OK, seriously? I was just thinking about how well I’ve been doing on my Lean 11 Weight Loss Challenge when Dianna from Promote Michigan sends me this press release about a dinner series at Salt of the Earth! Diet or no diet, I may just have to sacrifice in the name of local eating and drinking research.
Press Release contents follow:
Salt of the Earth Launches 2nd Annual Michigan Wine & Beer Dinner Series
(FENNVILLE, Mich) – Coming off an amazing inaugural year, West Michigan’s Salt of the Earth announces its second-annual Michigan Wine & Beer Dinner Series at its downtown Fennville rustic American eatery.
“We’re excited to create a unique experience at each event, ranging from beer and barbeque, to cocktail parties, to formal dinners, where we will pit Michigan wines against global competitors,” says proprietor Mark Schrock. “Winemakers and brewers will be present at each event, along with a very special lineup of guest chefs from around the state. We invite you to come celebrate the best of Michigan food and beverage with us!”
The 2011 series will span five months, and feature three Michigan wineries and two Michigan breweries. Five courses will be served at each event, paired with the best from each producer. Many taste selections are from wine and beer maker’s personal cellars that are not always available to the public.
Each event starts at 7:00pm and reservations are required. Call 269-561-SALT (7258). Prices are per person and do not include tax & gratuity.
WYNCROFT WINES - Michigan vs. France
Guest Chef: Matthew Millar - Reserve, Grand Rapids
Wednesday, January 19
$80
Enjoy special library wines from Wyncroft Winery’s artisan winemaker Jim Lester, pitted against selected French wines. We will enjoy 2004 Wyncroft Riesling (dry), 2004 Wyncroft Chardonnay, 2005 Wyncroft Pinot Noir, 2006 Wyncroft “Shou”. (Bordeaux blend), and 2008 Wyncroft Riesling, December Harvest. French selections to be announced. Salt of the Earth Executive Chef Matthew Pietsch will be joined in the kitchen by Reserve Executive Chef Matthew Millar, collaborating on a menu of French inspired dishes. This event is limited to 45 guests and will sell out. Please call soon to reserve your seat!
L. MAWBY - Sparkling Cocktail Party
Guest Chef: Jesse Hahn – Trailer Park’d (former SotE Chef de Cuisine)
Wednesday, February 9
$45
Join noted Michigan sparkling wine pioneer Larry Mawby from L. Mawby Vineyards as he presents sparkling wines from his cellars in the Leelanau Peninsula, paired with rustic canapés and shared plates from Chefs Matt & Jesse in a cocktail party style atmosphere in our bar. Learn about the process of making sparkling wines and make new friends!
SHORTS BREWING COMPANY - Northern Brew and ‘Cue
Guest Chef: Norman Valenti – Michael Symon’s Roast, Detroit
Wednesday, March 9
$45
Northwest Michigan’s Short’s Brewery pairs up unique craft beers with barbecue flavors coming out of the SotE brick oven. We are excited to offer a variety of beers not available outside of the Short’s pub in Bellaire. Chef Matt reunites with Chef Norman Valenti from Michael Symon’s Roast to cook up amazing barbecue dishes.
BRYS ESTATE - Michigan vs. South Africa
Guest Chef: TBA
Wednesday, April 20
$60
Winemaker Coenraad Stassen from Brys Estate returns to showcase his beautiful award-winning wines, and selected wines from his homeland of South Africa, paired with South African inspired culinary treats from the SotE kitchen.
BELL’S BREWERY - Rustic Eccentric v2
Guest Chef: Joel Wabeke – Six One Six, Grand Rapids
Wednesday, May 11
$50
Michigan craft brewing pioneer Larry Bell presents outstanding craft beer from Bell’s Brewery with an “anything goes” eccentric menu to honor Bell’s eccentric café. Chef Matt and Chef Joel will be focusing on local spring flavors as they pair dishes with Bell’s outstanding beers.
Salt of the Earth is a rustic American eatery and bakery, tucked away in a historic building in quaint downtownFennville – in the heart of the Southwest Michigan’s thriving agricultural region. Under the direction of Chef Matthew Pietsch (protégé of ‘Iron Chef’ Michael Symon), this full service restaurant offers a seasonal menu of made-from-scratch entrees, shared plates, wood-fired oven pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and creative desserts – using fresh ingredients, often sourced locally. Artisan bread is baked in house, served with dinner and available to take home. You’ll also find a bar stocked with an impressive selection of Michigan wines, craft beers, and spirit, alongside other domestic and international selections. Salt of the Earth is also a popular venue for local and regional musical artists, with live house concerts held every Sunday. Winter Hours: Dinner served Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 5-8:30PM, Friday & Saturday 5-10PM. Fresh baked artisan bread is available in our bakery café from 9am to noon every Friday and Saturday.
Salt of the Earth 114 East Main Street – Fennville MI 49408 269.561.SALT (7258)
