Diners Club

We have had the opportunity to be on some different vacations this summer and I think one of the best parts about vacations is the food. it's no surprise to those that know me that I am big fan of food and of eating and this summer we've gotten the opportunity to partake in some spots that aren't chains and that they don't have at home. Tarina often thinks that one of my other callings could have been a food critic- the one that visits different spots and then writes about them- so keeping in that spirit I'll give you a pro and con of each spot:

Zorbaz on the Lake- we went to the ones on Lake Detroit and Pelican Lake.

• Pros- great loaded nachos, good pizza, and you can't beat the atmosphere- especially the one on Lake Detroit on Memorial Day Weekend
• Cons- no kids' menu or kids' cups so I spent like $20 just on sodas. Oh well, it's vacation.

Wall Drug- yes, we ate at the Wall Drug and though I've been to the Hills several times, never ate at the cafe.

• Pros- with their famous $.05 coffee and a little brown box you put the money in, I treated the entire dining room to coffee! Kids liked their meals and the free ice water was well, free.
• Cons- pricey, but it's a tourist spot, and the coffee tasted like it cost $.05 to make.

Spearfish Canyon Lodge- we did brunch here on July 4th with Tarina's family.

• Pros- it's tough to beat the location and the scenery of Spearfish Canyon and the service was excellent. Sidenote- Wesley really wanted a pizza- but since it was brunch time, the server and I convinced him that the breakfast quesadilla was really a breakfast pizza. He bought it.
• Cons- pretty weak coffee considering the setting. Maybe fly fishers and all those people on 4 wheelers don't need coffee.

Maple Beach Grill- probably my favorite spot of the summer, the Stroh family does this at least once a summer. It's a burger joint on the other side of the lake where my parents have a spot.

• Pros: there are so many that make this spot unique- they are only open from 11-2 and 5-8. If you don't get there early, you'll wait awhile for your food. You can boat right up to the shore, walk across the highway, and be there. Big portions, a great burger, bottled root beer and cream soda, and you pay at the end of your meal. They give you a ticket and then they bang on the window, hold up a whiteboard with a number, and that's how you know your order is done!
• Cons- hard to think of any, but there is no kids' menu (we end up taking an adult meal and splitting it) and while the outdoor seating is great, it's right next to a fairly busy state highway.

So there you go- next time you're up by Pelican Rapids, MN, or the Black Hills you'll have some local options!