December 16, 2024

Anna Faller | Author


Raduno’s Bolognese

Sept. 14, 2024

If pasta is a love language, Raduno in Traverse City is the mother tongue! Now in their seventh year of business, this Italian-inspired gastronomia is cranking out spools of scratch-made pasta, which owner Janene Silverman crafts from a blend of semolina and all-purpose flour and Michigan e… Read More >>

State Street Coffee's Apple Crisp Latte

Sept. 7, 2024

State Street Coffee Company in Cheboygan is all about catering to your sweet treat cravings, and it doesn’t get any more decadent (or caffeinated!) than their seasonal Apple Crisp Latte. Inspired by fresh-picked orchard apples—and the eponymous autumnal dessert—this cuppa … Read More >>

Shakespeare, or Someone Else?

Aug. 31, 2024

With nearly 30 books to her name, internationally bestselling author Jodi Picoult says the secret to finding great stories is to keep asking questions: about people and culture, about current headlines, and increasingly, about what the world might look like for people generations from now.<… Read More >>

TJ's Pub's Pub Prime Soup

Aug. 31, 2024

TJ’s Pub is tucked downstairs at the Ramsdell Inn, built circa 1891, and while you might go for the Victorian vibes, you’ll stay for the locally infamous and made from scratch daily Pub Prime soup. This stick-to-your-ribs recipe is inspired by classic pub fare of old and incorpo… Read More >>

The State of Foster Care Up North: "We Just Don't Have Enough Homes"

Aug. 24, 2024

It's no secret that the U.S. needs more foster parents. The Michigan foster care network alone comprises about 10,000 children.

Though the state has made some recent strides—1,600 children were adopted in 2021, and as of late 2023, the number of kids in foster care was down by… Read More >>

Old Mission Distilling's Soggy Dollar

Aug. 24, 2024

Only good vibes are allowed at Old Mission Distilling on Old Mission Peninsula thanks to their newly-released craft cocktail menu. While you’re drinking in those last days of summer, the Soggy Dollar ($13) makes the perfect pairing. Inspired by the tropical flavors of a swim-up bar, t… Read More >>

Faro's Panuzzo

Aug. 17, 2024

What happens when a sandwich meets pizza? The answer is the pocket-shaped panuzzo: an Italian street-food specialty and the answer to our lunchtime cravings! At Faro in Northport, these baked-to-order baddies comprise a cold-fermented sourdough crust—a 72-hour labor of love—cook… Read More >>

Brine and Vine's Jalapeno Business Sauerkraut

Aug. 10, 2024

Prepare your tastebuds, readers: We’re about to turn up the heat on your next barbecue! Enter: Brine and Vine’s Jalapeño Business sauerkraut. The brainchild of food industry veterans Matt Vujea and Dan O’Neill, this naturally-crafted condiment was born to up the sta… Read More >>

OBrien Vineyards' Vinho Verde

Aug. 10, 2024

It's all about the culture of wine at ŌBrien Vineyards in Traverse City, where Old World inspired flavors collide with northern Michigan’s growing climate. With the dog days of summer in full swing, we’re emulating coastal Portugal, and with it, the heat-beating effervescence of… Read More >>

So You Want to Buy an Instrument

Aug. 3, 2024

Rock band Wild Cherry once demanded that we “lay down the boogie and play that funky music.” To do that though, there’s some prep involved. We need instruments, a lesson or two, and maybe even some sound equipment.

Good news: We know where to start. Northern Ex… Read More >>

Brys Estate’s Signature Cider

July 27, 2024

We love a drink that can multitask, and Brys Estate’s new Signature Cider is a real flavor flex—in more ways than one! The brainchild of winemaker Coenraad Stassen, this world class wine-meets-cider combo starts with a 50-50 split of Northern Spy and Golden Delicious apples co-f… Read More >>

Myrtle & Maude's Cherry Pie Parfait

July 20, 2024

There's a little something for everybody at Myrtle & Maude's in Williamsburg. In addition to gorgeous seasonal fruit, this fourth-generation family farm also offers a highly-curated market complete with local products, scratch-baked treats, and eclectic home décor. There are even… Read More >>

Laurentide Winery's Ruby Sipper

July 13, 2024

There's something about a bubbly cocktail on a hot summer day that just feels right, and Laurentide Winery’s signature Ruby Sipper wine cocktail ($8) fits the bill. Inspired by the fruity fun of warm-weather staples, like mimosas and slushies, this heat-beating quaff is low ABV and in… Read More >>

Traverse City's Top Five Priorities

July 6, 2024

As Traverse City continues to grow, local government officials and the citizens they serve feel the growing pains. Challenges (like the housing shortage), opportunities (like major infrastructure improvements), and pressures (like finite space in the city limits) have all reared their heads… Read More >>

Samsara Southeastern Asian Cuisine's Laab

July 6, 2024

We're all for a versatile meal in the summer, and the Laab ($12) at Samsara Southeastern Asian Cuisine in Traverse City is about to be your new go-to! This fresh and citrusy chicken salad, which staff has lovingly nicknamed “Laotian ceviche,” features a base of steamed and mince… Read More >>

Behind the Curtain with the National Cherry Festival’s Entertainment Team

June 29, 2024

The 98th annual National Cherry Festival (NCF) is upon us, and with it, eight nights of live entertainment. The NCF lineup ticks a variety of musical boxes and often features star-studded headliners, some of whom paved their paths to fame from the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage.

So, what… Read More >>

The Parlor's Strawberry Basil Lemonade

June 29, 2024

What beats an icy-cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day? How about an adult-ified version with berries, herbs, and a boozy kick? Enter: The Parlor’s Strawberry Basil Lemonade ($13). This quenching cocktail has long been part of the bar’s staple menu, and it tastes like nost… Read More >>

Cafe Meria's Albacore Tuna Croffle

June 22, 2024

We all remember the 2010 cronut craze, but have you ever heard of a croffle? This genius little pastry calls for buttery croissant dough baked in a waffle iron, and it’s begging to be stacked with toppings! Quell the mid-morning snackies with a stop into Café Meria in… Read More >>

Where the Wild River Rolls

June 15, 2024

"We're wild about rivers…and so much more."

That’s the motto of Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA), a “rewilding” nature nonprofit headquartered in Traverse City. Since its formation in 1968, the CRA has expanded across 15 northwest Michigan counties and e… Read More >>

Chunky Bear Coffee Roasters' Sticky Bear Latte

June 15, 2024

It’s all about the three C’s at Chunky Bear Coffee Roasters in Cadillac: community, conversation, and (of course) a top-notch cuppa. Head in for their signature Sticky Bear latte, and emerge from hibernation victorious! It starts with a shot of Electric Grizz espresso—that… Read More >>