Lansing Hosts Fall Fest – Featuring Michigan Craft Beer, Cider & Mead

The first annual Lansing Fall Fest will take place Saturday, November 9, 2013. This fall celebration will feature Michigan craft beer, cider and mead. The goal of Lansing Fall Fest is to raise awareness of the Michigan craft beer, cider and mead industry while raising money for our selected charity Child and Family Charities.

Lansing Fall Fest was established by “I’m a Beer Hound” founder, Paul Starr and “REO Town Pub” owner, Roxanne Landes. Lansing Fall Fest is an indoor beer, cider and mead festival with live acoustic music performed by Joe Wright (Country/Classic Rock) hosted just west of Lansing above the Red Salamander brewing supply shop at 902 E Saginaw Hwy. Grand Ledge, MI 48837. Lansing Fall Fest will have 16 Michigan breweries, cideries and meaderies, showcasing 30+ craft products. The proceeds from this event will benefit Child and Family Charities.

Featuring Michigan producers:

• Arcadia Ales
• Atwater Brewery
• B. Nektar Meadery
• Bad Brewing
• Brewery Vivant
• Crankers Brewery
• Eagle Monk Brewery
• Griffin Claw
• Jolly Pumpkin
• North Peak Beer
• Perrin Brewing
• Saugatuck Brewery
• Schmohz
• Uncle John's Cider
• Vander Mill Cider
• Virtue Cider

Learn more about all of the Lansing Beer Fall Fest at: http://LansingFallFest.com

About “I’m A Beer Hound”
I'm a Beer Hound is a Michigan Beer News Website, App, Event Promotion Group & Membership Card featuring discounts at over 85 Beer Bars, Breweries, and Restaurants statewide. http://ImaBeerHound.com or http://Facebook.com/ImaBeerHound


About “REO Town Pub”
The REO Town Pub is located at 1145 S. Washington, Lansing in the heart of REO Town.The pub features a great atmosphere, friendly staff and affordable prices on craft beer, liquor and your favorite domestics. Don’t forget every Wed. night is Steak Night! http://www.reotownpub.com or http://www.facebook.com/ReoTownPub

About “Child and Family Charities”
Child and Family Charities Was Established In 1911 As The Ingham County Branch Of Michigan Children’s Aid Society. The Founding Purpose Was “To Secure For Every Child The Same Love And The Same Opportunity That We Would Have Our Children Receive Should They Be Left Orphaned Or Friendless.” Over The Years, The Agency Has Evolved Into A Multi-Service Organization Serving The Mid Michigan Region. http://ChildandFamily.org or http://www.facebook.com/ChildandFamilyCharities

After the Harvest: Preserving The Bounty of the Season - with Salt of the Earth's Chef Matt Pietsch

More and more families are getting back to their roots – by planting garden patches to supply fresh fruits and vegetables for savoring throughout the summer and into the fall and winter. Yet, what happens when there’s just too much to consume or you want to preserve some of those delicious and flavorful foods for the upcoming season?

For Salt of the Earth Executive Chef Matthew Pietsch, his passion for food goes beyond his own professional or kitchens. He hopes to inspire others to find their own place in the garden, orchard and/or field and to develop a personal connection with where their food comes from and how it is best prepared.

In addition to his kitchen duties, Chef Pietsch manages a 40x80 garden adjacent to the restaurant which is chock full of heirloom tomatoes, peppers, herbs and countless other vegetables. Chef Pietsch also works with a handful of area farmers and growers to provide additional produce, like carrots, beans, squash, radishes and more. Many of these fresh-harvested treasures find their way onto the weekly “Fresh Board” menu, but some are also preserved into various forms to be used days, weeks and even months down the line. This year alone, Chef Pietsch says they’ve preserved roughly 1450 pounds of product for the winter season.

So…where to get started? Chef Pietsch offers the following tips:

Celebrate the season: Go to the market! A CSA (community supported agriculture) or farmers’ market trip should help you get all the ingredients you’ll need to preserve. Don’t pick up product at a grocery store, go for local first!

Mise en place! Put in place! Make sure you have EVERYTHING you need to get started with your preserving tasks. If you’re new to this, play with a friend this year, or do some research a week before you plan to start your work. Get educated so the process goes smoothly. Be sure you have enough containers, jars, etc., before you begin work.

Preserving is so easy to do. A very basic cook with a few small special tools (some of which you may already have) can easily preserve a whole winters worth of veggies in less than a day.

Plan a party!!! This is my FAVORITE way to preserve for the cold months ahead. Invite your friends, put together some cocktails, craft beer or the perfect Michigan wine and a small menu and HAVE SOME FUN! It makes quick work of the processing, and you get to share at the end of the party. This is also a perfect way to introduce newcomers to preserving, or invite an expert if you’re just beginning! Plan a tomato smash party, and conclude with a heaping bowl of fresh pasta with your newly made sauce, and a fresh crisp salad. Don’t forget the spicy pickled peppers!

Plan ahead for gifts – Pickled veggies from the garden, or fresh jams and jellies make superb gifts around the holiday season. You’ll be surprised how excited folks will be to receive something homemade and delicious! Likely, by the holiday, they will have forgotten how wonderful summer corn, peaches, tomatoes, and peppers taste. If you’re going for gift giving, take it to another level. Spend a little time with your computer work processor to create special labels for your jars. It takes next to no time, likely with your home printer and special labels from the office store.

Be sure to store your newly preserved ingredients appropriately so that they do not spoil. Be aware of any warning signs that your product has spoiled before you indulge.

Missed the season? Ready to make blueberry jam and you realize that fresh berries are no more? Contact a local producer. They likely have frozen fruit ready for you to make into jam, even if you’re a few weeks late.

Located in downtown Fennville MI, Salt of the Earth is open year-round, currently seven days a week: 5-10pm, Sunday through Thursday and 5-11pm on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is just 10 miles from Saugatuck, 50 miles from Grand Rapids and 140 miles from Chicago.

Salt of the Earth
114 East Main Street
Fennville MI 49408
269-561-SALT (7258)
info@saltoftheearthfennville.com
www.saltoftheearthfennville.com
www.facebook.com/saltoftheearthfennville

Valentine Distilling Expands Distribution Along East Coast - Former Detroit Red Wing Eddie Mio Joins Team as Brand Manager

Michigan-made Valentine Distilling Company has been introduced to the marketplace in New York State – with placements at award winning restaurants like Rye House and City Winery. Distribution will extend to Maryland, Connecticut and Washington DC this fall, all via Opici Family Distributing. According to distiller/owner Rifino Valentine, this will make six (7) total states for distribution – with the others being Michigan, Tennessee and Illinois.

The Opici family celebrated their 75th anniversary in the wine business in 2009. Hubert Opici is recognized as an icon in the industry, and the fourth generation of the Opici family is in place to continue this tradition for generations to come.

Increased distribution means the addition of a Brand Manager position, with Eddie Mio taking over the responsibilities. Mio, who played goalie for the Red Wings for three seasons, from 1983 to 1986, was also assistant GM for the Phoenix Coyotes and a part of hockey great Wayne Gretzky's Gretzky Estates Winery.

“I am extremely pleased to be joining Valentine Distilling Company,” says Eddie. “I was drawn to Valentine because of the care and quality of what they are distilling in Michigan is remarkable. Rifino is handcrafting products that not only compete at the local level, but at the international level as well. To be able to maintain the consistency and quality of all their products is why ‘Made in Michigan’ on the bottle is exciting and I am glad to be promoting Valentine Distilling. We’ve only just begun!”

Valentine Distilling currently has four products in its Michigan-made portfolio:

• Valentine Vodka (Released March 2009). In 2012, Anthony Dias Blue, editor-in-chief of The Tasting Panel magazine recognized this as one of the top vodkas in the world with a 94-point ranking – placing higher than noted international brands like Belvedere, Ketel One, Grey Goose and Absolut. It was also awarded a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012. In 2011, it received a Double Gold Medal in the “Best Domestic Vodka” category by TheFiftyBest.com. The Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) also awarded Valentine Vodka with a Gold Medal “Exceptional” in both 2010 and 2011.

• White Blossom (Released March 2012). Infused with the flowers of Elderflower, this product won a Gold Medal – rated Exceptional – receiving a 92 point rating from the BTI.

• Liberator Gin (Released March 2013). Winner of the “Best of Category – Gold Medal” and “Best of Class” for the Contemporary Rectified Gin at the American Distilling Institute’s 7th Annual Judging of Artisan American Spirits competition as well as a Gold Medal (90 point rating) from the BTI’s International Review of Spirits Competition.

• Liberator Old Tom Gin (Limited Release July 2013) A barrel aged version of Liberator Gin that is aged in new American oak barrels for up to a year. Gold Medal Winner, Craft Spirits Competition in 2013.

• Woodward Whiskey (Released June 2013). Started as a top-secret project five years ago, Woodward Ltd. is a four-year bourbon handdistilled from corn, rye and barley. It most recently received a Silver Medal from the Craft Spirits Competition in 2013.

“Our goal from the beginning, has been to bring manufacturing back not only to this country, but to Detroit,” says Rifino. “We’ve always set our sights on crafting spirits that compete on the international level. To win these competitions, topping some of the biggest and best companies in the world, is not only personally satisfying, but also serves the economic purpose of bringing manufacturing back. Our philosophy has always been ‘don’t drink Valentine spirits just because they are local – drink them because they are better.’”

Valentine Distilling launched into the Michigan market in early 2009 and has since been ranked one of the top-rated craft distilleries in the country. Operating out of a 5000-square-foot facility in Ferndale, Valentine Distilling proudly produces its original spirits in two world-class Christian Carl Stills.

VALENTINE DISTILLING CO.
161 Vester Street – Ferndale, Michigan

www.ValentineDistilling.com
www.facebook.com/ValentineVodka
www.twitter.com/ValentineVodka

Expanded Rochester Mills Beer Co’s Annual Oktoberfest Returns September 26-29

It’s time again to grab your lederhosen and head for the Mills. Following the time-honored Alps tradition that started 200 years ago in Munich, Germany, the Rochester Mills Beer Company invites you to partake in its annual Oktoberfest festivities, September 26-29 – and you needn’t be German or travel halfway around the world to do so. This family-friendly celebration features German-style cuisine and plenty of beer under a huge outdoor tent. Come join thousands of your closest friends, family and neighbors who annually turnout to enjoy the live music, dancing and children’s activities taking place behind the brewery during the four-day extravaganza.

The weekend kicks off Thursday, Sept. 26 with a ceremonial tapping of Rochester Mills Oktoberfest Seasonal Celebration Lager in the big tent at 7pm.

Friday, Saturday and now Sunday join the thousands of visitors who annually attend to enjoy the live Oompah and polka music, Bavarian dancing and children’s activities taking place behind the brewery’s Downtown Rochester location. The four-day extravaganza also includes carnival games, moonwalks, pony rides, petting zoo, clowns, as well as balloon and tattoo artists for the kids. Those young at heart can participate in the ever-popular harvest challenges including sauerkraut-eating, brat-eating or stein hoisting competitions. The festival tent is open from 5-11pm on Thursday, 4-11pm on Friday, Noon-11pm on Saturday and 1-6pm on Sunday. Admission is only $5 for adults and is good for all four days; children 16 and under get in free (with a paid adult). A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, Gilda's Club Metro Detroit and the YMCA North Oakland County Waves swim club who volutneer during the event.

“We celebrated our fifteenth anniversary this year so we knew we had to make our Oktoberfest one of the biggest in Michigan. We’ve added days, extended hours and partnered with the local Lions clubs to bring a full carnival that will be co-located at our site,” said Rochester Mills Beer Co. marketing director David Youngman. “And with this year’s batch of Oktoberfest Celebration Lager already available on tap at bars and restaurants across the state we are expecting our biggest turnout ever.”

Head Brewer Forrest Knapp has prepared fresh batches of Rochester Mills Water Street Wheat (German-style Hefe-Weizen), Lazy Daze Lite (Michigan-style light beer) and this year’s Oktoberfest Lager (German-style lager).

Enjoy live performances nightly under the tent from the Vagabonds and Enzian. The Carpathia dancers will perform Friday and Saturday Night.

The brewpub will operate under regular hours and offer a full menu and selection of beers on tap during the event. Free entertainment inside the brewery features live performances by Under the Covers on Friday and The Remedy on Saturday, both starting at 10pm.

For more information, call 248-650-5080 or log onto www.rochestermillsbeerco.com.

DATES
September 26th, 27th, 28th & 29th 2013

HOURS:
Thursday (September 26)
Ceremonial Tapping (7pm) of the first keg with Mayor(s) 5-11pm

Friday (September 27)
Festival 4-11pm
Live Band Performance 10pm-2am

Saturday (September 28)
Festival Noon-11pm,
Live Band Performance 10pm-2am

Sunday (September 29)
Festival 1-6pm

LOCATION:
Rochester Mills Beer Co.
400 Water Street
Rochester, Michigan 48307

ADMISSION:
$5 adults at the tent; children 16 and under get in free (with a paid adult). Must be 21 years old or older and have a valid ID to obtain a hand stamp to purchase alcohol.

ABOUT ROCHESTER MILLS BEER CO.:
The Rochester Mills Beer Co. opened in 1998 in Downtown Rochester and has been brewing handcrafted lagers and ales ever since. Located in the historic Western Knitting Mill, the brewery is located on Water Street, just two blocks east of Main Street. The menu features a broad selection of eclectic American cuisine, all prepared with the freshest and often local Michigan ingredients. From delectable appetizers, fresh salads, pizzas and pastas to delicious entrees and unique sandwiches, the menu has something for everyone, including the kids. Special amenities include an outdoor patio, pool tables, and live entertainment every Friday, and Saturday nights. The Lazy Daze Lounge is available for private parties. The restaurant has expanded its ability to cater off premises events and parties bringing the Mills to you.

Rochester Mills’ brands, Cornerstone IPA, Rochester Red Ale, Milkshake Stout and Lazy Daze Amber Lager are available on draft to other Michigan bars and restaurants. and packaged product in 16 oz. (Full Pint) cans. Rochester Mills Beer Co. is a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild (www.MiBeer.com).


ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION:
Since its inception in 1984, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan -- a chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America -- has brought joy into the lives of thousands of people in our Michigan community through its important wish-granting mission. The Foundation has granted more than 6,000 wishes in its 26-year history. More than 80% of the Foundation’s expenditures are directly related to program services (wish granting). The Foundation has offices in Detroit, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. For more information, call 734.994.8620 or visit www.wishmich.org.

Gilda's Club Metro DetroiT:
Gilda's Club Metro Detroit is a free, non-residential cancer support community for men, women and children affected by cancer. The organization offers emotional and social support through programs such as support groups, educational programs, yoga, music and many other activities. Gilda's Club currently includes 89 young adult cancer survivors and 146 young adult family members in its 6,000-plus membership. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2008, Gilda's Club was named in honor of the late comedian and former Detroiter, Gilda Radner. Visit www.gildasclubdetroit.org or call (248) 577-0800 for more information.

ABOUT NORTH OAKLAND WAVES (NOW) SWIM TEAM:
A family-friendly swim team based out of the North Oakland Family YMCA in Auburn Hills offering competitive swimming for all age groups. Instruction, technique, yardage, a positive work ethic, team building, and loads of fun is the NOW experience. NOW is a dual affiliated team, swimming both YMCA and USA meets. NOW offers a year round swim program. For more information visit www.teamunify.com.

3rd Annual Arts & Eats Tour Offers Pure Michigan Autumn Experiences - October 19-20

Check out the magnificent fall colors during the 3rd Annual Arts & Eats – a Southwest Michigan back roads art, food and farm tour, October 19-20. This free, self-guided driving tour collectively features more than 55 artist studios, eateries serving locally-grown food and farms that feature the best in Michigan specialty farm products. These venues, some of which are not normally open to the public, welcome visitors from 10am to 5pm each day.

As a kick-off to the tour weekend, New Holland Brewing Company co-owner and Beervangelist Fred Bueltmann will share insights about the culture of beer, food and entertaining from his new book, Beervangelist’s Guide to the Galaxy. The free program will take place on Thursday, October 18 from 7-8pm at the Old Mill Place, 717 E. Bridge Street in Plainwell (above the Old Mill Brewpub on the east end of town).

“Arts and Eats is becoming the go-to getaway mid-October weekend event for travelers and locals alike,” says event co-founder Ginger Hentz and District 13 Coordinator - Michigan State University (MSU) Extension. “People travel with their friends, families take their kids to the farms to pet the animals and everyone has a good time learning about the area’s rich agricultural and arts communities, which are economic drivers to our local economy. Plus it is hard to beat a drive down a quiet, rural road when the trees are decked out in their full autumn regalia.”

Participants on the tour are encouraged to request an “Arts and Eats Passport” from any of the sites they visit. By collecting just six stamps, tour-goers can be entered to win one of dozens of great prizes donated by the artists, farmers and eateries. The more passports filled, the more chances to win.

ARTS: Visit galleries, studios and central venues to watch local painters, potters, photographers, sculptors and other artisans in action. Some farms – those that raise fiber-producing animals like alpacas and sheep – provide additional touring opportunities. Works are available for sale as well.

EATS: Explore farms where produce is grown, livestock is raised and artisanal foods are made. Then, stop by area farm/field-to-table restaurants to savor the bounty of the season. Participating restaurants feature special menu items using local products, with chefs using their creative culinary talents to pull together some fabulous menu items for the event.

In addition to the individual tour stops, four “Central Venues” are set up to house additional artist and serve as information stations for visitors. These locations include Gilmore Car Museum, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Hasting Fourth Annual Downtown Sculpture Exhibit and Bay Pointe Inn (Arts and Eats Headquarters).

The Interactive Public Art is a returning special event during the tour weekend. Aspiring artists and tour travelers can leave their mark on this year’s event by helping fill up two large canvases through a joint artistic expression. Stop by to paint in Plainwell at the Fannie Pell Park on Saturday, October 19 or the Gilmore car Museum on Sunday, October 20 (10am to 3pm each day). Both completed works of art will be given to the tour, so everyone may enjoy them for years to come.

New this year is “A Taste of Arts and Eats Wine & Cheese Bus Tour” presented by the Thornapple Arts Council. Here, visitors can board a bus and tour select stops along the tour route, while enjoying wine from Glass Creek Winery and cheese from local producers. The bus leaves downtown Hastings on Saturday at noon, returning at 6pm. The cost is $25 per person; space is limited and reservations are required. For more information on this tour option, or to reserve a seat, call 269-945-2002.

Planning partners: Allegan County Tourist Council, Barry County Tourism Council, Gilmore Car Museum, Hastings Public Library, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Promote Michigan, Thornapple Arts Council and Wayland Downtown.

2013 Sponsors: Barry Community Foundation, Downtown Hastings, Gun Lake Casino, Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, J-Ad Graphics, Michigan Rural Council, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, Potawatomi Resource Conservation & Development Council, West Michigan Tourist Association and Wind Walker Ranch.

www.ArtsAndEats.org
www.facebook.com/ArtsAndEats
@ArtsAndEats

2013 Kent Harvest Trails Map Available Now

Twenty farms in the Greater Grand Rapids area are participating in this year’s Kent Harvest Trails, providing families the opportunity to enjoy loads of country fun. Activities and tours begin mid September and run through the end of October (although farms may actually open sooner and extend their season into early November, weather permitting).

Families can take tractor- or horse-drawn wagon rides through the orchards or to the pumpkin patch, visit with animals in the petting zoo, wander the corn maze and make a scarecrow to take home. Enjoy a fresh baked donut and watch as apples are pressed into sweet cider. Visit the farm markets for local produce or head out to pick your own fruit. Then, shop for baked goods, fall plants, home decorations and seasonal gifts. Admission for many farms is free, although there may be charges for certain activities.

Participating farms this year include At the Barn, Blok Orchards, Bos Greenhouse and Farm, Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm, Frozen Creek Floral & Farm, Fruit Ridge Hayrides, H & W Farms, Harder & Warner Nursery, Heffron Farms, Heidi’s Farm Stand, Honey Creek Farm, Klackle Orchards, Koetsier’s Greenhouse, Orchard Hill Farm, Paulson’s Pumpkin Patch, Post Family Farm, Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, Schwallier’s Country Basket, Sietsema Orchards & Cider Mill and Steffens Orchards & Market.

An updated map of participating farms, including directions and dates/hours of operation, are online at KentHarvestTrails.org. Printed brochures are now available for free at more than 30 area Family Fare Supermarkets and D&W Fresh Markets.

www.KentHarvestTrails.org
www.facebook.com/KentHarvestTrails

Pure Michigan Nature & History Lovers Will Fall for Camp Tosebo’s Autumn Allure

Nestled amidst more than 50 colorful acres of protected forests along the southern shore of Portage Lake, between Manistee and Onekama, sets a picturesque camp that has been welcoming visitors for generations. Founded in 1912 as a private camp for boys, Camp Tosebo is one of the most historic and treasured vacation retreats in Northern Michigan. Located just off the famed M22 scenic highway, this four-season destination provides the ideal setting to soak up the explosion of fall colors.

Within just a short drive of Camp Tosebo, visitors will find dozens of natural and historic sites waiting to be explored, camera in hand. A nearly 100-mile route, originally created by the West Michigan Tourist Association (www.wmta.org), takes travelers along the winding backroads of M22, M115 and M55 through the nearby towns of Onekama, Pierport, Arcadia, Thompsonville, Kaleva, Brethren and Manistee.

Among the sites one can expect to find nearby are the Lake Bluff Audubon Center & Bird Sanctuary, the North Country Scenic Trail, Arcadia Overlook, Gwen Frostic Studios, the Bottle House Museum and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – recently named “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by viewers of Good Morning America.

Listed with both the Michigan and National Register of Historic Places, Camp Tosebo boasts three lodging buildings which can collectively accommodate 38 guests.

Originally built as a dance pavilion, the 1893 Victorian-era Clubhouse with its covered porch easily accommodates 17 guests, with nine bedrooms and 7½ bathrooms (five with antique claw-foot tubs). There’s plenty of space to spread out through the fully-equipped chef’s kitchen, dining hall, game room, library and large living room with a stone fireplace.

The rustic Trunk House – which once was a storage facility for the campers’ luggage – is a large, one-room studio with vaulted ceilings, living and dining areas, kitchenette, queen bed and twin bed, and a bathroom with a claw foot tub and shower.

Built in 1910, the Welcome House is a two-story cottage that comfortably sleeps 10-12 people with a main floor master bedroom and bath, two bedrooms with a bath upstairs and a couch that converts to a bed in the living room. Ideal as a vacation rental for a family, this charming cottage is equipped with a fully-stocked kitchen, living room with a brick fireplace, dining room and more.

Situated in the heart of the Manistee National Forest, Camp Tosebo is the ideal setting for a quiet autumn escape, where time is spent walking the trails, paddling the lake, catching up on a good book and relaxing in front of the fireplace. Whether planning a romantic weekend, a family reunion or group gathering, the outdoor splendor and indoor relaxation of Camp Tosebo cannot be compared. Find out for yourself!

Kuhnhenn Brewing Announces Expansion Plans

New Production Facility to Increase Capacity by Nearly 1500%

Kuhnhenn Brewing Company is expanding into a full-scale production and packaging facility, located at 36000 Groesbeck Hwy in Clinton Township, MI. The property formerly held a Home and Garden Center retailer, but has been vacant for several years.

The 35,000 square foot building will be divided into production, cellaring, packaging and cold storage, in addition to a tasting room and administrative offices. The brewery will feature a four-vessel, 38-barrel Huppmann brewhouse and enough fermentation tanks to allow for a projected capacity of nearly 20,000 bbls (1 bbl = 31 US Gallons).

Kuhnhenn has acquired a high-speed Krones bottling line for packaging beer for the sale to retail stores, while canning is also being considered. Production and distribution of Kuhnhenn Mead will also increase, thanks to the purchase of a 24-head Gea bottling line, specifically designed for packaging wine.

Distribution of keg and case product will initially focus on Southeast Michigan, with further penetration into the rest of the state within the first year. The focus will be on four year-round brands, three seasonals, and several limited release offerings.

“This is something we've been wanting to do for a number of years,” stated Eric Kuhnhenn, Partner and Brewmaster of Kuhnhenn Brewing Company. “It's exciting to think that we'll finally begin to make at least a short-term dent in the demand that has grown for our beer.”

“Furthermore, we are extremely excited to keep the production of our beers in Macomb County, which we all call home,” stated Bret Kuhnhenn. “We hope this will draw more attention to the growing beer scene in Metro-Detroit, and contribute to the economic rebirth in Macomb County.”

With the opening of the new facility, Kuhnhenn Brewing Company is expected to hire an additional 20-30 staff members, in both production and the tasting room. The facility is projected to be operational in the first quarter of 2014. The current Warren location will remain open, with a full line of beers, and focus on the production of small-batch experimental brews, as well as an increased barrel-aging program. A Small Distillers License is also being added at the Warren location, with more information to come.

While the beer market as a whole remains relatively stagnant in Michigan and throughout the US, sales of craft beer continue to grow at exponential rates. With this growth, wholesalers and retailers are taking notice.

“We find ourselves in a unique position,” stated Jon Piepenbrok, Director of Marketing and Sales for Kuhnhenn Brewing Company. “We have built the brand and created demand for the beer; now we get to expand at a time and degree we feel comfortable. We've watched the industry expand with us and around us, all the while developing a plan for growth. Now we can make that jump.”

About Kuhnhenn Brewing Company
Bret and Eric Kuhnhenn began brewing their own beer in college. Kuhnhenn Brewing Company was founded in 1998, selling homebrew supplies out of the family hardware store. A Microbrewery License was granted in 2001, and the brothers began selling their beer by the pint and growler out of the Warren brewery. Their flagship, Loonie Kuhnie Pale Ale, continues to be the brewery's best seller.

Kuhnhenn Brewing Company is consistently ranked in the top breweries in the world on beer rating websites Beer Advocate and RateBeer. They are known both for their high-gravity experimental beers, as well as their accurate interpretations of traditional styles.

The brewery has won countless awards at competitions across the world. In 2012 they were awarded a Gold Medal in the IPA category at the World Beer Cup for DRIPA (Double Rice IPA), the largest category entered and one typically dominated by large West Coast breweries. Kuhnhenn Braggot (a mead/beer hybrid) also took home a Bronze Medal in the 2012 Great American Beer Festival.

Kuhnhenn Brewing Company is a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild.

www.kbrewery.com
www.facebook.com/kuhnhennbrewingco

St. Julian Head Winemaker Nancie Corum-Oxley Honored with Purdue University's "Outstanding Food Science Award"

Nancie Corum-Oxley, the award-winning* head winemaker at St. Julian Winery in Paw Paw, will be recognized by her Alma Mater on October 10 when Purdue University presents her with an “Outstanding Food Science Award.” The award recognizes individuals who have brought significant honor to Purdue University and the Department of Food Science, and have contributed to the field of food science.

To be considered and ultimately chosen for this award, “recipients must have earned a Purdue degree or have had an extraordinary impact on the department of Food Science and have demonstrated excellence in the industry, academia, government or other endeavors related to food science as exemplified by leadership and accomplishment,” according to Dr. Suzanne Nielsen, Head of the Department of Food Science. “Your significant achievements exemplify all of the stated criteria.”

As the first professional commercial female winemaker in Michigan, Oxley has been with St. Julian for 12 years. Starting as a lab manager and enologist, she quickly moved up the ranks to Assistant Winemaker in 2003 and Associate Winemaker in 2008. She was promoted to head winemaker in 2010.

Oxley earned a Master of Science degree in Food and Agribusiness Management from Purdue University-Indiana University in West Lafayette, IN, in 2010 with the MBA portion of her degree completed at the Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

Purdue’s long-standing strengths in agribusiness and food science, coupled with Indiana University’s expertise in management education, delivers the best of both worlds – an industry-specific focus on current issues and food and agriculture, paired with a general MBA. Both schools have international reputations and are highly regarded for their quality programs.

In 2002, she received Bachelor of Science in Food Manufacturing Operations and double minors in Agribusiness Management and Organizational Leadership & Supervision. While at Purdue, Nancie was a member of several organizations, including Kappa Alpha Theta, Institute of Food Technologists and the American Wine Society.

During the course of her undergraduate studies, Oxley assisted enologist Dr. Richard Vine in making wine as a part of Purdue’s grape and wine research program, as well as assisting in the coordination of the esteemed Indy International Wine Competition. She completed an internship at Geyser Peak Winery in California, under the tutelage of winemaker Daryl Groom, before heading back to the Midwest in 2002 to join the team at St. Julian.

The family-owned St. Julian winery, Michigan’s oldest and longest-operating winery, was founded in 1921.

*Recent Awards for St. Julian Winery

Vineyard & Winery Management 2013 International Women’s Wine Competition (Sonoma County, CA)

Best of Class - St. Julian Sweet Nancie Sparking Traminette
Double Gold - St. Julian Sweet Nancie Sparking Traminette
Gold - 2012 Braganini Traminette Lake Michigan Shore Reserve
Gold - St. Julian White Heron Semi Sweet White
Gold - St. Julian Pinot Grigio Lake Michigan Shore Reserve
Silver - Braganini Riesling Michigan Reserve
Silver - Braganini Syrah Michigan Reserve
Silver - St. Julian Red Heron Semi Sweet Red Wine Lake Michigan Shore
Silver - St. Julian Blue Heron Lake Michigan Shore
Bronze - St. Julian Riesling Lake Michigan Shore Reserve

Michigan Wine & Spirits 2013 Competition (East Lansing, MI)

Gold - Braganini Reserve 2012 Albariño
Gold - St. Julian Solera Cream Sherry
Silver - St. Julian 2012 Reserve Late Harvest Riesling
Silver - All That Razz
Silver - St. Julian Blue Heron
Silver - St. Julian Cock of the Walk
Silver - St. Julian Sweet Nancie Sparking Traminette
Silver - St. Julian Red Heron
Bronze - Braganini Reserve 2012 Estate Bottled Pinot Noir
Bronze - Braganini Reserve 2011 Syrah
Bronze - Braganini Reserve Whole Cluster Riesling
Bronze - St. Julian 2012 Reserve Riesling White Heron
Bronze - St. Julian Founder’s White

NOTE: The Sweet Nancie Sparkling Traminette – with its flavors of peach, pineapple, and lemon zest – is named for winemaker Nancie Corum-Oxley, who also designed the label for this award-winning wine.

Saugatuck Brewing Company to release Oval Beach Blonde Ale in 16 Oz. Cans

SBC has partnered with Michigan Mobile Canning and will begin offering their flagship Oval Beach Blonde Ale in 16 oz. cans (4-packs) beginning Aug. 23. (Blonde will continue to be available in 12 oz. bottles also.) To celebrate the occasion, SBC will host a Launch Party at the brewery on Friday, Aug. 23 beginning at 5:30. The evening will feature live music, free promotional items, a live radio feed on 101.3 “The Brew”, special pricing on the new cans and the announcement of the raffle winner of a custom Oval Beach Blonde paddleboard.

Saugatuck Brewing Co. is a microbrewery with a traditional family style pub featuring a full menu, outdoor seating and live entertainment year round. Fifteen unique beer styles, all brewed in house, plus wine and hard cider are served daily in the Pub. “SBC” also distributes twelve styles in 6 and 4-packs. These plus many others are also available on tap throughout Michigan and metro Chicago. The brewery also features the only active brew-on-premise facility in Michigan, utilizing five copper kettles and an array of natural ingredients and recipes, for the public to become “Brewmaster for a Day.”

Saugatuck Brewing Company
2948 Blue Star Hwy.
Douglas, MI 49406
269-857-7222
www.saugatuckbrewing.com
www.facebook.com/saugatuckbrewingcompany

Five Top Chefs Team Up for Harvest Dinner - Benefitting Fair Food Matters, Kalamazoo

Five of the region’s top chefs will team up on Sunday, August 25 (6-8pm) for a Harvest Dinner at Carlson’s Farm in Lawton – a culinary experience benefitting Kalamazoo’s Fair Food Matters. The unique farm-side dinner is being coordinated by Food Dance, West Michigan’s premier locally-focused eatery.

Exectutive Chef Robb Hammond – who has been with Food Dance for five years – has invited four of his colleagues to join him in this one-of-a-kind, on-the-farm five-course dinner, celebrating the best of the season’s offerings. These chefs include the James Beard nominated Chef Matthew Millar from Fennville; Chef Matthew Pietsch of Salt of the Earth in Fennville, Chef Matt Green of Reserve Wine & Food in Grand Rapids; and Chef Chad Miller of Soe Café in Sawyer.

Food Dance has been a long time supporter and promoter of Fair Food Matters and its various initiatives. Dinners such as this support programs that protect the stewardship of our land and strengthen our local economy by educating the next generation about food and where it comes from.

Fair Food Matters exists to improve access to healthy, local food by educating, connecting and empowering the Kalamazoo community. It’s programs include the Can-Do Kitchen (a licensed incubator kitchen facility), Common Ground (a collaborative program supporting community gardens throughout Kalamazoo County), Growing Matters Garden (a children’s educational gardening project), Douglass Farmers’ Market (featuring local producers on the north side of town) and Southwest Michigan Community Harvest Fest (celebrating local food, local farming and sustainable living with speakers, music and more).

The cost for the Harvest Dinner, including entertainment by local musicians Paul Hoffman and Joshua Davis, is $75 per person (plus tax/gratuity). Space is limited to 100 and reservations are required by calling 269-382-1888.

Other upcoming dinners in the 2013 Farm to Fork series include:

KIRKLIN FARMS … HEIRLOOM TOMATO DINNER
Thurs., Sept. 5 • 6-8pm
Celebrate tomato season with a five-course tomato dinner featuring Kirklin Farms. Seem a bit over the top? Not when you consider the flavors and versatility of thousands of varieties of tomatoes. You’ll never think of them as just plain ol’ sliced fruit again. $55 per person

COOKING CLASS - PRESERVING THE HARVEST
Wed., Sept. 18 • 6-8pm
Useful Kitchen Skills, not just recipes! Come learn how to preserve the flavors of the harvest for months to come. In this class you will learn techniques of preserving food with modern flavors. $65 per person

3-DAIRY DINNER
Thurs., Oct. 17 • 6-8pm
October is National Cheese Month. Celebrate with us at this special dinner featuring three local artisan cheese makers. Chef Robb will create four courses with Evergreen Lane Creamery, Zingerman’s Creamery and another creamery, TBA. $55 per person

To make reservations for any of the Food Dance dinners, classes or events, call 269-382-1888.

Food Dance creates opportunities for people to come together and connect through the experience of food. We passionately cook with the freshest locally produced ingredients and believe in giving great, caring service, and providing great experiences for everyone we come in contact with.

FOOD DANCE
401 E. Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo MI 49007

www.FoodDance.net
www.facebook.com/FoodDanceRestaurant
www.twitter.com/Food_Dance

Pink Heals National Tour Comes To Allegan - Sunday, August 18

As we prepare Allegan JayCee Park to welcome our esteemed visitors, we ask our community to join us in celebration.

Calling all motorcyclist to help Escort the Pink Heals Tour to Allegan – on Sunday, August 18. We will meet at JayCee Park at 11:15 and leave at 11:30 sharp to ride to the New Buffalo Welcome Center at the State Line. We will meet up with the Pink Heals National Tour here at 1:00 and lead them along 94 to 40 with a stop at Family Fare in Paw Paw to refuel. Gathering there at about 2:30 for those who want to join in at Paw Paw and check in with the Pink Fire Truck! We will then lead the Pink Heals Tour the rest of the way into Allegan alone M40 North. Bikers are welcome to join in anywhere along the route. Community members along the route are invited to get your pink on to show support. Welcome Party for the Pink Heals Nation Tour is at Allegan JayCee Park 5-8 pm. Sloppy Joe with sides and dessert donation drive will be available. The Red Cross will be on hand and Gas stations also close by.

Pink, being embraced as the color of Women is the perfect choice for this fast growing movement. It is our belief that women give and love us with selfless commitment. We need to take care of her and she will take care of us. Likened to the Statue of Liberty, a woman who has given us the symbol of everything worth fighting for. Anyone who is battling Cancer, survivors and those who have lost a loved one to Cancer are invited to sign the truck. Pink Heals believes that funds raised locally should stay locally. The Chapters deliver 100 percent of the money generated by fundraising to the people who need it most - Women and their families who are battling any illness, starting with cancer.

To sign up for the motorcycle escort go to www.signmeup.com/site/online-event/93663

For more information on Pink Heals go to www.pinkfiretrucks.org

Pink Heals Allegan Chapter Contact:
Leonard Ruthruff 269-355-9083 | www.pinkhealsallegancounty@gmail.com

Pink Heals Tour Motorcycle Escort Contact:
Rick Smith 269-929-1665, Ride Captain (please leave message)