Chicago Pride Fest (June 21-22, 2025) – Each year, more than 100,000 revelers flock to the historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood of Northalsted to take part in the festivities, including three stages with live music, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food from local restaurants, drag shows, dance performances, a high-heel race, and more. This year’s headlining artists include Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo Siwa, Sapphira Cristál, Bob the Drag Queen, Amber Riley, and more across two stages.
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Pride Festival
Argyle Night Market (Every Thursday from July 3 – August 28, 2025) – Started in 2013 by Uptown United, the Argyle Night Market is an annual event that features food from local Argyle restaurants plus live cultural and musical performances on Thursday evenings each summer. This vibrant and award-winning event is located on Argyle, the city’s first shared street, which prioritizes pedestrians, celebrates green infrastructure, and encourages community engagement.
Windy City Smokeout (July 10-13, 2025) – The nation’s premier outdoor country music and BBQ festival returns to Chicago’s iconic United Center for its 12th year. The star-studded weekend will feature country music’s biggest names, including Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Bailey Zimmerman, and Megan Moroney, along with an impressive roster of up-and-coming talent and over 25 of the best BBQ teams from across the country. In addition to the top performer in country music, the festival offers a selection of curated events, such as the “Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer” on Friday, July 11 and an epic “BBQ Brunch” on Sunday, July 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The bottomless BBQ Brunch will include a variety of dishes from the Windy City Smokeout’s Pitmaster Buffet, featuring a special Bacon Bar. Guests can also sip on mimosas and build their own Bloody Marys with all the fixings at the Bloody Mary Bar.
Photo courtesy of Windy City Smokeout
Chinatown Summer Fair(July 26-27, 2025) – This iconic event is one of the most ethnically unique outdoor events in Chicago and the Midwest. Attracting more than 50,000 people from throughout the region, Chinatown Summer Fair is a true celebration of Far East beauty and culture including food, art, and music. This neighborhood street festival will open with a lion dance procession, followed by Asian performances; kung fu demonstrations; samplings from Chinatown’s restaurants and unique gift shops; arts & crafts exhibits; street vendors with an array of merchandise; and a children’s area.
Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago
Lollapalooza (July 31 – August 3, 2025) – One of Chicago’s most highly anticipated summer events, this genre-defying lineup is packed with the music industry’s biggest names, along with local favorites and emerging artists.The full Lollapalooza lineup features more than 170 musical acts across nine stages, with headliners such as Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, Rüfüs du Sol, Luke Combs, A$AP Rocky, Gracie Abrams and Doechii
Photo courtesy of Lollapalooza
Chicago Air and Water Show(August 16-17, 2025) – The Chicago Air and Water Show has been an iconic Chicago event since 1959. The annual summer spectacle is the largest and oldest free-admission air and water exhibition in the United States. The two-day event draws an audience of over one million to the city’s stunning lakefront to see pilots perform astonishing stunts above the waters of Lake Michigan.
Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference (August 22-23, 2025) – The Chicago House Music Festival is an annual celebration of the Chicago-born genre that has revolutionized dance music globally. Held in Millennium Park every summer, this joyous event attracts house fans from across the globe to hear today’s top DJs and up-and-coming talent.
Chicago Jazz Festival (August 28-31, 2025) – The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming at Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. The festival showcases Chicago’s local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms.
Bourbon City commemorates its signature drink culminating on National Bourbon Day
Set down your Mint Julep, because it’s time to celebrate Louisville’s official cocktail, the Old Fashioned. Proclaimed the city’s official cocktail in 2015 by former Mayor Greg Fischer, Old Fashioned Fortnight highlights the posh and stately Pendennis Club’s original during the first two weeks of June via events, tastings, and specials. Kicking off on June 1, the anniversary of Kentucky’s statehood, and culminating on National Bourbon Day, June 14, the fortnight of festivities underscores Louisville’s whiskey history and booming bourbon culture.
Photo courtesy of Go to Louisville.
Here are some ways to participate in Old Fashioned Fortnight June 1-14:
Craft Your Own Cocktail at the Frazier History Museum: The Frazier History Museum and Old Forester are teaming up to showcase Louisville’s official cocktail, the Old Fashioned. Led by Certified Bourbon Stewards, this unique experience guides visitors through making a traditional Old Fashioned with a unique twist while providing some fascinating history about the locally invented libation. Classes are for Bourbon beginners and aficionados alike and can be booked Monday-Saturday, online here.
Photo courtesy of Old Forrester.
The Ideal Bartender Experience: Head to Evan Williams Bourbon Experience’ssecret Speakeasy as an actor portraying Louisville native Tom Bullock takes you back in time to the prohibition era for a guided Bourbon tasting. Bullock was the first Black American to write and publish a cocktail book and tended bar at the Pendennis Club, where the Old Fashioned was purported to be invented. Book tours online.
Photo courtesy of gotolouisville.com
Urban Bourbon Trail®:Download the Urban Bourbon Trail® digital passport and visit some of Louisville’s best local Bourbon bars and restaurants, all of which offer their own twist on the Old Fashioned cocktail. Bourbon enthusiasts who check in at six locations will earn a free T-shirt. Visit gotolouisville.com for more information.
Photo courtesy of gotolouisville.com
Barrels & Billets: One of Main Street’s newest Whiskey experiences takes place just next door to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where you can embark on your custom bourbon experience. Sample up to six different flavor profiles and build your own customized bottle of whiskey suited to your personal taste. If you love your newly created concoction, you can purchase your own bottle after the experience. Find tour times here.
Photo courtesy of The Barrel: Bourbon & Bites Food Tour.
Beyond The Barrel: Bourbon & Bites Food Tour: Uncover the secrets of Kentucky bourbon and go beyond the barrel to dive into bourbon’s unfiltered history – and learn all the stories they won’t tell you on a Kentucky Bourbon Trail distillery tour. As the sun sets over the vibrant NuLu neighborhood, you’ll visit award-winning restaurants, hidden speakeasies, rooftop terraces, and cozy tasting rooms, Find available dates here.
For additional ways to celebrate Old Fashioned Fortnight, a more detailed history of Tom Bullock, and recipes on how to create the cocktail visit OldFashionedFortnight.com.
Heaven Hill Distillery Old-Fashioned Cocktail. Photo courtesy of Heaven Hill Distillery.
The Pendennis Club in downtown Louisville has long claimed the invention of the Old Fashioned cocktail since the 1880s. Club member and bourbon distiller popularized it, Col. James E. Pepper, who would go on to introduce the cocktail to the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, leading to its widespread popularity. Louisville native and pre-Prohibition mixologist Tom Bullock included his original Old Fashioned recipe in the preeminent cocktail book, “The Ideal Bartender,” published in 1917.
Dolly Parton’s East Tennessee theme park, Dollywood is recognized for its live entertainment, world-class rides, incredible guest service, and tributes to the traditions and culture of the Great Smoky Mountains. As part of that commitment to heritage, the park showcases Southern and Appalachian cuisine. Instead of simply offering traditional amusement park fare, Dollywood makes an extra effort to serve high-quality options that range from family-style comfort foods to unique items created especially for its various seasonal festivals. As part of its ongoing commitment to bringing guests the best dining experiences, Dollywood has debuted a new restaurant this spring for its 40th anniversary season. Guests can feast on their favorites and try the new offerings as well.
Guests who visit the park during Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival from now through June 8 can indulge in Southern-inspired springtime foods that can be enjoyed individually or by using the Flower & Food Festival Tasting Pass. Those with the tasting pass can sample up to five festival items, including new creations like loaded street fries, pesto caprese paninis, Smoky Mountain grilled corn, blueberry pie milkshakes, wild berry cream cheese funnel cakes and a Salad of Many Colors (named for Dolly’s beloved song, “Coat of Many Colors”). The pass can be purchased in the park or online for $42.99 plus tax.
Dollywood will introduce its newest dining venue, Wilderness Pass Restaurant, during the festival. Opening in early May, the restaurant is set to serve a variety of smoked meats along with Southern classics like hush puppies and mac and cheese. Wilderness Pass will also debut a brand-new menu item for the park: rotisserie chicken. The restaurant, which features both indoor and patio seating, can accommodate 400 people and will allow guests to order their food in line before choosing their table.
Dollywood has also become famous for some iconic foods that are offered all season long. For generations, park-goers have flocked to the Grist Mill to devour Dollywood’s world-famous cinnamon bread, which can be enjoyed “naked” or with a side of icing and/or apple butter. The theme park’s original restaurant, Aunt Granny’s (named for what Dolly’s nieces and nephews call her), is consistently named among the best theme park restaurants in the country and serves Southern favorites like fried chicken and pot roast. Spotlight Bakery, located right near the park’s entrance and exit – making it a great first or last stop of the day – provides an array of desserts, including a 25-pound apple pie that’s baked in a specially made, huge cast-iron skillet.
Dollywood’s culinary team acknowledges the food allergies and avoidances that park guests have. With that in mind, they developed a Start Fresh program that ensures vegetarian and gluten-free items are available throughout the park. And when guests inform the culinary team about food sensitivities or allergies, the team ensures that foods are prepared without any cross-contamination.
For more information about Dollywood’s culinary offerings and to plan a trip during its 40th anniversary season, please visit Dollywood.com.
About Dollywood Parks & Resorts
A highly awarded and widely recognized leader in the amusement industry, Dollywood Parks & Resorts – which celebrates its 40th anniversary season in 2025 – consists of the 165-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; and two award-winning resort properties: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of 64 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 28 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment.
The park is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park and earned the Golden Ticket Award for the Best Park in the world in 2023. In 2022 and 2024, Dollywood was named by Tripadvisor as the #1 theme park in the country based on actual guest reviews. It also has been recognized as a top U.S. theme park by USA Today on multiple occasions.
Dollywood is open mid-March through early January and offers rides and attractions, shows and crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel and Tripadvisor as one of the country’s most beautiful water parks, operates from mid-May to mid-September.
The team at Journeyman, the award-winning craft distillery based in Three Oaks, Michigan, and Valparaiso, Indiana, have been busy planning some super fun events ranging from afree-to-attend children’s camp, a bartending competition featuring some of Harbor Country’s top drinks pros, a chef-driven rooftop dinner, and much more.
SUMMER MUSIC LIVE SERIES
WHERE: The American Factory, 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
DATE: Every Friday beginning June 6th
TIME: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT
PRICE: Free to attend
DETAILS: Journeyman’s free summer music series is back for its second year at the American Factory. Every Friday through August, head to the courtyard with the whole family and soak up live music from local artists under the sky. Make it a full evening with dinner and drinks at Union Hall restaurant. More information can be found here.
DIRTY BOOTS LINE DANCING COUNTRY NIGHT
WHERE: The American Factory, 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
DATE: Saturday, June 7
TIME: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. CT, doors open at 6:30 p.m. CT
PRICE: $25/person, must be 21+
TICKETS: Available here
DETAILS: Journeyman’s Dirty Boots Night is back at the American Factory for an evening of live music, dancing, and unapologetically Southern energy. Pull on your cowboy boots and brush up on footwork with line dance lessons from Fred Astaire Dance Studios—all set to live country tunes from Steel Country. Tickets are $25 per person and include access to the event, line dancing lessons, and a welcome cocktail to kick off the night. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase in advance and on-site. Must be 21 or older to attend.
BARCRAFT COMPETITION
WHERE: The Featherbone Factory, 109 Generations Dr. Three Oaks, MI 49128
DETAILS: Calling all cocktail enthusiasts! Journeyman Distillery is bringing together some of the most creative bartending pros from across the Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana regions for its first annual Barcraft Competition. Each bartender will present an original cocktail creation that showcases their unique craft and personality, and guests will be invited to cast their votes for who should take home the title of Best Bartender.
The winner will receive a donation to a charity of their choice. Tickets are $50 each and include cocktail samples, food, and a ballot to help decide the winner. Must be 21+ to attend.
FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH
WHERE: The Featherbone Factory, 109 Generations Dr. Three Oaks, MI 49128 AND The American Factory, 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
DATE: Sunday, June 15
TIME: Three Oaks: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. ET, Valparaiso: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT
PRICE: $45 for adults, $20 for children 3-12, free for children under 3
RESERVATIONS: Three Oaks reservations here, Valparaiso reservations here
DETAILS: Toast Dad with fine whiskey and delicious breakfast favorites at Journeyman’s Father’s Day brunch! Taking place at both locations, the team is whipping up a brunch spread complete with a carving station featuring meaty offerings like prime rib, OCG roast turkey breast, and baby back ribs served with Journeyman’s bourbon BBQ sauce. Guests can also look forward to a buffet of comforting classics, including biscuits and pork sausage gravy, French toast, scrambled eggs, cinnamon sugar donut holes, and more. To help the adults unwind, a selection of craft cocktails made with Journeyman’s artisanal spirits will be available for purchase by the glass or by the pitcher.
CHEF’S DINNER: CHAR No. 3
WHERE: The American Factory, 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
DETAILS: Back for its second year in 2025, Journeyman’s rooftop dining experience is returning to the American Factory this summer. Executive Chef Amanda Salas and her team are preparing a four-course dinner centered around smoked flavors, paired with cocktails and whiskey, perfect for enjoying in an open-air setting at dusk. Expect dishes like smoked pork shoulder with bourbon berry barbecue sauce, roasted salmon with barbecue baked lentils and pickled green beans, charred asparagus with piquillo pepper relish, and more. The full menu and ticketing information can be found here.
JOURNEYMAN’S KIDS CLUB
WHERE: The American Factory, 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
DATE: Every Wednesday beginning June 25th
TIME: 11 a.m. – noon CT
PRICE: Free to attend, reservations required
DETAILS: Calling all parents with kiddos! Journeyman’s free-to-attend Kid’s Club is back this summer at the American Factory. Every Wednesday at 11 a.m., kids can participate in a new, fun and creative one-hour activity. The full lineup of activities will be announced soon, and reservations are required. More information can be found here.
Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to make great strides towards resuming normal operations after historic flooding caused damage throughout Frankfort. Campus-wide cleanup efforts are now complete, and restoration has ramped up inside buildings affected by flood waters. The successful re-opening of the Distillery’s modified visitor experience has allowed teams to scale up visitor offerings.
“Welcoming visitors back to Buffalo Trace Distillery is more than encouraging, it’s an overwhelming joy we share with fans who visit us,” said Jake Wenz, Sazerac & Buffalo Trace Distillery CEO and President. “The support of the community has provided strength to our teams, and I am so proud of our team members’ hard work and dedication these past few weeks. As our teams and contractors make essential repairs, we are close to resuming normal operations.”
Starting Tuesday, April 22, Buffalo Trace Distillery has moved its limited retail experience to the second floor of the Visitors Center.
This move allows for regular check-in processes to resume inside the Freehouse building and provides guests with expanded retail and tasting options. Though cleanup has allowed further resumption of the guest experience, restoration efforts continue campus-wide and those visiting will be limited to the Visitors Center.
The Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse in summer at Buffalo Trace Distillery.
We apologize, but no walk-up retail or tour experiences are currently being offered at this time. To check reservation availability, please visit reservations.buffalotracedistillery.com. In anticipation of Derby week, one of the Distillery’s busiest weeks, teams are working hard to ensure the Distillery can accommodate increased visitation. The Distillery will be closed on Monday, April 28 to allow for retail operations to further expand into the first floor of the Visitors Center. Please note, for the coming weeks reservations are required for all guests visiting the Distillery.
Flood cleanup and restoration efforts have also progressed throughout Franklin County, with many businesses in downtown Frankfort now open for businesses. Additionally, many throughout the state are recovering from tornadoes caused by storms that hit Kentucky just before the flooding. Buffalo Trace Distillery will soon be announcing details of an online charity auction featuring some of the Distillery’s most sought-after bourbons to aid in statewide relief efforts for those facing the difficult road of recovery coming off these spring storms.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies.
Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here.
For several years now, especially post-COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry has seen increasing interest in the concept of “slow travel”, commonly identified as a desire for travelers to leisurely immerse themselves into a destination, connect with locals and fully experience its culture, foods, and traditions.
Cyprus is one of the oldest civilizations in the Mediterranean with a long history that spans 11,000 years and a rich culture due to its unique geographic position at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Asia, and Africa. Throughout the centuries, Cyprus has been home to Myceanian Greeks, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Romans, Franks, Venetians, Ottomans and the British, who have all left behind visible remnants of their passage (especially in their architecture) and created a mosaic of different cultures and periods on the island.
The Republic of Cyprus, with its relatively small geographic area of 3,572 square miles, is a model destination for the concept of slow travel. It boasts the advantage of being one of the oldest civilizations in the Mediterranean. Steeped in history, the island’s soul can be found in its heartland – filled with hospitable people, enduring traditions, clear waters, diving opportunities, beaches, fresh produce, and ancient foodways.
To that end, the Heartland of Legends Routes, a project designed by the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism, invites visitors to explore the island’s hidden rural gems, immerse themselves in the mythology and traditions of the land, and enjoy the benefit of slow travel. With its temperate Mediterranean climate, long dry summers and mild winters, separated by short autumn and spring seasons, Cyprus is a destination ripe for discovery year-round!
The Divine Olive Oil Route – This route celebrates the cultivation and production of olive oil which has been a part of Cyprus’s tradition for centuries, with the Greek Orthodox church imbuing olive oil with divine properties. Typically a traditional olive harvest lasts from October to March and, among the heartland villages, visitors will come across a number of restored traditional olive oil presses and may even participate in the harvest. Purchase a bottle to take home – Cypriot extra virgin olive oil is known for its distinctive, fruity aroma and robust flavour.
The Honey Taste Route – Since antiquity, man has associated bees with nature’s regenerative forces and honey has been appreciated for its nutritional value, used for both ceremonial as well as medical purposes. By the early twentieth century, a decline in bee hives prompted Cypriot authorities to introduce modern wooden beehives, with movable frames, to the island. The Honey Taste route visits nine villages in the southeast area of the Troodos mountainous range, where the majority of beekeeping on the island is done. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about Cypriot honey harvesting, taste different varieties and even make their own beeswax candles.
Weaving of Dreams Route – Embroidery in Cyprus, influenced by both Byzantine and Venetian patterns as well as new designs, is one of the most important contributions to the island’s intangible heritage. Today, women wanting to revive the interest of the younger generation and bring back to fashion the traditional embroidery have combined the beauty of Lefkaritika lace making and the geometrical and colorful designs of Fythkiotika to create new fashionable items. On the Weaving of Dreams Route, travelers can easily spend a day visiting six of the most picturesque and quaint villages, visiting traditional workshops or boutiques and admiring the collection of bags, dresses, cushions and accessories.
Known as the “Garden of France,” the Loire Valley has a rich and varied gastronomy, garden-to-plate experiences, and unique culinary specialties. From goat cheese to Michelin-starred experiences to traditionally made vinegar to Tarte Tatin, below are some of the many quintessential culinary experiences of the Loire Valley.
Auberge du XIIème Siècle (Credit: Marieke Gourdin)
In the Loire Valley, more than 170 “Maîtres Restaurateurs” utilize the local produce and ingredients of the region to create their own unique mark on the local gastronomy, while honoring traditional French art de vivre. Les Jardiniers, located in the heart of the Loire Valley’s Rabelais region along an old railway line, received its first Green Michelin Star in 2024. Chef Martin Bolaers brings a true “garden-to-plate” experience, using produce from their extensive vegetable garden and truffle farm to create creative, seasonal dishes.
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau. Credit Benoît Bâlon at Wikimedia Commons.
The Auberge du 12ème Siècle, a 12th-century inn and restaurant located in the charming village of Saché, was awarded a Michelin star in March 2024. Led by chef Kevin Gardien, the restaurant features locally sourced ingredients and innovative cuisine served in a beautifully preserved, medieval dining room.
Photo courtesy of Auberge du 12 ème Siècle
Culinary specialties of the Loire Valley include the famous upside-down apple tart, Tarte Tatin; slow-cooked meat from the 19th century, Tours rillettes; toasted almonds dating back to the 17th century, Pralines de Montargis; and Orléans vinegar. Orléans vinegar dates back to the Middle Ages, when the city became a hub for vinegar production due to its strategic position as a major wine trading center.
Photo courtesy of Martin-Pouret.
As wines were transported to Paris, some would spoil during the journey and instead of discarding these wines, local merchants in Orléans began converting them into vinegar. Today, Martin-Pouret, a master vinegar-maker since 1797, still makes the famous Orléans vinegar in its traditional method, which allows wine to ferment slowly in wooden barrels. As of October 2024, travelers can now visit Martin-Pouret’s new vinegar factory located right outside of Orléans in Boigny-sur-Bionne, which has just opened to the public for the first time. Visitors can attend workshops to see how the vinegar is made, as well as participate in cooking and mixology classes using the vinegar.
Wine Tasting in a Historic Cave
Caves Monmousseau (Credit: Caves Monmousseau)
Some of the most unique wine tasting experiences in the Loire Valley take place in historic troglodyte caves. “Troglo Degusto” at Domaine des Tabourelles includes an underground tour of 22 miles of historic troglodyte galleries, located below the village of Bourré. After the underground tour, guests can try the domain’s wines along with food pairings.
At Caves Monmousseau, visitors can try sparkling wines that have been perfected for over 130 years, while experiencing a very unique art show in the underground cellars: images are illuminated on the tunnel walls, telling the story of the châteaux of the Loire through a spectacular sound and light show.
Experiencing the Loire Valley’s Goat Cheese
Trefle du Perche (Credit: Clara Ferrand)
The Loire Valley is celebrated for its diverse and high-quality goat cheeses with notable varieties include Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, recognized by its rye straw center; Selles-sur-Cher, with its ash-coated rind and hazelnut flavor; Chavignol, also known as Crottin; Valençay, a pyramid-shaped cheese; and Pouligny Saint-Pierre.
Additionally, the region has introduced Trèfle du Perche, a four-leaf clover-shaped cheese gaining popularity in the region. Open since 2019, Les Passerelles, located in Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, is a museum dedicated to showcasing the region’s heritage and goat cheese. The museum includes an immersive experience into the world of cheese-making, showcasing the history, techniques and traditions behind the production of some of the most famous cheeses in the area.
In less than a year, one of Marshall’s most historic yet long-vacant buildings has been converted into an elegant, first-class event space called Venue 19 Zero 9. An extension of Schuler’s Restaurant and Pub, is named for the year in which Schuler’s was founded–1909. The public is invited to view the transformation of Venue19 Zero 9 at an Open House on Thursday, March 20 from 4-7pm.
“We can’t wait to share this newly renovated space with our community and guests,” says Sue Damron, President & CEO of Venue 19 Zero 9 and Schuler’s. “Over the years, we’ve been committed to expanding and enhancing the hospitality experience here in Marshall. The addition of Venue 19 Zero 9 gives us another unique space to create memorable events complete with catering and planning services.”
Housed inside an 1880s historic landmark, known for many years as Dreamers Furniture, Venue 19 Zero 9 sits two blocks from the Marshall’s legendary Schuler’s Restaurant. The restoration of the iconic stone structure aligns with the town’s dedication to its heritage, offering the perfect blend of tradition and modernity while creating a beacon of sophistication and unparalleled experience for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.
The multi-use Venue 19 Zero 9 features a large room accommodating up to 300 seated guests, an intimate soft-seating area, two changing quarters for wedding parties to get ready, as well as three stylish boutique hotel rooms, adding a touch of class for those seeking an all-encompassing experience.
To ensure an exceptional culinary offering, Venue 19 Zero 9 features exclusive catering by Schuler’s Restaurant. Known for its impeccable service and delectable cuisine, Schuler’s will bring its signature touch to elevate events held at Venue 19 Zero 9 including unparalleled professional onsite planning services. Drawing upon the extensive hospitality experience of the Schuler’s team, the venue aims to provide full-scale event coordination, ensuring that every detail is meticulously executed.
The Venue 19 Zero 9 project is the latest initiated by Damron, who acquired the legendary restaurant in 2019 and has worked for the company for almost three decades. Over the past five years, she and her team have been responsible for ongoing renovations at the restaurant and pub, but more notably she led the charge to transform former office and storage space (part of the building’s original hotel footprint) into seven new mixed-income units—four of which are reserved for low-to-moderate-income residents—and five boutique guest rooms branded as The Royal Hotel. In 2020, she also developed a picturesque off-site outdoor venue in rural Calhoun County called Hyde Away, which adds diversity to the company’s hospitality portfolio.
Damron says she couldn’t have completed this project without the support of the City of Marshall, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance, and Homestead Savings Bank. The project was eligible for a grant coupled with significant investment from Damron and Schuler’s Restaurant.
Founded in 1909, Schuler’s is noted as one of Michigan’s most iconic restaurants. With more than a century of successful years in the industry, Schuler’s remains a hospitality leader not only in Michigan, but throughout the country.
Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub is located at 115 S Eagle St. in Marshall, Michigan. (269) 781-0600; SchulersRestaurant.com
Venue 19 Zero 9 is located at 112 N Eagle St., Marshall, Michigan. https://19zero9.com
“In this book, Simone and Inés Ortega offer us a wealth of gastronomic experience and wisdom and it will quickly transport you to the heart of Spain,” writes Ferran Adrià, former head chef of the legendary El Bulli restauranthttp://www.elbulli.info/ who is considered one of the best chefs in the world, in the introduction toSpain: The Cookbook(Phaidon Press). “This is a timeless book. When you read it, you suddenly realize the glories of the food in front of you, those that, until now, you’ve not fully appreciated. Ours is a splendid cuisine, born out of the pleasure of eating, and it is also one that is perfect for those who have little time to cook., but who don’t want to give up the enjoyment of eating well and, thus, of feeding their souls as well as their stomachs.”
A huge and wonderful door-stopper of a book with almost 1000 pages, much of which are recipes, drawings, and photos, this is the definitive book on Spanish cookery. It’s hard to imagine a recipe or one similar that can’t be found within the pages. Because the information contained here is so voluminous, finding what you want is made easy in the way the recipes are divided into such chapters as “Cold Plate Suggestions,” “Fried Dishes, Savory Tartlets, Little Turnovers and Mousses,” and “Eggs, Flans and Souffles.”
In the chapter, “Menus from Celebrated Spanish Chefs,” there are recipes from chef/restauranteur José Andrés who has restaurants in Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York, and Las Vegas, José Manuel Pizarro, restauranteur and author of such cookbooks as Spanish Home Kitchen, and Carme Ruscalleda, the chef-owner of Carme Ruscalleda near Barcelona. Among the recipes she shares are those for her Apricot Sponge and Quick Prawn Soup.
Lively sketches by Javier Mariscal, some 500 in all, accompany full-color food photos and illustrate not only such dishes as Caviar canapes and roasted mixed vegetables but also how to cut up an octopus or de-fin a fish.
The 1080 recipes vary in complexity though many are exceedingly accessible. Sausages in Cloaks (Salchichas Encapotadas) and Eggs en Cocotte with Mushrooms both have only five ingredients and Soft Cheese and Paprika Canapes just three. Some of the dishes won’t be familiar to most American home chefs such as Hare with Chestnuts, Woodcock with Cognac, and Lambs’ Feet with Tomato. But even if we’re not going to cook such fare, it takes us further into our exploration and understanding of Spanish cuisine.
Originally published over 40 years ago under the title 1080 Recetas de Cocina, millions of copies have been sold and it’s easy to understand why. The cookbook is both compelling—a page-turner as the authors take us into the home kitchens of their country—and informative with menu plans, cooking tips, and a glossary.
Author Simone Ortega was considered to be one of the foremost authorities on traditional Spanish cooking and had a career in food writing that spanned more than half a century. Her daughter, Inés Ortega, is also a food writer and collaborated with her mother on subsequent editions of the cookbook.
It’s easy to see why the popularity of this cookbook, which is said to be found in almost every home in Spain, endures. Its recipes and illustrations beckon us to expand our skills in Spanish cuisine.
The following recipes are from Spain: The Cookbook published by Phaidon Press.
Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin (Coles de Bruselas Gratinadas)
2 1/2 to ¾ pounds Brussels sprouts
1 classic Bechamel sauce (see recipe below)
3/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Preheat the oven to 350°F
Bring a pan of salted water to a boil and drop the Brussel sprouts into the water, cooking until tender but not falling apart. Remove from heat, rinse in cold water.
Make Bechamel sauce.
Place Brussels sprouts in an oven-proof dish. Sprinkle with the cheese.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately straight from the dish.
Classic Bechamel Sauce (Salsa Bechamel Corriente)
2 ounces butter
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
2 tablespoons plain all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
Salt
Melt the butter with the oil in a pan and stir in the flour. Gradually stirring the milk, a little at a time and bring to a boil stirring constantly. Add salt to taste and simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly for eight to 10 minutes.
If a thinner sauce is needed, add more milk. If the bechamel needs to be thicker, simmer the sauce longer until it reaches the required consistency.
Bechamel’s Tricks
To prevent lumps forming when making bechamel, remove the pan from the heat when stirring in the flour. Stir briefly with a wooden spoon, return the pan to the heat and proceed as normal.
Cover the surface with a disc of wax paper lightly greased with butter to avoid skin forming on top of the bechamel sauce prepared in advance. Bechamel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen.
To reheat, put into a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water oops come on
Raw Mushroom Salad
1 pound 10 ounces mushrooms
6 tablespoons sunflower oil
Juice of two lemons
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt and pepper
Separate the mushroom caps and stalks. Slice the stalks and caps and put into a bowl. Pour in the oil and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper and mix well. Sprinkle with the parsley and shell in the refrigerator for two hours 24 servings.
Paddington, the beloved bear from Peru, returns to the big screen after six years on Friday, February 14. In the newest Paddington movie, “Paddington in Peru”, he travels to Peru to learn more about his origins and showcase Peru to the world.
PROMPERÚ, the official tourism board of Peru, created this website highlighting travel destinations found in the movie and also features helpful tips on traveling to Peru and deals to book a Peruvian adventure.
In “Paddington in Peru”, Paddington travels to Peru with the Brown family to visit his dear Aunt Lucy, who now lives in the home for retired bears. What begins as an emotional visit soon turns into a thrilling journey, where the characters find themselves wrapped in a mystery that takes them from the lush Amazon rainforest to the breathtaking peaks of the Peruvian Andes.
Among the locations chosen for filming are the Historic Center of Lima, the Plaza Mayor, nearby streets and the Miraflores district in Lima. You can also see the wonder of the modern world, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and the town of Machu Picchu.
Filmed in Peru assisted in filming in the regions of Lima and Cusco. In recent years, Film In Peru has supported international audiovisual productions such as Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Street Food Latin America, Down to Earth with Zac Efron, La Reina del Sur, among others.
