Tastemakers: OPA! Coney & Grill/Timber Ridge Resort Microbrew Color Tour

Opa! Coney and Grill

I remember the first time I went into a Greek restaurant: it was the Parthenon in downtown Lansing back in 1981 and I was immediately made to feel like family. The owners, George and Maria Kafantaris, sat down and joined me, and before I could open the menu, they were ordering food for both me and my date. It was at that moment that I learned that eating wasn’t just about the food -- it was about a celebration. I was a junior in high school back then and became a regular. Every time I went in, Mrs. Kafantaris would pinch my cheek and tell me I was too skinny.
When Paul and Brigette Barbas opened Opa! Coney and Grill a little over a year ago in Traverse City, they did so with that same sort of “let’s create a dining experience” philosophy. Though the Barbas have yet to pinch my cheek, they do go table-to-table and talk to their guests. Now, Opa! is not your old school Greek eatery; it has a contemporary approach, blending the best of the “Old World” with the new. In fact, Opa not only celebrates the Greek tradition of Paul (he was born in Greece), but also the Polish heritage of Brigette, by offering menu items of traditional favorites from both cultures.
Despite the tempting Greek offerings (especially the gyros), I am a sucker for a good coney dog and Opa! delivers in this department. They offer both the Flint and Detroit styles, and since I like both, the TC Combo is perfect as it includes two of the same or one of each, fries and a drink for $6.99. So what makes these coney dogs so good? Well, Paul grew up making them at his parents’ restaurant, the popular Astoria Coney Island in Livonia. Opa! Coney and Grill is located at the Cherryland Center (near Younkers). The quaint restaurant features artwork from area high school students, good old-fashioned service and great food at affordable prices.

Timber Ridge Resort
Microbrew Color Tour

This is the time of the year that seasonal beers come into full swing. Now, beer made with pumpkin may not sound that appealing, but don’t judge a beer by its label (though in this case this label is very cool). Ichabod is made each year at this time by the brewers of New Holland Brewery (Holland, MI) with real Michigan pumpkins. They toss in a little cinnamon and nutmeg and essentially Ichabod is pumpkin pie in the bottle.
The fresh baked pumpkin pie aromas swirl around as this brew is uncapped and poured into a glass. Enjoy as an appetizer beer with cheeses and fall fruits.
Ichabod is a very versatile ale and pairs nicely with autumn entrees, especially game birds such as duck or pheasant. Serve it with your Thanksgiving bird for those not into wine at dinner. For dessert do not serve with pumpkin pie, as the pairing results in too much pumpkin. Instead make Ichabod floats. Put one scoop of Moomers vanilla ice cream in a pint glass and pour Ichabod over it.
Okay, I’m not sure if the brewmaster will be excited about the Ichabod float, but he uses the beer to make a fantastic peanut sauce for a chicken satay dish. That recipe and a listing of the other beers brewed by New Holland may be found at newhollandbrew.com. View On Our Website