Since my wife and I enjoy going to places that we have never been and sampling different cultures, we decided to eat out at Michael's Restaurant in Highland. Since the restaurant is associated with Michael's Swiss Inn, and since Highland has such a rich Swiss culture, we thought that we were going to a restaurant that served Swiss food. We were wrong. However, we found that the restaurant is one of the nicest in the Metro St. Louis area.

This restaurant was established in 1956 by Bill and Vera Michael and their son R. Guy and his wife. It was previously known as "the Tavern" or Three Gables, and also had a gas station attached. Michael's now features outstanding dining in a subtle atmosphere, with facilities for 300, a fireside cocktail lounge, a 20-unit motel, and swimming pool.

When my wife and I entered the restaurant, we stopped in a cozy lounge with a fireplace. While awaiting our table we were able to watch the Blues on a big-screen TV and sampled the complimentary appetizers. That set the stage for our ordering from a menu that included such dinners as Roast Prime Rib of Beef, Veal Spidini, Norwegian Salmon, and Peppersteak ala Michael's. I chose the Prime Rib, while my wife ordered the Salmon. The food arrived and we enjoyed a delicious meal.

This restaurant is open on weekdays for lunch from 11am - 2pm and on Monday through Saturdays from 5pm - 10pm for dinner. I know that a restaurant in its fifth decade of service must truly have a great reputation, as those that lack quality eventually go out of business quickly in this area. Even though this was not what I anticipated, I will return for many occassions in the future.