MIDWEST
From TV Star to Northport Local: Uncovering Mario Batali’s Quiet Life in a Tiny Michigan Town
We travel to Northport, Michigan, to see what the (former?) chef likes about this corner of Americana.
By Maria Rodriguez | Aug. 15, 2025
AUTHOR BIO: With a day job that requires constant travel, Maria Rodriguez is likely a frequenter of your favorite restaurant. She’s reviewed restaurants since 2007 in publications from Barcelona to Bakersfield.
It was a warm summer afternoon when I pulled into Northport, Michigan, expecting the simple life.
And that’s exactly what I found, at first glance. But then again, that’s likely why Mario Batali hides here—far from the noise of New York City and even farther from his former public life. It’s the type of town where "laid back" doesn’t just describe the pace, it describes the geography: Lake Michigan’s gentle waves stretch lazily across the horizon, as if in no rush to lap the shore.
For a chef once known for his larger-than-life persona, the calm quietude of Northern Michigan might seem like an odd fit. But then, Batali has always been a man of contrasts. “Traverse City is the antidote to New York City,” he once told Bon Appétit. And Northport is quieter still, a place to disappear if that’s what you’re after.
The rumor mill churned after his departure from the public spotlight: Batali had fled to Michigan, to his summer home in Northport, a little-known hamlet. While he isn’t in the public eye anymore, he’s spoken fondly of the place for years. And why not? This corner of Michigan boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, from the Sleeping Bear Dunes to the vineyards dotting the landscape. So, I decided to see for myself what Batali finds so enchanting about this tiny town perched at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula.
The Inn at Black Star Farms
Day One: Settling Into the Mitten
The Inn at Black Star Farms is like walking into a dream of mitten-shaped Northern Michigan: sprawling vineyards, horses grazing in the distance, and the unmistakable smell of fresh, country air. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to toss your phone into the nearest lake and declare yourself a permanent resident of the farm-to-table movement. I wasn’t sure whether Batali had ever stayed here, but it had the chef’s ethos written all over it—rustic yet luxurious, with an emphasis on locally sourced everything.
Dinner that night was at Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern, a cozy spot that locals visit for fresh perch and whitefish. The nautical-themed dining room was filled with families, and I could imagine Batali sitting in the back corner, enjoying a plate of fish and chips while going unnoticed by the crowd. The vibe was casual, and the food was fresh—exactly the kind of place where a celebrity chef might escape for a low-key meal. I opted for the whitefish, pan-seared and buttery, served with just a squeeze of lemon and a side of slaw. If Batali had been here before, I could see why he’d return.
Common Good Bakery
That afternoon, curiosity dragged me off the beaten path—and across the bay into Traverse City—to check out Common Good Bakery, owned by Jason and Linda Gollan. According to Eater, Batali is now “an owner, a minority investor, a neighbor, and a friend” to the Gollans and even helped them secure a liquor license for a second location . Stepping inside, I was greeted by sun-warmed croissants and the hum of locals gathering over coffee. I lingered over a flaky Danish topped with pretty pink grapefruit slices, mentally tracing how this humble bakery—planted in the most unassuming corner of Michigan—is quietly knitting Batali back into the region he once called “the America I always thought existed.”
Fischer's Happy Hour Tavern
Dinner that night was at Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern, a cozy spot that locals visit for fresh perch and whitefish. The nautical-themed dining room was filled with families, and I could imagine Batali sitting in the back corner, enjoying a plate of fish and chips while going unnoticed by the crowd. The vibe was casual, and the food was fresh—exactly the kind of place where a celebrity chef might escape for a low-key meal. I opted for the whitefish, pan-seared and buttery, served with just a squeeze of lemon and a side of slaw. If Batali had been here before, I could see why he’d return.
Leelanau Cellars
Day Two: Exploring the Peninsula
I awoke early on day two and decided to make the pilgrimage to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The views were spectacular, the kind that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into an Ansel Adams photograph. I imagine Batali has probably trekked here many times, likely with a cider from Tandem Ciders in hand—another Northern Michigan product he’s been known to rave about.
After hiking the dunes and marveling at Lake Michigan’s endless expanse, I decided to drive up the peninsula to Leelanau Wine Cellars, one of the area’s better-known wineries. Though Batali’s favorite is reportedly Black Star Farms, the Leelanau Peninsula is packed with wineries, and this one did not disappoint. The tasting room was warm and inviting, the wine light and crisp. I wondered if Batali might have spent moments right there, where I stood.
The Mitten Brewing Northport
Day Three: A Night on the Town
On my last night in Northport, I ventured to The Mitten Brewing Company. It’s a cozy spot with pizza and a reputable better beer selection—perfect for a chef who loves Northern Michigan’s local brews. Batali once mentioned that he frequently picks up growlers from Tandem Ciders in nearby Suttons Bay, which makes me think he might also enjoy a casual pint at Mitten when he’s in the mood to socialize.
The town was quiet that night, but I felt a kind of contentment in its stillness. It was easy to see why Batali had chosen this place as a retreat. There was no fanfare, no paparazzi, just the peaceful hum of small-town life. Northport, it turns out, is less of a hiding place and more of a sanctuary.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
What’s Next for Batali?
While the chef’s days of television appearances and restaurant openings are possibly behind him, his love for Northern Michigan remains. In interviews, Batali has waxed poetic about the region’s wineries, farms, and fresh produce, dubbing Michigan “the antidote” to city life. He’s not cooking professionally here, but it’s clear he’s still enjoying the food and drink culture Northern Michigan has to offer.
As for Northport? It’s the perfect place for someone who wants to disappear, but not entirely. With its rugged landscapes and understated charm, it’s easy to see why Batali keeps coming back, even if we don’t see him there. Northport isn’t about being found. It’s about finding something else: peace, quiet, and maybe a cherry cider.
