Victor and Merek's Deli-Birch Run, Michigan

If a journey to the Birch Run Premium Outlets or Frankenmuth, Michigan is on your family travel plans soon, then a stop at Victor and Merek's Deli, Pizzeria, Bakery should be on your must-do list. 

For several years, we have been timing our journeys north to include a stop at Victor and Merek's for a satisfying, healthy, lunch. It features deli sandwiches and pizza with many healthy options and enough variety to satisfy our family's diverse taste buds. 

The menu has many vegetarian options, consisting of far more than simply iceberg lettuce salad, with one tomato wedge on top. The California Veggie features Romaine Lettuce, black olives, shredded carrots and just the right amount of guacamole-tasty, but not overpowering. Recently, I had the Mid-East Veggie sandwich with hummus and tabbouleh as well as English cucumber, Romaine Lettuce and provolone cheese- a nice combination of fresh tasting ingredients.  Even better, all their veggie sandwiches also are available in wrap form. 

The sandwiches are fair-priced, but Jenny and I have often split a sandwich and found that to be adequate, especially if we have an apple or banana in the car. 

I also have to rave about their choice of beverage selection, especially Stubborn Soda.  This new line of beverages is delicately sweet, light and refreshing, without the aftertaste of artificial flavoring so evident in many other sodas. I am not much of a soda or "pop" drinker as we Michiganders say, but this is worth splurging on. At Victor and Merek's it is served in fountain form, so I enjoy a quarter cup of several different flavors- I'm still looking for my favorite!

We often split a bag of chips for that salty, carby treat and I also want to commend Victor and Merek's for their addition of the delicious Great Lakes Potato Chip Company's line of chips. These chips are manufactured by the Girrbach Family right in Traverse City, Michigan. The chips are thick, tasty, not too salty and not greasy. I can see why the Kettle Chip was ranked #1 by the Chicago Tribune. 

I highlight these two companies because it shows Victor and Merek's attention to high quality, fresh tasting, family friendly deli food. The restaurant itself, is bright and clean, and the service prompt. Victor and Merek's and the Great Lakes Potato Chip Company are definitely worth of a MITTEN PRIDE ranking!

Enjoy- and Travel Local!

Questions for Discussion:

1. What is your family's favorite "must stop" restaurant?

2. How do you eat healthily while traveling?

3. What is your favorite meal at Victor and Marek's? Did you like the restaurant?

4. What is the history of "soda"? When did it start and why?

5. Why do some regions call it "soda" and some call it "pop?"