Tastemakers: Betsie Bay Inn/Thistle Brae Wine Cellar

Betsie Bay Inn
In 2008 I plan to attend about 100 specialty dinners and culinary events in Northern Michigan and already the year has started on a strong note. The Short’s Beer Dinner a couple of weeks ago at Stella in Traverse City was extraordinary. A few nights later the bar was set even higher as a result of the Robert Burns Dinner I attended at the Betsie Bay Inn in Frankfort. I visit the Frankfort area a dozen times a year and to be honest, have never been to dinner at the Bestie Bay Inn, but that certainly will change.
Now, if you don’t know Robert Burns, then your literary head has been buried in the sand. But if you are not familiar with the food from Scotland, well I can’t blame you. Face it, the country is better known for Drambuie, golf, kilts, bagpipes and single malts than its culinary scene. Yet, after Chef Coburn McNaughton’s incredible presentation at the Burns Dinner (you will have to wait for a preview piece next January for the 2009 dinner) I have a new appreciation for the cuisine of Scotland. After chatting with several of the 100 dinner guests who came from all over Northern Michigan, I learned also just how popular dining at the Betsie Bay Inn has become.
It starts with the Scottish hospitality offered by Geoff and Lesley Perkins that filters down to their staff. McNaughton is a master chef who, along with his kitchen team, arrives early in the morning and prepares most everything from scratch. The Betsie Bay Inn has three eatery options from casual to pub to fine dining, so there truly is something for everyone. Seek out Lesley’s Shepherd’s Pie or the Prosen Hot Pot (leg of lamb) as two of their best Scottish offerings. Arrive early for dinner and check out the wine cellar (see Bottoms Up).
Consider making Frankfort a midweek getaway or overnight destination as there is a lot do in Benzie County anytime of the year and certainly the Betsie Bay Inn is reason enough to visit. Check them out for Valentines Day or their upcoming St. Patrick’s Day party with the Irish band Beoga. bestsiebayinn.com.

Thistle Brae Wine Cellar at the Betsie Bay Inn
Wine cellars are often not accessible to the general public. My wife and I have a modest cellar at home which duals as my walk-in closet and really isn’t for public view. I have been collecting wine since longtime family friend Dusty Rhodes (of Dusty’s Cellars in Okemos and ABC News fame) introduced me to the joys of wine 24 years ago, and equally important, the art of cellaring it.
If some charity is looking for a cool idea let me suggest this one: A Parade of Wine Cellars. I know there are a lot of cool wine cellars in Northern Michigan and it would be fun to tour some of them. Some restaurants and B&Bs also have wine cellars -- (also usually off limits, even to guests). For years I have enjoyed the cellar at the Rowe Inn in Ellsworth, as well as dinners and wine tasting events at Symon’s General Store’s (Chandler’s) wine cellar in Petoskey.
Recently, I attended the Robert Burns Dinner at the Betsie Bay Inn in Frankfort, and upon arriving early was greeted by Ken Martin Shrake who escorted me to the basement where the Thistle Brae Wine Cellar is located. The mood is set immediately as you descend an iron spiral staircase and arrive in a cave-like atmosphere full of wine bottles and a handful of tables and chairs.
Shrake is a knowledgeable “wine keeper” and has amassed an impressive collection of wines from five continents. Guests of the Inn receive wine tasting as part of their stay, but the cellar is also, open to public for a modest “flight fee” that allows you to sample before purchasing wine to enjoy with dinner or to take home. Thistle Brae also has specials and case discounts. During my visit Shrake had put together a spectacular flight of whites that included one from the Old Mission Peninsula. It is great to see a local establishment with an inspiring list of local wines. Equally important is the fact that all the wines on the list were “fairly” priced for both on and off premise consumption. Visiting Frankfort is a lot of fun and adding this wine cellar experience is a must. Depending on the time of the year or day of the week you may also arrange to dine in the cellar. To learn more check out betsiebayyinn.com or call 231.352.8090. View On Our Website