Bits & Bites

James Beard Award-nominated Chef Takes Residency

Chef Justin Carlisle of Milwaukee’s Ardent restaurant will take residency at Hidden Acres Farm – a rustic, organic vegetable farm in Sister Bay – to create dishes that highlight produce grown on the farm. He will serve eight-course tasting menus Wednesday, Aug. 18 – Friday, Aug. 20; and again Thursday, Aug. 26 – Saturday, Aug. 28. Seatings will begin at 6 pm.

Carlisle, a five-time finalist for a James Beard Award, is originally from Sparta, Wisconsin, and he has cooked at such notables as Tru in Chicago and Gramercy Tavern in New York City before opening his acclaimed fine-dining restaurant, Ardent, in Milwaukee in 2013.

Parties of two or four may book their seats at ardentmke.com or exploretock.com/ardent. 

Who Has the Best Bloody?

Join Destination Sturgeon Bay for the inaugural Bloody Mary Social on Aug. 15, 10 am – 1 pm, at the Sonny’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria and Bridge Up Brewing patio, 129 N. Madison Ave. in Sturgeon Bay, where local restaurateurs will compete for the title of Best Bloody Mary and Best Bloody Mary Garnish. 

These competitors will provide samples: Sonny’s Pizzeria, Waterfront Mary’s, Stone Harbor Resort, Scaturo’s Baking Co. & Cafe, Cedar Crossing Restaurant & Bar, Brick Lot, Kitchen Barons, The Lodge at Leathem Smith and Door County Daily News.

Tickets are on sale now at doorcountytickets.com.

The Perfect Pairing

Immanuel Lutheran Church, 7973 Hwy 57 in Baileys Harbor, will again host its popular Spuds ’n Splits event on Saturday, Aug. 28, starting at 6 pm. Enjoy a baked potato with your choice of many toppings; then have a make-your-own banana split or ice-cream sundae, again with your choice of toppings. 

Everyone is welcome to attend Spuds ’n Splits for a tasty meal and treat to raise money for the church’s outreach projects and to enjoy entertainment by Immanuel’s three-piece Praise Band. Learn more at Immanuel-Lutheran.org.