There’s something about the weather changing from the bitter cold of winter to the warmth of summer. Whether it’s trading those boots for sandals or going from a winter wonderland to a golden tan, those few months of sunshine are the ones that many people look forward to all year long.
One of the best things about the ever-warming weather? A new season of eating and drinking with friends spurred on by the welcoming sun and more open schedules that make dining about town even more inviting than usual. Although we eat all year round, there is something particularly appealing to enjoying a pleasant meal with the sounds of summer surrounding you.
With many people changing from heavier food or “comfort food,” to lighter dishes like salads, hydrating fruits and sandwiches with fresh ingredients, the face of summer food and dining has many people smiling about the change.
Get fresh
With summer rolling in, the last thing many people want is something heavy sitting in their stomachs, so many people prefer to lighten up in what they eat during the warmer months.
“As far as food, maybe more fish,” journalism sophomore Martin Berman said.
Berman also said he gravitates more to places during the summer that sell lighter items on their menu.
Casey Comstock, general manager of Harper’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 131 Albert Ave., said people are more likely to order fresher meals that are less heavy than those they would be partial to ordering in the summer months.
“I would say that people order lighter stuff in the summer,” Comstock said.
He also said people are more apt to staying out later to enjoy the summer evenings while they dine, pushing back the standard “dinner time.”
“I notice that people actually come out to eat a little bit later,” Comstock said. “People order later it seems.”
Jacque Broad, assistant manager of El Azteco, 225 Ann St., agreed. She said people definitely order lighter, saying there is a noticeable increase in salads and more traditionally summer food and drinks.
“People eat a lot of topopo salads and stuff like that, so we get lots of those and lots of margaritas,” Broad said. “In the summer, people want to relax.”
Drink it down
Along with the summer heat comes the need for summer treats, and for many people in East Lansing the hunt for the most refreshing warm weather drink is a high priority on their list of things to do.
“I definitely drink more iced tea,” Berman said.
Berman, who has worked in several restaurants, also said he’s noticed a distinct shift in what the customers order when they go out during the summer.
“Hands down, spring and summer, people will definitely be drinking more martinis,” Berman said. “I really think it has something to do with the color. We’ll sell orange martinis and cosmopolitans a lot more just … maybe people like to be seen sitting outside with a colorful drink.”
David Hadley, manager of Woody’s Oasis Bar & Grill, 211 E. Grand River Ave., said the restaurant’s selection of summer drinks makes for many local regulars.
“People definitely drink summer beers and summer drinks,” Hadley said. “Margaritas and the summer wheat beers like (Bell’s) Oberon are popular.”
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Other restaurants and bars, such as The Post Bar, 213 Ann St., along with others located in the area, said they definitely notice an increase in fruity drinks and daiquiris that are sold during the warmer months.
Live it up
Mostly, summertime is meant for people to enjoy the beautiful weather and get out of their houses, so dining out and about town is a way to do that. Many people look for more atmosphere credentials in their summer dining than in the winter. Anywhere with outdoor seating or easy visibility to the outdoors seems to have a step up on other places.
“Summer months are good for us,” Broad said of the rooftop seating at El Azteco. “We have the rooftop (open) so we usually get pretty busy.”
Other restaurants boast patios and social settings to enjoy the season to its fullest potential.
“It’s a fun place to sort of be casual and have a good time and enjoy the weather,” Comstock said. “When I’m not working, I like to spend time out there too because it’s just a fun atmosphere.”
In many countries throughout the world, eating outdoors is more of an everyday occurrence, but for Michigan residents faced with unpredictable weather, eating outside is more of a novelty than a normalcy. So when the weather permits it, people tend to flock to the great outdoors for a great meal.
“If it’s in the summer, then somewhere that’s possibly outside where you can wear nice summer clothes,” said advertising junior Lisa Figlan. “Just to enjoy the weather instead of in the winter when it’s snowy and freezing cold and you have to go inside.”
With many students who stay in the city for the summer searching for the hot spot to find others like them, Comstock thinks that the city should take a moment to enjoy the pause in student life in the local restaurant scene.
“It’s pretty laid back,” he said. “The hustle and bustle of the school year’s not there. Everyone is just out to enjoy the weather and have a good time.”
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