Fine food in the heartland: North, Windows at Le Bear celebrate grand openings

By Norm & Jacob Wheeler
Sun editors
Windows at Le Bear
The chilly-looking whitecaps on Sleeping Bear Bay and the clouds blotting out the sun on June 16th weren’t the kind of postcard images that draw people up north, but the seagulls flirting on the boat launch at the end of Lake Street had a clear view of the Manitou Islands, nevertheless, as the chef of the new Windows at Le Bear resort, Randy Chamberlain, sliced up a yellow-fin tuna au poive for the restaurant’s long-awaited grand opening. Two weeks later, the hot summer weather is here to stay, and patrons are delighted to feast on the gourmet dishes that Michiganders have enjoyed for years at the original Windows on Grand Traverse West Bay.

But this location may be even better. Diners at Le Bear resort can take in amazing sunsets over Lake Michigan while submitting to the seductive powers of Randy’s char-grilled sockeye salmon or veal tenderloin Napolean. While the resort itself is private, Windows at Le Bear is s separate entity and open to the public. It is quite possibly the best spot in town to take a date. The restaurant will stay open year-round, seven days a week from 5-9 p.m., and hopes to strike a chord in the off-season with local residents. For that reason Windows at Le Bear held an open house for the Whose Who of Glen Arbor on June 15th, at which approximately 140 business owners and community leaders were treated to mouth-watering hours’d’ouvrs like smoked whitefish, curried shrimp, Portabella mushrooms and local Empire asparagus.
Randy Chamberlain (the chef) and Phil Murray (who runs the show at Windows in Traverse City) are the craftsmen behind this new jewel in Glen Arbor. Windows at Le Bear seats only about 30 people, so be sure to call ahead (334-2530) for reservations or e-mail windowslebear@charter.net
North
Greg Murphy and Nick Vanden Belt had a busy spring. They bought what used to be the Leelanau Country Inn, rolled up their sleeves, and commenced with major renovations. “There’s not much left of the old place,” says Murphy, the chef at La Becasse for the past 13 years. “We pretty much gutted it and started over.” Now the country eatery on M-22 near Little Traverse Lake, just west of Sugar Loaf Mountain, has a new boiler, a new roof and new insulation. “We raised the ceiling and created a new layout,” Murphy continues, “and we installed a gorgeous Australian cypress hardwood floor and a new 16-seat oak bar.” The restaurant opens July 1 with seating for 110 people.
Hungry guests will find that the new elegance fits nicely in the midst of the old country charm. Artwork from local painters, including Linda Hankes, adorns the walls, and the fence along the west side has been creatively painted and decorated with ceramic sculptures. All of the artwork will be for sale, and Murphy and Vanden Belt (also an alumna of La Becasse) intend to open a gallery in the front rooms upstairs. New lighting, new tabletops, and bone china complete the comfortable décor in this inviting restaurant.
“North” intends to be “family friendly but upscale,” promises Murphy, “a place with something for everyone. It will be pretty classy, but not a meal that has to cost over $50 per person.” There will be a children’s menu ($5) as well as appetizers ($6 – 14), a soup and salad menu, entrees ($14 – 29) and special desserts. “We have our own pastry chef and will offer 8 – 10 desserts nightly,” Murphy says. “Plus, we have 19 Italian gelatos and sorbettos. All are denser, richer than ice cream.”
The appetizers and entrees look to be well rounded. Seafood is flown in twice weekly and includes shrimp and crab cakes, tuna, lobster and salmon, as well as Lake Michigan whitefish. Murphy likes to include game or fowl on his list of meat specials, so expect to have a choice of elk chops, filet mignon or rack of lamb after you get the juices going with a dollop of liver mousse. Greg Murphy has distinguished himself as a local expert at concocting thick gumbos and pungent reduction sauces in the French country style, so everything on the menu will be worth a slow taste. Add to this a choice of over 100 wines, and “North” promises to be a rewarding culinary experience.
One special feature for early bird customers at “North” is a flat 20 percent discount off the entire bill for anyone seated at 5 and out by 6:30, “With that kind of deal a couple can enjoy three courses and a drink for around $25–30,” Murphy adds.
Call “North” for reservations, 228-5060