AS THE SUMMER tourist season wraps up in Marquette, Layla Khoury-Hanold, a free lance writer for the Chicago Tribune, has written a love letter to Marquette, urging readers to visit here in the fall.
The headline? “Fresh Marquette: Outdoor Sports Haven in Michigan’s U.P. Serves Up Booming Culinary Scene”
Quoting: “Marquette’s natural splendor has helped it reinvent itself from a former mining and college town into a bona fide tourist destination. Its hiking, biking, and ski trails, stunning waterfalls, crystal clears waters have made it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise…”
The article then rhapsodizes about the vibrant downtown, the burgeoning arts scene, and the small town charm.
All this leading up to the main point of the article: the exciting and diverse dining and drinking scene in Marquette.
Among the mentions:
231 West (to open soon)…”twice -baked croissants filled with thimbleberry jam…”
Barrel and Beam…”from classic witbiers to funky sours, there’s something for everyone…”
The Delft Bistro…”an app of whipped ricotta with honeycomb served with duck fat cashews and grilled ciabatta…”
Donckers…”the smoked gouda mac ‘n cheese…”
Steinhaus…”traditional German fare with dishes like jagerschnitzel, a breaded pork loin cutlet served with spatzle, tender cabbage, and a creamy mushroom sauce…”
Zephyr Wine Bar…”a Front Street gem that’s like the wine bar of your dreams….”
Dead River Coffee…”try the signature mocha java…”
Farmers Market…”a taste of local life…”
DaH Pretzel Guys…”luscious maple cream that can be slathered on the soft pretzels from his food truck…”
Superior Culture...”small batch kombucha brewed with local grains, honey, and seasonal fruit…”
Cafe Bodega…”feast on breakfast quesadillas…”
Digs Gastropub...”try the house-made kimchi in rice balls…”
Iron Bay Restaurant and Drinkery…”creative comfort food…”
Ore Dock Brewing Company…”Bramble on Rose, a raspberry strong ale brewed with 88 pounds of raspberries per batch…”
The Landmark Inn, with the Northstar Lounge…”a favorite perch for an aperitif overlooking Lake Superior…”
Rippling River Resort…”easy access to mountain biking and hiking trails…”
Quite an extensive list, but what about the exquisite Greek dishes at Vango’s? The steaks at Elizabeth’s Chop House? The whitefish at the Vierling? The mouth-watering Cajun and Creole fare at Lagniappe? The Crib and Contrast Coffee? Black Rocks Brewery, for crying out loud!! The….the…the…Heck, we could go on for another five minutes.
But of course, we’ve gotta give Ms. Khoury-Hanold (an NMU alumna, by the way) a break. She can’t mention everybody in a single article.
The point is, there’s plenty to eat and drink in Marquette, and it’s a lot more than meat, potatoes, and a PBR.