top ten

Strolling the Sidewalk Sale

It’s a big week, month, and year for Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay. The winery is celebrating 25 years, and they’re toasting the anniversary with all kinds of special events. This week, you can catch their Vertical Wine Tasting ($25) on Saturday, May 6, at 1:30pm at their Suttons Bay location. This tasting is focused on Pinot Noir grapes and features four vintages—one current, three from their cellar—for attendees to sample. If Pinot isn’t your thing, there’s a Top-Tier Wine Tasting ($30) the day before with five premium pours of red, white, and bubbly wines. While you’re there, don’t miss getting reservations for Mother’s Day Brunch on May 14—$50 for adults, $20 for kids 4-12, and free for littles under 3. And last but not least, mark your calendars for the spring opening of on-site restaurant Bistro Polaris, home to Mediterranean fare, on May 25. Find all the details on events, wine, and food at blackstarfarms.com.

Hey, Watch It! The Last Thing He Told Me

What if the person you married wasn’t who you thought they were? Hannah and Owen are still in their honeymoon phase after a year and change, with their only source of tension coming from Owen’s teenage daughter, Bailey, who still isn’t on board with her new stepmother. But when Owen disappears in the wake of an FBI bust at his tech company—leaving behind only a duffle bag of cash and cryptic notes for his wife and daughter—Hannah begins to wonder if she ever knew her husband at all. Soon, Hannah and Bailey discover they’re in danger, too, and the duo go in search of the truth about Owen. Jennifer Garner (Hannah) and Aisha Tyler (her best friend, Jules) bring the star power to this miniseries, and we always applaud performances by actress-to-watch Angourie Rice (Bailey). Based on the bestselling thriller of the same name by author

Spring has officially sprung, and that means The Manitou is open for business. Established in 1979, this seasonal hot spot in Honor is known for cozy vibes and rustic fine dining, headlined by its popular selection of fresh walleye. Sourced locally from Big Stone Bay Fishery, this regular feature is offered several ways—including broiled or beer-battered and fried—but our go-to is the simple sauté. Each eight-to-ten-ounce filet is griddled in butter and garlic until golden and served with your choice of potato side (get the au gratin and thank us later) or rotating veggies, as well as a cup of soup or side salad. Pair it with a Sleeping Bear cocktail—that’s Iron Fish gin with honey and lemon—rinse, and repeat until the next snowfall. Grab a plate for $33.95 at The Manitou Restaurant in Honor (4349 N. Scenic Hwy). Reservations are optional, but recommended. (231) 882-4761, themanitourestaurant.com

6 Making Art for Mom

Mother’s Day is just around the corner—order those flowers!—and The Katydid in Petoskey is making sure you have the perfect gift planned. This Sunday, May 7, they’re offering a partner painting class for you and Mom (or you and a friend!), where you’ll each create separate works that become a masterpiece when you put them together. The class is taught by local artist Karen Mazzoline and begins at 2pm ($35 per person). If you have Sunday plans, wait one more day for Monday’s 3D floral watercolor class, led by Molly McCarthy. This class is all about depth and dimension to help your watercolor paintings leap off the page. Catch the class at 6pm on May 8 (also $35 per person). Find The Katydid at 305 East Lake Street in Petoskey next door to Grandpa Shorter’s. Get more details and sign up for your class by visiting grandpashorters.com (select In-Store Events on the top menu) or calling (231) 347-2603.

Off to the Races!

Local race promoters, you’re on deck!

In June, Northern Express will print our annual summer race calendar packed with events for runners, bikers, swimmers, and paddlers from June through September. (These are the months also known as the fair-weather-fan months for those of us who are better at spectating than racing.) Want to have your northern Michigan competition included? On your mark: Open an email to events@traverseticker.com. Get set: Include the race name, race date(s), race location, website address for race information, and the website address for online registration (if different). Go: Click send! We’ll be collecting submissions now until May 24, so get to the starting line and send your info our way. Note: Only races in Northern Express’ 13-county northern Michigan readership area will be considered: Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim, Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Kalkaska, Crawford, Antrim, Otsego, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Cheboygan.