This is one of the times when you need more than five stars. Cook's House is simply outstanding. Every aspect of the experience was wonderful. The restaurant is a house in downtown Traverse City. They only have space for 22 seats, and it was never full during our visit. It is intimate and welcoming. I made a reservation three months ahead, and obtained a seating for 8pm. We were welcomed warmly, and immediately seated. A complimentary mushroom broth "tea" was brought out. My friend who does not like mushrooms even enjoyed it. The service was perfect. Our server understood how to facilitate tasting courses, and the one very small misstep (under down steak for the member of our party that is pregnant, so it was not a being picky situation) was immediately handled without needing to be asked. The wine sommelier did a beautiful pairing. She offered the right level of presentation. Our group of four did the tasting menu. As they are farm to table, and the menu is constantly changing, it is not beneficial to discuss specific menu items. I do want to say the celery soup was representative of the experience, something I would not think to try or sounded amazing but was. My non dessert eating friend loved her dessert, she actually ate the entire cake. Interesting, creative, but not pretentious. A meal to be remembered. read more

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We are foodie folks and I made a reservation here as soon as I knew we were planning a trip to Traverse City. There just happened to be one at 9pm on the Thursday we would be there. In the meantime, while watching the James Beard Awards, I noticed they were nominated within the same category as one of chef's from our hometown Cincinnati! The place is actually a house, and we were seated right next to the kitchen. Our server, Dillon, was great. We were happy that we both didn't have to order the tasting menu, so I had it, and my wife ordered a la carte (this is the first place we have been to that you can actually order whatever way you would like, nice!) The wine list isn't huge, but it is nice that the glasses are all the same price. As other reviewers said, there is a lot of staff for the 25 seats in the place. We were offered a pickled Amuse Bouche and a mushroom tea that we could have had every day. It was SO good. Here is what we ordered and what we thought; Starter - Smoke whitefish salad- very good and the fish was delicate and fresh. Loved. Gemelli pasta- they were absolutely fine substituting other cheese for the goat cheese, which we don't care for. We had one with blue cheese and one with parmesan. Both were great and the pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. Whitefish with Tom Yum Vinaigrette - first time having whitefish and it was excellent. Flavors on point. Would order again and again. 5 course tasting - Cucumber Buttermilk Soup - light and earthy tasting, and very pretty! Gemelli pasta - see above New York Steak - didn't appear to be a strip. It was chewy and a little gamey. I had to pull gristle out of my mouth a lot. However, the chimichurri sauce was fantastic and the potatoes were buttery deliciousness. Grilled Turnips - unique flavors. I was getting full so I didn't eat all of it. Lemon Posset - perfect ending. Creamy and lovely. We had the pleasure to talk to chef Calvin because we were right next to the kitchen. He specifically talked to us about what cheese we would prefer on the gemelli, and then when I asked where he likes to eat in town, he suggested a few places. He checked in on us regularly throughout our meal, which really made the experience intimate and personal. He also made some browned butter for our excellent bread because we didn't care for the goat butter...nice touch. They are deserving of the kudos and award nominations they receive. read more

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We have been trying to get into The Cook's House for almost a year! Reservations are very hard to come by and you can only go with reservations. We made the reservation a month in advance and still had to settle for 8:30 time slot. But it was absolutely worth it! Incredible doesn't begin to explain this restaurant! First, it's in the middle of a neighborhood. The name is perfect because it's literally a house. Very small which explains the need for reservations. The biggest stand out for me was the impeccable service! Your glass is never empty. If you get up, your napkin is promptly refolded. This was absolutely 5 star treatment. You also receive several courses with your meal. The food was OUTSTANDING. The menu changes frequently which is awesome because you'll never get bored. There is an Ala carte menu and a tasting menu. I was told to expect two hours for the 5 course tasting at 3 for the 7 course. Being that it was so late we stuck with ala carte. I honestly can't wait to plan a full tasting but it will have to be well planned out so I can get earlier reservations. read more

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Wow! Describing this place as amazing feels like an understatement. I've had tasting menus, but from start to finish this menu was perfection. The servers are friendly and knowledgeable. Its a but tight in there, but definitely worth it. read more

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Fabulous food and service that was just as fabulous! We created our own tasting menu because we wanted one of everything on the menu (we didn't quite make it through!). Everything was exquisite, even charred asparagus taken over the top with a base of egg salad and smoked fish roe (my friend said it was literally the best thing she'd ever eaten!) Can't wait to go back! read more

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I've never had a bad meal here. I love this place! Cook's House is just a gem in TC. The best kitchen staff and chefs, and the friendliest and most knowledgeable sommelier. We came for our birthday dinner and did the 5 course + wine pairing. They can always accommodate for vegetarians which is wonderful. They even made us an extra dessert especially for us. I always love the cozy homey vibe of the place and the sweet lofi house beats they play! Thank you, as always, Cooks House! read more

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Such an amazing experience from start to finish - the service, the food, the cocktails and wine pairings. I truly felt like a guest of honor with the attention to detail and attentiveness the entire restaurant gave our group, but I don't doubt that every guest there felt the same way. You aren't just assigned a specific member of the team, everyone table touches and is well versed in the menu and wines. We did the 5-course option (there were also 7-course and a la carte options when we went, but definitely check back frequently as a lot of ingredients are seasonal and menus at places would be subject to change based on season!) and it was absolutely amazing. There wasn't one dish presented that I thought 'I wish I got something else'. The wine pairings for each course were amazing, and some bottles even available locally at Blue Goat (or the specific winery). We dined on the front porch which was an amazing seating arrangement. You're in a quaint but lively neighborhood but the weather was exceptional and I could have sat outside the rest of the night enjoying the company and wine selection. This is a must when you visit traverse for an exceptional and fresh, innovative experience. Reservations are necessary if you want to participate in the full experience - it is highly unlikely someone cancels their reservation for this spot! read more

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The service is as fantastic as the food. Truly a wonderful dining experience with creative and unique dishes that taste fantastic. The starters and deserts were out of this world. My only regret is that I wasn't hungry enough for the tasting menu. You won't go wrong with anything you order. There were beautiful little touches like curated cocktails and gorgeous place settings. This place is perfect for anyone who appreciates quality food with curated touches. read more

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The food/drinks were amazing and same goes to the service! Definitely recommend getting a 5 or 7 course meal your first time. It was a very chill vibe like you're at a family members house for dinner. We will definitely be back! Thanks for the awesome mocktails Alex! read more

The Cooks' House - New york * seared potatoes * chimichurri * grilled shishito peppers * corn puree - New American Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

How delightful! Our group did the 5-course meal with wine pairings - every bite, and sip, was delicious. Service was exceptional. The dining room was charming. Perfect evening from start to finish! read more

The service was phenomenal, the food even better. The mushroom toast is something I will think about for the rest of my life. The first bite of every dish blew me away. It's a small place. The atmosphere is quaint but the attention to details really lets you know you're in for something amazing. I bought a bottle of wine and enjoyed the 5 course. I can't wait to come back. read more

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All I have to say is 7 course & pairing AMAZING!!! One of my top 3 best dining experiences in the states, this place was pure magic. From the cozy atmosphere, to the incredible waitstaff & even better food, you cannot go wrong! Everything was cooked impeccably and the wine pairings were nothing short of perfection to accentuate the flavors of the food. Went for an anniversary dinner and everything was just wonderul! Will definitely be returning next time we're in Traverse. read more

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Everything was exquisite. Delicious is an understatement. We went a la cart as we don't eat much. Although they have a rotating menu, the lake trout and New York strip were divine. The strip was accompanied by something similar to a chinichurrie sauce, and the lake trout had a seared crispy skin that is equivalent to bacon. Cocktails were top tier, and wine recommendations were excellent. There was a good mix of local and national and international wines. Follow their recommendations please. This place alone would justify an annual trip to TC (traverse city). Thank you Cooks. read more

First impression from staff was wonderful: friendly, accommodating. Now the food: DELICIOUS! Make sure to get a reservation months ahead! A do-not-miss restaurant. read more

We enjoyed a spectacular dinner last week at Cooks House. The food, cocktails, service and ambiance were terrific. This is our fourth summer in the Traverse City area and this was by far the best restaurant we have frequented thus far. One of the owners took it upon himself to comp us some sparkling wine, just because we reported that we had spent the day doing errands in town, and he sympathized. He also hand wrote a list of local wineries he recommends when I said that we had yet to find any decent Michigan wine. If you enjoy great food in a fun restaurant, prepared and served by people who are serious about what they are doing, you won't be disappointed here. read more

The Cooks' House was perfect in food, service, and atmosphere. It could not have been better. It started with a tiny cup of broth presented on a bed of beans for looks, not eating. The broth was something I had never experienced. The incredible server said, "Basically, we cook down all the vegetables and turn it into a broth, add a mixture of spices and olive oil. " Every single step of the experience will be remembered for life. read more

6 stars! Wow - a fantastic 5-course tasting menu WITH equisitely paired wines for each course at $110! Plus delicious homemade bread, an amuse bouche and the most delicious mushroom tea broth that we will try to recreate at home somehow. The ambiance is a very non- pretentious small white house that you could easily miss if you blink (we did). The dining room is small and only seats at most 30 guests but you get exceptional service and the most amazing meal. I will be dreaming about that darn mushroom tea which I could sip all day, and the olive oil cake was the perfect ending to a memorable meal. For those of you trying to land a reservation at Alinea, save yourself the trouble and money - drive a few hours to Traverse City, get a hotel room, and have dinner at Cooks House. You'll still be ahead by at least $1K without any sacrifice in quality and you'll have a great night. read more

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The most epic experience! We went for my dad's birthday and they went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable experience. The food is delicious and so fresh - fam to table. They accommodated my gluten free allergy, and brought all the wine tastings you could handle. I can't say enough about the kindness and perfect service they provided. If you're in traverse this is a must stop! read more

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Mario Batali's restaurant in Traverse City is a must when visiting the area. Small, quaint. Amazing service and food is top notch with wine pairings read more

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REMARKABLE! I made a reservation for two for a Saturday night without any issue. From that phone call up until we walked out of the building after dinner, the entire Cook's House experience was wonderful. Relaxing, delightful, cozy, warm, and opulent hospitality at its finest. We started with cocktails and ordered sharables straight away. The fried potatoes were a welcome warm-up with the inclement weather that evening. The rigatoni followed and both were exquisite. For entrees, we opted to go a la carte since the pork belly wasn't part of the tasting menus. Of the 5 entrees offered we ordered three... the beef cheeks, the pork belly and the walleye. Each was refined and unlike the others. What I most appreciated was the cook on the walleye, crispy skinned and flesh untouched resulting in a beautiful piece of perfectly executed lake fish. The pork was out of control...Gochujang, miso and parsnip flavors all nicely balanced. The cheeks were fall apart tender and nestled in a parsnip puree that was silky and delicate. I wish we had saved room for dessert but instead closed our night out with some French press coffee and final sips of our cocktails. Service was seamless and warm and the ambiance reminded me of the holidays with welcoming aromas coming from the kitchen, plenty of lighting and a soft warmth that comes with dining in a (former) home's front room. It was a a really enjoyable evening, one I hope I get to experience again when I'm back up. read more

Amazing food and drinks ( we did a mix of the 5 course tasting menu and ala carte dishes) intimate space without feeling cramped, and phenomenal service. read more

The Cooks' House - Beet salad - New American Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

The food was SO good. We splurged and got the wine package with it and it made the experience so fun. Our waiter and waitress made the experience so relaxed which is exactly what we were looking for. We sat in what felt like a cozy kitchen. Would definitely go back the next time I'm in town read more

The ambience and service were wonderful. The wine pours outstanding. I loved that a wine by the glass was the same price within the category (all whites 1 price, etc). I had the duck, my go to at new restaurants and found it uninspired. The grains under it were not flavorful leaving the duck (which was beautifully done, without any flavor support. I will certainly try again but was disappointed read more

Its a small restaurant (literally just a house that's been converted) so the ambiance isn't the greatest. But the food is tremendous. Of the seven course we ordered, all seven were unexpected--in a good way. And of the seven, four of them (the parsnip soup, the gnocchi, the walleye, and the Denver steak) were among the top five dishes of that particular "type" I have ever eaten. This is one of the best meals you can order in a restaurant in the state of Michigan. Protip: order the 7 course tasting menu; it's an serious bargain at $104/person. And if you add the wine flight, it's only $16 more ($120 total) so that's an absolute STEAL. This has been added to my "Must visit in TC" list for every trip moving forward. read more

Apparently, this restaurant, which is in a house converted to a restaurant, is a tough reservation to get. The last seating is at 8:30 and on a Tuesday night, the restaurant was full. Our table was ready for an 8:15 reservation and we were greeted nicely and offered two glasses of bubbly to celebrate our supposed anniversary. That was a nice way to start off the evening. The punk-folk music however was quite a detraction to the restaurant's ambiance throughout the meal. Most people seemed to be getting the multi-course tasting menu. We opted for the ala carte menu as we weren't interested in that much food and that long of a night (ala carte was two hours long itself). Began with two little glasses of warm apple cider served in a tray of hard corn. Then there was an amuse bouche - the puff pastry was boring, and the poached pear (substituted in to be GF) was OK. The whitefish came in a spicy curry with smoked/charred bok choy in a squash puree. That was a hit. The walleye less so - the "kimchi" tasted more like sautéed cabbage and the fried sushi rice was too buttery/oily and very crisp, like rice crispies. Overall it was boring. It needed some heat or acid to give the dish more life. The printed list of wines by the glass is small, although it was complemented by some other bottles open that they had open. read more

The review is long overdue. We go to the cooks house 2x per year when visiting Traverse City. The place is fantastic! The service is great and the food is great. The pictures from this review are from restaurant week. Somewhere like the cooks house which we normally do the 7 course tasting menu could skip on some of the extras but they don't as this place is always good. During restaurant week we were still given a warm towel to wash our hands, the extra appetizer and extra desert. This place is very special and a gem in TC. read more

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We had the pleasure of eating here on our first trip to Traverse City. I'm becoming a big fan of pre fixe menus where you choose how many courses you want. It gives you the chance to try more things and the smaller portions are perfect. The menu changes regularly so you may not be able to order what's pictured here. Every course was delicious with layers of flavors. They tasted even better than they looked which is saying a lot because they were picture perfect. read more

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Outstanding 7 course meal presided with exceptional wines from around the world. The food was perfectly highlighted with local, fresh ingredients. We will certainly always make a reservation here when in TC. read more

What an incredible experience. Let's start with the excellent service. Warm towels given as soon as you're seated and our server offered knowledgeable recommendations, then gave subtle but constant attention throughout. We were pleasantly surprised by the mushroom tea and other 'off the menu' appetizers. Our food was superb and the portions were filling. Please stop here if you're in the area! read more

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We loved every second of the 7 course tasting menu. The ingredients were clearly local, the service was excellent, and everything was well thought out from the pace of the service to the flavors in each dish. I arrived 8 months pregnant and usually do not have the patience to sit through a 2 hour plus meal but this really was a delight. Such an unexpected gem! Thank you to everyone at The Cooks' Houss for sharing your evident respect and love for just plain good food. The restaurant is in a tiny house and you can hear all the conversations around you but I didn't mind this one bit, I was too focused on the food. Attached a ton of pictures below. We started with a radish that was out of this world. They served bread next and then brought the soup while you were still working on the bread which is an example of the really thoughtful timing because who doesn't want to dip the bread in the soup. Tagliatelle was some truly delicious homemade pasta... I wanted more!! Walleye and steak were perfectly cooked with unique flavors. Tomato course was so unique I couldn't even figure out the flavoring. And the bread and cheese ended up being one of the best dishes of the night. Dessert was also great, not too sweet, and they brought a little extra treat at the end as well. Thanks again... And would you consider catering my wedding? Lol! Not even kidding! read more

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One of the best damn meals I've ever had. Came here with my wife on a trip to traverse city. We had the five course tasting menu and shared a bottle of wine. We probably should have splurged on the wine pairing, but we wanted to save some money for bourbon tasting. In the grand scheme of things the cooks' house Is really worth it and not expensive for the world of fine dining. The food is perfectly seasoned and we were happy with each stage of the tasting menu. The vegetable tea with olive oil had a deep and rich flavor. The kale chips were crunchy and salty but the acidity from the pickled mushrooms and veggies balanced it nicely. The potato leek soup was just delicious and the warm bread that came with it was a perfect compliment. My wife and I were already feeling full but the pasta that came next was so damn good we finished the bowel. It had a great garlic flavor to it and it was simple but just pure in flavor and really delicious. The fried anchovies on top were also really unique and had a lemony zest too it. I don't even really like anchovies and I thought the whole thing was delicious. My wife got the rainbow trout which was perfectly cooked with this amazing crispy skin and the vegetable has underneath made it just really flavorful and an explosion of flavor. I got the steak which also probably the best damn steak I've ever had. This was way better than those overpriced steaks you might get at Ruth's Chris, chop house in Ann Arbor, or Morton's. It came with a massaman curry which was also delicious but I actually just liked the steak by itself. It was perfectly seasoned and really tender, cooked medium rare. The beets and creme fraiche that followed were delicious. Perfectly cooked. Tender. Broke apart easily with just my fork. The dessert was a high note. A parsnip cake with a pan fried Miso sauce and creme with caramel sauce on the side. The cake was crunchy but tender and moist on the inside. It was incredible! My wife and I pretty much licked every bowl and plate clean Definitely recommend this place. Definitely coming back with friends and family next time. Hopefully COVID ends soon! read more

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Hands down the best meal I have ever had in my life! And the best dining experience to date. Me and my husband heard recommendations from our coworkers & decided to make a reservation before making our way there - and boy was I glad I did! I got lucky but they were book for 2 weeks when I was asking for another availability! Now for our experience: 1. Service: was fast, well timed that our food, drinks & everything emerged into a perfected experience. It was as if every single portion of the experience was calculated to a tee, to get us the most satisfying culinary experience. 2. Atmosphere: a cute cozy house feel that brings warmth with a clean cut image. A very quaint environment with an all white canvas. Loved it. 3. Food: Now for the best part! We decided to go for the 5 course meal with a bottle of wine of our choice! It was really the best meal of our lives & I am not hyping it up! They started out with giving us a vegetable tea with olive oil drizzle which had a very nice brothy texture & the vegetable broth was delicious! The amusebouse came out with kale chips & a side with onions and mushrooms which was like nothing I had ever tasted. It was absolutely delicious, vingery and tangy We had our first part of our 5 course: the potato & leek soup with chevre & vegetable ash: just perfectly thick with a lovely creamy texture Next was a tagliatelle aglio olio pasta, greens with white anchovy - the parmesan cheese flavors, olive oil & chili flakes and the herbs making a perfect blend for the best pasta of my life! Now for the entree: I had the Ruby trout & my hubby the flat iron steak, both were amazing. The Ruby trout was so crispy on the outside and so soft and melting in the mouth! The flat iron steak was a perfect medium rare with all the juices oozing out! Next course: roasted beets & fennel with creme fraiche which was deliciously roasted & went so well with the fennel and the creme fraiche that held everything together Lastly the dessert: grilled parsnip cake with grilled apples, cultured cream & miso caramel - and we kicked the platter clean. It was just the perfect sweetness After which an assortment with sweets came to us & we were left satisfied For the overall experience and food we had, the price was actually very reasonable. read more

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I grew up in this town but left in 1985. I've lived in California since and have eaten at a lot of great restaurants including the Laundry, Chez Panisse, Slanted Door and Mr Chows to name a few. This without a doubt rank's right there. I honestly never thought I'd have a decent thing to eat in this town other than bar food but now I know exactly where it is. If you're hungry for something exceptional look no further. I have never liked mushrooms, but the mushroom toast was my favorite dish. I can't believe I'm saying it. Thank you Jen and to the staff for a great evening Looking forward to going back. read more

My experience here was hands down the most amazing dining experience I've ever had. My husband surprised me with this reservation, and we did the seven course with wine pairings, because we don't normally splurge on restaurants but if we were going to do this thing we wanted to go big. My husband usually does not like squash, but the soup ended up being one of his favorites. My favorite was the walleye with the celery root and truffle sauce. My husband loved the steak but said he couldn't name it his favorite because eating it made him feel less of a man because he couldn't make a steak taste that amazing, LOL! The wines were so nice, they really did complement the dishes nicely but I was really surprised that I liked them all. Wish I could have finished them them all, but I didn't want to forget the food. I'm so inspired to elevate my home cooking with higher quality ingredients and more diverse flavors. Everything had the perfect melt-in-your-mouth or buttery crisp texture. Service was so attentive and pleasant. The table was very small as was the dining room, but not uncomfortably so. read more

Cooks House sets the bar for fine dining in Traverse City while eliminating the often cold and stuffy vibe of other fancy restaurants. Jen & Eric have created an amazing dining experience that merges everything great about eating, locally sourced ingredients, warm cozy close quarters dining, and impeccable staff. The dishes are incredibly well curated and plates come out looking like works of art. They have a ton of great wines and the staff will help you pair to your meal if you're trying to party that way. If you can't decide on a meal, I highly recommend the 5 or 7 course meals, you get to taste a lot of the menu and adding the wine paring really rounds out the whole experience. Just go, it's worth it. read more

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In order to make sure we could get into this small, very popular gourmet eatery in downtown Traverse City, we made our reservation a week in advance for the first seating on a Friday evening. There are exactly 24 seats in the intimate dining room of the unassuming 100 year old home a half block off Front Street. The Cooks' House opened here eleven years ago with a mission of bringing gourmet cuisine and exceptional service to the Traverse City area. Eleven years later, their mission remains true to form and Cooks' House remains wildly popular with both locals and vacationers from downstate and beyond. I loved the way the owner, in jacket and tie, made the rounds touching base with each table. Nice touch! The servers were equally gregarious in explaining the various dinner courses in the 5 or 7 Course Tasting Menu offered this night. My better half chose the 5 Course complimented with a glass of local Traverse City Rose while I ordered a la carte. We both enjoyed soup...mine a White Bean and Red Wine while my wife tried the Roasted Heirloom Tomato. It was over the moon and a great start to our dinner. Other courses were equally creative and delicious including my Walleye and her Great Lakes Whitefish. Both dishes were served with a unique combination of fresh veggies. The Cooks' House provided a wonderful experience highlighted by creative cuisine and attentive and welcoming service in a comfortable, homey ambiance. In my book, that is a combo you can't beat with a stick. Five big ones! read more

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I just can't, truly can not put into words how fantastic my diner was at The Cook's House. Reservations are a must-must at this 25 seat restaurant. I have tried several times to get a seat and finally on this chilly winter evening got a spot. It was worth the wait and honestly exceeded my expectations on every level. If it's on your plate, it's probably house made. From bread, mayo, little pickles, sauces, and more it's scratch made. The behind the scenes time and care to prepare for every aspect of your meal is out of bounds. Everything we ate was so artfully prepared to look and taste exquisite. We had beets, salad, potatoes, bread, pasta and fish that was transformed into some of the best bites of my culinary life. The service matched the kitchens hard work to offer detailed explanations of what morsels are in front of you, answer any questions, and allow you to simply eat without a need of any kind. I don't know if they have a James Beard award or Michelin stars yet but I have been to places that have and The Cook's House has just as much panache if not more than many that do. A foodies dream! read more

Upon visiting the area on my most recent journey up north, The Cooks House was somewhere that my husband said was a must try. Boy was he right. For those who are adventurous eaters who love fresh, wholesome ingredients this is your place! Also, in a house in downtown TC you get such an amazing vibe. read more

I've eaten all over the world, from dirt floors and dripping, newspaper-wrapped street food to literal curly mustachioed sommelier-staffed fine dining. The full spectrum from indistinguishable insects to indecipherable, deconstructed imitations and "elevated" versions of that same humble food. Once-white dishrags so worn there's more hole than thread to the cleanest white tablecloths with a higher thread count than my bedsheets. So when I tell you, from a place of some experience, that dinner at The Cook's House was the best meal of my life, I hope that such a seemingly brash and hyperbolic statement bears enough connection to reality that you see beyond the simple "5-stars" and act on any motivation this review might give you to make a reservation and experience the untold myriad of sensations offered there for yourself. The first important note is the incredible charm and knowledge of the staff. An easy-going greeting to comprehensible, anything-but-condescending description of the dishes and wine pairings, and jovial conversational nature, the front of house experience was as warm and welcoming as the first dish. Few restaurants truly achieve the much-coveted atmosphere of "home", and without pomp or contrived "hospitality", The Cook's House embodied these existential desires of every diner through sheer personality. The next is the perfect pacing of the meal. From the first bite of squash soup, which was an amazingly balanced "hearty", but not "heavy", the menu took twists and turns that were easy for the casual diner to follow, but didn't feel at all cliché or trite. Following the soup came a rigatoni that evoked the first of several "Ratatouille" moments for me. The beef and pork meat sauce conjured thoughts of the rich beef stock they must have used, transporting me immediately to a small alleyway pho shack in Vietnam that I return to in my mind frequently. Tiny, yellow knock-off Little Tykes chairs and a generations-old broth made that experience special, and somehow The Cook's House found a way to introduce such a lineage into a meat sauce with roots from centuries and continents away. The dollop of dairy in the center cut through the richness without overriding it, and the perfectly cooked rigatoni provided a textural difference that kept your interest in every bite. The protein course hit several interesting notes. With choices between a crispy, flaky, flavorful walleye and a tender but toothsome steak, I'd highly recommend bringing a friend and splitting both. The bone marrow mashed potatoes brought deep layers of umami to the party that felt two best friends meeting after a long time, but somehow still managing to finish each other's sentences. The real star of this show was the mushroom. Unassumingly placed next to the steak, the punch of flavor put the dish just on the right side of overwhelmingly rich. Any further, and the scales would tip too far for the body to handle, but The Cook's House kept their foot on the scale with a touch of acid in the sauce that walked the whole dish back from the cliff's edge with kind words and a stranger's hug. No dish was more thought-provoking or intriguing than the beets. Think for a second about the purpose of art: sure, some art is about literally replicating some life event in the visual spectrum, or freezing a moment in time, but what is art really aspiring to produce? Emotion. That's what this dish created. I honestly don't even know if I liked it, but the combination of beets, apples, cocoa, and micro greens challenged me to reconcile flavors and textures that bore such a close resemblance that they felt like seeing yourself in the mirror with hair parted in a different direction. You're the same person, but something about your reflection seems unfamiliar and somehow more attractive. This dish felt like taking a chance; not a desperate one, but a liberating, 500-Days-Of-Summer romantic whirlwind with a much happier ending. The final course was the second "Ratatouille" moment of the evening, and let me tell you that having just one is enough to bring the word "Michelin" to mind. Cornbread, simple syrup, poached apples, and whipped cream not only brought me back down to Earth after the beets, but brought textures and mouth feels so interesting so as to stand up to that complicated vegetable. The arrangement here could not have been more perfect. Everything, from the first step in the door to the rush of cold air upon re-entering the fresh November air in Traverse City, was perfectly executed without feeling contrived. In a world of chef's tweezers and farm-to-table condescension, The Cook's House provided more than just food, but a sensory experience matched only by it's effortless, but still hard-working, warmth of service. This experience alone is enough to warrant a trip back to the Third Coast. read more

Simply put... this is the best restaurant in or near Traverse City. Had perfectly crisp pork belly on this visit, the 3rd or 4th. Arrived 10 minutes early for a 5:30 reservation to a warm greeting and choice of tables. Sitting at the table just below the "wine bar" happened to notice a wine from Barboursville winery in Virginia. For sure a rare site in Michigan. Not available by the glass but offered a taste. Nice touch. Must be a story behind this but forgot to ask. This is a very small place with some outside seating. Ambiance best descripted as eclectic. Great service, great food. Strong wine list featuring several Michigan wines as well as an international selection. A reservation note... reservations by phone no longer taken. If you check and find that online reservations are not yet open, call and someone will tell you how far in advance they will be open. Then be sure to make an early contact. read more