Top Ten

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.

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.

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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Wine Dinners HOLIDAY Wine, Dine, Be Merry

Spanish Wine Dinner

5 COURSES | 5 WINES December 16

Italian Christmas Wine Dinner

5 COURSES | 4 WINES December 23

Get Crackin’: Nutcrackers

Would it, could it, should it be Christmas without a performance of The Nutcracker Ballet? We think not. Luckily, you and your little mouse soldiers have options all over the region: • The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts has three performances left: two 8pm performances Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11, and one 2pm performance Sunday, Dec. 12. Dancers from Manistee, Mason, and Benzie counties will perform.

Something special to note: The original ballet, scored by Pytor Tchaikovsky and staged by Russian choreographer Marius Petipa, premiered in 1892, nearly the same time the Ramsdell was built. Even cooler, the “Dance of the SugarPlum Fairy” solo that audiences will see on the Ramsdell stage is the original Marius Petipa choreography. It was gifted to the current production’s director, Ingrid Bond, through Carol Greenaway, a Frankfort native and former professional ballerina, who learned it from the legendary Alexandra Danilova. ramsdelltheatre.org. • Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet’s presentation of the ballet will feature alloriginal choreography; you can see the school’s performances at 3pm or 6pm Dec. 11 and 3pm Dec. 12 at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor. www.greatlakescfa.org • Interlochen Arts Academy Dance Division will present their performances at 7:30pm Dec. 9, 10, and 11, plus two 2pm performances Dec. 11 and 12. www.interlochen.org/ concerts-and-events

Yes, Virginia, there are professional carolers

Free, open to all, with easy social distancing on a snowy outdoor “stage” illuminated with thousands of lights and decorated trees — the Sashay Quartet’s upcoming holiday caroling performance promises to draw and delight all generations of holiday revelers. The quartet wowed a crowd with songs on the lawn of the Old Art Building in Leland last year. By popular demand, they’re coming back to do it again at 5:30pm Saturday, Dec. 10. The Sashay Quartet — made up of Jill Steckley, tenor; Deb Densmore, lead; Lori Phillips, baritone; and Jill Watson, bass (all members of the all-female, award-winning Grand Traverse Show Chorus) — has been performing since 2005. The setting for their songs couldn’t be better: The Old Art Building’s front lawn is covered with thousands of lights and many Christmas trees adorned with “Peace” ornaments decorated by community members. For additional information, call the Old Art Building at (231) 256-2131.

casual worship @ 9a | traditional worship @ 11a ONLINE ANYTIME AT: tccentralumc.org | facebook.com/cumctc

Stuff We Love: Stink Stoppers

As many inhabitants of our crowded pre-pandemic office can attest, one spray of Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray works wonders for eliminating the odors of No. 2. But while a plastic bottle with the word “Poo” on it might be fine for a casual office environment, it doesn’t exactly scream “classy” in one’s well-appointed guest bathroom. A more understated option to set near the sink before your next gathering: These Full of Fire Matches we found at Poppy Things in Suttons Bay. With 100 tall (3 ½-inch) wooden matches set inside, the apothecary-like glass bottle sports a label made for striking and a sophisticated subtlety no plastic-bottled poo spray can match. What’s more, the match heads come in an array of super-chic colors; choose from teal, soft pink, powder blue, black, or white. Pair your pick with a pretty ashtray and exhale (and inhale) with ease; your bathroom is ready for anything — even Uncle Bubba. $19 at www.poppythingsshop.com.

bottoms up Stella’s Hot Buttered Rum

Few things fend off November’s chill quite like a swig of something spiked. For the ultimate internal thaw, cozy up to a cupful of hot buttered rum. With recipes preceding the American revolution, this traditional cocktail is a bar-backed staple, but we suspect none do it more authentically than Trattoria Stella in Traverse City. Helmed by Advanced Sommelier Amanda Danielson, Stella’s legendary bar program has been catering to palette and presentation since opening its doors in 2004; and from frothy top to creamy base, their Hot Buttered Rum is no exception. To build the drink, bartenders begin with a scoop of house “butter batter” — that’s a baking-inspired compound butter with brown sugar, fresh vanilla bean, and a warming spice blend of cinnamon and nutmeg. From there, they add in a shot of caramelly Angostura 7-Year Rum and enough hot water to fill a footed coffee mug. Stirred and garnished with a healthy dollop of homemade whipped cream, this cold-weather cureall is best savored slowly — or until the feeling returns to your fingers. $14 at Trattoria Stella. 1200 W. 11th St., Traverse City. (231) 929-8989. www.stellatc.com Northern Express Weekly • Decemeber 06, 2021 • 5