Destination North Peak Brewing Co

 A stop at North Peak Brewing Company is a must on every trip to Northern Michigan.

Flyboy Jr moved into a new apartment so of course the entire family helped. Actually, we use any excuse to head to Traverse City. Minion #2 is following his father's footsteps in attending Northwestern Michigan Community College aviation school, living and working in TC. 

At least one night during every visit we share a meal at the North Peak Brewing Company. The food is amazing and the service suburb.  A few years back, they accommodated the entire Quast clan as we were there for my sister-in-law's Special Olympics winter competition.

We love the food, hubby and minion #1 enjoy the North Peak brews with names such as Siren and Diabolical. There is a quaint bar downstairs we hang out before dinner during the winter . The North Peak menu has a great selection of Brew Pub fare with a Northern Michigan flavor.

This TC trip was no different. We were pleased North Peak was open during the Covid crap.

Hubby & I enjoyed drinks on the patio while we waited for a table to become available.
A beautiful day helped with the social distancing allowing us to be outside.

They seated us in a wide-open space upstairs.
(One of our favorite locations, btw.) 

We like the view of the vats. My guys are into all this craft brewing stuff.


For a starter, we ordered two bowls of Beer Steamed Muscles.
OMG! TO DIE FOR!!!

 Roasted garlic, Cajun sausage, muscles, and shrimp, in a tomato beer broth that I could drink every day. Even our pickiest eater chowed down on the sausage. The home made bread was perfect for dipping. Nest time I'm shopping, I'm going to stop in for just this dish!

 I wonder if I bring a 5 gallon pail, if they'd fill it for me. Hmmmmm...?

They guys pig out on the BBQ ribs or the monster Cowboy Steak almost every time we visit. I always get the same entree as it's my FAVORITE! 

The Atlantic Salmon with a Cherry Porter BBQ sauce. Smokey meets sweet. If you haven't ever had BBQ sauce on your salmon, you have to try this! But then again, I could put that Cherry Porter BBQ on everything. (Try it on the fries. Delish!)

The building built in 1899 once housed a candy factory, still has that old industrial feel.

The atmosphere was relaxed and our waiter was AMAZING!! He picked up on my guys sense of humor quickly and his whit matched theirs. We've always had a wonderful server every time we've visited. 

While we were there, all the wonderful covid restrictions were practiced. Tables were spaced apart inside and the number of guests inside limited. The normally busy place was still bumping since they utilized the outside. Carryout and Doordash delivery are also options.

We always recommend North Peak Brewing Company to our friends and family. Hubby and I have enjoyed a romantic meal to ourselves at least once and I'm looking forward to another. If you are ever in Northern Michigan swing over to Traverse City to had a drink or a meal at North Peak Brewing Co. Definitely worth the drive!

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Take Out Some Love

Hubby said, "Don't cook tonight. Let's order take-out." Music to my ears.

We ordered dinner from the Junction of Hope, a local restaurant.

"The Junction of Hope is America’s first nonprofit 501(c)3 restaurant. Our mission is to employ adults with special needs in Saginaw, Shiawassee and Genesee Counties. Though we operate as a restaurant, our real purpose is to be an employer of people with special needs."  - Taken from their web page.

My family eats there often as my sister-in-law knows several of the "kids" who work at "the Junction". Cheryl has gone to school with or competed at Special Olympics with many of those who pass through the doors.

Lucky for us, they are offering their full menu via take-out.

My whitefish was tender and so flavorful, it melted in my mouth. The homemade coleslaw was made perfectly according to food connoisseur son #2. I paired my meal with a Prophecy white wine. 

Hubby had the baked cod dinner with extra fish, of course, with fries and a salad. He paired his meal with a Corona Light. The boys had monster burgers and ate all their food plus my fries.

We enjoyed our dinner on the deck and were entertained by the backyard wildlife including 3 turkeys. (Real birds... not my guys, even tho they can be turkeys at times.)

During this time, we need to help our local restaurants more than ever. I'm talking about the ones who are owned by someone you normally might run into at the grocery store or church. Most of these small businesses are offering Take-Out services; some even Drive-In services. Try to make a point at least once a week to take a break from cooking and "get some take-out".  Add some wine or a brew, take it to the deck or porch or even picnic style.  Enjoy time alone with your honey or as a family.

Visit the Junction of Hope website

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