this week’s
top ten TC Central’s Josh Burnham a contender for two national football honors Christmas came early this year for Traverse City Central football phenom Josh Burnham. The national Maxwell Football Club named him one of 16 semifinalists for its prestigious National High School Defensive Player of the Year award. That honor comes on the heels of the announcement that he’s also in the running for the Butkus Award, which is given to the top linebacker in the country. Whether Burnham wins either award, he’s got a lot to hang his hat — er … helmet on already. The 6-foot-4 linebacker was a key weapon in TC Central’s run to the Division 2 championship this year, which took place at Detroit’s Ford Field Nov. 26. Though Macomb County’s De La Salle kept the Trojans from taking the championship title, Burnham’s season tally added up to more than 1,300 yards rushing and a place in the upcoming All-American Bowl, which counts among its past players 13 future Heisman Trophy finalists and 74 Super Bowl champions. Despite 16 scholarship offers from Division 1 universities around the nation, Burnham — who was born on St. Patrick’s Day 1992 — committed to play, on his March 17 birthday last spring, for Notre Dame next fall.
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tastemaker Cellar 152’s Brauhaus Pretzel & Beer Cheese
There’s something about the dark skies and early nightfall that makes evenings inside sound especially inviting in December. Of course, no proper hidey hole would be complete without a healthy stash of snacks, and maybe a few libations to boot. That’s where Cellar 152 Pub and Provisions in Elk Rapids comes in. Originally established in 2015 as a destination wine bar, this underthe-radar retreat has since expanded to include an eclectic full-service menu with a focus on handmade and specialty fare. But before embracing that long winter’s nap, be sure to — literally — get your hands on their Pretzel and Beer Cheese. A shareable tapa intended for two, this classic Bavarian “Brauhaus” pretzel is brushed with butter right after baking, lovingly sprinkled with just enough kosher salt, and smartly served on a banana hanger with a generous pool of an aged cheddar blend spiked with Moosehead Canadian Lager. Pair one with a hearty pint — and many extra napkins because you’re sure to be scooping this stuff up without restraint. $14 at Cellar 152. 152 River St., Elk Rapids. (231) 264-9000. www.cellar152.com.
4 • December 06, 2021 • Northern Express Weekly
You’ll have a bluegrass Christmas Ya like a wee bit of the Celtic music, do ya, Lad? Then take a dooter on down to the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall on Saturday, Dec. 11. The much-lauded Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack, of the duo Switchback, are bringing their multiple-award-winning brand of eclectic Celtic, bluegrass, and Americana Roots music to the village just in time for some toe-tappin’, heel-stomping, ear-lovin’ fun. Haven’t a baldy notion who they are? Switchback has been playing at concert halls, performing arts centers, and festivals around the world for almost 30 years. Trust us, this one is a big deal. Tickets are available at Corner Drugs in Elk Rapids, Oryana’s 10th St. location in Traverse City, and at brownpapertickets.com.
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Hey, read it Early Morning Riser
If you’ve ever experienced small-town life, you know that tattle is part of the package. Somehow, 26-year-old Jane does not. The heroine of Katherine Heiny’s newest novel, “Early Morning Riser,” Jane’s just arrived in Boyne City, Michigan, pursuing her first adult teaching position. Here, Jane’s Boyne City is a modest ’burb bursting with secrets (most notably her own). After falling for Duncan, the local lothario, Jane’s inclined to cut and run. But when an accident singlehandedly shatters the perfect relationship she had envisioned, Jane is forced to abandon her long-held beliefs about what — and who — holds the key to real happiness. A tender tale rendered with plenty of humor, “Early Morning Riser” is sure to send more than a few readers north for the winter. (Heiny, by the way, didn’t come upon her Boyne City setting by accident; thought she resides in Bethesda, Maryland, she is a former resident of BC.)
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HOLIDAY
Wine Dinners Wine, Dine, Be Merry Spanish Wine Dinner 5 COURSES | 5 WINES December 16
Italian Christmas Wine Dinner 5 COURSES | 4 WINES December 23
Downtown Petoskey | WINEGUYSGROUP.com/calendar | 231.347.0101
