Information on Traverse City, Michigan and the surrounding Northwest Michigan area

08/25/2006

Let's Do Lunch

Silver Swan

by doug davenport
For more restaurant profiles, see our Let's Do Lunch page

The Silver Swan restaurant and gift shop on West Bay Shore Drive in Traverse City offers deli-style homemade foods for take-out or dine-in.

Address: 13692 W. Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City (GET MAP)

Phone: 932-0203

Atmosphere/Cuisine: Look for the colorful stain glass picture of a graceful swan hanging in the front window facing W. Bayshore Drive. Come inside for affordable, dine-in or carry-out deli-style homemade foods, including ethnic specialties and "from scratch" desserts. The creative gift shop displays a unique blend of artwork, handicrafts and Middle Eastern and Asian gift items. The Pepallashi family has fed locals and visitors here since 1997. Erika, Yola, and Petra greet you at the counter and take your order. Select your own beverage and they'll bring your meal to your table.

The sandwich selections ($6-7) vary from a classic reuben to The Norwegian, a grilled havarti cheese special with cucumber, carrots and bistro sauce. Hommous, baba ganouj, and vegetarian grape leaves make up the Middle Eastern Wrap. Hungry for a big sandwich? Try the Neanderthal — grilled turkey, roast beef, ham and swiss cheese.

Daily sides ($2-5) of potato salad, garden salads, pickled beets, Hommous, baba ganouj and vegetarian grape leaves complement any sandwich or entrée. The delicious soups are also homemade. Fresh salad ($6-7.25) choices include Julienne — turkey, Swiss, and ham; Greek — feta, kalamata olives, beets, and pepperoncinis; the Emerson — turkey, Swiss, dried cherries and pecans; and the Governors — roast beef and blue cheese.

The Special Entrees ($7) change each day. Monday is meatloaf; goulash heads up Tuesday. Wednesday brings a hot turkey sandwich plate. Thursday features pork loin. Friday's feast is Beef Stroganoff. A favorite served everyday is rouladen or wienerschnitszel with mashed potatoes and red cabbage. ($10.95)

Be sure to leave room for scrumptious desserts like custard-filled cream puffs, carrot cake, rice pudding, brownies and baklava.

My selection: The Thursday pork loin was tasty, served with homemade mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable and rolls. My wife chose the Middle Eastern trio, a cold platter of hommous, baba ganouj, and vegetarian grape leaves. Carry-outs of this dish were packaged fresh in the front counter cooler. The dining area is comfortable and casual. Drop in for lunch or after work, or even if your boat is docked nearby.