Food
Samaha’s Baklava
Tastemaker
Nov. 1, 2025
It’s November, which means it’s time for all things comfy and cozy—and that includes food. We got the tip from Hilbert’s Honey in Traverse City that Samaha’s baklava was back in their “Honey House” on 5 Mile Rd on Mondays. Made with flaky, golden phyllo dough, drenched in Hilbert’s Michigan-made honey, and packed with walnuts, cinnamon, cardamom, and lemon zest, these sweet bites are not to be missed. A 4-by-4-inch packaged box … Read More >>
Nocturnal Bloom Brewing’s Carya Old Fashioned
Bottoms Up
By Anna Faller | Nov. 1, 2025
As fall descends, we’ll be sipping the Carya Old Fashioned from Nocturnal Bloom Brewing in Traverse City. Named for a Greek mythological figure who turned into a walnut tree, this riff on the classic cocktail takes the warm and spicy profile of the brewery’s Corvis Brown beer (think: caramelly malts and fenugreek) in syrup form and layers house-made cherry-walnut bitters and a curated bourbon selection from Grand Traverse Distillery, which features a … Read More >>
Fiddleheads’ Raclette Omelette
Tastemaker
By Anna Faller | Oct. 25, 2025
While you might head to Fiddleheads, an eclectic eatery in Lake Leelanau, for the vibes and on-site vinyl, it’s the savory Raclette Omelette that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Featuring the rich and buttery flavors of Leelanau Cheese raclette—a northern Michigan herdsman-style cheese made with local milk—this scratch-made omelette also incorporates cage-free Michigan eggs, roasted red peppers, spinach, and natural ham. Topped with even more shredded raclette and a … Read More >>
River Club’s Watermelon Mint Mojito Margarita
Bottoms Up
Oct. 25, 2025
The clock is ticking! River Club Glen Arbor will close up shop for the season soon, but there’s still time to get in a round of putt-putt with a Watermelon Mint Mojito Margarita ($12) in hand. The drink’s name says it all, bringing to mind the last hurrah of summer and sunshine with a refreshing, minty finish. Take one around the 18-hole, Michigan-themed course or enjoy while watching the Michigan/MSU game (Oct. … Read More >>
The Fall 2025 Restaurant Guide
Seven spots to savor great food (and maybe some fall color)
By Northern Express Staff & Contributors | Oct. 18, 2025
The leaves are falling, and menus are switching over from summer fare to comfort food. For this year’s Fall Restaurant Guide, our staff pulled together seven of our favorite dining experiences from the last three months, but be forewarned: Some of these eateries have already said their summer farewell or will be closing up for the season soon! There’s no time like the beautiful, red-and-gold-and-orange present to treat yourself to a fabulous … Read More >>
Fall Foodie Calendar
15 drinking & dining events this fall
By Kierstin Gunsberg | Oct. 18, 2025
Whether you’re looking to sample gourmet bites along one of NoMi’s wine trails or just want to feast on some good ol’ BBQ while taking in fall’s fleeting colors, these October and November foodie happenings promise plenty of opportunity to gather, graze, and go back for seconds. 1. October 21: Autumn Tuesday Supper at Glen Arbor B&B Make new friends at Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast, which winds down its communal-style autumn … Read More >>
Wander In, Out, and Off
Find Donut Boats and Million Dollar Bacon in Manistee
By Abby McKiernan | Oct. 18, 2025
There’s something magnetic about the marina in Manistee—the hum of boats, the shimmer of the channel, the promise of good times on the water. Now, there’s also the aroma of sizzling bacon, hearty pastas, and bourbon-glazed salmon drifting across the docks. Welcome to Wander In, the newest waterfront restaurant (and so much more) to make waves in town. Opened in late August 2025, Wander In is the creation of siblings Bridgett and … Read More >>
A Simple Fall Harvest: Two Cozy Recipes
Inside the Ingredients
By Nora Rae Pearl | Oct. 18, 2025
Sometimes the best things in life don’t require any seeking—they are already in front of you, ready to be found. This is the case for squash and potatoes, which are plentiful at every roadside stand this season. For pumpkins, butternuts, acorns, and other squash, drive out to Matt Harris Farm in Honor or The Ugly Tomato in Cedar. For local potatoes, head to Oryana in Traverse City and pick up a bag … Read More >>
Poppycocks' Coconut Curry
Tastemaker
Oct. 18, 2025
Picture this: You’ve snagged the coveted window table at Poppycocks in downtown Traverse City. You think things can’t possibly get better, but then the Coconut Curry ($24) arrives. To your right, a stack of grilled naan. Everywhere else, a savory combination of coconut red curry, basmati rice, chickpeas, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini. And let’s not forget the toppings: the dish is finished with fresh cilantro and a zingy citrus crema. There’s just … Read More >>
45 North’s Apple Pie Wine Slushy
Bottoms Up
By Anna Faller | Oct. 18, 2025
It’s high time for pie time, and this season, we’ll be enjoying ours in liquid form at 45 North Vineyard and Winery, where the buzzworthy Apple Pie Wine Slushy (and its partnered pumpkin version) are back on the menu! A seasonal twist on the summer frozé, these fall-ified bevvies start with a base of the winery’s estate-grown Pinot Gris, featuring crisp notes of apple and tropical fruit with honey-drenched florals and bright … Read More >>
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