Tastemakers: Fire & Smoke be the Bay/King Orchards Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice

Fire and Smoke By the Bay
Grilling Contest

As a journalist, it is often easy to hide behind the computer screen and launch criticisms. While I seldom use this column for criticism, from time-to-time I have found myself pecking out a few critical comments, especially in the area of service. Bottom line is all aspects of the food industry are tough, from server to sous chef. I know this from personal experience, having bartended, waited tables, worked in kitchens and managed food service operations. The days can be long too -- I remember putting in several 18-hour days, and in this business there is no such thing as weekends or holidays off.
Those that are in the business love the “rush” of the moment and the “fire” in the kitchen, I know I did. I left it because I was missing my kids’ activities, and when they head off to college I will probably return to the business that is in my blood.
But in the meantime, I jump at the opportunities for the occasional “rush” by helping at various food functions in the region. So when the National Cherry Festival decided to launch what they hope is an annual backyard BBQ competition, I knew I wanted in. I use my BBQ grill two to three times a week, year-round. The “Fire & Smoke by the Bay” Grilling Contest is Thursday July 12, starting at 10 a.m. at the Festival Open Space. So, I am pushing the mouse aside, shutting off the computer, and picking up my apron and spatula to participate with 19 other BBQ enthusiasts.
Each contestant will receive three ample servings of salmon, ribs and ground sirloin and must prepare each item - infused with cherries, of course. No gas grills, and you must bring your own charcoal or wood grill. Contestants will be judged based on each item’s flavor, texture and presentation. Cherry Festival organizers hope that this inaugural event will grow into a major food competition.
I have no idea how I will do -- there are a lot of great backyard BBQ chefs in Northern Michigan (this competition is for amateurs only). Regardless, I am looking forward to the camaraderie of other BBQ enthusiasts and improving my grill skills while picking up tips and great cherry recipes along the way. Plus, I am looking for help; each “Grill Master” needs an assistant (I need one who has a charcoal grill). So if you have the day available on July 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and like to grill, send me an e-mail rcoates@northernexpress.com, or call the office at (231) 947-8787 to join in on the fun


King Orchards Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice

There is a lot of buzz this week around the National Cherry Festival over the fact that for the first time in a long time, fresh local cherries will be available. The crop is courtesy of cooperative weather conditions combined with the fact that the calendar creates a later start for the Cherry Festival (it starts the first Saturday in July). But for cherry farmers in Northern Michigan, every day is a “Cherry Festival.”
The cherry industry has been challenged in recent years, but a new marketing campaign from the guy who developed “Got Milk” is helping to make consumers think about enjoying cherries every day. Recent research has pointed to several health benefits from the consumption of cherries. Since local, fresh cherries are only available for a few weeks each summer, area cherry farmers like the King family in Central Lake have been creating value -added cherry products to keep this tasty fruit available year round. Their Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice concentrate is fantastic. It is all natural with 100% cherries and nothing added.
“Concentrate is best -- after all, why should you have to pay for water?” says John King. Their tart cherry juice concentrate is great simply mixed with water as a stand-alone juice, or mixed with apple juice (a King family favorite). It also makes great smoothies and real ice cream milkshakes. Mix with 7-Up for a kiddie cocktail or make a Cherry Cosmo with True North Vodka from the Grand Traverse Distillery.
So, after a week of celebrating our region’s most famous fruit, be sure to seek out King Orchards’ Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice. They also have a great Balaton Cherry Salsa. To find their farm markets for an in-person visit, or to order products online, visit mi-cherries.com or call them at 877-937-5464.
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