Most people who visit the Old Mission General Store don’t go for the pasties. For those who enjoy pasties, it’s often a pleasant surprise. In the northern end of Old Mission Peninsula, north of Traverse City, it’s been around since the 1800s.
Originally a post office and gas station, the general store has turned into a bit of a variety spot to give people some respite from their wine travels. It’s possible the locals or nearby Old Mission Inn residents frequent the general store, as it’s more of a place you don’t seek out.
However, that may change (after this review). In addition to pasties, they offer sandwiches, pizza, ice cream and a bunch of random other things from local jams to horehound candy to diapers. If you need a story, the owners (Jim & Marcy Richards since 1988) will tell you anything about the store or a quick primer on the pasty recipe.
Even if you’re wine tasting and don’t desire a pasty, I think stopping at the Old Mission General Store should be on your list, assuming you’re looking for interesting conversation.
If you’re not into pasties (you shouldn’t be reading this), The Pasty Girl claimed they had the “best sandwich bread” she’s ever had. It’s high praise, but she stood by her statement, as everything on the menu is homemade.
Despite being in Michigan, their pasty was labeled of the Cornish variety.
The Pasty Breakdown
Like a lot of Cornish pasties I’ve had, this one was massive, likely weighing at least one pound, meaning it’s big enough to share, especially for lunch. It looked like a pasty you’d get in Cornwall, which isn’t the case for most pasties you find in Michigan. While fresh and homemade was a plus, it was 15 bucks.
It had a perfect brown hue and an enticing crust and handle that is usually hit or miss in Michigan, especially the Lower Peninsula.
Inside, there were loads of diced potatoes and rutabaga with a touch of rosemary which provided the main flavor. The steak was diced and aplenty despite there not being some in every bite. I could stop there and this would be close to a perfect pasty.
However, there was a noticeable lack of salt, which kept the overall flavor fairly modest. While a rosemary-dominant flavor isn’t terrible, I prefer a touch of salt in my pasties. Without salt, the pasty tasted plain. Like meat and veggies surrounded by crust that was “too doughy,” per The Pasty Brother.
At a certain point, that’s a lot of crust without much flavor. The crust tasted like flour and lard, but I wanted something more to push this over the edge. It looked and smelled great, which can only get you so far.
The Old Mission General Store may be off the beaten path if you’re looking for the best pasty in the world, but I think the owners and general vibe is enough to visit every time you’re in the area.
Taste: 3.5 (out of 5)
Crust: 4 (out of 5)
Pasty Presentation: 4 (out of 5)
The Shop: 3 (out of 3)
Would I come back for Pasties?: 1 (out of 2)
Total Pasty Rating: 15.5 (of 20 points)
(Reviewed Summer 2024)
