jan milliman

Making time for date night.

We started out with a stop at Joe Bean Coffee Roasters on University Ave. We had sampled their wares at the Brighton Farmers Market over the summer and were impressed by their simple brewing method and incredibly tasty results. I do have a tendency to pour cream in every cup, while the hubby touts his preference of “coffee-flavored coffee.” During our first stop at their booth, I took his advice and forewent the cream, and I’ve gotta say I didn’t miss it.

Anyway, Joe Bean was celebrating being a finalist in the Good Food awards by offering up samples from a bunch of other contestants and favorite local businesses, so we figured we’d check out their shop. The place was packed, but we did manage to sample some bourbon cask aged chocolate, a roasted cocoa bean still in its husk, and a pork sandwich topped with roasted root vegetables from The Good Food Collective. Plus we got to visit with one of our favorite local wine guys, Jerod fromLeonard Oakes Estate Winery.

We never made it around to see the Hedonist Chocolate folks (thank goodness my good friend had already hooked me up with a birthday gift supply) or the local bakeries who were there, but if attendance is any measure, this evening was a success for Joe Bean.

Next, we headed over to Cure at thePublic Market for dinner. We’re big fans of the market, and happy to see more things going on here. On evenings, during the latter part of the week, Cure takes over the Java’s coffee stand next to Flour City Bread Company to serve upFrench bistro fare and craft cocktails.

There’s a gritty, pop-up feel to the dimly lit place with its industrial lighting and rustic table of linens and supplies. The staff is hip and artfully dressed, but very approachable and attentive.

On the bummer side, the tables are pretty close, and we managed to have coughers on both sides, but that’s to be expected during the Winter months.

The food was served for sharing — tapas-style and tasty, ‘tho pricey. We were wowed by the marinated mussels and the accompanied Asian sesame oil-spiked slaw. The pear tart with salty caramel drew raves. The charcuterie plate was full of tiny delights, but we couldn’t help but think that we could put together a similar array at a fraction of the price with help from VM Giordano Imports European Cheese Shop down the way.

All-in-all Cure was a fun adventure. Here’s hoping they lead the way to more night time establishments popping up at the market!

Later…

The rest of the weekend, we spent around the house for the most part. The hubby worked on perfecting his homemade pizza crust and dished out a traditional pie on Saturday followed by a brilliant Hawaiian on Sunday. We all raised our glasses to the bread man, Chet Fery, in thanks for his help in learning how to make some killer crusts.

Meanwhile, I continued work on my head. I have the basic structure done. Now it’s on to the inserts. First up, the Vacuumist.

Picture credits for the glorious pie belong to the Mister.