Taste Makers
Little Traverse Inn Gastro Pub
Ghost Supper
Chez Peres
Tasteful
Brewing History
Little Traverse Inn: Gastro Pub
The customer counts at Dilbert‘s
Spud burger/ Railside Bar & Grill
Happy Hog Cafe
Tasteful
Happy Hour
A weekly snapshot of Happy Hours around the region
FireFly
Everyday, open-7 p.m., $1.75 highballs, $2.50 house chardonnay, $2.00 drafts, $1.00 off everything else.
310 Cass St., Traverse City
Fred's
Sunday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m., $1 off all drinks.
422 North 5th St., Roscommon
Lulu's Bistro
Thursdays, 5-9 p.m., $3 wells, $2 off drafts, select $5 wines.
213 N. Bridge St., Bellaire
Boyne River Inn
Everyday, 3-6 p.m., 1/4 off drinks.
229 Water St., Boyne City
Rendezvous Lounge, Odawa Casino
Thursday & Friday, $2.25 domestic drafts, $3.25 well drinks, $3.25 house wine.
1760 Lears Rd., Petoskey
Choice Bits!
Round-the-region snapshots of the dining scene.BOYNE RIVER INN: Family dining with a view of the Boyne River, the "B.R.I.," as it's known locally, serves up everything from sandwiches and salads to burritos and prime rib, and they're open seven days a week.
229 E. Water Street, 231-582-6300.
HERRADURAS MEXICAN BAR & GRILL: Authentic Mexican food is served in both their dining room and sports lounge.
1700 S. Mitchell, Cadillac 231-775-4575.
INN at GREY GABLES : A touch of the gourmet in an historic mansion beside the harbor. The Grey Gables offers steak, prime rib, whitefish specialties and Maine lobster. Also, full bar service, an extensive wine list and light music.
308 Belvedere Avenue, Charlevoix 231- 547-9261.
ELK HARBOR RESTAURANT: With its rustic decor and family-friendly menu, the Elk Harbor Restaurant takes us down memory lane to the classic roadhouses of Northern Michigan’s past. A huge menu begins with hearty breakfasts of steak & eggs, omelettes, pancakes and waffles, proceeding to lunch and dinner with numerous comfort food selections. Look for their daily specials and be sure to save room for the strawberry shortcake.
One-quarter mile south of town at 714 US 31,Elk Rapids 231-264-9201, Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
BETSIE BAY INN: Within this lovely inn are several dining venues. There's Bunty & JoJo's Restaurant which serves casual food, then Tantelle Fine Dining, the Hotspur Pub and two other venues for private parties.
231 Main Street, Frankfort 231-352-8090.
OTSEGO CLUB AT HIDDEN VALLEY:
PONTRASINA RISTORANTE: Named after Gaylord's sister city, Pontresina, in Switzerland, award-winning dining is offered 7 days a week, plus drinks and desserts to complement your gourmet dining experience. In a pretty setting overlooking the Sturgeon River Valley. The menu changes weekly, with delicious accompaniments.
696 M32 East, Gaylord 989-732-5181.
CHESTNUT VALLEY GOLF CLUB: Serving a variety of entrees from fish to ribs for lunch and dinner, Chestnut Valley’s dining room overlooks their well-tended golf course. Cocktails also available.
At the intersection of 1875 Clubhouse Dr., outside of Harbor Springs, 231-526-9100.
MARTHA'S LEELANAU TABLE: Serving breakfast & lunch in this lovely 75 year old home. The menu changes daily and they offer cooking classes as well.
413 St. Joseph's St., Suttons Bay
DIXIE SALOON: This 2-story log restaurant offers delicious food and large portions for a reasonable price, plus nightly dancing.
401 E. Central Avenue, Mackinaw City 231-436-5449.
AMICAL: European bistro with French fare. The menu boasts quiche, gourmet pizza, herb roasted chicken, soups, salads and sinful baked goods. They host the Famous Cookbook Dinner Series.
229 E. Front. Downtown Traverse City 231-941-8888.
Dining
Monday, May 11, 2009
Siren Hall
Dining
The Tantalizing Call of
Siren Hall
By Nancy Krcek Allen 5/11/09
Next time you’re in Elk Rapids, listen closely and, if you’re lucky, you’ll hear the call of Siren Hall. You’d be well advised to follow this Siren’s call. Like Ulysses and his crew, you might find yourself spellbound; but unlike Ulysses, you’ll get to go home after dinner.
Siren Hall is Michael and Rebecca Peterson’s newest restaurant odyssey. The couple has converted a former downtown Elk Rapids antique shop and gas station into a chic, clean-lined contemporary restaurant featuring seafood.
“There’s a mariner tradition here like out east,” says Rebecca. “We wanted to play off that—to honor it. Cape Cod; Newport, Rhode Island; Bar Harbor, Maine; they do it really well. They have that tradition and history. As it turns out, Lake Michigan has it as well. I traveled on the cast-iron U.S.S. Badger as a kid and my great-aunt was a private nurse to one Mr. Edmund Fitzgerald.”
“We knew we wanted to do a seafood restaurant,” says Michael Peterson, the restaurant’s chef. “We spent time living on the East Coast. I love seafood; it’s what people want. We have a group that comes in for oysters. In the summer we have at least four or five different kinds. We don’t put a lot of fish on the menu—we bring it in as features. When it’s gone, it’s gone. That way we don’t hold onto it.”
Siren Hall
By Nancy Krcek Allen 5/11/09
Next time you’re in Elk Rapids, listen closely and, if you’re lucky, you’ll hear the call of Siren Hall. You’d be well advised to follow this Siren’s call. Like Ulysses and his crew, you might find yourself spellbound; but unlike Ulysses, you’ll get to go home after dinner.
Siren Hall is Michael and Rebecca Peterson’s newest restaurant odyssey. The couple has converted a former downtown Elk Rapids antique shop and gas station into a chic, clean-lined contemporary restaurant featuring seafood.
“There’s a mariner tradition here like out east,” says Rebecca. “We wanted to play off that—to honor it. Cape Cod; Newport, Rhode Island; Bar Harbor, Maine; they do it really well. They have that tradition and history. As it turns out, Lake Michigan has it as well. I traveled on the cast-iron U.S.S. Badger as a kid and my great-aunt was a private nurse to one Mr. Edmund Fitzgerald.”
“We knew we wanted to do a seafood restaurant,” says Michael Peterson, the restaurant’s chef. “We spent time living on the East Coast. I love seafood; it’s what people want. We have a group that comes in for oysters. In the summer we have at least four or five different kinds. We don’t put a lot of fish on the menu—we bring it in as features. When it’s gone, it’s gone. That way we don’t hold onto it.”
Monday, May 4, 2009
Tastemakers: Giovanni‘s Roadhouse Prime Rib Dinner/Valentine Vodka
Dining
Giovanni’s Roadhouse Prime Rib Dinner
Rick Coates 5/4/09
Giovanni’s Roadhouse in Interlochen is part of the TC Food family that includes Fire Fly, Bubba’s and Grandview Catering. Proprietors Jeff and Trish Wiltse are long time foodies in the region who have built their success on the foundations of quality comfort food and exceptional service. A few years ago they purchased Giovanni’s, and kept some of the original flavor that made the restaurant a popular destination for pre- or post-Interlochen concerts, while adding their magical touch and character to the operation.
The “foodie” movement today has many facets. One is the resurgence of standards. One of those standards making a comeback is prime rib and Giovanni’s Roadhouse does it up right. Thursday night is “Prime Rib” special night featuring your choice of an eight, 12 or 20 ounce portion. Prepared to perfection, this cut of beef calls out for a good bottle of wine and “The House” has an impressive and extensive wine list. The Condesa de Leganza Crianza from Spain hit the spot during a recent visit.
Rick Coates 5/4/09
Giovanni’s Roadhouse in Interlochen is part of the TC Food family that includes Fire Fly, Bubba’s and Grandview Catering. Proprietors Jeff and Trish Wiltse are long time foodies in the region who have built their success on the foundations of quality comfort food and exceptional service. A few years ago they purchased Giovanni’s, and kept some of the original flavor that made the restaurant a popular destination for pre- or post-Interlochen concerts, while adding their magical touch and character to the operation.
The “foodie” movement today has many facets. One is the resurgence of standards. One of those standards making a comeback is prime rib and Giovanni’s Roadhouse does it up right. Thursday night is “Prime Rib” special night featuring your choice of an eight, 12 or 20 ounce portion. Prepared to perfection, this cut of beef calls out for a good bottle of wine and “The House” has an impressive and extensive wine list. The Condesa de Leganza Crianza from Spain hit the spot during a recent visit.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Julienne Tomatoes
Dining
Fresh is Best at
Julienne Tomatoes
By Kristi Kates 4/27/09
On one of Petoskey’s quaint side streets resides a hidden gem café with a quirky name and exceptional food. Julienne Tomatoes - named for its owners, Julie Adams and Tom Sheffler - spells out the secret of their success simply and directly underneath the logo that adorns their front door - they are “makers of good food.” For Adams and Sheffler, owning and running their popular cafe was a dream years in the making; but it was when they moved to the Petoskey area in 2000 that the wheels really began to turn.
Julienne Tomatoes
By Kristi Kates 4/27/09
On one of Petoskey’s quaint side streets resides a hidden gem café with a quirky name and exceptional food. Julienne Tomatoes - named for its owners, Julie Adams and Tom Sheffler - spells out the secret of their success simply and directly underneath the logo that adorns their front door - they are “makers of good food.” For Adams and Sheffler, owning and running their popular cafe was a dream years in the making; but it was when they moved to the Petoskey area in 2000 that the wheels really began to turn.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tastemakers: City Park Grilled Salmon/Mackinaw Trail Winery
Dining
City Park Grill Salmon 4/27/09
Legend has it Ernest Hemingway frequented the City Park Grill during his youth, where he was seen scribbling what would eventually become his “Nick Adams” stories. Since opening in 1875, the Park Garden Café (which became City Park Grill in 1997) has been at the center of Petoskey’s social scene. It continues to have a vibrant live music scene featuring the best musicians the region has to offer along with the occasional traveling band.
Legend has it Ernest Hemingway frequented the City Park Grill during his youth, where he was seen scribbling what would eventually become his “Nick Adams” stories. Since opening in 1875, the Park Garden Café (which became City Park Grill in 1997) has been at the center of Petoskey’s social scene. It continues to have a vibrant live music scene featuring the best musicians the region has to offer along with the occasional traveling band.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Phil‘s on Front
Dining
Phil‘s on Front
Nancy Krcek Allen 4/20/09
Northern Michigan foodies will be happy to know that Phil Murray, former chef-owner of the popular restaurant, Windows, is back in the kitchen. This February Murray opened Phil’s on Front, a bistro and chocolate lounge.
Murray’s hits just keep on coming.
In 2006, after 21 years at Windows, Murray retired from restaurants. “I took lots of naps. I went bicycle riding. I opened Chocolate Exotica (and Windows Catering at West Front Market).” Murray smiles. “Then I got tired of having nights, weekends and holidays off.”
After a mission trip to Peru with Bob Foote and other eye doctors (no, he didn’t feed them—he helped with eye exams), Murray got a call from the owner of Ciao Bella, the space where Phil’s on Front is now located. “I think I had $19 in the bank,” says Murray. “I called old customers and investors and they came through. January 21 we began negotiating. We closed on February 2 and by February 12, we opened.”
Nancy Krcek Allen 4/20/09
Northern Michigan foodies will be happy to know that Phil Murray, former chef-owner of the popular restaurant, Windows, is back in the kitchen. This February Murray opened Phil’s on Front, a bistro and chocolate lounge.
Murray’s hits just keep on coming.
In 2006, after 21 years at Windows, Murray retired from restaurants. “I took lots of naps. I went bicycle riding. I opened Chocolate Exotica (and Windows Catering at West Front Market).” Murray smiles. “Then I got tired of having nights, weekends and holidays off.”
After a mission trip to Peru with Bob Foote and other eye doctors (no, he didn’t feed them—he helped with eye exams), Murray got a call from the owner of Ciao Bella, the space where Phil’s on Front is now located. “I think I had $19 in the bank,” says Murray. “I called old customers and investors and they came through. January 21 we began negotiating. We closed on February 2 and by February 12, we opened.”
Monday, April 20, 2009
Tastemakers: Morels are here/ The Spirits of Michigan
Dining
A few weeks back I appeared on the Omelette & Finster Morning Show on KLT as the guest news anchor. As part of an April Fool’s prank I made up a story along with the hosts that the weather conditions had eliminated this year’s morel crop. Both Omelette & Finster played the story up and we even had a person pose as a Professor of Botany from MSU call in confirming the story. We eventually told everyone that it was simply an April Fool’s joke. Well not everyone heard that we were just joking and organizers of various morel events in the region have been getting calls asking if there were going to be morels this year.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Michelle Bommarito takes the cake
Dining
Michelle Bommarito Takes the Cake
By Rick Coates
Food Network celebrity chef and world-renowned wedding cake designer and pastry chef Michelle Bommarito is a ball of energy. Her friends, family and colleagues find it hard to keep up with her. So what is Bommarito’s secret to what seems to be endless amounts of energy?
“I consume ‘super power foods,’ and I eat five to six small meals a day,” said Bommarito. “I also learned some life lessons along the way that the secret to healthy living is moderation in all things, including work.”
Bommarito will be making several appearances this weekend at the Chef’s Challenge at Shanty Creek Resort. On Friday, April, 24 she will be giving a free seminar, “Eat Well, Move Your Body & Watch What Happens.” Bommarito also expects have several impromptu discussions throughout the weekend on wellness and eating healthy.
While Bommarito is most known for celebrity chef appearances on the Food Network by winning the first wedding cake challenge and finishing second twice, and most recently appearing on a new show, Last Cake Standing, she is now focusing her talents and energy on helping people learn to live and eat right by offering seminars all over the country.
“I am still making wedding cakes and other pastries but I’m being more selective on what a take on. The wedding cakes I make require me to be on location for three days as I have to put the cake together,” said Bommarito. “I have always had a passion for eating right, but at first I didn’t understand the moderation aspect of it all. I took things to the extreme.”
By Rick Coates
Food Network celebrity chef and world-renowned wedding cake designer and pastry chef Michelle Bommarito is a ball of energy. Her friends, family and colleagues find it hard to keep up with her. So what is Bommarito’s secret to what seems to be endless amounts of energy?
“I consume ‘super power foods,’ and I eat five to six small meals a day,” said Bommarito. “I also learned some life lessons along the way that the secret to healthy living is moderation in all things, including work.”
Bommarito will be making several appearances this weekend at the Chef’s Challenge at Shanty Creek Resort. On Friday, April, 24 she will be giving a free seminar, “Eat Well, Move Your Body & Watch What Happens.” Bommarito also expects have several impromptu discussions throughout the weekend on wellness and eating healthy.
While Bommarito is most known for celebrity chef appearances on the Food Network by winning the first wedding cake challenge and finishing second twice, and most recently appearing on a new show, Last Cake Standing, she is now focusing her talents and energy on helping people learn to live and eat right by offering seminars all over the country.
“I am still making wedding cakes and other pastries but I’m being more selective on what a take on. The wedding cakes I make require me to be on location for three days as I have to put the cake together,” said Bommarito. “I have always had a passion for eating right, but at first I didn’t understand the moderation aspect of it all. I took things to the extreme.”
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tastemakers: Jordan Inn Chef‘s Challenge/Forty-Five North Unwooded Chardonny
Dining
With the Epicurean Classic departing, the Chef’s Challenge in one short year has vaulted itself as the must-attend “foodie” affair in Northern Michigan. While the Challenge is two weeks off, organizers came up with a unique way to promote their three-day event (April 24-26 at Shanty Creek Resorts). The Chef’s Challenge this past winter offered non-profits in Northern Michigan the chance to auction off seats at fundraising events for the Preview Dinner on April 18 at the Jordan Inn in East Jordan.
This all-Michigan menu helped several regional non-profits collectively raise more than $5,000. A few seats remain for anyone interested in a unique culinary expedition. First of all, dining at the Jordan Inn is a treat in itself. Chef Joe Krumholz has a unique way of creating his menus at this historic inn located in the heart of East Jordan. Chef Krumholz allows the first havndful of dinners that make reservations to dictate the menu offerings for the evening.
This all-Michigan menu helped several regional non-profits collectively raise more than $5,000. A few seats remain for anyone interested in a unique culinary expedition. First of all, dining at the Jordan Inn is a treat in itself. Chef Joe Krumholz has a unique way of creating his menus at this historic inn located in the heart of East Jordan. Chef Krumholz allows the first havndful of dinners that make reservations to dictate the menu offerings for the evening.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Tastemakers: Bear Claw Brewery steak stackers/Sirius maple dessert wine
Dining
Bear Claw Brewery Steak Stackers
The general rule of thumb is that most places do one thing real well and everything else just okay. For example, nightclubs and bars that have live music are typically known for their music or good dance scene. Rarely are they known for their food. But there are exceptions, and during my travels through Northern Michigan I have come across many a tavern that has excellent food. For example, the Clear Lake Bar north of West Branch has some of the best walleye anywhere. The Side Door Saloon in Petoskey has great burgers. The perch on Friday night at the U&I Lounge in Traverse City is hard to beat. For years I have been heading to Happy Hour Tavern (north of Leland) for their burgers and whitefish sandwich.
The general rule of thumb is that most places do one thing real well and everything else just okay. For example, nightclubs and bars that have live music are typically known for their music or good dance scene. Rarely are they known for their food. But there are exceptions, and during my travels through Northern Michigan I have come across many a tavern that has excellent food. For example, the Clear Lake Bar north of West Branch has some of the best walleye anywhere. The Side Door Saloon in Petoskey has great burgers. The perch on Friday night at the U&I Lounge in Traverse City is hard to beat. For years I have been heading to Happy Hour Tavern (north of Leland) for their burgers and whitefish sandwich.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Thai this
Dining
Thai This...
New café offers a taste of Thailand
By Nancy Krcek Allen
It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes an extended family, five kids and two cities to raise a restaurant. Not to mention talent, determination, nerves of steel and hard work. Myker Vang Hang has them all. Myker and her husband, Cheng Hang, are the owners of the newly opened Thai Café in Traverse City.
New café offers a taste of Thailand
By Nancy Krcek Allen
It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes an extended family, five kids and two cities to raise a restaurant. Not to mention talent, determination, nerves of steel and hard work. Myker Vang Hang has them all. Myker and her husband, Cheng Hang, are the owners of the newly opened Thai Café in Traverse City.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Good things happen at Shirley‘s
Dining
Good things happen at Shirley‘s
Robert Downes 3/30/09
The first thing you notice about Shirley’s Café Family Restaurant in Mancelona is the vibrant energy of the place. The restaurant gleams spic and span; there are plenty of smiles on the faces of the staff; and there always seems to be a good crowd of customers, drawn by the generous portions of good food.
That positive energy positively radiates from owner Shirley Tracey, who established the restaurant on US 131 in Mancelona just a year and four months ago. Since then, word-of-mouth has made it one of the most popular stops in Antrim County.
Robert Downes 3/30/09
The first thing you notice about Shirley’s Café Family Restaurant in Mancelona is the vibrant energy of the place. The restaurant gleams spic and span; there are plenty of smiles on the faces of the staff; and there always seems to be a good crowd of customers, drawn by the generous portions of good food.
That positive energy positively radiates from owner Shirley Tracey, who established the restaurant on US 131 in Mancelona just a year and four months ago. Since then, word-of-mouth has made it one of the most popular stops in Antrim County.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Small town Fusion offers big city fun
Dining
Small town Fusion offers big city fun
Nancy Krcek Allen 3/30/09
When Bobbiesee and Va Chong Ku decided to start looking for a restaurant, Bobbiesee’s father told them to “just drive down U.S. 31.” So they did. In 2003, the Kus bought the former Joann’s in downtown Frankfort and turned it into a thriving Pan-Asian restaurant. “We fell in love with Frankfort,” says Bobbiesee. “We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
In May 2008, the Kus bought and remodeled the former Rhonda’s Wharfside, just down the block from their first restaurant. The new Fusion takes you by surprise with its sleek, big-city look. “Our intention,” says Bobbiesee, “was to provide a better dining atmosphere. We didn’t want to raise prices—we want to give good service, great presentation and taste, for a value price.”
That kind of dedication paid off for Fusion, which earned top awards for Best Asian Food and Best Appetizers from Northern Express readers in 2008.
Nancy Krcek Allen 3/30/09
When Bobbiesee and Va Chong Ku decided to start looking for a restaurant, Bobbiesee’s father told them to “just drive down U.S. 31.” So they did. In 2003, the Kus bought the former Joann’s in downtown Frankfort and turned it into a thriving Pan-Asian restaurant. “We fell in love with Frankfort,” says Bobbiesee. “We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
In May 2008, the Kus bought and remodeled the former Rhonda’s Wharfside, just down the block from their first restaurant. The new Fusion takes you by surprise with its sleek, big-city look. “Our intention,” says Bobbiesee, “was to provide a better dining atmosphere. We didn’t want to raise prices—we want to give good service, great presentation and taste, for a value price.”
That kind of dedication paid off for Fusion, which earned top awards for Best Asian Food and Best Appetizers from Northern Express readers in 2008.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Tastemakers: Food Safety Modernazation Bill of 2009 HRB875-S425/ International Riesling Foundation
Dining
Tastemakers: Food Safety Modernazation Bill of 2009 HRB875-S425
RIck Coates 3/30/09
Over the past week I have received several calls and e-mails from concerned organic farmers and others about a new bill in front of Congress (House Resolution 875 and Senate Bill 425) known as the Food Safety Modernization Bill of 2009. The fear is that the legislation could possibly eliminate organic farming, farm markets and small farm operations such as small orchards and vineyards in this country.
With all of the recent food poisonings and recalls on mass-produced items that have contained e-coli and other harmful bacteria, it was only a matter of time before Washington D.C. was going to step in and do something. But is this bill really the answer?
First, here is a brief definition of the proposed bill from its sponsors: “To establish the Food Safety Administration within the Department of Health and Human Services to protect the public health by preventing food-borne illness, ensuring the safety of food, improving research on contaminants leading to food-borne illness, and improving security of food from intentional contamination, and for other purposes.”
On the surface this sounds good, but if you dig deep into the pages upon pages of this proposed legislation you start to wonder if you will be able to grow food in your own backyard. In typical Washington D.C. fashion, the wording is complex and confusing and leaves room for a lot of interpretation. For example, this new agency would establish extensive and uniform inspections and growing and production requirements for all “food production facilities,” meaning any farm, ranch, vineyard or confined animal-feeding operation.
RIck Coates 3/30/09
Over the past week I have received several calls and e-mails from concerned organic farmers and others about a new bill in front of Congress (House Resolution 875 and Senate Bill 425) known as the Food Safety Modernization Bill of 2009. The fear is that the legislation could possibly eliminate organic farming, farm markets and small farm operations such as small orchards and vineyards in this country.
With all of the recent food poisonings and recalls on mass-produced items that have contained e-coli and other harmful bacteria, it was only a matter of time before Washington D.C. was going to step in and do something. But is this bill really the answer?
First, here is a brief definition of the proposed bill from its sponsors: “To establish the Food Safety Administration within the Department of Health and Human Services to protect the public health by preventing food-borne illness, ensuring the safety of food, improving research on contaminants leading to food-borne illness, and improving security of food from intentional contamination, and for other purposes.”
On the surface this sounds good, but if you dig deep into the pages upon pages of this proposed legislation you start to wonder if you will be able to grow food in your own backyard. In typical Washington D.C. fashion, the wording is complex and confusing and leaves room for a lot of interpretation. For example, this new agency would establish extensive and uniform inspections and growing and production requirements for all “food production facilities,” meaning any farm, ranch, vineyard or confined animal-feeding operation.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tastemakers: Pontresina Surf-N-Turf
Dining
Pontresina Surf-N-Turf
Rick Coates 3/23/09
While restaurants continue to take a contemporary, creative approach to their menus it is nice to go old school from time to time when dining out. A recent visit to the Pontresina in Gaylord (located at the Otsego Club) provided that opportunity. Surf –n-Turf became popular in the ‘60s at east coast steakhouses. While Surf-n-Turf originated with steak and a lobster served on the same plate, today it is considered any beef and seafood combination.
Pontresina, named after Gaylord’s sister city in Switzerland, has built a reputation as being one of Northern Michigan’s best fine dining destinations. They blend the scenic beauty of overlooking the Sturgeon River Valley with inventive menu items. Lobster tails are all about timing; too long, to tough; not enough time, too slimy. So it was a welcome relief to have a perfectly prepared lobster tail paired with a nice filet of beef tenderloin. When ordering beef from Pontresina, certainly one may choose to have it prepared traditionally but I suggest having it Hong Kong style.
Pontresina has it all, ambiance, exceptional service, a first class table top presentation and that all important basket of fresh rolls served with fresh whipped herb butter and roasted garlic. They also serve their homemade Maytag slaw made fresh daily.
Rick Coates 3/23/09
While restaurants continue to take a contemporary, creative approach to their menus it is nice to go old school from time to time when dining out. A recent visit to the Pontresina in Gaylord (located at the Otsego Club) provided that opportunity. Surf –n-Turf became popular in the ‘60s at east coast steakhouses. While Surf-n-Turf originated with steak and a lobster served on the same plate, today it is considered any beef and seafood combination.
Pontresina, named after Gaylord’s sister city in Switzerland, has built a reputation as being one of Northern Michigan’s best fine dining destinations. They blend the scenic beauty of overlooking the Sturgeon River Valley with inventive menu items. Lobster tails are all about timing; too long, to tough; not enough time, too slimy. So it was a welcome relief to have a perfectly prepared lobster tail paired with a nice filet of beef tenderloin. When ordering beef from Pontresina, certainly one may choose to have it prepared traditionally but I suggest having it Hong Kong style.
Pontresina has it all, ambiance, exceptional service, a first class table top presentation and that all important basket of fresh rolls served with fresh whipped herb butter and roasted garlic. They also serve their homemade Maytag slaw made fresh daily.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Foo0d fight/Epicurean Classic
Dining
Last fall after five years in Traverse City, the Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College announced it would no longer host the annual Epicurean Classic. That sent shock waves around the Northern Michigan foodie community.
Community leaders from the mayor to tourism industry officials went to work to find a new location for the popular fall festival. They were unsuccessful and Epicurean organizers announced a month ago they were moving the event to St. Joseph (a shoreline community close to Chicago).
There has been a lot of speculation and a lot of “they said, we said -- they didn’t, we didn’t” going on as to how this could have happened. But after careful examination it appears that this was a good decision for both the Epicurean organizers and for those who oversee the Great Lakes Culinary Institute.
The real loser here is Northern Michigan. The Epicurean Classic brought a major spotlight on the region bringing top notch chefs, drink experts, the media and a lot of foodies from all over the country to the area. It shined a bright light on the local restaurant scene as well as the wineries and farms of the region.
Community leaders from the mayor to tourism industry officials went to work to find a new location for the popular fall festival. They were unsuccessful and Epicurean organizers announced a month ago they were moving the event to St. Joseph (a shoreline community close to Chicago).
There has been a lot of speculation and a lot of “they said, we said -- they didn’t, we didn’t” going on as to how this could have happened. But after careful examination it appears that this was a good decision for both the Epicurean organizers and for those who oversee the Great Lakes Culinary Institute.
The real loser here is Northern Michigan. The Epicurean Classic brought a major spotlight on the region bringing top notch chefs, drink experts, the media and a lot of foodies from all over the country to the area. It shined a bright light on the local restaurant scene as well as the wineries and farms of the region.
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