BLUE STAR DINING

Photos courtesy of Robin Van Dyke

The waterfront Restaurant

The Waterfront Restaurant, $$
5713 Beech Avenue, Coloma, MI (269) 468.7777
www.waterfrontcoloma.com   Open Wednesday through Sunday

Instead of packing our suitcases, we set out on a trip to the tropics by heading to Paw Paw Lake for a visit to The Waterfront Restaurant.  Billed as a “Tropical Paradise,” we expected to find the requisite palm trees, umbrellas, and an experience to conjure up memories of our last trip to the Caribbean.  We were not disappointed.

Upon entering the restaurant, we descended the stairs into the “Copacabana” that Barry Manilow must have been singing about.  The décor is very similar to restaurants at tropical islands:  white tablecloths with bright napkins, bamboo placemats, and a casual dress code, all of which invoke a vacation mentality.  We had a choice to dine either indoors or outside in the patio area.  After sitting at a wrought-iron table outdoors, our server Tracy brought us the menus, wine list, and a comprehensive martini list with almost 50 selections.  She went on to tell us that the bread was in the oven and would be out shortly.

Since I cannot eat wheat or flour, unfortunately the warm bread served with olive oil and parmesan cheese, as well as the appetizer menu was off limits to me (sigh) again.  However, my companions enjoyed the crab-stuffed mushrooms on a plate of garlic olive oil that I’m told were delicate and creamy with excellent flavor.  The spices were bright and the crab was mild and delicious.  The bread was warm with just the right consistency (not too chewy or too dry).  I sure do miss bread!

We ordered our entrees and were treated to the entertainment.  Not the usual live music that is featured on the weekends, but instead the take-off of a seaplane off the lake. Very cool!

Our entrees arrived:  Ravioli with Crab Alfredo, NY Strip Steaks, and my special chicken order.  Tracy had checked with the chef who tailored the Tarragon Chicken to be gluten-free, just for me.  Although I appreciated the effort in customizing my meal, I found the herb just a bit overwhelming and even a little greasy.  The goat cheese was delicious though, and the artichoke and sun-dried tomatoes were an unexpected delight.

Around the table, I was told the Ricotta-stuffed Ravioli was not too rich and had plenty of crab in the creamy Alfredo sauce.  Both strip steaks were done to perfection.  The vegetable medley even included pineapple for a unique tropical twist.  Most entrees are priced under $15, including soup or salad, and the portions are very reasonable.

Chef Frank stopped by our table to ask about our experience and to recommend the weekend brunch.  He also confided that expansion is nearly complete on a “Tapas” restaurant in Benton Harbor (in the former Hacienda Restaurant located on Mall Drive).  Hailing from Mishawaka, Indiana, Frank has been creating cuisine at The Waterfront for four years, and in his personable manner, encouraged us to visit again.

After desserts such as Black Forrest Chocolate Cake, Caramel Apple Pie, and the overall service, the consensus of the group was that we would do just that.

Dining Review by Robin Van Dyke, for Blue Star Highway