Bradley's Pub and Grille

The more formal dining room at Bradley's Pub and Grille.

Popped collars, weird saunters with one hand partly in the pocket of some pastel colored short pant, raucous joking about holes and balls, and the smell of drying Bud Light. 

Seems to me that no matter how swanky the club, many golf course restaurants hold some or all of the above. Some adore that, some loathe it. Luckily for both, Bradley's has none of it - but also has quite a bit more!

A fun bar area with plenty to drink and see!

Bradley's is located at the Interlochen Golf Club. This little gem of a course has seen its fair share of me. I've whacked balls on the driving range, downed brews in what was once the club gathering place, I even broke my driver head clean off here! An annoying day, that was.

Yet, despite all that history, I only just recently chose to experience the newly minted Bradley's. And I am glad that I did!

The aforementioned (or soon to be mentioned, whatever the case may be) beef tips.

My lovely wife, wiggly son, and I met my parents-in-law for dinner here. I had no idea what to expect. They bill themselves as a "pub and grille" and, while those two words excite me greatly, I understand that one must proceed with caution. Doesn't Applebees call itself a pub and grille? If so, my point is most excellently illustrated - yuck.

I have ventured into PLENTY of pubs and grilles and left feeling completely deflated....in the wallet....from the absolute robbery that just happened at the hands of the liars who had named the place.

The smoked salmon dip.

Not so at Bradley's. The chef here knows exactly what he is doing. He also knows that folks in these parts (read: people in this region) have come to expect excellence from their pub and grille set! 

Enough babbling. Let's talk food and drink!

First and foremost, the house brew is a lighter IPA made by Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City - one of my favorite breweries. It is most satisfying! If you happen upon a place in our region that counts Right Brain as their house brew maker, get it! Minerva's has the Park Ale, Sleder's has a cream ale. Boone's Long Lake Inn has another cream ale. All are excellent!

Starter salad and wine....with crayons!

Appetizers on the menu run the gamut. We were served the blackened beef tips -  a wondrous concoction consisting of Spanish rice cakes, blackened beef tips (hence the name, yeah?), diced roasted red peppers, cilantro ( my wife's favorite!) and shredded smoked cheddar cheese. There's a picture of these things on this blog somewhere. Read the captions and take a look! They were outstanding! We also partook of the smoked salmon dip, consisting of house smoked salmon whipped into cream cheese with chives, red pepper, and seasonings, served with pretzel toast points. Also divine!

The appetizer menu also features pulled pork nachos, southwest eggrolls, and more!

My lovely wife's feast of walnut crusted rainbow trout.

For dinner, one particular dish caught my eye - beer battered bluegill. As a kid, I would go fishing with my dad and catch a mountain of these tasty little fish (some not so little!). I wanted to take a trip down that memory lane. And so I did!

This dish features a half pound of pale ale beer battered bluegill drizzled with malt vinegar gastrique. It was served with roasted red skin potatoes and house slaw. I soon discovered that I had made an excellent decision!

Wings by the pound, walnut crusted rainbow trout, charbroiled beef tenderloin, smoked baby back pork ribs, and much much more was also to be found on that wonderful menu.

This be the Bluegill! Along with that Right Brain Brewery IPA.

A couple of tasty salad and sandwich choices rounded out the menu. And the wine and beer list, along with available mixed drinks, were quite extensive! With abundant local options. 

The views here are pure Michigan!

The ambiance of the joint is none to over the top. All windows look out onto the green rolling fields of golf, it even has a rive rolling through. The dining areas range from a bit more formal seating to the old standard of bellying up to the bar, which has a welcoming design and ambiance as well.

In short, Bradley's of Interlochen is a grand place to visit before that Interlochen Center for the Arts concert, after a round, or just because. Get there and try it for yourself!

Art's Tavern

This is the ultimate "local's" dining experience on the Leelanau Peninsula!

Let me tell you about my favorite area here in Northern Michigan. When I'm in the mood to escape the hustle and bustle of Traverse City in the summer, I hit the Empire area. What do I love most about the Empire area? Well, it's got nature (the most beautiful place in America!) and I love to get outside! It's got some amazing beaches, in fact, these beaches are some of the most pristine and breathtaking in the world! It's got perfect little towns with hundreds of activity choices.

And it's got Glen Arbor! What do they have? Art's Tavern!

Whether eating inside or el fresco, Art's Tavern is the place to be!

What is this Art's Tavern, you ask? Well, ask any local and they will regale you with a tale of Art or his tavern. This place, located in the middle of Glen Arbor's picturesque downtown on idyllic M-22. Art's Tavern has been around for over 75 years. To say that Art's is a Northern Michigan mainstay is an understatement. Art's has a loyal legion of followers from both the local and visiting populations. This joint is a must visit, their t-shirts a must buy. You have not experienced Northern Michigan, let alone Glen Arbor, unless you have experienced Art's Tavern!

The decor is extremely unique at Art's, complete with a pool table that rises from the floor.

Let's get this out of the way: A common complaint with Art's is that the decently priced sandwiches do not include any sides (fries, onion rings, etc.). After one orders a sandwich, fries and a drink, there is the possibility of spending around $12 or $14 on the one plate. While that is a bit more expensive than most comparable establishments, you will certainly find that the price is well worth the product! Not only have you just noshed and supped on one of the best pub menus in the area, you've just experienced Art's Tavern, and that will give you some amazing props with the true Northern Michigan crew! Congrats!

Art's Tavern does libations well!

Now that you know the catch that many local establishments have when tourist season comes to town, let's get to the food, yo!

As you can see from picture above, Art's Tavern is home to many a wonderful brew and other libation. These choices pair well with the extensive menu of pub favorites.



The varied menu at Art's Tavern has something for everyone.

First up on that menu are the appetizers. One can spend $3-$12 on a starter, depending on your choice. Some highlights from this section include Super Clams (big and tender, battered and fried, served with cocktail sauce), Whitefish dip (savory mix of Whitefish, cream cheese, capers and spices blended together to create a unique Northern Michigan favorite, served with warm flat bread crackers), a chilled shrimp cocktail and deep fried mushrooms. Much more is available on this section, all equally as tasty!

Next are the salads. Expect to spend about $8-$10 on this section, unless you want coleslaw, that's only about $3. Art's Tavern features the usual suspects when it comes to salads with one savory exception: the crancherry salad (assorted mixed greens with a touch of red cabbage, dried cranberries, dried cherries, feta cheese, tossed with their homemade black cherry vinaigrette).

And the bar has something for everyone too!

Next, the menu offers up Art's Sandwiches. A couple of highlights here include the Whitefish burger (minced Whitefish blended with savory spices, hand pressed and grilled, served on a wheat bun with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce), the Great Lakes Perch (deep fried perch on a fresh baked roll served with tartar sauce and lemon) and the Rachel (thinly sliced oven roasted turkey, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing, served on grilled sunflower rye). One can expect to spend anywhere from $5-$10 on a sandwich.

An Art's Tavern favorite is up next, the burgers! Burgers range from $8-$12. Highlights include a double decker Art's burger, a bleu burger and an Art's surf and turf (made with burger and smelt). Love it!

The outside bar makes for a convenient outdoors dining experience.

Dinner entrees include seafood and "from the broiler" sections, with my favorites being the crusty Whitefish (Whitefish dusted with parmesan and corn flakes, sauteed to a golden brown) and the petite ribeye. Entrees run from $13-$20.

Art's Tavern also offers a grand selection of pizzas and south of the border fare. These range from $11-$17.

Don't forget to grab an iconic Art's Tavern t-shirt!

Hungry for more? Want some Art's in the AM? Well! Luckily for you, Art's does breakfast as well! Don;t miss their ribeye and eggs, good god that's delish! There're also a huge selection of omelets and waffles/pancakes/French toast options. In my humble opinion, Art's is at its best during breakfast, but that's just me, I'm a breakfast kinda guy! And no worries, side orders are plentiful as well. The wide selection of breakfasts range from $6-$10.

Last, but certainly not least, are Art's desserts! They serve up Moomer's Ice Cream, the best ice cream in America (really, there was a vote!). This place is the place to be on a hot summer's day. Nothing helps you recover from that better than a Boston Cooler! Desserts range from $6-$7 each.

I love this place!

Why? Because, for me, Art's Tavern in Glen Arbor rounds out a trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes or the shops of Glen Arbor or the many hidden beaches of the Leelanau Peninsula so well! It maintains that "escape" atmosphere for a bit longer. It allows you to relax in a booth, sip on some great local brews and lose yourself in conversation with friends and strangers alike. It helps that exhausted-from-the-sun feeling sink in at a comfortable pace. And when you leave, you leave happy.

The next time you're in Glen Arbor, hit up Art's Tavern! You won't be sorry!

(All photos by Brooks Vanderbush)

Sugarfoot Saloon

Out in the middle of nowhere is a culinary delight; Sugarfoot Saloon.

When I say that you need to leave the comfort of familiarity and venture out of the perceived boundaries of your new-found locale,THIS is what I'm talking about!  This little joint is a true slice of local, Northern Michigan dining.

A friendly, welcoming staff and decor inhabit this Cedar, MI restaurant.

Quite literally out in the middle of nowhere (technically Cedar, MI), Sugarfoot Saloon is a favorite of the local farmers, neighbors and TC peeps needing an escape from the downtown hustle and bustle.  Sugarfoot Saloon is a perfect example of how my mantra (LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL......oh yeah, and: OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE) comes into play to score a HUGE hit.

Sugarfoot Saloon lives up to its name with a fully stocked bar.

What do I mean by "LOCAL"?  That's obvious, I won't be answering that. 

What do I mean by "OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE"?  That statement simply means that if you find yourself in a city, town or place that you have never been, DO NOT stick to the well travelled path!  Venture to where the locals go and I assure you that you shall find an experience that is truly LOCAL.

Even if you have lived within a certain locale for many years, there still exists a comfort zone that you need to shuck off.  If you do, you WILL find something new and wonderful within the bland and familiar.

Family friendly and fantastic, Sugarfoot Saloon is a favorite hang-out in Cedar, MI.

Lisa and I have a CSA farm out in Cedar.  A CSA farm is a place where you buy a "share" and throughout the growing season you are able to pick up farm fresh produce, eggs and meat once per week.  It is divine!

On one of our excursions to our farm, we took a different route (yes, we got a little lost, but it was FUN!).  On this route, we passed by Sugarfoot Saloon.  At first it struck us as a place that may not be too welcoming to strangers.  Boy, were we ever mistaken in that assumption!

Some great pulls occupy Sugarfoot Saloon's bar, including two brews of their very own.

To begin with, do not let this "out in the middle of nowhere" place scare you; its staff and patrons are some of the most welcoming folk you will ever meet.  And they make their own beer Heaven, I was in heaven.  Not only did I adore the modern saloon decor, but, when the first, crisp drop of Liquid Sunshine passed over my tongue, I was completely sold on the necessity of this place within the larger Grand Traverse area dining scene.

They, of course, have a full selection of other beers, a few locals and a few old standbys, as well as a full bar and knowledgeable bar staff.  No worries if craft brews are not for you.  But......if craft brews are not for you.....perhaps this blog isn't either.  LOCAL!!

Liquid Sunshine at Sugarfoot Saloon. It tastes as good as it sounds!

Sugarfoot's cuisine is equally pleasing.  Billed as a great place to grab some Mexican cuisine, it is also quite popular for its American fare.  Their broasted chicken is apparently to die for.  They have everything from a 4 piece to a 96 piece (with call ahead for the 96er).  I'd take this place over that nasty ol' Colonel any day!

The jalapeno poppers are a very fun, spicy way to start your experience here.  Their homemade salsas are also smokin'!

Sugarfoot has a wide selection for both Mexican and American food, as you will see from their menu on their site (which I linked to above).  I went with the HUGE sirloin tip wet burrito.  It was the absolute perfect match for my glass of sunshine.

Along with some grand sips come the superb bites!

While this place is about a 20-30 minute drive from downtown TC, it is totally worth it.  The drive is scenic, to say the least.  You are surrounded by farms (even a hop farm!), the countryside and some truly amazing people. 

Lisa and I will be venturing back for sure!  I am craving more Liquid Sunshine and another helping of something Mexican.

Moral: Do not be limited in your adventures by fear of the unknown.  A comfort zone is, oftentimes, a hindrance.  I point to cruise ships as a perfect example of this.  "We went to Jamaica, Cozumel and Key West!"  "Did you leave the tour group and hit up some place local?"  "No."  "Then, my friend, you did NOT go to Jamaica, Cozumel and Key West."

But Brooks, you say, in some places, venturing out to find something local can be dangerous! 

Don't whine to me about that!  I've done third world local, straight street-food, because that's where the locals went.  When I sat down, began speaking their language, eating their food, ordering their beer and appeared as at ease as they were, the tension completely melted away.

On the other hand, if you get into a tight spot, that's also a learning experience and a great story for later (if you survive) so.....good luck and you're welcome.

That's the third world.  This is Northern Michigan.  Quit with the whining and hit up Sugarfoot.  It will be a highlight of your journey, I guarantee!!

OH!  And try the apple dessert (if they have it), it will BLOW YOUR MIND!

(All photos by Brooks Vanderbush)

The Traverse City Restaurant Scene is Hoppin'!

So, here's the deal folks:  Recently, out of pure curiosity, I "Bing-ed" 'Traverse City Restaurant Reviews.' There was no shortage of big-name sites willing to offer me "user submitted" or "first hand account" reviews from "loyal patrons" of Traverse City restaurants.  This did not surprise me.  TC is a vacation Mecca within my beautiful Michigan.  People from all over the world flock to the white, sandy shorelines, the waters glistening with every imaginable shade of blue and the truly diverse and amazing art scene and night life that Traverse City has to offer.

So, you can understand my shock and disbelief when I opened one of these so-called expert travelogue sites and found that the first review was for the writer's delicious trip to.......Wendy's.

Yes, Wendy's.

Now, being a part-time father figure to my beautiful fiance's two lovely children, I have, on more than one occasion, been cajoled into pulling through the "drive-thru" of some unfortunate little establishment where grade F meat goes to die (under heat lamps or in our gullets). 

While I appreciate (and have partaken in) the necessity of fast-"food" during a college road trip or the convenience of a McDonald's burger while sprinting through some five mile long airport attempting to catch that connection your airline so graciously gave you 10 minutes to meet, I can not stand the fact that I opened a Traverse City restaurant review site and found a generic fast-food joint ranking high amongst the area's "best."

And so, I set forth here to remedy that!

As an ad-man (in PR and Marketing) in TC, I look with fondness upon McDonald's......ads that is.  They have some very strange, creative fare in far-away lands. 

But, as a freelance journalist who has traversed the grand expanse of Michigan, this wonderful nation and Central America (I lived in Guatemala for two amazing years), I can certainly claim that I know a thing or two about adventure.  The very first thing that I will tell you about adventure is that you have not experienced a place until you have experienced its food.  I mean TRULY experienced its food, on a local level, in a place where you will never be able to experience such food ever again.  I'm talking about the sort of experience that not only brings you amazing cuisine, but a truly unique atmosphere and a local charm that will stick with you forever; a true Blue Heaven of Key West sort of thing.

In that vein I dedicate this blog to the truly outstanding restaurants, wineries, breweries, bars, eateries, holes-in-the-wall and "Blue Heavens" of the Grand Traverse Region and beyond. 

My opinion is strong, I know what I like.  I am laid back and easy going (a real Jimmy Buffett kind of guy!), but I will not hesitate to relay a poor experience. 

If this offends, please accept my advice to use the things that I write as a learning experience and a guide to a better restaurant and all-around experience.  Please also note that my opinion is my own, formed in my own mind (oftentimes with the help of my strong-willed, extreme foodie of a fiance) and reflects my own experience.  Your experience may vary greatly from my own.  This blog is to be viewed as a guide, a set of suggestions and experiences, not food law written in digital stone.

Most of all, though, I hope to convey the rich beauty and eclectic wonder that sometimes hides within a Traverse City foodie experience.  Granted, many wonderful foodie experiences await you without seeking them and you lovers of Traverse City are well aware of that fact.  However, TC is full of hidden gems, ones that could be easily missed.  It is my intention to write on both of these topics, as well as the experiences that you should most certainly NOT partake in, as, unfortunately, TC has a few of those as well.

Thanks for reading!  I look forward to this journey.....and to the food!  And, as always, eat, drink and experience, it's what life is all about!