Changes for Bella

In a bold move designed to build upon the success of the most recent restaurant to Lake Leelanau, Bella Fortuna North, and to prepare for Fall, more Tuscan fare is  being added to the menu. “We have introduced the restaurant to more than 5,000 diners since we opened six weeks ago and have listened very carefully to their comments. Overall, they are satisfied with the restaurant and while they come for a variety of reasons the one consistent complaint is the noise level. Secondly, they would like more consistent Tuscan cuisine, both of which we will be addressing”, stated Bob Hesse, co-owner.


The major banquet room (Sala Fiorentina) is expected to be closed for restoration for extensive sound proofing to satisfy customer needs and the bar area (Trattoria) will be used more extensively for the time being.


The basic menu will be the same but will be undergoing some interesting new items which will solidify the Tuscan taste.


Chef Josh Linder, a graduate of the Cordon Bleu Institute of Chicago and a recent Culinary instructor of the Art Institute of Indianapolis, who comes highly recommended by the Regional Executive Chef for Del Frisco’s Grille, will be charged with the responsibility for upgrading the Tuscan menu.


The ambience and renewal of the restaurant décor; the enthusiastic, albeit young servers; and the food, has resulted in an experience different from other restaurants in the greater peninsula area. However, a recent chef commented that the restaurant deserves food equally great to the rest of the restaurant and hopes “the kitchen will produce the quality of food that will meet your high standards.”


“We’ve been in business for only 6 weeks and, while we have made considerable progress, we still need to improve in order to make Bella Fortuna North a destination restaurant of the highest quality, similar to all the other activities and business in which we are involved” said Jane Fortune, co-owner.