The Lake House in Muskegon with Guest Diva Cindy Anderson

We can't help but brag a second month in a row about our summer season in beautiful West Michigan, which made it real easy to pick a destination right on the water that captures the sun sinking into Lake Michigan at approximately 9:20 pm. 

Terrace Point Marina in Muskegon Lake (Bari Johnson snapped this photo just in time!)

The Lake House restaurant, bar and conference center is located on Muskegon Lake behind the Shoreline Inn and overlooks the Terrace Point Marina.  You can dine inside or enjoy the view with music when you sit outside on their spacious deck. We went on a Tuesday night and the place was packed! 

We were excited to have Carla Hill back for a review. Being the CEO of the West Michigan Symphony is a busy job, so we don't get to see her all the time.  But when we asked her to join us at The Lake House, she made sure to wipe her slate clean and leave the office on time!  She told us about a few acting gigs she has coming up -- "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" at the Howmet Playhouse in August and at The Block in September.    

We love ALL our guests and how diverse they are.  We could hardly wait to meet our Guest Diva, Cindy Anderson, from Grand Haven.  She amazed us with one story after another which is why we hung out past sunset.  From her hiking up a mountain in Uganda (East Africa) to watch the gorillas in action, to supplying desks and building a school for children in Uganda, to chairing the 100 Women or More Who Care in Spring Lake, to heading up a fundraiser for Humanity for Prisoners in Grand Haven this fall... the list goes on.  She literally puts her heart and soul into helping others and is a walking definition of compassion.  We are planning to see her again on September 24th at the Humanity for Prisoners community event.  We asked her to tell us a little more about the two people that are coming to speak and why. Oh my, we learned a lot at dinner.  

Cindy Anderson

"Currently I serve on the Board for an organization called Humanity for Prisoners (HFP).

On September 24th, HFP in conjunction with The Bookman, is thrilled to introduce the inaugural Community Read and Discussion by bringing Ronald Cotton and Jennifer Thompson to tell their story and discuss their book, PICKING COTTON. Ronald Cotton spent eleven years in prison for a crime he did not commit.  The woman who identified him, Jennifer Thompson, was filled with guilt for wrongly identifying him as the culprit.  

The news is filled with similar horror stories in prisons, from wrongful convictions to abuse to terrible living conditions. Through HFP, Doug and Matt Tjapkes work daily to right some of these wrongs and help establish a system better able to address the injustices. 

Years ago, Doug became friends with Jennifer Thompson, who was raped at knifepoint by a man who broke into her apartment while she slept. After she escaped, she told police she was certain she could identify the man who had been inches from her face. She picked Ronald Cotton out of a lineup. Ronald insisted that she was mistaken, but Jennifer's positive identification was the compelling evidence that put him behind bars. After serving 11 years in prison, Ronald was released when a DNA test proved his innocence. Two years later, Jennifer and Ronald met face to face - and forged an unlikely friendship that changed both of their lives. 

Their story offers a glimpse into what happens when the system fails both the victim and the accused, a story that will challenge our ideas of memory and judgment while demonstrating the profound nature of human grace and the healing power of forgiveness.

We are encouraging book clubs, churches, university students and the community at large to read the book, PICKING COTTON and attend the event. We hope this event encourages discussion, raises awareness and helps fund the work of Humanity for Prisoners.  Tickets are available at the Bookman in Grand Haven or on the Humanity for Prisoners website www.humanityforprisoners.org."

Bruschetta $11
Fresh baked crostini - tomato - mozzarella - basil - yellow tomato - sunflower seed/lemon/mint pesto - parmesan - balsamic drizzle

"If you have it once, you'll want it every time you go to the Lake House.  Yup, it's that good."  

Oberon Beer-Battered Seabass Tacos $16

Nancy:  "I always like seabass (a mild-flavored, grouper-like fish that's often used in Asian foods).  And I also like Oberon beer (Bell's Brewery).  So, why not the two together?  These tacos (two for $16) and REALLY good!  The mango/watermelon salsa is colorful, fresh and sweet.  And the red chili mustard adds a little kick - even for those who aren't a fan of the "M" word (mustard)!"  

Bari:  "Very nice red wines--I tried two different full-bodied reds; they were both good. I believe the price was $9/glass. 

The bruschetta small plate was very tasty from the fresh baked crostini with red and yellow tomatoes to fresh basil and mozzarella to the sunflower seed/lemon/mint pesto to the balsamic drizzle. It was a perfect size to share or would easily make a meal for someone.

There are so many interesting menu items that it might be hard to choose. Among our divas there was much discussing with our delightful server about the pros and cons of the dishes. Only Carla knew immediately what she was having as she's a regular. I settled on the tacos after getting our server's advice between the perch or the seabass. She indicated the Oberon really made a difference and the batter wasn't heavy. 

She was correct about the taste and the lightness of the batter! The taco was generously filled with sea bass--unusual in my fish taco experience where there's more filling than fish--while the guacamole, cilantro and red chili mustard blended nicely. Having the salsa on the side so I could add it as I wanted was was a good touch. It was a splendid fish taco and one that I would order again. 

All in all we had a delightful dining experience, with Cindy Anderson adding a fun dynamic. Learning about her new project with Doug Tjapkes made it extra special. I'm sure she'll be back for another evening."

Mesquite Grilled Hawaiian Swordfish $28

Cindy:  "It was a real treat to be asked to join the Dining Divas in Muskegon for dinner at The Lake House.  I already knew and enjoyed Bari and Kelle.  Meeting Nancy and Carla was fun and interesting.  The wonderful dinner was even better with excellent company.

Our server set the tone of a fabulous dining experience with her delightful smile and her complete and enticing descriptions of each dish.  She was attentive and efficient throughout the meal.  I ordered the swordfish special of the day.  It was absolutely delicious.  The fish was prepared perfectly with a light lemon butter sauce and accompanied with asparagus and roasted new potatoes.  The appetizer we ordered, a bruschetta, and the swordfish filled me up so much I didn’t have room for dessert, one of my favorite things to order.  I will definitely return to The Lake House in the future for the wonderful food, view and service."  

Mussels ~ chorizo - fennel - leeks - tomatoes - garlic - shallots - rustic bread - white wine broth $16

"Carla gets her favorite dish every single time!"

Cajun Seafood Linguini $24

Kelle:  "Even though I love pasta dishes, I rarely order them when dining out.  However, this one really caught my eye (and taste buds) with all the seafood mixed in the sauce which has a nice kick, but not too spicy.  Just how I like it.  They sure know how to make garlic toast too.  I'd gladly get it again."   

The Lake House
730 Terrace Point Blvd
Muskegon, MI  49440
231.722.4461
www.thelakehousemi.com

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.  Our dining experience is entirely at our own expense and not covered by the Grand Haven Tribune or any dining establishment.  

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