I have been thinking lately about how much I miss Lakeview Coffee House in Fitgers. It was an awesome spot to spend an hour on a cold, blustery day watching the lake with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. It was pleasant and unrushed.

So, where is a good place to go now with a decent view of the lake where you can get a warm beverage and wile away a couple hours? I’ve tried Va Bene, but it’s a heckuvalot more expensive and they aren’t keen on you lingering. Dunn Bros. lost its lake view after the construction of Edgewater. Thoughts?

A few days ago, my wife and I went to check out the new Clearwater Grille, in the old Lakeview Castle building up the north shore (Here’s the map).  We always like to get out and see the new restaurants in town, of which there have been a lot over the past several years. 

We were both very happily surprised when we got there.  The new owners of the Clearwater Grille have done a lot of work and the bar and dining room are very nicely redone compared to the state they had fallen into over the past few years at this iconic building.  The bar looks great; very classy.  They replaced the nasty carpet with oak hardwood.  It’s all been painted of course and there are new tables and chairs.  They whole atmosphere is elegant without being pretentious, which some of the recent north shore restaurant additions are leaning toward.  But I enjoy them also when I’m in the mood.  This place is more approachable.