An obsessed chef at The Cooks’ House

I recently stumbled upon the blog "from the stove, random thoughts of an obsessed chef," written by Eric Patterson. He's the chef and co-owner of The Cooks' House, which opened in April in the tiny spot that formerly housed Patisserie Amie on Traverse City's East Front Street. We've added a link to Eric's blog over in our right sidebar, and we'll be linking to occasional posts from here. Eric sends out a quick hi to Up North Foodies in a recent post on his blog.

I've been hearing great things about the restaurant and finally got a chance to drop in last week for lunch with my sister Ann. Eric and co- owner and chef Jennifer Blakeslee emphasize local fare here. A blackboard lists area farmers and food purveyors whose hard work ends up on your plate. While we were awaiting lunch, an Elk Rapids farmer walked in with a basket of peaches asking if Eric needed any. Back to the kitchen they went. Then his grandson walked in with blueberries destined for salads and dessert plates that night.

Ann had a salad of tatsoi, blueberries and cheese, topped with a Mawby's Sex vinaigrette, and I had a waffle topped with creamy chicken. Both selections were full of flavor without being overbearing. Mine was so good, I wanted to lick the plate! (I held back, being in public and all.)

The restaurant isn't much bigger than a good-sized cabbage leaf, which at first makes you feel like you're intruding. But like walking into someone's home, if you're warmly welcomed (which we were), that small size ends up being a big asset. Dining there felt like being in someone's home, with Eric and son Carlos in view working in the kitchen, and son Calvin and wife Theresa working the front. Theresa's humor and gentle ease made us feel like we'd known her forever, and Eric came up front to share stories like the one about his "fallen comrade," a broken pepper grinder. He even went back to the kitchen to bring it out and show us.

That informality, and the awesome food, make it a great stop, more like visiting good friends than going out to a restaurant. So if you're downtown in Traverse City some afternoon or evening and on the lookout for delicious local fare, do yourself a favor and stop by The Cooks' House. You might want to call ahead to reserve a spot. (231) 946-8700.

Filed under Chefs