21 October 2014

Dee-Lite Bar & Grill in Grand Haven & ArtWalk 2014


For our October dining adventure, the Lakeshore Dining Divas returned to our hometown of Grand Haven.  No more criss-crossing Ottawa county, or dashing off to Grand Rapids.

We chose Thursday evening, October 9th, to try out the new Taqueria menu at the Dee-Lite, which also turned out to be the night that the 2014 ArtWalk awards were announced.  So, before settling into Mexican fare at the Dee-Lite, we stopped by the Tri-Cities Historical Museum to hear the announcement of the winners.

The Dee-Lite is known for their classic breakfast service (with a Bloody Mary Bar on the weekend!).  They added a new cozy bar (with fabulous lighting!) featuring all local beers, top notch tequila, a Burger Bar, and a Taqueria Bar. We've all been to the Dee-Lite for breakfast, so dinner was a new adventure.   

In addition to Kelle, Bari and Nancy, we had two guests: Heidi Sunderhaft and Terri Sesselmann from Muskegon.  So our circular table was perfect for five!

As soon as Terri Sesselmann mentioned we need to try the Made to Order Guacamole, we were immediately on board.  It was fabulous! Made at the bar, it includes avocado (both mashed and yummy chunks), fresh lime, cilantro, pico de gallo, garlic, salt and pepper, and is served with fresh corn tortilla chips.  To go with that guacamole, Heidi and Nancy both ordered House Margaritas, which they said were wonderful (it's made with El Jimador tequila (the #1 selling tequila in Mexico), fresh lime, simple syrup, and Cointreau.  Ole!





We started our evening out at the Tri-Cities Historical Museum downtown Grand Haven for the ArtWalk closing ceremony where the winners were announced.  





One of the many forms of art displayed downtown Grand Haven.



This giant Oreo cookie art display was right in front of the museum!




We walked over to the DeeLite Bar & Grill for dinner.  The ambiance was beautiful at night.  But reading the menu was a bit challenging.  Grateful for iPhones with flashlights!




Guest Diva Heidi Sunderhaft Christiansen is the Principal of the Middle School and High School at North Muskegon.  We were able to steal her away on a "school night" for a dining adventure!
Heidi's Review:  

"Two things that go well with dining out; good food and friends and both were addressed the evening of October 9th at Dee-Lite in Grand Haven.  However, to top off the food and friends, the opportunity to be surrounded by ART before our dining experience was a “Delight” within after being exposed to the ArtWalk in Grand Haven. 

I have always known the Dee-Lite as the happening breakfast place in Grand Haven, so when I was invited to join the Dining Divas for dinner, I didn’t know what to expect for an evening meal.   I was surprised that the menu consisted of a Mexican flare.  When my eyes came across a Chimichanga, I knew I was sold.  Our group had ordered Guacamole with chips for an appetizer, which I would order again; chunks of avocados and spiced just right.  We should have ordered two!!

I decided to go with the Chimichanga, which I consider “comfort food”.  It was filled with chicken and smothered in their special sauce which created a mouthwatering experience with every bite. Terri ordered the same thing and was equally satisfied, but initially wanted the perch that evening, which Dee-Lite was sold out of.   I would say the serving size was decent and priced appropriately at $9.50.  
We had to use our lights from our cell phones to read the menu was enough comedy for the evening! 

Our server was pleasant and the owner, Steve Loftis, was friendly!

Oh, I forgot to mention the Margaritas were divine.  I would absolutely be back for Guacamole and a Margarita."  



Harbor Restaurants owner, Steve Loftis, emceed the ArtWalk event then surprised us with a visit at the DeeLite!

Left to right:  Kelle Lynn ** Steve Loftis ** Nancy Levenburg ** Bari Johnson ** Heidi Sunderhaft ** Terri Sesselmann





We couldn't get enough of this fresh and chunky "made to order guacamole"  Bring it on!
Love how the tacos were presented on this big square plate!

Fresco Tacos with house made poblano creme, queso fresco, fresh cabbage, cilantro, and lime.  With ranchero beans and a side of cilantro lime rice.  $8.25




The chocolate lovers in the group split this Flourless Torte!



Diva Tips


You can have tacos at the Dee-Lite for $2 and half off their speciality drink menu everyday from 5-7 pm if you sit at the bar.

 Open Blues Jam on Sunday night from 5-8 pm with Big Daddy Fox.

We'll be back for the Burger Bar!


The ambiance at Dee-Lite offers a cozy "great date night" atmosphere.


Dee-Lite Bar & Grill
24 Washington Avenue
Grand Haven, MI
616.844.5055
Mon - Thur 6 am to 10 pm
Fri & Sat 6 am to 11 pm
Sun 7 am to 10 pm

www.harborrestaurants.com


Follow us on Facebook:  www.westmichdiningdivas


The Divas want it to be noted, with all due respect, that the views and opinions shared in this venue do not represent those of the Grand Haven Tribune and are entirely based on each individual experience we encounter.  Perhaps on any other occasion, they may differ.