Category — Travel

April 18, 2025

Alexandra Inn’s Blush: Rooftop Terrace Welcomes Executive Chef Luke Hill

Renowned Michigan native brings elevated seasonal dining to the shores of East Bay

Traverse City, MI — Blush: Rooftop Terrace is proud to announce the appointment of Executive Chef Luke Hill, a Michigan native whose culinary journey spans Detroit to Big Sky and now brings him back home to Northern Michigan.

Chef Luke most recently served as Sous Chef at the exclusive Yellowstone Club’s Warren Miller Lodge in Big Sky, Montana, leading a global team in crafting alpine-inspired menus at 7,000 feet. His career includes opening Barda in Detroit—an Argentinian grill and James Beard finalist—and earning acclaim as Executive Chef at The Millbrook Inn in New York, where he turned locally sourced ingredients into award-winning menus.

Executive Chef Luke Hill

A passionate outdoorsman, Chef Luke finds inspiration in nature, especially in Keweenaw Bay in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where he returns to hunt, fish, and recharge. Between his time as Executive Chef for Aramark at Ford World Headquarters and Barda, he even served as on-set chef for an indie film shot there called ‘Attack of the Flies,’ now streaming on Amazon.

Luke’s philosophy blends elevated technique with grounded, seasonal ingredients. His menus at Blush will reflect Northern Michigan’s agricultural heritage with a focus on local sourcing, intentional hospitality, and thoughtful pairings.

“Being back in Michigan, especially here in Traverse City, feels like coming full circle,” says Chef Luke. “Blush offers a unique opportunity to create something truly special—where food, view, and experience come together in harmony.”

Eat, Stay, Play: April 25–27

Celebrate the start of the season and Chef Luke’s debut with Eat, Stay, Play, a weekend experience at the Alexandra Inn where hotel guests can enjoy 20% off all dining at Blush. Locals and non-guests are also encouraged to meet the Chef, enjoy stunning views, and get a first taste of the new rooftop menu.

About Blush: Rooftop Terrace

Blush sits atop the Alexandra Inn in Traverse City, offering panoramic views of East Bay and seasonal breakfast, brunch, and dinner menus. Open April through October. Indoor and outdoor dining options are available. Located at 2227 US 31 North, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Media Contact

Alexandra Diola | Director of Operations

(231) 938-6468 | ally@thealexandrainn.com

www.TheAlexandraInn.com

Spring on Northern Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula is a spectacular sight as hundreds of acres and over two and a half million cherry trees erupt into blossom each season. Such a breathtaking yearly event is celebrated during Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula Blossom Day scheduled for Saturday, May 18th, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Enjoy delicious spring inspired food pairings at each of the 10 wineries as well as unique experiences as you may enjoy new releases and talk to winemakers themselves with barrel or tank tastings. A commemorative wine glass is offered as well and is included in an advanced ticket price of just $30 per person. You will want to make this a
yearly event as spring welcomes you to all the beauty of rolling hills, orchards of blossoms and vineyards leafing out with the new season’s potential.

Advance ticket purchases are encouraged by calling 231-360-3971 and weekend reservations are needed since Traverse City will likely book out that weekend. Call 231.943.2800 to book your weekend stay on Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday at the Baywatch Resort overlooking East Grand Traverse Bay and Old Mission Peninsula.

Short’s Brewing Company is celebrating 15 years and we are proud to say that “we’ve got you covered” with our 15th Anni Party! To celebrate this momentous occasion, on April 27th from 4-9 PM we will be transforming the streets of Bellaire into an entire block of local love and awesomeness with Short’s brews, Starcut Ciders, live music, and scrumptious local foods.

While traveling to Northern Michigan, stop in Traverse City and visit the plethora of wineries and micro breweries. Call The Baywatch Resort to check on rates and availability while you are touring Northern Michigan and the Great Lakes Region.

The Beach Haus Resort in Traverse City Michigan has released a spring Romance Package. Situated on East Grand Traverse Bay an inlet of Lake Michigan, this 31 unit Resort is a perfect place to stay for a weekend in Traverse City. Make your stay extra special and extra romantic when you book a Romance Package that includes your stay and a bottle of local wine or local sparkling wine, assorted chocolates, wine opener, two wine glasses as well as an American made wine glass holder that holds two wine glasses on a single bottle of wine. Rooms vary to meet the needs of all travelers. Visit them online at http://www.thebeachhausresort.com or call 231-947-3560 to inquire about your next adventure to Traverse City, Michigan.