Rice & Shine - Manistee, MI
This will probably be my longest restaurant review ever -- and for good reason.
We've been eating the food made by this family since the early 2000s when they had their restaurant in Holland, MI. Back then, it was one of our favorites, and our kids loved it too. So when we heard they opened here in Manistee, we were thrilled -- and we've been regulars ever since. Opening day, the day after, and three more times after that. Writing this review honestly makes me want to go back again right now.
Everything we've had has been fresh, flavorful, and made with obvious care. The consistency is remarkable, especially considering every one of our orders has been takeout. Nearly every repeat dish was just as good -- if not even better -- on the next visit.
We've worked our way through a good chunk of the menu:
* Crab Rangoons - hands down the best we've ever had. Crispy, well-filled, flavorful, and that sauce is outstanding.
* Pad Thai - a little off on opening day, but absolutely perfect the second time. Balanced flavor, great spice level, and beautifully fresh veggies.
* Chicken Satay - tender and moist with peanut sauce so good I order it as a side now.
* Pork and Baby Egg Rolls - both crispy, consistent, and filled with fresh ingredients.
* Fried Rice - solid, though it could use a bit more wok heat for texture.
* Thai Basil Fried Rice and Fresh Basil Stir Fry - two standouts for flavor and freshness. The basil dishes are loaded with crisp, generous vegetables and just the right spice.
* Yellow Curry Noodles and Thai Green Curry - both full of rich curry flavor and great heat; easily some of our favorites.
* Fresh Ginger Chicken Rice Soup - Thai-style comfort food that hit the spot, especially when I had a cold. Generous portions, flavorful broth, and soothing spice.
* Pho - another standout. A quart of rich broth with plenty of beef and vegetables, and you can tell time and love went into making it.
* Peanut Curry Sauce - get it. Smooth, creamy, with a nice kick.
* Cucumber Salad - bright, simple, and refreshing -- tastes like summer in a bowl.
Service at the counter has always been friendly and attentive. We've met the owners (again that is) and their staff, and every one of them has been kind, genuine, and clearly proud of what they're serving.
Value-wise, we think the prices are fair. Sure, they might seem a bit high for the area, but restaurants are expensive to run and hard as hell to staff. The freshness and quality of the food make it well worth the price, and it's obvious they take real pride in what they do.
If I had a wish list, it would be simple:
* A quick, easy-to-read online menu instead of depending on Toast for ordering.
* A little more visibility from the road, since it's easy to miss from US-31.
We haven't eaten in the dining room yet, so I'll hold off on judging portion sizes for dine-in, but everything so far has been solid for takeout. And I'm dying to try their fresh spring rolls again when they bring them back -- they're labor-intensive and only stay perfect for about an hour, but when they're available, they're incredible. I'll be watching their Facebook page closely for those.
Rice & Shine is exactly the kind of restaurant this town needs -- fresh, authentic, and run by genuinely good people who care deeply about their craft. We can't wait to dine in soon.
And sorry, just one picture from opening day takeout because everything gets devoured before the picture is taken! read more