Skip to Main
News

Menu Monday: Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen

9&10 Logo
9&10 Logo

“Everybody has that American style food. It’s the classic burgers, or sandwiches, wraps, fries. It’s nothing like what your menu is.’ Correct.”

For this week’s Menu Monday, we explore in Elk Rapids.

It’s considered a staple for the locals in the community. 

Chef Ben Cross says, “Pearls opened in 1999. Being one of the first restaurants to go outside of the box with a new cuisine to the area. Being here over 20 years, 22 years now, I think we’re part of the town.

So what kind of experience can you expect when you come here?

“It’s a party! It’s Mardi Gras, all the time. It’s kinda like being as close to being in New Orleans as you can in Northern Michigan.”

And if it’s a party — that means good food.

“Not lacking spice. Jambalaya for instance is a staple, southern fried chicken is a big hit. I never get tired of the gumbo. I don’t. I love it.”

But for those of us that have never visited New Orleans, 

What is Cajun food? 

Cross tells us, “Full flavored, rich, hearty foods. New Orleans is sort of been a hub, a melting pot of the United States as a whole. It’s several different cuisines, lot of strong French influence. Huge Spanish influence, lots of paprika, spices…influenced by being right there on the coast as well. Lot of seafood, gulf shrimp, crawfish.”

The restaurant is like walking out of Northern Michigan, into a Mardi Gras portal.

“‘When you think of New Orleans, what do you think of in your head and is Pearls kind of giving off that same kind of vibe?’ Yeah I believe so, whole heartedly. Minus the street performers and the artists, I feel like I’m in New Orleans when I’m in here.”

Visit their Facebook page .

9&10 Logo
9&10 Logo

Local Trending News