Our Appetizer

Last week when my husband and I were up north, we spent a day in Traverse City.  The last time we were up that way we ran across a little specialty meat market in Old Town called Maxbauers.  The owner was quite friendly and encouraged us to try his own homemade beef jerky dip.  We tried it, and both just loved it.  If you were in my mini-camp in September you probably had the opportunity to try it, as I always love to share these great finds.  So, on our trip last week we found ourselves venturing back to Maxbauers for another pound of that great beef jerky dip.  Across the street from Maxbauers is a little restaurant called Soul Hole.  I'd noticed it before, and even picked up a menu.  They advertise themselves as having eclectic southern cuisine.  We decided to have lunch here.

Soul Hole was fabulous.  From the quaint decor, friendly staff and exquisite food, everything was top notch.  My husband ordered the Bayou Burger.  A 1/2 lb. of ground beef, crawfish, onion, creole spices and green fried tomatoes.  He said it was probably the best burger he's ever had.  I ordered the Catfish Tacos.  I'm telling you, it was magnificent.  The catfish was blackened and then served in a tasty soft shell with pickled cabbage, grilled pineapple pico and avocado sour cream.  The fresh flavors just popped in my mouth!  The tacos were served with a side of red beans and rice.  Not just any rice though, it was Basmati, and was cooked to perfection.  Oh, but there's more!  Prior to serving us, I asked the waitress about their desserts. She told us that they were all made in house.  She was in the process of bringing out the desserts of the day, and a few minutes later, (now remember this is before we had our lunch), she brought over a piece of multi-layered chocolate cake covered in ganache and 2 forks.  She said 'here, I had a little extra'.  Now, we generally do not do dessert.  But what are we to do when the waitress so graciously serves us a little piece of heaven!  We ate every last bite - before our lunch was brought out.

I don't claim to be a restaurant reviewer, but I think I'd like to be one.  My husband tells me I'd need a culinary arts degree to qualify.  Oh darn, guess we'll just have to continue traveling around the state enjoying fabulous food.  And once in a while I'll share our finds with you, like Soul Hole.  And if you're ever up in Traverse City it's worth the time to find this place and enjoy a fabulous meal.

Have a marvelous day!