I’m in the Mood For……..

By Paul Hankel
Contributing Writer

Summertime in the Midwest means getting into “lake mode.”This includes donning massive amounts of sun block, digging your flip-flops out from the bottom of your shoe closet and hitting the beach for volleyball, some beers and sunshine. One of the region’s various hotspots is Detroit Lakes (“DL”), a quick 45-minute trip down Highway 10. With a population of around 9,000, DL is a relatively small lakes-area city. However, between the months of June and August, DL transforms itself into the essential stop for lake-lovers from all over the Midwest and the country. DL is located on the edge of Detroit Lake and is a perfect location for all of your summer activities. The beach features public boat access, shore fishing, bike, boat and pontoon rentals, and local shopping located right by the beach. Each summer, the city plays host to a weekend-long Memorial Day and 4th of July celebration including fireworks displays, outdoor street parties and food vendors.

Zorbaz on the Lake
Once in DL, there are a few restaurants that can’t be missed. Zorbaz, a regional pizza and Mexican restaurant named after the Greek god Zorba, is one of them. With nine current locations and a tenth opening in Spicer, N.D., Zorbaz has been a favorite of lake goers since 1969. All Zorbaz restaurants are located on or very near a lake, a fact that the owner and proprietor Tate Jansen takes pride in.
Featuring famous pizzas and authentic Mexican, Zorbaz has a menu that caters to anyone. They serve all the classics like pepperoni and pineapple/Canadian bacon along with some exotic pizzas like the Thai Pie which has a homemade Zorbas BBQ Peanut sauce. Or try the Hot Hawg with spicy jalapeño peppers. Feeling like Mexican food? Be sure to try the Macho Nachoz or the Zouthwest Zalad. 
Are you a little burnt after a long day across the street on the beach? Zorbaz offers a large beer selection and also features Minnesota beers. These include Grain Belt, Summit, Schell, Surly and several others. Along with beer, Zorbaz also serves a wide selection of margaritas. If it’s nice out, you can bring your food and drinks out to the deck or patio area, where the Zorbaz in DL will be featuring live music all summer with local and regional bands, Mo’s Jam session every Thursday and a DJ and dancing every Friday night. Zorbaz is family friendly and is open year-round from 10am to 2am.

The Hotel Shoreham, Lake Melissa
When you’re in DL, make sure to plan an evening at the Hotel Shoreham on Lake Melissa. Located on East Shore Drive just south of Detroit Lakes, the Hotel Shoreham restaurant is one stop you can’t miss.

Bought and renovated in 1974, Hotel Shoreham has been a historic must-see for DL residents and guests for decades. Owned by Rick Lynch, his brother, Tom, and their friend Dan Gundersen, the restaurant celebrated its 100th Anniversary last summer and it features homemade pizza and a pan-fried walleye with rice that is worth the trip from anywhere to have, according to one of Lynch’s loyal customers: “it is fresh, homemade and the best I’ve ever had.” The Shoreham’s head chef, Travis Henderson, has been with them for over 15 years. Along with great food, you also get to learn about the history of the Hotel Shoreham. What started as a grocery store in 1907 later became a pizza and beer hangout and transitioned itself to the Hotel Shoreham in 1974 with Lynch’s purchase of it. Lynch spoke of a time when “an old steamboat used to drop residents off at their lake homes all along Lake Sallie, Lake Melissa and all the way down to Pelican Lake.”

Inside the Hotel Shoreham, you’ll be greeted with the smell of fresh walleye and the sight of old-time nostalgia with pictures of Lake Melissa residents, pictures of local and national celebrities who’ve stopped in for dinner and other novelties. The restaurant also features an outdoor seating area with a pizza oven and bar. Thursday night is karaoke night with Danno’s Karaoke, and the Shoreham will feature the Front Fenders once a month and other live bands all summer. Hotel Shoreham offers first come-first serve with seating starting at 5pm. Be sure to come early, as the restaurant does not take reservations and tends to fill up quickly!

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IF YOU GO
Zorbaz
402 West Lake Drive
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Visit http://www.zorbaz.com for locations and directions or call (218) 847-5305

Hotel Shoreham
12010 Co. HWY 17
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 847-1261

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