2 South Brunch House: A Memorable Brunch Experience in Clarkston, MI

Fall was just starting to color Michigan. Beforehand, Collie suggested taking me to a town called Clarkston that coming Saturday. Since I’d never been there before, he thought it’d be the perfect opportunity for me to see it. knowing I'm a foodie, he low-key expected me to check around. Sure enough, I immediately started researching and picked out the perfect brunch spot.

The restaurant I fell in love with was 2 South Brunch House in downtown Clarkston. More than anything, I was dying to try this dish.

Chicken Burrata

Chicken breast, burrata cheese, grilled tomatoes,

balsamic glaze, mixed greens, cheesy potatoes and pita

Seeing several photos of this dish in the reviews made me so eager to try it! It’s packed with so many delicious things and is super satisfying.

When Collie saw my plate arrive, his eyes went wide, and he was like, 'Wow, yours looks so good!' He’s usually too polite to try my food, but this time, I let him have a bite. 🤭

As for Collie, he ordered an omelet, which came with a choice of sides: a half order of pancakes, hash browns, or toast. He mentioned that he hadn’t had pancakes in a while, so he went with them as his choice.

My huge plate might be front and center here,😅 but choosing the Western from all the omelet options was such a solid, classic move for Collie.

Western Omelet

Ham, onions, green peppers, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese

with ½ order pancakes as a side

Both of us were amazed by the size and amount of the pancakes! He said he never expected a half order of pancakes to be this massive.

But honestly, those pancakes were absolutely delicious❤︎❤︎❤︎ (Yes, I totally snuck a taste.) Even though I had ordered a giant plate myself, I couldn't help but feel a little jealous of his...

As expected, neither of us could finish those huge pancakes, so we boxed up the leftovers—which ended up becoming a delicious meal for me a few days later.

2 South Brunch House

2 South Main Street Clarkston, Michigan 48346

I found out that Clarkston is the smallest incorporated city by land area in Michigan. It's a charming small town that is beautifully sophisticated and welcoming. It made me realize that there are still plenty of lovely towns in Michigan waiting for me to discover.

Here’s another shot of my plate, this time from the cheesy potatoes side. 😉

Just like their website says, 'Quality Ingredients Turned into Memorable Brunch Plates in Clarkston, MI,' it truly was a brunch experience I won't forget. And the impressive large portions they promise!

I’d love to go back again someday, especially for another taste of those pancakes! Apparently, they’re made from scratch using buttermilk. No wonder they tasted so good.

If you ever get the chance to go, their delicious, surprise-filled plates are sure to make you smile. 

Sleek Design & Quality Ingredients: The Good Egg Breakfast Cafe, Oxford, Michigan

This was a must-try spot if I ever visited Oxford, Michigan again! Today, I’m excited to share my experience at The Good Egg Breakfast Cafe—a trendy, beloved local gem known for its simple yet delicious ingredients.

And I already had my order locked in. 🤭  I went with the ultimate American classic: a burger and French fries.

Look at these beautiful fries! 😍 The fries here are absolutely my style. I love simple fries without any extra batter.

When asked what to pair with my fries, I requested mayonnaise. They didn't seem to have it, but kindly suggested ranch as an alternative.  📝 Note to self: "ranch" is the go-to answer in the US! 

THE GOOD EGG BREAKFAST CAFE

51 S WASHINGTON ST, OXFORD, MI 48371, US

Phone: (248) 572-4315 Open 7 days 8 AM - 3 PM

Actually, I read that they don't cook with any seed oils here. They use tallow in the fryers, and avocado oil, olive oil, and butter everywhere else! No wonder the fries taste so clean and tasty.

I really admire their dedication to serving food with that level of care and quality.

They seated me at a cozy table in the back. The restaurant gave off a sleek vibe with its black and brown design, both inside and out.

WPCR Coffee

This picture shows the view looking out toward the back. I took one from the opposite side just for the memory.

The coffee was amazing, too, and I loved that it came with free refills!

They use beans from White Pine Coffee Roasters—a beloved local roaster who carefully roast their own beans. whitepinecoffee.com

Biggie Max Burger

Two Angus smash burgers with American cheese, lettuce,

pickles, onion, and special sauce on a brioche bun

Look at this chunky texture! 😍 Unlike perfectly round, factory-made patties, they use 100% Angus beef smashed right on the grill. It has that amazing, rustic homemade feel.

Both the burger and fries here are definitely something else! It’s exactly as they say on their website: a place that serves thoughtfully made brunch and classic comforts with warm hospitality. Tucked right in the heart of downtown Oxford, it’s truly the kind of spot you'll want to come back to—again and again.

As I was walking up to the counter to leave, I told the lady, 'I really loved your coffee.' She smiled warmly and said, 'Oh, gooood!' 😊✨

I hope to come back here with Collie someday. I’m already dreaming of having that burger and French fries again—and of course, that flavorful coffee!

A Charming Mishap at HomeGrown Brewing: My Dream Spot in Oxford, MI

Oxford hides some incredible gems, and there was one specific brewery-restaurant that I'd been dying to check out. Once Collie returned from work, he was sweet enough to take me there.

It’s a family-owned local spot that uses Oxford’s own water to brew their craft beers.

HomeGrown Brewing Company
28 N Washington St. Oxford, MI 48371

I actually checked out their menu while I was in Japan to find the perfect brew for me. My favorites are hazy, smooth, and light-colored beers. So, I started with this beautifully pale, fruity glass.

Polly Ann Witbier

It’s a gentle Belgian-style wheat beer with subtle hints of citrus. With its lower ABV, it was the absolute perfect starter for the evening.

Their special brews bring together the world's finest hand-picked hops and Oxford’s own pure water. Crafted with love by a local family right in the heart of downtown Oxford, each is a truly unique pint you can only experience right here.

When the server came over and asked how I liked the beer, I told him it was amazing, adding, ''I'll order another one later!''　

As for Collie, he didn’t order any beer at all and just had water. Part of it was because he was driving us around, but he’s never really been a big fan of alcohol anyway.

That evening, fresh salads were our dinner of choice.

Collie's choice: Farmhouse Salad (GF)

Romaine, roasted chicken, bacon, corn, tomatoes,

peas, cucumber, carrot, shredded cheese, w/ranch 

Rose's choice: Power Salad (V, GF, Vegan without cheese)

Mixed greens, quinoa, pistachios, red onion, chickpeas,

cucumber, feta cheese, w/lemon vinaigrette + Salmon

True to their 'Locavore' philosophy, this restaurant focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can really taste the freshness of Michigan in every bite.

But then, the unexpected happened. Right as I was finishing up my first glass, the same server swiftly showed up with the exact same beer again! Both Collie and I just froze, our eyes wide with surprise, like, ''Wait, what?!''

Clearly, the server took my words to mean I wanted a refill of the exact same beer. But in reality, I was actually excited to order the real one I'd been dying to taste. In any case, I never in a million years imagined another glass would just appear before I even said a word. Still, it was a very sweet gesture on his part.

Zephyros NE IPA on the left 😂

Two pints is my absolute limit anyway. Thankfully, he let me know that they offer small tasters to sample the beers. So, I finally got a tiny pour of the Zephyros in a little glass—the exact beer I’d been longing for ever since doing my research in Japan.

The Zephyros NE IPA is the ultimate Hazy Double IPA! The aroma is incredibly rich and full-bodied, just like you'd expect from a high-alcohol beer. I just never thought I’d end up tasting my dream beer in such a small amount... 😭

After a few precious tastes of the Zephyros, I filled the rest of the small glass with Polly Ann. Too cute not to capture for the memories 🤍

I didn’t want that second pint poured for me to go to waste, so I told him, ''Don't worry about it, I’ll definitely be back!'' 

But later on, Collie asked me, ''You said you'd be back, but are you really going back there again?'' Since he’s not much of a drinker himself, he seemed genuinely amazed that I was already planning my next beer trip. 😅

Honestly, I was secretly planning to try a solo brewery run while in Michigan! I thought to myself, ''It's such a welcoming spot that next time I can pop in alone right after they open.'' But in the end, that opportunity never came up.

I’m so happy I got to tell you all about this awesome hidden gem in Oxford today. If you're a beer lover and find yourself in the area, make sure to enjoy your favorite pint for me! 😉

Tomate Farcie and More: 7 Gorgeous Lunch Plates at Bistro Quatre Avril in Tokyo

A cozy lunch at my favorite neighborhood gem, Bistro Quatre Avril in Fudomae. Loving their hearty, authentic French home cooking. Let the main dishes speak for themselves through these photos!

❶ June 5, 2025

🍅Tomate farcie à la provençale avec riz pilaf 

トマトファルシ（ひき肉詰め）プロヴァンス風 ピラフ添え

Provencal meat-stuffed tomato (tomate farcie) served with a side of pilaf rice. Simple, rustic, and absolutely delicious.

❷ June 28, 2025

Surpreme de volaille sauté sauce creme d'estragon moutarde avec riz pilaf

鶏ムネ肉のソテー クリームエストラゴンソース ピラフ添え

Sautéed chicken breast with a creamy estragon (tarragon) sauce, served with a side of pilaf rice. So tender, flavorful, and comforting. 

❸ July 5, 2025

Poulet des Caraibes façon des mamans Antillaises avec riz pilaf

鶏肉のカリブ仕立て 現地のママスタイル ピラフ添え

Caribbean-style chicken "local mom style," served with a side of pilaf rice. Wonderfully bright, zesty, and delicious!

❹ August 21, 2025

Steak haché aux deux fromages sauce provençale avec riz pilaf

ハンバーグステーキ 2種のチーズ乗せ プロヴァンスソース ピラフ添え

Hamburg steak topped with two types of melted cheese and Provencal sauce, served with a side of pilaf rice. Thick, incredibly tender, savory, and so satisfying.

❺ September 2, 2025

Bouchée à la reine au blanc de poulet et sa purée de pomme

👑ブッシェ ア ラ レンヌ（女王様の一口）マッシュポテト添え

Bouchée à la reine (puff pastry case filled with cream sauce) over a bed of smooth mashed potatoes. Flaky, creamy, and beautifully elegant. 

❻ September 6, 2025

Boulette de viande à la mediterrantéenne avec riz pilaf

肉団子の地中海風（トマトソース）ピラフ添え

Mediterranean-style meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, served with a side of pilaf rice. Juicy, big, and comforting.

❼ September 28, 2025

Cuisse de volaille sautée, pomme boulangere et legumes

鳥モモ肉のソテー ジャガイモと野菜のソテー添え

Sautéed chicken thigh with pillowy potatoes and veggies. Generous, tender, and beautifully sweet.

✧ ･ ﾟ : *    ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆  ☾  ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆    ✧ ･ ﾟ : * : ･ ﾟ ✧    ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆  ☾  ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆    * : ﾟ ･ ✧

What do you think? Each of these hearty, delicious, and healthy dishes is thoughtfully crafted by the friendly chef from Southern France. I hope the photos of main dishes and desserts that I've shared on this blog as a lunch diary series bring a little joy to your daily life—or perhaps inspire your next dining adventure in Tokyo!

And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, feel free to check out my previous post on the beautifully sweet yellow peach tart, too: 

Tokyo’s Hidden Gem: A Delightful Lunch & Yellow Peach Tart at Bistro Quatre Avril

Wishing you many happy moments✨ filled with the joy of good food...

With love, Rose

Tokyo’s Hidden Gem: A Delightful Lunch & Yellow Peach Tart at Bistro Quatre Avril

Hi everyone. You can already feel the touch of summer in the air. Today, I’m back with my usual lunch review of Bistro Quatre Avril 🍽️✨

Tarte aux peches jaunes

黄桃のタルト🍑

It’s rare for me, but I’m starting today’s post with a dessert before showing you the main lunch dish.

The dessert had a gentle sweetness, filled with wonderfully juicy yellow peaches. And whipped cream on the side is always a delightful touch, no matter which daily dessert is served. The yellow peach tart paired beautifully with my coffee as always.

Seriole roti sauce balzamique aux legumes de saison

ブリのロティ バルサミコソース 季節の野菜添え

For my main course, I went with the roasted yellowtail with balsamic reduction, served with seasonal vegetables. The fish dish was just as hearty and juicy as a meat course. Out of consideration for our health, the chef thoughtfully includes an abundance of vegetables.

Quatre Avril offers a few different lunch options that change every day. Please note that they are open for lunch on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM (L.O.).

If your travels ever bring you to Japan, I recommend stopping by this quiet Fudomae neighborhood.

Have a beautiful day❤︎❤︎

You can find my previous post on Bistro Quatre Avril here ↓
Bistro Quatre Avril Photo Diary: 5 Amazing Lunch Mains & Desserts (with a special twist🥺)

【Michigan Travelogue Special Reels Vol.1】Downtown Cafe, Rochester

"Starting today, I’ll be sharing a special 12-day consecutive series

of my favorite Michigan reels.  Stay tuned for daily updates!"

This is a special spin-off featuring video reels from my earlier days in Michigan, prior to my ongoing travel blog. I hope it brings back the beautiful atmosphere of that time.

この投稿をInstagramで見る

Rose | Charmed by Michigan(@jophielrose1)がシェアした投稿

I had such a lovely, refreshing time at this cafe, soaking in the vibes of downtown Rochester. The food🍓 looks so fresh and delicious, doesn't it? In the video, you can also catch a glimpse of the heart of North Main Street😊

Relaxing at Somerset Collection’s North Court Lounge — My Michigan Memoir

I checked out of the Holiday Inn Express Detroit-Birmingham. Like I shared before, I loved the heartwarming messages on the TV screen that said "Good Morning" and "Good Evening" along with my name. However, on the morning of my departure, I was caught off guard by a disappointing contrast. The screen bluntly read something like, "Pressing check-out will immediately deactivate your room key." If they had kept using my name and added, "How was your stay? We look forward to welcoming you back," it would have warmed guests' hearts and given the hotel a much better reputation.

Collie came to pick me up at the hotel and dropped me off at the Somerset Collection in Troy, Michigan. Leaving my suitcase in his car, I planned to spend my day there while he was off at work.

North Court Lounge in Somerset Collection North

This is my absolute favorite spot❤︎ It’s the North Court Lounge, located right near the first-floor entrance of Nordstrom in Somerset Collection North. The modern, calm atmosphere of this public lounge is so open and beautiful. As the pleasant morning light streams in, I open up my laptop... Time just seems to glide by peacefully here. 

Naturally, I had to take all my things with me every time I went to the restroom, but it was a wonderful, cozy time. Afterward, I explored the spacious Somerset Collection, browsing through so many stores. And eventually, I got incredibly hungry! After days of having biscuits and cinnamon rolls at the hotel, I was seriously craving rice with some savory side dishes. To satisfy this hunger, there was one casual spot I could easily head to—

Panda Express!

I was SO happy😂 This was exactly the kind of meal I had been dying for. When traveling in the US, Panda Express is truly a lifesaver! It completely satisfied my cravings and filled my appetite♡　

(And yes, I brought along a bottle of water I had picked up at Kroger during my hotel stay as my little companion.)

In fact, after trying it on over and over and pacing back and forth to make up my mind, I was completely exhausted—but by the time I sat down for lunch, I had finally scored a brown autumn coat at ZARA!

After a whole day of exploring the Somerset Collection, I stopped by Beyond Juicery & Eatery for the perfect wrap-up to a full, pleasant day. A refreshing smoothie was just what I needed to quench my thirst! I think I ordered the "Total Energy" smoothie with 🍓strawberry and 🍌banana.

By the way, there was a necklace at Nordstrom that I just couldn’t get it out of my head. Later during my stay in Michigan, Collie brought me back there, and I got to buy it (using the pocket money he gave me 😄) while it was still on sale.

At ZARA, I had also fallen in love with a black oversized coat. But I didn't have the courage to lug two heavy coats back to Japan, so I walked away from it. Still, since it’s a classic piece whose design changes a little bit every year, I knew I wanted the specific one I had tried on in Michigan. In the end, I managed to track it down and get it through BUYMA (a Japanese online fashion marketplace) a few months after returning to Japan!

Evening came, and Collie arrived to pick me up. "I bought an autumn coat♪ ^^" I told him. But in reality, that necklace and the black coat were still lingering in the back of my mind.

The moment I reunited with Pepper—Collie’s mom’s dog—on this trip was when I spotted him inside Collie’s car. Apparently, Collie sometimes brings Pepper back to his place to look after him or take him to the vet. "I'm so happy to see you again," I said softly, gently touching Pepper. He had grown older and frail, but was sitting upright, nestled safely inside a soft, cushioned box in the backseat.

Now, as I sit in Japan writing this Michigan memoir, I still haven't told Collie that I actually got the exact same black ZARA coat from back home.

◇ Quick Update ◇

You can now find my Pinterest and Instagram links under "FIND ME ON," just beneath the ABOUT ME section. Since I regularly update those spaces with my curated photos, they’re a wonderful place to enjoy more visual moments and stay connected between my blog posts🌷
 

Bistro Quatre Avril Photo Diary: 5 Amazing Lunch Mains & Desserts (with a special twist🥺)

Hi everyone😊 Today, I’m sharing a photo diary of lunch mains and desserts from 5 different visits to my go-to spot, Bistro Quatre Avril. (Note: Desserts are an extra charge.)

While I made sure to match the menu names exactly with Bistro Quatre Avril's Instagram, the very first main dish actually got an upgrade. The chef was kind enough to add some rare shellfish and shrimp for me! ※

May 1, 2025

Poisson roti à la dieppoise avec riz pilaf

お魚のロティ ディエポワーズ（ノルマンディの地名）風ピラフ添え

↓

※ Roasted fish dieppoise served with pilaf rice, specially

upgraded with rare shellfish and shrimp added by the chef.

珍しい貝と、海老 追加！

May 1, 2025

Gateau aux pommes

🍎りんごのガトー

✧ ･ ﾟ : *    ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆  ☾  ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆    ✧ ･ ﾟ : * : ･ ﾟ ✧    ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆  ☾  ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆    * : ﾟ ･ ✧

May 27, 2025

Ratatoulle traditionnelle, l'oeuf poché avec baguette maison

野菜たっぷりラタトゥイユとポーチドエッグ 自家製バゲット添え

↓

They were kind enough to let me switch

 the homemade baguette to pilaf rice. 🥺

自家製バゲット添えを、ピラフに変えてもらっちゃいました。

May 27, 2025

Brownie zeste d'orange, cacao de Cote d'Ivoire

コートジボワールのカカオとオレンジピールのブラウニー

✧･ﾟ: *   ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆   ✧･ﾟ: * :･ﾟ✧   ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆   * :･ﾟ✧

June 14, 2025

La Kedjenou Ivoire façon grande-mere avec riz

キジヌー（鶏肉の美味しい煮込み）ピラフ添え

June 14, 2025

Clafouti aux abricots

アンズのクラフティ

✧ ･ ﾟ : *    ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆  ☾  ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆    ✧ ･ ﾟ : * : ･ ﾟ ✧    ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆  ☾  ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆    * : ﾟ ･ ✧

July 24, 2025

Gaspacho et capellini avec effiloché de poitrine de volaille

（冷製）カッペリーニ（極細パスタ）鶏肉入りガスパチョソース

July 24, 2025

Gelée d'orange d'ete aux abricots

アンズ入り夏みかんのジュレ

✧･ﾟ: *   ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆   ✧･ﾟ: * :･ﾟ✧   ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆   * :･ﾟ✧

August 28, 2025

Aiguillette de poulet sauce tomate au pistou avec pate fraiche

チキンのソテー ピストゥ（バジル）とトマトソース パスタ添え

↓

They were kind enough to let me switch

 the pasta to pilaf rice again. 🥺

パスタを、またピラフに変えてもらっちゃいました。

August 28, 2025

Tarte rustique aux nectarines

ネクタリンのタルトリュスティック

I always have the best time (and the best meals) at Bistro Quatre Avril.  Thanks for stopping by my blog today.  Have a wonderful day 💕

Missed the last post?

👇Read my previous Quatre Avril diary here.

A Perfect Bistro Lunch and a Hilarious Google Surprise!

A Perfect Bistro Lunch and a Hilarious Google Surprise!

One day, I went for lunch at Bistro Quatre Avril, my favorite French bistro in Tokyo. As I glanced through the glass display where they offer a rotating selection of baked goods, I noticed pain aux raisins among the offerings that day. 🥰

pain aux raisins at Bistro Quatre Avril

“I’ll save this for later.”

Thinking just that, I picked one up and settled into a counter seat inside.

　　　　　　　　　　　      

Steak haché sauce Bordelaise

ビストロのハンバーグステーキ ボルドレーズソース

I had the hamburger steak today. The one here at Bistro Quatre Avril is impressively tender, thick, and quite generous in size. It was a truly satisfying meal—and now, I have my pain aux raisins next♪

What's great about this place is that you can enjoy the pastries displayed by the window right here in the cafe, or grab some to go. I enjoyed a pain aux raisins for here along with my lunch coffee that day.

Aside from the pastries in the window, they also have rotating plated desserts on the menu:

🍰 Quare Avril Dessert Photo Diary & Matcha Happiness 

I love the laid-back vibe here. It’s well worth a visit if you’re in the area! 

◇ Quick Update ◇ 

I noticed that when you search for 'Rose' 'Charmed by Michigan' on Google, the People also search for section pops up further down the page. Some of the results are pretty hilarious. 😂

I live in a town in Tokyo near the Meguro River, where I spend my days blogging. My current Michigan Journal series is actually about my trip back in October. In addition, I share snippets of my Tokyo Daily Life, like the story I shared today.

My blog feels a bit like a memoir, but by looking back and writing about these moments, it feels like I’m reliving those experiences together with all of you. Thanks for joining me on this journey!  Rose