Bix Engels: Let's Eat!

Businessman John Kusava singled out the lake perch for special praise: "Whatever concoction of dustings, herbal magic, and swift cooking went into this humble plate of lake fish, stacked tepee style around an adjoining medley of potato and sautéed spinach, I can only say that it has catapulted competing offers from Real Seafood, La Dolce Vita, and the rest of the Main Street dining establishment off the big board forever."

"I love this place!" wrote then-Borders CEO George Jones. "Great food, live music, and the friendliest place in town!"

"As downtown business owners, customers ask us where to eat all the time," wrote Steven and Katherine Lesse of Abracadabra. "We send them to the Black Pearl. . . . Prices are moderate for Main Street and the clientele is a refreshingly eclectic mix of ages and types. Everyone can enjoy themselves here for a quick bite, group get-together, or raucous celebration. (We took our entire staff there for our own twenty-fourth anniversary celebration.) As a side note, it is the perfect waiting spot for a concert at the Ark. The large picture windows tell you exactly when to hop in line for the 'best seats in the house,' and not a moment too soon!"