Meeting Anna, All Over Town

After Anna's House was voted best breakfast by both the public and the mLive reporters in 2013, I knew had to go check this unassuming restaurant on Plainfield.

It seemed pretty basic—hearty breakfast favorites in a crowded cafe setting. And per GR brunch style, there was a wait to be seated.

But after the article came out, I started paying attention to what were subtle changes at first – like updated signage with a bit of marketing attached.

The changes soon progressed to a complete redesign. New branding, new design, new style, new colors, and even an evolved menu.

In 2014, a second location was opened on East Beltline near 28th Street at the mall. It's a full-fledged retro inspired diner with a vintage twist on decor. Lots of vintage malt makers, toasters and blenders. And a menu featuring fresh ingredients and special attention to dietary needs. 

Just last month, a third location opened in Grandville  near Rivertown Crossings (complete with soda fountain). Which leads me to believe that breakfast is booming!

I don't know what has been the driving force behind the changes. Maybe a generational change in ownership, maybe growing popularity after the polls led to re-development. But I think it's safe to say that a facelift and design update make a huge difference. People seem quite taken with Anna, and now when they talk about meeting for breakfast, they talk about meeting at Anna's. It's the hottest new spot(s) — which means expect to wait — though people really don't seem to mind!

**Images: Google image search
 

Breakfast with a Side of #PureMichigan

Years ago, after a Guster concert at Interlochen (with an amazing surprise accompaniment by the campers), we ended up at a nearby German brewhouse called Hofbrau. 

Fast-forward to just a few months ago, as someone recapped the amazing all-you-can-eat buffet they had at this adorable place up North. They pulled a picture on their phone to show me. "Hey," I said, "I've been there."

My curiously would not be pacified till I went up North and tried this Sunday buffet, which includes carved prime rib, an omelette station, chocolate Belgian waffles, biscuits and gravy, German potatoes, and hand-dipped chocolate strawberries, myself.

It was pretty basic fare, and alone not worth the drive. But we added to the trip with a pass through the Sleeping Bear Dunes scenic drive and a stop in Glen Arbor for a Cherry Republic wine tasting and sandwiches at Art's Tavern.

The sky was blue and the lakeshore was beautiful. All-in-all a wonderful Pure Michigan day. 

Breakfast Undead

Hey remember the Skull-a-Day guy? Do you think this is what he has for breakfast every morning?


*Skull-A-Day is an ongoing online art project/blog created by artist Noah Scalin. For the first year, the project consisted of daily skull art creations created by Scalin. Now he continues to add fan submissions to the site.