TC to Petoskey people (Ann Arbor, Traverse City: travel, work, house)

[Michigansnowflake]

Give me your recommendations for Chinese take out. Ever since we moved from SE MI, we have been unable to find good Chi take out. We have tried 6-7 places and, well, yuck.

I have found one place in TC that makes a decent Almond Chicken, close to what we are used to, I would get it again, the Won Ton soup is passable, but again, not the same. I dont expect exact, but the same ball park would be nice.

THis one place in Boyne City gave us AC with a clear sauce! WHAT! I never!

The one thing I miss the most is the eggrolls.....why do people in the North eat eggrolls filled with cabbage? The ones we had downstate were filled with beansprouts instead of the cabbage............soooo much better. Yet every place I have been to so far serves the cabbage version of the eggroll

When I go downstate I buy a dozen or so eggrolls to keep in the freezer for when I need a fix, but I sure would like to find a place local. I will travel between TC and Petoskey to try some good Chinese, any suggestions?

[Northman]

The only Asian place I can recommend here in Petoskey is Thai Orchid, downtown on Mitchell St. I am a Thai food addict, and this place is able to satisfy my habit. Obviously, it's not the same as Chinese fare, but it is a great alternative, especially if you like your cuisine spiced up. They make their dishes with or without the extra heat, so if spice isn't your thing you can still enjoy it. If you're looking for eggrolls, though, that's not the place to go, as they only have Spring rolls with - you guessed it - noddles & cabbage in them. The restaurant itself is a nice, clean, cozy little place if you choose to dine in. I'm hoping they stick around for a while, unlike a lot of ventures that couldn't survive up here.

Sorry to say the Chinese places in Petoskey don't have much of a reputation either. Hu Nan, which is closest to me on the south side of town, is just flat out gross. I stopped ordering from them around the New Year. Their food is so greasy it is disgusting just to look at, and the taste isn't much better. The fried rices in particular are awful. The soups are ok, but just ok. I have not tried Chen Peng or China King on the north side, but my buddies from work that have lived here all their lives say neither is anything to write home about, although they are definitely a step up from Hu Nan. China King has a buffet, and the Odawa casino's buffet also features some Chinese choices. Ever since Thai Orchid opened last year I go straight to them whenever I get hungry for Asian food.

There may even be some other Chinese places around the vicinity, but I have not found them yet.

[Michigansnowflake]

Thanks for the mention of Thai Orchard, I was going to ask about Pad Tai as well. Is it good there? I have been meaning to stop in there, maybe next trip to Petoskey. I have been to Chen Peng, wont go back, crossed off my list. Havent tried China King. Every time I see a place, I stop and order and make a mental note as to is it good enough for a return visit. Only one place so far, Fu Hua, in TC would warrent a return. But not for the eggroll. Keep your eyes and taste buds open, post if you find anything good!

[Northman]

The Pad Thai at Thai Orchid is very good. Not the best I've ever had, because I've lived in some bigger cities (Boston, Atlanta) with some amazing Thai choices, but still good enough for my return business. I prefer the curry version because of my affinity for spicier concoctions, and also the omlette version, which comes with seafood mixed in, but all choices are more than serviceable. A little pricey for the dinner orders at between 9 and 12 bucks, but I have no problem paying a little more for food that I really enjoy. You should definitely drop in and give them a taste next time you're up this way.

[Michigansnowflake]

mmmmmmmm, sounds yummy, especially the omlette version. Thats what we always ordered downstate. We will definetely make a point to stop during our next trip to Petoskey! Thanks!

[Nephler]

Chang Cuisine is good for this area. It's on State Rd. in the little plaza in Harbor Springs.

[Peter B]

The food up here in Northern MI ( Traverse City ) is horrendous. Good Chinese food does not exist up here. Applebee's is gourmet to most up here. Folks transplanted from large metro areas support a couple of good restaurants, (Stella's, Red Ginger, Caio Bella ) but by and large, the area is culinarily clueless. Fish fry and burgers are what they look for when dining out. Not a Greek place to be either. But, it is changing for the better, albeit very slowly. Place other than mentioned above still allow smoking. The mindset up here is circa 1970's.

[Michigansnowflake]

Originally Posted by Nephler

Chang Cuisine is good for this area. It's on State Rd. in the little plaza in Harbor Springs.

Thanks, I'll put it on the list to check out.




I dont agree that the food up here is horrible. I have been to some great places, The Weathervane, Grey Gables, Tapawingo, the Rowe, the Arrgon........I do agree that there are far too many *chains* but I think thats to cater to all the tourists that flock to the area. I dont have anything against a good burger and a beer at my local pub either...........but as far a Chinese food....the search is still on!

[Northman]

Originally Posted by Peter B

The food up here in Northern MI ( Traverse City ) is horrendous.

Disagree also.

Northwood Lounge in Oden, This Old House Pizzeria in Cheboygan, Bob's Place in Alanson, Thai Orchid in Petoskey, Legs Inn in Cross Village, Vivio's in Indian River, Cafe Noka in Topinabee, Woodwinds in Onaway....

...... Love all of 'em. I aint goin' hungry!

[Andre5140]

Originally Posted by Peter B

The food up here in Northern MI ( Traverse City ) is horrendous. Good Chinese food does not exist up here. Applebee's is gourmet to most up here. Folks transplanted from large metro areas support a couple of good restaurants, (Stella's, Red Ginger, Caio Bella ) but by and large, the area is culinarily clueless. Fish fry and burgers are what they look for when dining out. Not a Greek place to be either. But, it is changing for the better, albeit very slowly. Place other than mentioned above still allow smoking. The mindset up here is circa 1970's.

What do you have against people who like fish and burgers with a beer and a cigarette? It's the north. It's cabins and lakes and sportsmen and women. Last time I looked, it's a free country. I am not a smoker but I support their right to light up and for barkeepers to earn a living. If you don't like it, leave. Again, free country.

While I like the northern Michigan atmosphere, I do not, by the same token, go to a sushi restaurant in Ann Arbor expecting to find hunters and fishermen and snowmobilers lighting one up asking for a cheeseburger or deep fried perch.

Perhaps you'd be better suited living in and being entertained in a southeastern suburb than in the north. Just a thought.