The Van Camp House

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  Andy and his staff can do no wrong! The meals are exceptional. The service is excellent, its a casual environment, with a elegant feel. Everyone in Michigan should go to beautiful Port Sanilac and dine at the VCH!!!

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  Posted on 05.11.13 Michele S.

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  I LOVE this place! I have gone here a few times with my fiance and his family, and this place is always fun. Andy and his team are knowledgable and everything comes out beyond my expectations. The scallops were amazing with the cauliflower puree! We will keep going here for years! The owners are extremely sweet and love to come out and greet their guests after dinner. I can't wait to go again sometime soon!

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  Posted on 01.01.13 Michelle L.

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  It was my girlfriend's birthday, and one of her friends recommended the Van Camp House for a great, upscale dinner venue.  We arrived on a Saturday evening before the 'rush'.  As we entered, we were asked if we wanted to sit inside, or go outside to the tent.  It was cold, windy and rainning, so we opted for inside seating.
  We were almost the only diners in the place and were immdeiately seated at a square table for four, with a paper...yes...paper tablecloth.  I don't know why I expected this place to be a little more classy than paper tablecloths.
  
  Our server welcomed us with a plate of 4 tiny pieces of bread and a small cup of olive dipping oil, as she handed us the menus and wine lists.  We were both hungry and quickly devoured the bread as were perused the menu.  The entrees were priced from $22 and up.  I ordered the scallops and my date ordered the shrimp.  Our server asked if we'd like more bread and we practically begged her for more.  She left and we didn't see her again until she brought our dinners.  In the interim, a girl came to our table to refill our water glasses and she also asked if we'd like more bread.  She DID follow up and bring us four more tiny pieces of bread.  By now...I'm not becoming a big fan of this place.
  
  Our server returned and we were both given a bowl of food.  The presentation was nothing special...it was a bowl of food.  Her shrimp and my scallops were nothing special.  While both meals were nice...well...that was it.  My scallops were tiny and her shrimp were spiny.
  
  When I spend mid-twenties $ for an entree, I expect more than I received.  Keep in mind, that there was no salad, no soup, no vegetable...nothing more than the entree.  The flavor and seasoning were fine, but  nothing exceptional.  When I pay that much for an entree, I expect either a large helping of average food, or an average helping of exceptional food.  We got neither.  So for a $50 meal (no drinks), we got a little bread and oil, a small entree of average taste, served on a paper tablecoth.
  
  Afterwards...we drove west to Sandusky, Michigan and stopped at the Dairy Queen where we enjoyed the pumpkin spice blizzards.  THAT...was the highlight of our evening.  At rhe Van Camp House the ambiance, service and food were mediocre, while the price was excessive.  We were very disappointed and will not return.

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  Posted on 10.14.12 Vic U.

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  Amazing food, presentation and service. I had the sockeye salmon, with grits and cauliflower with a very light Dijon, Chardonnay sauce. Hubby had the filet, subbed cauliflower for potatoes. Both were out of this world, we were licking the plates. Chef/owner Andy gave us "bunny" loin to try too and it was excellent. Starter was fresh greens with asparagus tempura, very light on the tempura, all the flavors went so nice together. The best dessert I have ever had, chocolate chip bread pudding with ice cream, and I never would choose bread pudding as a dessert. We inhaled it in about 4 seconds flat.  Had an amazing wine, mollydooker, blue eyed boy, off the list.  Andy has a few secret bottles you should ask about if you are a wine snob.  But, the best was sitting with Andy at the end of the night, talking food and wine, and he sent us home with a dozen farm-fresh eggs (which were awesome this morning). The experience could not have been better and we will be back soon.  We were celebrating our 8th anniversary, but we won't reserve this place for special occasions.  While it is expensive for the town, it is cheap for what you get. One of the best meals we have ever enjoyed. On par with Forest Grill in Birmingham.  Also, they are going to be open for Sunday brunch soon, so check the website. Bloody Mary bar, 9am to 1pm I think.

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  Posted on 05.27.12 Kristen H.

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  Wow!  If food can be art then Andy is an artist!  The Van Camp House is fine dining with a warm atmosphere.  The simple beauty of this restaurant showcases the food.  The creative dishes are presented beautifully.  
  
  The ever changing menu is like a unwrapped gift at every visit.  You will be surprised at the offerings every single time.
  
  The Van Camp House is not like any other dining in the area.  I could easily compare this restaurant to fine dining in large cities.  
  
  I am eager to visit again soon.

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  Posted on 07.26.11 Rayna P.

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  When guests of Adventure Inn B&B ask where to go for a "special dinner" or "fine dining," I mention Van Camp House (if it's one of the days VCH is open). For one thing, they take reservations, which immediately eliminates the stress over "will they have room?" The deep yellow walls, white linens and wood floors create a warm and welcoming backdrop. The wine list is not the same-old, same-old and has many affordable and delicious choices. The menu is limited but has something for almost everybody. If you're present after the last meal has been served, chef/owner Andy Fabian emerges from the kitchen to greet his guests. I'm sure he must be tired, but his coming around is the piece de resistance of Van Camp's hospitality. Before you've even left the restaurant, he makes you want to return for more.

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  Posted on 05.27.11 Sandy W.

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  When you visit The Van Camp House you are guests of Andy and Pam Fabian, not customers.  The Fabians live above the store in this historic home, and they've converted the downstairs to a beautiful restaurant.  You'll find fresh cuisine here, whatever Andy's found for you at Detroit's Eastern Market that week.  The menu is a la cart, and usually printed for the night you visit.  Open after 5 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  Not a bar but they are licensed with beer, wine and cocktails available. A starched tablecloth kind of place.   Do dress up.
  
  The cooks are trained at some of the finest culinary arts schools in the country.  Your dish will look and taste great.  One word of explanation, although this may be the most expensive dining option in Port Sanilac, it is priced much lower than a similar dining experience elsewhere.  Compares to The Whitney in Detroit for food, service and ambiance, but at half the price.  
  
  Call ahead for reservations and ask if Thursday is still Everything under $20.00  night!

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  Posted on 05.10.11 David B.

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