There is always a diamond in the rough. A local gem, Ham-Bonz is economical and delicious. You can miss it since it's situated in front of a convenient store. I again read some reviews online and thought, "yep, this is my kind of place."
The first time I went I had the split pea soup and ham sandwich. I just love split pea soup. This one had huge chunks of ham in every bite. The only thing I would have liked would have been more pickles and a homemade honey mustard or a Sweet Lorraine's honey mustard type of mustard. Thick and honey-filled! I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. Next up, breakfast. They had specials on the board and the potato hash, ham and eggs were the way to go. It was huge and just what I needed. Then I had pulled pork sandwich. They boast about their BBQ, but I have had really good BBQ, especially pork, so I'm kind of picky. I don't think I'll order the pork again, BUT I absolutely will get breakfast and the ham sandwich. Come on in! It's really casual. Just an up north Michigan local restaurant. Ham-Bonz Website
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Commonwealth is a place I'd like to spend more time in. It seems like a gem in a uppdity city. I'm sure you can guess that I'm not a huge fan of Birmingham. I have just found that i haven't encountered tons of warm nice people in the area. I know that can happen anywhere, but it's happened more in B'ham, more frequently.
There are a couple of spots that I do like, this being one of them. They dish up breakfast/brunch items and serve delicious coffee. It has a very clean, minimalist, modern environment. Their food is good and it feels comfortable to be there. However, when it comes down to breakfast/brunch areas and I have to pick... sadly this is not one of the first places that pop into my mind. I do often wonder if I would go here more if it weren't in Birmingham... It's one of the more casual-hip places in B'ham. It's good though. Check it out. Commonwealth's Website Ok, Sparks gets five stars in the category of diners and homemade food. So take that into account before reading this. This is not like a five star restaurant. This is a small family run restaurant in what feels like a one mile by one mile town.
How did I stumble upon this little gem you ask? My family has a cottage in this small town and I spend alot of time hanging around the up north area. For some reason I am always partial to family run establishments. This place has homemade everything it seems. The jam is tops (they make it). The bacon and sparks hash is what brings me back every time. Get a full order of cheesy, green peppery, oniony, hammy, potatoey deliciousness. The bacon is smoked and juicy. It's thick. Just like good bacon should be. It Tastes like it was just sliced off the pig, which makes it the best bacon I have ever had thus far. I don't joke about bacon. Ever. This is serious business. What's surprising is they have gluten-free bread, which is great. Im only surprised because it doesn't seem like anyone but Ann Arbor cares to have items like this. I've recently had their burger which quite possibly could be one of my favorite burgers. I don't know if it's the way they cooked it that time or I just was really hungry but it was goooood. However, the fries were normal fries. If they were the hand cut ones you could get at the dairy place down the street then the whole meal would be complete. If you are a first timer you should get sparks hash, the bacon, and choose a homemade bread for sure. Try every single one of the jams. They won't disappoint. While you're waiting for your food to digest look at their homemade jerky and pies. Triple berry is my favorite and honestly, I don't like pies or dessert-like foods so that says alot. *the dairy place is closed down now **reduced to 4 stars because of new management So, the funny thing is that I knew Monte as a child. He owned this tiny, greasy standalone diner right by the borders of Royal Oak and Berkley, in front of a seedy hotel. I remember the greasy burgers and though I liked them as a kid, they didn’t make me want to go back as an adult. UNTIL!!!! I moved to Berkley, Monte’s got a new owner (Alex) and they got some good Yelp reviews. So I thought, why not? I’m so glad I did. Alex let me custom make my own breakfast, which I modeled after Hippie Hash (the origin of which is from the Fleetwood in Ann Arbor). Hippie Hash is comprised of hash browns, feta cheese, mushrooms and other veggies- (at Monte’s I add onions and green peppers to the mix while Fleetwood adds broccoli). This concoction is topped with two over medium eggs. Alex joked about putting it on the menu and I think we inspired other people to try. All I know is, I became a regular. Tiny spot, elbow to elbow with other patrons, but that’s the charm. I miss Monte’s and I have to go back, even though I don’t live across the street anymore. You should go order it and he’ll know we’ve talked. :)
Monty's Grill Website Loved camping in Ludington- you have the sand dunes and beach right there, and even better, a cute town with good food nearby. Hey- I never said I was a hardcore camper. I’m the kind who likes to wake up and have a great breakfast. And that’s where Blue Moon came in. It was morning eats the way I like it- a little gourmet and a lot filling. A potato has with cheese and veggies, crispy in just the right way, and stuffed omelets. Aaaaand oh wait- things changed. Looked it up and now it’s “Blu Moon Bistro and Cocktails…” Not a breakfast item to be seen on the menu. Oh well, I hope it’s just as good. But for now we’ll enjoy fond memories of one great breakfast.
Blue Moon's Website |
Giving you a taste of what I taste. From gourmet to everyday. No pretentious bull - just good food.
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