Bits & Bites

Did Somebody Say Bacon?
Nueske’s applewood-smoked bacon and other specialties are well known for their sweet, rich smokiness and high quality. 

Now you can learn how to incorporate Nueske’s signature flavor into your cooking by learning from Nueske’s head executive chef, Preston Gasper, during a class at Savory Spoon Cooking School, 12042 Hwy 42 in Ellison Bay. On Aug. 6, 9:30 am – 12 pm, Gasper will lead participants through a menu of specialty sandwiches featuring international flavors and Nueske’s meats, including the jibarito from Puerto Rico, banh mi from Vietnam, croque monsieur from France and even Guinness ice cream with bacon for dessert. 

Call 920.421.0936 to find out more and register.    

Kick Off Maritime Week at the Bloody Mary Social
The second annual celebration of the most beloved brunch cocktail – the Bloody Mary Social – will return to Maritime Week and showcase the efforts of Door County restaurateurs at concocting the most delicious and creative boozy brunch beverage. 

Join the fun Sunday, Aug. 7, 10 am – 1 pm, at Sonny’s Pizzeria, 129 N. Madison Ave. in Sturgeon Bay, where you can sample the Bloody Mary contenders, cast your vote for your favorites in the Best Bloody Mary and Best Bloody Mary Garnish categories, and enjoy live music by Kevin Van Ness & The Talk of the Town.

The ticket cost of $35 includes three-ounce Bloody Mary samples from every vendor, one Bridge Up Brewing beer chaser and one piece of Sonny’s breakfast pizza. Designated-driver tickets are also available for $20. Purchase tickets at doorcountytickets.com. 

GUSTO Opens in Fish Creek
The newest restaurant to join the Fish Creek dining scene has moved into the space that, for decades, housed The Whistling Swan Inn’s restaurant of the same name at 4192 Main St. 

Though the inn continues to operate under the Whistling Swan name,  GUSTO is bringing new flavors – in the form of Mediterranean, Italian and American contemporary cuisine – to its dining experience and is offering an international wine list.
From the new menu, start with fried calamari, shrimp pesto or the house charcuterie board. Entrées are a mix of surf-and-turf selections, including hearty pasta dishes, whitefish, salmon and beef options. And for dessert? Pistachio cheesecake and gluten-free chocolate cake bring the meal to a sweet conclusion. 

GUSTO is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 5-8 pm; and Friday and Saturday, 5-9 pm.

Ellison Bay Goes Hog Wild

Kick off the first weekend in August with a pig roast, dog show, raffle and more small town fun on the waterfront in Ellison Bay. The festivities kick off 3 pm with the Bestminster Dog Show (register your dog at the event), followed by live music by John Welch Band, a car show and a chance to win Green Bay Packer tickets, a Door County dining package and other gift certificates to local Door County businesses. Come hungry — the pulled pork and chicken dinner will be served from 5-7pm. Find the details at doorcountynorth.org/event.