August 09, 2005
The Edgewater Grille
Restaurant Review
With Diane Kennedy
Recently my husband and I had the pleasure of celebrating a momentous occasion; we made the final payment on our SUV! My screams of joy were heard from miles away! We decided to celebrate with a nice dinner out of town. Approximately an hour drive South from South Bend is the small town of Culver on the beautiful Lake Maxinkuckee. The lake alone is worth the drive; however, what makes it even more enjoyable is a restaurant right across the street from the lake called The Edgewater Grille.
(620 Lakeshore Drive)
The Edgewater features a great view of beautiful Lake Maxinkuckee and offers patrons an eclectic and "kitchy" interior which provides a feast for the eyes while you feast on an incredible selection of fabulous foods and beverages. The Bar, known as the Lakeview Lodge, features knotty pine, lake memorabilia, some "tired" taxidermy, a 50's vintage speedboat, an old ash and canvas canoe, and the best selection of spirits, beers, and wines in the area.
The Dining Room features a soaring ceiling which houses a spectacular 20' C-Scow sailboat, rigged and ready to embark on the lake. The walls feature funky original surfboard art, a 30 foot mural of early Lake Maxinkuckee, and super-sized art that ranges from the bizarre to the nostalgic. The atmosphere is casual and fun making it perfect for a casual luncheon or even an upscale dinner.
This, not being our first visit to The Edgewater, was again extremely enjoyable. The service is wonderful and the food spectacular. I highly recommend any of the seafood items on the menu, however, if you are not a seafood lover, the menu includes everything from steaks to pastas, pizzas, stir-frys and sandwiches. The cost is moderate; our total was around $46.00. The Edgewater was voted Best in Fine Dining and Romantic Restaurant 2004 & 2005.
So, if you are tired of the franchise restaurant scene, give The Edgewater Grille a try, I doubt you will be disappointed.
Diane Kennedy
Amateur Food Critic