Tastemakers: Glenwood Inn Cherry Mustard Vinaigrette - Anchor Brewing

Dec. 7, 2005

The Glenwood Inn Cherry Mustard Vinaigrette

The Traverse Epicurean Classic has helped put a spotlight on the fact that Northern Michigan is becoming a culinary region of distinction. Those of us who have resided here for years are well aware of this. In fact regardless of the size of community “great eats” are easy to find. For example, Ellsworth has a year-round population of 471 residents, yet boast two restaurants (Rowe Inn and Tapawingo) of international acclaim.
Not to be outdone is Onekama with a population of 640 (near Manistee) and home to three great restaurants (The Blue Slipper, Portage Point Inn and The Glenwood Inn). The Glenwood located on Main Street overlooking beautiful Portage Lake opened in 1994 (though the Inn was built in the early 1900s) and has become of popular dining establishment with locals and visitors alike. Owners Chris and Donna Short are delightful hosts who have created an eclectic regionally themed menu in which they prepare each meal themselves.
Their creativity in the kitchen has inspired two delightful homemade dressings: a Lime Ginger and their now famous Cherry Mustard Vinaigrette. Their dressings have become so popular that they began bottling them and have made them available for sale via their website and several stores. The Shorts are donating one buck to the Onekama Consolidated Schools Educational Foundation Fund for every bottle of the Cherry Mustard Vinaigrette that is sold and Beth McCarthy of MacBeth & Co in Onekama is also selling the dressing and donating an additional buck.
Now the easy way to get the dressing is to go to www.glenwoodrestaurant.com and order a few bottles, but then you will be missing out on a great culinary experience. So plan a night out at The Glenwood Inn soon and try the Blue Cheese Filet, Cherry BBQ Pork Chop or the Artichoke Chicken. Be sure to have a fresh salad with one of their dressings. Before leaving enjoy their homemade dessert of the day and don’t forget a few bottles of the Cherry Mustard Vinaigrette. For directions, winter hours or reservations call (231) 889-3734.

Anchor Brewing Company Christmas Ale (Our Special Ale)

Each year during the holidays several breweries introduce seasonal brews to celebrate the joys of winter. San Francisco based Anchor Brewing Company (makers of the famed Anchor Steam) introduced their Christmas Ale in 1975 and as their label states: “The Ale’s recipe is different every year, but the intent with which we offer it remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life.”
Most Christmas brews are “spiced up” with traditional holiday ingredients such as nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. While these “special beers” are usually released only from mid-November through December, many of them have aging capabilities; so buy a case and cellar half of it to enjoy during future holiday seasons with the aroma and flavor nuances evolving.
I recently pulled from my cellar a bottle of 1995 Anchor Christmas Ale and was intrigued by the delicate balance of nutmeg and cinnamon spices; and like a good red wine, this ale mellowed with aging. The 2005 version is equally impressive and should cellar well, but is quite enjoyable now. Pour this brew in a nice red wine glass or goblet to enjoy the reddish brown appearance (it looks almost black, but hold up to a light). A nice creamy head with hints of maple syrup and gingerbread cookies in the nose. This ale has hints of sweetness and a definite ginger taste. Enjoy as is in lieu of dessert after a great meal or pair with pumpkin or pecan pie. Anchor releases “Our Special Ale” in kegs, 12 ounce bottles and (if you’re lucky to find one) magnum bottles. They also change the labels each year for those who collect labels. -- Rick Coates