123305 Thu Sep 09 14:38:14 -0700 2004 2 8 Midwest 0 669886 I am open to suggestions at all price points! Thu Sep 09 14:38:14 -0700 2004 0 beaunedoc 1 669893 Go to Cosmo's. I've posted about this place so many times - the redundancy is getting to me, but it's still my favorite restaurant in Kalamazoo. Be sure to try one of their Sat/Sun brunches. And if you're feeling more casual eat downstairs in O'Duffy's Pub. In that section (with its beautiful bar) you can either order from the Cosmo's menu or from a short bar menu - burgers etc. - the potato thing on the short menu is very different and very good. They have a good selection of beer - especially Irish beer. I also really like Martini's on Westnedge near Vine. It's Italian, mostly take-out, but they do have a counter where you can eat and a picnic table outside - the grilled chicken sandwich is amazing, also try the house salad. Good pizza, too - and I really like the eggplant grinder. My other favorite pizza in town is at Bimbo's. The pizzas in the two places are totally different, but I love both. There' a new Indian restaurant on West Main - Saffron. It's in the strip mall with Tiffany's. I tried the lunch buffet, and thought it was really, really good. I will definitely go back. There's another Indian restaurant in Portage - Indian Cuisine. I've always liked that place, but I think Saffron is even better. For Chinese, I like Panda Forest. Recently I ordered the special black bean fish (pictured on the dinner menu) - it was soooo good! And try Omoefe's Place on East Main - Nigerian cuisine. This place has all the ambiance of a dairy queen and service is slow - the owner does it all; no alcohol served, but the food is unusual and very very good! She'll make it as spicy as you like. I've enjoyed the spicy stew, great appetizers - and had a delicious breakfast there. Be sure to give it a try! Enjoy!` Thu Sep 09 23:48:55 -0700 2004 669886 0 CilD 1 670749 Bravo. Fresh, reliable. There are plenty of places that are about the atmosphere; this one's about the food. Big Burrito is locally owned and most everything is fresh ('cept the tamales). A fish taco is worth the wait. Murch's is gone, but you can get a good salad at Martini's; being allergic to wheat we usually just get that and a side of meatballs, or sometimes the stuffed acorn squash. At London Grill - Singapore, our favorite is one of their standards, Guinness Beef. They do a lot with Indian stuff, too, but Saffron is better for that. Saffron's lunch buffet gives a decent cross-section of the rich menu. The concrete-block Mexican market on Portage serves HOT stuff in the back. Once we watched them make tortillas; now that's fresh. Bell's Eccentric Cafe crafts sandwiches fit to accompany their nifty beers; I go for the spicy grouper. When Cosmo's is good it's good, but it runs to cheesy and very slow. Folks who notice only ambience rave about Epic Bistro, but foodies don't mention it and we experienced atrocious service. The Union uses a lot of cream and spice; a good, simple burger seems to bore them. Water Street Coffee Joint on Oakland has food as well, and always at least one not-too-sweet dessert, all made fresh and without gunk. Tue Nov 09 12:42:43 -0800 2004 669886 0 Tom