Mission Table



Mission Table, on the Old Mission Peninsula just outside of Traverse City, MI, is the ideal mix of class and local fare.



There are some food experiences that travel beyond a simple meal with varied flavors.  These experiences bring you into a world of outstanding cuisine combined with a completely engrossing atmosphere.  THIS is fine dining.  THIS is excellent food and drink, made even more so by the company.  This is Mission Table.

A relaxed, elegant atmosphere awaits you at one of Traverse City's finest food destinations.

My lovely Lisa and I recently celebrated her birthday at Mission Table.  Present were her parents and a few of our closest friends.

I had heard little about this restaurant.  It yet remains somewhat of a mystery to the average Traverse Citian.  It is a bit removed from TC, but not too far as to be completely inaccessible, it is adjacent to Jolly Pumpkin afterall.

For those of you not yet familiar with Jolly Pumpkin or its location, both that restaurant (a fun place, but be careful with the beer) and Mission Table occupy the old Bower's Harbor Inn and The Bowery mansion about 15-20 minutes from TC on Old Mission Peninsula.

A "limited menu" is certainly anything but at Mission Table in Traverse City.

As just mentioned, at Jolly Pumpkin (as you can see in my review, linked above) I caution people on the beer selection.  It is certainly an acquired taste.  And, as is to be expected, Mission Table does share a bar with Jolly Pumpkin.  So, again, perhaps you should taste your selection before ordering a full pint.

However, the lovely, crisp beer, 129 I believe was its name......perhaps 159......something along those lines, is completely perfect.  A slight buttery first hit to the palette with a refreshing, slightly spicing afterward.  This is instantly one of my favorite beers.

Mission Table's offerings will instantly win you over.

The bar is the only thing shared by the two restaurants.  The atmosphere of Mission Table is wholly different from Jolly Pumpkin.  There is a relaxed class to the place, a sophisticated aire that does not seem forced or put on, but natural and comfortable.  There are no stuffed shirts, fake waitstaff or pretentious ideals here.  There is no show.  This restaurant is fine dining simply for the fact that it is all those things AND it allows the "fine" aspect to come through by way of its exquisite cuisine.

Many Traverse City restaurants attempt, and fail, to pull off what seems to come so effortlessly to the kitchen and staff at Mission Table.

Pictured above is the birthday girl's meal; grilled loin of lamb, French lentils, mustard sauce and seasonal vegetables.  Above that picture, you'll find my meal; filet mignon with roasted fingerling potatoes, seasonal vegetables in a red wine reduction.  Both plates were simply perfect, in every way.

If you're looking for a restaurant that offers a true escape, Mission Table is the place for you!

Our meals began with a pork belly dish and a scallop dish as well.  These were, as expected, delicious.

As it was her birthday, we brought along a cake, made by Katie, the pastry queen at Centre Street Cafe, a friend to Lisa and a couple of others gathered at the table.

Even birthdays are better at Mission Table!

What is it about a restaurant that can bring friends together and offer a simply superb experience?  There truly is something completely special about a place that can bring so many elements into line to make for such a perfect evening.  On its surface, a restaurant full of happy consumers, tinkling glasses, wonderful waiters and waitresses and packed dining rooms seems like such a simple thing.  This misconception has doomed many an establishment.  It is most certainly NOT an easy thing to bring perfection into the dining realm.  Mission Table, with its outstanding LOCAL fare, its unique and charming waitstaff and its all encompassing atmosphere of relaxed sophistication and elegance has certainly discovered that ever elusive equation which amounts to an amazing evening, one that patrons will seek to recreate time and time again.

In short, we loved it!  Mission Table's focus on local, sustainable foods sourced from local farmers at the height of their varied seasons is something that captures my loyalty instantly.  The magic that they work with these local meats and veggies holds that loyalty quite well!  I will heartily recommend this establishment to anyone and everyone.

Wishes certainly come true at Mission Table in Traverse City!

For anyone seeking a truly perfect evening amongst friends and loved ones, look no further than Mission Table, a place where your every food wish will certainly be granted!  (Like that?  She's blowing out her candle and I worked that "wish" thing in to the closing!  Brilliant!  Or, at least it would be if I hadn't written all of this....hmmm....note for the future I suppose.  Don't point out your segways, got it.)

Oh, and watch out for those ghosts!

One more thing:  The joint's supposedly haunted by the widow of the man who owned the mansion.  Hung herself in the elevator shaft, it seems.  The waitstaff would be happy to fill you in  on the tale, all you need do is ask! (I went for a small ghost hunt there and, just as in the Congress Hotel in Chicago, I found zero ghosts, sigh, oh well).

(All photos by Lisa Kelly and Brooks Vanderbush)

Jolly Pumpkin

The unique decor and wonderful lodge like atmosphere make Traverse City's Jolly Pumpkin a grand place to dine!

Ah Jolly Pumpkin, how I love thee.

This restaurant, a short drive out Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, is beautifully appointed.  The fond memories of Bower's Harbor Inn and the Bowery (the restaurants that once inhabited this old mansion) still echo within these walls.  Instead of the high end Bower's Harbor Inn, there is now Mission Table, which is, in my opinion, looking to be world's better.  I have yet to experience this bit of elegance, but when I do I will pass along my little opinion.  For now, we will discuss The Bowery's replacement.

Booths, high-tops and tables all come together in an effort to allow you to enjoy Jolly Pumpkin's fare.

Set-up within a beautiful old home, the Jolly Pumpkin occupies the back half of the mansion.  The decor within this joint is spot on.  I love the atmosphere, from the huge wooden front door, to the bar and the seating areas.  There does not appear to be a bad table at this restaurant, each has its own unique place and reason.  Love it.

North Peak brews mix with Jolly Pumpkins sour Belgium style creations. Many take some getting used to.

The food here is always fun as well.  From crab tator-tots and truffled French fries on the appetizer menu to the summer vegetable plate and the constantly changing fresh fish plate on the entree menu, I have yet to find a loser. 

Jolly Pumpkin is popular for artisan pizzas as well.  My favorite is the wild mushroom pizza, but, if that doesn't float your boat, there are six others to choose from.  You can grab a steak off of the wood fired grill, dive into a Bison sloppy joe or delight in the ever wonderful salmon sandwich.  Don't forget to ask about their specials as well.  They oftentimes get quite creative with the specials menu.

The food, and people that serve it, are both excellent here at Traverse City's Jolly Pumpkin on Old Mission Peninsula!

Now, this place promotes itself as a brewery.  It is, in fact, part of a family of restaurants including Blue Tractor and North Peak.  Both wonderful establishments with great beer that you will soon be able to read about.  But, when at Jolly Pumpkin, be cautious of the beer.

During my first excursion there I was quite excited to taste the juice of their various taps.  I chose Bam Biere, a beer heralded as a "top 25 beers in America" pick from Men's Journal.  I eagerly brought the cup to my lips for my first taste of this man-loved beer and was instantly hit with a very unique flavor.

Here's the rub - these beers are not for the beginner. Me and my…..shall we say……very experienced (ha) palate adore these brews, but, when I've introduced less experienced friends or family, they do not share my pleasure.

A lot of their beers share a strange, sharp flavor/bite. Strange, that is, to the uninitiated.  I am not sure why, but it is quite vexing to some!  During my last trip, I sampled their Fuego Del Otono, it was amazing.  However, much to my dismay, I ordered their light beer and did not catch the name of it, because it was also amazing.  A crisp, buttery delight.  I will be going back for seconds of each for sure!

Even though many brews are an acquired taste, you are certain to find something that pleases behind the bar at Jolly Pumpkin.

The moral here is one that you should follow at every restaurant, be careful.  Jolly Pumpkin can be a truly amazing experience, just be sure to ask for a taste sample of the beer before you dive in to one of their liter bottles or tall drafts. I love them, but, again, not for beginners!

(All photos by Brooks Vanderbush)