Tastemakers: Father Fred Cigar Dinner - St. Peter‘s Organic Ale

At the 11th Annual Father Fred Foundation Cigar Dinner the lines were long for Chef Murray’s pre-dinner appetizer station. Murray was serving his famed morel mushroom dish. Since arriving in Northern Michigan in the spring of 1986 Murray has been displaying his culinary wizardry at Windows. He has since renamed his original restaurant Marion’s Windows in honor of his late mother and recently opened two new restaurants Windows LeBear (Glen Arbor) and Gabby’s Bayside Bistro at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula.
Chef Murray is certainly one of the reasons why Northern Michigan is becoming a hot culinary destination. Since opening his first restaurant 20 years ago Murray has been known for his pastries, creative cuisine and his morel dishes. Known as the jewels of the forest, morel mushrooms are popping up all over Northern Michigan right now. Rookie hunters are wise to seek expert advice before venturing in the woods for these tasty fungi. After a few tips (identification is most important as there are poisonous impostors known as false morels) finding morels is well worth the effort since they often fetch upwards to $50 a pound. Morels have a meaty earthy/woodsy flavor to them. They are best sautéed in butter and served as is allowing for their natural flavors to come out (though it is hard to argue with the cream sauce Murray prepares them in). Morels should be around the woods for the next few weeks so get hunting. If you are looking for a unique party experience hire Chef Phil Murray to come to your home and prepare morels for you and your guests it will be worth every dollar he charges. Enjoy with red wine or a hearty ale.

St. Peter’s
Organic Ale
 
Organic farming is growing in popularity and consumers are searching out more organically grown products. Because they are classified as alcohol it is often overlooked that beer and wine are both products of agriculture. Beer is dependent on quality grown barley and hops, so it makes sense that the organic world would make its way into the brewery.
The brewers at St. Peter’s have always sought out the finest ingredients for their beers. It starts right below their brewery (a medieval English hall in Suffolk) with a 300-foot-deep well to thousands of miles away for organic Hallertau hops from New Zealand. Light in carbonation the brew has all the English style ale characteristics including a full citrus hop in the finish. It is best served at cellar temperature. Pair with sautéed morels or creamy pasta dishes.
St. Peter’s continues to grow in popularity around the globe. Their blend of creativity with tradition has them brewing several delightful award-winning beers. Other beers of note include their Grapefruit Ale and their King Cnut (released every June) that features roast barley, juniper berries, orange and lemon peel, spices and stinging nettles. You won’t go wrong with any beer from St. Peter’s. Ask for it at your favorite beer shop or venture to see Phil Murphy at the Cedar Street Market (head to the back of the store and look for the cooler that appears to be for employees only it is loaded with great beers) View On Our Website