Who needs May mint juleps? We have May wine, beer, cheese...

May is off to a good start…with three fantastic food & wine events Up North.

Taste the creations of T.C.’s up-and-coming chefs at Siren Hall’s Scholarship Dinner!
On Sunday May 3rd, Siren Hall Restaurant in Elk Rapids is hosting a scholarship dinner to benefit Great Lakes Culinary Institute students.

Five students will create the menu under the tutelage of chef-owner Michael Peterson. Their performance that night will be judged by Peterson and a guest chef. The two winners of $750 scholarships will be announced the night of the event.

Cost for the four-course meal is $40 per person. There is only one 4-top table left--call right away to secure it!
Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Siren Hall, 151 River Street, Elk Rapids, 231-264-6062.

Taste Cheese, Beer and Wine in the Wisconsin Cheese Throw-Down
I’ll be out at Bowers Harbor Inn for the Wisconsin Cheese Throw Down (also to benefit Great Lakes Culinary Institute scholarships) at Bowers Harbor Inn on May 5.

20 area restaurants, resorts, wineries and breweries will be pairing their best beverages with creations made from delectable cheese from across the Lake. Event attendees will vote on their favorite pairings for a panel of judges to decide the ultimate winners. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance by calling Bowers Harbor Inn at 231-223-4222. The event runs from 6-9 p.m and is also your first chance to see Bowers Harbor Inn’s brand new Jolly Pumpkin Brewery and Distillery on the property!

Put on your PJ's for Leelanau's Spring Sip & Savor

They know how to live the good life in Leelanau Wine Country: sipping wine with breakfast. 

Rise and shine on the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association's annual Spring Sip & Savor wine trail event May 2nd & 3rd, 2009, where each of the 17 wineries on the trail will welcome you into their tasting room with a brunch-themed wine and food pairing.

 And the winemakers say, be cozy-you are encouraged to wear your pajamas both days on the wine trail. (There will be a Grand Prize for the best pair: Two nights lodging at The Homestead in Glen Arbor, dinner for two with appetizers and dessert at La Becasse in Maple City, Sunday brunch for two at the Bluebird in Leland, a wood fired pizza from Black Star Farms and a fabulous gift basket.) Get last minute tickets at lpwines.com.