Panera Bread – Frandor

3 06 2009
  • 310 N. Clippert St.
  • Lansing, MI 48912
  • (517) 332-9183
  • Website
  • Menu
Panera Bread in the Frandor Shopping Center.

Panera Bread in the Frandor Shopping Center.

I know.  I know.  Another chain.  J and I had made plans earlier in the week to only eat out once.  Tomorrow.  Something came up and J wanted to run to Frandor. Neither of us had eaten lunch yet and we wouldn’t get back home in time to eat before she had to be at work, so we just ate while we were out.

J has always been a big fan of Panera Bread.  Me, not so much.  When we lived in Peoria, J worked long hours on Saturday and would usually stop at a Panera for at least one meal.  Before we started dating, she almost lived there. 

The Panera Bread in Frandor has a physical address on North Clippert, but it’s actually on the interior of the shopping center.  It sits on a corner connected to the  same building that houses Kroger.  It’s much smaller than most of the other Panera’s I’ve been in.  From the beginning, I felt a little crowded.  Usually, Panera has separate areas for the cafe and bakery.  I didn’t see that here. 

When you walk in, the order counter is right in front of you.  The bakery section is off to the right side of the counter.  There were four cash registers, but only two open.  We waited for the next available cashier, but that wasn’t good enough for a lady who walked up after us.  She wanted us to pick a line in hopes we would pick the longer line so she didn’t have to wait as long to get her coffee. Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Bakery, Chains, Lansing, Michigan, Restaurant, Reviews, Sandwiches

Food Traditions in Lansing

3 06 2009

Another story I found via Twitter thanks to LEPFA and the GLCVB.  MLive.com has this article about Lansing food traditions.  They mention Emil’s, Roma Bakery, The Peanut Shop, Fabiano’s, and Golden Harvest.  Nothing you wouldn’t expect, but still worth the read.

LANSING, Mich. — Snack your way across Lansing, discovering the secrets behind the staying power of spots that have remained locally famous for multiple generations for peanuts, pastries, pancakes and more.

It’s hard to tell if it’s the blend of rich ricotta mixed with gooey mozzarella or the hint of spicy Italian sausage, but something about the lunch special at Emil’s makes you turn to your dining companions and say “Wow. Try this.”

Likely, the recipe is working the same magic it spun in the early 1920s, when Emil DeMarco was running a fruit stand where the cozy restaurant now stands (2012 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing). In those days, Emil’s wife, Carmella, would bring him lunch, and the tantalizing smells from the homemade spaghetti were more popular among customers than the fruit, says the couple’s grandson and current owner, Paul Grescowle.

CONTINUE READING ON MLIVE.COM


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Categories : Food News, Lansing, Michigan

LCC Chef to Attempt Fudge World Record

1 06 2009

I actually first saw this on LEPFA‘s Twitter page.  I then found this Facebook event page. 

Gateway is teaming up with Chef Nick, Culinary Professor at Lansing Community College, to attempt to set the Guiness World Record for the world’s largest slab of fudge. The big event will take place on June 29 at LCC West Campus and everyone is invited to attend. Fudge may be preordered from http://www.candyrecord.com/for $10 a pound, and Gateway Community Services will receive a portion of the proceeds for all fudge sold. Please help support the continuing efforts of Gateway by participating in this once in a lifetime event!
 
OK, seriously.  How awesome is that?  I want the whole slab!

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Categories : Food News, Lansing, Michigan

Press Release – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Benefit

1 06 2009

You’ll have to click on the picture below to see the flyer.  There was no way I could copy and paste from the .pdf into a post here.

From a Claddagh Irish Pub press release…..


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Categories : Lansing, Michigan, Press Releases

Press Release – Tim Horton’s Camp Day

1 06 2009

From a Tim Horton’s press release….

BUYING A CUP OF TIM HORTONS COFFEE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3RD CAN CHANGE A CHILD’S LIFE
Every Penny From Coffee Sales On Camp Day, June 3rd Will Help Send Thousands Of Kids To Camp!

June 3, 2009- Dublin, OH – Wednesday, June 3 is Tim Hortons Camp Day! Camp Day is the one day each year when every penny from coffee sales at Tim Hortons stores across Canada and the United States will be donated to the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation.

On Camp Day, customers can buy a coffee and help send close to 14,000 kids on the camping adventure of a lifetime. Campers ages nine to 12 years attend a 10 day summer camp session, or a seven day winter camp session at one of the Foundation’s six camps. All children who attend the camps are selected by Tim Hortons Store Owners who work closely with local youth organizations and schools to identify kids who would most benefit from an experience at camp.

“The success of Camp Day would not be possible without the support of our loyal customers and dedicated Tim Hortons Store Owners and their staff,” says Bill Moir, President, Tim Horton Children’s Foundation. “By purchasing a cup of coffee on Camp Day you give kids who live in your community an experience to remember and inspire them for years to come.”

During their stay at camp, kids participate in a wide range of first-class programs and activities designed to build self-confidence, self esteem and leadership skills. The Foundation is committed to providing an enriching and memorable experience for campers, giving them confidence in their abilities, pride in their accomplishments and a more positive view of the world and their place in it.

Following a camp session, Pamela from Canadaigua, New York had this to say about her son’s camping experience: “I can’t thank you enough for giving my son the great gift of the Tatamagouche camp experience. It is a life enhancing experience he had that will always be remembered as a high point in his childhood. He misses camp very much, but has a newfound upbeat approach that is so nice to see. Thank you all for what you have done for my son and continue to do for so many children that would not otherwise have such a great opportunity. ”


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Corner Bar & Grill

1 06 2009
  • 505 E. Shiawassee St.
  • Lansing, MI 48912
  • (517) 374-3565
  • No Known Website
  • Menu
The Corner Bar & Grill on Shiawassee Street in downtown Lansing.

The Corner Bar & Grill on Shiawassee Street in downtown Lansing.

J and I called it quits early on Be A Tourist In Your Own Town.  After the zoo, we tried to go to MSU, but couldn’t find parking and just gave up.  We spent a few hours at the zoo and we were getting hungry and I had to go to work in a few hours, so we decided to find lunch/dinner.  Since we were in East Lansing, J suggested Buffalo Wild Wings which is usually a hit with me, but on our way, J also pointed out that a lot of the blog entries recently have been chains and I hate doing that.  I wanted to get back to something local.  A couple weeks ago, Runs With Spatula reviewed a bar that I haven’t been to yet.  Her blog made my mouth water.  We were saving it for after a Lugnuts game, but bar food sounded good and it would put me back on the local track.

The Corner Bar & Grill is on the corner of Shiawassee and Cedar across the street from the City Market and just a block down from Oldsmobile Park.  Before we moved here, the building housed the Club 505 which I’m told was a lesbian bar.  Now, it’s kind of taken on a biker bar feel.  Maybe that’s because there are scooters from the neighboring business parked on the sidewalk. 

There’s a gravel parking lot across Shiawassee Street that has signs for parking.  When we pulled in, there was only a couple cars in the parking lot, but it was an odd time.  We were eating lunch around 3:00 which isn’t a prime meal time.  We crossed the street and walked into the building which opens up into the bar.  There aren’t really any tables in this area.  It’s got more of a bar feel.  We walked into another room which has a number of tables, booths, and of course, flat panel TV’s.  A third room was set up for live music and there was a guy running around setting up some gear for later in the evening. Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Bar, Burgers, Lansing, Michigan, Pub, Restaurant, Reviews, Sandwiches

Potter Park Zoo

30 05 2009
  • 1301 S. Pennsylvania Avenue
  • Lansing, MI 48912
  • (517) 483-4222
  • Website
Potter Park Zoo on Pennsylvania Avenue in Lansing.

Potter Park Zoo on Pennsylvania Avenue in Lansing.

Last year, J and I did a lot of exploring on the day of the “Be A Tourist In Your Own Town” event.  The first place we went was the Potter Park Zoo.  Both J and I have fond memories of trips to Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo and Brookfield Zoo from our childhood.  The Potter Park Zoo isn’t quite comparable, but the day we spent there was a lot of fun and something we were looking forward to for this year’s “Be A Tourist..”

The Potter Park Zoo is on Pennsylvania Avenue on the banks of the Red Cedar River.  On a normal day, you would have to pay for parking then pay to get in.  Since we’ve made both our trips on the “Be A Tourist….” day, we’ve gotten both fees waived with our passports.  From Pennsylvania, you drive down a long driveway before hitting the parking lot. 

This year, the parking lot was packed.  We drove around for a while before we found a spot.  We also timed it just right with a CATA bus.  They had just dropped off a load of people, so when we got up the ticket window to show our passports, there was a line.  Even without having to pay, it took about ten minutes to get in.  Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Entertainment Venues, Lansing, Live Entertainment, Michigan, Reviews

Backyard Bar-B-Q – Okemos

29 05 2009
  • 2329 Jolly Road
  • Okemos, MI 48864
  • (517) 381-8290
  • No Known Website
  • Menu
Backyard Bar-B-Q on Jolly Road in Okemos

Backyard Bar-B-Q on Jolly Road in Okemos

I’ve been pretty vocal on this blog about the lack of real BBQ joints in Lansing.  Sure, there’s a chain out near Eastwood and a guy who sells BBQ out of the back of his van, but there’s no real place that I can turn to when the BBQ craving hits. 

A few months ago, it was suggested that I try Backyard Bar-B-Q which has three stores in the Lansing Metro.  J and I tried to go for dinner one night, but they close at 7:00, so we missed it. 

This afternoon, J and I had to run some errands in Meridian Township including picking up our “passports” for the Be A Tourist In Your Own Town from a very rude Customer Service person at the Meridian Mall.  After that mess, we headed to Kohls to do some things then it was time for lunch.  J was running short on time and suggested we find a deli.  We were just talking about BBQ and it triggered Backyard Bar-B-Q.   Since we had to go back that way, it sounded good to both of us.

The Backyard Bar-B-Q in Okemos is in a strip mall on Jolly Road near the Okemos Road intersection.  We popped in jut before 1:00 on a Friday afternoon and the place was packed.  There were a few tables set up outside that were all full and most of the tables inside were occupied as well.  The store is not very big, but they do make good use of the public space.  The order counter is in the back near the kitchen.  There is a menu board nailed to the wall above the counter.  Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : BBQ, Michigan, Okemos, Restaurant, Reviews, Sandwiches

Ponderosa Steakhouse & Buffet

27 05 2009
  • 6727 S. Cedar St.
  • Lansing, MI 48911
  • (517) 694-1299
  • Website
  • Menu
Ponderosa Steakhouse & Buffet on South Cedar in Lansing.

Ponderosa Steakhouse & Buffet on South Cedar in Lansing.

Ponderosa was a staple in my family growing up.  My parents had two hungry boys and there’s no better value than an all-you-can eat buffet.  Since then, I’ve kind of drifted away from those type of places.  You don’t think quality food when you think buffet.

The Ponderosa on South Cedar Street in front of Lowe’s has been calling J and I since we moved here.  We’ve made so many jokes about going to Ponderosa, but we never have.  The restaurant is literally within walking distance but it’s just never sounded like a good idea.

I was supposed to go to the Lugnuts game tonight and J was going to fend for herself for dinner, but as I got down to Oldsmobile Park, the sky’s opened up again the game was cancelled.   I headed back towards home and texted J that I was home.  She asked if I wanted to meet at Ponderosa for dinner.  I thought she was joking, but she wasn’t, so we did.

We met in the parking lot which was the first of many weird things.  If you enter after you pass the building, you have to park in back.  There is an entrance before the building (if you’re coming from Pennsylvania) with angled parking.  The entrance to the building is actually on the backside.

When you get inside, there is a counter where you order your dinner.  The menu board doesn’t list the price of the buffet or even show it as an option.  They only list the steaks.  I ordered two buffet’s and J handed the waiter/counter clerk her credit card.  The kid mumbled so much, we couldn’t understand a word he said.  The total for the two buffets, which included drinks was $24.  When you think about how much food you could possibly eat, it’s not bad, but you better get your fill and make sure you show up hungry. Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : buffet, Chains, Lansing, Michigan, Restaurant, Reviews

Burger King – Holt

27 05 2009
  • 2464 Cedar Street
  • Holt, MI 48842
  • (517) 694-2600
  • Website
  • Menu
The Burger King on Cedar Street in Holt.

The Burger King on Cedar Street in Holt.

Sorry, I’m a few days behind in blogging.  Things are a little hectic at MMD World Headquarters which is why, on Monday night, I suggested a fast food run.  Usually, we do Taco Bell or Steak ‘n Shake, but I thought we’d mix it up.  I couldn’t tell you the last time I had Burger King and there’s one right down the street.  J didn’t object.

We chose the Burger King on Cedar in Holt.  It sits near the Holt/Lansing city line right across the street from the Kroger.  There is an entrance on Cedar Street, but there is also one on Willoughby which is easier to access than crossing traffic. 

As I’ve said before, I despise drive thrus, so we went inside.  The place was desserted at 7:00 on Memorial Day.  We were the only ones inside and there was just one car in the drive thru.  Since we hadn’t eaten at a BK in a long time, we needed a minute to look over the menu.

I got, if memory serves me correctly, the #11 which is a double cheeseburger with fries and a drink.  The prices on the board are for the small combo, but they list prices for medium and large under it.  I went with the medium and got a Diet Coke with just a splash of regular Coke from the fountain. Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Burgers, Chains, Fast Food, Holt, Michigan, Restaurant, Reviews

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