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Steakhouse Q Conspiracy?

Like your steak with a side of coded right-wing conspiracy theories? Vernales of Harbor Springs might be the restaurant for you.

Some passersby reacted with alarm recently when the message “WWG1WGA” appeared on the eatery’s electronic sign just above “CHOP HOUSE – WINE CELLAR & SPORTS BAR.”

The message stands for “Where we go one, we go all,” and is considered a dog whistle for followers of QAnon, a group of right-wing conspiracy theorists.

On its Facebook account, restaurant management backtracked from the message, calling it “an error in judgment” and insists the obscure reference was to JFK and expressed a desire to unite the country.

“We would also like to apologize for any negative connotation that our sign may have caused,” the post began. “… We felt many people were at odds and coming together was important. [In] no way are we a part of a negative movement, we are just those who love our community and everyone in it. We are sorry if this caused an alarm.”

Co-owner Joe Guthrie told Northern Express that he is devastated by the fallout from the message.

Stuff we love People who put their money where hungry mouths are.

Amid this winter’s Northwest Food Coalition’s Food Security Summit — a six-part virtual series about food insecurity and hunger in the greater Grand Traverse region — some welcome news has been revealed: Local philanthropist Leslie Lee, by way of her family’s Herrington-Fitch Foundation, donated $100,000 to the coalition’s Farm to Neighbor program, which purchases locally grown foods and distributes them to more that 40 pantries and 14 meal sites in six counties in the northwest Lower Michigan region. Want to be like Lee? Start by getting involved and attending the next Food Security Summit session, “How Do We Make Decisions to Address Community and Individual Needs” at 10am Jan. 26, or any of the three sessions remaining in February and March. Check them out and register at northwestmifoodcoalition.org/food-security-summit/.

Tater Time Trek

In what is a strange but brilliant idea for a family fun day, Gaylord’s Treetops Resort is hosting several Spud-tacular Snowshoe Lunches. The theme? Potatoes. Hosted along the historic Potato Railroad — so named because it was, in fact, the railroad grade upon which potatoes were hauled to neighboring counties — the guided snowshoe hike will feature multiple food stations featuring dishes sure to satisfy your picky eaters’ personal food pyramid: potato chips and grilled cheese (on potato bread, natch); gnocchi and cheese, with a four-cheese blend; a ham and leek potato soup, plus hot cocoa and water at every stop. Each guest will leave with a bundle of information on the history of the railroad and local potato industry, a full belly, and — get this — a vintage Mr. Potato Head. All ages welcome. $25 for kids 4–12, $30 for adults, free for kids under age three. Snowshoes available but not required for an additional $5 per. Get tickets for Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 20, or March 6 at treetops.com/ shop/spud-tacular-snowshoe-lunch

RANDY’S DINER IS THE PLACE FOR OUTSTANDING BURGERS! $5 off on your curbside carryout order of $30 or more.

Offers cannot be combined with any other coupon. Must present coupon. Expires 3-31-21

Wet chili burrito only $5.99

Limit one entrée per coupon. Offers cannot be combined. Must present coupon. Expires 3-31-21

VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR NEWS & SPECIALS. 1120 CARVER STREET, TRAVERSE CITY 231 946-0789 bottoms up Forty Acres’ Spa Day Martini

Myriad methods of cocktail creation are on display at bars around the world. There are flaming drinks, compotes laden with almost absurd amounts of fruits and vegetables, and sometimes even aerosolized booze infused with weird stuff. At Boyne Mountain’s slopeside Forty Acres Tavern, the Spa Day Martini ($11) also relies on a bit of a gimmick — but a mighty tasty one — to carry it forward. Vigorously shaken to meld premium ingredients, this delicious martini has a sturdy foundation of ultra-clean Bilberry Black Hearts Gin from Journeyman Distillery of Three Oaks, Michigan. Bols Ginger Liqueur — its complex notes embracing a hot and tangy sweetness — mingle with tart lemon juice. But the real triumph is in the aforementioned gimmick: a spring of fresh rosemary is lit and placed on top of the glass, the shaken mixture is poured over it, and the burning ashes ushered into the hazy-clear drink by the beverage itself. The ashes therein, admittedly, look weird. But don’t be dissuaded. They’re harmless and actually do add hints of charred rosemary, culminating in a cocktail that’s slightly sweet, a bit tangy, potent, and refreshing — and one that would certainly hit any spots missed at the spa. Find Forty Acres Tavern slope-side at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls. (231) 549-7270, www.boynemountain.com Northern Express Weekly • jan 25, 2021 • 5