Jeff S.
Yelp
If Michelin were to give me say in it, I think they deserve at least a Bib Gourmand. Everything about this place was exceptional.
From the moment we stepped in the door, we were warmly greeted and seated immediately. Our server was super knowledgeable and friendly, and came over to check on us regularly throughout the meal. Because it's a small location, it's always easy to get someone's attention if needed, and the service is very cordial, does a good job of explaining the menu items if asked, and was polite at all times.
We followed our waiter's advice and ordered several dishes to share. We started with two appetizers or small plates. The potatoes with brown butter/cheese sauce (parmesan) and pickled mushrooms were out of this world. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with an unctuous parmesan sauce and bright pops of flavor with the pickled mushrooms. We followed this with the herb caesar/asparagus/country ham and cured egg yolks. The yolks were soft but thick, tasty morsels of ham, and some brioche breadcrumbs. We did have to ask, where is the brioche, because the breadcrumbs were nothing more than a fine dusting-should have asked about that before we ordered the dish, but we got a clarification from the server.
We moved on to the soft shell crab with polenta-some of the creamiest polenta I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying-with General Tso's sauce which added a nice pop of heat.
We ended the main courses with the Galette with spinach and artichoke, and a small side salad. This was a perfect amount of food for two people.
We finished the evening with the Strawberry Pavlova-smartly made scoops of meringue had been baked to shape the Pavlova, underneath a layer of chocolate pieces, strawberries, and greek yogurt, and a warm chocolate sauce poured on at serving. Thoroughly well done.
I would not hesitate to visit again if I'm ever back in Traverse City, as I'm sure this has to be one of, if not the top, place to dine there. Thank you, Modern Bird!