Tastemakers

Aug. 17, 2005

CENTRE ST. CAFÉ WASABI BLEUS
Just when I thought I had been to every hip eatery in Traverse City, I receive a letter from an “Avid Express Reader,” tipping me off about Centre St. Café. Since I am seldom in that area (off Garfield behind Hockey Heroes) the note was much appreciated.
The biggest challenge for first-time diners at Centre St. Café is making a selection, as the menu is bursting with several appetizing options. Being a fan of a certain Japanese condiment, the Wasabi Bleus sandwich jumped off the menu. Now, Wasabi is traditionally served with sushi and noodle dishes but heck, why not put it on a sandwich? The folks at Centre St. thought it was a good idea and they were right on. The Wasabi Bleus is loaded with sliced turkey breast and turkey bacon with a sliced apple, red onion, romaine and a mild Swiss cheese on fresh rustic sourdough bread. The kicker to this sandwich is the Blusabi dressing, a delightful blend of blue cheese and Wasabi. Another plus on the plate was the pile of tortilla chips and Centre Street Café’s special black bean dip.
Menu items are available for dining out or in. If you choose to stay take time to enjoy all the art on the wall, as Centre St. is the only restaurant in the area that has its own art manager. Mosaic artist Adam Begely oversees the collection of work that not only features stunning pieces by him but other great works from artists of the region. They are open for lunch only and cater parties of all sizes. Get to Centre St. Café where you will be satisfied gastronomically as well as culturally. -- Rick Coates


PENINSULA CELLARS
2004 CHARDONNAY
Michigan wines and in particular wines from the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas are continuing to be recognized with the best wines of the world. At the top of that list right now has to be Peninsula Cellars and their winemaker Bryan Ulbrich. It was only a few years ago that their Riesling took best white in the world honors at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Just two months ago Ulbrich and Peninsula Cellars came up big again in San Francisco, winning a Gold medal for their 2004 Gewürztraminer and a Double Gold for their 2004 Riesling Select. Two weeks ago it was a total dominance again for them at the Michigan State Fair Wine Competition as they took home three Best of Show (out of five) wins, The Judges’ Special Award, two Double Golds and four Golds.
This is the second year in a row Ulbrich has taken home the Judges’ Special Award, which is given to the one wine that really stands out. Last year it was the 2002 Gewürztraminer and this year it was the 2004 Chardonnay. This Chardonnay is a great summer wine with a fruity palate and subtle notes of orange, lemon and grapefruit. Ulbrich suggests serving with walleye or marinated grilled chicken breast with grilled onions and red peppers, topped with fresh pineapple chutney.
So, with all these big wins, did Ulbrich head off to Disneyland to celebrate? Heck no, he is a Michigan guy, so he and his wife grabbed the kayaks and enjoyed a much-deserved vacation along the Lake Michigan shoreline. But the fun and celebration is over as harvest is nearing, and all indications are that the 2005 crop might be the best ever. Look for Peninsula Cellars award-winning-wines at area restaurants and wine shops or visit their tasting room a few miles out on the Old Mission Peninsula.-- Rick Coates