Port Austin eatery offers unique dining experience

michigansthumb.com

Port Austin eatery offers unique dining experience

SARA EISINGER

hdt_news@hearstnp.com

PORT AUSTIN — It is unlike any other eatery in the upper Thumb. A creek runs through the 40-acre plot of land, where alfalfa, herbs and vegetables grow to create the diverse menu options offered at Bird Creek Farms.

Hidden away in the kitchen to cook for local and visiting customers is Chef Stan Osentoski.

“I started out my career 15 years ago, as a line cook with Brio restaurants, all on the job training,” Osentoski said, “worked my way up to executive chef within three years.”

Trained by professionals at various Italian and French restaurants, Osentoski has learned to perfect an array of recipes and techniques that challenge simple taste pallets.

“What is special about the menu is that everything is made in-house,” he said. “I have the opportunity to change and grow the menu.”

But the chef was careful not to leave out the highly sought-after wines, cocktails and alternative beverages. The tap room is lined with specialty brews from all around Michigan.

“There are 16 varieties of craft beer on tap, changing as the season goes and supplies become more readily available,” he said.

“We have a sauvignon blanc on tap, as our house wine. We have mead, in many different varieties of micro crafts.”

General Manager and Events Coordinator Michele McIntyre added to all the dining establishment has to offer.

“I am the events coordinator, weddings, music, art classes,” she said. “(The) big deal is the location and atmosphere — deer in the field, sunsets, cool nights.”

McIntyre said her favorite menu item is steak bites.

“They are so tender, they melt in your mouth,” she said.

Employees only had great things to say about their boss, Todd Murawski, who withdrew from comment to allow his workers to voice their own opinions.

“Todd is a great visionary and entrepreneur, great to work for and hardworking, dawn until dusk,” Osentoski said. “(He) will do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

Bird Creek Farms and The Tap Room at Bird Creek Farms is open seven days a week, Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. through 9 p.m. It is located in the Village of Port Austin at 282 Grindstone Road.

For more information, call 989-553-6444.

Bird Creek Farms and The Tap Room at Bird Creek Farms is now open seven days a week. (Sara Eisinger/Huron Daily Tribune)

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