Freshwater beaches, a celebrated food-and-wine scene, a walkable downtown, and a lifestyle-driven boom have made Traverse City, Michigan one of America's most sought-after small cities.

We sat down with Executive Chef Giorgio Lo Greco of PepeNero in Traverse City, Michigan. The kitchen marries two traditions: the freshest ingredients of Northern Michigan and the timeless craft of Italian cooking. Expect local, farm-picked produce, sustainably raised meats, and carefully sourced seafood alongside authentic Italian essentials.