Taste Makers

Little Traverse Inn Gastro Pub

Oct. 7, 2012

Fish and Chips

Finding authentic "fish and chips" is not always an easy task as there are lots of "posers" out there. The Little Traverse Inn Gastro Pub located on the Leelanau Peninsula between Glen Lake and Leland (at the former North location) offers a signature fish and chips dish prepared in the English tradition.

As described on their menu, the "Fish and Chips features flakey cuts of the finest fish, gift wrapped in a Yorkshire Beer Batter and served with our signature double boiled, fresh cut, Inn Fries."

The homemade tarter sauce was a nice touch and this generous portion was quite tasty. While beer (they offer a diverse beer menu) is the obvious pairing for this dish, I decided to step out and pair with a glass of Scotch from their impressive Singe Malt menu. The meal was capped of perfectly with their Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert. Other menu considerations include the Shepard’s Pie and Irish Lamb Stew. Both are as authentic as they come.

The "gastro pub" concept is a blending of an English Isles public house (that is essentially the local hangout) with bar fare that has some flair to it. Prices here are very reasonable and fall somewhere between a shot-and-a-beer joint and fine dining.

The Little Traverse Inn Gastro Pub is a quaint place that is somewhat off the beaten path but certainly worth seeking out. They have overnight rooms available, so consider making a weekend out of it and split time between Glen Lake and Leland during the day. For a look at their menu and overnight accommodation options go to littletraverseinn.com. ---Rick Coates