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Monday, August 31, 2009
In Search of Green Beer
In most places, green beer means St. Patrick's Day. In the foodie paradise of Ann Arbor, Mich., it means Earth-friendly microbrews.
Downtown, Arbor Brewing Co. has won awards for microbrews as well as environmental responsibility. Matt and René Greff's company opened in 1995 following Matt's "beer epiphany": All-natural brews had fuller flavors.
Though perfecting an organic beer, the Greffs say their current beers can't be labeled organic. Although the malt is organically grown, most of the hops aren't. Controversies about the label "organic" have mad recent headlines, but organic is not the only way to go green. "We try to make the brewing process as eco-friendly as possible," René Greff said. Instead of sending spent grain to a landfill, they give it to local farmers for use as livestock feed and compost. How much? "Over 3,000 pounds a week."
A water recovery system routes water used to cool beer after boiling to a holding tank. As it cools the beer, the water gets hot--ideal for cleaning equiptment and for making the next batch of beer.
Having gone "local, natural, and sustainable" at home long ago, the Greffs began applying that ethos in 2007 at their brew pub/restaurant.
To read the rest of this article, click here.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Ann Arbor Hot Spot: Farmers’ Market
The Ann Arbor Farmers' Market, located in vibrant, eclectic Kerrytown, is where the local chefs go for their produce. You’ll often see local culinary celebrities, such as chef Eve Aranoff, shopping there.
Ann Arbor has a farm-to-table tradition and one of the joys of summer is seeing the beautiful produce brought fresh to the market.
Read the rest of this article here.
The Ann Arbor Farmers' Market is held year-round on Saturdays from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. The market also takes place on Wednesdays from May-December.
For more information about the Ann Arbor Farmers' Market, click here.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Logan: An American Restaurant
Chef Thad Gillies, his brother Ryan and Kevin Hobart, sommelier, own and operate this Ann Arbor-based bistro, offering exclusive wines and an eclectic menu, all with an American twist. Video courtesy of Ascalon Films.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Rock ‘N Roll: Ann Arbor’s Planet Rock
Planet Rock in Ann Arbor is an indoor climbing gym with walls to challenge all ages and abilities, for those who want health and fitness up to the most competitive rock jocks. Video courtesy of Ascalon Films.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair
"What's going on in here?" is the question they get asked most often. Here's a brief glimpse into the Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair store and 826 Michigan. Video courtesy of Ascalon Films.