Taste Makers
Little Traverse Inn Gastro Pub
Ghost Supper
Chez Peres
Tasteful
Little Traverse Inn: Gastro Pub
Brewing History
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, December 6, 2010
Tastemakers: Cafe Sante Steak Diane (Holiday Menu)/ Basil Hayden 12/6/2010
Dining
Cafe Sante Steak Diane (Holiday Menu)
If you were looking for signs of economic resurgence, look to downtown Boyne City and in particular the new One Water Street building that is home to Cafe Sante. Part of the successful portfolio of restaurants owned and operated by Magnum Hospitality (Red Mesa, Pearls), Cafe Sante opened late last spring (opening a new place during the Great Recession -- what were they thinking?) and has been the talk of the Northern Michigan culinary scene since. I stopped recently on Wednesday night during the middle of deer season at 8 pm and it was a 30 minute wait, but after the dining experience my 13-year-old son and I enjoyed, it was worth the wait.
Cafe Sante features classic European fare with an impressive 16 beers on tap (unique English, Belgium and local micros) along with a something for everyone bottle selection. Add in the top shelf spirits (see Bottoms Up) and a wine list crafted by sommelier Ed Brehm, along with the ambiance and service and Cafe Sante definitely falls into the destination dining category (sorry, Boyne City, this place is too good for you to have it all to yourself).
If you were looking for signs of economic resurgence, look to downtown Boyne City and in particular the new One Water Street building that is home to Cafe Sante. Part of the successful portfolio of restaurants owned and operated by Magnum Hospitality (Red Mesa, Pearls), Cafe Sante opened late last spring (opening a new place during the Great Recession -- what were they thinking?) and has been the talk of the Northern Michigan culinary scene since. I stopped recently on Wednesday night during the middle of deer season at 8 pm and it was a 30 minute wait, but after the dining experience my 13-year-old son and I enjoyed, it was worth the wait.
Cafe Sante features classic European fare with an impressive 16 beers on tap (unique English, Belgium and local micros) along with a something for everyone bottle selection. Add in the top shelf spirits (see Bottoms Up) and a wine list crafted by sommelier Ed Brehm, along with the ambiance and service and Cafe Sante definitely falls into the destination dining category (sorry, Boyne City, this place is too good for you to have it all to yourself).
Monday, December 6, 2010
Union Cantina
Dining
Union Cantina offers South of the Border style
By Al Parker
You might say restaurant entrepreneur Matt Davies has come full circle.
“I started early on (in the restaurant business) at Taco Ed’s in
Findley, Ohio,” says Davies, an Ohio native whose family summered in
Northern Michigan when he was a boy. “I was just a kid.”
By Al Parker
You might say restaurant entrepreneur Matt Davies has come full circle.
“I started early on (in the restaurant business) at Taco Ed’s in
Findley, Ohio,” says Davies, an Ohio native whose family summered in
Northern Michigan when he was a boy. “I was just a kid.”
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tastemakers: Hermann‘s Austrai Christmas Buffett/Samichlaus Bier
Dining
Thanksgiving Reflection
According to historical accounts, the first “Thanksgiving Dinner” (as we know it today) in America was 389 years ago when the pilgrims celebrated a feast with Native Americans following their first fall harvest near Plymouth, Massachusetts. But this feast was never repeated and actually, most pilgrims during that era observed a day of thanksgiving by fasting instead of feasting.
There were earlier celebrations going back to 1541 when Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, led a “thanksgiving” celebration in what would become Texas. In 1789 President George Washington declared November 26, 1789 as a national day of “thanksgiving and prayer.” But the tradition ceased in 1818 and was restored again in 1863 by President Lincoln and has been observed annually ever since. In 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt established the fourth Thursday of November as the official Thanksgiving Day.
According to historical accounts, the first “Thanksgiving Dinner” (as we know it today) in America was 389 years ago when the pilgrims celebrated a feast with Native Americans following their first fall harvest near Plymouth, Massachusetts. But this feast was never repeated and actually, most pilgrims during that era observed a day of thanksgiving by fasting instead of feasting.
There were earlier celebrations going back to 1541 when Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, led a “thanksgiving” celebration in what would become Texas. In 1789 President George Washington declared November 26, 1789 as a national day of “thanksgiving and prayer.” But the tradition ceased in 1818 and was restored again in 1863 by President Lincoln and has been observed annually ever since. In 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt established the fourth Thursday of November as the official Thanksgiving Day.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Tastemakers: Thanksgiving reflections
Dining
Thanksgiving Reflection
According to historical accounts, the first “Thanksgiving Dinner” (as we know it today) in America was 389 years ago when the pilgrims celebrated a feast with Native Americans following their first fall harvest near Plymouth, Massachusetts. But this feast was never repeated and actually, most pilgrims during that era observed a day of thanksgiving by fasting instead of feasting.
There were earlier celebrations going back to 1541 when Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, led a “thanksgiving” celebration in what would become Texas. In 1789 President George Washington declared November 26, 1789 as a national day of “thanksgiving and prayer.” But the tradition ceased in 1818 and was restored again in 1863 by President Lincoln and has been observed annually ever since. In 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt established the fourth Thursday of November as the official Thanksgiving Day.
According to historical accounts, the first “Thanksgiving Dinner” (as we know it today) in America was 389 years ago when the pilgrims celebrated a feast with Native Americans following their first fall harvest near Plymouth, Massachusetts. But this feast was never repeated and actually, most pilgrims during that era observed a day of thanksgiving by fasting instead of feasting.
There were earlier celebrations going back to 1541 when Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, led a “thanksgiving” celebration in what would become Texas. In 1789 President George Washington declared November 26, 1789 as a national day of “thanksgiving and prayer.” But the tradition ceased in 1818 and was restored again in 1863 by President Lincoln and has been observed annually ever since. In 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt established the fourth Thursday of November as the official Thanksgiving Day.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Tastemakers: Art‘s Tavern smelt basket/ Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Show
Dining
Art’s Tavern Smelt Basket
Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor (corner of Lake Street and M22) has been a longtime fixture on the Leelanau Peninsula. Opening prior to Prohibition as the Blue Goose Saloon, it became known as Art’s in 1934. In 1986 Tim Barr took over the management reins and in 2000 became the owner. Most people assume he is Art. In many ways Tim’s presence and personality are as important to Art’s as the ambiance, food and drink.
Art’s was among the first to get behind the Michigan craftbrew movement by adding Bell’s Beer in 1986 and has continued a long tradition of offering assorted Michigan craftbrews on tap and by the bottle. Art’s menu is rooted in traditional pub-fare. While they have several specialties, the tater tots are always a favorite.
Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor (corner of Lake Street and M22) has been a longtime fixture on the Leelanau Peninsula. Opening prior to Prohibition as the Blue Goose Saloon, it became known as Art’s in 1934. In 1986 Tim Barr took over the management reins and in 2000 became the owner. Most people assume he is Art. In many ways Tim’s presence and personality are as important to Art’s as the ambiance, food and drink.
Art’s was among the first to get behind the Michigan craftbrew movement by adding Bell’s Beer in 1986 and has continued a long tradition of offering assorted Michigan craftbrews on tap and by the bottle. Art’s menu is rooted in traditional pub-fare. While they have several specialties, the tater tots are always a favorite.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Yooper recipes
Dining
Yooper Recipes: A taste for porcupine, beaver & rotten pheasant
By Harley Sachs
We just went through our book shelves and gave a box of cook books to Goodwill that we had acquired but never used. Someone will no doubt snap them up.
One is my favorite is the 1978 edition of “Favorite Recipes” published by the local Copper Country chapter of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. It may be a national club, but the recipes are clearly Yooper. This is not your hamburger and steak cook book. This is not about Cajun spices or things kosher. You won’t fine New York style clam chowder in this book.
You won’t find chocolate covered ants or fried grasshoppers, either. No smoked oysters, No Mississippi crawdads. No Chicago style hot dogs. No Scottish haggis.
By Harley Sachs
We just went through our book shelves and gave a box of cook books to Goodwill that we had acquired but never used. Someone will no doubt snap them up.
One is my favorite is the 1978 edition of “Favorite Recipes” published by the local Copper Country chapter of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. It may be a national club, but the recipes are clearly Yooper. This is not your hamburger and steak cook book. This is not about Cajun spices or things kosher. You won’t fine New York style clam chowder in this book.
You won’t find chocolate covered ants or fried grasshoppers, either. No smoked oysters, No Mississippi crawdads. No Chicago style hot dogs. No Scottish haggis.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Alden Bar
Dining
In Alden: a facelift revitalizes the ‘AB’
By Al Parker
In many communities, the largest employer is a factory, hospital or
maybe a school.
That’s not the case in Alden, according to Walt Owens, who owns and
operates the newly-remodeled Alden Bar & Grille in the friendly little
village that hugs the east shore of Torch Lake.
By Al Parker
In many communities, the largest employer is a factory, hospital or
maybe a school.
That’s not the case in Alden, according to Walt Owens, who owns and
operates the newly-remodeled Alden Bar & Grille in the friendly little
village that hugs the east shore of Torch Lake.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Tastemakers: Traverse Bay Farms Fruit Salsa/ Toast the Season
Dining
Traverse Bay Farms Fruit Salsa
Traverse Bay Farms, based in Bellaire, is the latest Northern Michigan company to clean up at an awards competition. The makers of fruit and gourmet salsas took home seven awards at the 2011 Scovie Awards last month. It’s an annual competition that recognizes the top fiery foods products in the world.
Over 800 products were entered and go through rigorous tastings from over 100 food industry experts to receive the top honors. It is one of the most competitive blind-tasted food competitions in the world.
If “Scovie” sounds familiar it is because it comes from the Scoville scale which measures the spicy heat in peppers. The scale is named after its creator, American chemist Wilbur Scoville, who developed a test for rating the pungency of chili peppers. Traverse Bay Farms took First Place honors for their Pineapple Salsa, Corn Salsa and Red Raspberry BBQ Sauce; and Second Place for their Red Raspberry Salsa, Black Bean Salsa and Apple BBQ Sauce. There was also one Third Place award for their Peach Salsa.
Traverse Bay Farms, based in Bellaire, is the latest Northern Michigan company to clean up at an awards competition. The makers of fruit and gourmet salsas took home seven awards at the 2011 Scovie Awards last month. It’s an annual competition that recognizes the top fiery foods products in the world.
Over 800 products were entered and go through rigorous tastings from over 100 food industry experts to receive the top honors. It is one of the most competitive blind-tasted food competitions in the world.
If “Scovie” sounds familiar it is because it comes from the Scoville scale which measures the spicy heat in peppers. The scale is named after its creator, American chemist Wilbur Scoville, who developed a test for rating the pungency of chili peppers. Traverse Bay Farms took First Place honors for their Pineapple Salsa, Corn Salsa and Red Raspberry BBQ Sauce; and Second Place for their Red Raspberry Salsa, Black Bean Salsa and Apple BBQ Sauce. There was also one Third Place award for their Peach Salsa.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Tastemakers:Dylan‘s Candy Bar/Ole George Whiskey Grand Travers Distillery
Dining
Dylan’s Candy Bar
Dylan’s Candy Bar, the newest store in the Gallery of Shops at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Traverse City, opened this week. Created by CEO Dylan Lauren, the daughter of fashion icon Ralph Lauren and photographer and author Ricky Lauren.
The first Dylan’s Candy Bar opened in 2001 but the concept for the candy emporium began on Dylan Lauren’s fifth birthday. “I went to see a showing of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” said Lauren. “I was so awed by the candy land of Willy Wonka’s factory that it inspired me at that moment to open a candy store.
During college, Lauren traveled Europe studying art, fashion and sampling the best candies along the way. She took notes and Dylan’s Candy Bar combines her love of candy and passion for art, music and fashion to create gifts for “kids” of all ages.
Dylan’s Candy Bar, the newest store in the Gallery of Shops at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Traverse City, opened this week. Created by CEO Dylan Lauren, the daughter of fashion icon Ralph Lauren and photographer and author Ricky Lauren.
The first Dylan’s Candy Bar opened in 2001 but the concept for the candy emporium began on Dylan Lauren’s fifth birthday. “I went to see a showing of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” said Lauren. “I was so awed by the candy land of Willy Wonka’s factory that it inspired me at that moment to open a candy store.
During college, Lauren traveled Europe studying art, fashion and sampling the best candies along the way. She took notes and Dylan’s Candy Bar combines her love of candy and passion for art, music and fashion to create gifts for “kids” of all ages.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Murray‘s
Dining
Do-it-yourself is on the Menu at Murray’s
By Kristi Kates
Doing things themselves is one of the main ways that the owners of Murray’s Bar and Grill in East Jordan keep their restaurant unique.
“Murray’s uses only the freshest ingredients and many Michigan-made products,” Murray’s co-founder Emily Welsh says. “We slice all of our own meats and cheeses, cook our own ribs, and pull our own pork. We make our salsas, dips and sauces from scratch. And Murray’s buys fresh Angus beef, local fish and local fruits and vegetables when in season.”
Founded in 2003, the restaurant/bar was part of the fulfillment of an “Up North” goal, and a way for Murray’s other co-founder, Welsh’s husband Owen, to recover from a serious illness.
By Kristi Kates
Doing things themselves is one of the main ways that the owners of Murray’s Bar and Grill in East Jordan keep their restaurant unique.
“Murray’s uses only the freshest ingredients and many Michigan-made products,” Murray’s co-founder Emily Welsh says. “We slice all of our own meats and cheeses, cook our own ribs, and pull our own pork. We make our salsas, dips and sauces from scratch. And Murray’s buys fresh Angus beef, local fish and local fruits and vegetables when in season.”
Founded in 2003, the restaurant/bar was part of the fulfillment of an “Up North” goal, and a way for Murray’s other co-founder, Welsh’s husband Owen, to recover from a serious illness.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tastemakers: Food Rescue/Light of Day Organics Retail Store
Dining
Food Rescue
A couple of weeks ago Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan crossed the half million pound mark of fresh food being saved and put to good use. The Food Rescue goal is “to ensure that soon to expire wholesome food becomes nutritious meals to area community members instead of ending up in landfills.”
Launched a few years ago by Goodwill Industries, the program relies on volunteers who go out daily to local grocery stores, restaurants, caterers and bakeries throughout the region and collect soon to expire perishable food, primarily of meat, poultry, fresh produce and dairy.
“Our mobile food rescue program, and along with over 80 area business donors and 40+ food pantries and food distribution sites, are proud to have collected and distributed over 500,000 pounds of fresh nutritious food to the dinner tables of thousands of individuals and families who need it most,” said George Powell, Food Rescue committee co-chair. “Using the USDA estimate, that one pound of food is the equivalent to one adult meal, Food Rescue has been able to distribute over 500,000 well-balanced, healthful meals since October 2008.”
Food Rescue began with one truck and a handful of donors serving Grand Traverse County. Today, two refrigerated trucks are kept busy rescuing and distributing donated food in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim, Kalkaska and Benzie counties. The food is delivered free of charge the same day to food pantries, shelters, community meals and other distribution programs to immediately head to the dinner table of families and individuals in need.
To find out more about Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan or to make a contribution visit www.FoodRescueNW.org or call 231.995.7723. --Rick Coates
A couple of weeks ago Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan crossed the half million pound mark of fresh food being saved and put to good use. The Food Rescue goal is “to ensure that soon to expire wholesome food becomes nutritious meals to area community members instead of ending up in landfills.”
Launched a few years ago by Goodwill Industries, the program relies on volunteers who go out daily to local grocery stores, restaurants, caterers and bakeries throughout the region and collect soon to expire perishable food, primarily of meat, poultry, fresh produce and dairy.
“Our mobile food rescue program, and along with over 80 area business donors and 40+ food pantries and food distribution sites, are proud to have collected and distributed over 500,000 pounds of fresh nutritious food to the dinner tables of thousands of individuals and families who need it most,” said George Powell, Food Rescue committee co-chair. “Using the USDA estimate, that one pound of food is the equivalent to one adult meal, Food Rescue has been able to distribute over 500,000 well-balanced, healthful meals since October 2008.”
Food Rescue began with one truck and a handful of donors serving Grand Traverse County. Today, two refrigerated trucks are kept busy rescuing and distributing donated food in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim, Kalkaska and Benzie counties. The food is delivered free of charge the same day to food pantries, shelters, community meals and other distribution programs to immediately head to the dinner table of families and individuals in need.
To find out more about Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan or to make a contribution visit www.FoodRescueNW.org or call 231.995.7723. --Rick Coates
Monday, October 18, 2010
Tuscan Bistro
Dining
Bistro Offers a Taste of Tuscany
By Al Parker
Some chefs spend years in culinary schools learning their craft and
honing their skills before launching into a career in the kitchen.
But that isn’t Mickey Cannon’s style.
By Al Parker
Some chefs spend years in culinary schools learning their craft and
honing their skills before launching into a career in the kitchen.
But that isn’t Mickey Cannon’s style.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Willie‘s Rear
Dining
The View from Willie’s Rear
By Al Parker
Jim Rowland was a just a kid in junior high school down in Clawson
when he began dreaming about owning his own restaurant.
And in 1989, the first time he strolled into the unassuming little
diner on South Airport Road between Barlow and Garfield Roads, he had
a vision. “It was just how I imagined it,” says the outgoing Rowland.
“It was my dream restaurant.”
By Al Parker
Jim Rowland was a just a kid in junior high school down in Clawson
when he began dreaming about owning his own restaurant.
And in 1989, the first time he strolled into the unassuming little
diner on South Airport Road between Barlow and Garfield Roads, he had
a vision. “It was just how I imagined it,” says the outgoing Rowland.
“It was my dream restaurant.”
Monday, October 4, 2010
Tastemakers: SweeTango Apples/ Acoustic Draft Mead Apple Bzzz
Dining
SweeTango Apples
This weekend kicks off the annual
Charlevoix Apple Festival, and while apples do not get as much play as
cherries do, they are very important to our economy. In fact
Michigan’s largest and most valuable fruit crop is the apple with an
average annual economic contribution to the state of $700-$900
million.
This weekend kicks off the annual
Charlevoix Apple Festival, and while apples do not get as much play as
cherries do, they are very important to our economy. In fact
Michigan’s largest and most valuable fruit crop is the apple with an
average annual economic contribution to the state of $700-$900
million.
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