782

www.shakespearespub.com

"Oh, how I missed you"

I have not had Shake's nachos in over 8 months (trying to eat healthier??)...after having them again

I am wondering why it took me so long to order them...Ted (co-owner.. convinced me to try them again)

They came out hot, smelling wonderful.

I added olives and they were stacked high, layers of cheesy goodness, queso, tomato, purple onion

and a side of salsa and sour cream. If you want some extra kick ask for a side of their spicy buffalo

or add jalapenos.

I would not have been able to eat them all...well probably could have..but would not NEED to..

my sister helped me finish them off and we proceeded to finish our game of cards.

Saturday evening happy hour went from 6-9, we were able to get a good table, watch the

games, enjoy the food and good company.

Nachos

Golden tortilla with diced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, queso dip and shredded cheddar cheese.

 Served with a side of salsa and sour cream

small order $6.99 full order $8.99

‎

 

The Union

The Union

 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

 269.384.6756

http://www.millenniumrestaurants.com/union/

This was the perfect date spot for my sister and I to have a delicious HALF OFF bloody Mary, yummy appetizers and watch the downtown Kalamazoo traffic on a Saturday. Our server Chyrs was wonderful, prompt and humorous. The manager also checked on us several times.  Lil 'sister and I split the salad and appetizer as well as a side of fries, we

were both full and happy. She failed to mention until after we ordered that The Union has her favorite Spinach and Artichoke dip...oh well...just an excuse to go back this weekend. Lots of vegetarian options!

ELECTRIC GOAT’S CHEESE

Baked goat’s cheese

served with tomato basil sauce and warm bread $6.95

Warm and cheesy, the goat cheese isn't too overpowering, and if you love bread this is perfect.

ROASTED ARTICHOKE SALAD

Roasted artichoke hearts, Peppers, tomato, kalamata olives, red onion, basil, and

feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegars $7.50

(Gluten Free)

I LOVE this salad. It does not come with Roman lettuce, we added it for a $1.50 extra.

 

The Hail Mary

(minus Beef Jerky vodka-substitute for green onion)

Half off specialty Bloody Mary's on Saturday until 4.

YUM

Fandango Tapas Bistro

Fandango Tapas Bistro

http://www.fandangotapasbistro.com/

247 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 226-9800

This is by far my favorite special date night, birthday gathering, girl night spot.

They have an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G selection of vegetarian friendly options.

I recently when with my girlfriend for a St. Patrick's Day treat (good reason right?)

and we split two dishes and a pitcher of White Peach Sangria
and we were pleasantly full.

 Small plates full of flavor, warmth and purely mouth watering. 
(their dirty martini's are wonderful as well) 

They also have gluten and dairy free options.

Wild Mushrooms with Goat Cheese #36

Sautéed and Finished in a red wine reduction $9.95

 

Spanish Mac and Cheese #37

A blend of manchego and mahon cheeses $9.95

 

Valencian Rice Ball #26

The Mediterranean's favorite street food!

Panko-crusted, short grain stuffed with boursin cheese, then flash fried.

Topped with romesco sauce $7.99

 

Herb Crusted Artichokes #29

Stuffed with boursin cheese and served with pesto vinaigrette $9.95 

My favorite sandwich in town

Crows Nest

816 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

(269) 978-0490

  http://www.allmenus.com/mi/kalamazoo/272611-crows-nest/menu/

I dream about this sandwich...makes my mouth water just thinking about it...I love it so much Ive gotten it late night and then again the next day for brunch. Awww yeh...mmmmm mmmmm deeeelish. 

Mast $9.00

Marinated organic tofu, spinach, sauteed onion, kalamata olive tapenade, vegan basil-walnut pesto, goat cheese, fourth coast bakery marbled rye ...I add extra Havarti cheese..just because...but sandwich defiantly does not need it. I usually get the french fries, but was very delighted with the hummus and pita...as was everyone at the table that wanted a bite. Actually I have yet to have anything bad from Crows Nest, I do however miss thier breaded mushrooms, they were the perfect late night snack. I highly recommend eating here as often as you can...perfect dishes for meat and veggie lovers.



  

North 11

 North 11

5585 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo Township, MI 49048

(269) 381-8211

www.north11.com

Five Pepper Dip- $8.49

"A delicious blend of cream cheese, five peppers, garlic, onion, and cheese served with grilled flatbread." This was our first time trying this appetizer. It was creamy and cheesy, with a little kick that wasn't too spicy for B. I am not much of a bread fan, so next time I would order with tortilla chips. Perfect size appetizer to go with a filling Bloody Mary. Ben and I usually drink their Bloody Mary Martini's however wanted the real thing with less alcohol this time. Perfecto!

Main St. Pub (West Main)

Main St. Pub 

4514 W. Main, Kalamazoo, MI 49006

269-342-9710

www.mainstpub.com

Mushroom quesadilla with no cheese

My gram-cracker (AKA Gramma) orders this to avoid the cholesterol with the cheese, at first I was skeptical..."no cheese???" But this baby was packed full of flavor. Green onions, sautéed portabella mushrooms...equals mmmm mmmm good. 

Portabella Quesadilla $7.49

A grilled flour tortilla stuffed with shredded cheese, tomatoes and scallions. Served with sour cream and salsa.

Boca burger 

I ordered the veggie Boca burger with mozzarella cheese, sautéed onions and mushrooms, depending on my mood (and day of the week) I'll get a side of fries or a side salad. During the week much more likely to puck the healthier option. You can also switch up the bread if you aren't a fan of regular bun. I tried the sour dough. But still not a huge fan of bread so picked away at it. Still yummy. 

Create your own burger $6.99 extra for toppings

With all burgers you can substitute a boca burger, chicken breast or portabella cap. Served with onion, tomato and lettuce. 

Latitude 42

7842 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002

(269) 459-4242

http://www.latitude42brewingco.com/

We tend to avoid anything more then a five minute drive (we live downtown kzoo) however it was well worth the extra ten minutes..Latitude 42 was highly enjoyable...from the lovely bottles of water, fun water cups, high quality tv's, fast friendly service and of course deeeelish food, defiantly will be back. Thought it was the perfect date for Benny's birthday and he left happy as well. For those non- beer drinkers (myself included) they had a nice selection of wine. 

Latitude 42 Beer and Cheese Soup $3.50

Lil' Sunshine Golden Ale, smoked white cheddar, thick-cut bacon, chives, jalapeno garnish. I ordered without bacon, next time will ask for extra jalapenos for more of a kick. Oh my goodness, I would've eaten three bowls of this soup! Perfect way to start the meal. 

Black Bean and Barley Burger $9

Homemade black bean burger, barley, pepper Jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, red pepper aioli, fresh made bun. Served with fries

Oh man, oh man was I a happy camper on Ben's birthday date. This was a tasty, savory, burger. I loved the full black beans, the kick from the cheese and the aioli, I was craving jalapenos, but had stuffed myself full without even putting a dent in the burger. I ate the rest as leftovers the day after and the flavors had sunk in even more. Very satisfied! 

Kumo Hibachi and Sushi

KUMO HIBACHI AND SUSHI

6396 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002

(269) 321-8870

http://kumohibachisushi.com/home-page/

   

Vegetable Hibachi served with a side of vegetables & fried rice.

 Salad & clear soup to start $11.95.

I ordered my tofu fried on the side, to avoid any extra sauces, it was cooked in the back

 instead of the on the grill. The first time I went, the tofu came with a sweet brown sauce that took over the entire meal. Not a fan of salty and sweet, so I was disappointed originally...

this time around was perfect and had extras to take home. Lots of delish veggies. Onions, baby corn, mushroom, zucchini, snap peas, broccoli...you name it and it was there..mmmmm mmm good...you are able to fit 9 people around one grill station. 

My sister received a complementary fried ice cream with a candle. Their drinks are also reasonably priced.

O Duffy's Pub

O'DUFFYS PUB

804 W Vine St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

(269) 381-9771
www.oduffyspub.com/

Queso Fundido- Melted Chihuahua cheese served with Pico de Gallo and tortillas $7.99

This was our Valentines day appetizer...it was the perfect size, cheese was a little firm and gooey...really lovely flavors, spicy, but not too spicy for B. I probably could have eaten all four pieces of tortilla, but since he was paying I thought I should share, two tortillas each, was perfect with their  bloody mary.

Tap House

TAPHOUSE

359 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

(269) 492-0100

http://www.millenniumrestaurants.com/taphouse/menu.php

Greek Bread Salad- Grilled bread, artichokes kalamata olives, cucumber, mixed greens, feta cheese, Greek dressing $7.50

This salad is perfect with a small side. I ordered the Cheddar Ale cup of soup, along with the salad, I love the large chunks of feta and artichoke. Perfect size to share as appetizer too.

Portobello Burger-crispy fried-smoked gouda stuffed-Portobello mushroom, red wine vinaigrette, spring mix lettuce, tomato, onion, roasted pepper $8.95

I LOVE anything FRIED, combine, cheese and veggies with it and it is ideal! I am not a bread fan, so I usually order without the bun, you can also switch up the bread...if you are feeling super adventurous I recommend the truffle fries instead of regular, or order a side of malt vinegar to get that yummy fair food taste. The only item I am not a fan of is the roasted red pepper, it is large and a lil' slimy...I'm working on my texture issues!!

Old Dog Tavern Bloody Mary

402 East Kalamazoo Ave. 49007

269-381-5677

http://www.olddogtavern.com/


My sister and I were craving a Bloody Mary this past Sunday, after trying two places unsuccessfully we headed to Old Dog to test it out. We had a lovely Sunday date looking at Pintrest, admiring Marky Mark, Ryan Gosling and giggling away. Kali isn't as experienced as I am in the Bloody Mary department, so I had to help spruce her's up a bit, overall I was happy and will return.

This Bloody Mary bar offered deviled eggs, pretzel rods, black and green olives, celery, Havarti cheese and an assortment of seasonings. It was $5.00 and your cup came with tomato juice as well as vodka. I appreciated that the juice was not a mix, lots of times the mixes have additives, that leave my stomach upset. I will defiantly be going back to try the food and enjoy another Bloody Mary creation.