The months that produce the most diversity of fruits and vegetables in our dear Mitt include August, September, and October. October almost seems to embody a last-grab month of seasonal bounty before the long hunkered-down winter of root and storage vegetables begins. So what better time of the year to treat yourself to an extraordinarily fresh and local dining experience, paired with some of Michigan’s finest wines at Thunder Bay Winery?
Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will begin at 6pm on Thursday, October 11th, for this Certified Local Food Event at Thunder Bay’s Tasting Room in Downtown Alpena. Chef Eric Peterson of The Fresh Palate will wax poetic with his culinary skills, creating multiple spectacular dishes with Michigan’s seasonal fare. He hasn’t finalized the menu yet, but we hear Big Stone Bay Fishery fresh fish and Wolf Creek Acres chicken will grace your plate, along with all the vegetables you can imagine, sourced from producers at the Alpena Farmers Market.
For dessert, last year’s diners were treated to a luscious raspberry pie and triple chocolate biscotti. Luckily for this year’s feast, the winery has port and dessert wines made with AJ’s Berry Farm berries to pair with whatever decadent dessert Chef Eric creates for the event. Thunder Bay Winery generally grows 40-50% of the grapes that go into their wines, and the remaining grapes are also a majority locally-sourced. You’ll also be able to hear from winemakers Janis and Jeremy Sahr at this event about what makes their process unique and how they grow in such a wintry climate.
Michigan agriculture is second in diversity of fruits and vegetables only to California. Come join us for a night of toasting and tasting Michigan’s finest province; and give back to your community by indulging yourself like you should before the long winter arrives.
Flowers and decor for this event will be provided by Classic Designs. Tickets are $70/person. You can call or stop by to make your reservations today at Thunder Bay Winery, 109 N 2nd Ave, Alpena. 989-358-9463
Molly Stepanski is the Local Food Coordinator for Northeast Michigan. She enjoys digging, planting, and hiking in the dirt; cooking up her own recipes; drinking wine; and eating lots of fresh, seasonal produce (and anything deep-fried, in accordance with her southern heritage). Contact her at [email protected]