Press Release – Cheese Tasting at Food Dance
From a Food Dance press release….
Learn more about cheese than, “It’s so freakin’ yummy.”
A small classroom setting, with an overview of the cheese-making process.
By tasting examples of cheese in each of the 5 general classifications, you will
experience the nuances that differentiate one from another.
$25 per person
To make event reservations, click here.
From a Sandhill Crane Vineyards press release….
SE Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail
Michigan Wine Celebration
Saturday & Sunday – April 21 & 22, 2012
Each winery along the trail will feature an appetizer or dessert prepared by a local chef and paired with their featured wine. The ticket price also includes one tasting glass. A recipe card with the featured recipe will be given out to ticket holders at each winery.
Tickets for this self-driven tour with 8 delicious Food & Wine Pairings are still only $25! They are available on the Pioneer Wine Trail website: www.pioneerwinetrail.com.
The wineries and their food/wine pairings included in this event are:
Burgdorf’s Winery (Haslett) – Cheddar bisque paired with 2010 Dry Riesling or 2010 semi-sweet Spartan White
Chateau Aeronautique Winery (Jackson) – Chicken kebobs with pineapple & cherry tomatoes paired with Semi-sweet Chardonnel
Cherry Creek Cellars Old Schoolhouse Winery (Brooklyn) – Horseradish crusted salmon paired with Lynn Aleksander Pinot Grigio or Summer Breeze
J. Trees Cellars (Blissfield) – Grilled asparagus and Gruyere cheese ciabatta with tomato bisque dip paired with 2010 Dry Riesling
Lone Oak Vineyard Estate (Grass Lake) – Seafood chowder paired with Seyval Blanc
Pentamere Winery (Tecumseh) – Mushroom stuffed ravioli with buffalo Bolognese sauce paired with 2009 Monks Haven Merlot
Sandhill Crane Vineyards (Jackson) – Spinach salad with balsamic strawberries and Zingerman’s Farm roll
Sleeping Bear Winery (Parma) – Mini open-faced reuben paired with Bear Lake White or 5 O’Clock Somewhere
Ticket holders are welcome to visit each location over the two-day event, or they may choose to limit their visits (as time permits). The Wine Trail encourages ticket holders to bring a designated driver.
Hours of the event are Saturday, April 21 from 11 am to 6 pm and Sunday, April 22 from noon to 6 pm. There are a limited number of tickets available, ticket sales will end on Wednesday, April 18 at midnight (or when sold out), and tickets will not be available the day of the event.
For more information call (517) 592-4663 or (517) 531-3080.
If no answer, please call 517-655-2883 or 517-764-0679.Please note: Ticket holders are welcome to visit each location over the two-day event, or they may choose to limit their visits (as time permits). The Pioneer Wine Trail strongly recommends that you bring a designated driver with you. This event is for persons 21 years or over. You will be asked for ID at each winery. According to Michigan liquor law, we are not allowed to serve anyone who is intoxicated.
Price: $25.00
Southeast Michigan’s Pioneer wine making region is a great place to spend a few hours…. or a few days! The beautiful rolling Irish Hills, many lakes, and Hidden Lake Gardens are right along the trail. Relax, savor our wines, stop for some antiquing and perhaps stay in one of the many bed & breakfast inns in the area!
For more information visit www.pioneerwinetrail.com
Press Release – Easter Egg Coloring at Fieldstone Grill
From a Millennium Restaurant Group press release…..
Sunset Blvd. Brewing Company
4212 Portage Road- Kalamazoo, MI 49001
- (269) 343-0711
- Website
- No Online Menu
I’m not a big Groupon fan. It’s great for consumers, but I hate how cheap people are. The whole idea is to get people in the door, but unfortunately, most people only spend what they have the coupon for and never go back thus, giving the small business they’re supposed to be helping a loss. I think I’ve only ever bought one and I stopped checking a long time ago to see what the deal of the day was.
J, however, checks the deals most days. This week, I’m really glad she did.
On Thursday, J checked Groupon like she does most mornings and was a little confused with what she saw pop up. The deal was for Sunset Blvd. Brewing Company in Kalamazoo. How the heck did a brewery open in Kalamazoo and we missed it?
There’s actually a pretty good answer to that question. The pub opened the week after L was born at the end of January. Almost two years after the brewery was originally announced in the summer of 2010, the owners finally got all the paperwork done and moved in to the old R. Stanley’s location on Portage Road just north of I-94.
J and I used to live at Candlewyck Apartments just down the street on Kilgore Road. I was pretty excited when I read the initial article in the Gazette, but had since forgot about the place. When J told me where the brewery was located, that all came flooding back.
J’s parents came for a visit and not long after they got here, J asked if everyone was hungry. She initially suggested going to Old Mill Brewpub in Plainwell, but I really wanted to check out this new place, so I did my best to talk her in to it. Read more…
Press Release – Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding at Cityscape Events
From a Millennium Restaurant Group press release….
The University Theatre, Millennium Restaurant Group, and Consumers Credit Union invite you to the most anticipated wedding of the year….TONY N’ TINA’S WEDDING!
This legendary off-Broadway hit plays from March 29 to April 15 in downtown Kalamazoo. The happy couple will exchange vows and dance the night away at the most desired wedding venue in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, CITYSCAPE EVENTS.
With as many laughs are there are Italian stereotypes, this big fat Italian wedding will have you feeling like you are a member of the family and thankful that you’re not! The evening includes an Italian buffet dinner and wedding cake by Millennium Restaurant Group.
Ticket Information: Tickets are $45 and include the ceremony and reception, with a delicious Italian dinner and traditional wedding cake. Group and Bridal packages are available by calling (269) 387.3227.March 29, 31
7pm
April 1 5pm
April 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 7pm
April 15 5pm To purchaseCall (269) 387.6222Visit the Gilmore Box Office between 12pm-5pm, Mon-Fri
Web click here
Press Release – Sandhill Crane Vineyards Grand Opening
From a Sandhill Crane Vineyards press release….
Sandhill Crane Vineyards Announces the Grand Opening of Their New AdditionSaturday, April 7, 2012; Ribbon Cutting at NoonJackson, MI – March 23, 2012 – Sandhill Crane Vineyards, a family owned and operated winery in eastern Jackson County announces the Grand Opening of its new addition. The addition, which triples the original space, includes a new cafe’, small banquet room, commercial kitchen, and extended wine cellar/manufacturing area.The Grand Opening celebration runs from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday, April 7, 2012, with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at noon on the front steps. The winery and cafe’ will be open that day for exploration, celebration, tours, and wine tasting.
Since its beginning, the winery has had a tradition of using only local wine grapes and other fruits — all are from a 2-hour radius in southern Michigan. The cafe’ is continuing in that tradition, with dozens of local suppliers providing cheeses, meats, milk, maple syrup, locally roasted coffee, breads, and many other ingredients. The cafe’ menu features seasonal sandwiches, salads, soups, appetizers, and desserts.
Winemaker Holly Balansag will be giving tours of the new cellar area on the hour.
To commemorate the day, the winery is releasing “840,” a new port-style wine made with estate-grown grapes. This wine was aged in very special French oak barrels. It’s rich and not too sweet, with notes of vanilla. It pairs beautifully with rich duck dishes, blue cheeses, and indulgent desserts like tiramisu. The cafe’ will have several specials available that day to pair with the new port.
The winery, which opened in late 2003, was the 40th winery in the state of Michigan. It is now one of more than 90 wineries in the state. The wine industry in Michigan is a terrific example of agriculture- and tourism-based businesses that are growing despite the economy.
Free admission. There is no charge for tours and wine tasting. For more information call 517.764.0679.
Press Release – Oberon Release Party At Old Burdick’s
From an Old Burdick’s press release….
Press Release – Grand Pizza Fest
From a Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce press release….
Grand Pizza Fest
Grand Pizza Fest is here! The event will take place this Saturday, March 24th, at the Grand Haven Community Center from 1 – 4pm.
It is no secret that Northwest Ottawa County has many delicious pizzerias throughout our communities. The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven Spring Lake Ferrysburg thought this trait should be celebrated and is presenting the first Grand Pizza Fest.
Grand Pizza Fest is an opportunity to taste local participating pizzerias’ pizza and vote for the favorite, naming them the Grand Pizza Fest Grandest Pizza of 2012. On Saturday, March 24th, the Chamber of Commerce, along with the sponsor Centennial Securities Company, is inviting the community to the first Grand Pizza Fest at the Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus Avenue, from 1-4pm.
A $15 entry fee includes one sample from each participating pizzeria and a voting ballot; additionally the first 250 attendees will receive a commemorative Grand Pizza Fest apron. A total of 10 pizzerias are participating in the Grand Pizza Fest, including: Clover Bar, Fricano’s Pizza Tavern, Jet’s Pizza, K2 at the Kirby House, Little Caesars, Mama Mia’s, Mr. Scrib’s, Old Boys’ Brewhouse, Palermo Pizza, and Pizza Hut WingStreet.
Those who really love pizza are encouraged to participate in the Pizza Pie Eating Contest at 3:30pm during the Grand Pizza Fest. The competitor who eats one Fricano’s pizza pie the quickest, will be named the 2012 Pizza Pie Champ and receive a great prize, along with a medal and bragging rights for 2012. Advance registration is required, along with a $10 participation fee, applications can be found at www.grandhavenchamber.org.
Throughout the event, musical entertainment will be provided by Barefoot Sunday, a local bluesy, soulful band.
Thank you to our sponsor, Centennial Securities Company LLC for their support of the inaugural Grand Pizza Fest.
For more information visit the Facebook event page titled Grand Pizza Fest or contact Courtney at cgeurink@grandhavenchamber.org.
Press Release – Douglass Farmers’ Market Seeks Local Vendors
From a Fair Food Matters press release….
Douglass Farmers’ Market seeks local food vendors for expanded summer program
The Douglass Farmers’ Market, a program of Fair Food Matters, is now accepting vendor applications for its second summer season.
The market is located at the Douglass Community Center, 1000 West Paterson Street. This summer, the market will be open every Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. from June 5 through August 28. Bridge cards, Double Up Food Bucks, and WIC/Senior Project FRESH are accepted.
The Douglass Farmers’ Market focuses on increasing access to local, healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate produce in the Northside Neighborhood of Kalamazoo. It also creates an enjoyable, educational and safe community event that brings people together.
Sheila Anderson-Knox and Marilyn Hubbard, who operate under the business name “Iboni Rootz,” were vendors at last year’s market, featuring homemade cookies and colored pencil drawings. They will return this year with an expanded fare including fresh vegetables, cut flowers and ready-made cookie mix. They both serve on the market’s planning committee.
“As a vendor at the Douglass Farmers’ Market, I am able to express my Afro-centric artistic style and share my culture with others,” said Anderson-Knox. Hubbard added, “I’m looking forward to selling my homegrown vegetables to earn some extra income this summer, and I’m proud to participate in a market that brings the Northside Neighborhood together.”
The Douglass Farmers’ Market was established in 2011 by Fair Food Matters in partnership with the Douglass Community Association and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Over the winter, a planning committee was formed to help develop a community-based plan to expand the market in 2012.
Last year, 16 vendors participated and an estimated 500 customers attended the market’s four event dates. Vendors featured locally grown vegetables and plants, homemade baked goods, sustainably raised meat and eggs, and handmade art and craft items. Several of last year’s vendors have already agreed to return, and the market’s website will list this year’s vendors as they become registered with the manager.
Vendor applications are available for download at http://douglassfarmersmarket.wordpress.com/vendors. Paper copies may be requested by calling Fair Food Matters at (269) 492-1270. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 1.
Sandhill Cafe
1123 129th AvenueAfter a hilarious show at the Ford Fieldhouse in Grand Rapids, J and I started heading back towards Kalamazoo. The plan at first was to grab dinner at Brewery Vivant before the show, but L has been giving us a little trouble lately and we wanted to minimize time away from her just for Grandma’s sanity.
As we hit the highway, J texted her mom to see how things were going. She said L was in bed and caused her only a few “minor” issues. She told us if we wanted to go out for dinner, we should.
We didn’t really want to stay in Grand Rapids on St. Patrick’s Day Eve, so we decided to head towards Wayland. We’ve always talked about eating at the Sandhill Cafe inside Gun Lake Casino, but we’ve always put it off. Since it was on the way home, we finally decided it was time to give it a shot.
Sandhill Cafe is Gun Lake’s full service restaurant. It’s located inside the casino which is just off US 131 at the Bradley exit. If you use the west entrance, Sandhill Cafe is right around the corner after making your way inside. Read more…
SW Michigan Dining 