Last night we stopped in for dinner at Ernesto’s Italian Garden, one of our old standby restaurants in Plymouth, Michigan only to discover the restaurant has changed names. Now called the Courthouse Grille (in recognition of the 35th District Court next door), it turns out the former owner (who sold the restaurant in 2001) has returned and bought the restaurant.

Courthouse Grille offers many of the same menu selections we’ve enjoyed in the past, and the restaurant walls are adorned with photos from law-focused movies, including a scene from 12 Angry Men.

The menu is extensive, offering appetizers, sandwiches, pastas, pizza, beef, veal, and seafood entrees. Hours are different from the past, with dinner served from 4:30pm to 10:00pm Monday thru Thursday. Hours are extended Friday and Saturday 4:30pm to 11:00pm. On Sundays, the restaurant is open noon to 9pm.

Service was fast. My husband and son enjoyed the calamari appetizer, uniquely served with homemade marinara sauce as well as cocktail sauce.

My son said the pecan crusted walleye served with roasted red potatoes, roasted red peppers, and broccoli was delicious!

For the first time in a while, my husband chose not to have seafood and ordered one of my favorite dishes, chicken marsala. He commented the artichoke hearts gave the dish a “good flavor”.

Instead of mashed potatoes, he substituted rice pilaf, which he said was a bit crunchy. Not in a bad way, just surprised him.

I opted for the homemade portabella mushroom stuffed ravioli, topped with a sun-dried tomato cream sauce, dusted with parsley. The photo doesn’t do the dish justice; it tasted wonderful! Everyone at the table enjoyed their nibble of it.

Years ago, I remember going to the restaurant, then named “Hillside Inn” for special events. I always had great food and excellent service.

Last night was no different.