Traverse City’s Calypso Grill

Urban ambiance, festive flavors

By Ross Boissoneau | Feb. 5, 2018

There’s really no better time to go to the Mediterranean than midwinter — especially since it’s so close. Calypso Mediterranean Grill on Traverse City’s Miracle Mile offers a taste of the region surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, though sorry to say, not the same type of weather.

But the food is more than enough to make up for that. Chef Serkan Erginkara (pictured above, with general manager Shana Sicotte) and his staff work with a menu that features fish, fowl, pork, beef and a host of veggies, all done up with zesty flavors and unique presentations. Owner Todd Gokey brought Erginkara to Calypso from Copper Falls Rok & Grille, which reverted back to him after the death of Chef Tony Gojcaj, who was purchasing that restaurant from Gokey.

Gokey said Erginkara was the perfect choice to fill out the menu he had in mind. “I was interested in doing something different. I didn’t want to open just another restaurant. I had the Mediterranean theme, and with his input we developed it (the menu) together,” Gokey said. 

Gokey was looking to create a vibe that would bring in people who wanted to go out for an evening and not feel rushed. He also didn’t want them to be bombarded with noise or distracted by TV screens. Instead, he created a fine dining experience that’s never snooty. “We did a lot with the windows and insulation. You can’t even hear the traffic,” he said. “We don’t have any TVs anywhere. That’s not what we’re about,” he added. 

For Gokey, it is about is when “going out to dinner” was an occasion. “That was the extertainment,” Gokey said. Moreover, he wants to make sure people don’t feel rushed to leave like some places where the staff is anxious to turn the tables. “We wanted to create a comfortable atmosphere,” he said.

That atmosphere includes dark colors throughout, but also plenty of windows to bring in natural light. Metal sculptures and paintings of Mediterranean scenes also add to the ambience. “It’s warm and tranquil,” said Shana Sicotte, the general manager, a post she also held for Gokey at Copper Falls.

Sicotte said the most popular dishes at the restaurant include various Mediterranean specialties. “The best is the Mediterranean Shrimp,” she said, citing its mélange of flavors, with fresh tomatoes, garlic, cremini mushrooms and parsley and topped with feta cheese. “The Lamb Lollipops are also very popular.”

Those may be the most requested, but it’s hard to go wrong. There are options for vegetarians, like Green Tomatillo Alfredo, Mediterranean Pasta, or Tava, sautéed tomatoes, mushroom, spinach, red pepper and herbs topped with melted mozzarella cheese. 

From the grill, patrons can decide from among baby back ribs, prime rib, or ribeye. Other options include beef or free-range chicken köfte wrap, salmon and trout, or kabobs with your choice of beef, chicken or pork. There are appetizers aplenty, from calamari to tabbouleh, hummus and cacik, a blend of Greek yogurt with fresh cucumber, garlic and mint, all served with warm naan bread. Currently there are three desserts on the menu: Carrot cake, honey pistachio cake and vanilla crème brûlée.

Whatever the choice, it’s practically guaranteed it will be bursting with flavor. Calypso’s prices reflect its approach, with entrees mostly in the $20+ range. Wraps, salads and sides range from $4 to the mid-teens. The restaurant also offers specialty cocktails, wine from across the globe as well as nearby, and six taps of beer, including both local craft brews and nationally known brands. 

Gokey said he’s happy to provide something different on the east side of town. “We get people from north, from Elk Rapids – they tell us they’re happy there’s something like this on the east end,” said Gokey. The restaurant seats a total of 97 people, including the bar. Gokey said that’s a great size. “It’s fun to run.”

Calypso Mediterranean Grill is open Mondays through Saturdays from 11 to 9, closed Sundays. Come summer those hours will expand. It’s located at 1500 US-31. Call 943-2740 or go online to CalypsoGrillTC.com.