Our own taste tester was recently on the spot at T. Ashwell’s restaurant in Ellison Bay to sample two new menu “preludes” made with St. Paul Flatbread.

Vegetarian Flat Bread Roulade – St. Paul Flatbread Company’s flat bread, spread with a basil pesto mascarpone cheese, baby spinach and dried currants rolled and sliced with Door County strawberry and balsamic honey “salad” $7

Lebanese Pizza – St. Paul Flatbread Company’s flat bread, topped with tomato, pine nuts, red onion, feta cheese and lamb kibbi pieces (ground lamb, bulghar wheat, cumin and coriander) $8

Find T. Ashwell’s on Facebook

Hot Bacon and Cherry Hot Bacon Dressings made in Door County

“We have been serving our homemade Hot Bacon Dressing on our spinach salads since we opened in 2005,” says Lisa Daubner. “It was loved by so many people who wanted to take some home with them that we started sending it out with our guests in plastic containers.”

The continual requests coming from dining room patrons that wanted to give the dressing to friends as a gift or simply to take south with them for the winter convinced Randy and Lisa Daubner to start bottling it and putting a proper label on the outside.

Lisa says, “Randy has always made it himself. He started with a few different base recipes that he continually tweaked until he came up with our own English Inn recipe. Its’ one of the few recipes he does not give out.”

The bottling process started in the winter of 2008. Randy and Toni Stich went to the Algoma Certified Shared Kitchen to get The English Inn’s kitchen certified for commercial canning and bottling and to learn the process. They obtained all the licensing and permits required to begin bottling by spring of 2008.

Now you can buy16 oz. jars of dressing at The English Inn or you can call 920.868.3076 to place an order by phone. They ship anywhere in the United States through US Postal Service at whatever rate the post office charges to send to your location.

This year they added a second variety, Cherry Hot Bacon Dressing since everyone in Door County loves things made with cherries. A 16 oz. container of Hot Bacon Dressing costs $8.95 and the same size of Cherry Hot Bacon sells for $9.50.

Along with their own in-house favorite uses for the dressings like on spinach salad, some of the English Inn patrons have shared their favorite ways to use them, including as a basting sauce for chicken or ham, in German potato salad and as a dipping sauce for snacks.

If you want to learn more or place an order, please contact Lisa Daubner via email at: finedining@theenglishinn.com or phone 920.868.3076.

“With the folk love of such greats as Joni Mitchell and Aimee Mann – Galynne Goodwill stays true to form and shows that she can compete in the big leagues.” Wilson Pickin – Los Angeles, CA (iTunes Review)

“This lounge-rock duo plays some of the most listenable original tunes and carefully chosen cover songs around. Galynne’s soulful clear voice and the sparse instrumentals make a surprisingly filled out sound.” City Pages – Wausau, WI

“Some of the best a’Bravo memories are made when Galynne & MarkOnDrums play here.” Julie Brunette, a’Bravo – Green Bay, WI

“If you’ve not heard Galynne & MarkOnDrums, then you really owe it to yourself…” Alex Galt, Kavarna – Green Bay, WI

Green Drinks Wednesday, July 28 from 4:30 – 6 pm

Green Drinks, is a group event sponsored by Sustain Door and Glas Coffeehouse in Sturgeon Bay.  It is a monthly open social group that discusses sustainability-related issues and any topics raised during the meeting. It also coincides with the Glas happy hour where patrons can receive $2 lattes and cappuccinos.

Green Drinks Sturgeon Bay is part of an international network of local salons of its kind (see www.greendrinks.org).  Sustain Door, the local non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of Door County using The Natural Step framework and process, conducts the regular monthly gathering informally, without agenda. Green Drinks takes place during the Glas happy hour, at which time the establishment offers $2.00 lattes and cappuccinos.

Glas, the green coffeehouse, is a venture for Cellcom, a wireless company based in Green Bay. Glas and its building feature various green elements in effort to reduce stress on the environment. The coffeehouse provides quality coffee, loose-leaf tea, espresso drinks, food items, live music on select days and free Wi-Fi Internet service. To find more about events and specials, visit www.glascoffee.com.

For more information about Sustain Door and its activities visit www.sustaindoor.org.

Life is Sweet by Tim Nyberg

Tim Nyberg reminisced about an ice cream parlor in White Bear Lake, Minnesota that he used to visit as a child, “There were high ceilings with beautifully rendered Maxfield Parish-esque peach-tinted clouds all around tops of the walls. Those paintings really made it a magical place.”

Tim mentioned what an asset the high ceilings were. He suggested that Terry could make good use of the tall ceilings by hanging appropriately-themed paintings in the  areas above the merchandise. Terry, wishing to reinvent and update the popular confectionery with its move, agreed it would be a good idea.

In two days, Tim walked over with a large five by six foot canvas titled, “Candy Store Kids” and asked Terry if he would “store it for him.” Terry loved the painting and was thrilled to oblige.

In a few days, Ullman walked across the street to Tim’s Gallery 42 and asked about creating four more paintings to be used as signs above the specific food and merchandise areas. A quick check for the appropriate canvas size and Tim went to work on four more whimsical, colorful paintings.

Never one to miss an opportunity to update and improve a corporate image, the graphic designer side of Nyberg went to work creating a new branding for the confectionery – based on their web site, Door County Candy.com. He also fashioned a whimsical treatment of Terry’s “Life is Sweet” tag to be used on apparel and other merchandise.

Next time you walk into Terry’s confectionery you will not only be greeted by friendly staff, the wonderful smells of freshly popped corn and the colorful array of candies and merchandise, you’ll also have your eyes and spirits lifted by Tim Nyberg’s whimsical paintings.

More of Tim Nyberg’s art may be viewed at g42 (Gallery 42) in Sturgeon Bay, at J. Jeffrey Taylor in Fish Creek, and online at g42art.com.

I am not sure about you but, I have to wonder… How and why did it became fashionable for live music to start at 10 pm? Maybe I am getting old(er). I am certain of that, but thanks to the Cookery for introducing:

• a great schedule of live entertainment – one that includes some of my all-time favorite (local) performing artists
• truly “hosting” with no cover charge – a gift!
• and starting the music at 8 pm for us adults who like the mornings as well as the night life.

Here’s the upcoming agenda, including a video I shot last summer of the awesome, cello-playing, melaniejane.

June 3
Michael Ammons and The Water Street Hot Shots
String band blues.

June 10
Julian Hagen and Lynne Gudmundsen
An eclectic mix of bluegrass, Celtic and folk music.

June 17
melaniejane
Award winning singer/songwriter, melaniejane has an eclectic blend of original material which features electric cello, guitar and keyboard.

June 24
Katie Dahl
Intricate lyrics and catchy melodies combine in music from this Door County folksinger.

The Cookery Wine Bar will serve from their small plate, appetizer and dessert menu – available before and during the show.

Starting today the Cookery shifts to the following extended hours of operation in both the restaurant and the wine bar.

Restaurant
Monday – Friday, 11 am – 9 pm
Saturday & Sunday, 8 am – 9 pm

Wine Bar
Daily , 3 pm – 10 pm
During the lunch and breakfast hours, patrons may be seated on either the restaurant or wine bar level.

New Menu Items…

It is that time of year when the Cookery chefs have fun in the kitchen and add some new menu items.

The Skare’s tell us, “Carol has been busy testing everything from new flatbread recipes for our wine bar to a slow-cooked beef brisket over polenta for the dinner menu. Most of our new additions this year are to expand our wine bar’s small plate menu.”

New appetizers include:

• a smoked whitefish spread made with whitefish from Charlie’s smokehouse in Gills Rock.

New small plates include:

• an eggplant & green olive flatbread
• a caprese flatbread (both on crust made from Washington Island wheat)
• and fish and chips.

The lunch menu now includes a new pulled pork sandwich that features a bbq and red wine vinaigrette, served over a Memphis-style mustard slaw on ciabatta.

Other new additions will also be on the menu throughout the summer months as seasonal local produce becomes available during the growing season.

To view the entire menu please visit the Cookery Web site.

In the Chicago area, Sue has performed at Schubas, Martyr’s, Fitzgerald’s, Elbo Room, Evanston SPACE, Two Way Street Coffee House, and Uncommon Ground.  Now including Wisconsin in her territory, she’s played at Folk on State and Maxwell St. Days (Madison), Café Carpe (Ft. Atkinson), and The Art Garage (Green Bay).

“Guess I’m movin’ on up… up North, that is,” she laughs.  On Thursday, May 27, Sue will perform her first Door County show at Glas, the green coffeehouse, 67 E. Maple St., Sturgeon Bay, 920.743.5575.  Wisconsin troubadour Skip Jones opens at 7 pm, and Sue Fink begins at 8 pm.  There is no cover charge.

Sue Fink

Known for her compelling songs and charming performances, Sue shares her unique perspective through humor, poignant lyrics, and sing-along tunes.  During her hour-long set, Sue will perform songs from her two full-length CDs, Thoughts at an Intersection (2009), and Damsel in Distress (2006).  Most likely she’ll sing something from Not Quite There Yet (2003), her 5-song sampler, as well as a new song or two.  Her songs have received radio play on WPR and WORT in Wisconsin, and Thoughts, in particular, has been played on folk stations nationwide, including Rich Warren’s nationally syndicated show, “Midnight Special.”

Lilli Kuzma, host of the “Folk Festival” show on WDBC in Glen Ellyn, IL, voted Sue’s song “Tracking System” as one of her top three favorite new songs of 2009.  “I’m struck, in particular, by Sue’s amazing ability to segue from a quirky song to very serious material, to have me literally laughing out loud one minute, and almost in tears the next.  She has a great way of connecting with her audience,” Lilli says.

Come see for your self at Glas on May 27!

“The real appeal, however, is Fink’s distinctive, off-kilter worldview …” – Jim DeRogatis, music critic, Chicago Sun Times , http://blogs.suntimes.com/derogatis/2009/10/demo2dero_sue_fink.html

“…A host of talented musicians, providing everything from cello to piano, assist her in realizing her wistful, humorous, and serious observations about life.” – Jason Scales, Illinois Entertainer (Thoughts at an Intersection CD review), http://illinoisentertainer.com/2010/03/around-hear-march-2010/

“Astuteness and innocence are bedfellows in [Sue's] songs.  The moments she captures, the detail in which the moments are drawn, and her rendering of the characters is nothing short of delightful.” - Jenny Bienemann, singer-songwriter who performs frequently in Door County

“Sue Fink brought down the house with her piercingly funny lyrics, sung with an innocent style that made it all that more subversive.” – Rick Nease, singer-songwriter

The announcement came this afternoon during the DCEDC annual investors meeting at Stone Harbor Resort & Conference Center in Sturgeon Bay.

J.J.'s & La Puerta Restaurant in Sister Bay

Offering everything from burgers and Mexican cuisine to fine dining, JJ and Kristine Johnson are the owners of JJs/La Puerta and the Waterfront in Sister Bay, and their newest venture, JJ’s of Jacksonport (“Triple J’s”). Over the past thirty years, this year’s award winners have created many successful businesses, including retail t-shirt shops and three busy restaurants in Northern Door County, catering not only to seasonal residents and vacationers, but also to very loyal local Door County patrons.

These entrepreneurs have survived and overcome more than the usual share of obstacles faced by business owners. Just last year, their signature location in Sister Bay suffered a devastating fire that forced them to close the restaurant’s doors for six months. At the same time, they were being challenged by the process of opening their third location.

They employ fifteen people year round in Northern Door, which is significant for an area with a seasonally fluctuating economy. That number historically climbs to between forty and fifty during the busy summer months. The number is likely to go up even more in 2010, as this will be the first summer they will have all three restaurants open for business. They also contribute to the community through quiet but very steady and generous support of a number of local charitable causes.

“It is our pleasure to recognize JJ and Kris with the Entrepreneur of the Year award,” says DCEDC Executive Director Bill Chaudoir. “They have built a strong reputation in Door County, based on their desire to serve people quality food and provide a great environment. Their contributions to our economy and our community are almost incalculable. We wish them nothing but continued success.”

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award celebrates those individuals who have taken the initiative to start and grow a successful small business in Door County. Eligible businesses include those with fewer than 50 employees, exhibiting exciting growth potential and that have at least three years of successful business experience. Last year’s winner was Roger Utnehmer, President and CEO of Nicolet Broadcasting and the radio stations of DoorCountyDailyNews.com.

The Door County Economic Development Corporation is a public/private partnership dedicated to improving the economic vitality of the county and its residents. Founded in 1989, DCEDC has been successful in helping existing businesses create and retain thousands of jobs through a myriad of programs and initiatives. Additionally, DCEDC places strong emphasis on fostering entrepreneurial instincts in county residents as well as those who vacation on the Door County Peninsula. Door County Economic Development Corporation offices are located within the small business incubator DCEDC founded in 1997 at 185 East Walnut Street in the Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park.

“Green Drinks is a program designed to meet the intellectual and social needs of Door County residents and visitors who yearn to discuss important issues about our local economy, our environment, and our social condition within the larger context of sustainability,” says Ann Hippensteel a volunteer with Sustain Door.

Participants are encouraged to bring a discussion question to pose. The open-format meetings are for anyone who is concerned about local living economy, environmental preservation, social justice, community building and other green topics.

This month’s topic: What role does the business sector of society play in achieving sustainability? Participants can give their thoughts and opinions. Other questions will be asked throughout the evening.

“We are excited to be hosting Green Drinks at Glas. We strive to find new ways for the coffeehouse to be green so this is a perfect match for us,” says Meghan Riordan, manager of Glas. “Sustain Door looks at the bigger picture of eco-friendly efforts, so it goes hand-in-hand with our mission at Glas.”

Future Green Drinks meetings to be held at Glas are scheduled for Tuesday, February 23, Wednesday, March 24, Tuesday, April 27 and Wednesday, May 26.

Glas, the green coffeehouse, is a venture for Cellcom, a wireless company based in Green Bay. Centrally located in the city of Sturgeon Bay, Glas offers a panoramic view of the beautiful waters surrounding Door County. Glas and its building feature various green elements in effort to reduce stress on the environment. The coffeehouse provides quality coffee, loose-leaf tea, espresso drinks, food items, live music on select days and free Wi-Fi Internet service. To find more about events and specials, visit www.glascoffee.com.

Sustain Door is an organization whose purpose is to promote the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of Door County using the Natural Step framework and process. For more information visit sustaindoor.googlepages.com.

Winner of Door County Magazine’s “Female Musician of the Year” award  in 2008, Jeanne also hosts the summer music series at Woodwalk Gallery’s Events Barn. Her band, Lost Mothra is a powerful collection of accomplished master musicians.

Jeanne Kuhns, Patrick Palmer, Lynn Gudmundsen and George Sawyn

Accompanying her on guitar is George Sawyn, an accomplished jazz and classical stylist, performing professionally in Chicago for over 30 years, and newly relocated to Door County! Nationally known violinist, Lynn Gudmundsen runs Door County’s Annual Summer Bluegrass Camp and has played with many high-profile musicians. Patrick Palmer has played both stand up and electric bass with “Lost Mothra” for 2 years and previously worked with many other groups in the county.

“Please join us for a celebratory evening as we head into the busy summer season,” says Jeanne. “Let’s gather and connect before we get too busy to see each other this summer and enjoy the wonderful music of ‘Lost Mothra,’ Friday April 23rd.”

Joe Jo’s Pizza and Gelato is located at 10420 Hwy 42 at the north end of Ephraim. Show time is from 6 – 8 pm. No cover, tips gratefully appreciated.

Chef Bruce Alexander

On Sunday, March 28, Chef Bruce Alexander will prepare another spectacular gourmet brunch, served from 11 am until 2 pm. You have to see it to believe it. And better yet, you simply have to taste it to believe it! Not only will you enjoy an amazing culinary feast, you will in turn be supporting a second and equally impressive Door Community event.

On Tuesday, March 30, seven of Door County’s finest poets join Midsummer’s Music performers in the 7th annual presentation of Haydn’s “The Seven Last Words of Christ” at 7 pm. The concert event will take place at Stella Maris (St. Rosalia’s Church) located on Highway 42 at the top of the Sister Bay hill.

Haydn’s masterpiece is performed by a world-class string quartet that includes violinists David Perry and Hyunsil Roh, violist Sally Chisholm and cellist Walter Preucil.

A new addition to the event are local poets Phil Hansotia, Cynthia Johnson, Barbara Larsen, Ralph Murre, June Nirschl, Nancy Rafal, and Judy Roy as they share their beautiful passages regarding each of the seven last words. A suggested donation of $10 per adult is appreciated.

“We encourage everyone to attend the brunch, not only for the excellent food and camaraderie, but to also meet the poets.” explains Kathleen Pearson, Executive Director of Midsummer’s Music.

The 5th Annual Benefit Brunch is a mere $15 for ages 17 and up, $5 for ages 6 – 16 and children 5 and under are free. Proceeds help offset the cost of Tuesday’s concert. Alexander’s is located at 3667 Hwy. 42 between Fish Creek and Ephraim.