Water Tower Grille and Smokehouse

The Water Tower Grille and Smokehouse. 

M-44 in Belding

In Belding, the Candlestone Hotel and Golf Course has long had a restaurant. And it wasn't bad. They were well known for their Sunday brunch. But this spring they went through a renovation and turned it into a barbecue smokehouse. Naturally I was anxious to try it, but as things are in this area whenever anything new opens people pack the place for the first month so all can say they've tried it. So we tend to hang back and let some time go by. 

I hadn't heard any reports about it but since I'm a barbecue fan, and the barbecue north of town Coles closed, I looked forward to give this place a go. 

We we got there, the place was virtually empty so I was assured that our timing was right. However while we were there, the place began filling up. 

The wait staff were helpful and attentive and more than willing to explain the menu. I order the ribs and Penny decided on the half chicken. All of the sauces were on the table as is usually customary. We would need them for as the waitresses shirts proclaim, "You food will be served naked!" For sides I chose the mashed potatoes and the rice pilaf. Penny got the deconstructed corn and the mashed potatoes as well. Both dishes came with a very good cornbread and it was all served in a covered basket type arrangement with the sides served in separate dishes. 

Now it was do or die time. And I do have to say it was to die for. Everything I had was excellent. The ribs were falling off the bones and the sauces were excellent. Penny loved the corn. The cornbread  was better than some, but not as good as the white real deal cornbread from the south. The portions were very generous and I was able to get three meals out of it. I may have actually been able to get four, but on the third I got carried away. Pennys deconstructed corn was fabulous. It is grilled corn taken off the cob. 

I can't wait to visit again, because I was somewhat negligent in not ordering the beans and coleslaw.

I don't have much negative thoughts about it. I was a bit put off by the near fast food presentation, but the food sold it. Parking was simple, but then again we arrived at a good time.

So high recommendations on this restaurant tucked away in a hotel.  It is worth seeking out.

GRADE: A-

Diamond Jim's

My son and his beautiful bride wanted us to try a new spot they found in their town of Midland, Michigan. Diamond Jim's. My son had been there many times and knew what to order, so I tried what he suggested.

We opened the meal with the appetizer of a cup of chili. This was a unique and tasty chili; it contained spaghetti pasta among other things. And it was satisfying indeed. Sometime visiting again, I may just want to get a bowl of the chili.

But upon our son and daughter-in-law's suggestion we got the Ollie Burger, Diamond Jim's premium product. And I can see why. This was a full beef patty with all the fixings. Lots of cheese, lettuce, 2 slices of tomato, onion, and other things, and a special house sauce. The house sauce has a bit of a bite to it that is quite satisfying.

This was a wonderful experience. The place was way understaffed but the waiter was working his butt off, and made it work perfectly. It has a full bar and several craft beers are associated and sold  from all over the state. This was a nice atmosphere and it was a terrific experience.

I will go back again, and guess what? I'll get that Ollie Burger. Now and always.

Grade: A-