MSU / Lansing Homecoming Weekend help needed!

[thefoodbully]

Calling all MSU foodies! I know you must be out there!

Coming in from CT to visit my daughter for the weekend.

Last time we were out we ate at the Travellers Club (in Okemo's), Pablo's Panaderia (in Old Town), and had a great breakfast at Sawyers Pankake House (downtown).

As you can tell, more than willing to travel and explore for good food- doesn't need to be fancy-- but excellent quality!

Help!

[JanPrimus]

I just had a friend drop me a link (www.enjoyenso.com) and she said that is was very good. I have yet to try it out but it is on my short list.

I have not been to the Red Cedar Grill in awhile but have enjoyed every trip out. I also agree about the butcher's out at Merindorf's. If anyone has occasion...try the corned beef!
www.merindorfmeats.com & http://redcedargrill.com/

I just recently had dinner at Dusty's and had mixed thoughts. I shared the Paella and was not too impressed. As I was there for my Grandmothers 88th birthday I was so kind (Wink) in helping her finish off some lamb chops that were just spectacular.
http://www.dustyscellar.com/index.cfm?goto=wine_bar&MenuID=4#menu

It also may be fun to take a drive on out to www.gizzardcity.com for the deep fried cheeseburger and/or gizzards. It is a seriously old time bar with no pretentiousness. I like being served draft beer in a mason jar.

A wee bit further on the traveling side, but not too far is Chelsea. www.commongrill.com
I think right now with the leafs changing it would be a nice place to take some back roads too.

Lastly I have a odd favorite in Lansing.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-oasis-lansing
I HIGHLY recommend trying the beef cheek and trying both the mild and hot sauces.

[jackiecat]

I agree with the above. I ate at Enso last weekend and from my experience and what I've heard they haven't quite pulled it together yet.; A lot of potential, but they've only been open a couple of weeks.

I also agree with the Knight Cap, old timey steak house that does the steaks and sides perfectly like you would have in the 70's..

Lamai you will either love or hate. Really divey but the buffet offers Tom Yum soup and spring rolls that are delish! Think Thai grandma cooking.l

[charlesbois]

Charlie Kangs used to have good Korean, but check with your daughter to see if she's heard any reviews. There used to be one in E. Lansing and one in Lansing, but not sure if both locations are still open.

Brookshire Inn in Williamston has pretty good ribs and some other American fare. It's about 20 minutes from E. Lansing. I've heard good things about the Red Cedar Grill in Williamston. Also in Williamston is a branch of Merindorf Meats that is a fabulous butcher.

Downtown Lansing has some fun places, like Clara's in the old, huge depot. It's not world class cuisine, but hearty good fare with lots to choose from. Also downtown is the not to be missed Peanut Shop near the Capitol. The smell of roasting peanuts alone is enough to knock your socks off. Also near the Capitol is the Knight Cap steak house for some decent meals.

There are a few good Italian joints sprinkled around, but I like Emil's in Lansing. It's homey and relaxed.

Lansing was my old stomping ground, but my visits there now are fewer and farther between. Hopefully some locals can point you in the right direction.

[thefoodbully]

Thanks for the insight... Any feedback on the local Thai restaurants (Thai Kitchen or Lamai's) or Indian (e.g. Sindhu). My daughter likes Asia Pac food!

BTW-- both Pablo's and Sawyers were excellent!

[kmcarr]

Sindhu is underwhelming. Mumbai is far better for Indian cuisine (http://mumbaicuisine.com/index.html).

For Middle Eastern I like Sultan's (http://www.sultansrestaurant.net/).

If you're looking for sushi check out San Su (http://www.sansu-sushi.com/)