Anna Faller | Author

Stella’s Hot Buttered Rum

Dec. 3, 2021

Few things fend off November’s chill quite like a swig of something spiked. For the ultimate internal thaw, cozy up to a cupful of hot buttered rum. With recipes preceding the American revolution, this traditional cocktail is a bar-backed staple, but we suspect none do it more authent… Read More >>

Cellar 152’s Brauhaus Pretzel & Beer Cheese

Dec. 3, 2021

There’s something about the dark skies and early nightfall that makes evenings inside sound especially inviting in December. Of course, no proper hidey-hole would be complete without a healthy stash of snacks, and maybe a few libations to boot. That’s where Cellar 152 Pub and Pr… Read More >>

Palette Bistro’s Acorn Squash

Nov. 20, 2021

Known for its casual-upscale vibe and built on a foundation of Mediterranean flavor, Palette Bistro’s ever-evolving menu of small plates, brick-oven offerings, and locally sourced ingredients has made the place an Up North foodie find since the region’s WineGuys Restaurant Group… Read More >>

What Strange Paradise

Nov. 13, 2021

When asked where he’s from, author and journalist Omar El Akkad doesn’t have a clear-cut answer. Born in Egypt, El Akkad grew up in Qatar before moving to Canada at age 16.

Though he is now a United States citizen, he describes himself as “anchorless.”
… Read More >>

Dancer. Builder. Architect. Poet.

Nov. 13, 2021

For Jennifer Sperry Steinorth (pictured below), art is as much instinct as skill. “Emily Dickinson talks about how she knows a poem when the ‘top of her head comes off,’” says Steinorth, “and I also feel art’s physical effects in my body.”
Read More >>

Fire-Roasted Sweet Corn Cream Ale

Nov. 13, 2021

At Brewery Terra Firma, down-to-earth drinks are the name of the game. The brainchild of master brewer John Niedermaier, Terra Firma has been pumping out unprocessed pints since its tasting room door opened on a farm just south of downtown Traverse City in 2013. And, as the state’s fi… Read More >>

Raven Social’s Penne Rosa

Nov. 6, 2021

For the ultimate in upscale comfort food, look no further than Raven Social in downtown Cadillac. Opened in September 2016 by restaurant-power couple Chuck and Connie Freiberg, Raven Social combines a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy with classic European prep. The result is Euro-… Read More >>

RBB’s Chubby Squirrel

Nov. 6, 2021

It’s officially hibernation season, and no Northerner’s hidey-hole can be considered adequately prepped for the coming winter without a good stock of games, snacks, and of course, beer. That’s where Right Brain Brewery comes in. Founded in 2007 by then-stylist and still-be… Read More >>

Let’s Talk About Race, Kids

Oct. 30, 2021

Award-winning author Jason Reynolds never intended to write for young adults. Instead, the category came to him.

“Most people enter into the industry in their late 20s or early 30s — sometimes even in their 40s or 50s,” he says. But Reynolds was a bit o… Read More >>

Pumpkin Spice Witch’s Brew

Oct. 23, 2021

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Or rather, the much greater Pumpkin Spice Witch’s Brew. The stuff of northern Michigan legend, Leelanau Cellars’ Witches Brews have been around for more than two decades (Leelanau Cellars itself is a bit of a vinology veteran; it was … Read More >>

Bob Phillips Brings It to TC

Oct. 16, 2021

When you’re one in a crew of eight Catholic kids, it’s imperative that you find your spot.

For seasoned stand-up comic and self-proclaimed funny-man Bob Phillips, that spot was the center of evening entertainment. “I was the kid who watched Johnny Carson every nigh… Read More >>

Kangaroo Court

Oct. 2, 2021

As “America’s funniest science writer,” acclaimed author and journalist Mary Roach’s whopping six best-selling books – all of which are science-centered – seem no less than par for the course.

Released last month, Roach’s 11th book, “F… Read More >>

Pour’s Sweet Potato Salad

Oct. 2, 2021

Prep your palettes, cold-weather comrades! Autumn is officially on the menu at Petoskey’s Pour Kitchen & Bar, and we can’t wait to take a taste. Launched in August 2016 and helmed by general manager and sommelier Todd Chinnock, in partnership with executive chef Colin Campbe… Read More >>

Roast & Toast’s Apple Chai-der

Sept. 18, 2021

With the change of season already upon us, crisp nights and cozy sweaters abound, and few things say fall quite like local cider — that is, until it’s spiked with chai. Enter: Roast & Toast Coffee in downtown Petoskey. Owned by coffee connoisseurs Bob and Mary Keedy, Roast &… Read More >>

Simply the Best (Things)

Sept. 11, 2021

How do you know you’ve made it in the vintage market? When you can sell pencils — albeit, nice ones — for nearly $100 dollars apiece, you know you’ve done something right. Enter self-proclaimed “vintage slinger,” and local style legend, Kelly Nogoski.

Two K Farms Apple Pie Cider

Sept. 11, 2021

At Two K Farms Cidery and Winery, apples are the name of the game. Nestled snugly along northbound M-22, this Suttons Bay sippery is changing the face of estate-grown fruit — and from #farmtoglass, it shows. The cider house is owned by “K and K” brothers, George and Max Ko… Read More >>

Rock's Landing

Sept. 4, 2021

Nestled snugly along Crystal Lake’s picturesque shoreline, Rock’s Landing in Frankfort continues to serve that summertime state of mind until October, and you should not miss the experience. A nod to the infamous Jim Rockwell “Rock” Rogers Sr., who constructed the sp… Read More >>

Pam Houston is our Weakness

Sept. 4, 2021

The wait is finally over. Following an original event date of April 2020 — you can guess why it was canceled — the National Writers Series welcomes author Pam Huston to the stage 7pm Thursday, Sept. 9 to discuss her memoir and 2020 Colorado Book Award winner, “Deep Creek: … Read More >>

Bahia’s Potatoes Bravas

Aug. 28, 2021

At Bahia (pronounced ba-Hee-yah), the new Spanish-fusion spot on near the north end of Traverse City’s Union Street, bringing guests together is the name of the game. The brainchild of owner Tim Keil and two-decade kitchen veteran Brian Welburn, Bahia was born in mid-July when a love … Read More >>

Barrel Back’s Chicken Wings

Aug. 21, 2021

Named for the signature “barrel back” boats that once dotted the coasts of Charlevoix County, Barrel Back Restaurant in Walloon Lake tops any proper “Up North” to-do list. Since this hidden gem of an upscale eatery first opened its doors in June 2013, its scratch-mad… Read More >>