March 18, 2024

Little Traverse Inn: Gastro Pub

Sept. 30, 2012

Fish and Chips

Finding authentic "fish and chips" is not always an easy task as there are lots of "posers" out there. The Little Traverse Inn Gastro Pub located on the Leelanau Peninsula between Glen Lake and Leland (at the former North location) offers a signature fish and chips dish prepared in the English tradition.
As described on their menu, the "Fish and Chips features flakey cuts of the finest fish, gift wrapped in a Yorkshire Beer Batter and served with our signature double boiled, fresh cut, Inn Fries."
   The homemade tarter sauce was a nice touch and this generous portion was quite tasty.  While beer (they offer a diverse beer menu) is the obvious pairing for this dish, I decided to step out and pair with a glass of Scotch from their impressive Singe Malt menu. The meal was capped of perfectly with their Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert. Other menu considerations include the Shepard’s Pie and Irish Lamb Stew both are as authentic as they come.
The "gastro pub" concept is a blending of an English Isles public house (that is essentially the local hangout) with bar fare that has some flair to it. Prices here are very reasonable and fall somewhere between a shot-and-a-beer joint and fine dining.
The Little Traverse Inn Gastro Pub is a quaint place that is somewhat off the beaten path but certainly worth seeking out. They have overnight rooms available, so consider making a weekend out of it and split time between Glen Lake and Leland during the day. For a look at their menu and overnight accommodation options go to littletraverseinn.com.

New Belgium Red Hoptober

Last month New Belgium Brewing Company from Fort Collins, Colorado introduced their beers into the Michigan market with a lot of fanfare. The beers have been well received in Northern Michigan, in particular Fat Tire, their flagship beer. Everywhere you look New Belgium brews abound with retailers and restaurants featuring some or all of the available beers from America’s third largest microbrewer.
With fall upon us, New Belgium has their seasonal ale, Red Hoptober available. This dark garnet ale features three varieties of hops, El Dorado from Central Washington along with Centennial and Cascade. The result is a roasted piney aroma with citrus hints.
"Red Hoptober is a terrific transition from hot weather’s lighter beers into the warm embrace of winter beers," said New Belgium Brewer Grady Hull. "We recommend this beer as a perfect pairing for any of your autumn activities."
Enjoy in a globe style beer glass for maximum aroma intake. This beer has an earthy taste to it with a hint of chocolate. Pair with wild game and roasted fall vegetables. The label suggests that it pairs nicely after a day a fly-fishing, so a riverside picnic with smoked fish and cheeses would be perfect.
This beer works well for the craftbrew connoisseur with big expectations, while being very approachable for newcomers to the microbrew scene.
Red Hoptober is 6% ABV, 45 IBUs and is available throughout Northern Michigan now through October. For more info on New Belgium Brewing Company and all of their beers go to newbelgium.com.

Trending

What's Behind the Orange Cone

This road construction season promises to be one for the ages, so we’re starting something new here at Northern Expr... Read More >>

Transformational Libraries

Over the past two years, the American Library Association (ALA) has offered more than $7 million in grants to small and ru... Read More >>

The Butterflies and the Bees

How much do you know about pollinators and native plants? The Wexford Conservation District is ready to up your knowledge ... Read More >>

An Ecstatic Equinox

Celebrate the Spring Equinox (early this year: March 19) with the Day of Dance at the Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Par... Read More >>