Top Ten

this week’s top ten

InstagramWorthy Charcuterie

Is anyone else jealous of those stunning charcuterie boards their friends make? The ones that look like they’re straight out of a Pinterest board with not only delectable meats, cheeses, crackers, and spreads, but also a design that is almost too pretty to eat? Well, time to make your friends jealous of you. Black Star Farms is hosting a charcuterie board class on Saturday, Dec. 17, at their Suttons Bay location at the Hearth & Vine Café. Not only will you get expert advice on how to build your party platter, but you’ll also go home with a brand-new charcuterie board and all the fixings so you can practice—and sample—your craft. Oh, and did we mention there’s wine? The first of these classes in early December sold out, so get tickets soon: $75 includes a glass of wine, your new board, and the ingredients. Head to blackstarfarms.com/charcuterie-boardworkshop to sign up.

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Spring and Porter’s Seared Venison

The cold temps have left us craving all things cozy—we’re talking herb-laden stews, roasted root veggies, and multiple pairs of fleecy sweatpants. But, before you give in to that long winter’s nap, tuck into a plate of Seared Venison Backstrap ($54) at Spring and Porter in Petoskey. The brainchild of chef Tommy Kaszubowski (of both Tapawingo and Chandler’s fame), this soul-sustaining dish begins with pan-seared venison cooked to temperature, though medium-rare is strongly encouraged, and marinated overnight in an active garlic and mirepoix blend. It arrives alongside savory cremini mushrooms tossed with broccoli and roasted carrot, all atop a bed of buttery celery root puree. Finished with house wine jus and celery root fritters, this plate pairs best with a full-bodied red—try an Italian Brunello or Amarone—from the eatery’s extensive wine cellar. Spring and Porter is located at 887 Spring St., Petoskey. (231) 347-1440. Book a table online via OpenTable, or visit springandporter.com.

Jingle All the Way

Dress up in your holiday best for the Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk, Sunday, Dec. 18, at 5:30pm at The Workshop Brewing Co. in Traverse City. The route weaves through the lighted downtown and surrounding decorated neighborhoods of TC. Free for Traverse City Track Club members, and $20 for others. You’ll also have the option to donate to the TCTC Golden Shoe Fund, which partners with Fleet Feet to obtain quality shoes for area high school track and cross-country runners facing financial hardship. runsignup.com/jinglebellrun

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Hey, read It! Solito: A Memoir

In Spanish, solito means alone, and that’s exactly how poet Javier Zamora came to the U.S. in the late ’90s. In his debut memoir—a New York Times bestseller and a best book of the year selection from the New York Public Library, NPR, and more—Zamora’s journey begins in the aftermath of El Salvador’s first civil war, from which his parents fled years earlier for the safety of California. Zamora is raised largely by his grandparents and their war-torn community, until, at the age of nine, he can finally cross the border and reunite with his parents. At first, he can hardly contain his excitement, but his two-week adventure turns into a treacherous two months as he and a hodgepodge of escapees— with a hired smuggler at the helm—face capture, jail, and deportation. Told with the singular innocence of Zamora’s childhood self (no sugar-coating here), this read reinforces the true terrors faced when there is no other choice but to leave home, as well as the power of human connection—proving none of us are truly solito.

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6 All Aboard the Polar Express!

Say what you will about Tom Hanks’ animated likeness—The Polar Express has become a holiday classic in both book and movie form. (Admittedly, we prefer the original Chris Van Allsburg artwork ourselves.) Embrace the spirit with the Cheboygan Area Public Library, which is offering a Polar Express Pajama Party on Friday, Dec. 16, at their 100 S. Bailey Street location. Kiddos and parents can enjoy the movie alongside snacks and hot cocoa, plus fun with trains and bells on display. And, just like the characters of The Polar Express, you’re invited to wear your favorite holiday PJs for the journey. The evening starts at 6pm, and the movie runtime is 1 hour and 40 minutes. Best of all, admission is free for all ages. More details are available by calling (231) 627-2381 or visiting cheboyganlibrary. org. (P.S. That’s the same night as the downtown Cheboygan Adult Cocoa Crawl, so plan your calendar accordingly!)

The Future of Recycling

Calling all recycling nerds, planet protectors, and…folks interested in municipal waste streams? Networks Northwest and leaders from 10 counties in northwest Michigan recently put forth a survey for residents and business owners to weigh in on the recycling programs and services offered in our region. The survey takes less than 10 minutes and asks about your recycling habits and motivations and how you’d like to see recycling Up North change in the years to come. You’ll have a chance to share thoughts on recycling drop-off centers and curbside offerings, plus hazardous waste and organic material disposal, alongside programs for recycling and food waste. You’ll also be asked about what you’d be willing to pay for these kinds of services…or if recycling should be free to get more people on board. Want to participate? You must live in Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, or Wexford counties. Head to resourcerecycling.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3RkCnjt88HHCi7s.

8 Pairing Dinners CELEBRATE... CATTLEYA WINES DINNER

DECEMBER 14 | 5 COURSES, 4 WINES CASAMIGOS TEQUILA DINNER

DECEMBER 22 | 5 COURSES, 5 COCKTAILS

STAGS’ LEAP WINE DINNER

DECEMBER 22 | 5 COURSES, 4 WINES

Stuff We Love: Big Old Trees

In 2020, ReLeaf Michigan kicked off its biennial Big Tree Hunt Contest. The two-year endeavor began in 1993 as a way to celebrate the state’s beauty and gather information about the giant trees of Michigan. This last cycle, more than 650 entries were made from 79 of the state’s 83 counties, and some of the arboreal finds may just be worthy of becoming state championship trees— the largest of their species. So, where are the biggest trees of the North? There’s a black willow in Benzonia Township with a 279-inch circumference (pictured), a sugar maple in Williamsburg clocking in at 198 inches around, and an Eastern white pine in Gaylord that took fourth in the list for the biggest version of Michigan’s state tree. ReLeaf Michigan is the only statewide tree planting nonprofit, and their next contest will kick off in spring of 2023. To see all of the 2020-22 winners, visit releafmichigan.org/big-tree-hunt.html.

bottoms up Left Foot Charley’s Late Harvest Riesling

Left Foot Charley is tucked in the old, storied buildings of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons with no vineyards in sight, which is why they work with a number of local growers to find the perfect grapes for their wines. Seventh Hill Farm on Old Mission Peninsula, which Left Foot calls “one of our most renowned vineyards,” is responsible for the magic of the 2020 Late Harvest Riesling ($28). This vintage has the natural sweetness you’d expect from grapes left on the vine just a bit past peak ripeness, plus delightful fruity, citrusy notes that make it all too easy to make a bottle disappear. Stop in for a glass at Left Foot Charley’s tasting room at 806 Red Dr. Suite #100 in Traverse City or try their Barrel Room reservation experience just up the gravel path in one the state hospital’s former produce cellars, which now offers a climate-controlled space for aging the winery’s barreled wines. Visit leftfootcharley.com to learn more or to order online. Northern Express Weekly • december 12, 2022 • 5