Tastemakers: The Sonoma Diet - Bell‘s Cherry Stout

Jan. 11, 2006

The Sonoma Diet
Last week I suggested readers looking to lose a few extra pounds consider following the suggestions outlined in the book “French Women Don’t Get Fat,” because any diet that allows you to enjoy a daily glass of champagne must be a good one. A few of you were quick to point out that the hot new diet for 2006 is the “Sonoma Diet” written by dietitian Connie Guttersen.
Inspired by the cuisine of California’s popular Sonoma Wine Region, Gutterson has shaped her book around what is known as the “Sonoma Lifestyle,” which includes enjoying a glass of wine with dinner. Sonoma is similar to the Mediterranean region of Italy, Spain, Greece and southern France, all of which have ideal climates for producing great wine, fresh fruits and vegetables along with raising lean meats. Add in heart-friendly olive oil and the abundance of fish with the active lifestyles of those that live in this region and you have what has become known as the Mediterranean diet.
Sonoma shares the same latitude, climate and approach to living with those Mediterranean regions of Europe. Early reviews of Guttersen’s book have been favorable. Where the “Sonoma Diet” succeeds is in the simplicity of meal planning and the fact one does not have to sacrifice flavorful meals. Most diets require you to give up alcohol; Guttersen encourages a glass of wine with dinner. The “Sonoma Diet” is loaded with healthy recipes that incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats. But the books secret to weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight is in portion control. Guttersen’s goal is to get readers to understand the importance of not over-eating, enjoying variety of foods and to stay active.
-- Rick Coates

Bell’s Cherry Stout
For 20 years the Kalamazoo Brewing Company (founded by Larry Bell, the Godfather of the Michigan craftbrew industry) has been referred to as Bell’s. After all, every style brewed at the Kalamazoo Brewing Company is known as Bell’s, so it only made sense to just call the brewery Bell’s. Confusion often took place when those in the know would ask for beer from the Kalamazoo Brewing Company. Blank stares from wait staff or those behind the cash register were the norm. So Larry Bell has ended all the confusion and the Kalamazoo Brewing Company is now officially (and legally) Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Founded 23 years ago Bell’s now produces 19 different brews. Seven are available year-round and there are several seasonal brews like the popular Oberon available during the summer. But for the winter months Bell releases four stouts to help survive the hearty Midwest weather. Double Cream Stout, Java Stout and Exhibition Stout are all novel approaches to the style made famous by Guinness, but this is Cherryville and next month is National Cherry Month so it makes sense to start celebrating now. Bell’s Cherry Stout is the perfect treat for those who love tart cherries.
The secret to enjoying this stout is to let it warm if it is served to you chilled. This will result in releasing the beer’s full flavors; over chilled stouts often mask flavors. Once the stout gets to red wine cellar temperature you should note hints of coffee and chocolate (an experienced palate will note a cherries dipped into chocolate sensation) with a nice balance of tart cherries. Bell’s Cherry Stout is more than a dessert beer, pair it with red-sauced pastas and robust beef dishes such a pot roast or beef burgundy.
Larry Bell is all smiles; his little dream 25 years ago is now a big one. Bell’s is distributed in 11 Midwest states, with two more states being added to the list this year. Ask for Bell’s Cherry Stout at your favorite eatery or seller of fine brews. For additional information visit www.bellsbeer.com.