Here are a few facts about Kalamazoo: No one’s really sure where the name came from. It used to be known as the “Paper City” for its paper mills. It’s the original home of Gibson Guitars. It was once the headquarters for Checker Taxis until they filed for bankruptcy in 2009.
I guess there’s actually nothing super fascinating to tell you about a place as exotic-sounding as Kalamazoo, except maybe the exceptional dinner I had at their not-quite-as-exotic sounding restaurant, Food Dance.
For a city that also happens to have a strong agricultural economy, a farm-to-fork dining place like this is more than appropriate. I went recently with my family when we drove up to visit my brother and his family nephew, and the food was so fresh and delicious. We started out with some super refreshing mint and peach ice teas:
The gnocchi we had as an appetizer was drizzling with brown butter and had extra juicy blistered sungold tomatoes.
My brother kept telling me how good the burgers are here, and if you know me, you’d know I’ll probably never refuse a burger. I got Michelle’s Favorite Burger (a Niman Ranch ground sirloin, olives with sautéed mushrooms, aged cheddar, lettuce, tomato, roasted red pepper mayo, and onion bun) with a side of mac and cheese.
The burger was beyond. I practically inhaled it. The mac and cheese had a crispy top (maybe a tad too crispy), but I enjoyed it as well.
My brother got the same thing with fries and goat cheese I think:
My sister-in-law went a more healthier route with the tomato pyramid, a stack of local tomatoes with roasted poblanos, farm-fresh black beans, avocado, tomatillo, melon and cilantro juice.
She got a crème brulée to go (not pictured) which we devoured at home later. I just loved how fresh everything tasted, and how it kept the integrity of so many flavors. Plus, my nephew seemed to love the spacious, relaxed ambiance of the place. Another great thing about this restaurant is its pick-up-an-go store located at the entrance. They have fresh lunch and dinner, bakery items, artisan cheeses, local maple syrup and honey, and their own coffee blend!
Restaurant Info:
Food Dance
401 East Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
269-382-1888
REPORT CARD
Meal: Dinner
Occasion: Family dinner
Price: $$
(Out of three stars)
Ambiance: ***
Food: ***
Service: ***
Would I go back?: Yes, and not only because there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot else going on in Kalamazoo 😀
x
Shy
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how are you still skinny? also isa needs to make an appearance here
Yeah, tell my brother that haha
You haven’t hung out in Kalamazoo much, have you? There’s always something to do here! Hip things to do in a small area. You’ll have to venture out a bit, next time! Glad you liked Food Dance – it’s a goodie!
Sadly, I admit I have not. My brother and sister-in-law are workaholics too with a kid, so I’m not sure how much they’ve explored either! Let me know if you have any recs…
We love Food Dance!! Our son just started his college career at WMU and we are delighted to have found Food Dance. Actually, my good friend who’s daughter is at Kalamazoo College turned us on to Food Dance. Excellent, high quality, fresh foods in a very comfy, cool, unpretentious atmosphere … my favorite type of restaurant. Cheers to Food Dance!!!