Tastemakers: Chef Sam Hybels - Jones Soda Sporty Green Apple

Chef Elbertus “Sam” Hybels bought Hattie’s (Suttons Bay) last October and inherited the restaurant’s 17-year tradition of excellence. Of course as a former chef at Hattie’s, Hybels was partially responsible for the restaurant’s reputation for culinary brilliance. Hybels has developed his own reputation around the country for an eclectic and creative approach in the kitchen while chef at The Breakers of Palm Beach, The Game Creek Club of Vail and most recently at Boyne Highlands. Now with ownership responsibilities on his back, Hybels has books to balance, but that hasn’t kept him from the kitchen. With a menu “inspired by the seasons, farms, forests and rivers,” Hybels has insured Hattie’s continued place among the best in the north despite intense competition. One definite winner is the Ginger Snap Encrusted Walleye, which is sautéed and served with a perfectly prepared beurre blanc sauce. In keeping with Hybels’ commitment to local products, pair the walleye with L. Mawby’s Blanc to Blanc; this sparkling wine (made with Chardonnay grapes) is crisp and zesty and compliments the sauce perfectly. An added bonus on the plate was the fresh asparagus from a local farm. Grilled vegetables are a delight when prepared properly and the roasted flavors were an excellent compliment to the walleye. For dessert plan ahead and order the Chocolate Souffle for Two. When you have a winning meal, it only makes sense to bring in a “closer” to seal the deal on a perfect evening. As for service, other restaurants would be well served by having their staffers dine at Hattie’s, as Hybels obviously understands that a great dining experience only starts in the kitchen. Chef Hybels has created a winning combination by embracing Hattie’s tradition while bringing in a fresh approach to put his own signature on the place.
For a unique experience try one of the Hattie’s/L. Mawby Picnics in the vineyard. The next one is July 9 and tickets are available by contacting L. Mawby:
(231) 271-3522. To see your name on the Hattie’s chalkboard, call them for a reservation: (231) 271-6222.


JONES SODA “SPORTY” GREEN APPLE
Seattle based Jones Soda has been sweeping the country with their eclectic flavors like Fufu Berry, Lemon Drop and Blue Bubblegum. While Coke and Pepsi have no worries, Jones is putting fun back in soda drinking. Michigan accounts for 20% of all Jones Soda sales and Michigan State University leads all campuses across the country in consumption. So when the Sparty won Mascot of the Year in 2004 it only made sense that the soda company put Sparty on one of its labels. Now Jones is known for its clever labels and continually runs a photo competition, allowing fans an opportunity for their photo to make it on a label (a couple years back a Traverse City resident made it on a label). So Jones signed a deal with Sparty and produced 60,000 bottles of Green Apple and Cream Soda (get it Green & White) with six different labels of Sparty posing at different locations around campus. By only producing 30,000 bottles of each flavor, the product is sure to sell out, and Jones has announced that they will retire the label – making these an instant collectors item. All of this is cool, but does this stuff taste good? You bet. The Green Apple has sweet apple flavors and is moderately carbonated.Try pairing with bratwursts or BBQ chicken. All of this aside, drinking Jones Soda is cool, and if you are Spartan fans, it has gotten a lot cooler. U of M fans who are upset by this, no worries: look for the new “Sour Grapes” soda by Jones this fall; apparently it has a “winey” taste to it. -Rick Coates


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