Spanglish of Traverse City

Spanglish inhabits the former home of the Underground Cheesecake Company on the grounds of the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

First and foremost, I apologize for the absence! I am back, traversing this wonderful area with my little family, eating outstanding food, taking pics and blogging about it here. My goal is 1-2 restaurants per month, so do continue to check back often!

Anyway! Onto the fun stuff. The above picture may be a bit familiar to those of you who have read through this blog a time or two. There's a very good reason for that. This building that now houses Spanglish once housed the Underground Cheesecake Company.  For those of you that love cheesecake, have no fear, the cheesecake brilliance is now located in the building directly behind this one. 

The interior is small, but, since takeout is an option, this won't matter at all!

Now that I've put your no-cheesecake-induced panic attack to rest, let's discuss this Spanglish, shall we? I've noticed that the blog on Osorio's continues to be the most read blog on my little site. Obviously, you folks enjoy authentic Central American fare. Well, here at Spanglish, you get just that!

The bean dip is the best in town!

A brilliant native chef and his equally brilliant wife have put together a little bit of Mexican heaven. right on the grounds of the Grand Traverse Commons here in Traverse City. Together with their team, they are putting out some of the very best Mexican food available in the region today!

Outstanding, simple creations flow from this Traverse City kitchen.

Their tag line is "A Fresh Tradition." And that is exactly what they are. Their offerings are simple and traditional. They know what they are good at and they produce that excellence daily. Since their opening, their small restaurant has become a hub for hungry locals and visitors alike. In fact, the one sure thing that I used in Central America to find excellent food can be seen here at Spanglish everyday. That thing is the line of folks who live in and work at the Grand Traverse Commons seeking their daily fix of Spanglish. When the true locals love it enough to stand in line, especially when there are so many other options available to them, you know that it has got to be good. 

And it is!

Spanglish is quickly becoming an institution within the Traverse City dining scene.

Let's talk about food!

To begin with, from 9-11AM, they serve an outstanding breakfast burrito, consisting of eggs, queso cheese, potatoes, salsa roja, sour cream and your choice of Michigan pork sausage or a veggie option, which includes onion, poblano, sweet corn and bell pepper. All for only $5.50.

Before we continue, you should know that all of their ingredients are locally sourced. Awesome.

Now, for $9 you can snag 3 tacos. These are corn tortillas topped with shredded cabbage, salsa verde, chopped onion, cilantro and feta cheese. You can choose roasted pork,, braised beef, grilled chicken or the veggie option.

If you're a burrito lover, check out the Big Daddy for $9. This thing really is BIG. It consists of refried beans, rice, salsa verde, shredded cabbage, onions, cilantro and feta with your choice of Carnitas roasted pork, barbacoa beef, chicken or veggie.

One of the most purchased items here are the Tamales. You can snag one for $3. The options here are Carnitas and Tomatillo - consisting of roasted pork with a tomatillo sauce, chicken and guajillo - consisting of chicken with a mild red chili sauce, Three Sisters - consisting of butternut squash, corn, beans, and red bell pepper, and the New World - consisting of zucchini, roasted tomatoes, potatoes, onions and pepitas (toasted pumpkin seeds). These things rock!

They also offer Quesadillas and Tostadas, both very tasty! 

Sides offered include beans, rice, hot sauce, chips and salsa and more. The sides range in price from 50 cents to $5. Pretty decent pricing! In fact, nothing on the menu tops $9.

You can even take home some of their salsa or layered bean dip (one of my favorites!).

And, of course, they offer a bit of sweet as well. This is in the form of a Polvorone - an orange zest shortbread cookie for $1.50.

These cookies hit the spot for sure!

There really is nothing quite like an authentic experience, brought to you by folks who truly love their art! At Spanglish, you will find just that!

(All photos by Brooks Vanderbush)

Green House Cafe

Green House Cafe in downtown Traverse City is where those in the know go for great breakfast and lunch fare.

 

Ahh, downtown Traverse City in the Spring! Thoughts turn to fresh, crisp fare that satisfies and energizes, am I right? Well, if you're downtown Traverse City, and on foot, that means that you're a bit too far from Centre Street Cafe to enjoy their amazing offerings. So, I'd suggest one of downtown's best breakfast and lunch spots - Green House Cafe!

DO NOT miss the muffins!

 

This place has long been a favorite of the downtown wanderer, the lunch hour rusher, the casual meeting....ers, basically everybody loves this joint!

 

Why do they love it? The answer to that is both simple and delicious! The food!

 



Whether you're seated inside or out on the sidewalk watching the world go by, the atmosphere is uniquely TC.

 

That's right, nothing more, nothing less. The food here is always outstanding, especially so if you're in the mood for a lunch or breakfast that will leave you completely satisfied, but still able to continue shopping, beaching, movie-going, etc. without that "good lord, I'm going to burst" feel.

Keep an eye on this board! Amazing things happen here.

 

Speaking of breakfast, let's dive right in, shall we?

 

We start with a section entitled simply "Basic Breakfast." But, as you'll soon discover, there's not too much Basic about Green House Cafe.

 

The Basic selections run from $4-$6. They include things like biscuits and sausage gravy, granola/fruit/yogurt, pancakes, French toast, etc. This section is perfect for the wayward traveller on a budget or the person with simple tastes.

 

We next see "Omelettes". These range in price from $8-$9. Some fun combinations can be had here. My favorite is the asparagus and Swiss omelette for $8. Yum!

 

We move onto the House Specialties next. These range from $8-$11. My preferred house specialty breakfast is the Eggs Neptune for $11. This would be poached eggs on top of two crab cakes smothered with hollandaise sauce, served with hash browns or fresh fruit. This hits me in the sweet spot every time!

 

After house specialties comes Sides, Kids and Beverages. The sides consist mostly of the usual suspects and the kids menu is affordable (ranging from $2-$5) and full of selection. 

Amazing things happen here as well!

 

Jumping into what is most likely their most popular reason for existing now - lunch.

 

Please note that house specials, features and the chalk board are constantly changing. This includes the homemade soup selections. However, their freaking amazing French onion soup is almost always available. For $8, you can take a trip to soup heaven!

 

Salads here are fresh and tasty, they range in price from $6-$11 and there are a few yummy options to take advantage of to kick your salad up a notch.

 

Burgers come next. These range in price from $8-$10. My favorite slab is the crab burger, described simply as "our homemade recipe." Delish!

 

After burgers comes sandwiches. This is the menu that I usually utilize when I visit their downtown Traverse City location. The prices in this section range from $8-$10. The best selection here, in my humble opinion, is the shrimp salad sandwich. This thing is $10 and comes on a croissant. I dig it VERY much!



Green House Cafe compliments downtown Traverse City style to a "T"!

 

When most locals think of Green House Cafe in Traverse City, they picture the muffin bar. So, as my closing thought, if you go here for only one thing, let it be one of their outstanding (and HUGE) muffins! Lemon Poppy, chocolate chip, pineapple coconut, pumpkin and many more. Yeah, you can't forget to snag a muffin.

 

Downtown Traverse City is jam packed full of eateries that seem to have their own perfect niche. Green House Cafe is no different. Whether you're doing a bit of take-out for the beach or boat, or you're dining in with friends or family, this place is certain to scratch whatever culinary itch you may have!

 

(All photos by Brooks Vanderbush)

Shameless Self Promotion! Yay!

Greetings folks! I have some awesome and faithful readers on this blog. You guys obviously love Northern Michigan and are pretty interested in what it has to offer. To that end, I invite you to Like my Journalistic self's Facebook Page. This page will keep you up to date on all of the happenings, goings-on and the like in the Grand Traverse Region, as well as every article I write! Yippee, right?? Also, the minute that I throw a post up onto this blog, I'll put it on my Facebook page for you to click and enjoy! BRILLIANT!

Additionally, as you'll see when you click on the above link, I am a "freelancer". This means that I am always interested in hearing about any needs that your publication may have, foodie or otherwise. Just hit me up on my page or at brooks.vanderbush@gmail.com!

OK, enough of that. Get back to reading about awesome restaurants here in Traverse City and beyond!!! Happy eating!!

Blue Tractor

Old Town Traverse City is the place to go for boots full of beer!

 

 

The Cuban Burger. That is all.

 

Just kidding, folks. We'll throw a few more syllables into this piece, but, for real; the Cuban Burger at this joint is out-freaking-standing.

A darker, more relaxing atmosphere is tailor made for convo and good times at Blue Tractor in Traverse City.

 

 

Blue Tractor is slightly removed from downtown Traverse City, located in TC's Old Town District. But, that slightly removed is just enough to allow for way too many folks to find themselves not at Blue Tractor, because, unfortunately, they never knew that it existed.

 

Well, it does exist and it turns out some supremely satisfying fare, as well as an outstanding selection of Michigan brews! They'll even serve you a boot full of beer, which is an ungodly amount of awesome. Beware of this glass boot, though! Filling that 32 oz mug with many of the craft beers featured on tap can be a severely mind altering experience, what with the high alcohol content and all. Whew.

Belly on up to the bar, or grab a table or booth. It's all good here at TC's Blue Tractor.

 

 

Blue Tractor serves up lunch and dinner, and they serve it up well!

 

The lunch menu is the perfect re-energizing force for that midtown shopping break. It starts off with....well...starters! Perfecto!

 

These selections run from $5-$9. I usually gravitate toward the artichoke dip ($9), the breaded green bean platter ($6 or $9) or the Tractor Twists (hand twisted bread sticks, stuffed with Monterrey Jack cheese, topped with herbed garlic butter and served with warm marinara sauce - $8).

 

Side note: you'll notice that Blue Tractor is not the healthiest choice in TC restaurants. But, one does not enter such a locale looking for health food. This is good food alongside great beer. 'Nuff said.

 

Moving on with the lunch menu!

 

Soups and salads come next. This section has prices ranging from $5-$10. When I'm in a soup/salad mood, I'll snag the raspberry chicken salad ($10) and the soup of the day ($5)! They're standby soup is a smoked chicken chowder ($5), which is swell, but I have something against ordering chicken or pork when dining out. I just can't do it. That is, unless that meat is part of a unique, fun salad, of course.

 

The menu then moves onto Tractor Pies. These be pizzas, mateys. They range from $8 for personal pizzas to $15 for pizzas to share amongst the gathered table. I usually snag the five cheese and roasted vegetables pizza for $8. Simple, elegant, cheesey. I dig it!

 

Next comes the Burger Board. This would be where Blue Tractor shines. These burgers range in price from $8-$9, with sliders coming in at $3 each or $11 for 5 and fries in a basket.

 

I'm a bit wishy-washy when it comes to the burgers at Blue Tractor. I don't really have a favorite or anything.......HA! I jest! The only burger I order here is the CUBAN! This lovely mama-jama comes topped with pit smoked pulled pork, jack cheese, housemade pickles, secret sauce and yellow mustard. The portion of the menu that announces the presence of this delightful burger starts with "Addictive. You've been warned." And it certainly is! I have seen others at my table thoroughly enjoy the other burgers on the menu, so I am sure that they are all swell as well.

 

Sandwiches and mac-n-cheese round out the lunch menu. Despite only having a few selections of mac-n-cheese, when one mentions Blue Tractor about town, that selection of dishes seems to be what they're most know for.

 

Sandwiches run $8-$9, while mac-n-cheese comes in at $9-$10. The corned beef Reuben is a lovely thing, as is the BBQ pulled pork with smoked Gouda mac-n-cheese. Yum!

Michigan made brews. The best in the world!

 

Onto dinner!

 

Starters, soups and salads, Tractor Pies, mac-n-cheese, the Burger Board, and sandwiches are all pretty much the same here, with some slight increase in prices. Sneaky!

 

An added section is Blue Tractor BBQ. Pulled pork, ribs, brisket and beer can chicken can all be had here, with prices ranging from $14-$22.

 

Desserts can be had as well, prices stick at $5 for around four selections. Try the Caramel Pecan brownie Sundae!

 

Blue Tractor also does some lovely take-out.

Cuban Burger and a local brew. This is the recipe for a perfect evening out amongst friends!

 

I really enjoy this joint. It's one of a few restaurants throughout Traverse City that is consistently good. It is also one of MANY restaurants throughout Traverse City that has an amazing atmosphere for good times and conversation. This is a grand place to meet up, nosh on tasty fare, sling a few amazing brews and simply enjoy this life.

The Underground Cheesecake Company

No matter the season, this place is pleasin'!

PLEASE NOTE that the Cheesecake factory has moved into Building 50 at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons and has vastly expanded their options! Check them out! The building in the above photo is now inhabited by Spanglish.

Brace yourselves, this one is pure indulgence! Welcome to the Underground Cheesecake Company in Traverse City!

This little joint sits behind the old state hospital (otherwise known as the Grand Traverse Commons). If I'm not mistaken, the building that this dessert lover's heaven occupies is the former laundry facility for the hospital. As you may have noticed, this is not the first eatery that I have featured from the grounds of the Grand Traverse Commons, nor will it be the last. If you are coming to Traverse City, you need to spend a few hours exploring (and eating) here!



The selection of sweets can be overwhelming at first. No worries, you'll recover.

Anyway, now that we have that tid-bit out of the way, let's get to the food!

I'll begin by saying that this is an excellent little lunch stop, of that there is no doubt. They do some excellent sandwiches, ranging in price from $7-$9 (try the vegetarian roasted butternut squash and balsamic onion grilled cheese. Whoa!), a couple of very nice salads, and a small choice of yummy soups whipped up daily. So, yes, lunch can be had here, along with some refreshing drinks and lunch sides (chips, etc.).

But, who are we kidding here? We all know why you're about to wander through these doors. Let's talk cheesecake, shall we?

A small dining area offers you the option to eat in at the Underground Cheesecake Company.

As stated, the Underground Cheesecake Company is a sweet lover's delight. Single serving desserts are priced as follows: brownies - $3.50; cookies - .90-$2.25; cheesecake - $4.25; scones - $3.50. They also have many miscellaneous items available daily, be sure to check that out!

If you're in the market for some gourmet brownies, you're in luck! The always featured flavors are Decadent Double Fudge, Turtle, Creme de Menthe, Peanut Butter and German Chocolate. More flavors may be featured on a day by day basis. If you're looking for a 1/4 sheet of brownies, that'll cost you $35.

Specialty cakes and desserts is the next section that may be of interest to the sugar starved diner. These selections may or may not be available for single serving purchase, one never knows what specific items will be up for single serving grabs. Whole cake/specialty dessert prices range from $20-$37. Favorites of this rather large section include the Black Bottom Cake, Strawberry Torte, Chocolate Raspberry Torte, Fresh Fruit Tart, Pumpkin Cake Roll and the Red Velvet Cake Roll. If you're feeling like a "regular" cake, that can be had as well, just let them know what you're looking for.

Crystalized Ginger. Wowza.

Now, to the cheesey meat of this blog. Cheesecakes are the stars of the show here. If you're throwing a beach party, a boat gathering, a park suare, or a porch gathering, one of these cakes will certainly liven up your event and leave your guests in awe!

Cheesecakes are priced as follows: 9" - $32 (12-16 servings); 6" - $21 (4-6 servings); 12" - $65 (30-35 servings).

Highlights of the HUGE cheesecake menu include the Amaretto Cream, the Caramelized Bourbon Snap, the Chocolate Hazelnut Truffle, the Chocolate Malt, the Cookies and Cream, the Dutch Apple Crumb, the English Toffee Crunch, the Lemon Drop, the Madagascar Vanilla Bean, the Orange Sherbert, the Pomegranate Splash, the Pralines and Cream, the Real Key Lime, the Red Velvet, the Strawberries and Cream, the Vanilla Cappuccino and the White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl.

And that's only a few of the many selections available!

Something for the hiking trail (located just outside of the Underground Cheesecake Company's door)?

How would the Underground Cheesecake Company fit into a lovely Traverse City afternoon? Quite easily. For me, I'll snag a late lunch downtown, hit these folks up for some amazing dessert, then stroll next door and sup the wine at Left Foot Charley! Sounds like a perfect afternoon to me!

(All photos by Brooks Vanderbush)

Thai Cafe

Folks are requesting hidden gems. Well, they don't get much more hidden than Traverse City's Thai Cafe!

 

 

What is it about Asian fare that is so absolutely necessary in this world? That question has plagued locals and travellers alike for centuries. Without reason and without cause, a sudden, overwhelming urge to sup on the delicacies of the Far East will firmly implant itself within your skull and, until you satiate that urge, the torture is almost unbearable!

 

Here in Traverse City, we're lucky enough to have quite a few options for such urgings. This, however, can be a nasty crutch. When one craves a bit of China, Japan, Thailand or more, one wants the absolute best that can be had. And, again, while TC has its share of fine joints that fall into these categories, there is but one establishment that has grasped the concept of unerringly amazing Asian food. Perhaps not surprisingly it is located in Traverse City's Campus Plaza, next to Northwestern Michigan College. I speak, of course, of Thai Cafe.

The decor is.....very simple. You are very aware that you have just stepped into a restaurant with a college nearby. No worries, though! The food is all the decor you'll need here!

 

 

As I just mentioned, Thai Cafe is tucked discreetly into the Campus Plaza, between two chain restaurants. Their sign is small, their entrance slightly hidden. Their space here appears to be almost an after thought. If you're driving past, it is extremely easy to miss this place.

 

That's right. Thai Cafe has every mark of a bit of hidden foodie treasure.

Traverse City's Thai Cafe is easily the best Far East food joint in town!

 

 

Now, throughout my time here in Traverse City, I have made a routine of hitting these guys up every couple of weeks. They have never disappointed. Their food is always perfect, no matter what I order. In fact, once I finish this blog, I'm off to Thai Cafe!

 

So, as I am very much looking forward to the trip, let's get this blog over with!

 

The food: As one will likely expect, Thai Cafe's menu is quite large. As such, I'll list a few of my favorites and some price ranges from each section. But, believe me, no matter what you choose, you will instantly fall in love.

 

The menu begins with Appetizers. These range in price from $2-$6. You cannot go wrong with the shrimp tampura ($6) or the crab meat ragoon ( $4)!

 

From there, the menu continues on into the Salads section. These range in price from $7-$12. For $9, you can snag the Yum Squid. Whoa is it fun!

 

Soups come next. These range in price from $2-$9. While they have some excellent soups, I have yet to try anything other than the egg drop ($2). SOOOOOO good!

 

Noodle dishes are up next. They range in price from $7-$14. The Talay will give you shrimp, scallops and squid ($9 or $14 depending on portion size).

 

Fried rice dishes are always popular here. These range in price from $7-$14 as well. Coconut red curry. Need I say more?



What Thai Cafe lacks in atmosphere it more than makes up for in dining awesome.

 

 

Up next is my favorite section of the menu: Coconut Curries Dishes. Now, Thai Cafe is known for their curries, some can be quite hot, so watch out for that! This section ranges in price from $7-$16. I will usually match up the duck or talay with  the Gang Ped (red curry with peppers, onions, pineapple, bamboo and tomato).

 

Stir fried dishes makes the next appearance. This has a price rang of $7-$15. Try out the Pad Bai Gai Plow (stir fried peppers, onions, basil and mushrooms.

 

Fish dishes comes next. These have no range. Three dishes are all $14 each. The Pla Chu Chee is my favorite (white fish with ginger, onion, basil and coconut red curry).

 

Lastly comes the Chinese dishes. These range from $7-$12 and include some of China's most well known dishes (at least at American joints).

 

A dessert of sweet rice and mango is usually available as well for $4.

 



Buddha would approve of Traverse City's Thai Cafe.

 

 

Obviously, the decor isn't breathtaking and the location isn't the most beautiful view. When you enter here, you certainly feel the closeness of the college campus. But, once you tuck into your order, none of that will matter. Your taste buds will be in Thailand and, as we all know, when the buds are happy, so shall be we!

 

(All photos by Brooks Vanderbush)

North Peak Brewing Company

An upscale, trendy bar atmosphere greets diners at Traverse City's North Peak Brewing Company.

Every town has its mainstay. A place that is consistently good, both in food and service. A place that is always a good choice when your brain is failing at the "where should we eat" question. For Traverse City, that place is North Peak.

While the menu at North Peak is filled with amazing selection, many gravitate toward their hearth baked pizzas. Yum!

North Peak is part of a local grouping of restaurants here in the Grand Traverse Region that includes Blue Tractor, Jolly Pumpkin, etc. It's an upscale pub, a fun place to take the family and a grand place for a date! While this Traverse City mainstay has many mainstays of its own (like a pint of house brewed Northern Light, a hearth baked pizza, a perfect burger or an outstanding cup of white cheddar ale soup), I am constantly drawn to one of two bits of sensory savors on the menu: the Cajun crawfish salad or the hangar steak. Both of these dishes have always been spot on for me, hitting me right in the middle of my favored flavor zone. Just thinking about them sends my senses whirling! They are both quite delicious!

A burger and a pint. Never a better lunch combination!

But, those two dishes are not the only ones on the menu. Let's dig into that, shall we?

North Peak offers a completely satisfying lunch and dinner menu. Both menus mirror each other in quite a few ways. A lot of the same dishes are shared by each menu, the only real difference between those dishes on each menu is the price. Example: The hangar steak ordered at lunch time will set you back $14. On the dinner menu, that steak is $18. Rather sneaky, I do admit, but both prices are well within the "acceptable" zone for this, the most scrumptious dish on the menu. 

The large bar at North Peak is perfect for game watching or socializing. 

On both menus, you'll find a delightful mix of choices. 

On the lunch menu, you'll come across an appetizer section with prices ranging from $5.95-$10.95. My ideal lunch time appetizer is always the corn dusted calamari ($8.95). That same section on the dinner menu maintains the same price and selection. For dinner, I'd snag the beer steamed mussels for $10. This "appetizer" is big enough to be a meal by itself!

Next up would be North Peak's ever popular hearth baked pizzas. The lunch menu has these ranging in price from $8.50-$10.95. These are usually the perfect size for two to share. At lunch time, I always gravitate toward the wild mushroom pizza. This thing consists of wild mushrooms, garlic-herb olive oil, mozzarella, fontina cheese and cracked black pepper, all for only $8.50. Nice! On the dinner menu, these things range from $10-$12. My pizza of choice at dinner time is BBQ Boar pizza for $12. Wild boar, nice!

After that comes the soup and salad menu. $4.95 will get you a bowl of soup. I'd go with the white cheddar ale, it never disappoints! The salads range in price from $4.95 to $13.95 during lunch. I'm not a huge fan of snagging a salad to go along with my meal, but, when I'm checking out a North Peak salad for lunch, I always choose the Cajun crawfish salad. This thing is spectacular! It has spicy crawfish tails over mixed greens with tomatoes, pepperjack cheese, bell peppers, red onions and chipotle ranch dressing, all for $9.95. If you love seafood, you'll love this thing! Dinner menu choices range from $5-$17. At dinner, I still snag the crawfish salad. Yeah, that good!

Next come the sandwiches. For lunch, they range from $8.50 to $10. If you're seeking something tasty for lunch, try the wasabi salmon sandwich. It's $10 and you'll dig it! At dinner, these sandwiches range from $10-$11. The herbed Monte Cristo is a grand way to spend a dinner time!

Lunches signature dishes are always fun. They range from $10 to $14. I'm always up for the honey porter hangar steak, a porter marinated hanger steak served with smoked Gouda mashed redskins, curried haystack onions and seasonal vegetables for $13.95. At dinner, prices range from $15-$27, with a few additional dinner menu choices. I still love that steak, but the Parmesan white fish for $18 is always a tempting deviation.

The dessert section, a favorite of mine, rounds out this always pleasing menu. Prices range from $3 to $6. And, while we're on this subject, let me make sure that you understand this: do not miss the black and tan brownie! It's a homemade chocolate brownie with New York-style cheesecake baked on top, served with vanilla malt ice cream, chocolate ice cream and hot fudge for just $5.95! Wowza!

A wide open kitchen allows you to watch your meal take shape.

This joint also has a full kids menu, complete with smiley face fries and some grand fruit and veggie options. Speaking of kids, they eat free on Sundays, all day long. Yeah, you heard me, kids eat free!

In addition to some of the most satisfying food in Traverse City, this place also brews up some tasty beers! Their taps are filled with their homemade concoctions. I always snag a Northern Light. Lately, I've also been a fan of their Diabolical IPA. Very fun! The Siren Amber Ale is also a supremely yummy brew. Pints run from $4 to $5. Grab a 22 ouncer for around $6. If you take a seat in this Traverse City restaurant, you should NOT miss their beer!

Traverse City's North Peak is the place where locals and visitors alike will congregate for some good food, good convo and good peeps! North Peak is the perfect locale to meet up after work for a brew, gather around the bar for the big game, slip into a booth with that special someone or just snag a beer and a hangar steak with your buds. Lady's night, men's night, date night, it doesn't matter; North Peak fits right into any set of plans. That's why folks love it!

(All photos by Lisa Kelly and Brooks Vanderbush)

Latte-DAH Cafe

As soon as you pull up to Traverse City's Latte-DAH, you know that you're in for a unique experience!

(Unfortunately, it appears as though this lovely joint and its lobster bisque have ceased to exist. In its place has risen a pastie joint. They're tasty! Try them out!)

 

Since I began this little blog venture, I've started receiving some very expected questions. The most popular of those questions being: "We need a hidden bit of awesome, Brooks. Suggestions?"

Take note, popular question askers, today's blog is all about a hidden bit of awesome.

The Lobster bisque is a definite do-not-miss! As are the desserts.

Not so long ago, my lovely Lisa returned home with a surprise: take out from Latte-DAH Cafe. Now, this cafe is almost literally right around the corner from where we live (give or take a block), yet we had never ventured through their front door. This non-venturing wasn't for lack of want, I assure you of that. Almost every day I drive past Latte-DAH and smack my forehead at my lack of time allowance for a quick stop in.

As usual, Lisa saved my culinary life yet again by bringing Latte-DAH to me. What did she bring? She brought their signature soup, the Lobster bisque, a gyro and an exquisite peanut butter/chocolate cookie creation.

From that first spoonful of Lobster heaven, I was hooked. 

Traverse City's Latte-DAH is delightfully unique.

We'll start the food section out right. Please take note that I have written "Lobster bisque." If you miss this, you might as well jump into the river that flows lazily through Latte-DAH's backyard. I have not yet had the equal of this bit of lobstery goodness. And, being a seafood freak as I most certainly am (Lobster or Crab legs would be my deserted island choice), this statement of complete loving for the Lobster bisque is a well informed, researched and educated opinion. Yum. For real.

A perfect bit of seating allows you to lose yourself in your coffee and the view.

Onto the rest!

Folks wander into this establishment in search of some severely supreme breakfast and lunch options. And they find them!

For breakfast, there's some excellent coffee options, breakfast sandwiches and more. But, the highlight of the breakfast menu here is coming fresh out of the oven. In other words, muffins, cookies, brownies....pastries of all shapes and sizes, the sort of thing that is simply smashing with a kick ass cup of coffee. I just bit into one of their pistachio muffins and had to stop and stare for a moment.

"Maybe they have Jesus in the kitchen making these things," my mind wondered. "That's it. They've kidnapped Jesus to make these muffins."

Yeah, they're that amazing.

As is everything else in this joint.

Obviously, it's Christmas time here in Traverse City. Nothing says "Christmas" better than a Latte-DAH Christmas cookie!

Everyone loves a sandwich, yeah? So, let us discuss that for a moment.

Sandwiches at Latte-DAH range in price from $4.99 to $7.95. That range is smack-dab in the middle of the comfort zone of most folks' lunch budgets, which always helps.

If you need a nudge in a certain culinary direction, I'd suggest Wayne Hill Club. It's turkey, bacon, swiss, avocado, lettuce, tomato, pesto mayo and Italian herb dressing. Quite lovely, that!

Sandwiches can come in a wrap or on your choice of baguette, ciabatta or croissant.

After your Lobster bisque, be sure to grab a sweet!

Moving onto the gyro section, these range from $4.99 to $8.99. That culinary push should break toward the gyro supreme, for sure! It's stuffed with meat, sauce, lettuce, onion, cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, banana peppers and black olives. Wowza!

The river or an active Front Street. The view choice is yours at Latte-DAH.

If you're not into Lobster (Whaaaaaaaaat??) there are always other soups, including a soup of the day. There is also a grand salad selection, ranging in price from $6.95 to $7.25.

Lastly, they serve up some custom quiche as well, a 9 inch of individual portion. Choices include spinach, crustless spinach, crab (WHOA!!), bacon and cheddar, swiss and mushroom, ham and swiss, chicken and asparagus or "your special combination."

To sweeten the pot, these guys also deliver and cater! Just call 922-8722 and set it up.

The kitchen is always jammin' at Latte-DAH.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, which I am certain that you are, you are well aware that I am a lover of the hidden bits of awesome present within every community. While Latte-DAH is technically on Front Street, it is a world away from the restaurants that every visitor to the region sees during their downtown visits.

Everything about this place is unique. From the food to the building, which seems to hang precariously in mid-air, a very Lemony Snicket vibe. This is one of those experiences that you will remember about your visit to Traverse City. It will be a conversation piece and an insider recommendation. 

If you're a local who has never tried Latte-DAH, then it will hook you. It is the proverbial neighborhood cafe, the perfect meeting spot, the ideal afternoon escape.

Latte-DAH is everything that a cafe should be; friendly, fun, quirky, fantastic. Needless to say, I love it here, and so will you!

(All photos by Lisa Kelly and Brooks Vanderbush) 

National Cherry Festival

The Cherry Festival is one of the crown jewels of the Traverse City festival season.

There is a certain food here in Traverse City that out-ranks every other food. It is not the steak, nor is it the burger. It is not duck, asparagus, foie gras, pork or buffalo.

It is the Cherry. And it rules all things. Especially during the first part of July……every year.

That’s right folks! As it is Wednesday, July 11, 2012, we Traverse City-ites sit in the midst of the internationally known and renowned National Cherry Festival. It began last Saturday and it ends when the midway closes and the fireworks explode this Saturday (July 14).

The carnival is fun, but the real heart and soul of the Fest is through this archway!

It celebrates all things Cherry, of that there is no doubt. You can score some Cherry drinks (alcoholic and not), Cherry cotton candy, Cherry jelly/jam, Cherry butter, Cherry clothes, Cherry pie, Cherry burgers, Cherry EVERYTHING! You can even tuck into some actual Cherries, locally grown, straight from the farmer’s hands, while conversing with the Cherry Queen (a past queen happens to be a friend of mine)!

But, amidst all of this Cherry goodness, there is another, some would say, larger theme: Traverse City.

Traverse City's Cherry Festival is certainly full of carnie food!

While there is a midway with an increasingly fun set of rides (they added a tower drop to this year’s offerings) and an ever present grouping of typical carnie fare, there is also a grand showcase of Traverse City’s local cuisine.

After you visit the midway and spend a Benjamin on tickets, cross the road, walk underneath the huge Cherry Festival archway and enter a world that brings many folks’ memories and loves of Traverse City to life in one glorious setting.

This area is where the local flavor of Traverse City comes to life.

After walking through said archway, you find yourself bordering Traverse City’s Duncan L. Clinch Marina and the Open Space. Turn left and you will see two huge, open air stages. The first stage is known to locals as the “free music stage.” That stage showcases some amazing acts, many local, for free, hence the moniker. In front of this stage you’ll notice a plethora of seating/table choices. A closer inspection of the surrounding area will clue you into why there are so many tables.

It's true, the Cherry Festival is certainly full of cherries!

Surrounding the free music stage is an orgy of local food vending tents. Almost any taste and budget can be satiated at one of these tented kiosks. Local area restaurants bring down some of their favorite menu choices and offer them up to the hungry, walking masses that flow through the Festival gates. My favorite stop is at the Agave tent (a GREAT local Mexican restaurant that will be featured on this blog shortly) for some seriously satisfying nachos! No worries, though. If you’re not into nachos or Mexican fare, there are plenty of mouth-watering locales to choose from. This part of the Cherry Fest is always the hardest for me. I have no idea where to start when laid out before me are so many amazing restaurant names.

This guy's favorite fair food is in Gibbyville!

Now, from the archway, if you take a right, you’ll be walking toward Gibbyville! At first glance, Gibbyville seems to be an extension of the carnie’s food efforts. There are quite a few food trailers touting what, at first glance, appears to be typical carnie fare in loud colors and bright designs. Don’t be fooled! This is NOT typical carnival food! This is a local family that is serious about kicking up their carnival based creations a few notches.

Does Gibby’s follow around travelling carnivals? Yup. Do they know a lot of carnies? Yup. Do they serve the same thing that the carnies do? NO!!

And this is my Cherry Festival tradition.

As far as carnival fare goes, my obsessions are simple. I need an elephant ear and a turkey leg. No one does these wonderful creations better than Gibby’s! Do yourself a favor, put on your local’s cap, step into Gibbyville and order yourself some grub! You will not be disappointed!

Don't miss the Cherry Festival's local vendor tents!

Again, from the archway, you venture straight this time. You’ll notice, at the back of the free music stage area, a long line of tents. Housed within these tents are some outstanding local craft foods dealers. Take a walk down the line and see if you don’t stop and sample some goodness.

Naturally Nutty knows their stuff!

Especially at the Naturally Nutty tent. Oh my goodness, do these guys know how to work magic with their spreads!

The Cherry Fest's beer tent is one of the best I've ever been in.

Continue straight and you’ll see that ever present favorite playground for adults, the Beer Tent. You’ll need to be 21 and you’ll need a festival pin to enter. The pin is $5 and is available from wandering Festival folk who will be parked at the front of the tent. You’ll then buy beer tokens, $3 a pop (I think, I can’t remember…..I had a good time, what?). Then, you’ll mosey on up to the bar and order a brew! They have the usual suspects along with a nice selection of craft brews as well. There is also a decent selection of liquor available at the tent.

What's not seen in this shot is that the patio of the beer tent is quite large with ample seating.

While most beer tents are thrown up haphazardly on the outskirts of some random celebration, this one actually has quite a bit of thought behind it! It’s perched right on the edge of the bay and features a lovely, large patio with ample seating overlooking the water and the surrounding festivities.

The Cherry Festival is TC's family event!

I know that there are a few locals who really don’t think too highly of the Cherry Festival. I am not one of them. I love observing the sea of humanity that descends upon our Northern Michigan town, I love how the Cherry Fest showcases Traverse City and I love how this festival is only the beginning.

And I love the food. Wow, do I love the food.

Gotta love Gibby's.

If you’re in Traverse City right now, get down to the Open Space and grab some tasty nosh! If not, keep your eye on the Cherry Festival’s site and come to the party next year. It’s an amazing place to be!