Signature Chefs Auction '09

Fire Fly

Featuring Executive Chef Anthony Craig

310 Cass Street

Traverse City, MI 49684

(231) 932-8662

http://www.tcfood.com/310index.html

Born and raised in Nicaragua, Chef Craig brings a lifelong background in Latin American cuisine to Fire Fly’s eclectic menu.  His father is Cuban, and his Nicaraguan/Chinese mother owned a restaurant in Nicaragua where he learned many of the techniques that he incorporates into his cooking at Fire Fly.  He relies on instinct and the lifelong influences of family and friends to create dishes that reflect his diverse culinary background.  Chef Craig’s vision for Fire Fly is to offer food from all over the world, infused with the same creativity, passion and love that his Mom passed along to him. 

Chef Anthony Craig has returned to Fire Fly Restaurant in Traverse City as Executive Chef.  From 2005-2007, he cooked at 310 Restaurant, which has since been transformed into Fire Fly.  Before returning to Traverse City, Chef Craig worked for restaurants in Connecticut and Miami. 

Tuscan Bistro

Featuring Executive Chef Mickey Cannon

12930 SW Bay Shore Dr.

Traverse City, MI 49684

(231) 922-7795

http://www.gabbysbaysidebistro.com/

Mickey began his culinary career in Russia from 1990-1993.  He opened the first America managed motel in the former Soviet Union.  Training a large non English speaking staff to manage and sustain a large motel was no small task!  Often operating under extreme weather conditions made him a natural fit to our Northern Michigan landscape.

            From Moscow it was onto Vermont, where he became the Purchasing Agent and Executive Chef at the Radisson Hotel.  Mickey was able to keep cost down while maintaining excellent service and food quality. 

            Other East Coast positions included two catering restaurants in both New Jersey and New York.  Mickey is not shy with a large crowd.  He was directly responsible for managing food, service and menus for up to 2,500 guests.  Locally, he has worked in and around our region since 1995.  Sugarbush, Northwestern Michigan College to open Gabby’s Bayside Bistro which is now called Tuscan Bistro.

Turtle Creek Casino

Featuring Chef George Weir

7741 M 72 E

Williamsburg, MI 49690

(231) 534-8888

http://www.turtlecreekcasino.com/

The Turtle Creek Casino has three different dining experiences and all have something to make your mouth water.  At Bourbons 72 you’ll find a casual dining experience with a touch of first class featuring Bourbon Marinated Beef, Fresh Seafood and Pastas from around the world.  Seasons Buffet is loaded with regional and ethnic favorites such as American, Asian, Italian, and Spanish Cuisines.  The Coffee Spoon overlooks the exciting gaming floor while enjoying a Michigan Roasted Fair Trade Specialty Coffee, Cappuccino or Espresso.  Fresh Baked Pastries and Delicacies, Nuts and Chocolate Treats are available at the Coffee Spoon daily.  The Deli has variety of specialty sandwiches and offers 24 hours service.

The Turtle Creek Chef George and Chef Roy have over 80 years of experience between the two of them.  They have worked all around the world and have a wealth of experience in the industry.  Their imaginative menus and beautiful food presentation have been recognized in the area.

Traverse City Golf & Country Club

Featuring Executive Chef Christopher Carey

1725 South Union Street

Traverse City, MI 49684

(231) 947-9140

http://www.tcgcc.com/

Executive Chef Christopher Carey has been with the Traverse City Golf & Country Club for two years.  He is married and is a proud father of his two children.  Christopher is a Central Michigan University graduate with culinary education at Schoolcraft Culinary Institute in Livonia.  He has had work experience at the Detroit Athletic Club, The Ritz Carleton, and the Forest Lake Country Club. 

            Traverse City Golf and Country Club, is one of the area’s finest private golfing establishments.  Members enjoy the privacy of this club with many amenities.  Located on 143 acres just minutes from Traverse City’s vibrant downtown area, the Club is a world away from our fast-growing community. Our 18-hole golf course is the perfect blend of subtle challenges and natural beauty, and our social activities, dining and entertainment offer a wide choice in the inviting environment of our recently remodeled clubhouse.

The Riverside Inn

Featuring Executive Chef Chris Hoffman

302 River St

Leland, MI 49654

(231) 256-9971 - (888) 257-0102

http://www.theriverside-inn.com/

The Riverside Inn provides an intimate and historic setting with outdoor dinning available alongside the Leland River. Savor an award winning wine list that complements the fresh local ingredients prepared with a nod to a world inspired menus.  The lobby bar, dining rooms, and decks offer a casual atmosphere to enjoy an innovative menu amount to a unique and memorable experience.  Enjoy an idyllic Michigan sunset at this exceptional restaurant.

Chef Chris Hoffman is a graduate of the Great Lakes Culinary Academy.  He has years of experience culinary experience that includes working at Trillium and Hanna Bistro before joining the staff six years ago at The Riverside Inn.  He and his wife Rebecca are the proud parents of daughter Mia. 

Hanna Bistro

Featuring Executive Chef Carrie Trogan

302 River St

Leland, MI 49654

(231) 256-9971 - (888) 257-0102

http://www.theriverside-inn.com/

Chef Carrie Trogan has worked at Hanna Bistro since February 2008.  She was promoted to Executive chef in January of 2009.  She earned her degree in Culinary Arts at the Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago, Illinois.  Chef Trogan’s experience ranges from time spent at the Randolph Tasting Room, gaining knowledge of cheese and wine from around the world to the Catering Sous Chef at the Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson, Wyoming.  She also worked at the four star resort, Amara in Sedona, Arizona and as Kitchen Manager and Head Banquet Chef at the Sedona Golf Resort in Sedona, Arizona.  Her new and exciting menu at Hanna’s, is full of fresh flavors encompassing seasonal ingredients, Mediterranean flavors and fresh fish. Chef Trogan’s cooking style incorporates international flavors in an American Bistro style.

Hanna Bistro is located in the heart of Traverse City. It's a bistro and bar with a focus on fresh food simply prepared. Off-site catering and office drop-off lunches enable you to experience the Hanna Bistro cuisine in almost any location.  While the offerings are exquisite and memorable, the atmosphere is fun and lighthearted. Imagine the soul of a fine gourmet bistro within the body of a quaint neighborhood bar.

The Cook’s House

Featuring Executive Chef Eric Patterson and Chef Jennifer Blakeslee

439 E Front St

Traverse City, MI 49686

(231) 946-8700

http://www.thecookshouse.typepad.com/

 Eric Patterson is current co-owner of The Cooks’ House in Traverse City. Patterson spent much of the past fifteen years at Andre's, Las Vegas' Michelin-starred French restaurant, including a three-year apprenticeship under the legendary Andre Rochat. At the end of his Vegas tenure, Patterson was Andre's head chef. He currently lives in Traverse City with his wife Theresa and their three sons. Eric is a sub-deacon in the Greek Archdiocese.

Jennifer Blakeslee is current co-owner of The Cooks’ House in Traverse City. She is a Traverse City native and culinary school graduate from the prestigious Johnson & Wales University. Blakeslee addressed her travel itch by taking chef positions in Italy and Mexico earlier in her career. She spent three years working at the Michelin-starred Las Vegas restaurant, Andre's, with Eric Patterson her current business partner. She lives in Traverse City with her daughter Abbie.

The Cook’s House was opened to celebrate the bounty of agriculture and artisan made products that are found in Northern Michigan.  It is our mission to use, promote and celebrate local sustainable foods. We invite you to join us and taste the difference that comes from practicing a field to plate philosophy.  Come with us and experience how much better food can taste when made from products that come from the farmers, growers, and artisans who call Northern Michigan home.

Morsels

Featuring Jeff and Misha Neidorfler

104 Cass St

Traverse City, MI 49684

(231) 421-1353

http://www.morselsbakery.com/

Morsels offers two-bite bakery treats made at our flagship store in downtown Traverse City, Michigan, to tame your sweet tooth and yet still leave you feeling guilt free! All our morsels are made from scratch and baked fresh. We don't use any preservatives or nasty stuff like trans fats. morsels come in a variety of tasty flavors, such as shortbread with raspberry, and rich, chocolate brownie, and are divine with a cup of our specialty coffee or tea from Intelligentsia.

Proprietors Jeff and Misha Neidorfler, have always enjoyed baking together and seem to always be coming up with those, “why hasn’t anybody ever done this?” ideas. Jeff and Misha have been working together since they met as co-workers at an architecture firm in Milwaukee, Jeff’s hometown. Jeff was an architect for 22 years; Misha spent most of her time as an interior designer until their first child was born. After being a stay-at-home mom for several years and missing working together, Jeff and Misha decided to give their bakery idea a try in Misha's hometown, Traverse City, Michigan.

The Cook’s House was opened to celebrate the bounty of agriculture and artisan made products that are found in Northern Michigan.  It is our mission to use, promote and celebrate local sustainable foods. We invite you to join us and taste the difference that comes from practicing a field to plate philosophy.  Come with us and experience how much better food can taste when made from products that come from the farmers, growers, and artisans who call Northern Michigan home.