There is a fabulous restaurant on the top floor of the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Aerie. It is gorgeous and delicious and gourmet, and we were brave enough to take our kids there. The great thing was, our boys understood we were somewhere special and they acted accordingly, so we had a lovely meal together in such a beautiful setting. A favorite family memory.
Insider Info.
Dress up. Our family did not have plans to eat at a posh spot, so we didn't pack accordingly. You don't have to be really dressy, but I was wishing the boys had at least polo shirts and some nice shorts or pants and my husband wished he had a button up. That being said, no one gave us a second look for being casual.
Dip away. Before your meal begins, you are treated to asiago cheese bread and cherry dark bread with gourmet olive oil and flavored balsamic vinegar. We LOVED it; such a great way to start a meal.
Order a starter. Our favorite appetizer, hands down was the crab cake with blueberry pineapple salsa, citrus red cabbage salad, and pineapple honey Jack Daniel's sauce ($11). It was more crab and less cake and so amazingly flavored, even the kids loved it. The salsa and sauce took it over the top.
Try a twist on a classic. Possibly the best dish of the night was the Blueberry Caprese Salad with heirloom tomatoes, blueberry infused goat cheese, ripe blueberries and blueberry basil balsamic ($10). Do not leave without giving this creamy, fresh concoction a try. We also loved the fresh asparagus bisque ($7).
Enjoy fresh fish. Both my husband and I were in the mood for seafood, and the Sea Bass special with creamy risotto was rich and indulgent ($36) and the best of our two entrees. The Salmon with a hazelnut miso glaze ($29) was also good, but next time we will try a beef or poultry entree to mix up the flavors. We were both surprised at the hearty portions served and were stuffed about half way through our main dish. After all of our starters, we really could have shared a meal.
Drool over the kids menu. I was amazed as I perused the Kid's Menu at how delectable and inexpensive everything was. Aerie offers great options for little diners, so don't be shy about bringing them along. Our server was also especially sensitive to our situation and kept the meal moving quickly, which was greatly appreciated. My boys were crazy about their mini-sliders and fries, ($6.50, such a deal!)...if I wouldn't have been so full, I might have swiped one they looked so good!
Go with the bread pudding. Our bread pudding was piping hot and the perfect sweetness and consistency to end a great meal ($8). Highly recommended.
Enjoy the ambiance. Whether dining with your kids or on your one, take a minute to breathe in the gorgeous view from on top of the world. My pictures don't do it justice!
If you go.
Address. 100 Grand Traverse Resort Boulevard Acme, MI Floor 16
Reservations. Don't wait to make a reservation, especially if it is during a busy time of year. Prime dining times fill up quickly, especially on the weekend.
Specials. I would love to dine at Aerie any time, but there are some fun specials offered: Sunday Brunch, Burger and Pint Nights, Sushi Night and Women's Wine Night.
Menus.
My mouth is watering looking at your pictures! What a great time! :)
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