Tastemakers: Cuppa Jo‘s Asian Chicken Salad - Bell‘s Oberon Ale

May 25, 2005

If you think coffee shops are just places to run in for a quick cup of java or a cappuccino, along with a scone, you might want to slow down and take a look around. Most area coffee shops are serving delightful lunches.
Another Cuppa Joe is certainly one of them. Located in Building 20 at the Grand Traverse Commons, Another Cuppa Joe has an array of breakfast sandwiches and a diverse lunch/dinner menu. The Asian Chicken Wrap is wonderful and may be enjoyed as a salad. The advantage of the salad is the colorful ingredients are spread nicely over the plate creating that “summery” feeling. Either way you choose it, you won’t go wrong. Loaded with slices of grilled chicken on a bed of lettuce and spinach along with shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, red pepper and onion, topped with crunchy sesame noodles, this salad has “good for you” written all over it. The closer on this salad is the special spicy peanut dressing (be sure to ask for a little extra because it is that good). If you have exceeded your daily coffee quota by lunchtime try one of the fruit smoothies for a double dose of healthy dining at lunch.


BELL’S OBERON ALE

One indicator that summer is around the corner is when Bell’s Oberon Ale hits area tap handles. Sure, it is Memorial Day Weekend and Mother Nature has been saying it is more like the start of winter for the past couple of weeks, but no worries -- Oberon is now on tap and summer is coming.
Kalamazoo Brewing Company brewmaster and the godfather of the Michigan microbrew industry Larry Bell developed this beer several years ago during the gray winter skies while longing for the summer sun. Originally called Solsun (changed to Oberon 10 years ago because someone else was already using Solsun) the brew’s bright yellowish orange color and citrus scents are said to be the perfect reminder of a summer afternoon.
Oberon rates among the best for American style wheat beers. It presents a balance of spicy and fruity flavors and drinkers are rewarded by Bell’s use of those tasty Saaz Hops from the Czech Republic. When out on the town, order with a lemon or lime to further draw out the citrus flavors.
This brew pairs well with BBQ foods like ribs and pork chops. So don’t let the weather get you down. Enjoy an Oberon while putting in the dock or venture out to Art’s in Glen Arbor (the first establishment in Northern Michigan to put Oberon on tap) and take pleasure in a fresh pint. --- Rick Coates