Tastemakers: U & I Lounge Greek Dinner/Left Foot Charley Wine Growler

U&I Lounge
Greek Dinner

Over the course of the past couple of years, more than 70 new eateries have opened in Northern Michigan. Our region has really become a “foodie destination,” which is great for the tourism industry. But it is also great for all of us who choose the Northern Michigan lifestyle year-round. It is exciting to see all of the cool things everyone is doing, especially with the focus on “local products.”
While there is the tendency to get excited about all that is new, it is also important not to forget about those things in our region that are tried and true. Places like the U&I lounge on Front Street in Traverse City that has been a popular hangout since 1935.
A driving factor behind the U&I’s popularity is their Greek Dinner. During the summer months it makes for a great to-go dinner to enjoy along the waterfront or on a picnic. Loaded with gyro meat, pita slices, Greek salad, olives, red onion, beets, Feta cheese, and the secret ingredient, tzatziki (a yogurt and cucumber sauce), the Greek Dinner is very filling and a real value. Equally as popular is the gyro sandwich. The U&I Lounge’s selection of brews on tap is diverse, but something about a Pabst Blue Ribbon and a gyro makes for a tasty pairing.
While the food is great, the success behind the U&I has been due to the smiling, friendly faces behind the bar, and those that wait the table. Sure, the faces have changed over the years, but the great service has not.



Left Foot Charley
“Wine Growler”

The craftbrew industry for years has been selling their beer via a growler. Growlers are jugs that are filled right from tap handle, giving patrons that ability to enjoy a fresh-tapped brew at home. In Europe, several wineries offer this same concept. Now, Bryan and Jennifer Ulbrich, owners of Left Foot Charley, are doing the same.
“We are offering local flavor without all the packaging dollars and waste wrapped into it,” said winemaker Bryan Ulbrich.
Visitors to Left Foot Charley, located at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons (next to Higher Grounds Coffee), may now purchase the 2008 Pinot Grigio straight from the tank -- the same wine that will be bottled in the spring. Left Foot Charley will pass the savings of not having to bottle or label the wine on to their customers as it will sell for $12 for a regular 750ml bottle or $14 for a liter. Regular price for a standard bottle will be $15 -- when it’s bottled and sealed in the traditional way later in the spring. Ulbrich has special bottles on order that have a ceramic locking lid and may be reused. Otherwise, you may bring your own bottles in. In addition to the Pinot Grigio, they have a hard cider on tap (see photo) made from Michigan apples.
The Ulbrichs plan to, when possible, pour their tasting samples the same way.
“It’s crazy to bottle wine just so that it can be carried 50 feet to be poured at our bar,” said Ulbrich.
Left Foot Charley was the first “urban winery” to open up in the Midwest and they have taken a different approach from most wineries in the region.
“We serve food at our Cafe Leftique,” said Ulbrich. “At most wineries, you go, you taste, and you leave. We are not on a wine trail. We want you to stay and enjoy our wines.” For additional information, tasting room hours, and information on their upcoming Indian cuisine wine dinner on March 13, go to leftfootcharley.com View On Our Website