The “original Divas” reminisced about dining at the Arboreal nearly two years ago, and thought it was time for a return visit. This time we welcomed a new Diva – Spring Lake’s own Sharon Bedford, who owns a catering business.
Born and raised in Northern California, Sharon grew up "farm to table." She started cooking at home when she was around 10 years old. Her favorite pastimes are reading cookbooks, trying new recipes, extensive travels in search of the best restaurants, and Italian cooking classes.
Today, she's a retired elementary teacher and reading specialist. While she was still teaching, Sharon started Edible Art Catering over 20 years ago and remains actively involved in her business.
"I've loved planning dinner parties and cooking for as long as I can remember," Sharon said. "I am passionate about not only fantastic food, but presentation as well...my trademark."
This year, we opted to forego Arboreal’s more formal dining room and dine in the cozy/rustic bar area at one of the high-top tables.
Both Nancy and Bari chose a glass of the Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon ($9 for 5-oz pour) to accompany our delicious smoked whitefish dip (which was SO good that Kelle considered ordering it for her entrée!).
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| This dip ($11) is described as a “Hearty portion of smoked Lake Superior whitefish spread accompanied with shaved red onions, capers, and flatbread.” Although we might have preferred it with a blander, less seedy cracker (like a water cracker), we’d go back in a minute for this appetizer. |
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| We also chose to share an order of the Crab Stuffed Mushrooms (five for $12) – fresh mushrooms filled with a blend of crab, shallots and baby spinach. |
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| Fresh P.E.I Mussels sautéed in white wine, herbs, and garlic $10 Bari: "We really enjoyed the ambiance and charm of dining in the bar. My wedge salad was very generously sized, and a pleasant change since it was served with crisp romaine leaves instead of a wedge of iceberg. It had a good-sized portion of blue cheese dressing on the side as well. The presentation of the mussels was the best I've seen in the area: the crostini circled the bowl of mussels, setting the stage for dipping that I enjoyed very much. The mussels were good...all open and small. Although my favorite dessert at Arboreal is the profiterole, our evening's finale was the carrot cake that we all shared, even me! (I was full and am not a big sweets eater, anyhow.) I'm also pleased that we tried it because it prompted Nancy to offer to make her carrot cake recipe for the Divas one of these days. (Nancy's frosting uses more cream cheese.)" |
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| Parmesan Crusted Whitefish - $24. Filet of great lakes whitefish encrusted in parmesan and herbs and drizzled with lemon beurre blanc sauce |
Kelle: "This was my second time dining at the Arboreal and I have to admit I was a bit skeptical since my first visit there wasn't what I had hoped for. But I really like the woodsy cozy location with the proximity to my home. I was happy when Bari said she'll make our reservation in the bar area versus the dining room. The bar decor has a way of making me feel like I'm on a getaway up north. The high-top table was comfy for four, even though it was a little tight with two appetizers sitting in the middle at the same time.
Our server, Erin, was helpful and patient. We were constantly chatting versus looking at the menu, but she rolled with it and continued to make frequent stops to see if we were ready to order. I asked her which dishes are popular and she immediately responded with the Parmesan crusted whitefish. So, that's what I ordered. I was surprised when Erin brought it out since the fish portion took up the whole plate. I knew I'd be having half of it for lunch the next day. It was very tasty and I'd gladly go back and order it again. Later on I told a friend we could easily split the fish with a nice side salad and it would be plenty of food.
Unfortunately, I thought the carrot cake was a bit of a letdown. I was at Two Tony's in Spring Lake a few weeks earlier and a friend (Joan G) surprised me with a piece of the ultimate carrot cake loaded with cream cheese."
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| Broiled Salmon with our house seasonings and finished with a dill cream sauce - $24 |
Sharon: "We agreed that the bar is cozy and the place to sit! We ordered the Stuffed Mushrooms and Smoked Whitefish, which were very tasty! However, I would have stepped up the presentation of both: The mushrooms would look great on Chinese Porcelain spoons, and I would have enjoyed a more simple cracker with the fish appetizer, perhaps a simple table water or crostini. The cracker distracted from the outstanding flavors of the whitefish.
I enjoyed my Salmon entree with wonderful Dill Sauce and broccolini. I do love carrots, but would have preferred a simple organic carrot sliced lengthwise with a 1/2 stem left on... not the baby carrots on that particular plate.
We shared a carrot cake which was tasty, but very dense... almost like an apple cake and a bit over baked."
Nancy: "For my entrée, I ordered a half-rack of Arboreal’s barbecued baby back ribs (served with broccoli and baby carrots, and a scoop of au gratin potatoes). The ribs aren’t on the regular dinner menu, but (fortunately!) were a special feature that night. The half-rack was $18 (full rack was $24), and even the smaller portion was large enough to supply leftovers for my lunch for the next day. The ribs were moist and tender! I ordered extra barbecue sauce on the side (50 cents)... great for dunking and adding a little extra kick if you like spicier/smokier ribs."
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| Carrot Cake $6.00 |
The Arboreal Inn is open Monday through Saturday from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. (dinners only), and is nestled into the woods at 18191 Old Grand Haven Road.
Call (616) 842-3800
Open Monday - Saturday 5PM-10PM
18191 Old Grand Haven Road
Spring Lake, MI 49456
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 dining 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. Follow us on Facebook: Http://www.facebook.com/westmichdiningdivas |
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