The Traverse City area is emerging as Michigan's new "foodie empire." Chris Cook, chief wine and restaurant critic for Hour Detroit Magazine, tells us just which area restaurants are worth a visit.
Traverse City has many long-standing restaurants of note, but the new rise in reputable restaurants may come from a variety of factors. Cook says the celebrities the area attracts have influenced the culture of the region. Michael Moore's film festival has helped to attract more visitors; Madonna's family owns a vineyard in the area; and New York chef Mario Batali, who owns a place in Northport, has become a fan of Michigan food and wine.
Cook describes many of his favorite restaurants and dishes, ranging from Stella, a long standing favorite, to Bistro FouFou, to Dick's Pour House, which offers an up north feel.
