BEST FIRST-DATE SPOT - LAKE MAGAZINE JULY 2005

EVERYDAY PEOPLE CAFÉ
DOUGLAS, MICHIGAN

OPEN INVITATION To understand why Everyday People Café is such a great place for a first date, one needs to look no further than the front entrance, which, with its short picket fence and large, inviting picture windows, welcomes diners like a hot apple pie on a windowsill. Just like a good first date, the place lacks even the slightest hint of desperation. It is what it is, and it's quite happy and proud of that. "The minute you walk in, " says Matt Balmer, executive chef/co-owner of the café, "the atmosphere, the ambiance, the lighting, the music--it's all designed to set you at ease."

In addition, the café's menu is reasonably priced and filled with expertly prepared appetizers, entrees and desserts. Its bar is fully stocked, and its world-class wine garden, with its stone patio and umbrella-covered tables.

And if that's not enough, Balmer was recently elected the very first mayor of Douglas, which just became a city on January 1. So if that first date goes exceptionally well, he'll not only be happy to provide catering services for any impeding wedding receptions, but preside over the ceremony as well. Just be sure to give him advance notice; he already has two scheduled for this summer.

Everyday People Café is located at 11 Center St, Douglas. Open Mon, Tues, Thurs 11am-2pm, 5:30-10pm; Fri 11am-2pm, 5:30-11pm; Sat 8am-2pm, 5:30pm-11pm; Sun 8m-1pm, 5:30-10pm, 269-857-4240.

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