"Award Winning" Hearthstone Bistro in Muskegon

According to one of the Dining Divas, "I don't think I know anyone who's ever been disappointed with Hearthstone... it's just always good."  So, it should come as no surprise that TripAdvisor lists The Hearthstone as the #1-ranked restaurant in Muskegon of 188 restaurants!

The Divas decided to visit The Hearthstone on Saturday night, November 15th.  Readers who are hunters obviously recognize that date; it's the opening day of deer season.  So despite the allure of trudging through snow in Michigan's northern deep woods, every seat in the house was filled.

The Hearthstone was founded by Frank and Gina Lister in 1975, and features a casual European Bistro with a cuisine that uses fresh, local, natural ingredients.  In addition to the relaxed, indoor dining room, Hearthstone offers a lush European-inspired garden terrace for outdoor dining in the summer.  It also features a gluten-free menu and vegetarian selections.  

Our table for four was waiting for us when we arrived at 6:30 pm.  Alexis, our (delightful!) server greeted us and took our drink orders promptly... one chardonnay, one zinfandel, one cabernet sauvignon, and one sparkling water (with lemon and lime).  

Complimentary sampling of three soups... Chorizo Chili - Wisconsin Cheddar - Butternut Squash Bisque

"So tasty, we would gladly come back for a cup or bowl."

Crispy Flatbread with Fontina cheese & Roasted Wild Mushrooms $10

"We each had one slice of this divine appetizer!  Bari & Kelle said they could have easily made a dinner out of this since it was so delicious."

"Parmesan Bread so good we all gave Alexis the nod when she asked if we wanted a second basket!"

Housemade "White" Lasagna with Roasted Chicken & Spinach $19

Carla:  "I was so happy to see the return of the White Lasagna!  I enjoyed it a year ago when it was on the menu and wanted to go back the same week and have it again.  Oh, wait, I did!  If you dine there soon and it's on the menu, order it.  You will not be disappointed.  I loved it so much that I purposely took half home to savor the next night.  That was an incredible achievement for me considering how tasty it was."

Classic Steak Frites with Roasted Garlic Butter - 8 oz tenderloin steak, served with pommes frites (skinny French fries) and creamed spinach.  $24

Nancy:  "The steak was melt-in-your-mouth good, and the creamed spinach was luscious."   

"Award Winning" Crispy Almond & Brioche Yellow Belly Lake Perch, served with pommes frites and housemade coleslaw.  $18 for 5-piece plate, $24 for 7-piece plate.

Bari:  "I had a mental debate about the entrees; there are so many tempting choices.  Settling on the perch (5-pieces), I was not disappointed.  The crispy almond brioche complimented as did the tartar sauce.  The pommes frites were just right for me:  crispy not over or underdone.  The coleslaw was okay, but I enjoyed the perch and pommes frites more.  The evening was delightful and I look forward to a return visit sooner rather than later."   

Fresh "Off the Boat" Pan Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops with Orange Ginger Beurre Blanc $30

Kelle:  "On the menu the scallops are offered on a bed of Israeli couscous and red quinoa, but I opted for the yukon gold mashed potatoes since I just made red quinoa at home the night before.  Either way, the scallops were out of this world delicious!  I love dining at the Hearthstone!"   

Salted Caramel Torte
(Locally made in Hudsonville)
flourless caramel torte (gluten free) * creamy caramel mousse with chocolate ganache $7

"Yes, we devoured the whole thing!"




Diva Tips:

If you're hoping to dine on a weekend night, make reservations well in advance.

The "Crispy Goat Cheese 'Fritter' with Roasted Beets" on Hearthstone's Specialty Salads menu sounds terribly tempting.  Served with grilled asparagus, toasted pine nuts and a balsamic vinaigrette, beet-lovers Kelle and Nancy decided they'd have to return to order it for lunch.

The Hearthstone features two-fer dining specials (2 for $24) on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights.  Monday is Two Moo Monday (two Bistro steaks, pommes frites and a side salad), Tuesday is Two Perch Tuesday, and Wednesday is Pasta/Pasta. 


Hearthstone 
3350 Glade Street
Muskegon, MI
231.733.1056
www.hearthstonerestaurant.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.