Escaping the city for country living is all about finding the chill. For some, this means cooking hotdogs and s’mores over the campfire (veggies? who needs them!). For others, food — delicious food, is an integral part of the vacation. Leaving your own kitchen and delving into the natural splendor of Southwest Michigan should bring a sense of freedom and relaxation without sacrificing the satisfaction that comes from a home cooked meal. We support the desire to eat well on vacation without having to dine out (although we are consistently blow away by the awesome restaurants found throughout SW Michigan). The Neighborhood Hotel is dedicated to creating spaces that support hunkering down — we have outfitted our hotels to make sure that you can comfortably hang for days on end. So why not bring the fantastic food to you? A private chef experience or catered food from a local restaurant are some of the most convenient ways to feed your group — everyone from family and friends to the corporate retreat crew can feast and enjoy!
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite private chefs (based in SW Michigan or those familiar with the area) who understand how to utilize the local goodness by creating fresh dishes that everyone will love!
BOOK YOUR STAY … YES, CHEF.
PRIVATE CHEFS
Mike Shaker
Chef Shaker is known as a true pitmaster & butcher. His Texas style BBQ is out of this world and his creations will leave everyone simply wanting more of the goodness.
IG: @ Shaker BBQ // Website
Lunch/Dinner
Cecilio Rodriguez
Chef Rodriguez is known for blending incredible food with a side of hip hop. He is truly an artist who creates delicious meals while seamlessly weaving beats into the experience. He serves his food family style or individually plated and leaves a lasting impact every time.
IG: @fatcapchicago
Flock & Forage
Chef Samantha “Sam” DeMichael is all about seasonal foods. Ranging from things like her iconic brown butter radish toast to homemade fruit leather rollups, Sam’s culinary creations are not only tasty but a beautiful homage to the community of local farmers whose products she directly sources from.
IG: @flockandforage
Lunch/Dinner
Maybe you’re in need of some quality catering that’s easy, delicious and ready to go?
Breakfast & Lunch: Delivery & Pickup
**The Neighborhood Hotel’s Property Manager is happy to coordinate and setup the orders.
Some of the best breakfast & lunch in the area! The blueberry French toast w/ Michigan maple syrup is outstanding as is the egg foo young sandwich w/ sriracha aioli.
Breakfast + Lunch // Closed Tuesdays
Luisa’s Harbert Swedish Bakery & Market
Opened in 1912, Harbert Swedish Bakery has operated under the mother/daughter duo Luisa Mills and Vivian May since 2001. This place exudes nostalgia and pure deliciousness. Enjoy yeasty bread, coffee cakes, danish (the most amazing), donuts, and cookies made from recipes that have endured for generations.
Breakfast // Thursday – Sunday
Seriously good sandwiches made from premium and locally sourced ingredients. A great veggie sandwich and a strong Reuben are a few highlights. Don’t miss their solid coffee and blueberry muffins.
Breakfast + Lunch / Closed Tuesdays
Excellent breakfast/lunch options featuring awesome sandwiches and salads plus delicious fresh pies, bagels and breads.
Breakfast + Lunch // Open Daily
Super fresh and tasty Mexican Food. Don’t miss the guac and tacos.
Lunch + Dinner // Open Daily
Homemade jams, jellies + breads plus fantastic sandwiches, soups and prepared foods (like enchiladas, yum). Some think their bagels (available only on weekends) are better than any in Chicago.
Lunch // Closed Tuesday/Wednesday
About The Neighborhood Hotel
The Neighborhood Hotel was founded in 2020 by Jonathan Gordon — a travel enthusiast who enjoys spaces that inspire, comfort and fuel. Each suite is well equipped for short and longterm stays (i.e. kitchens, laundry, etc.). The Neighborhood Hotel transforms old buildings with compelling history into well outfitted apartment style hotels that honor the old while representing the now. The vibe is fresh and fun with rooms that are stocked to support everyone from the homebody to the adventurer. The hotels provide a basecamp for the explorer and a sanctuary for the traveler who needs to recharge, reset or just chill. The suites are simple and clean, punctuated with accents that bring the right amount of pop. The Neighborhood Hotel has locations in Chicago: Lincoln Park, Little Italy, West Loop (2026 opening) and Southwest Michigan: New Buffalo and Grand Beach.
Read about us in Architectural Digest, Midwest Living and CN Traveler!
Connect with @the.neighborhood.hotel on Instagram and LinkedIn!
