Food & Drink

The Rowe Inn is located...in the middle of nowhere. From Petoskey we headed through Charlevoix and beyond to end up at The Rowe. We were out in search of a fine dining experience while up north. I am told that The Rowe is one of the top rated restaurants in Northern Michigan (northern lower peninsula).

The idea was to sample, and if need be, go out on a limb for a menu item you would not necessarily order otherwise. This only went so far. There were certain things some of us could not pass up. I started with the Lobster Corn Chowder which was very good. My mom had a tomato salad (tomato, basil, fresh mozzarella, balsamic vinaigrette) which she enjoyed. My dad had the venison sausage which he liked. We could not help ourselves at this point and had to order the mushroom pierogies which were also very good. They were a little expensive, but you have to expect that for a meal like this.

Each entree comes with a salad. There were options for the salads. There was a blackberry sorbet, which I had. My mom had what I believe was their signature salad which was a simple presentation of lettuce, walnuts, dried cherries and a delicious bleu cheese dressing. Dad had their "house cole slaw" or something to that effect. It was sour kraut, apples, celery and who knows what else. It was not something I would have ordered, but he really liked it.

Our main courses were rather unique. My mom opted for their "vegetarian" dish which was sort of an egg souffle. She liked it a lot. Dad had the parmesan encrusted chicken which came with some type of a scalloped potato. He also like his a lot. I apparently was the adventurous one at the table (for once) and had the duck magret with a fresh strawberry Marsala. I am not a big fan of duck, but you only live once, right? My main course was good. Not great.

Dessert was a must after a meal like this. We all decided to try something. When in Rome, as they say. Dad had a four berry cobbler I think. Mom had their signature white brownie. I had their homemade Bailey's chocolate chip ice cream. The ice cream was three large scoops, much more than I had anticipated getting at a more upscale restaurant. It was very good. The white brownie was made with Khalua, which turns me off, as I do not like the flavor of coffee, but my mom said it was good. The bite I tried was too much for me.

Pricing was not outrageous and they apparently also have one of the best wine selections in the entire state. All in all it was a neat place. There are only about thirteen tables, so the restaurant is by no means large. It was a little out of the way, but if you are looking for a different atmosphere than many of the restaurants up north, it is worth it. Overall, I am afraid that I have to say the food in Northern Michigan is not good. The Rowe was an exception to that. I could see myself eating there again. It was a nice place to go with family, but could also be a fun date spot (as long as she is paying ;) ).