The RiverHouse Inn's Romantic Patio on the River

I went back to the RiverHouse Inn recently after they opened their restaurant in August. The grand opening is still to come in early September but sitting on the patio talking with co-owner Sue Nichani and general manager Marc Wolbert gave me a chance to see whats coming.

I’ve spent hours enjoying a meal and looking out over the water, whether in a bar in New York City, at a sandwich cart on the Irish Sea, a restaurant overlooking the River Thames in London, a falafel place on the Mediterranean in Tel Aviv, a cruise ship dining room as we followed a hurricane on the Atlantic, or in restaurants along Lake Michigan. A view of the water, a glass of good wine, and good company enhanced many of my most memorable meals. It has always been a major consideration when deciding to dine at a restaurant.

While visiting a friend in Northern Michigan, we went out to dine at a classy restaurant on Little Traverse Bay. It lacked a certain je ne sais quoi. We decided to find another restaurant with a lake view that had more ambiance. I doubt that he expected to be seated at five different dining rooms before I found the perfect Inn on Walloon Lake with a great view and an excellent French chef, but it made the evening. So I have wondered many times why no one in this area has opened a restaurant with a view of the Red Cedar. With the opening of this restaurant, my dream of dining at a local spot with a great view of the water has come true.

It is in an idyllic, romantic setting along the Red Cedar River and half the seating is on the patio, and according to RiverHouse Inn co-owner, Sue Nichimi, half the diners ask to be seated on the patio. Their new chef just started last Monday, but they already have diners who come in from all over the area to eat. This is a lovely, gracious setting for your dining experience and if you like a view of the water, its the best seat in town. I'll write more after they have their grand opening in September.