Soe's Spring Awakening

Two friends and I had dinner two weeks ago at Soe's on a Thursday night. The new menu has kept some of the old favorites but added other selections that may just become favorites. The menu is still divided into snacks, small plates and large plates and the prices remain reasonable--~ 7 for small plates and salads; ~$15 for the main courses. We were all very pleased with our meals-- classic meatloaf, duck and for me, a salad, the mushroom appetizer and the chicken meatballs. The bigger eaters were pleased with their portions and I, a smaller eater, loved the sizes and took some meatballs home.
Service was timely but not intrusive. The server was pleasant and attentive but not hanging over our shoulders.
The new chef seems to be in tune with what will please the year-rounders and the seasonal folk alike. Do visit and give him a chance to show you what he can do. We enjoyed our meal-- hope you do too!

Hidden Gems

Many years ago, my grandmother shared her love of wildflowers with me, pointing out the blossoms half-hidden, often, under last year's leaves. We would put on old shoes and walk through the woods in Lakeside, through seasonal streams and over downed trees, to find the trillium, dog tooth violets and may apples that was sprinkled under the trees. These days, it can be more difficult to find some of these wildflowers, but it is always a treat to put on boots and walk through the woods to try to find them. I think of them as the hidden gems-- outside of the cultivated gardens, harder to find, but well worth the search! Grab your dog and a child's hand and take a walk in the woods.

Spring Flowers- Before the Snow

The gloriously hot Sunday last week prompted many of the flowers and bushes to put on their finest... Here are some shots from around the area.. before yesterday's snow!

Re-Fashionista

One of my favorite stores, POSH, featuring high end women's re-sale clothing and accessories, has outgrown its space on south Whittaker in less than a year! She is moving to a space in Lookout Landing--- right next to Marilyn's-- on Red Arrow Highway. (You know you are in the country when directions are in terms of landmarks, not addresses!) The expanded version of POSH will include Posh Home and Posh Kids- high end, lightly used furnishings and kids' upscale clothes. If you think of resale stores as frumpy, visit POSH-- it is beautifully retailed, with gorgeous clothes, shoes, handbags, scarves and jewelry for women. Like visiting the closets of your favorite fashionista friends! Can't wait to see what Rudy comes up with for the home and kids. The new address is 305 W. Buffalo Street. on Highway 12, New Buffalo. 269/469-5050. Current store hours until Memorial Day weekend are: Thursday - Saturday 11-4; Sunday 12-5. Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, they will be open 7 days a week with expanded hours.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Soe Restaurant in Sawyer has a new chef. Look for reflections from my dinner there next week! The owners of Greenbush Brewery in downtown Sawyer next to Fitzgerald's have been working very hard this winter, transforming Local Boy Laundry into a brewery with panache. They have remade the front of the building, opening it up so that you can view the brewing process and have uncovered the original bricks. Sawyer is movin' on up and going to be a place to be for beer and food this summer!

Art Attack

Don't miss Art Attack Weekend - April 30th and May 1st. It's a fun chance to catch up with what the local artists have been working on all winter, to raise a glass of wine to spring at the local openings and to immerse yourself in some of the local fun! Writer, actress and local radio personality Gail Isaacson will be at the Fritz Olsen Gallery - 6914 W. Holloway Drive in Sawyer at Saturday night's wine reception from 5:30-8:00 p.m. EST. At 6 p.m., she will present 3 live 10-minute plays with Robert Swan, Gwynne Winsberg and Arnie Saks. The evening, which benefits local radio station WRHC, is bound to be fun! Dream Weaver, fiber artist Lisa Gilman will display her 100% natural fiber creations and wearable art. She will also be giving spinning wheel and drop spindle demonstrations.