Sunday, August 17, 2008

The English Inn - Eaton Rapids, MI

We discovered the English Inn thanks to a gift certificate received as a wedding present from some friends. We've been three times, and it's worth a trip to the wilds of Ingham County. The English Inn sits on 15 pretty acres on the Grand River just north of Eaton Rapids, MI. The rooms are pretty and roomy with lots of cable choices (I like to play rummy and watch the food network after dinner with my Perennial Dining Companion). The Inn boasts an elegant restaurant and a more casual English Pub.

For our 7th anniversary we decided to visit the English Inn for one night and have dinner as well. We stayed in the Somerset Room which I think we will choose again when we return.

Dinner was simply beautiful. We started with a mushrooms florentine appetizer and then shared Chateaubriand for two with duchesse potatoes and vegetables accompanied by a very nice red wine that I neglected to note. The service was very good and the food simply perfect, although I was left no room for dessert. The crowning touch was the piano background. We got the card of the pianist, Padraic Smith (www.padriacmusic.com), who kept us thoroughly entertained (and occasionally guessing) as he converted eighties pop songs into jazzy piano numbers (Asia or Journey anyone)?

Breakfast the next morning was very nice as well. I had quiche and my perennial dining companion indulged in eggs benedict.

I recommend the English Inn to anyone looking for a weekend getaway. The Inn excels over other bed and breakfast establishments by virtue of it's size, grounds, and especially the restaurant. Dinner is always excellent.

Visit the English Inn at http://englishinn.com/index.shtml.

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