Art, Wine & Delectables Warm the Leelanau Peninsula Night at The Homestead Resort

The Glen Arbor Art Association, The Homestead resort and the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail will again team up to offer Art From Michigan’s Wine Country on Friday, February 7, 6-8 pm at The Homestead’s Mountain Flowers Lodge. Now in its sixth year, this fun winter event kicks off Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trails’ Taste the Passion weekend. The Friday night GAAA benefit features wine from Leelanau wineries, original art exhibit and sale by local artists and a small plates menu designed by Chef Piombo.

Ticket price is $20 per person with advance reservation. Entrance fee includes one glass of wine, food stations with delectable small plates, and coffee. Additional wine is available for $4/glass or three glasses for $10. Call The Homestead, 334-5100, by February 5 to make an advanced reservation with will call ticket pick up at Mountain Flowers. At the door price is $25 per person the night of the event.

The invitational art exhibit and sale offers recent original works by Jane Batteiger, Jane Ditri, Mary Fuscaldo, Michelle Jahraus, Harriett Mittelberger, Joan Richmond, and Rodger Skinner. The artists will be on hand to discuss their work.

A portion of each ticket and painting purchase supports the Glen Arbor Art Association class scholarships, after school art, and a summer art program for migrant children. These programs provide arts opportunities for many families who would not otherwise have them.

For more information go to: www.glenarborart.org, www.thehomesteadresort.com or www.lpwines.com. Or call the GAAA office at 231-334-6112.

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an area voted by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting centers and the luxurious new Spa Amira throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100. “Like” The Homestead on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi and follow on Twitter at @TheHomesteadMI.

Stormcloud Brewing Releases Leelanau Pale Ale Series Featuring Locally-Grown Hops

Brewer Brian Confer calls it “Leelanau Pale Ale” series – and while he says the malt bill for each beer won’t change from batch to batch, the hops certainly will. Each beer in the 13-brew series will feature a single hop variety grown on the nearby Leelanau Peninsula. Empire Orchards and Hop Farm provided all but one hop variety, which came from New Mission Organics in Omena.

“The base beer style is somewhere between a pale ale and an amber ale – landing on the orange side and containing a dose of malty sweetness,” says Confer.

The bitterness is at the high end of a Pale Ale and the low end of an IPA, with the goal to keep the bitterness level consistent across the 13 brews.

“We do that by adjusting the first hop charge,” Confer says. “The brew will have hop additions at 60 minutes, 15 minutes, zero minutes and a drop-hop. The 15, zero and dry-hop amounts are always equal, but the 60 minute addition adjusts up or down to keep the bitterness consistent.”

The Summit hops incorporated into the third batch in the season are unique to Michigan and come from Brian Tennis at New Mission Organics. He is the only grower outside of the Yakima Valley that is growing this variety and one of only eight farmers in the country licensed to do so.

The other 12 varieties (listed below in order of production) come from Empire Orchards and Hop Farms.

Not knowing if the terroir of Michigan changes the character of these hops, which are typically purchased from the Pacific Northwest or from Britain, Confer said he wanted to conduct an experiment of sorts with this series.

“I thought it would be fun and enlightening to explore each hop individually and taste the characteristics of each Leelanau grown variety,” he says. “The way we’re releasing this series, it allows us to taste the significant difference each hop provides to the same base beer.”

The series is in production now, with 5bbls of each being offered up in the pub only. Nugget was released December 20 and is still on tap. Each batch will stay on tap as long as it takes to deplete the supply – the more popular the brew, the quicker it will sell out.

The hop list (in order of production) includes:

• Nugget: a great bittering hop with a clean bitterness and herbal aroma; typically used in pale ales and IPAs.
• Fuggle: a cornerstone hop in English brewing; classic aroma hop with pleasant wood and fruit tone; typically used in many British ales across all styles.
• Summit: a high alpha hop with funky, earthy, tangerine character; typically used in a variety of American Style Ales, particularly pale ales and IPAs.
• Crystal: used mainly for its aromatic properties. Mild, spicy and floral; typically used in a range of beer styles, from Barleywines to Lagers.
• Magnum: prized mostly for its high bittering value. Also has a spice & citrus aroma; used extensively in a range of beer styles often early in the boil to gain a good clean bitterness.
• Empire: classic noble hop type bittering with an aromatic blend of earth and spice; this hop has been in the state since 1850 and is grown only in Michigan and exclusively at Empire Orchards and Hop Farm.
• Cascade: a very popular US variety, with a moderate bitterness and fragrant, citrus-floral aroma; synonymous with American Pale Ale; typically used in American Pale Ales and IPAs. The signature hop in Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale.
• Vovjidina: a high alpha dual purpose hop - used both for its bittering and aroma properties. Exhibits a superior noble hop aroma profile; not widely used. Fun fact: it's slow to catch on because it's hard to pronounce! (Voe-va-dine-a).
• Chinook: mild to medium-heavy, spicy, piney and slight grapefruity; used extensively for bittering and dry-hopping in a range of American ales.
• Willamette: mild and pleasant, slightly spicy, fruity, floral and a little earthy; similar to and often used as a substitute to British Fuggles; used far and wide in a vast range of beer styles.
• Brewer's Gold: resiny and spicy bittering hop with a fruity black currant aroma; used in a range of beers from English & Belgian ales to German lagers.
• Glacier: a clean bittering hop with an earthy & citrus aroma; used in a range of American ales.
• Centennial: sometimes referred to as a “Super Cascade” with strong floral and citrus tones and clean bitterness; used extensively in American Pale Ales and IPAs. The signature hop in Bell's Two Hearted Ale.

Empire Orchards & Hops Farm was established in 2008 as one of the first commercial hop farms in the State of Michigan. Since 2008, Empire Hops Farm has been at the forefront of the rapidly expanding Michigan Hop Industry, distributing a high quality product to breweries throughout the state. Empire Hops farm sells fresh, dried whole leaf and pelletized hops.

New Mission Organics is located in Omena, in the northeastern part of the Leelanau Peninsula. This small 30-acre farm, owned by Brian and Amy Tennis, specializes in organic and sustainably grown hops. Currently, 10 acres are in production, with a planned expansion scheduled for the spring of 2014.

New Mission Organics is one of the founding members of the Michigan Hop Alliance – an organization created to advance the hop industry in Michigan through knowledge sharing and equipment availability. Through the MHA, member hop growers are now able to take hops from cones to pellets in a much shorter time.

For updates on when each brew batch will be released, follow Stormcloud Brewing on Facebook (www.facebook.com/StormcloudBrewing) and/or Twitter (www.twitter.com/StormcloudBrew).

Stormcloud Brewing is located at 303 Main St., Frankfort – just two blocks from Lake Michigan.

www.StormcloudBrewing.com

White Flame Brewing Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with Party & Expansion Announcement

In honor of its second anniversary, White Flame Brewing will host a celebration on Saturday, January 25 from 5pm until 2am with a special list of draft beers, music and live entertainment. Bill and Jenn White opened White Flame on January 28, 2012, in a 5,000-square-foot building at 5234 36th Avenue in Hudsonville – the city’s first brewery. Today, they’re among more than 120 breweries in Michigan that make up the “Great Beer State.”

THE PARTY:

“We will have a special list of draft beers featuring favorites that have been popular with our guests as well as some that have been stored and aged for this party,” says Bill. “We will release our first run of cans from Michigan Mobile Caning with our Super G IPA 4-pack, 16-ounce cans as well as commemorative bottles of Black Flame Imperial Stout that will all be available for purchase at the brewery on Saturday.”

On Saturday, RnR Comfort Foods will be serving up their fare from 3-10pm and live music – featuring Sam & Emma Lou, as well as Funkle Jesse, runs from 7-11pm.

THE EXPANSION:

White Flame is also excited to announce an expansion coming up later this year – including the installation of a new, larger 15bbl brewing equipment to increase output and overall distribution, therefore delivering more packaged beer to market. The actual pub will also see a facelift with an increased customer seating area within the existing building footprint and the addition of a deli-style kitchen to provide lunch and dinner to brewery customers. As part of this expansions, White Flame will add two full time and two part time staff as well.

http://whiteflamebrewing.com
White Flame Facebook
https://twitter.com/WhiteFlameBrew

Michigan Brewers Guild Announces 2014 Board of Directors

2014 Michigan Brewers Guild Board of Directors (l-r): Steve Berthel, Aaron Morse, Eric Briggeman, Scott King, Isaac Hartman, Brad Stevenson, Scott Newman-Bale. (Photo Credit: Marty Dunham)


The Michigan Brewers Guild recently elected its 2014 Board of Directors at its annual meeting, January 8, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo. Each board position is a two-year term, elected in alternating years (4, 3).

This year, the Board of Directors was increased to seven members, so four people were elected to the board.

• Steve Berthel, Pub Brewer at New Holland Brewing Company in Holland was elected to a fourth term on the board of directors. Steve will serve as Events/Entertainment Chair for 2014.

• Scott Newman-Bale, Vice President of Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire, was elected to a third term and will continue to serve as Treasurer.

• Brad Stevenson, Vice President of Operations for Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids, was elected to his first term on the board. Brad will serve as the Membership Chair for 2014.

• Aaron Morse, CEO at Dark Horse Brewing in Marshall, was elected to his first term on the board. Aaron will serve as the Marketing Chair for 2014.

Additional board members include:

• Eric Briggeman, Brewmaster at Rochester Mills Beer Co. in Rochester, continues his fifth term on the board and will serve his sixth year as Guild President.

• Isaac Hartman, “Ambassador of Great Beer” from New Holland Brewing Company, was elected to his third term on the board of directors and will continue to serve as Secretary and also as the Enthusiast Membership Chair for 2014.

• Scott King, owner of MIP Brewing Company in Royal Oak, and past Board Member, continues his two-year term and will serve as the co-chair of the Government Affairs Committee for 2014.

Founded in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild oversees the organization’s administrative and promotional affairs, including four annual public events: Winter Beer Festival in February in Grand Rapids, Summer Beer Festival in July in Ypsilanti, UP Fall Beer Festival in September in Marquette, and Detroit Fall Beer Festival in October, as well as its annual Winter Conference in January. Currently, the Guild represents 119 member breweries – the highest number since the organizations inception.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry conservatively contributes more than $24 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $133 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #5 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

The Michigan Brewers Guild exists to unify the community of brewers, to increase the sale of Michigan Craft Beer, to contribute culturally and economically throughout the state, and to monitor and assure a healthy brewing industry. By working collaboratively with proponents of craft beer, we strive to achieve 10% share of all beer sold in Michigan by producing world-class events, increasing public awareness, educating consumers, and encouraging responsible consumption. For more information, including a list of Michigan microbreweries, log on to www.MiBeer.com.

www.facebook.com/michiganbrewersguild
www.twitter.com/mibrewersguild

— UPCOMING EVENTS —

Saturday, February 22
Michigan Winter Beer Festival (SOLD OUT)
Fifth-Third Ballpark, Comstock Park (Grand Rapids)

May 12-18 – Craft Beer Week

July – Michigan Craft Beer Month

Friday, July 25 & Saturday, July 26
Michigan Summer Beer Festival
Riverside Park, Ypsilanti Depot Town

Saturday, September 6
UP Fall Beer Festival
Mattson Lower Harbor Park, Marquette

Friday, October 24 & Saturday, October 25
Detroit Fall Beer Festival
Eastern Market

Randy & Doreen Fosgard Celebrate 1 Year Anniversary at Lake Ann’s Sleeping Bear Resort

For more than 25 years, Randy and Doreen Fosgard made the trek from their home in St. Clair, Michigan to vacation near the Sleeping Bear Dunes area of Northwest Michigan. Drawn to the outdoors and everything the Traverse City and Leelanau Peninsula region had to offer, they explored the lakeshore, natural sites and cultural attractions with their children – Dane and Julianne.

When an opportunity to relocate to Lake Ann came about in May, 2012 they couldn’t resist. That summer, they managed the Sleeping Bear Resort – spread out on 450 feet of frontage on the 40-acre Herendeene Lake. Just six months later (December 27, 2012), they purchased the resort and have just celebrated their first year as owners of the property.

“With Dane at Lake Superior State University and Julianne at Grand Valley State University, we decided it was time to pursue a dream,” says Randy.

Founded in 1971 as the Herendeene Lake Resort, the property was owned by the Mark Gabrick family from 1999 until 2012 – becoming the Sleeping Bear Resort in 2007. With its six cabins, five bedroom log home and six bedroom remodeled farm home, the resort can accommodate as many as 60 guests at any given time. Located 15 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Traverse City, the year-round property offers countless on-site and nearby activities.

“We often take rides into the Leelanau Peninsula and visit the wineries and the little villages of Empire, Glen Arbor, Lake Leelanau, Leland, Northport and Suttons Bay,” Randy says. “The people in Northwest Michigan are so friendly and they all seem to have a smile on their face – that’s part of what attracted us to the area and makes us feel at home here.”

SLEEPING BEAR RESORT
7670 Reynolds Road — Lake Ann, Michigan
(231) 642-7000
rentals@sleepingbearresort.com
www.facebook.com/SleepingBearResort

13 Best Eats of 2013…

bWell I added a couple new restaurants to my “bucket list” in 2013 – but not as many as I wanted to. Yet, I seemed to fill myself with some amazing, mouth-watering, delicacies from some of my favorite eateries. Needless to say, I didn’t go hungry! Ironically, several salads made my list this year – and I’m not talking the boring iceberg or bagged salad varieties – but tasty, unique and flavorful treats!

With an anticipated move to the Traverse City area during the summer of 2014, I expect I’ll be finding some new places to be wined and dined – meaning my recap next year should be better than ever.

For now…here’s a quick trip down my culinary road from the past 12 months.

#1 Lamb Reuben – Reserve Wine & Food, Grand Rapids.

The first time I had this mouth-watering sandwich I fell in love (and somehow knew it would hold its own as #1 on this year’s list). Served on crusty rye bread, the brisket-style lamb with all its juicy flavor melded with the homemade sauerkraut and sweet dressing in the most delicious way. I remember the first bite sitting at the bar…and how each bite after was taking slowly and deliberately so I could savor each and every one. I raved about this sandwich from the onset – and encouraged others who were there for lunch to give it a try. I think I must have consumed 4-5 of these throughout the year (careful to not overdo it and detract from the awesomeness of the meal). I was back in GR just before Christmas and had to have just one more before the end of the year – just as incredible as that very first bite!

#2 Radish Salad – Salt of the Earth, Fennville

This became my go-to salad when visiting Salt throughout the summer months. I’ve always been a fan of radishes – but add chevre and a tart citrus dressing too it and I was hooked. Most people don’t think to do anything with radishes other than serve them raw – but roasting or even boiling them provides a totally different, mellowed flavor with still a hint of dense crunch. The added creaminess of the cheese made each bite a bit of heaven.

#3 Roasted Marrow – Roast, Detroit.

This delicacy has been recommended to me for a few years, but I hadn’t found it…until earlier this year. While walking through downtown Detroit following the kick off reception for the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism, I convinced my group of colleagues to stop off for an unforgettable dinner. The ever-adventurous eater, I quickly spotted the marrow on the menu and quickly requested two orders for the table. Turns out the rest of the group wasn’t as open-minded as I was – good thing the salty treat was pleasing to me because I think I ate about 10 crostini pieces with it slathered on top.

#4 Pork Belly Tacos – six.one.six at JW Marriott, Grand Rapids.

What’s not to love about pork belly wrapped in a tortilla? A long-time fan of fish tacos (which is also on the menu – and available for a mix-and-match with the pork belly taco), this is one of my favorite light lunches. Served with an avocado cream, cilantro and guajillo salsa, and a handful of tortilla chips they’re full of flavor and texture!

#5 Rabbit Loin, Rack, Liver, Bacon & Chards – Red Haven, Okemos.

With its ever-changing menu, this premier farm-to-table eatery just outside of Lansing pulled out all the stops when a group of 20 brewers showed up for an extensive dinner back in June. Basically, they delivered a couple plates of everything on the menu. With a nod toward rustic, I was excited to find rabbit, duck and lots of root vegetables and fresh produce in every appetizer, salad and entrée served up. Since the menu changes so frequently, don’t expect to find the same combination today that you had last year, last month or even last week. Just be open to trying it all…you won’t be disappointed.

#6 Gazelle Salad – Terra GR, Grand Rapids.

When I went to the grand re-opening of this Eastown eatery (formerly Trillium Haven) I was served up a variety of items from the new menu – and the one that sticks out in my mind (and the one I’ve craved from time to time since) is this salad with green lentils, faro, walnuts, seasonal greens and vegetables with a cumin vinaigrette.

#7 Stacked Heirloom Tomato Salad – Food Dance, Kalamazoo.

About one of my favorite summer treats is a good heirloom tomato salad – the more colors and sizes, the better. This bright dish also featured two other favs – black beans (from Michigan’s own Kirklin Farms) and avocados. A light tomato juice surrounded it all, making it juicy and full of flavor. This is a seasonal special of course, as Food Dance makes a solid practice of not serving vegetables out of season. Look for a variation of this mouth-watering dish next summer.

#8 Beet Salad – Palate, Milford.

Friends and colleagues have been raving about this new restaurant – and my only experience had been in the “Brewer Hospitality” area at the Michigan Summer Beer Festival (which was top notch, both in 2012 and 2013). So, when I found myself in this neighborhood in November – I had to stop by and check it out. Despite unpleasant memories as a child of mass-produced canned beets, in my adult life I’ve found them to be a flavorful, hearty, earthy treat – when prepared properly, as it was at Palate. The addition of goat cheese and multi-colored tomatoes in the mix was a bonus! Color, texture and flavors – all key elements in my fav dishes – all came into play in this dish.

#9 Pork Rillette – Soup Spoon Café, Lansing.

I’ve found a fondness for rillette – pork, lamb, duck – doesn’t matter the source, it’s the rich creaminess of the shredded meats blended with its own fats was delicious spread out on slices of crusty baguette. The combination of the cornichons, pickled onion and fig jam made for a great accompaniment for this delicious appetizer. Kudos to the restaurant also for its impressive Michigan craft beer selection!

#10 Roasted Root Flatbread Pizza – Stormcloud Brewing, Frankfort

One of Michigan’s newest craft breweries opened this past summer just blocks away from Lake Michigan. In addition to a variety of gourmet flavored popcorn (like garlic chipotle, coconut sriracha, lime and sea salt and bacon and chives – my fav) they’re noted for their gourmet flatbread pizzas. The Roasted Root is loaded with root vegetables – beets, turnips and parsnips, along with garlic herb oil, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, roasted garlic and goat cheese, drizzled with a horseradish sour cream. www.stormcloudbrewing.com

#11 Fish Tacos – Twisted Rooster, Grand Rapids

Always a go-to item on the menu, I first discovered and fell in love with fish tacos here. The pale ale battered fish is served up with fresh aromatic pico de gallo, white cheddar and sweet crispy noodle slaw, topped with a cilantro sour cream and a side of tortilla chips. An impressive list of Michigan beer and wine can also be found – and the Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling pairs well with this dish, in my opinion.

#12 Brussel Sprouts, Bacon & Triple Cream Brie – The Laundry, Fenton

Just about anything served up in a skillet is appealing to me – presentation aside. Something about the seasoned cast iron adds to the overall flavor of the dish, if you ask me. As brussel sprouts are my favorite veggie – and everything is better with bacon – this was an ideal choice off the menu. The triple cream brie was a big bonus, melting into all the crevices of the sprouts. I had been wanting to get to this eatery for some time, after seeing all the attention they give to Michigan beer. I’m looking forward to returning as there are dozens of other menu items I just can’t wait to try!

#13 Strawberry Martini – Four Roses, Plainwell.

You can’t have a best of list without dessert. I loved everything about this dish – from the presentation in the martini glass to my favorite fruit, topped with a delicious Grand Marnier whipped cream. One day, when I was at the restaurant for lunch AND dinner – I had this dessert twice (don’t judge me). Later in the season, blueberries found their way into the glass – which didn’t break my heart in the least. Can’t wait for summer to indulge in this semi-healthy dessert again!

I look forward to visiting even more restaurants in 2014 – and of course, your recommendations are always welcome!

2014 Michigan Milestone Celebrations

5 Years

• Allegan County Specialty Shops, Allegan
• Bygone Basics, Montague
• Crystal Spa at Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville
• Grand Traverse Distillery, Traverse City (Leland, Frankenmuth)
• Hyatt Place, Wyoming (Grand Rapids)
• Michigan By the Bottle, Shelby Township
• Motor City Brew Tours, Detroit
• Salt of the Earth, Fennville

10 Years

• 750 Grill, Muskegon
• Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Dearborn
• Keweenaw Brewing Company, Houghton
• Left Foot Charley Winery, Traverse City
• Promote Michigan, Statewide
• Schmohz Brewing, Grand Rapids
• Short's Brewing Company, Bellaire

15 Years

• Bay Harbor Arts Festival, Bay Harbor
• Black Star Farms (Inn and Tasting Room), Suttons Bay
• Cedar River Golf Club at Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire
• Comfort Suites, Grandville

20 Years

• A Tourist in Your Own Town, Lansing
• Bay Harbor Marina District, Bay Harbor
• Crystal River Outfitters, Glen Arbor
• Food Dance, Kalamazoo
• Glenwood Restaurant, Onekama
• Greats Lakes Pilot, Grand Marais
• Keweenaw Adventure Company, Copper Harbor
• Northside Pub, North Muskegon
• Uncommon Coffee Roasters (Uncommon Grounds), Saugatuck

25 Years

• Blue Coasts Artists Studio Tours, South Haven/Saugatuck
• Cherry Republic, Glen Arbor (Ann Arbor, Charlevoix, Traverse City)
• Classic Auto Show, Grand Ledge
• Coopersville & Marne Railway, Coopersville
• Iceman Cometh Challenge, Traverse City
• Laurium Manor, Laurium

30 Years

• Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree, Norton Shores
• Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, Muskegon
• Silver Bells in the City, Lansing

35 Years

• St. Joseph Today, St. Joseph

40 Years

• Boyne Falls Polish Festival, Boyne Falls
• Chateau Grand Traverse Winery, Traverse City
• Clinton Fall Festival, Clinton
• Holiday Traditions Tour, Grand Ledge
• Mr. Bs Pancake House, Muskegon
• White River RV Park & Campground, Montague

50 Years

• Blockhouse at Muskegon State Park, Muskegon
• Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs
• Capri Drive-In, Coldwater
• Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve, Niles
• Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery, Montague
• Rau's Country Store, Frankenmuth
• Potawatomi Trail @ Pinkney State Recreation Area, Pinkney

55 Years

• Art Van Furniture, Statewide

70 Years

• Celebration Cinema, Muskegon

75 Years

• Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, Lansing

80 Years

• Art’s Tavern, Glen Arbor
• Good Hart General Store, Good Hart
• Meijer, Statewide
• Russ' Restaurants, Muskegon

85 Years

• The Henry Ford, Dearborn
• The Inn at The Homestead, Glen Arbor

90 Years

• Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo

95 Years

• Chippewa County Historical Society, Sault Ste. Marie
• KitchenAid by Whirlpool, Benton Harbor

110 Years

• The Inn at Stonecliff, Mackinac Island

115 Years

• Perry Hotel, Petoskey

120 Years

• Frankenmuth Woolen Mill Comforter Shop, Frankenmuth
• The Whitney, Detroit

150 Years

• Grist Mill at Historic Bowens Mills, Middleville

250 Years

• Fort Sinclair, St. Clair



Updated December 26, 2013

“null” Café & Taphouse to Showcase Northern United Brewing Company Brands

Construction is set to begin in January, 2014 on the null Café & Taphouse – honoring the various brands of Northern United Brewing Company (null stands for “Northern United Liquid Libations”). It will showcase the company’s award-winning beer, wine, cider and spirits and will be located at the new brewing facility at 2319 Bishop Circle East in Dexter.

“This tasting room has been in the back of Ron’s mind since he brewed his first Jolly Pumpkin beer and it is finally coming to fruition,” says Tony Grant, Northern United CFO/COO. “It is such an exciting time for Jolly Pumpkin, North Peak and the entire company to have this showplace for all our brands. We are so excited for everyone to come out and see our new home, taste all the products, take tours of the plant and see all the new gear that we've been working on.”

So…yes…it’s true, Jolly Pumpkin is finally going to build a taproom in Dexter. Loyal fans have helped the company grow over the years; they’ve spread the word on the brand’s award-winning wares and now they have an opportunity to help build the null Café & Taphouse.

Anyone can be part of this exciting taphouse by joining one of four club levels – from the “I Believe They WILL Build It Club” which includes a permanent name plaque on a bar stool at the taphouse; the “Just Another Booth Club,” which places a similar name plaque on a booth tabletop; the “I Drink from a Kick Ass Glass Club” which includes a personalized goblet; the “Old & Busted Club” which includes limited edition growlers; the “Writing’s on the Wall Club,” where members names are scrawled along a wall at the taphouse; and the “All I Get is a T-Shirt Club” – which includes a logoed t-shirt. Membership in these various clubs range from $50 to $1500.* For more information on each club, or to purchase a membership, visit nulltaphouse.com.

Drawing from the nearly 60 years of combined beverage crafting experience of master brewers Ron Jeffries, John Walsh and Mike Hall the libations of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales and North Peak Brewing Company, as well as the Civilized Spirits, Old Mission Spirits, Nomad Ciders and Bonafide Wines resonate with casual drinkers and die-hard aficionados alike. null café and taphouse will be a unique and exciting environment in which they can all be enjoyed!

Keep up on the progress of null Café & Taphouse or to become a founding club member, at facebook.com/null.dexter.

Winter Exploration Awaits at Sleeping Bear Resort

No matter the season or the reason, Sleeping Bear Resort in Lake Ann welcomes visitors to explore the natural wonders that exist around Herendeene Lake. The Resort consists of six cabins a five bedroom log home and a six bedroom remodeled farm home. Sleeping Bear Resort can accommodate as many as 60 guests for a weekend, or longer. The resort is located 15 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and 15 miles from Traverse City.

RESORT FACILITIES

The Lodge (five bedrooms and two bathrooms, accommodating 12 individuals) and The Bear’s Den (six bedrooms and three bathrooms, accommodating 18 individuals) each offer entertainment rooms with a ping pong table, foosball table, pool table and large flat screen TV for hours of family fun. The six individual one- and two-bedroom cabins each sleep five.

Every unit at Sleeping Bear Resort includes a fully-equipped kitchen, with stove, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, as well as cooking utensils. Linens and towels are also provided. The entire resort offers wireless internet access, grills and a central fire pit, for warming up after a day of playing.

NEARBY ACTIVITIES

With its 450 feet of lake frontage on the 40-acre Herendeene Lake, Sleeping Bear Resort is more than a summer vacation destination. In the winter months, the iced-over lake welcomes fisherman to drop a line in search of panfish and largemouth bass.

Countless opportunities exist for hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing just miles from the resort. Guided snowshoe hikes with a National Park ranger are offered on Saturdays and during winter holidays, starting at 1pm at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire. Self-guided snowshoeing is also permitted on all snow-covered dunes, fields and forests in the Lakeshore. A popular trek is the Empire Bluffs trail, which offers exceptional views of Lake Michigan, the towering snow-covered dunes and the Manitou Islands in the distance.

The resort is located within 20 miles of six different cross country ski trail networks with miles and miles of trail offerings. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is groomed for cross country skiing, with access at the Dune Climb, Glen Haven village and on Forest Haven Road in Glen Arbor. The famed Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive also welcomes Nordic skiers. Countless other non groomed trails can be found throughout Benzie and Leelanau counties.

Downhill skiers and snowboarders can head 21 miles south to Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville for access to 45 slopes. Hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing in the Michigan Legacy Park or cross country skiing along 40km of groomed trails is also available. A full-service spa is also available, allowing for a bit of pampering after a day out in the snow.

To the north, skiers will find The Homestead – America’s Freshwater Resort, located in Glen Arbor. Two surface lifts, three chair lifts, 15 unique runs and a terrain park are set overlooking the Sleeping Bear Dunes and the deep blue waters of Lake Michigan. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and an intimate spa facility are also offered.

Discounted skiing vouchers to both Crystal Mountain and The Homestead are available to Sleeping Bear Resort guests.

Those seeking speed can access more than 135 miles of Benzie County’s groomed snowmobile trails, accessible from Sleeping Bear Resort. Staging areas can be found at the Platte River Association Hall, east of Honor; in the village of Thompsonville; and at the downtown Beulah Trailhead & Visitors Center. A trail map for the area – including Leelanau County – can be found here. Please note, snowmobiling is not permitted on the lands or waters of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Additional activities, such as wine tastings, local restaurants, cultural venues and shopping, can be found on the Sleeping Bear Resort website.

SLEEPING BEAR RESORT
7670 Reynolds Road — Lake Ann, Michigan
(231) 642-7000
rentals@sleepingbearresort.com

www.SleepingBearResort.com
www.facebook.com/SleepingBearResort

The Homestead Celebrates 30 Years of Great Northern Michigan Skiing with Special Events, Concerts & Nordic-Inspired Festivals

Hard to imagine there’s another Michigan winter right around the corner. Yet, The Homestead is already preparing for a season-long celebration marking three decades of ski and snowboarding fun.

“Our thirtieth ski season is a special milestone,” says The Resort’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Jamie Jewell. “There have been many changes to the ski area at The Homestead since it opened in 1983. It’s really amazing when you look back at how modestly it all started.”

1983 — The Homestead’s ski area opened with two three-person chair lifts, one two-person chairlift and a rope (pony) tow and state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment. Lifts were carefully installed below the tree line and closer to the ground than lifts at other ski areas for the purpose of providing a secure, safe feeling for new skiers and children learning to ski.

1985 — The Homestead became the first resort in the Midwest to limit ticket sales to prevent overcrowding.

1989 — The Homestead launched its $5 ski club program, a unique season pass for locals who paid just $5 for a pass and an additional $5 every time they came to ski.

1993 — The Homestead added three downhill race courses and broke ground on development of chalet style homes and rental properties for vacationing families and couples.

1996 — A Par 3, 9-hole golf courses was added, built in part on the downhill ski slopes.

2000 — The Magic Carpet© and was installed, along with a new “Lifetime Skills Learning Center: Ski School” and Gnomes lift-ticket and rental building.

2002 — Glade Run and terrain park were added.

2008 — Expanded multi-seasonal use of the ski area by adding wedding ceremony and reception patios overlooking Glen Lake valley and Sleeping Bear Bay.

2012 — The Homestead’s Snowsports School was remodeled

The Homestead has always been a favorite winter retreat for young couples and families with children, according to Jewell. Striving to improve service for this core group of winter guests has inspired every change to the ski area over the last 30 years.

“Children who learned to ski at The Homestead thirty years ago are now parents themselves,” she says. “There are hundreds of families that grew up skiing here. And in a way, The Resort has grown up with them. Yet some things have never changed. Namely our dedication to providing a top-notch experience, which includes limited lift ticket sales so the slopes are never crowded and the best lift ticket, rental, lesson and ski packages in Northern Michigan.”

The schedule of events celebrating 30 years of skiing at The Homestead’s is already shaping up to include many events, parties and special deals, says Jewell. Already on the docket are:

* A New Year’s Eve dinner and dance party — including a cocktail reception, three-course “surf and turf” dinner, champagne toast at midnight and dancing with special musical act The Corvairs — at Mountain Flowers Lodge.

* The Homestead’s 30th Anniversary sweepstakes offering $10,000 in prizes throughout the winter season.

* Ski demo days where representatives from major ski manufacturers will be at The Homestead allowing guests to try out new, state-of-the-art equipment.

* Special food events at the newly designed open-air at Beppi’s, which features outdoor seating, two outdoor gas fireplaces and outdoor heaters.

* Family magic show & dinner in early January featuring Magic Stu (aka Stuart MacDonald) World Class Magician who is in the Hall of Fame of Magic

* Live entertainment throughout the season at Beppi’s with regularly scheduled musicians including Chris Skellenger, New Third Coast, Accidentals, Blake Elliott, Drive South and E-Minor.

As part of its 30th Anniversary sweepstakes, The Homestead is currently running a photo contest on Facebook. Past guests who share their old ski vacation photos from The Resort get a chance to win some great prizes every month throughout the winter season. For more information on this and more 30th Anniversary events and festivals currently in the works, check out The Homestead’s website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

Kuhnhenn Brewing Co. Announces New Distribution Agreements

Eastown Distributors, O&W Distributing, Dan Henry Distributing Added as New Partners

In preparation for the opening of Kuhnhenn Brewing Company's 20,000-BBL capacity production facility in nearby Clinton Township, the Warren-based craft brewer is building its distribution network with some of the most qualified wholesalers in the business.

Eastown Distributors of Highland Park, MI has been assigned the rights to the Kuhnhenn brand for its territory in Wayne County. This area includes the City of Detroit, the Grosse Pointes, and the Downriver communities; Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, has been pouring The Fluffer Session IPA from Kuhnhenn for two seasons now, and will get continued support from the Eastown team.

“Eastown is excited to add Kuhnhenn to our portfolio of Award Winning Michigan Beers,” Paul Quasarano of Eastown Distributors says. “We will invest heavily in local marketing and expanded distribution. Look for Kuhnhenn at all major venues in Detroit, including Comerica Park and The Joe Louis Arena.”

Ypsilanti-based O&W Distributing will distribute Kuhnhenn throughout seven counties, including the cities of Ann Arbor, Jackson, Monroe and Plymouth. The greater-Ann Arbor area, in particular, has been a trend-setting market for craft beer in the state of Michigan, while Ypsilanti is home to the Michigan Brewers Guild's Summer Beer Festival.

"We are excited and honored to be distributing Kuhnhenn Brewing Company within our market area,” says Kit Morgeson, VP Marketing, O&W, Inc. “They have built a solid reputation creating dynamic, quality beers, it will be gratifying to help them grow the brewery and bring our customers delicious beers created right here in Southeast Michigan."

In the state capitol, Lansing's Dan Henry Distributing will hold the rights to the Kuhnhenn brand in a four county region also including the cities of East Lansing and Howell. The political center of the state has seen unprecedented growth of craft beer over the last few years in terms of increased market share, largely due to the presence of Dan Henry's team beer consultants and the company's investment in the community.

While completion of the expansion of brewing operations is still several months out, the brewery sees it important to establish a dedicated and competent network or wholesale partners early on, in order to guarantee a presence in the market upon launch.

“We're in the unique position of having strong brand awareness, despite extremely limited distribution and production over the last 12 years,” stated Jon Piepenbrok, Director of Marketing and Sales for Kuhnhenn Brewing Co. “Despite all the calls, emails and personal visits from distributors in other states, our main focus is Michigan. We have chosen wholesale partners that mirror our core values and can adapt to the changing market conditions in the field of craft beer. We will go out of state, but not until Michigan is at least close to satisfied.”

The new markets will not get a huge influx of product, initially. Current production constraints do not allow a proper launch at this point; accounts will be high-spotted until supply meets demand in early 2014.
Kuhnhenn Brewing Co plans to open its Clinton Township-based Production Brewery and Public House in March of 2014. Beer is expected to flow to market by late April statewide and beyond.

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 and eventually becoming licensed as a Microbrewery four years later. The brewery is consistently ranked in the top breweries in the world on beer rating websites Beer Advocate and RateBeer. They are known both for high-gravity experimental beers, and 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 operates facilities in Warren and Clinton Township, MI, as well as a homebrewing supply store, Brewing World, also in Warren. They currently employ over 30 employees, with plans to hire up to 30 more in the next six months, as expansion plans continue to allow production of nearly 20,000-barrels of craft beer and mead.

Kuhnhenn Brewing Company is a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild and the Master Brewers Association of the Americas.

Food Dance Introduces New Market this Weekend

The Food Dance Market has been re-imagined and is being redesigned – open now to offer our guests sustainable, humanely raised meats such as house made sausages, cured meats, fresh ground beef, beef cuts, pork cuts and more (their very own little butcher shop)... and even more breads and savory baked goods, along with the same great pastries from their talented bakers.

“Our goal is to share with you the amazing ingredients we source from our family of purveyors,” says Food Dance owner, Julie Stanley. “We are VERY excited to offer our guests sustainable, humanely-raised meats such as house made sausages, cured meats, fresh ground beef, beef cuts, pork cuts and more (our very own little butcher shop)... and even more of our breads and savory baked goods, along with the same great pastries from our talented bakers.”

In addition, Food Dance will offer more of prized-ingredients: olive oil, Anson Mill’s polenta, vinegars, condiments, fresh ground spices and pastas, as well as a selection of wines and local beers.

The Food Dance friendly market staff is also available to handle carry-out orders, help customers put together American cheese and meat boards, or help gusts find the perfect gift for all the foodie friends, no matter the occasion.

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