Saturday, June 21, 2014

SPECIAL UPDATE: Savory Spoon Cooking School

We had a very fun filled evening last night with Cal & Yvonne attending the Savory Spoon Cooking School just up the road from the campground in Ellison Bay. 

"The Savory Spoon Cooking School is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, and is a seasonal school open from June through October each year. We welcome you to come have fun in our kitchen, whether you are planning a special event or just need to learn the basics. Expand you repertoire of techniques and recipes in our exciting hands on classes. Take your taste buds on a culinary tour of the world while learning to combine the flavors of different cultures. This is the perfect opportunity for the home cook to infuse meals with a loving professional touch and a pinch of the exotic.

Every year Janice Thomas of the Savory Spoon Cooking School accompanies students on exotic culinary excursions around the globe."


16 people were in the class (there was a waiting list) for a hands on preparation of an entire delicious 6 course dining experience entitled ‘Gourmet Grill’.

The class split up into small groups to prepare all the different courses which included Chilled Avocado and Citrus Soup, Caesar Salad With Grilled Zucchini, Grilled Scallop Ceviche, Grilled Rib Eye with Red Pepper Salsa, Roasted Potatoes with Bacon Horseradish and Cream/Bourbon Pecan Triangles for desert.

"Chef Janice Thomas has over 20 years experience in the food industry. In addition to owning her own catering company for 14 years, Janice has been teaching cooking classes for many years in Arizona, Oregon and Wisconsin. Studies at the renowned Cordon Bleu in Paris and with well-respected chefs in France, Italy and China have enhanced Janice's repertoire. Extensive travel in Mexico afforded the opportunity to cook with a variety of local chefs, where she developed a love for the distinctive southwest flavors. Thus was born Janice's specialty in food fusions.

Janice states, "Combining the flavors of many cultures results in an explosion of taste delights."


"We are committed to excellence in service and instruction. Learn by experience in classes structured as hands-on workshops. Have fun being a part of a great culinary adventure!"

As you can see by all the photos everyone had a most enjoyable time.











































Thursday, June 12, 2014

Ellison Bay, WI

Yesterday, Wednesday, we arrived in Ellison Bay and the Hyland Court RV Park around 2:30 after a 4 hour run. Light rain most of the way just to get everything dirty so will have to do some cleanup today. Very nice large wooded campsite...we are in B-3.

UPDATE: Sunday June 15 added photos of daughter Kimi & son in-law Ed's visit to the rig on Fathers Day. We had a great day, albeit to short, also celebrating Kimi's (the 23rd) and my (the 18th) B-Days early and visiting some of the area in northern Door County.

UPDATE: Thursday June 26 including photos.

Yesterday we visited with Ingrid and Pat, whom we met last winter in Casa Grande, AZ. at their home in Sturgeon Bay, WI. After showing us their lovely home and having a nice snack of smoked chubs (fish) and crackers they took us on a short drive to see some of the area. Only a couple miles from the Lake Michigan shore line we headed to Algoma. On the way we stopped at a Renards Cheese factory/store where we stocked up on some fresh cheese and noticed they had side pork, the same cut as bacon but not cured/smoked, in their meat case.

Then it was on to the Von Stiehl Winery where we received a personal tour from Brad, one of the owners, who Pat & Ingrid new personally. Of course we had to get some wine...da!! We knew we were not leaving the area without some fish and Bearcats Fish House did not disappoint...perch, smoked chubs and a piece of smoked lake trout and we are now set for a little while at least.

Then it was back to Sturgeon Bay for a light lunch at the Leathem Smith Lodge & Marina where Pat & Ingrid also have their 42' boat moored.

Thats it for now but check back for more updates.


UPDATE: Saturday June 28 including photos.

Today we went to 'Uncork Summer at Olde Ellison Bay Days' just up the road from the campground.

THE PENINSULA’S NEW SUMMER KICK-OFF EVENT IS “A TASTE OF DOOR COUNTY,” WITH OFFERINGS FROM LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND MARKETS.

Uncork Summer will be located outdoors on the grounds of Wickman House, and will feature 20 food vendor booths, plus local wines and craft beers. Well-known local acoustic musicians, including Katie Dahl, Small Forest and Death Folk, will perform live throughout the day. Uncork Summer is designed to complement the family activities at Olde Ellison Bay Days. "Uncork Summer is focused on creating an atmosphere for the enjoyment of new food and beverage experiences, with small plate dishes from restaurants throughout Door County, locally-produced foods from area markets, and wine and beer tastings," said Pilz. "There will also be terrific live local music throughout both days. Olde Ellison Bay Days will offer arts and crafts booths, great 'finger' foods prepared on-site by area non-profits, and kids' games and activities. Both events will have the same hours, 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday."

UPDATE Sunday July 6: Photos from trip to Baileys Harbor and The Cana Island Light. Located just north of Baileys Harbor in Door County, Wisconsin, United States.

Currently used as an active navigational aid under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard and a museum, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, as reference #76000201. This lighthouse, along with the Baileys Harbor Range Lights, was built to replace the Baileys Harbor Lighthouse in 1869, and was first lit in 1870.


Cana Light History.