Take me out
Old traditions, new standards
Joy Pavelski
Issue date: 2/19/09 Section: Arts
No one attends Hillsdale College for its location. That complicates social activities a little. Combine that with a tendency to procrastinate on everything from homework to asking someone on a date and Hillsdale students can feel, well, frustrated.
Since most men prefer that women tell exactly what we want rather than hope men can read our minds, here's a list of some great date spots - some probably new, and other local classics with a spin. Now he really doesn't have an excuse not to ask you out. (Right?) Alternately, a savvy young woman could pin this to his door or take some initiative and ask herself.
Just remember: if you ask, you should expect to pay. If your date pitches in, that's great, but it's rude to request the honor of another person's time and presence and make them also spend money on your enjoyment.
Cascarelli's Pizza
Most likely to delight both
Men will love Cascarelli's Pizza for its selection of great beers on tap, which easily shames more common selections of Budweiser and Natty Light. Women will love it because they put things like asparagus and feta cheese in the pizza, and it tastes delicious while making you feel you've eaten your day's quota of yuppie food. Arrogant Bastard Ale actually tastes much better than its derogatory beer-list description (that's probably the point), but you can also pick from a delicious and changing selection of Michigan microbrews and other well-known, tasty beers. Cascarelli's nests on a corner in one of those fast-disappearing tiny Midwest downtowns, and the atmosphere is friendly but not rowdy; it's surprisingly clean, with fresh pine paneling and much more restaurant than bar for all its alcoholic glory. Really - if you graduate without having visited, you missed something.
103 E. Main St., Homer, Mich.
(517) 568-3502
Price range (for two): $25-$40
Chicago Water Grill
When in doubt, drink
Everyone knows the Chicago Water Grill as the serious place to eat dinner out. That makes it a little intimidating, especially considering its prices on a college student's budget. So if you want to enjoy its classy atmosphere and excellent eatings without spending $75, go there in mid-afternoon or later evening for drinks, and perhaps an appetizer. (Appetizers are particularly considerate of women, for whom food is helpful because we have a lower alcohol tolerance.) Their bartenders are particularly adept at mixing smooth drinks with good liqueurs, and adapt based on your preferences. Try a Mag Mile - it's their version of a Long Island, and will put you under the table if you're not careful. But sooo delicious.
205 East Chicago St., Jonesville, Mich.
(517) 849-3663
Price range: $6-$13 for appetizers, $5-$9 for drinks
Ella's Granary Restaurant
Women will love you
Eating at Ella's Granary Restaurant requires patience and planning, but if you've spent any time with women, you're used to it (either that, or you know very tolerant women). That's because this restaurant, attached to the Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson, is open seasonally and for limited hours, usually around lunchtime. So wait for spring and call before you go - but, also like women, it's worth the trouble. The chef cooks season-specific dishes, with plenty of vegetables and full grains, but it actually tastes good. The small dining area consists of weather-beaten barn boards paneling the walls and built-for-two wooden tables near large windows. It's particularly good as a lunch spot for a bleu cheese-crumbled spinach salad, tomato-basil cream soup and a wholegrain roll.
3225 Fourth St. Jackson, Mich.
(517)-787-2320
Price range (for two): $14-$30
Daryl's Downtown
Something similar
The most obvious straight-up nice restaurants nearby are the Chicago Water Grill or Savarino's. Don't be obvious. Try Daryl's Downtown in Jackson instead, especially if you want a better wine selection. They serve particularly tasty seafood, but also manage a delicious steak. Sit on the side or upstairs if you'd like to avoid the often-loud main floor during peak dinner times; the place is popular for good reason, but shouting across the table can dampen an otherwise lovely evening. Hey: French department faculty recommend Daryl's. It must be good.
151 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, Mich.
(517) 782-1895
Price range (for two): $65-$90
Campus Bound?
If you don't own a car, your choices are even more limited. Luckily for the clueless man, most young women care more about going on a date than about where (unless you pick somewhere incredibly awful, like a marijuana-infested video arcade). Sweet dates require more thought than money. Some suggestions, which create low-key occasions more desirable for a second or third date (if you chose a solid, but not forbidding, first date) or a first date with less pressure:
* Ice cream. How could you possibly go wrong? The Udder Side in Jonesville has the best local ice cream, but Marcella's, also in Jonesville, competes stunningly with Mackinac Island Creamery ice cream. For homemade, visit Sugarbush Farms off U.S. 12 in Allen, open seasonally like the Udder Side. Call to check if Sugarbush is open: (517) 869-2265.
* Make dinner together. Doing something productive helps you relax and have something to talk about; plus, you learn more about the other person from watching them tackle practical problems.
* Picnic. Once the weather improves, head to the Arboretum or down the road to the little islands of Mrs. Stock's Park in Hillsdale (take Hillsdale Street south to East Carlton Road; go left and walk two blocks until you reach East Bacon Street; go right, and the park is ahead on your left). Bring cheese, fruit and crackers, or sandwiches from Oakley's, and enjoy post-winter sunshine. Or meander down the Baw Beese bike trail. Don't forget to wear slush boots!
Since most men prefer that women tell exactly what we want rather than hope men can read our minds, here's a list of some great date spots - some probably new, and other local classics with a spin. Now he really doesn't have an excuse not to ask you out. (Right?) Alternately, a savvy young woman could pin this to his door or take some initiative and ask herself.
Just remember: if you ask, you should expect to pay. If your date pitches in, that's great, but it's rude to request the honor of another person's time and presence and make them also spend money on your enjoyment.
Cascarelli's Pizza
Most likely to delight both
Men will love Cascarelli's Pizza for its selection of great beers on tap, which easily shames more common selections of Budweiser and Natty Light. Women will love it because they put things like asparagus and feta cheese in the pizza, and it tastes delicious while making you feel you've eaten your day's quota of yuppie food. Arrogant Bastard Ale actually tastes much better than its derogatory beer-list description (that's probably the point), but you can also pick from a delicious and changing selection of Michigan microbrews and other well-known, tasty beers. Cascarelli's nests on a corner in one of those fast-disappearing tiny Midwest downtowns, and the atmosphere is friendly but not rowdy; it's surprisingly clean, with fresh pine paneling and much more restaurant than bar for all its alcoholic glory. Really - if you graduate without having visited, you missed something.
103 E. Main St., Homer, Mich.
(517) 568-3502
Price range (for two): $25-$40
Chicago Water Grill
When in doubt, drink
Everyone knows the Chicago Water Grill as the serious place to eat dinner out. That makes it a little intimidating, especially considering its prices on a college student's budget. So if you want to enjoy its classy atmosphere and excellent eatings without spending $75, go there in mid-afternoon or later evening for drinks, and perhaps an appetizer. (Appetizers are particularly considerate of women, for whom food is helpful because we have a lower alcohol tolerance.) Their bartenders are particularly adept at mixing smooth drinks with good liqueurs, and adapt based on your preferences. Try a Mag Mile - it's their version of a Long Island, and will put you under the table if you're not careful. But sooo delicious.
205 East Chicago St., Jonesville, Mich.
(517) 849-3663
Price range: $6-$13 for appetizers, $5-$9 for drinks
Ella's Granary Restaurant
Women will love you
Eating at Ella's Granary Restaurant requires patience and planning, but if you've spent any time with women, you're used to it (either that, or you know very tolerant women). That's because this restaurant, attached to the Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson, is open seasonally and for limited hours, usually around lunchtime. So wait for spring and call before you go - but, also like women, it's worth the trouble. The chef cooks season-specific dishes, with plenty of vegetables and full grains, but it actually tastes good. The small dining area consists of weather-beaten barn boards paneling the walls and built-for-two wooden tables near large windows. It's particularly good as a lunch spot for a bleu cheese-crumbled spinach salad, tomato-basil cream soup and a wholegrain roll.
3225 Fourth St. Jackson, Mich.
(517)-787-2320
Price range (for two): $14-$30
Daryl's Downtown
Something similar
The most obvious straight-up nice restaurants nearby are the Chicago Water Grill or Savarino's. Don't be obvious. Try Daryl's Downtown in Jackson instead, especially if you want a better wine selection. They serve particularly tasty seafood, but also manage a delicious steak. Sit on the side or upstairs if you'd like to avoid the often-loud main floor during peak dinner times; the place is popular for good reason, but shouting across the table can dampen an otherwise lovely evening. Hey: French department faculty recommend Daryl's. It must be good.
151 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, Mich.
(517) 782-1895
Price range (for two): $65-$90
Campus Bound?
If you don't own a car, your choices are even more limited. Luckily for the clueless man, most young women care more about going on a date than about where (unless you pick somewhere incredibly awful, like a marijuana-infested video arcade). Sweet dates require more thought than money. Some suggestions, which create low-key occasions more desirable for a second or third date (if you chose a solid, but not forbidding, first date) or a first date with less pressure:
* Ice cream. How could you possibly go wrong? The Udder Side in Jonesville has the best local ice cream, but Marcella's, also in Jonesville, competes stunningly with Mackinac Island Creamery ice cream. For homemade, visit Sugarbush Farms off U.S. 12 in Allen, open seasonally like the Udder Side. Call to check if Sugarbush is open: (517) 869-2265.
* Make dinner together. Doing something productive helps you relax and have something to talk about; plus, you learn more about the other person from watching them tackle practical problems.
* Picnic. Once the weather improves, head to the Arboretum or down the road to the little islands of Mrs. Stock's Park in Hillsdale (take Hillsdale Street south to East Carlton Road; go left and walk two blocks until you reach East Bacon Street; go right, and the park is ahead on your left). Bring cheese, fruit and crackers, or sandwiches from Oakley's, and enjoy post-winter sunshine. Or meander down the Baw Beese bike trail. Don't forget to wear slush boots!
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