It’s time to fire up the grill or the smoker and enjoy some fun in the sun with some great food. May is National Barbecue Month and there are many ways to celebrate. You can host a backyard barbecue, try out new recipes or even make your own homemade sauce. You can also choose to visit one of the many local restaurants that serve up some yummy BBQ ribs, wings, brisket, chicken – it’s ALL good!
Of course, a great burger enjoyed on a breezy patio is hard to beat, but the warmer air calls for lighter fare. In hot weather, your body works harder to digest heavy meals. And sometimes when you think you’re super hungry, you are actually thirsty. Eating fresh, raw fruits and veggies helps keep you hydrated. So, not only does eating less during the summer feel good, it’s good for you!
When the silver medal winner in the Belgian-Style Tripel category was announced this past March at the World Beer Cup in Nashville, Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery Brew Master Rockne Van Meter felt it was all over and he would be leaving the competition empty-handed. “Really, I went in hoping for a bronze or silver award. I didn’t think gold was in the cards for me in any category. Brewing the best beer in the world just doesn’t happen,” he says. Having entered five different beers in the competition, he was down to his last chance to receive an award. “I had four of the five make it to the medal rounds but no further.” He had pinned his best hopes on a Belgian-Style Saison that went down in an earlier medal round. The only beer left was his “Nectar of the Gods” – a Belgian-Style Tripel that he nearly didn’t submit. “My wife really liked it,” he remembers. “I wasn’t sure it was up to par. I thought it had no chance.” He was looking to leave the event before the gold medal winner was announced and wasn’t paying attention when his number was called. “I was speaking to my wife when people around me started clapping,” he recalls. The World Beer Cup judges had chosen his “Nectar of the Gods” as the gold medal winner in the Belgian-Style Tripel category. It was Van Meter’s only medal of the competition, one of only three medal-winners in the entire State of Michigan, and the only gold. “I couldn’t believe it,” he commented.
We wait so long for the time when we can enjoy a meal al fresco and in Greater Flint, the options abound! Here is a sampling of the many local eateries that offer outdoor seating to enhance your summer dining experience.
There’s nothing like sunshine, a warm breeze and the smell of delicious food on the grill. If you’ve been anticipating getting back to grilling, wait no longer! According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, now that temperatures are warmer, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything you love about outdoor cooking. If you already have a grill, this is a great time to upgrade, so you can cook more dishes for bigger get-togethers, or to try a different kind of grill, letting you experiment with new techniques like using a smoker.
Happiness is … cookies! Who doesn’t like to indulge in a few “to die for” Christmas cookies during the holidays? One way to enjoy a variety of the tasty treats is to host or attend a Christmas Cookie Exchange with your family members or co-workers. Sometimes called a Cookie Swap, each guest brings a different type of homemade cookie, which they swap with the other guests. It’s always nice to share your recipe, as well. Here are some of my favorite cookie recipes friends have shared with me.
It’s an exciting time at Fenton Winery & Brewery – Owners Matt and Ginny Sherrow are proud to announce the grand opening of Dream Machine Distillery! The taproom now features a new small batch distillery and a breathtaking new cocktail bar serving innovative craft libations. Following a lot of dreaming and planning, a soft opening was held in early July. “We have been working on this project for over two years!” Matt exclaims.
Brick Street of Grand Blanc is not just a restaurant – it’s an experience! The pub, patio and variety of dining spaces and banquet rooms offer the ideal place to enjoy a casual meal or fine dining experience, enjoy entertainment or hold your special event. The popular restaurant, which is centrally located, opened in 2001 and is owned by Michael and Jackie Jablonski who have been in the food and entertainment business for many years.
For the past 25 years, Nick and Peggy Sorise have been proud owners of the Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grille. Formerly named the Fenton Hotel, it was first built when the railroads came to Fenton in 1856. The couple purchased it in 1997 and looking back over the last 25 years, they have seen many changes. Today, they strive to keep the popular dining institution relevant for its customers.
There’s a place in Fenton where all the meats are cooked “low and slow” and the results are absolutely delicious. Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ recently moved to a new location, the former John’s Pizzeria & Restaurant. Co-owned by Phil Canup and his daughter Lisa Reading, the eatery has been serving real Memphis-style slow-smoked pork, brisket, ribs and chicken since 2006.
The popular eatery has been serving authentic Italian cuisine to their loyal customers since they opened their doors in February 2019. General Manager Brian McCurdy says the owners of the family restaurant chain have been putting much time and effort into coming up with some new and exciting enhancements – to make the Andiamo experience even better!
For nearly three decades, Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery in Flint Township has offered casual, upscale dining in a comfortable atmosphere. Established in 1996 (previously named Redwood Lodge), the popular restaurant and brewery serves award-winning beer, mesquite grill, raw bar, luscious steaks, seafood, burgers, salads and pasta. The restaurant celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. “We’ve definitely evolved!” exclaims Luis Fernandes, Executive Chef and Managing Partner.
