Food
Douglas Lake Bar: A Destination Restaurant
This summertime hot spot has been greeting visitors since 1917 and feeding them well since 1988
By Todd VanSickle | Aug. 9, 2025
You won’t see any billboards or flashy advertisements for the Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse as you make your way to this hidden summer gem 20 minutes south of the Mackinaw Bridge and just six miles west of I-75. “It is really a destination restaurant,” says front of house manager and head server Sue Kohs, who has worked at the DLB for 28 seasons. “I’ve seen so many families grow up. They … Read More >>
Roll Model's Summer Rolls
Tastemaker
Aug. 9, 2025
If you haven’t explored Frankfort’s food truck scene—particularly the fleet called Menus on Main—it’s time to stroll down Main Street and grab a bite. Be sure to stop at Roll Model, which slings up “heart centered, artful cuisine,” aka health-food packed bowls and summer rolls. (Thus the name!) Build your own from a list of vegan and gluten-free ingredients: fresh veggies like kale, cabbage, carrot, and cucumber; proteins like baked tofu, chickpeas, … Read More >>
Little Juice's Jaws Smoothie
Bottoms Up
By Anna Faller | Aug. 9, 2025
We love a beachside snack selection—bonus points if it’ll tide you over til dinner! Little Juice in Harbor Springs has the goods, from freshly-pressed juices to masa chips and acai bowls stacked with tasty toppings. But after a sunny afternoon on the bay, nothing beats the island-inspired bliss of the signature Jaws smoothie ($15). Blended with blue spirulina—that’s an algae with a host of health benefits and the culprit behind that ocean-blue … Read More >>
Recipe for Success at Wildflour Bakery
This chef duo is working with all the right ingredients
By Geri Dietze | Aug. 2, 2025
In just one year, owners Tom and Heather Goodman have earned the 2024-2025 Trailblazer Award for business leadership from the Cadillac Area Visitor’s Bureau, plus a place on MyNorth.com’s 2025 Red Hot Best Bakery for their region. Their business, Wildflour Bakery, is billed as a “modern, fusion style cafe” with great teas—from the traditional cuppa (served with cute hourglass timers for the perfect steep) to authentic boba milk teas and bubble teas—and … Read More >>
Where Crystal Lake Meets the Mediterranean Sea
Dine on (almost in) the water at Rock’s Landing
By Ross Boissoneau | Aug. 2, 2025
The strings of cars on either side of M-22 at Chimney Corners might be your first clue that something special awaits you inside Rock’s Landing. The warmth of the greeting upon entering is confirmation. Then there’s the view—the sparkling waters of Crystal Lake are visible from practically everywhere, and you may end up literally two feet from shore. Best of all, the food is every bit as remarkable, and makes clear why … Read More >>
Summer Lovin' with Blueberries & Zucchini
Inside the Ingredients
By Nora Rae Pearl | Aug. 2, 2025
Is there ever a time when there’s too much of a good thing? When it comes to peak summer ingredients, our answer is no. Let’s turn to the two simple ingredients we all know and love, blueberries and zucchini. For a perfect summer day adventure, go pick blueberries at Bulldog Berries in Traverse City. For the gift of zucchini that keeps on giving all summer long, check out Providence Organic Farm or … Read More >>
Vander Farm's Sourdough Scones
Tastemaker
By Anna Faller | Aug. 2, 2025
Tucked among the endless acres of field and farmland in Leelanau County, Vander Farm might just be one of Traverse City’s best-kept secrets—but we’re not about to gatekeep the goods! This self-service farmstand and micro-bakery is a haven for all things sourdough, but it’s the scratch-made sourdough scones that’ll have you heading back for seconds (and thirds)! Featuring top-notch local ingredients, like Bulldog Berries and the farm’s own eggs, these flaky, tender … Read More >>
St. Ambrose's Shotgun Wedding
Bottoms Up
Aug. 2, 2025
Is there anything that screams summer more than the pairing of strawberry and rhubarb? Maybe if you add a little honey and a little apple… and then it’s time for a Shotgun Wedding. This St. Ambrose cyser—a form of mead made with the aforementioned apples and honey—is a little sweet, a little tart, and bound to have you walking down the aisle for a second pint. (P.S. This holy matrimony star took … Read More >>
Hilbert's Hot Honey
Tastemaker
July 26, 2025
Hot honey appears to be having some kind of renaissance these days, popping up on fried chicken, pizza, and even salads. Hilbert’s Honey Co. in Traverse City is in on the action with a Michigan-made version made for drizzling ($20). They start with a special honey blend before adding crushed red chiles to give this sweet treat some kick. Per the label, the spice level is only “medium heat,” so it should … Read More >>
Hill Top’s Mojito Mojo
Bottoms Up
By Anna Faller | July 26, 2025
Midday slump sufferers, rejoice! We’ve found the sweet spot between a cup of coffee and an energy drink (but with none of the artificial stuff): the vibrantly green Mojito Mojo at Hill Top Coffee & Ice Cream in Benzonia. Inspired by the classic cocktail’s mint and lime, with a fruity twist, this natural caffeine boost blends White Lotus concentrate—that’s a plant-derived energy supplement powered by ingredients like green tea and adaptogens—with sour … Read More >>
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