Tastemakers: The Silvertree Deli, Leelanau Gyro/Magic Hat #9

Nov. 28, 2007

The Silvertree Deli
Leelanau Gyro
Bruce “The Cork Master” Vaughn opened The Silvertree Deli five years ago in Suttons Bay. His store quickly became famous for its “wall of wine” (featuring wine from every winery in Michigan) and top notch deli with a case full of homemade baked goods. Vaughn and his wife Desiree have been fixtures at many cultural and fundraising events in the region, including several at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons (the old state hospital). They watched with great admiration as the renovation started and felt that a second location for their deli would be right at home in the new Mercato section of the complex. Since opening a month ago, it has been non–stop for the Vaughn’s and their staff. Essentially a mini–version of their Suttons Bay location, The Silvertree Deli @ The Mercato has a menu offering to satisfy every palate, with an array of sandwiches, soups and salads. A particular favorite is The Famous Leelanau Gyro loaded with strips of Plevalean, Leelanau Cheese Fromage, tomatoes, onions and Greek dressing on pita bread. Be sure to add a Maggie’s Covered Wagon for dessert with any lunch or dinner option you choose. Vaughn and his wine guru Todd Brown have done an excellent job of loading up the wine section with a fabulous assortment of wines from the region as well as from elsewhere in the world. If you are looking to have an office party catered, or if you are hosting a holiday gathering, The Silvertree Deli is a perfect one–stop for all your needs. Their Mercato location is open from 9a.m. to 9p.m. Monday – Saturday and 9 to 6 on Sundays. To learn more, check out thesilvertreedeli.com or call 231–947–3566.

Magic Hat
#9
The Magic Hat Brewing Company is located in South Burlington, VT and recently began distributing their #9 ale in Northern Michigan. I was drawn to this beer because the brewery has made it somewhat mysterious, from its name to the statement on the front label: “not quite Pale Ale.” I thought to myself, if it’s “not quite Pale Ale,” then what is it? What a great marketing approach, essentially enticing the consumer by piquing their interest; they even state in their marketing materials that the beer is “cloaked in secrecy.”
So we already know what #9 isn’t – let’s take a look at what it is.
A blend of Cascade, CTZ hops, and Pale, Crystal malts with English Ale yeast, #9’s mix results in a refreshing, thirst quenching ale that has notes of citrus flavors. The Magic Hat #9 is a medium bodied four–season ale that will appeal to a wide range of beer palates. This ale will pair nicely with spicy foods; try pairing with Asian cuisine from the new Red Ginger in Traverse City. It will also work with the Tofu Veggie Wrap from the Grain Train in Petoskey, or Indian cuisine from NJ’s in Lake Leelanau.
Okay – so Magic Hat #9 is not a Pale Ale, but it is a “kissing cousin” to the American Pale Ale style. Being new in the marketplace, #9 is not everywhere as of yet, so you might have to ask for it. For additional details and to find out where Magic Hat #9 is available in Northern Michigan, check out www.magichat.net.