Rick Coates
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tastemakers: The OTC sandwich at Old Town Coffee & Eatery
Dining
The OTC sandwich at Old Town Coffee & Eatery
Mark Fowler has built a reputation over the past 15 years as being the “Maestro of the Sandwich.” For several years he owned a couple of popular luncheon eateries in Cadillac, most recently The Bistro, where he perfected the art of a tasty sandwich prepared quickly. He has brought his talents to the Old Town Coffee & Eatery (located on Union Street in Traverse City in the “Old Town District”) as general manager, barista and maestro of the sandwich.
Mark Fowler has built a reputation over the past 15 years as being the “Maestro of the Sandwich.” For several years he owned a couple of popular luncheon eateries in Cadillac, most recently The Bistro, where he perfected the art of a tasty sandwich prepared quickly. He has brought his talents to the Old Town Coffee & Eatery (located on Union Street in Traverse City in the “Old Town District”) as general manager, barista and maestro of the sandwich.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Let‘s eat... Community meals program delivers to 1, 000 needy families
Features
Let’s eat
Community Meals program delivers meals to 1,000 families in need
By Rick Coates
Buckley resident Sandra Svec has never forgotten her childhood and the hardship of being a child among one of the first divorced families in the area. Growing up without many of the basic “life” items most of us take for granted, Svec has dedicated the past 20 years of her life giving back to those in need through the Holiday Dinners and Community Meals program.
Community Meals program delivers meals to 1,000 families in need
By Rick Coates
Buckley resident Sandra Svec has never forgotten her childhood and the hardship of being a child among one of the first divorced families in the area. Growing up without many of the basic “life” items most of us take for granted, Svec has dedicated the past 20 years of her life giving back to those in need through the Holiday Dinners and Community Meals program.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Tastemakers: The Grocer‘s Daughter/Toast the season
Dining
Tastemakers: The Grocer‘s Daughter/Toast the season
Rick Coates 11/9/09
Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate
When Mimi Wheeler launched her Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate venture five years ago in Empire she simply wanted to blend her love for dark chocolate with her passion for the edibles grown in her garden. What started as a part-time retirement business has now turned into a full time profession for Wheeler. Her chocolate business has built a following around the country. She finds herself working seven days a week to fulfill mail order requests and the demands at stores in the region that carry her chocolates.
Rick Coates 11/9/09
Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate
When Mimi Wheeler launched her Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate venture five years ago in Empire she simply wanted to blend her love for dark chocolate with her passion for the edibles grown in her garden. What started as a part-time retirement business has now turned into a full time profession for Wheeler. Her chocolate business has built a following around the country. She finds herself working seven days a week to fulfill mail order requests and the demands at stores in the region that carry her chocolates.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Ryan Whyte Maloney
Music
The Rise of Ryan Whyte Maloney
A musical odyssey from Boston to Vegas to Nashville...
By Rick Coates 11/2/09
Ryan Whyte Maloney packed his bags and headed to Boston in October of 2006. The singer/songwriter from Traverse City, best known as the tattooed frontman of the progressive rock band, Indulge, knew if he wanted to make it in the music business he would have to venture elsewhere.
Traverse City remains in Maloney’s heart and for that matter tattooed on his body, so after a three-year hiatus from the Northern Michigan music scene he returns for one night. He will perform an acoustic set with another Traverse City resident, Holly Bonino, at the Loading Dock, Sunday November 8. His second set will include several musical guests from his days in Traverse City.
“Basically, people who know me know that I am a crazy driven person,” said Maloney. “I had exhausted my opportunities here in Traverse City and Northern Michigan. So I picked Boston, drove out there, and just started booking myself acoustically as my band Indulge stayed back in Traverse City.”
A musical odyssey from Boston to Vegas to Nashville...
By Rick Coates 11/2/09
Ryan Whyte Maloney packed his bags and headed to Boston in October of 2006. The singer/songwriter from Traverse City, best known as the tattooed frontman of the progressive rock band, Indulge, knew if he wanted to make it in the music business he would have to venture elsewhere.
Traverse City remains in Maloney’s heart and for that matter tattooed on his body, so after a three-year hiatus from the Northern Michigan music scene he returns for one night. He will perform an acoustic set with another Traverse City resident, Holly Bonino, at the Loading Dock, Sunday November 8. His second set will include several musical guests from his days in Traverse City.
“Basically, people who know me know that I am a crazy driven person,” said Maloney. “I had exhausted my opportunities here in Traverse City and Northern Michigan. So I picked Boston, drove out there, and just started booking myself acoustically as my band Indulge stayed back in Traverse City.”
Monday, October 26, 2009
The last Ramone
Music
The Last Ramone
Marky Ramone Pays Tribute
By Rick Coates 10/26/09
Drummer Marky Ramone is the last living member of the final and essentially defining line-up of The Ramones, the band credited with starting the American punk rock movement. He is paying tribute to his musical brothers with his new band, Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg, performing Halloween night at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant.
“After the Ramones decided to call it quits in 1996 I started a couple of bands, The Intruders and The Speedkings, and a couple of others. We performed a mix of originals and Ramones classics,” said Ramone. “So now I am back out with my new band Blitzkrieg playing these Ramones songs because I really felt that they were too good not to be played anymore.”
He is quick to add that this is not the Ramones.
Marky Ramone Pays Tribute
By Rick Coates 10/26/09
Drummer Marky Ramone is the last living member of the final and essentially defining line-up of The Ramones, the band credited with starting the American punk rock movement. He is paying tribute to his musical brothers with his new band, Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg, performing Halloween night at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant.
“After the Ramones decided to call it quits in 1996 I started a couple of bands, The Intruders and The Speedkings, and a couple of others. We performed a mix of originals and Ramones classics,” said Ramone. “So now I am back out with my new band Blitzkrieg playing these Ramones songs because I really felt that they were too good not to be played anymore.”
He is quick to add that this is not the Ramones.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Lord of the Gourd/Pat Harrison
Art
The Lord of the Gourd
Pat Harrison is a professional pumpkin sculptor
By Rick Coates 10/26/09
Carver Pat Harrison from Cedar is nicknamed “The Lord of the Gourd.” This time of the year he finds himself in high demand. But Harrison is more than just a pumpkin carver; hence his nickname. He is now known all over the state and travels to all parts giving carving demonstrations. He took time from his busy schedule to answer questions about life as a professional pumpkin sculptor.
NE: How did you get started?
Harrison: By accident. I was attempting to carve a pumpkin late at night back in the mid ’90s and I slipped with a knife and cut a hunk off the pumpkin. I thought it was ruined until I started hacking more chunks off it and realized I was onto something.”
Pat Harrison is a professional pumpkin sculptor
By Rick Coates 10/26/09
Carver Pat Harrison from Cedar is nicknamed “The Lord of the Gourd.” This time of the year he finds himself in high demand. But Harrison is more than just a pumpkin carver; hence his nickname. He is now known all over the state and travels to all parts giving carving demonstrations. He took time from his busy schedule to answer questions about life as a professional pumpkin sculptor.
NE: How did you get started?
Harrison: By accident. I was attempting to carve a pumpkin late at night back in the mid ’90s and I slipped with a knife and cut a hunk off the pumpkin. I thought it was ruined until I started hacking more chunks off it and realized I was onto something.”
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tastemakers: Martha‘s Leelanau Table/Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery Harding‘s Cup champion
Dining
Tastemakers: Martha‘s Leelanau Table/Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery Harding‘s Cup champion
Rick Coates 10/26/09
Martha’s Leelanau Table
Well known chef, TV personality and cookbook author Mario Batali was asked to select his “best place on earth” for Esquire magazine and he chose the Leelanau Peninsula. Batali, who co-owns 14 restaurants in New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, stated, “It’s also important to me to have great restaurants to chill at.” He then singles out Martha’s Leelanau Table in Suttons Bay for its “simple Alice Waters sensibility.” Waters, co-owner of Chez Panisse in Berkely, California, is one of the leaders of the eating locally/seasonally movement.
Rick Coates 10/26/09
Martha’s Leelanau Table
Well known chef, TV personality and cookbook author Mario Batali was asked to select his “best place on earth” for Esquire magazine and he chose the Leelanau Peninsula. Batali, who co-owns 14 restaurants in New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, stated, “It’s also important to me to have great restaurants to chill at.” He then singles out Martha’s Leelanau Table in Suttons Bay for its “simple Alice Waters sensibility.” Waters, co-owner of Chez Panisse in Berkely, California, is one of the leaders of the eating locally/seasonally movement.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Ghost Whisperer
Features
The Ghost Whisperer
Does Tammy Schuster communicate with angels & the dead?
By Rick Coates 10/26/09
Tammy Schuster lives in the woods between South Boardman and Fife Lake, a secluded area and what appears to be the perfect setting for a “ghost whisperer.” While Schuster knows there are skeptics to her talents, she has a long list of those who believe in her ability to communicate with people who have passed on.
“The technical term is ‘medium’ the ghost whisperer title was popularized by the TV show,” said Schuster. “There is no middle ground. people either believe me or they think I am crazy.”
One of those on the believer side is Coby Archa, a star from the reality TV show Survivor.
Does Tammy Schuster communicate with angels & the dead?
By Rick Coates 10/26/09
Tammy Schuster lives in the woods between South Boardman and Fife Lake, a secluded area and what appears to be the perfect setting for a “ghost whisperer.” While Schuster knows there are skeptics to her talents, she has a long list of those who believe in her ability to communicate with people who have passed on.
“The technical term is ‘medium’ the ghost whisperer title was popularized by the TV show,” said Schuster. “There is no middle ground. people either believe me or they think I am crazy.”
One of those on the believer side is Coby Archa, a star from the reality TV show Survivor.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Bob Seger Turns a Page
Books
Bob Seger
Turns a Page
Travelin’ Man On The Road and Behind The Scenes With Bob Seger
By Thomas Weschler & Gary Graff
Wayne State University Press
By Rick Coates 10/19/09
Rock stars have an inner circle and those that are a part of it live by a code: “What happens on the road stays on the road.” Because of that code, at times it is hard to get the real story and some musicians have tighter inner circles than others. Bob Seger is one of them. For his fans, little is really known about Seger except what can be deciphered through his lyrics.
Sure, there have been articles and interviews, but Seger really has only bared his soul on stage. Those closest to him have shared memories in casual conversations. But the man responsible for forging the Midwestern singer/songwriter sound has remained more of a “mystery man” than a “travelin’ man.”
Now, the silence that has surrounded Seger over his 45-year musical career might be changing. A new book by photographer and former Seger road manager Thomas Weschler and music journalist Gary Graff opens the shades of secrecy on Detroit’s favorite son, although only slightly.
Turns a Page
Travelin’ Man On The Road and Behind The Scenes With Bob Seger
By Thomas Weschler & Gary Graff
Wayne State University Press
By Rick Coates 10/19/09
Rock stars have an inner circle and those that are a part of it live by a code: “What happens on the road stays on the road.” Because of that code, at times it is hard to get the real story and some musicians have tighter inner circles than others. Bob Seger is one of them. For his fans, little is really known about Seger except what can be deciphered through his lyrics.
Sure, there have been articles and interviews, but Seger really has only bared his soul on stage. Those closest to him have shared memories in casual conversations. But the man responsible for forging the Midwestern singer/songwriter sound has remained more of a “mystery man” than a “travelin’ man.”
Now, the silence that has surrounded Seger over his 45-year musical career might be changing. A new book by photographer and former Seger road manager Thomas Weschler and music journalist Gary Graff opens the shades of secrecy on Detroit’s favorite son, although only slightly.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tastemakers: Croft Chestnuts/Northern Michigan Red Wine
Dining
Tastemakers: Croft Chestnuts/Northern Michigan Red Wine
Rick Coates 10/19/09
Croft Chestnuts
In 1904, diseased Asian chestnut trees were planted in New York City, resulting in the destruction of the American chestnut industry. Only a few groves of trees out west survived. For the past 100 years most of the chestnuts sold in America have been imported.
But now American farmers are trying to revitalize the chestnut industry including Croft Orchards of the Old Mission Peninsula. According to Ella Cooper-Froehlich, project manager the orchards at Croft LLC, “We are seeing a resurgence in this industry and we have 1,600 trees collectively at three locations in the area. We started harvesting this past weekend and we have orders to fill all over the country.”
According to Froehlich: “Chestnuts are a delicious health food rich in nutrition. Just a handful of other foods can match the nutritional value of a chestnut. As opposed to most other nuts, chestnuts have a high water content and very little oil, thus making them virtually fat free. They are high in complex carbohydrates, contain high quality protein comparable to eggs, but are gluten free, cholesterol free, and are very low in fat (1-2 percent while other nuts can be over 50 percent fat).”
Rick Coates 10/19/09
Croft Chestnuts
In 1904, diseased Asian chestnut trees were planted in New York City, resulting in the destruction of the American chestnut industry. Only a few groves of trees out west survived. For the past 100 years most of the chestnuts sold in America have been imported.
But now American farmers are trying to revitalize the chestnut industry including Croft Orchards of the Old Mission Peninsula. According to Ella Cooper-Froehlich, project manager the orchards at Croft LLC, “We are seeing a resurgence in this industry and we have 1,600 trees collectively at three locations in the area. We started harvesting this past weekend and we have orders to fill all over the country.”
According to Froehlich: “Chestnuts are a delicious health food rich in nutrition. Just a handful of other foods can match the nutritional value of a chestnut. As opposed to most other nuts, chestnuts have a high water content and very little oil, thus making them virtually fat free. They are high in complex carbohydrates, contain high quality protein comparable to eggs, but are gluten free, cholesterol free, and are very low in fat (1-2 percent while other nuts can be over 50 percent fat).”
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Garden Theater
Features
The Garden Theater Blossoms
By Rick Coates 10/19/09
Rick Schmitt chuckles every time he is asked if he and his partners were inspired to buy and renovate the Garden Theater in Frankfort because of the success of the State Theatre in Traverse City.
“There is this assumption that we saw what had happened in Traverse City and decided to do the same thing here in Frankfort,” said Schmitt. “But we actually started this process before they did.”
Schmitt, a Frankfort resident and vice president of sales and marketing at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, purchased the Garden Theater with his wife Jennie and Blake and Marci Brooks about two years ago.
“We took ownership 18 months ago, but we started the process over five years ago,” said Schmitt. “It all started one winter night at a dinner party and everyone was talking about how great it would be to go out to the movies right here in town.”
By Rick Coates 10/19/09
Rick Schmitt chuckles every time he is asked if he and his partners were inspired to buy and renovate the Garden Theater in Frankfort because of the success of the State Theatre in Traverse City.
“There is this assumption that we saw what had happened in Traverse City and decided to do the same thing here in Frankfort,” said Schmitt. “But we actually started this process before they did.”
Schmitt, a Frankfort resident and vice president of sales and marketing at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, purchased the Garden Theater with his wife Jennie and Blake and Marci Brooks about two years ago.
“We took ownership 18 months ago, but we started the process over five years ago,” said Schmitt. “It all started one winter night at a dinner party and everyone was talking about how great it would be to go out to the movies right here in town.”
Monday, October 12, 2009
The loopy sounds of Keller Williams
Music
The Loopy Sounds of Keller Williams
By Rick Coates 10/12/09
In the world of “cease and desist” that we live in it is surprising that Keller Williams the nationwide realtor hasn’t sent Keller Williams the nationwide musician a letter asking him to cease and desist from using his/their name. Certainly some people have shown up to a Keller Williams concert thinking they might be going to a real estate seminar and surely some fans of Keller Williams the musician have walked into one of the real estate offices of the same name thinking they may catch the musician at his desk.
Oh you would be surprised about these cease and desist letters. Bill Wyman one of the top music journalists of today received such a letter a few years back from Bill Wyman the bass player for the Rolling Stones. Wyman the journalist was asked to change his name by Wyman the bass player. Funny thing Bill Wyman the journalist was born with that name and Bill Wyman the bass player was actually born Bill Perks. Well the judge laughed that one out of court.
But for diehard fans of the “One Man Jam Band” there is no confusion between the two Keller Williams, though both have a real estate connection. One sells it the other travels it. Keller Williams, “music’s mad-scientist” has been crisscrossing the country for the past 20 years and will make a stop in Northern Michigan this Thursday with a performance at the City Opera House. He is touring in support of his current CD, *Odd,* released in August.
By Rick Coates 10/12/09
In the world of “cease and desist” that we live in it is surprising that Keller Williams the nationwide realtor hasn’t sent Keller Williams the nationwide musician a letter asking him to cease and desist from using his/their name. Certainly some people have shown up to a Keller Williams concert thinking they might be going to a real estate seminar and surely some fans of Keller Williams the musician have walked into one of the real estate offices of the same name thinking they may catch the musician at his desk.
Oh you would be surprised about these cease and desist letters. Bill Wyman one of the top music journalists of today received such a letter a few years back from Bill Wyman the bass player for the Rolling Stones. Wyman the journalist was asked to change his name by Wyman the bass player. Funny thing Bill Wyman the journalist was born with that name and Bill Wyman the bass player was actually born Bill Perks. Well the judge laughed that one out of court.
But for diehard fans of the “One Man Jam Band” there is no confusion between the two Keller Williams, though both have a real estate connection. One sells it the other travels it. Keller Williams, “music’s mad-scientist” has been crisscrossing the country for the past 20 years and will make a stop in Northern Michigan this Thursday with a performance at the City Opera House. He is touring in support of his current CD, *Odd,* released in August.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tastemakers: Caramel Apples/Right Brain Brewery Hallow-Giving Pumpkin Ale
Dining
Tastemakers: Caramel Apples/Right Brain Brewery Hallow-Giving Pumpkin Ale
Rick Coates 10/12/09
Caramel Apples
As a kid growing up I loved this time of year because it was caramel apple season. They sold them everywhere, from the grocery store to the concession stands at the football games. Even today I enjoy a good caramel apple and love going to Amical in downtown Traverse City and having one of their Gourmet Caramel Apples after dinner. At Amical they take large Michigan Granny Smith apples and dip them in rich caramel, sprinkle on the toasted pecans, and drizzle with white and dark Belgian chocolate. They are so popular that Amical even ships them all over the country.
Rick Coates 10/12/09
Caramel Apples
As a kid growing up I loved this time of year because it was caramel apple season. They sold them everywhere, from the grocery store to the concession stands at the football games. Even today I enjoy a good caramel apple and love going to Amical in downtown Traverse City and having one of their Gourmet Caramel Apples after dinner. At Amical they take large Michigan Granny Smith apples and dip them in rich caramel, sprinkle on the toasted pecans, and drizzle with white and dark Belgian chocolate. They are so popular that Amical even ships them all over the country.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Idea man Sam Porter
Features
Idea Man Sam Porter
The dreams never stop for the visionary behind Porterhouse Productions
By Rick Coates 10/12/09
Sam Porter leans back in his chair at the Old Town Coffee & Eatery in Traverse City and sips his coffee. He pauses and smiles as he has just connected all the dots on his latest concept. At 33, Porter is still a kid at heart; and he loves to dream.
“I like to see how everything connects itself,” said Sam Porter of Porterhouse Productions. “My work is about connecting the dots which are connecting people, connecting relationships and connecting concepts. Typically, when you are connecting the dots, a dot is missing; that is what I like to do -- identify what is missing and put it into place so the dots are all connected.”
Porter grew up in Traverse City and attended Central High School, graduating in 1997. After graduation, he went to Northwestern Michigan College for a year before heading west to Bozeman, Montana to ski and attend Montana State University.
The dreams never stop for the visionary behind Porterhouse Productions
By Rick Coates 10/12/09
Sam Porter leans back in his chair at the Old Town Coffee & Eatery in Traverse City and sips his coffee. He pauses and smiles as he has just connected all the dots on his latest concept. At 33, Porter is still a kid at heart; and he loves to dream.
“I like to see how everything connects itself,” said Sam Porter of Porterhouse Productions. “My work is about connecting the dots which are connecting people, connecting relationships and connecting concepts. Typically, when you are connecting the dots, a dot is missing; that is what I like to do -- identify what is missing and put it into place so the dots are all connected.”
Porter grew up in Traverse City and attended Central High School, graduating in 1997. After graduation, he went to Northwestern Michigan College for a year before heading west to Bozeman, Montana to ski and attend Montana State University.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tastemakers: Matterhorn Grill dinner at Tastes of Black Star Farms
Dining
Matterhorn Grill Dinner at
TASTES of Black Star Farms
Rick Coates 10/5/09
When Black Star Farms decided to open a tasting operation (TASTES of Black Star Farms) at the Mercato in Building 50 (located at the Village of the Grand Traverse Commons) a few years ago, their focus was going to be on the eau de vies and distilled spirits they were making at their winery on the Leelanau Peninsula.
TASTES of Black Star Farms
Rick Coates 10/5/09
When Black Star Farms decided to open a tasting operation (TASTES of Black Star Farms) at the Mercato in Building 50 (located at the Village of the Grand Traverse Commons) a few years ago, their focus was going to be on the eau de vies and distilled spirits they were making at their winery on the Leelanau Peninsula.
©Copyright 2013 by Northern Express | Privacy Statement | Terms Of Use
