Trattoria Stella in Traverse City Kicks Off 2012 with Wine & Beer Dinners

A new year means a new series of wine and beer dinners at one of Michigan’s most noted restaurants – Trattoria Stella, in Traverse City at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

Tuesday, January 10 thru Sunday, January 15
Michigan Beer Dinners Featuring Short’s Brewing Company and Brewery Vivant
The diversity of excellent craft beer inspires us each year to create daily menu items and annual events to honor them. This year, when planning our annual Winter Beer Dinner, we wondered what inspired these brewers (Joe Short from Short’s Brewing Company and Jason Spaulding from Brewery Vivant) to create their favorite beers. We called on two friends whose styles are way different to explore this. Now, for most of a week you can join us (and them on some nights) for four courses each paired with either a Short's or Brewery Vivant beer and the beer that inspired its creation. Each evening beginning at 5pm, in addition to our regular dinner menu-reservations are recommended. Cost is $35 per guest for our 4-course tasting menu, $10 per guest for paired beer flight.

Friday, January 20 (6pm)
Winemaker Dinner with Giorgio Rivetti of La Spinetta (Piemonte e Toscana) and featuring the talents of Chef Harlan “Pete” Peterson (Tapawingo), partnered with Chef Myles Anton.
Giorgio Rivetti is a rock star winemaker at La Spinetta. His family story begins in the 1890s, when Giovanni Rivetti – grandfather of the three Rivetti brothers: Carlo, Bruno and Giorgio – left Piedmont for Argentina. Like many Italians of that time, he dreamed of returning rich and a powerful man, perhaps even one day able to make a great wine in his homeland. While he never succeeded in this dream, his grandson did. In 1977 the family took up residence at La Spinetta (top of the hill) in Castagnole Lanze. In 1985 La Spinetta made its first red wine, and after this many great reds followed. In 2001 La Spinetta expanded over the borders of Piedmont and acquired 65 hectares of vineyards in Tuscany, between Pisa and Volterra, to make three different 100% Sangiovese wines, as Sangiovese to La Spinetta is the true ambassador of the Tuscan terrain.

Chef Harlan “Pete” Peterson, owned and operated Tapawingo in Ellsworth for a couple of decades – arguably the best restaurant in Michigan during its long run and “the best restaurant anywhere in the country that's a four-hour drive from the closest major city" according to the New York Times in 2003.

At $150 per person (inclusive of tax/gratuity), the six-course dinner features the finest selections from Giorgio’s portfolio, including: Contratto Millesimato Brut 2007, La Spinetta Vermentino Toscana 2010, La Spinetta Langhe Bianco Sauvignon Blanc Piemonte 2003, La Spinetta Bionzo Barbera Piemonte 2003 (out of magnum); La Spinetta Sezzana Sangiovese Toscana 2001 (out of magnum) and La Spinetta Bordini Barbaresco 2007.

Trattoria Stella opened in 2004 and is the anchor business in the quarter-mile-long Building 50 at the former Northern Michigan Asylum. Stella offers a daily changing menu featuring responsibly-sourced ingredients from local farms, including heritage breeds of pig, lamb and steer; year-round fresh produce; plus house-made pasta, bread and fresh cheeses; as well as a wine list of over 200 carefully curated selections. Stella is owned and operated by Paul and Amanda Danielson, along with the award-winning Chef Myles Anton.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
February 26-March 3, 2012
Traverse City Restaurant Week

Thursday, April 19
France vs. Italy Dinner
$150 per guest inclusive of tax and gratuity

Sunday, May 13 Mothers’ Day (Noon – 7pm)
Mama Mia!

Thursday, June 7
6TH Annual Wines of Old Mission Peninsula Dinner

Sunday, June 17 (Noon – 4pm)
Annual Father’s Day “Stellar” Picnic on the Great Lawn

July 7-14
Charley Festival during Cherry Festival

HOURS
Please note that the hours listed are times during which we seat guests in the dining room. Closing time is determined by the last guests to complete their meal, so don't ever feel like you have to sit down in time to be out by the latest listed time below. Reservations are always recommended and can be made by calling (231) 929-8989.

Regular Hours
Full Lunch Menu
Monday-Saturday, 11:30am-3pm

Limited Lunch Menu
Monday-Saturday, 3-5pm

Dinner Menu
Sunday, 5-9pm
Monday-Thursday, 5-9pm
Friday & Saturday, 5-10pm

Live Music
Tuesdays, 6-9pm

Changes to Regular Hours
SUN 02/05 - Super Bowl Sunday - CLOSED

Trattoria Stella
1200 West Eleventh Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-929-8989
www.StellaTC.com
Trattoria Stella Facebook