When you think of bowling alley food, do images of frozen pizza and french fries come to mind?
Well, then, clearly you’ve not been to Forest View Lanes Bar and Grill in Temperance, Mich., which offers a chef-curated menu and food that’s made in-house from scratch.
Seriously.
“We really want to showcase our food,” said owner Rich Kenny, which is a highlight that makes Forest View Lanes a destination for diners even if they aren’t bowlers.
Mr. Kenny is the C.E.O. — “Chief Entertainment Officer“ — and has adapted ideas from around the country to make his recreation center a family-friendly, multi-generational spot. His “desk,” so to speak, is at a countertop between the bar and the larger dining area in front of the lanes, placing him in a perfect location to greet and welcome guests and make sure everyone’s having a good time.
He wants to offer “something for everyone” at his rec center. Thus, there’s also summertime volleyball and fire pits (“camping without going camping”), a meeting spot for various clubs (crafters, quilters, and even an aquarium club of fish fans), and much more.
But this is Cheap Eats, so let’s get back to the food. Because the food was absolutely amazing.
I started with the Mediterranean nachos ($10): fried pita chips topped with house-made hummus, crumbled feta, grilled chicken, cucumber, tomato, and slivers of red onion. Crispy, crunchy, and colorful, the freshness of the ingredients and the flavors shone through. One bite offered a burst of tastes, and each bite was just a bit different than the previous one.
Next was the bruschetta ($10): lightly toasted baguette slices topped with tomatoes, a blend of three ooey, gooey cheeses (mozzarella, provolone, and feta), and slivers of fresh basil. It’s all drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette, offering a hint of bright tartness to counter the creamy cheesy crispy goodness.
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