That'sa Pizza!

The Westside location of That'sa Pizza is just around the corner from me. I'm a lucky guy!

The summer has arrived in Traverse City. The Great Wakes Festival is in full swing, the weather is lovely, the beaches are bustling and sunburns abound. While Traverse City is home to some amazing places to nosh, many folks need that ever elusive easy solution to dining that so many towns lack. Thankfully for those folk, Traverse City has three amazing options for the sun exhausted boater, the beached out towel jockey, the shopped-til-they-dropped downtown divas and all the rest! And they deliver beer.

Yeah. You heard me. They deliver beer.

What is this perfect beach house dining solution? Traverse City's That'sa Pizza!

Not just a take-out joint! That'sa Pizza is chock full of atmosphere, great for dining in!

Yeah, the possibilities for delivery are endless here. There is nothing more satisfying at the end of long hard day of play here in Northern Michigan than returning to that perfect house, hotel, motel, cabin, condo or campsite and being able to kick back and let someone else worry about lunch or dinner......or breakfast, for the college kids.

BUT! Let's not discount the dining in options! Do you love some old school Pacman? Well! Are you in luck! That'sa Pizza has it! Do you love a local brew? Again, lucky you! That'sa Pizza has some!

And, do you love a genuinely awesome pizza? Oh, do I have a place for you! That'sa Pizza. What? What place did you think I was going to say?

That'sa Pizza not only has some grand nosh options, they have an equally inviting atmosphere. At their various locations about town you'll find comfy seats, a lovely bar and amazing staff. These joints are great for a wee little date or a family outing.



With the better half or the family, That'sa Pizza is a great place to be in TC! (Nice rhyme!)

Let's talk a bit about the food, shall we?

During my college days (not so very long ago), I held a favorite pizza joint or two. When visiting friends at other colleges throughout Michigan, we would inevitably end up at some great local, neighborhood pizza joint tossing back a few brews and chowing down on some truly amazing slices. The art of pizza making has been severely bastardized by the likes of Pizza Hut, Little Ceasars, BC Pizza, etc. There is a stigma attached to pizza nowadays that says that anyone can do it, anyone does do it and everyone sucks. While this stigma is mostly true, there are some glaring examples of pizza perfection out there. Traverse City's answer to the perfect local pizza joint question is That'sa Pizza. Need proof? Then order some food!

Obviously, they have a grand selection of "build your own" type fare here, as any self respecting pizza joint worth its pepperoni would. They also have a wide selection of house creations. The prices for these range from $13.99 for 12 inch pizzas to $24 for some of the 16 inchers.

Highlights of that house creation menu include the Mellow Mushroom (no sauce, olive oil, fresh garlic, fresh button and portobella mushrooms and Parmesan cheese), the Idaho (no sauce, mashed potatoes, bacon and cheddar cheese) and the Hawaiian (always a favorite of mine). Many other selections grace that section of the menu if your taste is not akin to mine, no worries.

Other menu sections include grilled sandwiches ($6-$6.50, try the Sicilian, yum!), grilled wraps ($5.50-$6.25, try the chicken and black bean wrap, wowza!), salads ($3.25-$6.25, try the Eastside House Salad, oh my gawd!) and odds and ends (consisting of things like cheesy breadsticks, BBQ wings, etc.....the wings are awesome, by the way, 20 pieces for $15.50).

That'sa Pizza has a grand bar. Awesome.

As I said before, That'sa Pizza has some grand brew selections, always featuring a Sam Adams, a Bells and a Right Brain (my favorite local brewery, soon to make an appearance on this very blog!). They also have some great bottles and the usual suspects as well. Spirits and wine can be had here too. This really is the perfect all-around pizza joint, take my word for it!



The food at That'sa Pizza is as good as it looks!

While the brews and vinos are certainly tops on the drinks list for this guy, they are not the only game in town by any means! Folks, if you get the chance, do not miss out on That'sa Pizza's 100% real fruit smoothies! Talk about heaven in a glass! Yes, I really did just say that. I guess, technically I wrote it, but whatever. They're awesome.

Yup. Yum!

Lastly on the menu are the calzones. Basically, you choose three toppings, they throw it into that yummy crusted creation and you experience a food orgasm. It really is wonderful to slay one's hunger with such a convincing beast!

That'sa Pizza also has a take-n-bake option that rocks. Taking the boat over to the beach house? Snag a take-n-bake. Heading home after a long weekend? Grab a take-n-bake. See what I mean? So versatile!

Here sits a summer tradition: Bells' Oberon from the That'sa Pizza taps.

I know what you're thinking. Questions are seeping into your mind. Questions like: "Did the 'local only' guy just review a chain?" No. I did not. That'sa Pizza is uniquely, fiercely Traverse City. "Why is this guy reviewing a pizza joint?" Because I love good food and That'sa Pizza is good food! Plus, it is summer and easy, transportable food.....or food that comes to you in a summer drunken stupor or other state of "I shouldn't go anywhere", is tops on people's minds right now.

Yeah, there's an eclectic mix of eateries on this blog. Why? Because I'm an eclectic kinda guy! You might find me here for lunch, dropping $20 on a slice, a brew and a salad and meet up with me at The Cook's House for dinner, where I'll gladly drop $150. Amazing food knows no name, no boundaries, no shape, no incarnation. Any menu within any establishment has the potential to be outstanding. I have had supremely amazing nosh in a dirty Guatemalan parking lot, sitting atop a broken plastic stool, eating from a paper plate. Judge not, folks.

If you seek delicious vacation food, simply walk through the doors of That'sa Pizza!

Osorio Tacos Y Salsas

Osorio Tacos Y Salsas is a truly authentic Mexican experience near Traverse City, MI.

If you go waaaaay back to the first post that I put on this blog, the one wherein I explain why I have undertaken this adventure, you'll notice a picture that looks simply delicious, yeah? Well, sadly, that meal and its accompaniments are not available here in Traverse City. Actually, you'll need to travel about 3200 miles, to a barrier island in Guatemala (where I lived for about two years) called Sipacate. There, you will find fresh from the sea (you can watch the fishermen carry them in) delicacies as you enjoy miles of black sand beaches and an amazing non-resort, truly local atmosphere. I love Sipacate. It is perfect.

While Osorio Tacos Y Salsas isn't Sipacate, it is authentic! And by that, I mean supremely delicious. Yes, this is the closest to that amazing Guatemalan fare that I have yet come stateside.



Simple decor matters not. At this Traverse City area restaurant, the food is what shines!

There are a lot of joints around this nation that claim to serve authentic Central American fare. Hardly any of them do. What you'll find at those places is a bastardized Tex-Mex, a flour shell bathed in meat and cheese and sour cream. That is NOT authentic!

Osorio Tacos Y Salsas IS authentic!



Along with amazing fare is some truly delicious takeaway items, including tortillas and salsa.

This restaurant is somewhat of a dynasty here in the Grand Traverse region. For the longest time, a simple taco house was located in Traverse City. The locals loved it. Amazing, simple, authentic Mexican food was their hallmark and they had legions of fans because of it. Then, they simply disappeared. Not for lack of business. But for something else. No one knew why.

But, now they have returned! No longer located within the Traverse City limits, they have chosen a location very near to the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Traverse City's gateway to the north.

The new focus of this restaurant is an even more real and authentic experience. They are also featuring some of the most outstanding homemade salsas your palate will ever experience. Good god yum!

One feels as though they've stepped out of Michigan altogether when they enter Osorio Tacos Y Salsas.

The atmosphere is decidedly simple. A few tables, some sparse decor. You do feel as though you've stepped out of Michigan when you enter this establishment. Take it from me! This place feels like Mexico, and I love it!

The simple surroundings of your chosen table may be purposeful, who knows? Because, when the food arrives, "simple" takes on a whole new, much more enticing meaning!



A truly authentic Mexican dining experience awaits you in this Grand Traverse region eatery.

Speaking of food, let's dive into what this authentic eatery offers, shall we?

First off, for you folks that want to know what it feels like to "sit right here and have another beer in Mexico", you'll have to go to Mexico. There is no beer (yet) at Osorio Tacos Y Salsa. But don't let that deter you!

The menu starts out right where the name implies, with tacos. An order of four tacos costs $8.99. There's a varied selection of meats available, I suggest the Chorizo, a Mexican sausage. Damn that's good!

You can snag a Taquiza, a plate of tacos for four folks, for $39.99. It consists of steak, chicken, pork, rice, beans, pico de gallo (LOVE this stuff!), guacamole and tortillas. A sort of build-your-own paradise.

Quesadillas are also huge on this menu. A couple of great selections are featured, both for around $8 each.

Vegetarian quesadillas are also available for you poor folk that don't eat meat.

Moving on, we see the Tamales! $2 each, try the poblano con queso. Wowza!

Now we're at the main dishes, people. These are $10.99 each and feature some truly authentic meat preparations paired with rice, beans and five flour (no) or corn (YES! Like I said, let's be authentic here) tortillas. 

Next, we hit up the Enchiladas. $10.50 each, all simple, traditional, cheesie and delicious!

Plenty of side dishes adorn this menu for your added eating delight, ranging in price from$1-$4. Considering the amazing homemade salsa, you have to try the chips and salsa! Only $2!!

Lastly, a grand mix of drinks from Mexico (again, no beer) round out the offerings here.

Osorio Tacos Y Salsas is a grand place to gather with friends and family.

I love this place. I always have. True, this place just opened on May 21, 2012. However, this place can be found throughout Central America. It's the place where the locals go when they want truly amazing home cooked meals. When they're missing their mother's Mexican cooking, they come to this place. When they want to gather with other town folk, laugh at the touristos eating at Burger King, talk the day away, whistle at pretty girls, hit on handsome boys, this is the place that they come to. I have been to so many local eateries in Central America. Upon my return, I missed this food and this atmosphere so very much.

Osorio Tacos Y Salsa may not be open air. It may not be the center piece of some small Mexican village. It may not serve beer. But, what it may not be does not matter. What it is is a place that has taken its Mexican heritage, a heritage that prides itself on authenticity, and has dropped it in the midst of Acme, Michigan. This is authentic Mexican fare and oh how I love it!!

Added bonus here, soon, very very soon, Osorio Tacos Y Salsas will serve fish tacos and....my mouth is watering just thinking of this....chile rellenos. I will be there every day.

Buen provecho!

(All photos by Brooks Vanderbush)

The Cook's House

Traverse City's The Cook's House is nestled back away from Front Street, but is the true epicenter of culinary excellence in TC.

Imagine, if you will, entering the home of your favorite world class chef. He or she invites you to sit down at their dinner table, peruse their collection of rare and exotic food books, sample their amazing bar and, best of all, sup from their kitchen on creations crafted by them.

Like what you're hearing? Enticed? Intrigued? Slightly aroused? (food does do that to a person!) Well then! Welcome to The Cook's House! A place that offers an amazing food experience in an elegant, intimate atmosphere.

The Cook's House atmosphere is a charming mix of intimate and elegant.

This amazing little joint is one of my favorite food experiences in the Grand Traverse region. And I'm not alone in that sentiment! Folks travel from far and wide to dine at Traverse City's The Cook's House. In fact, one regular flies in from Chicago with various friends almost every summer weekend, just to sample the outstanding goods at The Cook's House!

Yes, this place is that amazing!

A bit of fun is tossed in amongst one of TC's best menus.

Now, I'm not going to lie to you here; you will spend a pretty penny at The Cook's House. But, believe me, every pretty penny that you spend will result in a culinary gifting from heaven above! (Yeah, also can't lie about the fact that this Traverse City restaurant is one of my very favorite!)

The open kitchen allows you to witness your food creation coming to life at The Cook's House.

Now, despite my talent for weaving words into irresistible poetry, I know why you peeps show up at this blog day after day, looking for some damn fine nosh, you want to see the food! And here it is!

We'll begin where most folks do, with the appetizers.

Now, before we dive in, allow me to mention this: LOCAL! The Cook's House sources as much of their menu as possible from local farms. Yet another reason to love this TC eatery.

The appetizer menu includes some truly amazing treats. From roasted rabbit to poached duck egg served on old world rye with asparagus, pickled garlic and prosciutto broth, the options tempt the palate in a most pleasing sort of way.

A local highlight on the appetizer menu is a region (and world) wide favorite: Morel mushrooms, gnocchi, grated wild horseradish and black walnuts.

Appetizer prices range from $10-$13 each.

A smaller dining area allows for a feeling of exclusivity.

Now, onto soups and salads. Soups are $7, with selections including Asparagus and Shiitake mushrooms and white bean and red wine.

Salads are $8 and usually include four to five selections, with a favorite of mine being The Cook's House Salad; a salad of smoked rabbit and warm seasonal vegetables.

Yum!

The drink options at Traverse City's The Cook's House are top shelf!

Entrees are really where it's at, here at Traverse City's The Cook's House.

Prices range from $24 to $35 per dish, and they're worth every cent!

Some highlights include:

Roasted leg of lamb, anise hyssop, dried apricots, coco rubico heirloom beans.

Grass fed beef trio: New York strip, hanger steak and beef cheeks with roasted sunchokes and warm potato salad.

And, of course, more. All equally as amazing!

The Cook's House has a grand selection of wines, brews and mixed drinks as well that go along swimmingly with the various menu gems!

A locally sourced menu, downtown atmosphere and classy charm mix perfect at The Cook's House in TC.

Speaking of wine (I almost always am), The Cook's House offers a five or seven course tasting menu. These menus are $50 and $60 per person respectively, or $82 and $101, respectively, with wine pairings. These tastings include some of The Cook's House most outstanding creations, well worth the price!

Be sure to call ahead! While it may be a bit empty for their small plates and drinks lunch time menu, dinner time brings in the crowds, every night.

The Cook's House also has some delicious dessert options, perfect for that end of meal sweet tooth!

This is another "fine dining establishment" that gets it right here in TC. Life for the food lover is very good at The Cook's House. Local food and some of the most tantalizing flavor combinations you will ever experience abound at this perfect downtown establishment. It may not be on the "well beaten path", but that's just fine with the folks who choose to tuck into the offerings here at Traverse City's own artisanal food paradise, The Cook's House. I'll see you there!

Grass fed beef trio: New York strip, hanger steak and beef cheeks with roasted sunchokes and warm potato salad.

And, of course, more. All equally as amazing!

The Cook's House has a grand selection of wines, brews and mixed drinks as well that go along swimmingly with the various menu gems!

(All photos by Brooks Vanderbush)

The Filling Station Microbrewery

Outdoor seating lines the patio at the Filling Station Microbrewery in Traverse City during the warmer months.

Welcome to the Filling Station Microbrewery of Traverse City. No longer are the trains rumbling through or screeching to a steam or diesel spewing stop at this historic depot. Nowadays, the only rumbling comes from the brew house, the only smoke from the wood fired stone pizza oven. If you're a fan of artisan pizzas fresh from the flame's tender licking and handcrafted brews, then the Filling Station Microbrewery is the place for you!

One of Traverse City's newest breweries is receiving some rave reviews.

Located near Traverse City's public library off of Woodmere Avenue, this microbrewery focuses, first and foremost, on their beer selection. That selection is partnered well with some very creative and tasty artisan pizza offerings.

You'll notice that the urban minimalist atmosphere mixes well with the menu offerings and the slowly evolving industrial surroundings of this former home to numerous Traverse City rail based enterprises. Again, this joint doesn't need to tease your senses with any sort of flash or sparkle in the decor. They know why you're there, for brews! That's where they focus their dazzle! 

Urban and open, the decor at the Filling Station Microbrewery only adds to its offerings.

Despite the fact that the depot that houses the Filling Station Microbrewery was the epicenter of a hard working area, the views from the Filling Station's dining areas are perfect for a slice and a pint. The Boardman Lake is just a few steps away and the people watching is spectacular during the warmer months, what with one of Traverse City's many parks running adjacent to Boardman Lake's shores just beyond this eatery's windows, the TART trail cutting through that park, the library next door and a small marina and sailing school nearby as well.

The Filling Station Microbrewery near Traverse City's public library is a great place to meet and unwind.

We'll begin with the food! As stated, this eatery features wood fired pizzas and a lovely salad option. Some of the highlights of the menu include:

Cock O' The Walk for $14. This pizza features house made basil oil, oven roasted chicken, artichokes, oven roasted tomatoes and mozzarella.

Burlington Northern for $14. This pizza features garlic oil, roasted garlic, red onions, fresh pears, prosciutto, brie and a balsamic reduction.

Three Rivers for $12. This pizza features marinara, fresh basil, roma tomatoes and mozzarella.

As I said before, there is also a fun and tasty salad as well as a dessert pizza (for guys like me who can not live without dessert) that features Nutella, graham crackers, marshmallow and more. Yum!

The taps are magical at the Filling Station Microbrewery.

Now, on to the reason that this place exists! The beer! (also Yum!)

Each brew is listed under a track number, tracks 1-9. These tracks do change from time to time, so the beers listed below may not be the exact same as the ones offered during your visit. Be sure to check out their site for updates on small craft brews, etc.

Having said that, their current menu offers some tasty, fun examples of craft brewing, definitely worth a look and sip on your next trip to Traverse City!

Out of the 9 available treats, I'll list three, two from my set of favs, one from my lovely Lisa's preferred drinking style.

First (as always), my lovely Lisa.

Track 4 carries a Dublin Stout. 4.3% ABV for you tickers out there. It is described as a nice session stout.

My two picks are these:

Track 3 features a Bacharach Golden Ale, 4.4% ABV. It's a nice malty ale with a subtle bittering.

Track 5 is a Denver Brown Ale, 4% ABV. It has a higher finishing gravity, which gives body and sweetness to this mild ale.

Arriving on every track, some scrumptious brews!

Obviously, my tastes are my own. If you don't see something that tickles your fancy in the items that I have chosen to highlight, don't let that stop you from visiting this brand spanking new TC brewery! There are plenty of other options available on both their pizza and beer menus.

An ancient art conjures up some tasty fare at the Filling Station Microbrewery!

Traverse City is hoppin', literally. The number of breweries springing up throughout TC and beyond is astounding. Another brewery is slated to take up residence within the depot district very soon. Life is good here in the Grand Traverse region for lovers of both the hop and the vine. And, luckily enough for us all, local and visitor alike, these amazing concoctions are being paired with some superb culinary offerings.

Whether it be the fun, urban atmosphere of the Filling Station Microbrewery or any of the other outstanding dining experiences here in Traverse City and the surrounding regions, you will be hard pressed (hard cider pun, that's also a very popular and growing industry here in the Grand Traverse region. Aren't I just da bomb at these innuendos and sly transitions??) to find any other city or town that can rival Traverse City in culinary prowess, options of amazing local brews and vints (my own word, that).

I encourage you to keep an eye on this blog for some amazing "do not miss" dining experiences here in Northern Michigan! Pass the word around! And hit up the Filling Station! It's easy to miss joints like this if you're new to the TC area or don't really get out too much. It is my aim here to make a resource for those that want to be "in the know" to actually have a constantly updated, actionable way to truly be in the know! Thanks for reading!

(All photos by Brooks Vanderbush)

Slabtown Cafe

Slabtown Cafe (Burgers) in Traverse City, MI is the perfect stop for the family on the move....to the beach!

The windows are wide open, the sun is shining and my mug is sitting here next to me, sweating little beads of condensation, patiently awaiting my next sip of Short's Soft Parade, a right proper brew for the Summer! 

Another right proper part of Summer here in Traverse City is a sweet little spot just down the road and around the corner from my abode, Slabtown Cafe, otherwise known as Slabtown Burgers by us locals, possibly because of their slightly misleading sign. What is not misleading about this joint is the amazing food! 

Dine in or dine outside, it makes no difference. Traverse City's Slabtown Burgers is certain to please.

Now, dining in at this establishment is a true little local bit of fun. The atmosphere is fun, slightly cramped, but you tend to not mind, the people here are usually quite awesome. There's even a great porch and some picnic tables outside along Front Street and Spruce Street. The actual address of this place is 826 W. Front Street. Although the address is on Front Street, this burger stop is not downtown, it's actually across Division Street from downtown, right in the midst of the Slabtown neighborhood; my neighborhood. A great place to live! 2 blocks from the beach!

Slabtown Burgers, a local mainstay of summertime in Traverse City.

Now, shall we get to it? The food!

We'll start with the sides and lesser plates. Here at Slabtown Burgers, if you're not into burgers, no worries, there's plenty to go around!

There's salads! How about a Traverse City Salad? It's got a bit of everything we love in our salads up here. Dried cherries (of course, cherry capital and all that), chicken, walnuts, red onion, blue cheese and a cherry vinaigrette. All for $6.95!

They've got hot dogs! A fun all beef 1/4 pound hot dog dressed with ketchup, mustard, relish and onion makes for a grand treat, especially at the dirt cheap price of $2.50. Yum! Beeeeeef!

Fancy a wrap? Slabtown has you covered! My favorite has to be a wrap that is aptly named for Summertime here in TC: The Hot Chick wrap. It's got grilled chicken, pepperjack cheese, jalepenos, grilled mushrooms, onions, lettuce, tomato and mayo. All that for only $7.25.

They've got sandwiches! Lovely offerings like the Big Bird will bring you the fuel you need for playing on the beach! It comes complete with sliced turkey, swiss, lettuce, tomato, banana peppers, mayo and homemade sweet Lincoln honey mustard sauce served on a bun. Again, great price: $5.25.

They've got fresh daily soups, local sodas, awesome shakes, and great extras like onion rings, chili cheese fries and some of the best fresh cut French fries around! Smother them in some vinegar and you're in heaven!

You can even snag a slab of ribs for $12.95. That comes with coleslaw and fries.

Summer is here. That means it's Slabtown time in Traverse City!

But, I'm not going to lie to you here, the main reason that folks visit Slabtown is for the burgers!

Their chalk boards are full of specialty bun contenders.

Highlights include the Big Blue Burger (bacon and blue cheese stuffed burger dressed with ketchup, mustard, pickle and onion, a personal favorite, for $4.95), JD's Half Baked (topped with bacon, cheddar, potato, ranch, ketchup and a pickle for $4.85), The West Side (burger stacked with ham, swiss, american cheese and mayo for $4.85) and Pungi's Pepper Patty (with jalapeno, cream cheese and bacon stuffed burger with pepper jack, ketchup, mustard, pickle and onion for $4.85). They even serve up a homemade black bean veggie burger for the unfortunate vegetarian that may inadvertently wander through the door.

Don't forget to grab a shake at Traverse City's Slabtown Burgers.

Bottom line, summer is about to hit the Grand Traverse region, and there is no better place to be during the summer than outside, am I right? Course I am! When you come to Traverse City, you're here for the downtown shopping, the State Theatre, the concerts and shows and, yes, the beaches, hiking, boating, climbing, biking and scenic driving that this perfectly picturesque locale affords the lucky traveller. What goes better with those activities than a transportable meal?

Now, I realize that this area has certain places that serve transportable "food" claiming to be a king, an arch, etc. This is NOT an acceptable form of nourishment. It is neither local, nor is it food. If you're here to experience TC, do it locally, immerse yourself in this amazing experience that is Traverse City!

And, if you truly love the part of a trip that allows you to let go and not care about your diet or health, grab the Double Bypass Bag from Slabtown and hit the trails! See you at the beach!

Tuscan Bistro

Slightly nautical, but all-the-way Italian, the Tuscan Bistro in Traverse City, MI is a grand place to nosh, but is often missed by visitors to the region.

Every town has its little hideaways. You walk into the place and you expect to see Al Capone perusing the headlines in the corner while a few other "family men" mix and mingle with the locals. It's the kind of place where the folks who know about it tell their favorite friends, but no one else. It's their's. It's the hometown restaurant that the hometown has made its own and it deserves its loyal clientele and comfortable aire. No matter who you are or what you do, when you enter the door, you're welcomed with a smile, great food and good drink. It's what a truly great restaurant should be.

Traverse City is blessed enough to have a few such restaurants. One such place is the Tuscan Bistro.

A comfortable atmosphere is on the menu at this Traverse City eatery featuring Northern Italian fare.

Situated at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula, just outside of downtown Traverse City, MI, and housed within a nondescript building on the opposite side of the road as the Bay, many visitors to the Grand Traverse Region miss this fantastic eatery. It truly is their loss.

Some wonderful reds and whites occupy the bar at Tuscan Bistro.

I'm going to dive right in here. The Tuscan Bistro is the home to Traverse City's Raw Bar, served every Friday and Saturday starting at 5PM. It features fresh oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels and more. Freaking delightful!

Tuscan Bistro also features an Early Bird Dinner every day of the week from 4PM-6PM. This includes a glass of wine, salad, entree and dessert, all for $25 per person. Quite the deal, believe me!

Everyone loves Tuscan Bistro's dive-man pull station!

The everyday menu is an outstanding mix of Italian specialties. Highlights from each section include:

Carpaccio Di Manzo (from the antipasti menu)- A raw filet of beef with lemon, arugula, shaved Parmigiano reggiano cheese and evoo for $12.

Ahi tuna and baby spinach salad (from the insalata menu) for $11.

Flank steak (from the panini menu, served only during lunch hours)- A marinated flank steak with gorgonzola, Portobello mushrooms and roasted red peppers, pressed in foccacia for $10.

Spaghetti fruti de mare (from the pasta menu)- Spaghetti tossed with shrimp, scallops, baby clams, mussels and squid in a light tomato broth. The half serving is $10, the full is $19.

Pesce Bianco Capponata (from the carne and pesce menu)- Sauteed Michigan Whitefish over sweet and sour eggplant relish with grilled asparagus for $19.

Wow, right? Each item on the menu is just as tasty as the next! And, with the most expensive item hitting only $20, you get a lovely surprise when the bill arrives to top it all off.

Behind this unassuming door is one of Traverse City's best kept secrets.

And, of course, as you can see from a few of the above pictures, Tuscan Bistro has a very nice bar scene as well, as any self respecting Italian joint would. From New Grist and Sam Adams in bottles (and many more of the usual suspects) to Stella Artois and Sierra Nevada on tap (and, again, more), beer folks are certain to find something that will please. For those of you that enjoy a bit more kick, the bar at Tuscan Bistro is quite deep! Perfect for an evening out with your favorite someone.

From the road, as you sail by on your way up the Leelanau Peninsula, it's easy to miss Tuscan Bistro. Don't. Miss it that is.

There certainly is a lot of variety in Traverse City's restaurants. From the mundane and boring to the truly exceptional, eating in Traverse City can be quite adventure! If you're in the mood for some truly outstanding fare, a comforting atmosphere and a pretty decent view to boot, then you, my friend, are in the mood for Tuscan Bistro, "An Italian Restaurant."

Yes, that's their tag line. Questions? Fuh-get about it.

(All Photos by Brooks Vanderbush)

Sleder's Family Tavern



A true Traverse City legend, Sleder's Family Tavern.



 Have you ever kissed a Moose? Well, in Traverse City you can!

That’s right, folks! Not only does this town celebrate Cherries and movies, one of its most enduring traditions is kissing a gigantic, stuffed Moose head to the sound of a clanging bell! Welcome to Sleder’s Family Tavern.

Traverse City's own neighborhood pub is a hit with locals and visitors alike.

At Sleder’s, you’ll find that ever elusive “home-town” bar atmosphere. It’s got all of the necessary ingredients, to be sure. It has been around forever (130+ years, to be exact); its décor is a perfect match for the local pub, all the way down to the ancient and massive cash register behind the bar, and its food is exactly what one would expect from a family tavern (in a good way, of course).

To kiss the Sleder's moose or to not kiss the Sleder's moose.....

As mentioned, the major tradition within this establishment is kissing a giant Moose head’s nose. Upon the completion of the kiss, the bartender will ring a massive bell, certain to rattle your senses for a moment or two. They even have “I kissed the moose” t-shirts. My advice……French kiss the Moose. Do I mean with tounge? No, I do not mean that. I mean trendy French kiss the Moose……and by that I mean kiss AT the Moose, much like trendy French ladies do….lean in, come close, make the kissing noise, but do NOT make contact with its nose. Trust me on this. Do not actually kiss the Moose. Or any of the other many stuffed creatures that line the walls at Sleder’s Family Tavern.

Nobody does "bar food" better than Sleder's Family Tavern in Traverse City.

Now that we’ve gotten the whole “do not kiss the Moose” thing out of the way, let’s move on to the fun stuff! I haven’t gotten to use this little word in a while….here we go….so excited…..

Beer.

Nothing goes with good food better than good drinks! 

Being a “tavern,” Sleder’s obviously has a bar, a very nice bar! The mixed drinks at this joint are just as good as any other bar in Traverse City. And, again, as with any other joint in TC worth visiting, Sleder’s has a nice little selection of local brews. Right Brain Brewery, one of my favorite Traverse City breweries, always has a beer or two on tap, Founders showcases some wares here as well. Mount Pleasant Brewing Company, Schmoz and Samuel Adams round out an impressive little list of craft brewers, one that is dominated by Michigan’s most popular craft brewery, Bell's. In the summer months, it is a requirement of any self respecting bar, tavern or eatery that patrons must be seen to be drinking from a glass mug, complete with dark golden contents and a slice of orange, at least once during their stay within said establishment or they are to be thrown out.

I admit that I am lying a bit with that statement. Basically, do not miss Bell's Oberon. Simple as that.

Choose between Sleder's bar or their "formal" dining room that oozes history.

From the amazing local brews and the yummy mixed drinks, we move on to the food.

Are you a fan of tavern fare? Then you will be a fan of Sleder’s!

The Sleder’s menu consists of some old tavern favorites, as well as a few surprises.

A seasoned steak salad tops the salad menu, surrounded by seven other leafy selections. Three different burritos and a “Super Nachos” round out a Mexican section of the menu, followed up by a “Just For Kids” section, consisting of kiddie favorites like grilled cheese, a burger, shrimp basket, chicken fingers and so on. The kid menu includes a soft drink, French fries, entrée and an ice cream treat, all for $5.95! A good deal by any standard!

Gotta love Michigan beer!

Continuing on with our journey around the Sleder’s menu, we arrive at the sandwiches. A whitefish or lake perch sandwich tops my list of favorites, followed up by a Westside turkey, which consists of grilled turkey, swiss cheese and coleslaw or cottage cheese (as a side) on your choice of bread; a truly refreshing afternoon treat! 10 sandwich options make up this section of the menu, priced between $7.95-$9.50.

Yup, Michigan beer!

Moving on, Sleder’s claim to fame are its burgers. The Buffalo burger (made with fresh, local Buffalo meat) is incredibly popular. Buffalo meat is a flavor filled bit of carne. Order it medium or medium rare for the very best flavor experience! The bleu bacon burger and mushroom burger are also quite popular. Six burgers make up the burger selection, priced from $7.95-$11.95 for the half pound Buffalo burger (it’s worth it!).

The dinner selections would be where Sleder’s Family Tavern begins to stray away from usual tavern fare. A pacific cod dinner, smelt basket (my favorite at this joint), New York Strip, Slabtown ribs plate and a cherry barbequed chicken up the ante a bit at Sleder’s. These dinners and their counterparts on the menu are priced from $12.95-$18.95. On Fridays, you can snag the “all you can eat” fish and smelt combo for $13.95. It comes complete with fries and your choice of coleslaw or cottage cheese. I love that little dish.

Finally, the break away from ordinary pub munchies is made complete with Sleder’s starters menu. Offered on this menu are things like deep fried cauliflower, baked brie and a spicy buffalo shrimp basket.

Buy the "I kissed the Moose" shirt....just don't actually kiss the Moose.

This 130 year old establishment oozes history and charm. Yet, even with its storied past, strange traditions and classically Traverse City menu, many miss out on Sleder’s Family Tavern. Is the food here the best in Traverse City? No. Are the drinks the most amazing? No. But, what Sleder’s does offer is a true bit of local TC, open to all, with some great edibles, superb local brews (and a few non-local favorites) and a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowds and experience a bit of old world Traverse City, all that within an absolutely perfect neighborhood (can you tell I’m a bit biased? Yup, I totally am. I live in Slabtown, the place that Sleder’s calls home, and it is, without a doubt, Disney perfect…….with a bit of sexy thrown in!).

(All photos by Brooks Vanderbush)