Traverse City's Eighth Street has welcomed a new establishment, Colibri, a neighborhood wine bar founded by certified sommeliers Bastien Le Guen and Guillaume Hazaël-Massieux. Located within Commongrounds, Colibri introduces a curated international wine selection and small plates, aiming to provide a relaxed European atmosphere for local patrons.
Hazaël-Massieux, a professional cook since the 1980s, brings extensive culinary experience from kitchens in Lyon, New Orleans, and Puerto Rico. He settled in Michigan in 1996 and is known to local diners from his past work at Bistro Fou Fou and his continued operation of La Bécasse, a French country restaurant in Burdickville. Le Guen shares an interest in fostering a more unhurried European wine culture in Traverse City.
The concept for Colibri emerged from a casual conversation between Le Guen and Hazaël-Massieux four years ago. Le Guen recalled telling Hazaël-Massieux about his dream of opening a wine bar, a conversation that eventually brought Colibri to fruition.
The name, Colibri, translates to hummingbird in several European languages, and it carries a personal connection to Hazaël-Massieux. The name of his former restaurant, Fou Fou, references the Antillean crested hummingbird in Créole. This theme is visually integrated into the new space with a giant hummingbird mural painted by Darin Knupp, who also created a mural at the former Bistro Fou Fou on Cass Street.
Tucked behind a sweeping velvet curtain, Colibri’s interior opens onto the Boardman River, featuring a central wraparound bar and an adjacent lounge area furnished with soft sofas and small tables. The design contributes to a sense of discovery and encourages guests to linger.
Le Guen emphasizes this intentional approach, describing it as "the French vibe." He noted, "We don’t rush. We’re not here to bus the table if people want to stay a bit longer and order more." This philosophy shapes the overall experience, inviting guests to take their time and enjoy.
The food menu is designed to complement this relaxed visit, offering small plates ideal for sharing over a glass or two of wine. Prior to opening, the duo sampled local charcuterie to refine their offerings. Featured items include rich, savory lamb meatballs served with beef tallow fries and a rabbit pâté accompanied by Caribbean-style apéro cucumbers.
The beverage program, meticulously crafted by the two certified sommeliers, is a highlight of Colibri. During its development, Le Guen and Hazaël-Massieux tasted 200 wines in a single week. The current list features a curated selection of approximately 35 wines available by the glass, with an ambitious goal to eventually offer an astonishing 60. The selection spans the globe, presenting unique options such as a rosé from Slovenia or a textured cabernet sauvignon from South Africa, moving beyond more common selections. Hazaël-Massieux observed that the focus on unique discoveries has resonated with patrons.
Just as much rigor was applied to the zero-proof program. Inspired by friends who choose not to drink but still desire social outings, the team tasted at least 50 non-alcoholic options. Their final selection is a sparkling, zero-proof wine described as complex, dry, and celebratory.
Ultimately, Colibri aims to create a welcoming and high-quality environment. Le Guen summarized their aspirations for the establishment: good ambiance, quality wine, and good food, delivered with professionalism and a lighthearted spirit.
