July 1, 2025

Dock Side Brats

Tastemaker
By Lynda Wheatley | June 13, 2020

There’s no shortage of great barbeque up here, but if you’re gonna DIY it, you’ve got to get grilling in true Northern style. First, get a package of Dock Side Party Store’s turkey/pork bratwurst, then, do like owner Matt Hunter does: Boil the brats in beer until almost done, and then — only then — do you toast ’em up on the grill. The sausages’ seasoning, pepper, sage, onion, mace, and celery makes them savory and tasty; the pork makes them oh-so moist; and the beer boil keeps them that way — no matter what beer you use. “Fosters is my favorite,” Hunter tells Northern Express. “But I use just about anything — Natty Daddy, whatever I’ve got … it’s all good.” Find the brats and the beer at The Dock Side, 13418 SW Bay Shore Dr., in Traverse City.

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