When it comes to restaurants and shops, the Lansing area has many locally owned gems that I love to visit and support with some major word of mouth praise. So when my friend Linda called last week to enthusiastically tell me about the place where she ate lunch that day, I had to know more. Especially when she said it was the best French onion soup of her life.
Batter Up Bistro on Michigan Ave. in Lansing opened in October. Previously, the space had been vacant for four years. Owner Cari DeLamielleure has created a cozy and beautiful haven just steps away from Cooley Law School Stadium and around the corner from where Clara’s used to be.
Linda sang the praises of both the food and the incredible service at the restaurant, which is open for breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and breakfast Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Later this summer, they will be open on Sundays for breakfast as well.
I met my friend Andrea for an early lunch today and brought the girls along. Both our server Mary and Cari were so helpful and accommodating with my girls. Cari introduced herself at our table and said that Margot was the first little one to use the restaurant’s high chair.
When Margot was being cranky, Mary brought her a little cup of miniature chocolate chip cookies. And when Stella accidentally slipped out of her chair and was upset, Cari brought her a brand new Sofia the First coloring book and crayons; she asked if Stella would draw her a picture that could hang in the kitchen area. Stella spent the rest of our lunch sitting up at the bar seating area, coloring and talking with Mary and Cari.
Per Linda’s recommendation, I ordered the French onion soup and a sandwich for my lunch. I chose the Who You Callin’ Chicken sandwich, which features roasted chicken, avocado, tomato, and mixed greens with a house-made lemon herb mayo. Most importantly, the bread for the sandwich is also house-made, and delicious. The croutons in the French onion soup are also house-made. The soup was wonderful, with a perfect amount of cheese on top.
Andrea ordered the chicken salad sandwich (another Linda recommendation) with the soup:
The portions are generous; we both saved half of our sandwiches to eat later. You can also see my delicious latte in this picture, along with a Gogosqueez wrapper and string cheese pieces (Margot classics). There’s a full coffee bar and also delicious homemade pastries.
The entire restaurant is a gorgeous mix of the old and the new. I can imagine meeting up with friends and family there for a weekend breakfast, a midweek lunch, or just a quiet coffee date.
I also saw on their website that the space can be rented for special events, including showers. I think this would be such a wonderful and perfect spot for a shower or a holiday gathering. It is such a cozy, beautiful space.
I can’t recommend Batter Up Bistro enough. I will be back again and bringing friends. Be sure to check it out soon and support this little gem of a business right in Lansing. It is located at 621 E. Michigan Avenue.