A Northern Michigan Gourmet Delight

Sept. 21, 2005

The Silvertree opened in 2002 and is owned by Bruce Vaughn and Matt Walheim. Stop in for the wines, atmosphere and food, which is available in the deli case, or sit in their lovely café area. The café area even has a section in the corner with a low table filled with games to occupy young ones while parents dine. The establishment carries some grocery and gourmet food items too - the kind of thing a traveler or boater might need for the kitchen, galley or a picnic.
Everything is made fresh daily and items available for sale are carefully thought out to appeal to the incriminating customer. Couple that with what they proudly acclaim, “We have the largest selection of Michigan wines in the world,” said Vaughn. Wines, on their immaculate wooden shelves, are available from all around the United States and the world. Bruce Vaughn is instrumental in the selection of these wines. “It,” he says, “is my passion in life.”
Besides being more than capable and willing, the Silvertree has terrific menu offerings, for dine in or take-out. “We want to provide the best value for the money, both in the foods we make and the wines on our shelves,” said Vaughn. “We are in business to serve the year ‘round residents,” he explained. Lunches and dinners there are surprisingly affordable, delicious, and yet upscale. In the light and airy dining area walls are covered with Egyptian rugs and other artwork, all available for sale. Their most stunning is a handmade wall hanging by Vaughn’s wife Desiree, an accomplished fabric artist.
Try a Maurice with chicken and no egg a Spinach Greek Salad or White Albacore Tuna Salad. Side it with the homemade soup of the day. Each day they offer a different quiche; available by the piece or whole to take home and enjoy. Delicious!
Their “Famous Leelanau Gyro” is one of their hot sandwich offerings, made with sliced Plevalean, Leelanau Cheese Fromage, tomatoes, onions and Greek dressing; it is sure to please the fussiest gyro loving connoisseur. The “Barbecued Chicken” sandwich is different and delicious, made with chicken, cheddar cheese, onions and their homemade special barbecue sauce on an onion roll.
The Silvertree Subs are made with the classic Boar’s Head Meats and Cheeses and include the classic “Hoagie;” “Silvertree Turkey Sub”; “The Sutherland” - spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, roasted peppers hummus or Greek dressing; or try “The Tavern” - made with ham, palate pleasing Vermont Cheddar, tomatoes, lettuce and onion.
Deli sandwiches, available on a variety of breads or rolls, include homemade meatloaf, French Dip, Roast Beef and Cheddar, White Albacore Salad, and that is just a starter list.
Soups include tummy-pleasing White Bean Chili, available everyday, and then, depending on the chef’s whim, other soups that are served include a unique Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Florentine, Mexican Curried Chowder, Curried Chicken with Sweet Potato and Mediterranean Tomato with Feta Cheese.
Dining choices change weekly with different menus offered as nightly specials (check their web site below or call them). Recent offerings have been Cashew Chicken, Pad Thia, Chicken Burritos, Silvertree Lasagna, Shrimp Saganaki, Crab Cakes and Sweet & Sour Chicken - all prepared to perfection.
Desserts? Oh my! Key Lime Pie - the real kind, Louisiana Bread Pudding, Carrot Cake and classic cheesecake are some of their sweet sensations. And not to forget “Brownies To Die For” and scrumptious chocolate chip cookies. Not to mention the many upscale chocolates and other tempting delectables to tease your waistline.
Top it all off with a cup of Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha, Turtle Mocha, or they say - “Ask us to be creative!” The Silvertree has recently added By the Light of Day organic loose teas and tisanes. They are made in Traverse City and are available both in the deli and in 5.5-ounce tins you may purchase. Available flavors currently are “Cherry Mint” and “Hummingbird Nectar.”
Idly (and deservingly!) as “The Soup Guru.” He performs his gourmet magic on what he prepares. And then there is Magdelena “Maggi” Bagi. Her foods I have tasted for many years locally and can say she has the perfect loving European touch in the kitchen.
In the gourmet section of the store there is a nice selection of spices, condiments and other necessities for the serious cook. They are in displays - eye-catching and colorful -along with the work of artist Victor Maggio.
The Silvertree does private catering too. Often you will see them at area events with a booth lined up with eagerly awaiting people, eager to taste Silvertree delights. Their dining room is available late afternoons and early evenings for private parties up to fifty.

The Silvertree Deli & Gourmet Market is open year ‘round and is located at 119 N. St. Josephs Street, Suttons Bay, (231) 271 -2271/Fax (231) 271-3414 or write to them at P.O. Box 370, Suttons Bay, MI 49682;
Store hours are Monday thru Thursday, 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.; Friday and Saturday, 7:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. and Sunday, 9:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. - (hours from Easter - December 31). http://www.thesilvertreedeli.com/