Michigan Brew’s Turkey Apple Sandwich

Tastemaker

By Lynda Wheatley | June 5, 2021

One of the North’s hottest spots for fishing is quickly — and wisely, we think — becoming a hotbed of complementary comestibles and local libations. Grayling, home to the Old AuSable and Manistee rivers and has added Michigan Brew to its steadily expanding roster of apres-angling destinations.

Serving as a coffee shop, restaurant, beer-wine-and-cocktail bar, and a robust grab-n-go HQ, Michigan Brew was founded by Scott Mersereau-Kempf, longtime kitchen manager for beloved Traverse City lunch spot Centre Street Café, and Matthew B. Shaw, chairman of Grayling's DDA/Main Street programs. If their shared pedigree doesn’t convince you of this progressive eatery’s promise, perhaps a look at their menu will.

Built around their favorite Michigan-made beers, spirits, wines, coffee, and non-liquid ingredients, it offers elevated interpretations of familiar fare at affordable prices. Our first and already favorite lunch pick: the Turkey Apple Sandwich ($9), in which turkey, sliced apple, brie, red onions, field greens and — oh yes — coffee fig compote(!) are tucked into a soft pita.

On our list to try next: The Italian sandwich $10; featuring soppressata, calabrese, capicola, mozzarella cheese, and spinach on sourdough that’s smeared with Greek olive tapenade and mayo) and The Dude cocktail ($10; featuring Mammoth vodka, cream, and Mammoth’s coffee liqueur). Find Michigan Brew at 106 Michigan Ave. (989) 348-2739, www.mibrewgrayling.com