CF forum friends meet in Michigan! (pictures)

annie1992

14 years ago

Yes, another get-together in Michigan and we had so much fun, can't let Sharon and Clive have ALL the fun!

Sherry and Roger, Elery and I, and Cathy and Peppi all met at Penzey's this morning. Cathy's husband couldn't make it, but he was there in spirit, LOL. We missed Peppi's Dad too.

We all spent some money at Penzey's and I forgot to take pictures, but we bought some paprika and some garlic powder and chili powder so Elery can try out his new smoker this weekend.

From there we went downtown to this place:

It's a great little gourmet food and wine shop with cooking and serving pieces, a lot of stuff in a small shop! Elery got pickled asparagus with jalapenos and I bought a small bottle of American made vodka for pie crust:

Look, LindaC, they even had Maytag Blue, $14.99 a pound....

Peppi particularly liked the message on their wine board:

From there we went downtown to a tapas bistro, guess what it was called, LOL:

That's Roger and Sherry in back and then, left to right, Peppi, Cathy, me and Elery.

We started with a pitcher of Sangria, I liked it a lot. So much that I forgot to take a picture until it was mostly gone, LOL, but here's my glass:

We all ordered and I took pictures of some of the plates, but some I just forgot, like the Atun del Limon, ahi tuna served raw lightly cured with fresh basil, lemon juice, watercress and kalamata infused oil and Atun en Escabeche, herbed seared Ahi tuna, served rare with carrot & leek ribbons, spicy mango purée and salsa verde. I really liked the Atun del Limon, and the carrots that came with the Escabeche.

We had Berenjena Asada, a roasted eggplant, pequillo peppers, and fresh goat cheese drizzled with organic honey, and Seta Rellena, portabella mushroom layered with spinach, manchego cheese, green onion, roasted red pepper and tomato vinaigrette topped with Serrano ham. We had some Esparragos en Salsa Romesco, fresh roasted asparagus with a romesco sauce of sweet red pepper, almonds and garlic, topped with Marcona almonds and lemon, and fresh bread with olive oil for dipping.

I got a picture of my favorite the Cangrejo de Río, wild-caught crawfish sautéed in anisette mustard cream with roasted red pepper, served with a chorizo potato cake:

And the Fritos de Azul, blue cheese fritters with red pepper aioli, which was a favorite of the other diners:

My other favorite was the Verduras y Tortas, spicy black bean-garbanzo cakes with roasted winter vegetables and cucumber yogurt sauce:

We had Empanadas with five-onion-garlic potato mash, lioli and salsa, again, no picture, and Seta Rellena, which is

portabella mushroom, spinach, manchego,roasted red pepper, tomato vinaigrette and Serrano ham along with Gambas al Ajillo, sautéed shrimp, olive oil, garlic, and pepper flakes. Another of my favorites was the tomato bread with Serrano and Boquerones (anchovies) This is my plate with the portobello, the bread and anchovies and the shrimp

And the bread with anchovies before we cut them up, LOL:

Peppi and Cathy both liked the Bistec con Pimienta, peppered beef flank steak grilled medium, served over

tortellini with manchego cream:

Peppi liked the sauce so well she licked the spoon:

Cathy is far more efficient and just licked the pan:

Actually, we just wanted a picture of the cute little cast iron pans they served some of the tapas in!

I brought some homemade bread for Sherry to take home as my contribution to dinner, since I left while they went on for more fun and supper, I figured a loaf of romano cheese bread with herbs and garlic could be used for SOMETHING, and I brought copies of the 100th Anniversary Ball Blue Book as reminders of the fun we had at Canning Camp. I'd picked up dessert at "Art of the Table":

Yup, it's chocolate covered bacon!!!

We had so much fun, we always do when we get together. And we are all absolutely going to meet Raymond next time, if we have to go to Florida to do it. Be forewarned, Raymond. LOL

Annie

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Comments (22)

canarybird01
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
How nice that you all got to meet again Annie!
And it sounds like a meal I would enjoy....and of course the shopping as well!

SharonCb
mustangs81
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
GREAT commentary Annie, thank you for reporting for all of us!

Yes, we had a great fabulous time. Great stores, great food, great friends.

I'll pass on the chocolate bacon.

Elory, you are a keeper!! I tested him with the question "Would you take a Wustoff chefs knife out to the pasture to cut vines then stick it in the oak tree?". (Now who would do that, not Raymond?) He said absolutly not. He passed!
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Oh, I had the best time-- meeting Joanne & May was like seeing old friends-- instant rapport-- we ate & drank wine & gabbed about food & family & bewailed the lack of a Trader Joe's in our areas ; the state of the grocery stores available-- wines- food ; gossiped about the CF members & how it's like one big extended family with the support, fun & sharing so much. Poor husbands were kind of ignored -- they couldn't get a word in edgewise !! And true to our calling each brought a little something Foodie for each other--- May gave us a bag of authentic Texas Chili mix & texas Pecan Pralines-- Jo a bottle of Overlay wine ( http://www.anyelasvineyards.com/2006-overlay/ ) from a local vineyard Anyelas (http://www.anyelasvineyards.com/ ) . I gave them Traditional Honey Mead (http://www.montezumawinery.com/mtz_detail.taf?pr_id=364 ) from another local winery ( http://www.montezumawinery.com/ ) near me. There's a fun history about this wine -- seems years & years ago the tradition was to give this wine( a month's supply) to newlyweds as it was suppose to insure a quick pregnancy-- specifically of a male offspring-- hence the term "Honeymoon". . We met at Rosalie's-- (http://www.rosaliescucina.com/RC_Menu.htm ) great place to just eat & gab . Food was fabulous-- ( & my camera was at home-- darn) On the table to start was crusty, chewy Italian loaves with small dipping saucers of EVOO & saucers of mixed Italian herbs, crushed red peppers & grated parm. There was a strolling mandoline player( Jo had warned us not to make eye contact ) but turned out Doc knew him from his days of running the sound system for the City of Auburns summer park concerts & he strolled right over-- eye contact or not. You've seen what May & hubby had-- Doc & I spilt a Insalada di Spinaci then he had pan seared Halibut on a bed of red lentils , topped with deep fried thin sliced fennel strips . I had the Farfalle con Pollo as did Jo. Then Jo ordered her favorite mystery dessert & insisted we try it--Banana Budino & figure out how it was made. May & I tasted coconut, caramel, maybe pinapple, almond for sure but agreed with Jo that it might have a banana pudding mix base. I think Jo has a picture & post about this great dessert-- maybe she'll put in a link. All too soon it was time to go ( the place was closing up) -- here's their signature "doggie bag" & as we were heading out the door with hugs & safe trip wishes to May and Hubby the Rest owner gave us each a loaf of their fabulous ,fresh baked Italian bread.
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Sorry, I'm just not much of a picture taker!! Did not even think of it! It was so nice to FINALLY meet Elery and Cooper too! Actually, I've always preferred picnics and home cooked meals to restaurants. Unless it's something really unusual, I can make up a meal of whatever for cheaper and better than a restaurant. The only part I like about restaurants is no cleanup, and I like that A LOT! Here's a photo of me and BF. We both like to keep our virutal lives fairly low key and private, particularly me, which I why I don't post often photos of myself or BF. I like this photo, although BF is not smiling. I teased him about it and he said, "I AM smiling!" Also he hadn't bathed and shaved for a day and a half, which for him was NOT a fun experience. I hadn't bathed in a day either but I'm not so fastidious, lol! We went swimming in Lake MI later that day to "freshen up!" The couple who took our picture was from Wisconsin and they were on their way to New Buffalo to celebrate their son's 50th birthday. They had kids in LA and Chicago! They were so nice!!
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Annie, it was great seeing you again. One note: the peppers are marinaded and work really well in one of our favorite chicken dishes, a Giambota. Just brown some bird, place in a roasting pan, dump the pepper and some onions, mushrooms, and quartered potaotes. SPrinkle Italian herbs and garlic and douse with balsamic vinegar. Bake until the chicken is done, about 45 minutes and serve. Give Elery a hug from me, and next time lets make it a longer visit.
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LOL, Pam, that would be Sleeping Bear Dunes. Ann was just very near there, it's up on the Leelanau Peninsula, just North and West of Traverse City. It's vineyards and little fishing towns and the State Park. Sadly, erosion and nature are taking their course and in another 30 or 40 years, the "bear" will be gone. The Native American legend of the bear is that a mother bear and two cubs were fleeing a great famine in Wisconsin and were swimming across The Lake. The two cubs drowned and the Mama Bear was so sad that the Great Spirit turned both cubs into islands (North and South Manitou Island) and Mama into the giant sand dune, so that she could watch over them forever. Come to Michigan, I'll show you "the Bear". There's about a 400 foot dune to climb, and you can slide/roll/jump down into The Lake, if you are young and agile (and foolish) enough. And yes, I believe it very well may be the most beautiful place in the United States. Come soon, before all the tourists do.... Annie
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pat_t
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I don't suppose that chocolate covered bacon is any worse than the idea of bacon brittle I saw recently.

If you guys DO come to FL, please stop by here on your way to Cathy's!

GREAT tapas - I'm jealous!
lpinkmountain
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I am SO jealous of your getting to go to San Chez. I went there only once while I lived in GR. I didn't even realize it was still open--Good! It's the perfect place for a group of foodies to gather, which is why I probably never went--I seriously lacked a social life when I lived in GR. Peppi looks pretty happy!

Cathy what brought you to the mitten state?
lindac
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Looks like a good time was had by all.....the food sounds amazing!
And that $14.99 a pound for the Maytag Blue's not bad for way up[ in Michigan.....but it's cheaper at the Farm!!
compumom
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hi everyone! Since I've had the pleasure to meet and dine with everyone here, and I know what kind of foodies you all really are, I'm sorry I couldn't join you, that meal looks wonderful and I know the company was great!
wizardnm
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I would have loved to have been there, instead, I've been working practically non-stop!

Glad you had such a good time.

Nancy
claire_de_luna
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hi to all of you from me! I'm living vicariously through your pictures and descriptions. It sounds like you're having a wonderful time, and I'm enjoying the visuals of the food, petite cast iron, and of course...all the licking. (I too, however, would have to pass on the chocolate covered bacon.)

Who in the world would stick a perfectly good chef's knife into a tree?
jessyf
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I love all that tongue action.

Looks like my kind of restaurant. I enjoy diner and support local food as much as the next person, but you really can't beat the kind of meals you all had! I'm jealous! Thanks Annie for the pix, I'm licking the monitor (the only way I can enjoy the traiff - non-kosher, LOL)
annie1992
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Jessica, I knew you'd appreciate those pictures, LOL.

The food was good but the company was even better, it was the perfect way to spend a Saturday, with good friends.

And Peppi LIKED the chocolate covered bacon. I didn't think it was bad, but not something I'd go out of my way to find. Still, I just had to try it.

Annie
kathleen_li
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
That looked like it was a lot of fun!!

I almost got to meet Woodie 2 weeks ago...almost..but it will happen!
Thanks for sharing that adventure!
annie1992
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Nancy, I know you've been working constantly with that new manager's position, but you'd have loved that lunch, and the shopping.

Lpink, we're too busy picking blueberries and making jam when you're here, LOL, no time for tapas. (grin)

Annie
lakeguy35
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
A little bird told me about this a few weeks ago. Looks like y'all had a great time. Nice to "see" everyone again. I met Mr. R and have Mr. E on my list of have to meet one of these days.

THe food looks great and I'm sure it was. I'd try that chocolate covered bacon and probably like it. I remember years ago when they did the potato chips and popcorn...not bad at all. It's that sweet salty thing that I like.

Thanks for the report and pics Annie!

David
KatieC
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Awwwwww...I wanna go back to Michigan!

Cathy, fair warning....DH saw the pic of you licking a frying pan and he will most likely give you carp about it, hehe.
sally2_gw
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
What a fun day it looks like y'all had! The food looks delicious! Great descriptions, Annie.

Wow, two forum get-togethers in one weekend.

Sally
sheshebop
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I highly suggest that anybody here that has not met others, try to do so. We have forged friendships for life.
pkramer60
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
What a wonderful weekend I had in MI! Cathy and I told Sherry not to go to any trouble, just toss some clean sheet on the bed. Beds were made nice and comfy, but the food! Cherry pie, rhubarb pie, carrot cake, Kalhua chocolate mousse cake, pecan cinnamon rolls, molasses cookies, chicken salad, quiche, pizza, brats, breakfast soufflé, lemon ricotta pancakes with raspberry syrup. I gained 5 pounds just typing this.

We had nice long visits, great times shopping, relaxing and playing with Dexter, the snuggledog. And dear, sweet Roger, he is a trooper. Wise man that he is would just roll his eyes and go with the flow.

It was so good to see Annie and Elery again. And Annie surprised us with the new 100th Anniversary Edition of the Ball Blue book. That is one hard to find book. Thanks again Annie for keeping us safe when canning.

I wholeheartedly second Sherrys statement. Meet CFers when and where you can. You will not regret it

Peppi

And I did like the chocolate cover bacon. Sort of a sweet/salty/crunchy thing with the little bits of bacon. Not sure I would go out of my way for it, but not offensive either.
Gina_W
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
LOL at Sherry's picture!

Looks like another fun forum get-together. Thanks for sharing!
riverrat1
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I've met everyone except the new guy...what's his name? Oh yeah, Elery! I KNOW you guys had a great time. True foodies indeed.

I'm saving the pics of Peppi and Cathy's licking action. Not sure yet what will be done with them but I can't resist just letting those pics die off. They certainly are very special in the foodie world:-)

Thanks for the pics Annie. It looks like a great time was had by all.

Miss all of you.
sheshebop
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Gina, I am not sure why you are laughing at Sherry's picture, that's what I always look like. I knew I wasn't pretty, but I guess I didn't know I was laughable???
annie1992
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Sherry, I think she might have just misspoken, she was probably laughing at Cathy! (grin) See, now you'll have to go to California and straighten her out!

Annie
mustangs81
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Sherry, I agree with Annie and disagree with you. You are "pretty in pink" and you know what I mean. I don't think the pan licking is any funnier that me in my PJs at the PFPP. I'm detecting a theme here-Cathy in stupid pictures on the CF.

What a great time! It was like a 4 day coffee clutch/klastch-relaxing, great food, company, conversation-and I brought my own coffee (in the form of cappuccino Jelly Bellys) so I could participate.

**I have to add that the three men (Roger, Elery, Augie) involved are all fantastic, how did that happen? Charming, intelligent, handsome, and accommodating. WOW, throw my DH in and you have an unusually fine group of guys.

CF forum friends meet in Michigan! (pictures)

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