Adventure starts with a vehicle that’s up for anything. Trailblazer combines comfort you want, the versatility you need, and the technology to make every moment count.
When the weather is this frigid in the D, there’s really not much to do but loaf around inside. Except when you sit around for too long, cabin fever is bound to set in—and then what is a guy or gal to do? Well, if you’re located in the metro area, you could brave the winter chill for a good reason and get out of the house by heading to a beer or wine dinner!
Mother Nature herself must have tipped off a few fine establishments in the area, because there are plenty of beer and wine dinners, as well as other dinner events, happening in southeast Michigan through the end of the month. Not only do you get to sample some amazing cuisine and beverages, but you also now have an excuse to dig yourself out of the house. Here are a few to consider attending…
Fenton Winery and Brewery, 1370 N. Long Lake Rd., Fenton, is partnering with Fermenta: Michigan Women’s Craft Collective this weekend to bring you a Beer vs. Wine dinner event on Saturday, Feb. 21. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., participants will be able to sample four food items along with a beer and wine pairing with each.
Following the samples, dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. and feature bruschetta chicken, pasta, tossed garden salad and bread. Additionally, the evening will feature a tour of the grounds, along with a presentation of tasting techniques at the beginning. The dinner and tasting event costs $35 per person.
Zingerman’s Cornman Farms, 8540 Island Lake Rd., Dexter, will host popular Ann Arbor food truck San Street on Sunday, Feb. 22 for a Lunar New Year Dinner. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., sample some of the best Asian street food the pop-up has to offer!
The menu will include Gua Bao (homemade buns filled with your choice of slow roasted pork belly or sautéed mushrooms), Jeon (crispy, savory pancakes), Sake-Poached Pears (with gelato from Zingerman’s Creamery) and Yuzu Soju Delish (a specialty handmade cocktail). You’ll have to buy a ticket to experience it all for yourself, though! Tickets cost $85 per person.
Grand Trunk Pub, 612 Woodward Ave., Detroit, is where you’ll find one of the most unique and fun dinner events this month—a Muppets Beer Dinner! The Muppets-themed dinner will feature pairings from Dark Horse Brewing Co. of Marshall and takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
The four-course meal begins with The Swedish Chef’s Meatball Soup, paired with Amber Ale. To follow is Gonzo’s Chicken Salad with Purple Potato Crisps, served with Bramble on Brown. The third and main course, Kirmy and Piggy’s Ham Shank and Frog Leg Confit Croquettes, will be paired with Fore Smoked Stout. Of course there’s dessert: Professor Bunson Honeydew’s Grilled Minted Melon with Rosemary Syrup and a Crooked Tree to wash it down. Tickets cost $40 per person (including gratuity) and the event begins promptly at 7 p.m.
Karl’s Cabin, 6005 Gotfredson Rd., Plymouth, is no stranger to hosting great events, and this month’s big feature is a six-course beer dinner starring Short’s Brewing Company on Wednesday Feb. 25. The meal will begin with an appetizer of Chipotle Orange Spice Glaze wings (with Short’s Space Rock), followed by a second course of Smoked Salmon Salad and a Snow Wheat beer pairing.
Nothing beats the winter blues like soup, and the next course of Ale and Onion with Gruyere (paired with Bellaire Brown) will make you forget all about the snow outdoors. Classic Beef Stroganoff and Lamb Shank serve as the main dishes, paired with Aphasia and 2013 Aged Spruce Pilsner, respectively. If you have any room after all of that, Dark Chocolate Ganache and Cup of Joe stout will be served for dessert.
The beer dinner begins at 6 p.m. and costs $59 per person. Included in the event is an informational session from guest speaker Brian Talpos of Short’s Brewing Co.
The Root, 340 Town Center Blvd. E. 106, White Lake, will host a Guest Chef Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 26 that pairs Chef James’ signature dishes with those of Chef Doug Hewitt of Chartreuse Kitchen and Cocktails. Since Chartreuse has not yet opened its doors in Midtown, the event will serve as a great way to get a glimpse at the new restaurant.
The six-course meal will feature three dishes from each chef, including Skuna Bay Salmon Escabeche, Charred Freshwater Prawn and Smoked Duck Breast from Chef Doug, and Lamb Crudo, Sunchoke Ravioli and Chestnut Cake from Chef James. Cocktail pairings will be provided by the Oakland and by future cocktail masters of Chartreuse.
The first plate will be served at 7 p.m. and the evening costs $95 per person for food and beverage pairings.
If you just can’t get enough of dining out after attending a beer or wine dinner event or two in the D, keep in mind that Royal Oak Restaurant Week is coming up! It begins on Friday, Feb. 27 and runs through Sunday, March 8. But we’ll touch more on that later. For now, make the most of the cold weather and enjoy these dinner events in the D!
