"A king should be a king in all things. – King Louis XIVIn the quaint village of Ludington, where local lore whispers through the streets, stands Table 14. A culinary realm led by Howard and Laura Iles, it aspires to greatness yet comfortably sits in the realm of the good enough. This eatery, drawing from a tapestry of regions from Louisiana to South Carolina, sets a table more akin to a baron than a monarch.My wife and I started with the Crabby Chips, a dish that playfully cavorts in the realm of culinary jesters potato chips and crab meat joined in a creamy cheese alliance. A charming overture, yet far shy of a regal parade.The main acts, our steak and duck, were like loyal courtiers noble in effort, yet lacking the splendor of a royal banquet. The steak whispered tales of the South, while the duck maintained a poised, if somewhat subdued, demeanor.In this corner of the Midwest, where Southern warmth merges with the steadfast spirit of Michigan, one might hope for a feast fit for a king. But the night 's offerings, while commendably crafted, seemed content with the nobility of 'good enough. ' The pricing, a blessing for commoners, stood as the evening 's quiet ruler.Walking out the door, we couldn 't help but muse – was the Table 14 name a cheeky reference to a mythical banquet where guests await a never to arrive 14th course? A playful jest, perhaps, at the diner 's eternal hope for that one unforgettable dish."
