22 minute read
THE CULINARY NORTH
The CulinaryNorth
local cuisine . drinks . restaurant guide
Cooking is personal for Christian Geoghegan. Taste the love in Hexenbelle's flatbread and hummus.
DINING OUT COMFORT FOOD FOR ALL
by CARLY SIMPSON
A new café in Traverse City is making sure everyone feels welcome.
Chef christian geoghegan’s first food memories are of a round table heaped with hummus, tabbouleh and stuffed grape leaves, surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins all sharing a meal prepared by Christian's grandmother. “Arab hospitality is built on making someone feel showered with love, and food is the way to do that,” says Christian, who uses they/them pronouns. That love is what Christian and business partner/ fiancée/espresso extraordinaire Heather Webber try to convey with every dish, baked good and cup of coffee served at
Hexenbelle in Traverse City’s Warehouse MRKT. The café opened in November 2020, offering breakfast and lunch along with weekly dinner specials. A rotating, all-vegetarian menu features global comfort foods, many inspired by
Christian’s Palestinian heritage: coconut curry fried rice; maftoul (Palestinian couscous); lattes with turmeric and ginger; a peanut butter tahini cookie that's unexpected and brilliant; and hummus, of course. "I use hummus as an example for everything," Christian says. "Hummus to me is my ride or die; it’d be my last meal. It's comforting, and when I eat it I get this feeling in my chest from when I was a kid. That’s what we’re going for—that emotion. And if hummus is my ride or die, then there must be a hummus for everybody, every culture. That hummus to someone else might be fried rice, it might be green bean casserole, it might be lox and bagels.” And it’s not just the menu that’s comforting—everything at Hexenbelle is meant to be soothing, from the soft pink walls (inspired by a woman’s womb) to the books lined up on the window shelf waiting to be read when the café opens for in-person dining (at the time of publication Hexenbelle was offering to go and patio seating only). “We’re majority womenowned, queer, non-binary, I’m brown—all these things—and we want it to be a place you come to and feel instantly welcomed and safe, especially for people who don’t have those spaces,” Christian says. “We want to make people happy, and the way I know how to do that is through food, and the way Heather knows how to do that is through coffee.”
But Christian’s path to becoming a chef didn’t start with culinary school. They were hired and training to be a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Traverse City and soon realized it wasn’t the right fit. Having held jobs as a dishwasher, host, server and bar back, Christian decided to join the team at Harvest after leaving the financial services world, and that’s where they met Chef James Bloomfield. James was doing a pop-up dinner with Pete Peterson of Tapawingo and asked if Christian wanted to help with front of house. “I remember that night it hit me in the chest; this is what I want to do,” Christian says. “I started coming in on my days off to learn how to prep properly, how to break down a chicken, how to cut a bunch of root vegetables, the most basic things. I was learning about ingredients I’d never heard of. I was obsessed.” James later opened Alliance in 2016, and Christian was hired to work in the kitchen. Christian also spent more than a year at Trattoria Stella and was a part of The Cooks' House Young Chefs Dinner in 2018. When Alliance closed in September 2020, Hexenbelle took over the same space a few months later.
“I know how much a good cup of coffee or a bite of food can change your whole day; I mean it changed my life,” Christian says. “I didn’t know anything about coffee until I went to BLK/MRKT down the hall, which is where I met Heather, who I’m now engaged to. We have all these memories surrounding food. I hope our guests will share their memories with us and help inspire our menu.” 144 Hall St., Ste. 107, Traverse City; hexenbelle.square.site
The CulinaryNorth Trends
SPRING POURS
by CARLY SIMPSON
In Northern Michigan, spring brings three things: morels, cherry blossoms and new wine releases. And we are thankful.
Boyne Valley Vineyards
05325 S. US-131, Petoskey
Coming in June, Boyne Valley’s 2020 Estate Marquette is dry, lightly oaked and mediumbodied with notes of cherries, black currants, blackberries and pepper. Marquette grapes are a rich, robust red and were developed at the University of Minnesota's Horticultural Research Center. The university is creating hybrid grapes that can be grown farther north where winters are harsh, such as the Petoskey Wine Region. Winemakers are experimenting with the grape in Northern Michigan, Vermont, Maine and Alaska. (For the full story, visit MyNorth.com/MarquetteGrape.) More fun news: As soon as weather permits, the winery is opening a tree house tasting area (Yes, a tree house!) and a summer concert series runs from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October on Fridays from 4–7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 2–6 p.m. boynevalleyvineyards.com
Black Star Farms
10844 E. Revold Rd., Suttons Bay 360 E. McKinley Rd., Traverse City Black Star Farms has three white wines and a rosé release this spring, with new reds coming in the fall. 2020 was a good growing season for chardonnay, says Managing Owner Sherri Campbell Fenton, and the 2020 Arcturos Sur Lie Chard “showcases it beautifully” with apple and pear on the palate and fresh cream in the aromatics (pair with local fish). For an easy pairing with any spring meal, try the 2019 Arcturos Sauvignon Blanc, a New Zealand-style sauvignon with plenty of grapefruit, white flower and tarragon. The final white, 2020 Arcturos Semi-Dry Riesling, “breathes fresh white flower on the nose and dances with white peach and tangerine on the palate, finishing clean and perfectly balanced,” Sherri says. And finally, the 2020 Arcturos Pinot Noir Rosé (always good for a spring release!), “shows abundant strawberry and cherry on the nose, with the berry fruit continuing through on the palate.” blackstarfarms.com
JUST A BITE
Spanglish Tacos
Chateau Chantal
nestled within the village at grand traverse commons is a quaint yellow building dating back to 1892 that’s home to a not-to-miss Mexican restaurant serving up made-from-scratch authentic eats. This is where you'll find the perfect savory street taco—think melt-in-your-mouth pork, fresh cabbage, onion, cilantro, salsa verde and a sprinkle of feta cheese wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Owned and operated by husbandand-wife team Vicente and Anna Serrano, Spanglish is a delicious marriage of traditional Mexican recipes and fresh Northern Michigan ingredients. Anna and Vicente pride themselves on serving generous portions at affordable prices, and their tacos are a prime example of that mission. Order à la carte, or try the three taco deal (warning: you will absolutely have leftovers!). You can add on guac, avocado, hot sauce or sour cream, but I recommend trying the unaltered version first. Stop by on Cinco de Mayo for homemade tamales, burritos and, of course, tacos. 1333 Yellow Dr., Traverse City, spanglishtc.com –A.J.
15900 Rue de Vin, Traverse City Chateau Chantal has two releases, a red and a white, to be particularly excited about. The 2020 Pinot Blanc is a crisp and refreshing dry white wine that benefited greatly from the warmth of the 2020 growing season, explains Director of Marketing Kyle Brownley. And the 2018 Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Franc “is consistently one of our most soughtafter red wines,” Kyle says. With dark berry notes and soft tannins, it’s a must for any red wine drinker. On the horizon: “We are also working on a piquette wine that is scheduled to be released in 2021. This low-alcohol, fruitforward wine offers more versatility, and can be enjoyed pretty much anywhere!” chateauchantal.com
R E S T A U R A N T GUIDE
| WATER VIEW BLD | BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
BAR | ALCOHOL SERVED $ | ENTRÉES INDER $10 $$ | $10-20 $$$ | ABOVE $20
PETOSKEY & MACKINAC STRAITS
ALANSON/BAY HARBOR/INDIAN RIVER Dutch Oven Café and Deli French toast and farmers omelette stratas, sandwiches on famous homemade bread.
BL • $ 7611 U.S. 31, ALANSON, 231.548.2231 Knot Just a Bar Contemporary sports and oyster bar perched on the Bay Harbor marina. B • $ 4165 MAIN STREET,
BAY HARBOR, 231.439.9989 Original Pancake House Crepes, waffles, pancakes, omelettes, egg specialties. LD • BAR • $-$$ 840 FRONT ST., BAY HARBOR, 231.439.2770 The Queens Head Wine pub serving wine, spirits and draft beer along with delectable pub fare. LD • BAR • $ 250 N. HURON
ST., CHEBOYGAN, 231.445.7101 Vintage Chophouse/ Wine Bar All-American steakhouse flavored with retro sophistication. LD • BAR • $-$$$
INN AT BAY HARBOR AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION, 3600 VILLAGE HARBOR DR., BAY HARBOR, 231.439.4051 Vivio’s Northwood Inn Locals love this cozy, rustic, wildlifedecorated log cabin with Italian cuisine and specialty pizzas.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 4531 S. STRAITS HWY., INDIAN RIVER, 231.238.9471
CROSS VILLAGE/HARBOR SPRINGS/ PELLSTON/PETOSKEY Barrel Back Smoked pork tacos, chopped salads, gourmet pizza and pasta, grilled beef tenderloin and more. Over 20 craft beers on tap and signature cocktails. LD • BAR $-$$$
04069 M75, WALLOON LAKE, 231.535.6000 Beards Brewery Pizza, burgers, salads, wings and culinary surprises including pho. LD • BAR $$ 215 E LAKE ST. PETOSKEY, 231.753.2221 The Bistro Local favorite for saucer-sized homemade pancakes, home-cooked comfort food and soups like carrot bisque and chicken ’n’ dumpling. BL • $ 423 MICHIGAN ST., PETO-
SKEY, 231.347.5583 Boyne Highlands Main Dining Room—Casual American with Scottish influences. Focus on fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. Seminole Pub. BLD • BAR • $–$$ 600 HIGHLANDS DR., HARBOR SPRINGS, 231.526.3000 Chandler’s Brick-walled and -floored dining inside or on the patio offers two ways to savor this art-filled eatery’s upscale
menu. LD • BAR • $-$$$ 215 HOWARD ST., PETOSKEY, BELOW SYMONS GENERAL STORE, 231.347.2981 City Park Grill Hemingway drank at the massive mahogany bar in this casual spot. Scratch cuisine, wood grill, hand-cut steaks, pastas, fresh whitefish, and live entertainment. LD •
BAR • $$ 432 E. LAKE, PETOSKEY, 231.347.0101 Jose’s Authentic taqueria with made-to-order Mex. LD • $
309 PETOSKEY ST., PETOSKEY, 231.348.3299 Julienne Tomatoes Fresh sandwiches, comfort food, and homemade pastries like lemon raspberry bars, banana caraMitchell Street Pub and Café Classic pub with fresh peanuts, fantastic nachos, Maurice salad, patty melts. LD • BAR •
$-$$ 426 E. MITCHELL ST., PETOSKEY, 231. 347.1801 New York Restaurant Looks like the East Coast, tastes like
heaven. D • BAR • $$-$$$ CORNER OF STATE AND BAY, HARBOR SPRINGS, 231. 526.1904 Palette Bistro Little Traverse Bay views with casual upscale dining, outdoor seating and an evolving seasonal menu. Wine bar, weekend brunch and popular happy
hour. LD • BAR • $$-$$$ 321 BAY ST., PETOSKEY, 231.348.3321 Pour Public House Charcuterie, gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, bruschetta. LD • BAR • $-$$ 422 E MITCHELL ST., PETOSKEY, 231.881.9800 Roast & Toast Hip coffeehouse with daily house-made soups, bread, bakery items and salads. On-site coffee roasting. A consistent MyNorth Red Hot Best winner. BLD • $ 309
E. LAKE STREET, PETOSKEY, 231.347.7767 Sam’s Graces Café & Bakery Artisanal bakery and brick
oven pizzeria. BL • $ 324 E. MITCHELL ST., PETOSKEY, 231.489.8278 Side Door Saloon Excellent sandwiches, quesadillas, steak,
whitefish and pastas. LD • BAR • $ 1200 N. U.S. 31, PETOSKEY, 231. 347.9291 Stafford’s Bay View Inn Gracious 1886 inn with a big veranda, glorious gardens and bay view, American fare. Sun.
brunch. BLD • $$-$$$ 2011 WOODLAND, PETOSKEY, 231347.2771 Stafford’s Perry Hotel Circa-1899 hotel with a wraparound front porch and killer views of Little Traverse Bay. LD
• BAR • $$–$$$ CORNER OF BAY & LEWIS, PETOSKEY, 231.347.4000 Stafford’s Pier Regional cuisine. Pointer Room—fresh seafood. LD • BAR • $$ Dudley’s Deck—LD • BAR • $$ Chart
Room—D • BAR • $$ 102 BAY ST., HARBOR SPRINGS, 231.526.6201 Tap30 Pourhouse Inventive sliders, award-winning chili, Frito pie and more along with 30 beers on tap. LD • BAR • $
422 E MITCHELL ST., PETOSKEY, 231.881.9572 Terrace Inn Planked whitefish and housemade desserts in
a Victorian setting. D • BAR • $$ 1549 GLENDALE, PETOSKEY, 231.347.2410 Thai Orchid Cuisine Outstandingly fresh and authentic noodles, curries and salads. LD • $-$$ 433 E. MITCHELL ST., PETOSKEY, 231.487.9900 Villa Ristorante Italiano Chianti bottles hang from stucco walls and authentic handmade pasta, osso bucco and hand-
rolled cannoli star. D • BAR • $$-$$$ 887 SPRING ST., PETOSKEY, 231.347.1440 Willow Inspired farm-to-table modern American cuisine with global wine and craft cocktail bar. D • BAR • $$ 129 EAST
BAY ST., HARBOR SPRINGS, 231.412.6032
CHARLEVOIX & CHAIN OF LAKES
BELLAIRE/BOYNE COUNTRY/WALLOON Boyne City Taproom Craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, wraps,
burgers. LD • BAR • $-$$ 220 S. LAKE ST., BOYNE CITY, 231.459.4487 Boyne Mountain Resort Everett’s Restaurant & Lounge— Elegantly prepared fish and game dishes. BLD • BAR • $-$$$; Eriksen’s—Stunning view of the slopes and menu with Austrian and German touches. BLD • BAR • $-$$; Forty Acre Tavern—American pub fare with an extensive beer list. LD •
BAR • $-$$ ONE BOYNE MOUNTAIN RD., BOYNE FALLS. 844.732.6875 Café Santé Beside Lake Charlevoix featuring bistro
classics. BLD • BAR • $-$$ 1 WATER ST., BOYNE CITY, 231.582.8800 Corner Bistro French-inspired small plates, classic cocktails, wine, beer, Sunday brunch. LD • BAR • $-$$ 102 N. BRIDGE ST., BELLAIRE, 231.350.7344 Friske Orchards Cafe Cheerful roadside restaurant features farm-fresh breakfasts, homemade soups, salads, sandwiches,
and a bakery. BL • $ 10743 U.S. 31 S., ATWOOD, 231.599.2604 Lake Street Pub American pub with outdoor patio and firepit, BYO mac ‘n’ cheese, cocktails, 26 beers on tap. LD •
$ 202 S. LAKE ST., BOYNE CITY, 231.497.6031 Pelican's Nest Gourmet burgers, smoked ribs, sandwiches, salads and homemade desserts. D • BAR $-$$ 5085 SHANTY
CREEK RD, BELLAIRE, 231.533.9000 Provisions Wine Lounge Sommelier-curated wines by the glass and bottle, classic cocktails, Michigan craft beer and
small plates. LD • BAR • $$ 123 WATER ST., BOYNE CITY, 231.582.2151 Red Mesa Grill Colorful decor and creative Latin American cuisine with Costa Rican and Argentinean influences punctu-
ate this lively spot. LD • BAR • $$ 117 WATER ST., BOYNE CITY, 231.582.0049 Stiggs Brewery Hand-crafted brews, from-scratch food like whitefish cakes, bourbon chicken sandwich, top sirloin wa-
gyu steak. LD • BAR $-$$ 112 S. PARK ST., BOYNE CITY, 231.497.6100 Shanty Creek Resort Lakeview—Innovative regional cuisine at Shanty Creek Resort with a view of Lake Bellaire. Breakfast, lunch & dinner. The River Bistro—Breakfast buffet, sandwiches, pizzas and 45 regional beers on tap; Arnie’s at the Summit—Breakfast, Lunch, (spring-fall) Ivan’s Mountainside Grill—Schuss Village-Pub food. BLD • BAR 1 SHANTY CREEK
RD. (M-88), BELLAIRE, 800.678.4111 Short’s Brewing Co. Sip Joe Short’s fabulous brew, and dine from the deli menu in a renovated hardware store. LD • BAR •
$ 121 N. BRIDGE ST., BELLAIRE, 231.533.6622 Terrain Restaurant Honest yet ambitious contemporary American food with a focus on local ingredients. D • BAR • $$
213 N BRIDGE ST., BELLAIRE, 231.350.7301 Torch Riviera Pasta, seafood, steaks, ribs, pizza. D • BAR • $$
12899 CHERRY AVE., RAPID CITY, 231.322.4100 Walloon Lake Inn Exceptional culinary skills play out in a newly renovated, century-old pine-paneled lakeside
lodge. D • BAR • $$-$$$ 4178 WEST ST., WALLOON LAKE VILLAGE, 231.535.2999
CENTRAL LAKE/CHARLEVOIX/ EAST JORDAN/ELLSWORTH Bridge Street Taproom Michigan craft brews, beerfriendly small plates, local charcuterie and bird’s-eye views of the yacht traffic on Round Lake. D L • BAR • $-$$ 202 BRIDGE
ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.437.3466 The Cantina Tacos and tequila with indoor and outdoor seating. Live entertainment. LD • BAR • $-$$ 101 VAN PELT PLACE, CHARLEVOIX, 231.437.3612 Charlevoix Pizza Company Scratch-made dough, fresh ingredients, golden crust, prepared daily. Plus, cheesy bread
and wings. LD • $-$$ 311 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.437.6300 East Park Tavern French-influenced American cuisine featuring prime rib, John Cross Whitefish and specialty cocktails at the Quay Restaurant and Terrace Bar in Charlevoix. LD •
BAR • $$–$$$ 307 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.7450 Esperance Gourmets will adore dishes prepared with dazzling technique in this specialty food and wine shop. D • $-$$$
12853 U.S. 31 N., CHARLEVOIX, 231.237.9300 That French Place Authentic French creperie and ice cream
shop. BLD • $ 212 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.437.6037 Grey Gables Inn Graceful, intimate, Victorian atmosphere across from the harbor. D • BAR • $–$$$ 308 BELVEDERE, CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.9261 Lake Charlevoix Brewing Co. Craft brewery with good eats—grilled cheese sammies, tacos, quesadillas and
beef jerky. LD • BAR • $-$$ 111 BRIDGE PARK DR., CHARLEVOIX, 231.437.3220 Pigs Eatin’ Ribs Real smokehouse with mouthwatering BBQ. Weekend breakfast. BLD • $-$$ 1418 BRIDGE ST.,
CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.7447 Rowe Inn A unique fresh and from-scratch dining experience that has stood the test of time. D • BAR •$$$ 6303 E. JORDAN
RD., ELLSWORTH, 231.588.7351 Scovie’s Gourmet Fresh salads, sandwiches, soups and baked goods star here. Dinner is bistro-style comfort food. LD
• $-$$ 111 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.237.7827 Stafford’s Weathervane Local fish, seafood and regional cuisine in a Hobbit-style Earl Young stone structure with a massive fireplace overlooking the Pine River Channel.
Terry’s Place Small white-tablecloth eatery with a high tin ceiling. Try the perch or filet mignon. Mouthwatering. D • BAR
• $$ 112 ANTRIM ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.2799 Torch Lake Cafe Inventive, ultra-fresh cuisine with sharable options like the seafood platter with black garlic butter. Or devour an elevated fried bologna sandwich with pickled green tomato and house Dijon all on your own. BLD • BAR •
$-$$$ 4990 US31 N, CENTRAL LAKE, 231.599.1111 Villager Pub ’50s atmosphere, whitefish, Mexican, ribs, sandwiches and pizza. LD • BAR • $-$$ 427 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.6925
ELK RAPIDS/GAYLORD/GRAYLING/MANCELONA 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, 231.264.8901 Flour Pot Bakery Come grab some doughnuts, Danish or another favorite to start your day! BL • $ 108 RIVER ST., 231.
264.9732 Cellar 152 Gourmet meals to take out or eat in a wine
bar on the Elk River. BLD • BAR • $-$$ 152 RIVER ST., ELK RAPIDS, 231.264.9000 The Local All-American breakfast and lunch done better. BL
• $$ 145 AMES ST., ELK RAPIDS, 231.498.2190 Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen Every day’s Mardi Gras at this festive spot, where Cajun, Creole, seafood, sandwiches and big brunches accompany lively zydeco, jazz and blues. LD •
BAR • $-$$ 617 AMES, ELK RAPIDS, 231.264.0530 The Town Club of Elk Rapids After a renovation in 2019, this famous landmark has been rebuilt and is already being appreciated for its daily lunch specials and famous Prime
Rib Thursdays. LD • BAR • $$ 133 RIVER STREET, ELK RAPIDS, 231.264.9914 Bennethum’s Northern Inn Fresh eclectic cuisine and updated regional favorites in a cozy Northwoods setting. Creative kids menu, Sun. brunch. LD • BAR • $-$$$ 3917 SOUTH OLD 27, GAYLORD, 989.732.9288 Paddle Hard Brewing A fun-loving community hangout with artisan tacos, pizzas and brews. LD • BAR 227 E MICHIGAN
AVE., GRAYLING, 989.745.6388 Spike’s Keg O’ Nails An Up North classic for burgers since
1933. LD • BAR $ 301 N. JAMES ST., GRAYLING, 989.348.7113 Tap Room 32 Twenty handles of Michigan craft beers and a menu of modern brew-friendly vittles like truffle fries and
Korean beef tacos. D • $$ 141 NORTH COURT AVE., GAYLORD, 989.748.8552 The Old Depot 1900s train depot features homestyle burgers, steaks, chops, prime rib, seafood, pies and pastries. BLD •
$$ 10826 M-32 E., JOHANNESBURG, 989.732.3115 Sugar Bowl Restaurant This vintage 1919 eatery serves whitefish, prime rib and Greek specialties. BLD • BAR • $$-$$$
216 W. MAIN ST., GAYLORD, 989.732.5524 Treetops Sylvan Resort Hunters Grille, & Sports Bar. Steak, burgers, ribs, pasta, signature pizza, chicken, fish and glutenfree selections. Featuring a selection of 100 Michigan craft beer, wines, fabulous martinis. BLD • BAR • $-$$$ WILKINSON
RD., GAYLORD, 800.444.6711 Shirley’s Café An ultra-friendly, all-homemade oasis. BLD • $
528 S. WILLIAMS ST., MANCELONA, 231.587.1210
LEELANAU COUNTY
45th Parallel Cafe Artsy spot with creative breakfast and
lunch. BL • $-$$ 102 S. BROADWAY, SUTTONS BAY, 231.271.2233 Art’s Tavern Burgers, whitefish, steaks, Mexican and pizza. Smelt year-round at this legendary watering hole. BLD • BAR •
$-$$ 6487 W. WESTERN AVE., GLEN ARBOR, 231.334.3754 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.
steaks. LD • BAR • $$ 5858 MANITOU, GLEN ARBOR, 231.334.6444 Boone’s Prime Time Pub Seafood, steaks and burgers in a cozy cabin with a fireplace and a lively, friendly wait staff. LD •
BAR • $$ 102 ST. JOSEPH, SUTTONS BAY, 231.271.6688 Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse Great burgers, hand-cut fries, Sicilian-style pizza. Curling in the winter. LD • BAR • $ 172
W BURDICKVILLE RD., MAPLE CITY, 231.228.8869 Dick’s Pour House Homemade soups and pies, sand-
wiches, pizza. LD • BAR • $-$$ 103 W. PHILIP ST., LAKE LEELANAU, 231.256.9912 Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern Rustic family-style roadhouse known for burgers, soups and raspberry pie in season.
LD • BAR • $ 7144 N. M-22, BETWEEN NORTHPORT AND LELAND, 231.386.9923 Funistrada Casual trattoria features Italian specialties such as veal saltimbocca and lasagna. D • BAR • $$ 4566 MCFAR-
LANE, MAPLE CITY/BURDICKVILLE, 231.334.3900 Hearth & Vine Café at Black Star Farms Farm-to-table menu that pairs with Black Star Farm’s wine, cider and craft
cocktails. LD • BAR • $-$$ 10844 E REVOLD RD., SUTTONS BAY, 231.944.1297 The Homestead Nonna’s Restaurant—Classically inspired, contemporary Italian cuisine. D • BAR $$-$$$ Beppi’s Sports Bar—Hand-tossed pizzas, paninis and salads. D • BAR • $-$$ 1
WOODRIDGE RD. (OFF M-22), GLEN ARBOR, 231.334.5000 Hop Lot Brewing Co. Family-friendly microbrewery with four-season patio and games serving ribs, tacos, wings and a s’more kit to top it all off. LD • BAR • $-$$ 658 S WEST BAY SHORE DR., SUTTONS BAY, 231.866.4445 Joe’s Friendly Tavern A rustic, comfy spot with bar food: whitefish, burgers, sandwiches, chili and soup. BLD • BAR • $$
11015 FRONT ST., EMPIRE, 231.326.5506 Knot Just a Bar Fish and burgers in a modern, beachy pub perched over pretty Omena Bay. LD • BAR • $-$$ 5019 BAY
SHORE DR. (M-22), OMENA, 231.386.7393 La Bécasse Part the heavy velvet curtains and find a Pro-
vençal paradise. D • BAR • $$-$$$ C-675 & C-616, BURDICKVILLE, 231.334.3944 Market 22 Deli, pizza, bakery. Eat in or take out. BLD • BAR •
$ 497 E HARBOR HWY., MAPLE CITY, 231.228.6422 Martha’s Leelanau Table A European-style cafe with an emphasis on regional cuisine made from scratch, including some gluten free dishes and pastries. BLD • BAR • $-$$$ 413 N.
ST. JOSEPH ST., SUTTONS BAY, 231.271.2344 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 • $$
420 ST. JOSEPH ST., SUTTONS BAY, 231.271.5000 Pegtown Station Pizza, subs, burgers, sandwiches, salads and breakfast—all done well. BL • $ 8654 S MAPLE CITY RD., MAPLE CITY, 231.228.6692 Streetside Grille Seafood, burgers, pasta, flatbread pizzas, great beer list and more. LD • BAR • $$-$$$ 111 N. ST. JOSEPH ST., SUTTONS BAY, 231.866.4199 The Tribune Ice Cream and Eatery House-cured lox, breakfast burritos, meatloaf sammies and burgers share the menu.
BLD • $ 110 E. NAGONABA ST., NORTHPORT, 231.386.1055 Western Avenue Grill Birch-bark-rustic motif with canoes hung from the rafters. Pasta, seafood, whitefish and burg-
ers. LD • BAR • $$ 6680 WESTERN AVE. (M-109), GLEN ARBOR, 231. 334.3362 Wren Contemporary comfort food and a constantly changing menu to feature locally sourced ingredients. D • BAR • $$
303 N. ST. JOSEPH ST., SUTTONS BAY, 231.271.1175
GRAND TRAVERSE AREA
INTERLOCHEN/KINGSLEY Bradley’s Pub & Grille Burgers, ribs, bluegill, brisket, trout
and so much more. LD BAR • $-$$ 10586 US31, INTERLOCHEN, 231.275.6401 Dilbert’s Soups, sandwiches, omelets and other home cooking served in a homey atmosphere. BLD • $ 11303 U.S. 31, INTER-
LOCHEN, 231.275.3005 Hofbrau Lively cedar-paneled former general store serves locals and Interlochen performers. Steak, seafood, bluegill and barbecue. Sun. brunch. LD • BAR • $-$$ 2784 M-137, INTERLOCHEN, 231.276.6979 Judson Market and Restaurant Newly re-branded market and restaurant offering house-made and local items. Glutenfree, vegetarian, full bar. BLD • BAR • $$ 211 E. MAIN ST., KINGSLEY, 231.263.8120
OLD MISSION PENINSULA Jolly Pumpkin Wood-fired steaks, fresh fish, and artisan pizzas along with fresh ales crafted onsite. LD • BAR • $$ 13512
OLD PENINSULA DR., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.223.4333 Mission Table Farm-to-table restaurant serving seasonal, locally sourced fare and craft cocktails. D THURSDAY,
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 5PM–9PM • BAR • $-$$ 13512 PENINSULA DR., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.223.4222 Old Mission Tavern Prime rib, fresh fish, pastas and eth-
nic specials. LD • BAR • $$ 17015 CENTER RD., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.223.7280
DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY Amical Friendly French bistro with a bay view, fireplace and street patio. Prix fixe menu from 4–5:30pm.
Sun. brunch. LD • BAR • $$-$$$ 229 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.941.8888 NEW Benedict A family-friendly restaurant offering breakfast and lunch sandwiches, pastries, salads, soups and more.
BL • $ 237 LAKE AVE., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.421.1000 Blue Tractor Cook Shop An Old Town favorite with fromscratch farmer food. and Michigan-crafted beers. LD • BAR •
$-$$ 423 UNION ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 922.9515 NEW Brasserie Amie A Parisian-style brasserie bistro in downtown TC serving up brunch and dinner. LD • BAR • $$
160 E. FRONT ST., 231.753.3161 Bubba’s Happening Front Street spot with battered mahi and chips, burgers, chimis, salads and tacos. BLD • BAR • $
428 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.995.0570 The Cooks’ House A sweet little dollhouse of a spot, home to sustainable local cuisine with a French sensibility. LD • $$-
$$$ 115 WELLINGTON ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.946.8700 Cousin Jenny’s Cornish Pasties Homemade pasties. BLD •
$ 129 S. UNION ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.941.7821 The Dish Cafe Eclectic menu with creative salads, quesadillas, enormous wraps, sandwiches and smoothies. LD • BAR •
$ 108 S. UNION, TRAVERSE CITY, 231.932.2233 Firefly A dazzling small-plate menu, sushi, steaks and burgs at a sophisticated hotspot on the river. BL • $-$$ 310 S. CASS ST.,
TRAVERSE CITY, 231.932.1310 The Good Bowl Fresh, authentic Vietnamese eatery. Donates $1 for every bowl to the charity of your choice. LD • BAR
$-$$ 328 E FRONT ST.,TRAVERSE CITY, 231.252.2662 The Green House Café Sandwiches, soups and salads. BL •
$ 115 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.929.7687 Grand Traverse Pie Co. Exceptional cream and fruit pies, coffee, baked goods, pot pies, chicken salad and quiche.
BL • $ 525 W. FRONT ST. AND 101 N. PARK ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.922.7437 Little G's Fusion Cuisine Asian and Latin taqueria. LD • $ 531
W. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.943.2713 Mackinaw Brewing Co. Nautical-themed brewpub offers great house-smoked meats, several styles of beers, tasty
burgers, fish and ribs. LD • BAR • $$ 161 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 933.1100 Mama Lu’s Modern Day Taco Shop Fresh tortillas with a mix of traditional and modern ingredients at this hip, fun
taqueria and bar. LD • BAR • $$ 149 E FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231.943.2793