Tastemakers: American Food‘s Strawberry Butter - Roast N Toast‘s Dirty Irishman

April 26, 2006

American Spoon Foods Strawberry Butter


As a longtime forager of Northern Michigan’s woodland offerings Justin Rashid found himself seeking out all sorts of wild edibles from morel mushrooms to nuts to greens and everything in between. During the 1970s restaurateurs and chefs sought out Rashid’s expertise, including New York Chef Larry Forgione. The collaboration led the two to establishing American Spoon Foods in Petoskey in 1981. They had a simple dream to produce the finest fruit preserves in the world from Michigan fruit. Larry developed original recipes capturing the essences of the fruits; Justin selected the best the north had to offer, and now 25 years later American Spoon Foods is enjoying the fruits of their labor. 
A few weeks ago, Justin and Noah Marshall-Rashid went to New York to collect the Gallo Family Vineyards Gold Medal Award for Outstanding Condiment. That winning condiment is their brand new Strawberry Butter, made from Leelanau Peninsula Early Glow Strawberries. One taste and it is evident why the Gallo Family selected this condiment over hundreds of others. One bite and a strawberry patch explosion takes place on the palate. The strawberry taste is so intense and fresh that one senses that berries were picked earlier that day.  
In addition to their award-winning Strawberry Butter, American Spoon Foods offers several products that showcase the flavors of Northern Michigan. Seek them out in the original location in Petoskey as well as Charlevoix, Harbor Springs and Traverse City. To find these and other locations visit www.spoon.com



Roast & Toast Dirty Irishman

Bob and Mary Keedy are “Drink Doctors.” Proof is in both the cellar and the roaster. As owners of City Park Grill, they have put together one of the best wine cellars in the north. They have made ordering wine by the bottle accessible for wide-ranging palates and wallets. Around the corner from The Park is Roast & Toast, where the Keedys for the past 13 years have created a hip hangout for families, friends, couples, singles and anyone else who has a passion for fresh roasted coffee. 
Coffee shops that roast in-house are at a definite advantage. Unlike wine, coffee doesn’t get better with age. It is more like beer -- the fresher the better -- and it doesn’t get any fresher then at Roast & Toast. Live a little and try one of their unique coffee drinks. A particular favorite is the Dirty Irishman. A café latte with créme de coca, Irish Créme and fresh whipping cream; despite the flavorings this is an alcohol-free drink (drinks with a kick are served at City Park). 
Roast & Toast also has a complete breakfast menu with egg wraps, cinnamon rolls and croissants both baked in-house. At lunch, select from the eclectic sandwich menu (try the Avocado B.L.T.) and be sure to enjoy with a bowl of homemade soup. After 4 p.m. the dinner menu kicks in with an assortment of entrees priced under 10 bucks (two all-stars include the Goat Cheese Ravioli and the Roasted Veggie Lasagna). Petoskey is one of Michigan’s coolest downtowns; Roast & Toast makes it hot.

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