wicked GOOD EATS The Tasting Room
The Tasting Room Last summer, we featured soon-to-be-opening restaurant The Tasting Room. The décor was elegant chic and featured a spectacular bar for cocktails, a wood-fired pizza oven imported from Italy, an indoor/outdoor space with a patio and fireplace overlooking the Boardman River; we had no doubt that this would be the newest hottest spot in Traverse City. We weren’t wrong, but as weeks turned into months for their long-awaited liquor license, they were unable to make their big splash onto the scene. Instead for almost a year they’ve got by on just their food menu paired with their delicious mocktails. Some locals mistakenly think it is a “tasting room” only for wine and liquor that doesn’t serve food—all this time missing out on mouthwatering plates of delectable deliciousness. While you were patiently waiting for tables at busy familiar places, The Tasting Room has been perfecting every recipe on their menu, anticipating your arrival. We guarantee your taste buds will not be disappointed. We dined here for a sampling recently and invited along die-hard local foodies. We ordered almost everything on the menu that Chef Steve Blalock created from scratch. Our impressive array of “shareables” included ahi tuna served with homemade warm wonton strips. The presentation alone is a feast for the eyes. Speaking of, we also dived into a giant, succulent tiger shrimp cocktail. “Best we have ever eaten,” were the takeaway 24
JULY/AUGUST 2022 | BAYLIFE MAGAZINE
comments. We also partook in nibbling prosciutto-wrapped dates filled with goat cheese, house-made blackened chicken egg rolls, and, not forgetting our veggies, tried a modern take on Brussels sprouts, roasted with butternut squash, bacon, walnuts and covered in a sweet whiskey glaze! How do you follow that? With their one-of-akind plethora of wood-fired oven pizzas: spicy Greek, pesto chicken, or lobster to name a few. You can order traditional pepperoni and cheese but when it’s called The Tasting Room, it begs for you to experience a food adventure. We all enjoyed an unforgettable food memory and cannot wait to return. And guess what? They also do carry out! 155 Garland St. TC., 231-525-0555 thetastingroomtc.com
