Amical Celebrates 10th Anniversary

March 16, 2005

A 10-year anniversary for any business is considered a landmark to achieve. Amical, a French-inspired bistro in downtown Traverse City, is especially proud of their celebration, considering they are in an industry where only approximately 40% percent of new restaurants make it to their 10th year.
Amical originated as a bakery-cafe serving cafeteria-style lunches and dinners to business professionals and downtown patrons. As time went on, it was clear that the guests were interested in something more. Dinner with table service, wine and a bistro-style menu replaced the evening cafeteria operation in early 1996. The lunch menu changed to complete table service in the spring of 2000. A small boutique bar was constructed in 1999. Other updates have been added each year.
“Everything we do here, from our cuisine, to our staff, all the special menu programs and our marketing initiatives has been a direct response to our patrons and what they have grown to expect from us,” says owner Dave Denison.
With a menu featuring cuisine inspired from the French and Italian countryside, Amical prides itself on offering a changing selection of creative dishes. Amical has also featured the “Cookbook Series” for the past eight years. The Cookbook Series is a monthly (November-May), weeklong menu devoted to recipes from the cookbooks of many chefs known all over the world.
In the years ahead, diners are likely to see improvements including a revamped web site, complete with downloadable recipes, and event updates along with new menu designs.
Amical is located at 229 E. Front Street. For info, visit www.amical.com or call 231.941.8888. Reservations accepted.


Trailhead Brewhouse bides its time

Been wondering when the new Trailhead Brewhouse is going to open at the Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City? Hopefully by the end of this year, reports brewmaster Bruce Grossman.
Several years ago, Grossman set his sights on an old caretaker’s house on the grounds of the former Northern Michigan Asylum. The two-story home is at the beginning of a network of trails leading into the hills to the west of Traverse City which are used by numerous hikers, skiiers, snowshoers and mountain bikers.
Although his plans have been held up by financing and other concerns, Grossman hopes to begin renovations on the 3,000-square-foot building in the months ahead.
“It will be run like a pub, but it’s really going to be a microbrewery with a full bar,” he says, adding that all beverages, including beers, wines and brandies will be produced locally.
A former brewmaster at North Peak with seven years’ professional experience, Grossman plans to brew his own selection of ales and beers on site, and hopes to have wines and other beverages produced by local wineries such as Black Star Farms. He also hopes to open up much of the ground floor of the building, depending on the constraints of historical renovation codes.
“It will take at least three months of renovation,” he says. “It’s still possible the Trailhead Brewhouse will open by the end of the summer.”