A New Tradition at McGee's

Jan. 18, 2015

When Howard Schelde retired and closed TraVino Wine & Grille, Glen Harrington and John Mc- Gee decided the M-72 location in Acme was still a perfect place for a restaurant – their third.

For the owners and operators of Harrington’s by the Bay and Sorellina, the opportunity was too good to pass up.

"With or without Meijer, it’s a spot we’ve liked for a long time," said McGee.

With their first restaurant named for Harrington and their second dubbed its little sister in Italian, it seemed only logical that this one be named for McGee.

"I guess it was my turn," McGee said with a laugh.

THE SCENE

After more than a year, McGee and Harrington finalized the deal and began refurbishing the interior "floor to ceiling," according to McGee.

When Harrington and McGee opened Sorellina, they made sure it was as different from Harrington’s as possible. Located just a mile apart, they didn’t want the former to succeed at the expense of the latter.

With McGee’s 72 located in Acme, their approach is different.

"It’s a completely different customer base," says Harrington. Hence, the restaurateurs have decided to showcase some of the best from their other two establishments to attract new patrons to those restaurants, as well.

THE MENU

The menu at McGee’s includes the bruschetta and namesake salad from Sorellina with baby spinach, pear, gorgonzola and candied walnuts. It also includes the steak burgers from Harrington’s.

"They’re ground in-house from the trimmings from our New York strip, filet and prime rib," says McGee. "We’ve heard people say they’re not just the best burgers in Traverse City, but the best burgers they’ve ever had."

For starters there are lettuce wraps, buttermilk marinated wings and risotto tater tots. Among the entrees are items from the waters –ahi tuna tacos with mango avocado relish, beer battered cod and pan-seared salmon – and from the pasture there’s veal meatloaf, bistro filet, New York strip, and bangers and mash with veal sausage and white cheddar mashed potatoes.

Fowl lovers can choose from chicken Parmesan, pan-roasted chicken or smoked Gouda chicken pasta.

THE BEST

McGee says the lobster mac & cheese and the steaks have all been popular choices among the customers. The smoked Gouda chicken pasta has also been a hit.

For lighter appetites, it’s impossible to go wrong with the La Sorellina salad, the sweetness of the Gorgonzola and candied walnuts tempered by the citrus vinaigrette dressing. The tomato basil bisque is thick and flavorful.

One somewhat surprising favorite is the duck and waffles. This twist on a Southern favorite features chicken-fried duck and a savory cheddar waffle with jalapeno.

"We wanted to do a play on some American fare from different regions," says McGee.

"It has the sweetness of the maple syrup, a little spice with the jalapeno and the tenderness and flavor of the duck. It truly is the best."

THE REST OF THE STORY

Bistro tables and a host of televisions surround the large circular bar in the center of the tavern area. Once warm weather arrives, the patio will enable diners to watch nature and golfers up close.

The wine selection at McGee’s 72 is extensive and the bar boasts 12 taps, many of which are craft brews.

Former TraVino customers, fans of the duo’s other two restaurants and patrons from the nearby area have all eagerly anticipated the new eatery.

"It’s been really well received by the community," says McGee. "They’ve been as anxiously awaiting it as we have."

THE SKINNY

Appetizers start at $7, soup at $4 and sal ads at $5. The burgers start at $11 and entrees at $14.

McGee’s 72 opens at 4pm daily. The kitchen closes at 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 10pm on Friday and Saturday. The bar remains open an hour later.

McGee’s 72 is located at 4341 M-72 East in Acme. For more information, call (231) 421- 8800. A website and Facebook page are coming soon.