Heights Eats

Chez Peres claims to be “Northern Michigan’s only authentic French Bistro.” It was only two blocks from where I was staying in Traverse City, and we were happy to eat there more than once. It’s right by the Boardman River.

The space is small but tastefully put together, and the blue walls have a rustic feel while echoing the hue of the river. For my first meal, a lunch, I ordered the lentil crêpe:

It was filled with spiced lentils, bacon and potatoes and topped with a little hollandaise sauce. It was extremely tasty, hearty and filling. My dad said that he had never had any dish with lentils that tasted as good as this. I was barely hungry for dinner that night.

For my breakfast visit I ordered the salmon on bagel halves.

The salmon was perfectly smoked and not in the least fishy. The bagels were also toasted and buttered before being spread with cream cheese, making the sandwich even better. Once again, … continue reading

After looking on Urban Spoon for a good local restaurant we had yet to visit, Sarah decided on Le Petit Triangle Café. I generally like French, so it seemed like a good choice, plus it looked like a fairly unique establishment.

We started out with the pissaldiere. Like everything else we ordered, it was a perfectly executed mix of contrasting flavors: briney olives, sweet carmelized onions, capers, and gooey rich melted cheese. Even Jonathan liked it.

To drink I had a Duvel, a Belgian beer named for its a devilishly (and deceptively) high alcohol content. It’s one of the best beers you can buy–rich, slighly sweet and nutty– and a bargain for $6 at a restaurant.

I ordered a smoked salmon buckwheat crêpe. The earthy smokiness of the salmon paired wonderfully with rich, garlicky boursin cheese, with everything kicked up a notch by fresh dill and capers. The nuttiness of the buckwheat added a nice touch as well, and makes for a heartier meal than plain white flour.

Sarah ordered the Chicken Croissant, which … continue reading