5th Annual TC Waterman SUP Challenge Returns to Grand Traverse Bay – Saturday, August 16

Celebration to also feature Short’s Brewing BEER-B-Q, Hall’s Sweet Corn and Laith al Saaid Big Band with the Motor City Horns (from Bob Seger’s band)

The Midwest’s largest SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) event returns to the waters of Grand Traverse Bay and it’s adjacent Open Space in downtown Traverse City on Saturday, August 16. The TC Waterman SUP Challenge is sanctioned by the World Paddle Association (WPA).

This event includes recreational and elite races for all ages and skill levels, including an 11 mile down-winder from Bowers Harbor. Registration for the race is now open at www.TCWaterman.com.

Activities run from 8:30am (6:00am for race registration) to 6:00pm and include free product demonstrations, SUP clinics, a product expo with more than 30 vendors and an awards dinner for all participants. Other activities include Coast Guard helicopter landing and tours, Traverse City Fire Department truck tours, historic farm equipment displays, a petting zoo, kids’ Silent Disco dance tent and more.

This year, the Waterman Challenge is supported in part by Short’s Brewing Company of Bellaire, who are bringing their amazing woody boat and ski bar for a tap takeover on the Open Space pier. This new Short’s BEER-B-Q will feature local whole hog East Carolina-style BBQ, paired with TC famous Hall’s Farm Sweet Corn for a fantastic culinary experience for the whole family.

Award-winning Executive Chef Lauren Smaxwell will supervise all culinary action throughout the day, with menu items including ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, brisket and more. Smaxwell and her team were recently featured on Food Network where they beat Bobby Flays ribs on his show, Throwdown with Bobby Flay.

Access to food during the Short’s BEER-B-Q is free and open to all ages, with meals ranging from $8 to $12. Those looking to enjoy the Short’s Boat Bar tap takeover on the bay will need a ticket for $10 in advance ($15 at the door), which includes a custom mug. Admission to the Tap Takeover is for those 21 years of age and older; ID is required for admittance.

Live music will be provided throughout the day headlined by the Laith al Saadi Big Band, beginning at 5:00pm on the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay. Street performers will also provide entertainment throughout the day around the festival site.

Tickets for the TC Waterman SUP Challenge are on sale now at www.MyNorthTickets.com. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as space is limited. Wine and beer tickets are available for purchase at the event. Proceeds from the event will support sustainable green events and intelligent design through nonprofit partner Bay Area Recycling for Charities.

For more information on the Waterman Challenge visit www.TCWaterman.com and the Short’s BEER-B-Q Experience, visit www.TentVenue.com.

Paella in the Park Returns for 5th Annual Celebration in Traverse City’s Open Space – Friday, August 15

Traverse City’s popular Paella in Park returns to the Open Space along the banks of Grand Traverse Bay, Friday, August 15. The fifth annual culinary and music event is a collaboration among the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula, Tent Venue and Porterhouse Productions.

Paella in the Park runs from 5-10pm and feature the wines of Old Mission Peninsula offered at a custom wine bar and executive chefs who prepare several unique recipes of Spanish paellas in 36” pans on-site. Chefs will use featured wines and fresh local ingredients in their preparations. For the first time this year, patrons will be also be able to enjoy five specifically paired craft brews from Short’s Brewery.

Paella is a Valencian rich dish that originated in its modern form in the mid-19th century near Lake Albufera, a lagoon in Valencia – on the east coast of Spain. Paella in the Park is the largest Paella festival in the Midwest United States.

Music for the event will have a Latin flair with returning crowd favorite Grupo Aye’, a 10 piece Cuban Salsa Band, Rootstand a jamming bluegrass Michigan band, Ryan Montbleau an awarding winning R&B Artist and Spanish guitar duo Younce Guitar. The venue will be the unique Tent Venue Saddle Span structures offering shade and a one of a kind atmosphere in the nation.

On Saturday, August 16 – the public is invited to check out the TC Waterman SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Challenge, the Midwest’s largest SUP event, also planned for the Open Space and waters of Grand Traverse West Bay.

Online tickets to Paella in the Park are on sale now at www.porterhouseproductions.com and www.MyNorthTickets.com. Tickets will also be available for purchase at Curbie Food Truck, located at Little Fleet and the MyNorth ticket office.

Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door and include a commemorative wine glass, two (02) 4 oz. wine pour tokens, three (3) 4 oz. servings of paella and all entertainment.
Exclusive VIP packages are available for $500, which includes six (06) entrance tickets, reserved table w/linens, two (02) extra drink tokens per person (total 12 extra), as well as a private VIP festival entrance. Additional food and wine tickets will be available for purchase at the event for $3 each.

Proceeds from the event will support sustainable green event and intelligent design through non-profit Bay Area Recycling for Charities and the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula.

Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as space is limited and often sell out early. This event is open to ages 21+, no exceptions. For more information on Paella in the Park, visit www.tentvenue.com.

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

Salt of the Earth Launches 2nd Annual Michigan Wine & Beer Dinner Series

Coming off an amazing inaugural year, West Michigan’s Salt of the Earth announces its second-annual Michigan Wine & Beer Dinner Series at its downtown Fennville rustic American eatery.

“We’re excited to create a unique experience at each event, ranging from beer and barbeque, to cocktail parties, to formal dinners, where we will pit Michigan wines against global competitors,” says proprietor Mark Schrock. “Winemakers and brewers will be present at each event, along with a very special lineup of guest chefs from around the state. We invite you to come celebrate the best of Michigan food and beverage with us!”

The 2011 series will span five months, and feature three Michigan wineries and two Michigan breweries. Five courses will be served at each event, paired with the best from each producer. Many taste selections are from wine and beer maker’s personal cellars that are not always available to the public.

Each event starts at 7:00pm and reservations are required. Call 269-561-SALT (7258). Prices are per person and do not include tax & gratuity.

WYNCROFT WINES - Michigan vs. France
Guest Chef: Matthew Millar - Reserve, Grand Rapids
Wednesday, January 19
$80
Enjoy special library wines from Wyncroft Winery’s artisan winemaker Jim Lester, pitted against selected French wines. We will enjoy 2004 Wyncroft Riesling (dry), 2004 Wyncroft Chardonnay, 2005 Wyncroft Pinot Noir, 2006 Wyncroft "Shou". (Bordeaux blend), and 2008 Wyncroft Riesling, December Harvest. French selections to be announced. Salt of the Earth Executive Chef Matthew Pietsch will be joined in the kitchen by Reserve Executive Chef Matthew Millar, collaborating on a menu of French inspired dishes. This event is limited to 45 guests and will sell out. Please call soon to reserve your seat!

L. MAWBY - Sparkling Cocktail Party
Guest Chef: Jesse Hahn – Trailer Park’d (former SotE Chef de Cuisine)
Wednesday, February 9
$45
Join noted Michigan sparkling wine pioneer Larry Mawby from L. Mawby Vineyards as he presents sparkling wines from his cellars in the Leelanau Peninsula, paired with rustic canapés and shared plates from Chefs Matt & Jesse in a cocktail party style atmosphere in our bar. Learn about the process of making sparkling wines and make new friends!

SHORTS BREWING COMPANY - Northern Brew and ‘Cue
Guest Chef: Norman Valenti – Michael Symon’s Roast, Detroit
Wednesday, March 9
$45
Northwest Michigan’s Short’s Brewery pairs up unique craft beers with barbecue flavors coming out of the SotE brick oven. We are excited to offer a variety of beers not available outside of the Short’s pub in Bellaire. Chef Matt reunites with Chef Norman Valenti from Michael Symon’s Roast to cook up amazing barbecue dishes.

BRYS ESTATE - Michigan vs. South Africa
Guest Chef: TBA
Wednesday, April 20
$60
Winemaker Coenraad Stassen from Brys Estate returns to showcase his beautiful award-winning wines, and selected wines from his homeland of South Africa, paired with South African inspired culinary treats from the SotE kitchen.

BELL’S BREWERY - Rustic Eccentric v2
Guest Chef: Joel Wabeke – Six One Six, Grand Rapids
Wednesday, May 11
$50
Michigan craft brewing pioneer Larry Bell presents outstanding craft beer from Bell’s Brewery with an “anything goes” eccentric menu to honor Bell’s eccentric café. Chef Matt and Chef Joel will be focusing on local spring flavors as they pair dishes with Bell’s outstanding beers.

Salt of the Earth is a rustic American eatery and bakery, tucked away in a historic building in quaint downtown Fennville – in the heart of the Southwest Michigan’s thriving agricultural region. Under the direction of Chef Matthew Pietsch (protégé of ‘Iron Chef’ Michael Symon), this full service restaurant offers a seasonal menu of made-from-scratch entrees, shared plates, wood-fired oven pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and creative desserts – using fresh ingredients, often sourced locally. Artisan bread is baked in house, served with dinner and available to take home. You’ll also find a bar stocked with an impressive selection of Michigan wines, craft beers, and spirit, alongside other domestic and international selections. Salt of the Earth is also a popular venue for local and regional musical artists, with live house concerts held every Sunday. Winter Hours: Dinner served Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 5-8:30PM, Friday & Saturday 5-10pm. Fresh baked artisan bread is available in our bakery café from 9am to noon every Friday and Saturday.

Salt of the Earth
114 East Main Street
Fennville MI 49408
269.561.SALT (7258)
www.saltoftheearthfennville.com
www.facebook.com/saltoftheearthfennville

Michigan Brewers Garner Positive Attention at Annual Craft Brewers Conference in Chicago

It was a big week for Michigan breweries at the 2010 Craft Brewers Conference, held at the Chicago Sheraton Towers, April 7-10.

BREWERS ASSOCIATION RECOGNITION AWARD

Larry Bell – Founder and Owner of Bell’s Brewery, Inc. – in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was one of three industry leaders in the national brewing community recognized during the opening session of the Brewer’s Association’s annual Craft Brewers Conference this past weekend in Chicago. Bell was presented with the Brewers Association Recognition Award.

Bell started the Kalamazoo Brewing Company (now’s Bell's Brewery, Inc.) in Kalamazoo, in 1985, the first craft brewery in the eastern half of the United States. His dedication to the industry includes serving as a former chair of the Brewers Association's predecessor organization and acting as a driving force with current Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper for the creation of American Beer Month (which evolved into American Craft Beer Week).

"Larry is a leader in our industry known for his innovative beers and the passion he brings to craft brewing," said Brewers Association Board of Directors Chair Nick Matt, CEO of Matt Brewing Company. Mountain West Brewery Supply's David Edgar noted in documents supporting Bell’s nomination that "He is continually pushing the envelope with experimenting with different grains, different yeast strains and plenty of hops."

To select a winner of the Brewers Association Recognition Award each year, members of the association nominate candidates and the Brewers Association Board of Directors votes to determine the winner.

This is the second time in the award’s 23 years that Michigan has taken the top honors; Fred Scheer from Frankenmuth Brewery received the award in 1994.

WORLD BEER CUP

The 2010 World Beer Cup eclipsed the record of the Brewers Association's own Great American Beer Festival (GABF) to become the largest commercial competition ever. There were 3,308 entries judged in the 2009 GABF, compared to the 2010 World Beer Cup's 3,330 entries judged. Brewers from six continents earned awards from an elite international panel of judges this week in the 2010 Brewers Association World Beer Cup - the world's largest-ever commercial beer competition. The eighth bi-annual competition announced awards to brewers from 19 countries ranging from Australia and Italy to Iceland and Japan. This year, 642 breweries from 44 countries and 47 U.S. states vied for awards with 3,330 beers entered in 90 beer style categories.

Michigan snagged 11 individual awards, ranking among the top six states for total number of awards, behind heavy-hitting brewery states like California (40+), Oregon (14), Colorado (12) Illinois (12) and Washington (12). Founders Brewing Co., of Grand Rapids was honored in four categories, while Kuhnhenn Brewing Co. of Warren and Big Rock Chop House & Brewery of Birmingham each brought home gold medals. The breakdown of awards for Michigan includes:

Bastone Brewery, Royal Oak
• Silver: Saison du Bastone – Belgian- and French-Style Ale

Big Rock Chop House & Brewery, Birmingham
• Gold: Norm's Raggedy-Ass IPA – American-Style India Pale Ale
• Silver: Bonnie's Raggedy-Ass Imperial IPA – Imperial India Pale Ale

Detroit Beer Co., Detroit
• Silver: The Detroit Dwarf – German-Style Brown Ale/Düsseldorf-Style Altbier

Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids
• Silver: Founders Porter – Robust Porter
• Silver: Dirty Bastard – Strong Ale
• Silver: Centennial IPA American-Style India Pale Ale
• Bronze: Imperial Stout - American-Style Imperial Stout

Kuhnhenn Brewing Co., Warren
• Gold: Fourth Dementia Olde Ale – Old Ale

Redwood Brewing Co., Flint
• Silver: Cream Stout – Sweet Stout

Short's Brewing Co., Bellaire
• Bronze: Black Licorice Lager – Herb and Spice Beer or Chocolate Beer

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes over $24 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $133 million. In terms of overall number or breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

The Michigan Brewers Guild exists to unify the Michigan brewing community; to increase sales of Michigan-brewed beer through promotions, marketing, public awareness and consumer education; and to monitor and assure a healthy beer industry within the state. For more information, including a list of Michigan microbreweries and brewpubs, log on to www.michiganbrewersguild.org.