Dining

Kelsey B’s Lakeside Food & Spirits Dine on burgers, steaks and fish and soak up the Lake Charlevoix views.

LD • BAR $-$$ 230 FERRY AVE., CHARLEVOIX, 547-2960

Sadie and Jake’s Zingerman’s coffee cake, bagel sandwiches, pretzel-bread panini and salads in a fresh, glowing gallery setting. BLD • $ 327 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 547-2097

Scovie’s Gourmet Deli & Bake Shop Fresh salads, sandwiches, soups and baked goods star here. Dinner is bistro-style comfort food: pepper-crusted steak, barbecue pork chops, liver and onions. BLD • $-$$ 111 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 237-7827

Stafford’s Weathervane Local fish, seafood and regional cuisine in a Hobbit-style Earl Young stone structure with massive fireplace overlooking the Pine River Channel. LD • BAR

• $$ 106 PINE RIVER LN., CHARLEVOIX, 547-4311

Terry’s Place Chef Paul Bradley, a Culinary Institute of America grad, makes positively sublime sauces in this small white-tablecloth eatery with a high tin ceiling. Try the perch or filet mignon. Mouthwatering. D • BAR • $$ 112 ANTRIM ST., CHARLEVOIX, 547-2799

Villager Pub Terry Left’s downstairs digs feature a ’50s atmosphere, whitefish, Mexican, ribs, sandwiches, pizza. LD • BAR • $-$$ 427 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 547-6925

Whitney’s New England-style oyster bar with a Cheers feel, seafood, fish, chicken, steaks, sandwiches. Deck with entertainment Wed.–Sun. LD • BAR • $$ 305 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 547-0818

Elk Rapids

Chef Charles’ Culinary Institute of America-trained Chef Charles Egeler makes gourmet pizzas, Ligurian-style takeout pesto, salads and sandwiches in a classic pizzeria. LD $ 147 RIVER ST., ELk RAPIDS, 264-8901

Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen Every day’s Mardi Gras at this festive spot, where Cajun, Creole, seafood, sandwiches and big brunches accompany lively sounds of Zydeco, jazz and blues. LD • BAR • $-$$ 617 AMES, ELk RAPIDS, 264-0530

Siren Hall Minimalist, industrial-chic bistro (with street-front patio seating in season) run by Lulu’s chef-owner Michael Peterson. Sup on classics such as short ribs, steak frites, fresh-off-the-plane fruits de mer and homey sides like risotto “tots” and bleu cheese green beans. LD • BAR $-$$$ 151 RIVER ST., ELk RAPIDS, 264-6062

Leelanau County

45th Parallel Cafe Artsy spot with creative breakfast and lunch. BL • $ 102 S. BROADWAY, SUTTONS BAY, 271-2233

Art’s Tavern Legendary watering hole serves up local color alongside burgers, whitefish, steaks, Mexican and pizza. Smelt year-round. BLD • BAR • $ 6487 W. WESTERN AVE., GLEN ARBOR, 334-3754 blu Exquisite regional cuisine from chef Randy Chamberlain in an intimate setting on Sleeping Bear Bay. D

• BAR • $$-$$$ LAk E ST., GLEN ARBOR, 334-2530

The Bluebird A mainstay for locals and boaters since 1927. Specialties: cinnamon rolls, whitefish, seafood, steak, pasta, creative ethnic feasts during the off-season. Sun. brunch. LD • BAR $$ 102 E. RIVER ST., LELAND, 256-9081

Boone Dock’s Log lodge with roomy deck, shrimp, burgers, steaks and great summer people-watching opps. LD • BAR • $$ 5858 MANITOU, GLEN ARBOR, 334-6444

Boone’s Prime Time Pub Seafood, steaks and burgers in a cozy cabin with a fireplace and a lively, friendly waitstaff.

LD • BAR • $$ 102 ST. JOSEPH, SUTTONS BAY, 271-6688

Cedar Rustic Inn Cozy roadhouse setting with fresh-made comfort food like pot roast, perch, tamales and Southern-fried buttermilk chicken. BLD • BAR • $-$$ 8699 S. GOOD HARBOR TRAIL, CEDAR, 228-2282

Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern Rustic family-style roadhouse known for burgers, soups and raspberry pie. LD • BAR • $ 7144 N. M-22, BETWEEN NORTHPORT AND LELAND, 386-9923

Funistrada Casual trattoria features Italian specialties such as veal saltimbocca and lasagna. Good entertainment, a few outdoor tables, seasonal hours. D • BAR • $$ 4566 MACFARLANE, MAPLE CITY/BURDICk VILLE, 334-3900

Gusto Classic family-style Italian, featuring scratch-made pasta dishes, hand-tossed pizzas, steak, seafood and ribs. Dine by candlelight or with the kids. LD • BAR • 111 ST. JOSEPH, SUTTONS BAY, 271-6222

Hang-On Express Thai and Chinese classics. LD • $ 316 ST JOSEPH, SUTTONS BAY, 271-0202

The Homestead Cavanaugh’s—Deli and general store, specialty coffees, sandwiches, salads and ready-to-cook takeout meals. BLD $ Nonna’s Restaurant—Classically inspired, contemporary Italian cuisine. D • BAR $$-$$$ Beppi’s Sports Bar—Hand-tossed pizzas, paninis and salads. D • BAR • $-$$ 1 WOODRIDGE RD. (OFF M-22), GLEN ARBOR, 334-5000

Joe’s Friendly Tavern A rustic, comfy spot with bar food: whitefish, burgers, sandwiches, chili and soup. BLD • BAR • $$ 11015 FRONT ST., EMPIRE, 326-5506

Knot Just a Bar Fish and burgers in a modern, beachy pub perched over pretty Omena Bay. LD • BAR • $-$$ 5019 BAY SHORE DR. (M-22), OMENA, 386-7393

La Bécasse Part the heavy velvet curtains and find a Provençal paradise. D • BAR $$-$$$ C-675 & C-616, BURDICk VILLE, 334-3944 The Manor on Glen Lake Fine family dining in a renovated lakeside inn. LD • BAR • $-$$ 7345 W. GLENMERE ROAD, GLEN LAk E AT THE NARROWS, 334-0150.

Martha’s Leelanau Table Made from scratch bistro fare. Wed.-Sun. BLD 413 N. ST. JOSEPH S ST SUTTONS BAY 271-2344

North Centennial Inn Refined cuisine in a beautifully renovated, century-old farmhouse on Little Traverse Lake.

D • BAR • $$-$$$ 149 E. HARBOR HWY., M-22, MAPLE CITY, 228-5060

North Country Grill & Pub The Boone family keeps the classics (whitefish, prime rib, and yellow belly perch) while flirting with fondue, fried pickles, Phillys and Cubans. LD • BAR 420 ST. JOSEPH S SUTTONS BAY 271-5000

Riverside Inn Come by boat or land to dine on creative dishes made with seasonal local ingredients in this handsome 100-year-old spot with a relaxing river vista. Award-winning Sun. brunch. D • BAR $$-$$$ 302 E. RIVER ST., LELAND, 256-9971

Sisson’s Main Street Specialties Fresh pastries, salads and soups. L • $ 203 N. MAIN ST., LELAND, 256-9201 Stone House Café Artisan bread fans can commune and savor fine edibles between the slices. BL • $ 407 S. MAIN, LELAND, 256-2577

Silvertree Deli and Gourmet Market 60-seat eatery offers quiche, baguettes, salads, subs, and ethnic dinner entrees, plus one of the largest wine selections in the North. LD $ 119 N. ST. JOSEPH SUTTONS BAY, 271-2271

Stubb’s Sweetwater Grill Innovative regional American cuisine with a few Asian accents in a colorful, modern setting. LD • BAR • $$-$$$ 115 WAUk AZOO, NORTHPORT, 386-7611 The Village Inn Northwoods tavern plus smoke-free restaurant with hearty breakfasts, fresh salads, Black Angus burgers, steaks, seafood and authentic Mexican. BLD • BAR

• $–$$ 201 ST. JOSEPH, SUTTONS BAY, 271-3300

Western Avenue Grill Birch-bark-rustic motif with canoes hung from the rafters. Pasta, seafood, whitefish and burgers. LD • BAR • $$ 6680 WESTERN AVE. (M-109), GLEN ARBOR, 334-3362

Hofbrau Lively cedar-paneled former general store serves locals and Interlochen performers. Steak, seafood, bluegill and barbecue. Sun. brunch. LD • BAR • $-$$ 2784 M-137, INTERLOCHEN, 276-6979

Old Mission Peninsula

Boathouse Restaurant Casually elegant spot with nautical-rustic decor, fireplace, fabulous view and great steaks, seafood, large local wine selection. Sunday brunch. D • BAR • $$-$$$ 14039 PENINSULA DR., TRAVERSE CITY, 223-4030

Jolly Pumpkin Wood-fired steaks, fresh fish, and artisan pizzas along with fresh ales crafted on-site. LD • BAR • $$-$$$ 13512

OLD PENINSULA DR., TRAVERSE CITY, 223-4333

Mission Table Fine regional cuisine in a romantic, woodpaneled former lumber baron’s bayfront mansion with an extensive wine list, herb garden and wine-producing vineyards. D • BAR • $$$ 13512 PENINSULA DR., TRAVERSE CITY, 223-4222

Old Mission Tavern More than fine dining—prime rib, fresh fish, pastas and ethnic specials— this lushly landscaped spot hosts two fine-art galleries: Bella Galleria and sculptor/owner

Verna Bartnick’s studio. LD • BAR • $$ 17015 CENTER RD., TRAVERSE CITY, 223-7280

Peninsula Grill Roadhouse with cozy fireplace, wings, burgs, and regional Northern fare. LD • BAR • $$ 14091 CENTER RD. TRAVERSE CITY, 231-223-7200

Traverse City—Downtown

Amical Friendly French bistro with a bay view, fireplace and street patio. Don’t miss the raspberry crème brûlée. Sun. brunch. LD • BAR • $-$$ 229 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 941-8888

Bay Bread Company Bakery Bread, sandwiches, soups and salads. BLD • $ 601 RANDOLPH TRAVERSE CITY. 992-8022 new The Bay Leaf Handcrafted bistro cuisine. D • $-$$ 120 S. PARk ST TRAVERSE CITY 231-421-5912.

Blue Tractor Cook Shop An Old Town favorite with from-scratch farmer food: meatloaf, hot turkey sandwiches, Monterey mac with smoked chicken. Be sure to check out The Shed next door. The comfy burger bar boasts a list of over 25 Michigan-crafted beers. LD • BAR • $-$$ 423 UNION ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 922-9515

Bubba’s Happening Front Street spot with battered mahi and chips, burgers, chimis, salads, tacos. BLD • BAR • $ 428 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY. 995-0570

Chez Peres and Patisserie Amie French bakery and bistro. BAR • LD • $-$$$ 237 LAk E AVE., TRAVERSE CITY 922-9645

The Cooks’ House A sweet little dollhouse of a spot, home to sustainable local cuisine with a French sensibility. LD • $$-$$$ 115 WELLINGTON., TRAVERSE CITY, 946-8700

Cousin Jenny’s Cornish Pasties Homemade pasties, Cobb salad, raspberry lemonade and more in a fresh corner cafe. BLD $ 129 S. UNION ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 941-7821

CW’s Bluewater Bistro Flavorful American entrees such as almond encrusted walleye with cherry butter, and old-fashioned carrot cake. BLD • BAR $$ Wingers Sports Bar—views of the bay and 11 TVs. LD • BAR • $-$$ HOLIDAY INN WEST BAY RESORT, 615 EAST FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 800-888-8020

The Dish Cafe Eclectic menu with creative salads, quesadillas, enormous wraps, sandwiches and smoothies. LD $ 108 S. UNION, TRAVERSE CITY, 932-2233

EuroStop A hotspot by the railroad tracks for local hot dogs on warm baguettes, fried eggplant sandwiches and Reubens. LD $ 620 RAILROAD PLACE, TRAVERSE CITY, 421-1076

Firefly A dazzling small-plate menu, sushi, steaks and burgs at a sophisticated hotspot on the river. LD • BAR • $-$$ 310 S. CASS ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 932-1310

Double Eagle Restaurant Native American decor in a high-ceilinged dining room with wings, wraps, burgers, steaks, ribs. Buffets Tues. and Sun. brunch. BLD

• BAR •

$-$$ LEELANAU SANDS CASINO, 2521 N. WEST BAYSHORE DR., SUTTONS BAY, 271-4104

Eat Spot Inventive salads and sandwiches in an eclectic cafe with a courtyard. LD • $ 25 MILL ST., 386-7536

Interlochen/Lake Ann

Giovanni’s Roadhouse A fresh face on an old haunt, with knockout pizzas like pesto with roasted corn, bell peppers, bleu and brie cheeses, plus prime rib, angel hair aglio olio and great wines. LD • BAR $-$$ 9205 U.S. 31, INTERLOCHEN, 231-276-6244

Folgarelli’s Market Throngs flock to this former train station for Italian and imported foods, deli sandwiches, entrees, home-baked goods, wine and fresh roasted coffee. BL • $ 424 W. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 941-7651

Frenchies Famous Three tables and carryout, offers superb hot sandwiches and espresso drinks. LD • $ 619 RANDOLPH STREET, TRAVERSE CITY, 944-1228

An amazing organization is sprouting in the Benzie County soil. It’s called Grow Benzie, and the group defines itself as a community farmstead—a place where you can tend a plot in a community garden or take classes in all things local foodie, from gardening to cooking. The organization’s newly released cookbook, Seasonal Harvest Recipes, is geared to make us want to plant a garden or hit the nearest farm market. Or, in the case of the recipe below, trek into the Benzie County forests in spring to gather morels and leeks.—E.E

To order the cookbook and find out more about Grow Benzie: growbenzie.org.

Mushroom, Leek and Cashew Risotto

1 K cup brown rice

3 ¾ cup vegetable stock of a mixture of stock and dry white wine in the ratio of 5:1

1 tablespoon walnut or hazelnut oil

2 leeks, sliced

2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (such as morels), trimmed and sliced

½ cup cashew nuts

Grated rind of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

¼ cup pumpkin seeds

Salt and ground black pepper

Fresh thyme leaves and lemon wedges for garnish

Place the brown rice in a large saucepan, pour in the vegetable stock (or stock and wine), and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cook gently for about 30 minutes, until all the stock has been absorbed and the rice grains are tender. About 6 minutes before the rice is cooked, heat the oil in a large frying pan, add the leeks and mushrooms and fry over a gentle heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cashews, lemon rind and chopped thyme to the leeks and mushrooms, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper. Drain off any excess stock from the cooked rice and stir in the mushroom-leek mixture. Turn into a serving dish. Scatter pumpkin seeds over the top and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.