Cookery Rolls Out Summer Hours, New Menu Items and Wine Bar Music Series!
Door County musicians featured in the Cookery Wine Bar’s June schedule of live entertainment on Thursday evenings.
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.
Recipe for White Gull Inn’s Cherry-Stuffed French Toast, Dubbed the Best Breakfast in America!
Who could imagine that one of Door County’s historic country inns would capture the crown in ABC TV’s Good Morning America Best Breakfast Challenge?
From the kitchen of Door County’s White Gull Inn in Fish Creek, Wisconsin comes chef Julie Zak’s recipe for Cherry-Stuffed French Toast.
|Cook Time: 30-60 min
Ingredients:
1 loaf egg bread, unsliced
1 8-ounce packages cheese cream, room temperature
2 cups tart Montmorency cherries, drained, divided
3 eggs
2 cups milk
cinnamon, for garnish
powdered sugar, for garnish
maple syrup, for garnish
Cooking Directions:
Trim ends from loaf and cut bread into six 1 1/2 inch thick slices. Make a cut three-quarters down the middle of each slice. Bread will appear to have to separate slices, but will be joined together at the bottom. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese and one cup of the cherries. Spread approximately 1/6 cup of the mixture into the pocket of each slice of bread. Gently press slices together, evenly distributing filling.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs and milk together. Dip stuffed slices into egg mixture and coat all sides. Place immediately on a lightly oiled, heated griddle and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until golden brown, turning to cook second side.
Remove cooked slices from griddle and place on a cutting board. Gently make a diagonal cut through each slice, forming two triangles. Arrange two triangles on individual plates. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and remaining cherries. Serve with maple syrup and butter.
Mike’s Port Pub in Jacksonport Celebrates 20 Years as a Favorite Door County Gathering Spot
Mike and Barb Lautenbach began celebrating their 20th year in business at Mike’s Port Pub on May 13.
Mike and Barb Lautenbach
Both Mike and Barb come from family business backgrounds with bar and restaurant ownershiop and management in the mix. Mike’s grandfather, father and uncle owned the famous Casey’s Inn in Egg Harbor from 1938 to 1983. Barb’s parents owned and operated Bob and Jean’s Midtown Tap in Egg Harbor from 1965 to 1982.
Mike and Barb worked for Gene and Sharon Kessen when the business in Jacksonport was named Geno’s. Then in 1991, they bought the business and changed the name to Mike’s Port Pub. On May 13 they began celebrating their 20th year in business.
The pub is known for their excellent burgers, soups, Friday night fish plates and broasted chicken dinners. Mike’s will have a “20th Year Special” every Tuesday celebrating with $2 Burgers. And, military personnel, both active and veterans, can receive a 10% discount on their food tab. Every Wednesday, starting on June 2, from 5 – 9 pm, Mike’s will be hosting a “Cruise In.” Bring your antique or hot rod car and show it off. Mike will have an outdoor food and beverage stand for your convenience.
Come and enjoy “the best burger in Door County” at Mike’s Port Pub – where you are always treated like family.
White Gull Inn a Contender in ABC’s Best Breakfast Challenge – Here’s How to Vote Online May 15
This Door County favorite is one of four restaurants chosen by ABC’s Good Morning America TV show to compete in their “Best Breakfast Challenge” and your vote on Saturday will help them win.
ABC’s Good Morning America has released the voting instructions for its Best Breakfast Challenge, in which this classic Door County restaurant is a finalist. Good Morning America features correspondent, Marysol Castro and producer, Ameya Pendse visited Fish Creek’s White Gull Inn on May 4 and shot footage of the restaurant and the making of one of their specialty breakfast features, Door County Cherry Stuffed French Toast. The episode will be televised nationwide on the progam this Saturday, May 15 at 7 am (Central Time).
Voting will commence after the show as viewers across America will be encouraged to vote online for the ultimate winner. The White Gull and the other three finalists from Houston, TX, Asheville, NC and Portsmouth, NH were selected by the show from entries sent in by fans of thousands of restaurants across the country.
Immediately after the segment airs on Saturday, May 15 (both the taped piece and the live portion broadcast in Times Square), voting beings. Viewers can log on to http://abcnews.go.com/gma and look for a link that says, “VOTE FOR THE BEST BREAKFAST“. The link will be up until (roughly) 7 pm (Central Time).
Viewers can only vote once. The viewers’ votes add up to 50% of the vote. The other half is determined by the show’s four anchors (after tasting the food). About 8pm (Eastern Time), Good Morning America will inform the nominees of the outcome.
Pendse will then travel to the winning restaurant in time to feature it live the next day on the show, Sunday morning, May 16. Based upon the large crowd that turned out for the shooting on May 4, White Gull Innkeeper Andy Coulson says he is gearing up for a big turnout at the Inn on Saturday, May 15 at 7 am, when the segment airs and an even larger one the following morning if the White Gull wins.
Results will be posted on Saturday evening on the White Gull’s Website and their Facebook Fan Page as soon as he hears the results from ABC, Coulson says.
LINKS:
Fish Creek’s White Gull Inn is a Finalist in Good Morning America’s Best Breakfast Challenge
“Good Morning America” Bites Into Door County Breakfast
Windy City’s Sue Fink Stages Door County Premiere Performance at Glas, the Green Coffeehouse, May 27
Chicago-based singer/songwriter Sue Fink has been entertaining audiences since 2001 with her quirky tales of love gone awry. Her poetry and short-story writing background informs her witty, compelling story-songs. The popular YouTube video, “Damsel in Distress” (the title song of her 2006 CD), finds Sue tied to the railroad tracks and devising other precarious scenarios to catch her beau’s attention… though she always winds up saving herself.
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
Karin Miller Knutson Gets a Kick out of Art and Motorcycles on Exhibit Now through June 4
It’s been a while since motorcycles had a kick starter, but this Door County artist is getting a Kick out of displaying an ever-changing collection of her work at Sturgeon Bay’s coffeeshop art gallery.
Local Sturgeon Bay artist Karin Miller Knutson is exhibiting her artwork at Kick Coffee downtown on 3rd Avenue from now through June 4. The first two weeks of the exhibit will feature her trademark Mekanimal series of drawings that most typically merge animal forms with motorcycles. It will be up until Tuesday, May 18.
Dedicated to the Steel Brisge Songfest
The last two weeks will feature her Door County landscapes. Karin uses pen and ink, watercolor and pastel to render her visions into finished works. This work will evolve as the show does, with ever-changing detail and color coming soon.
Click here to find her on Facebook.
Alexander’s Fish Fry to Benefit Local Door County Baseball Team, May 4
The Gibraltar Vikings partner with Alexander’s to host the “Jeff Weborg” Fish Fry Fundraiser.
On May 4 between 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm you are encouraged to serve a great cause and get served a delicious meal. The proceeds go towards buying new pitching machines for the Viking team as well as to provide baseball scholarships to outstanding players at Gibraltar.
It’s actually an all-you-can-eat buffet – sorry no table service – but you’ll enjoy a delicious fish fry, boiled potatoes and onions, coleslaw, rye bread, dessert and a drink. Hot dogs are optional for kids. Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $6 for children 6-11, with kids 5 and under eating for free.
The Gibraltar Vikings are 9-0 so far this year, with an all-star senior class leading the way. First in their division this year, they are not showing signs of letting up. There seems to be no soft spot in their pitching roster. Cheer on the Vikings at any of their games. Check their Website for a complete schedule.
Be sure to check out the Gibraltar Vikings Coupon Books that are also available from any of the players. For $20, you get coupons valued at over $200 for dozens of Door County businesses and the proceeds all go to the baseball team for new equipment and next year’s trip to baseball camp. They will be available at the fish fry and will be sold until May 7.
If you have any questions or need information, contact Coach Jay Kita at brendakita@hotmail.com.
Wine and Chocolate at Door Peninsula Winery this Weekend, 5 Great Courses – Here’s The Menu
Door Peninsula Winery in Carlsville is well-known for their sweet and semi-sweet fruit and premium grape wines. This May 1-2 & 15-16, they put a new twist on their sweet knowledge, featuring chocolate nibbles with their wine.
The tasting showcases wines specifically chosen by the wine maker to highlight both the locally produced wines and unique Wisconsin made chocolates. It’s a wine and chocolate event to write home about!
Menu…
Warm up your palate with a Madison, Wisconsin truffle from Gail Ambrosius. This truffle pairs the delicate flavor of Rishi’s Jasmine Tea with the smoothness of 61% Carenero Superior Chocolate. This refined chocolate complements the light floral of the jasmine green tea, infused in fresh cream. It’s a subtle, elegant taste that reveals itself softly on your tongue. Paired with Door Peninsula Winery’s White Merlot.
Enjoy a fluffy housemade chocolate mousse napoleon with classic examples of white, milk and dark chocolate mousse accented with citrus and gently layered in our tasting glass. Paired with the popular Razzle Dazzle Raspberry.
A sensual adventure for your palate featuring Gail Ambrosius Cinnamon-Cayenne truffle. An earthy cacao blended with the sweetness of cinnamon and the fire of roasted chilies. Gail uses toasty, nutty 65% Colombian chocolate and a suggestion of cinnamon to lure your taste buds into happy complacency before the heady rush of heat on the finish complimented with our semi-sweet Blackberry Merlot.
A Door Peninsula Winery original, the chocolate beggar’s purse, featuring buttery layers of fillo dough wrapped around 63% cocoa dark chocolate accented with coconut and paired with Peninsula Red
Homemade chocolate shortbread fingers dipped in rich chocolate ganache served with Door Peninsula Winery’s Reserve Port in a 43% dark chocolate liqueur cup.
The wine and chocolate tastings will be a sit-down, guided tasting lead by professional winery staff. Be prepared to learn more than you ever wanted about chocolate tasting and how chocolate pairs with all wines; fruit, sweet, dry, whites and reds. Make your reservation online or call 800.551.5049. Only $25 per person or $22 for wine club members (gratuity not included). Groups of 10 or more are welcomed to arrange a custom tasting and time.
JJ and Kristine Johnson Named Door County Entrepreneurs of the Year
The Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) announces that JJ and Kristine Johnson, owners of three landmark restaurants in Door County, are the winners of the 7th annual Door County Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
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.
Tickets Still Available for Dining Around the Door this Sunday, May 2
Dining Around the Door takes place this Sunday, featuring Door County’s top chefs at work, May 2nd at Gordon Lodge in Bailey’s Harbor. Tickets can be purchased at either of the Door County YMCA Program Centers.
This unique event offers specialties of the house and desserts from a variety of Door County restaurants and businesses every year. Some of the restaurants signed up to participate are Casey’s BBQ & Smokehouse, Flanigan Distributing, Glidden Lodge, Gordon Lodge, Harbor Fish Market, John Henry’s, Mission Grille, Mojo Rosa’s, Villagios, Village Cafe, Double Delites, Top Shelf Cafe, Ladderhouse, Inn at Cedar Crossing, Door County Bakery, DC Brew, JJ’s La Puerta, Summer Kitchen, Door County Memorial Hospital, Scaturos, Mink River Basin, English Inn, Horseshoe Bay, Espresso Lane, PC Junction, The Whistling Swan and Shipwrecked.
In addition to having an opportunity to taste a variety of restaurant specialties, attendees can bid on a wide range of silent auction items including merchandise, artwork, show tickets and more, all donated by local Door County businesses. There will also be live music to enjoy during cocktail hour and dinner and the will continue on later into the evening so couples can dance the night away.
Cocktails begin at 5:00pm and salads are served at 6:30pm. From there everyone is invited to peruse the selection of dishes available and up fill up on the restaurant samplings of their choice.
Tickets for Dining Around the Door are $40 per person or $300 for a table of 8. Tickets are now available for purchase at both Door County YMCA Program Centers. Limited seating is available and tickets sell fast so call the YMCA today. All proceeds from Dining Around The Door benefits Door County YMCA programs. Contact the YMCA at 743-4949 or 868-8660 for more details.
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