Tastemakers: Organic Wild Blueberry Merlot Preserves - Summer Soltice Cerveza Crema

July 19, 2006

Organic Wild Blueberry Merlot Preserves
This fall will mark the 10th anniversary of Food For Thought, a visionary company founded by Timothy F. Young.  Located on a small organic farm outside of Honor (Benzie County) Food For Thought was created under the concept of the “triple bottom line.” Young says, “Our bottom line looks to the social impact, environmental impact, and the finan-cial impact of all our decisions. In our view a company is not profitable if it does not strive to treat people with dignity, fairly and strive to be environmentally sustainable.” 
While a majority of new ventures fail, Young and Food For Thought have not only bucked the trend, they have proven that a small company that is socially and environmentally conscious is capably of thriving. It helps that they also make award-winning products. For the past few years “Bon Appetite” and the James Beard Foundation (the authority on great chefs) have honored Young as one of the country’s best and most innovative chefs. With the blueberry season soon upon us try the Organic Wild Blueberry Merlot Preserves. It is great over waffles or slightly warmed Brie and paired with Leelanau Cellars Blueberry Wine. Young and staff will host the first ever multi-county Chamber Business After Hours Thursday (see article) that will showcase some of the region’s best offerings. To learn more visit www.giftsthatmatter.com


Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema

This time of the year---the dog days of summer---when the temperatures are in the 90s and the humidity is 100%, thirst-quenching brews are essential. Oberon (Bell’s Brewery) has been the long time local beat-the-heat-throw-in-a-lemon and suck it down favorite. Trattoria Stella beverage guru John Ingham (one of the best brew palates in the north) is always searching for the best brews available and came across Anderson Valley’s Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema as a perfect summertime thirst quencher.
Created last year by the Anderson Valley Brewery (AVB) (Boonville, California) brewmaster team to pay homage to their many Hispanic friends.  Solstice has hints of baking spices and light fruity flavors such as watermelon and raspberry are found on the palate. This copper-colored ale is smooth and creamy and pairs well with lighter dishes -- try with fruit salads or pastas.
Ingham is such a fan of AVB that he invited founder and brewmaster Ken Hall to come to Stella. Hall accepted the invitation so Stella will host a Summer Beer Dinner featuring several of AVB best offerings paired with Chef Myles culinary talents. The dinner will be Monday July 24 with the Summer Solstice served as the Intermezzo Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema Ghiacchio (the palate cleansing “ice” served between courses). The menu has many fantastic parings but look to the “Dolce” (dessert) a Vanilla Gelato Porter Float with balsamic glazed fresh local blackberries. For advance reservations visit www.stellastc.com or phone 231-929-8989.