Trattoria Stella

We went to Stella on July 4th- we had reservations for 7:15 but were 15 mins late and the hostess was very gracious in accommodating us and honoring our reservations.  I think everyone else you reviewed this place was quite complementary about the location and the history of the building and I second their opinions.  The place is quite unusual and certainly worth a look.  Now about the food: my husband had a sampler (three course +dessert was extra $5 or $10 I can't remember) + wines from the region  all for $30.  Good deal- the salad was very flavorful and yummy and low cal (big plus in my book!)  His pasta with tiger shrimp was cooked to perfection (yumyum) but very greasy - lots of butter went into that little dish!  Finally he had a duck leg with roasted young potatoes and figs.  We just picked on it because nether one of us has giant appetites and we were full by the time that dish arrived.
Now to my dishes.  I ordered a salad (very good, very light) and then bruschetta.  That dish was a complete failure in my opinion: three pieces of toasted bread (good), some goat cheese with herbs (good) and then strawberries and roasted onion pieces in balsamic vinegar.  Honestly that dish could not decide whether it wanted to be an appetizer or a dessert.  I had to send it back and I am an adventurous eater and cook.  The dish did not have enough acidity and was bland, sweet, sour and onion-y all at the same time.  I did get the credit for the bruschetta but the waitress (somewhat condescendingly said "It's not for everyone" ).  Ok., fine, perhaps my taste is not refined enough, I did not take offense to this.
At the end of the day, this place is definitely worth a try, especially if you are lucky enough to dine on the expense account (which we were not).

Great food and service!

This restaurant was beautiful, and the history behind the building it's in is very cool. Trattoria Stella is located in a portion of a renovated mental institution; one of three located in Michigan. At that point in the world of psychiatry, it was a popular belief that patients could be cured through beauty; hence the lovely, complex architecture. Currently, the other half is being renovated, but I highly recommend checking it out before that happens to better understand the original look and structure.

My boyfriend and I made a reservation, but arrived around ten minutes early and were seated promptly. The menu changes daily, and on the side of the menu it shows where ingredients for the meals were locally obtained, which was very cool. We avoided appetizers, but had bread beforehand which was absolutely amazing. The olive oil and balsamic vinegar provided are very high quality products as well. I ordered the chicken galantina with red cabbage agrodolce and potato mozzarella frittelle, while my boyfriend ordered the wild boar with gnocchetti and mushrooms. Both dishes were spectacularly cooked, and both meats were cooked so that the natural flavors came through. However, I liked the wild boar a little better because the tomato sauce used in the dish was very flavorful and distinct, and I thought the chicken galentina flavors were slightly more subtle.

I almost never opt for dessert, but both John and I were eager to try them after being so impressed with the main courses. John ordered two scoops of gelato: vanilla and salted caramel and I order the panna cotta. I had never had panna cotta before, but it was one of the most delightful, light, and fresh dishes I have ever had. Lime juice is added for a nice citrus note as well. The gelato was spectacular (and homemade!), but I definitely preferred the salted caramel over the vanilla.

Additionally, the waiter was one of the most attentive, friendly, and up-beat servers I've ever had, and I only wish I could remember his name!

Overall, I loved this experience. The elegant building and architecture add to the romantic atmosphere, and the quality of the courses and the service make this a place I definitely want to go back to next time I'm in Traverse City.