It was truly, PURE Michigan last week – the sun was brilliant, the days are long and fire flies! I found the fire flies, but alas didn’t have a Mason jar to collect them as we all did as kids. Randy is nervous because I could move back in a minute – forgot about snow and cold in winter. Let me rethink that one.
We did some market work and visited accounts and if you’re looking for a short course on where to eat and shop for wine, here is my list.
Original Powers home in Elk Rapids. Built by Great Great Grandfather Oliver Powers.
South Eastern Michigan
Terry B’s in Dexter – Doug Hewitt has to be one of the most talented chefs in Michigan, with his youth, energy and commitment to using local, fresh products. A few miles west of the stadium, I’ll have to figure out what wine is appropriate when State beats Michigan this fall.
Heading to the North Country
Boone’s North Country Grill – We lost our friend and proprietor Barry Boone last winter and now Karen and daughter Chelsea, an extreme skier in the off months, are doing a great job with the bar and restaurant in Sutton’s Bay.
Harbor 22 – Overlooking the Traverse Bay, you’ll find at least three of our wines on their list with owners Ian and Karen. The fish tacos are fabulous.
Tuscan Bistro – Mickey Cannon’s place with marvelous Italian food just around the corner from Harbor 22.
Boone’s Long Lake Inn – Our friends Jake and Nick have a well kept secret on the south side of Traverse with their huge outdoor patio.
Burritt’s Fresh Markets – Downtown Traverse City, is one of the anchor places where the summer folks stock up; AND owner Ken Burritt is also an identical twin, so he and Randy have a lot in common.
Folgarelli’s City Market – Also downtown Traverse City, owner Donna keeps a well stocked wine cellar and we’re constantly gleaning information on sailing.
The Blue Goat – Stop in and say howdy to Dennis Carol, crazy little blue painted retail shop. Also in Downtown Traverse.
LaBecasse – Vive la’ France! Small, darn right cozy, personal on a small rural road outside Maple City, and oh, mon dieu … foie gras crème brule? We were licking the dishes.
Elk Rapids Wine Shoppe in Elk Rapids – Just around the corner from our Powers family home on the corner of Spruce Street.
Siren Hall – very sleek and unexpected restaurant across the block from the wine shoppe in Elk Rapids.
Esperance – Owner Pram is a master som and understands the concept of fine dining and service, but his wife Suzanne takes all the prizes with homemade ravioli luna, outside Charlevoix.
And the frosting on the cake for Pure Michigan is the effort so many folks make in the community of Charlevoix by planting the curbs, coming and going with brightly colored petunias. Certainly a signature effort, and one that I appreciate each time I drive through the community. Hands down – they get the concept of ‘welcome home’.
