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Reporter Food: Pheasant and Tomato Watermelon Salad at Holly Hotel
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 9, 2019)
Holly, MI – The Holly Hotel is one of our favorite restaurants in Oakland County for indulgent food and an inspiring, historic setting.  They’re also a longtime sponsor of Oakland County Times.
I recently took a quiet evening to sit at a corner table, writing the old fashioned way with a paper notebook and an ink pen.  Under the glow of candlelight, with a view framed by lace curtains of the railroad track and golden trees beyond that, I savored a four course dinner while I worked on some exciting plans.
The meal started with a bowl of split pea soup, which had a rich broth and bites of carrot, celery, and bacon.  It was served with homemade bread and a scoop of raspberry butter.
Then came one of the most interesting and wonderful salads I’ve ever had in my life.  I’ve even replicated it at home at least four times since. The watermelon tomato salad, which also has vinaigrette and crumbles of feta on a bed of greens, was a surprising and delightful mix of flavors.
The main course was pheasant with mashed potatoes on the bottom and a rich mushroom gravy on top.  I don’t recall ever having had pheasant before, so that was a nice treat.
And for dessert I was intrigued by the plate of cookies, Belgian chocolate, and toppings. Though normally I’m not a chocolate fan, it was a mix too fascinating to pass up.  Like everything else I’ve had at the Holly Hotel, it was delicious.
I’ve done a few Reporter Food stories at Holly Hotel over the years.  Check out previous posts: Chicken Strudel, Beef Wellington, Witches’ Luncheon (special event), Tenderloin and Tea, Queen Anne Tea
Holly Hotel is located at 110 Battle Alley in Downtown Holly.  Check out their website: www.hollyhotel.com.
White Castle is the Reporter Food sponsor of Oakland County Times, supporting our quest to explore restaurants throughout Oakland County. Find White Castle locations, and more information about all their menu options, at www.whitecastle.com.
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