Stumpjack's Food & Wine All You Want

Wednesday Night Special

2009-11-18T06:25:00.000-08:00

Artisan Pizza Special
(5:30-8:30pm)

Your choice of pizza and beverage for only $10!
(drinks include cappuccinos or lattés, smoothies, 12oz. beers, wine)

This week's featured Artisan Pizza:

Garlic Mashed Potato & Cheddar
(garlic mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese topped with green onions and bacon)

Other pizza selections available.

Tonight's Special

2009-11-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Night Special

11/11/09
(6:00pm-8:30pm)

2 Bowls of Creamy Corn Chowder & Bacon
or
Butternut Sage & Stout Soup
(served with a warm roll)

2 pieces of Pumpkin Cheesecake

and

2 Drinks of choice

ALL FOR $20 (or one of everything for $10 a person)

Wednesday Night Special Nov. 4th

2009-11-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

Tapas
Caprese salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

Butternut Sage & Stout Soup
Two creamy & filling bowls of soup made with fresh butternut and kabocha squash, crushed garlic, fresh sage, onion and oatmeal stout beer. Comes with a chunk of fresh-baked sourdough bread made with the same stout beer.

Drinks (2)
Your choice of lattes, beer, wine, or smoothies.

We also have a delicious and creamy pumpkin cheesecake available for dessert tonight. Reservations for large groups encouraged.

2009-10-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

This week's soup:

Pumpkin Bisque
A rich, creamy soup made from fresh pureed vegetables with hints of thyme, sage, and nutmeg

2009-10-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Artisan Pizza Special
(5:30pm-8:30pm)

Tapas, Pizza, and 2 Drinks
All for $20!!

Artisan Pizza
Tuscan Walnut
(artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach topped with feta and toasted walnuts)

Tapas
Goat Cheese and Cranberry Chutney Crostini

Drinks
Your choice of lattes, microbrew beer, wine, or smoothies.

Other pizza choices available.
Reservations for large groups encouraged.

Tonight only
Mention that you viewed my blog and receive dessert (Turtle Cheesecake) free!
(while supplies last)

2009-10-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

This week's soup:

Fresh Spinach Orzo

The health benefits of spinach are numerous and its ability to help prevent disease is well known.

Spinach is at the top my super food list!

Oct. 21, 2009 Menu

2009-10-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Night Artisan Pizza Special
(5:30pm-8:30pm)

Pizza, Tapas, and 2 Drinks All for $20!

Artisan Pizza
BLT Melt
(a creamy white sauce with bacon, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella topped with crisp lettuce)

Tapas
Crostini topped with feta cheese, olives, and pine nuts

Drink
Your choice of decadent wines, microbrew beers, espresso, or cappuccino.

Other pizza choices are available.

Reservations for large groups suggested.

Tonight's 3-for-1 price special

2009-10-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

Tonight from 5:30-8:30.

Tapas, Artisan Pizza, Drinks
All for just $20.
Tapas: Slow roasted tomatoes stuffed with feta cheese, olives & pine nuts. A delicious start to the main dish.

Artisan Pizza: Leek, Sausage & Parmesan...sauteed leeks, ground Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes. A body-warming blend of ingredients, perfect for a chilly night like tonight.

Drinks: a couple of microbrews, glasses of wine, smoothies, lattes or cappuccinos.

Reservations requested for larger parties.

In Wine Country

2009-10-11T07:21:00.001-07:00

Want to learn more about wine and wine country? I highly recommend the In Wine Country site (I posted a link under Favorite Sites to the right). Topics include artisan foods, gardens, adventures, and...wine! Take a look and let me know what you think. I think a Stumpjack trip to Wine Country might be fun!

Wednesday Night Special

2009-10-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

Artisan Pizza, Tapas, and 2 Drinks
All for $20!
(5:30-8:30pm)

Artisan Pizza
Roasted Tomato, Goat Cheese & Arugula

Tapas
Olive Tapenade Crostini

Drink
Choose from a variety of tasty beers, wines, smoothies, and coffees.

Other Pizza selections available.
Reservations for large groups suggested.

Kim's Tomato Basil Bisque

2009-10-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

At this time of year soup is such a treat! It's warm, satisfying and somehow comforting. In addition, most soups are very nutritious! As promised, I am sharing some of Stumpjack's most popular recipes with you. Here is one of my favorite:

Kim's Tomato Basil Bisque

2 (28 ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes
2 Fresh Roma tomatoes
2 (14.5 ounce) cans of chicken broth
2 (11.5 ounce) cans of V-8 juice
2 cups of heavy cream or half & half
1/2 cup of butter
Fresh Basil leaves (1-2 packages)
2 tbsp. sugar (optional)
Garlic Sea Salt
Ground black pepper

Directions:

In a large soup pot, combine the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and V-8 juice. Cut the fresh Roma tomatoes into pieces and place in your blender or food processor with a splash of cream just long enough to liquefy them and add to the soup pot. Bring it to a boil and simmer for 30 min. Then add the basil cut into small strips, cream, and butter. Stir until the butter is melted. Season as desired with the garlic sea salt and crushed black pepper. When served, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

"Soup is cuisine's kindest course. It breathes reassurance; it steams consolation; after a weary day it promotes sociability...there is nothing like a bowl of hot soup, its wisp of aromatic steam making the nostrils quiver with anticipation."

Louis P. De Gouy, The Soup Book, 1949

I'd love to see your comments!

Artisan Pizza Special

2009-09-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

Menu for Wed. September 30th
(5:30-8:30pm)

Artisan Pizza, Tapas, and 2 Drinks of Choice

All for $20!

Pizza
Chicken & Cranberry Pizza with Brie and Almonds

Tapas
Pesto Pita Crisps

Drink
Choose from a variety of tasty microbrew beers, decadent wines, smoothies, and coffees.

Other Pizza selections available.
Reservations for large groups suggested.

Blog Title Change

2009-09-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Greetings All You Food & Wine Lovers!

As you may have noticed, I recently changed the name of my blog to include food as well as wine. I have been creating special Wednesday night menus that I've posted with regularity over the past few months. It has been fun experimenting and coming up with a new artisan pizza recipe each week. I strive to use the freshest ingredients using as much locally grown produce as possible! I also promote locally produced wines; however, I do carry a small variety of affordable wines from different wine growing regions of the world. For the month of September, bring a friend on a Wednesday night who has not had the opportunity to sample our artisan pizzas and receive one free drink on us!
Enjoy!

Artisan Pizza Special

2009-09-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

Menu for Wed. September 16th
(5:30-8:30pm)

Artisan Pizza, Tapas, and 2 Drinks of Choice

All for $20!

Pizza
Prosciutto Tapenade

Tapas
Herbed Potato Wedges
with Dipping Sauce

Drink
Choose from a variety of tasty microbrew beers, decadent wines, smoothies, and coffees.

Other Pizza selections available.
Reservations for large groups suggested.

2009-09-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies!

You are invited to join us for the First

Stumpjack
Wine Divas!
Event

Sunday, September 27th
2-5pm

(No prior wine knowledge necessary)

Our goal is to give you an excuse to take time for yourself, celebrate friendships, and have fun. Enjoy wine without the pretention sometimes associated with it. Sample exquisite food and wine, play wine trivia, and connect with other divas!

Our featured wine of the month will be Riesling.

We will sample Rieslings from different wine regions and foods that pair well.

In addition, join Jessica Lyn Van Slooten for a blissful afternoon of relaxing yoga and chocolate meditation. Allow your senses to soar while your body stretches and your mind quiets. We'll use chocolate tasting to guide our gentle yoga practice.

Dress comfortably. Sweatpants are acceptable!

Cost: $20

Stumpjumper Member: $15

RSVP by 9/20

Wed Special & Live Music

2009-09-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight's Wednesday Night Special includes the usual trio of tasty treats, PLUS live music courtesy of Craig Peaslee of Sax-Dan's Peas-a-Pye Jazz Trio. Craig will be performing solo tonight with cool stylings of jazz guitar.

Menu for Wed. Sept. 9
(5:30pm-8:30pm)

Tapas, Artisan Pizza, and 2 Beverages of Choice
All for $20!

Tapas
Fresh Bread & Dipping Oil

Pizza
Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Pizza

2 Beverages of Choice
(includes a selection of tasty microbrew beers, decadent wines, coffee drinks, and smoothies)

Other pizza selections available.
Reservations suggested for large groups

Wednesday Night Special

2009-09-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

Our Wednesday Evening Special (Tapas, Artisan Pizza, and Bottle of Wine for $20) that was offered throughout the summer has come to an end. However, we still plan to make Wed. evenings interesting and delicious by offering a new Fall Special.

Tapas, Artisan Pizza, and 2 Beverages of Choice
All for $20!

Menu for Wed. Sept. 2
(5:30pm-8:30pm)

Tapas
Iceberg Wedges with Gorgonzola Dressing
or
Sauteed Portobello Cap Topped with Parmesan

Pizza
Baby Red Potato/Rosemary/ Parmesan

2 Beverages of Choice
(includes a selection of tasty microbrew beers, decadent wines, coffee drinks, and smoothies)

Other pizza selections available.
Reservations suggested for large groups

Wednesday Night Special

2009-08-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

Wed. August 26th
Artisan Pizza Special
(5:30pm-8:30pm)

Tapas, Pizza, and Wine
All for $20.00!

Tapas
Salmon Pate

Pizza
Mushroom Lovers

Wine Suggestion:
2 glasses of Captain's Walk Sangiovese

Reservations accepted but not necessary.
Other pizza and wine selections available.

Wednesday Night Special

2009-08-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

Wed. August 19th

Artisan Pizza Special (5:30pm-8:30pm)

Tapas, Pizza, and Wine All three for only $20! Tapas: Corn & Tomato Salsa

Pizza: Garden Veggie Parmesan

Wine: Carafe of White Sangria

Other pizza and wine selections available.
Reservations suggested but not necessary.

2009-08-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

Wed. August 12th
Artisan Pizza Special
(5:30pm-8:30pm)

APPETIZER, PIZZA, & WINE
All for $20!

Appetizer
Wedge of Blue Cheese drizzled with honey,
served with crusty bread slices.

Pizza
Mushroom, Fontina, & Sage

Wine Suggestion
Chardonnay

Other pizza and wine selections available.
Reservations accepted but not necessary.

2009-08-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Aug. 5th
Artisan Pizza Special (5:30pm-8:30pm)

Appetizer, Pizza and Wine
All for $20!

Appetizer
Baked Brie with Raspberry Sauce

Pizza
Spinach Bacon Parmesan

Wine Selection
Fruity Merlot Sangria

Other pizza and wine selections available.
Reservations accepted but not necessary.

Wine Divas

2009-08-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join Stumpjack's

Wine Divas!

(No prior wine knowledge necessary)

Our goal is to give you an excuse to take time for yourself, celebrate friendships, and have fun. Enjoy wine without the pretentiousness sometimes associated with it. Sample exquisite food and wine, play wine trivia, and connect with other divas!

Contact Kim at 920-553-5282 or at stumpjack@gmail.com

Watch for details!

2009-07-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

Artisan Pizza Special for Wednesday 7/29
(5:30pm-8:30pm)

Appetizer, Pizza and Bottle of Wine
All for $20!

Appetizer
Roasted garlic and paprika mixed with fresh, soft goat cheese spread over rustic bread, topped with sun-dried tomatoes and capers.

Pizza
Caramelized Onion & Gorgonzola Cheese

Wine Suggestion
Cabernet Sauvignon

Other pizza and wine selections available.
Reservations accepted but not necessary.

2009-07-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Night Pizza Special for 7/22/09
(5:30pm-8:30pm)

Appetizer, Artisan Pizza and Bottle of Wine for $20!

Appetizer
Raspberry BellaVitano Cheese
served with fruit and olives

Pizza
Smoked Salmon Pizza
with Dill Creme Fraiche

Wine Suggestion
Chardonnay

Other pizza and wine selections available.
Reservations accepted but not necessary.

2009-07-15T05:10:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Night Pizza Menu
(5:30pm-8:30pm)

Appetizer, Pizza and Bottle of Wine

All for $20!

Appetizer
Mediterranean Pita Chips with Hummus
or
Caprese Salad

Pizza
Quattro Formaggio
(a four cheese pizza topped with Mozzarella, Asiago, Parmesan, Goat cheese, tomato, pine nuts and basil)

Wine Pairing Suggestion
Von Stiehl Satin Red - an off-dry red with rich fruit flavors & a smooth finish

Other pizza and wine selections available.

Reservations accepted but not necessary.

July 8 Wed Night Special

2009-07-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

From 5:30-8:30 tonight.

Appetizer: Herbed Cheese Bread

Artisan Pizza: Wisconsin Extraordinaire
(A tasteful blend of Wisconsin's finest ingredients including brats and cheese curds.)

Wine: White Zinfindel

All this for one low price of $20.
Make a reservation.

The winner of last month's Wed Night Special drawing is Alice Sheehan!
Alice won a ticket to the most fun concert of the year: Pato Banton and the Now Generation band on Sept 18th at Stumpjack Coffee.

Wed. Night Special - July 1

2009-07-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

Menu for Wed. July 1st
5:30-8:30pm

Appetizers
Shrimp Scampi or Baked Spinach Cheese Wedges

Pizza
Chicken Avocado

Wine Suggestion
Von Stiehl's Lakeshore Fume (a crisp, semi-dry white wine made from Seyval grapes)
or
Niagara (a fresh and fruity semi-sweet white wine)

All for only $20

Wed, June 24 Tapas, Pizza, Wine Special

2009-06-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Tonight's menu continues this month's special trio of deliciousness...from 5:30-8:30pm.Appetizer, Pizza, and Bottle of Wine for $20.

In addition, for every pizza purchased (only on Wed. evenings) you will be entered to win a concert ticket for the Sept. performance by reggae star Pato Banton.

Featured tapas selections:

Capresé Salad -or-
Homemade guacamole with tortilla chips

Featured pizza (in addition to our other selections):

Fig, Red Onion & Prosciutto Pizza

Suggested wine pairing:

Von Stiehl's Lakeshore Fumé (semi-dry, crisp and chilled wine from the Seyval grape)

Reservations accepted

Wed. June 17 Pizza & Wine Special

2009-06-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight's menu continues this month's special trio of deliciousness...from 5:30-8:30pm.

Appetizer, Pizza, and Bottle of Wine for $20.

In addition, for every pizza purchased (only on Wed. evenings) you will be entered to win a concert ticket for the Sept. performance by reggae star Pato Banton.

Featured tapas selections:
Caprese Salad -or-
Tuna, Olive Oil, Caper Crostini

Featured pizza (in addition to our other selections):
Portobello, Rosemary, Garlic

Suggested wine pairing:
Von Stiehl's Satin Red

Reservations encouraged.

Wed. June 10 Pizza and Wine Pairing

2009-06-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

Last week we held our first Artisan Pizza and Wine Event. Although we've had an awesome response to all of our pizza selections, people have been raving about the Shrimp & Sundried Tomato Pizza. I must agree! You simply must try one! Every Wed. for the month of June (from 5-8:30pm) we offer an

Appetizer, Pizza, and Bottle of Wine for $20.

In addition, for every pizza purchased (only on Wed. evenings) you will be entered to win a concert ticket for the Sept. performance by reggae star Pato Banton.

Featured pizza (in addition to our other selections):
Radicchio, Bacon & Watercress Pizza
Suggested wine pairing:
Von Stiehl's Sparkling Muscat or Lakeshore Fume
Appetizer Selections:
Warmed Cheese Wedges and Mango Black Bean Salsa & Tortilla Chips

Reservations accepted.

Wondering what wine goes well with bacon?
I found this interesting article I thought you may enjoy: click here.

Wed. June 3 Pizza and Wine Pairing

2009-05-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Pizza and Wine Pairings
June 3 Menu - 5:00-8:30pm
Special Appetizer, Pizza and Bottle of Wine for only 20!

Selections for this week include:

Appetizers
Tomato and Avocado/Goat Cheese Crostini
Crostini with Mozzarella and Tomato
Portobello Mushroom Cap sauteed in Rosemary and Olive Oil

Pizza
Margherita (tomato, pesto, fresh basil, and mozzarella)
Greek (cucumber sauce, calamato olives, red onion, feta, tomato and mozzarella)
Portobello/Spinach/Artichoke
Pepperoni and Herbs
Shrimp and Sundried Tomato

Depending on your dinner choice, a red or white wine selection is available. And ... with every pizza purchase (only on Wed. nights) you will receive a chance to win a ticket to the Sept. Bato Banton concert!

Wednesday Pizza & Wine Pairings

2009-05-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

Greetings Wine Lovers! Join us for dinner and wine pairing specials!

Beginning on Wednesday, June 3rd and every Wednesday in June
from 5-8:30pm. Receive...
An appetizer, one of our new Artisan Pizzas, and a bottle of wine
for only $20
AND...
With every pizza purchase (on Wed. evenings only)
you will be entered in a drawing that will be held in July
to win a ticket to the September performance
by reggae sensation Pato Banton!

Wine & Chocolate follow-up

2009-03-18T14:33:00.001-07:00

Kim conducts a great tasting

We had a lovely time last Saturday with our wine and chocolate tasting. Matt & Steph & Orly arrived early to set up for music and they joined in a bit of tasting too.

Brian & Matt eating chocolate. Matt looks like he's loving the chocolate.
I think the favorite pairings of the night were the Captain's Walk "Disappearing Treasure" & white chocolate nibs, and the Captain's Walk "Captain's Red" & chocolate/rum truffles from Uniquely Yours Pastry Shoppe.

Orly's boots with bells for added percussion.

You can see more images at the Stumpjack Flickr site.

Chocolate and Wine-Sublime!

2009-03-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

Chocolate and Wine Tasting

Saturday, March 12th
6-7pm
Join us for this decadent pairing of delicious wines and specialty chocolates, including a Flourless Chocolate Oblivion Cake from Uniquely Yours Pastry Shop.
Members: $15
Non-members: $20
Music to follow by
Matt & Steph Davies
with special guest Orly Bendavid.
Please RSVP to 553-5282

Saturday Happy Hour!

2009-03-04T06:58:00.000-08:00

Join us for Happy Hour!

Saturday, March 7th
6:00-7:00pm
With the purchase of one glass of wine,
receive the second glass free!
Try our new Stumpjack Gourmet Pizzas too! Music by Becky Markvart beginning at 7pm

Wine of the Month – Sangiovese

2009-02-28T11:23:00.000-08:00

MARCH 2009
Wine of the Month –Sangiovese!

Sangiovese (san-jo-vay-zay) is a red wine grape originating in Italy. However, winemakers outside of Italy are starting to experiment with it as well. Vineyards of Sangiovese can be found in California, Washington, Argentina, Uruguay and Australia. It is the primary component of Chianti (a traditional wine of Tuscany). The flavor profile of Sangiovese is lightly fruity with a hint of earthiness and moderate to high natural acidity.

This medium-bodied wine pairs well with pizza (like the new Stumpjack Gourmet Pizzas), red meats and pastas.

Stop by to sample Captain’s Walk Sangiovese at our wine bar. It boasts a bouquet consisting of lusty aromas of black cherry, plum, and briar berry, followed by a hint of anise. Just a touch of oak adds complexity and character, while flavors of fresh raspberry and plum steal the show.

Did you know...

2009-02-19T05:45:00.000-08:00

...that Pennsylvania state law prohibits a man from buying alcohol without a note of permission from his wife? Hmmmm...

Von Stiehl Winery

2009-02-14T06:29:00.000-08:00

Von Stiehl underground cavern

As some of you may know, we are friends with the good folks at the Von Stiehl Winery in Algoma. Their wines were the first we carried in Stumpjack and have continued to be very popular with our friends and customers. This is just a brief shout out to Von Stiehl (VS) and a raise of the wine glass in recognition of their continued success and award winning wines. At this past year’s Wine Tasters Guild Competition Von Stiehl wines won several medals.

In a competition that judges a couple thousand wines the results were:

VS Cherry Kirche, was awarded a Double Gold Medal.

VS Stomey Creek Blush, Golf Medal (becoming the first wine made with grapes grown in Door County to win a Gold Medal).

VS Naughty Girl, Bronze Medal.

VS Apple Wine, Bronze Medal.

VS Chardonnay, Double Gold Medal.

VS Riesling, Silver Medal.

VS Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Medal.

Also, Von Stiehl's sister winery, Captain's Walk Winery (CW) in Green Bay won several awards in the same Taster's Guild Competitions:

CW Riesling, Bronze Medal.

CW Captain's White, Bronze Medal.

CW Sauvignon Blanc, Bronze Medal.

CW Sangiovese, Gold Medal.

CW Merlot, Gold Medal.

We carry a mix of Von Stiehl and Captain's Walk wines, and right now, for Valentine's Day we have the VS Valentine's Day White Zinfandel Love Wine. Looking for something for your sweetie? How about a card, a rose, and a bottle of VS Love wine?

Handy new pairing site

2009-02-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

Checking out what cheeses go with my Cabernet.

What cheese loves your libation? What libation loves your cheese?

The answers to this age-old question can be easily and quickly uncovered on the very cool and visually appealing new "Wisconsin Cheese Cupid" site. Click here and bookmark the site for a handy guide to pairing cheese with various red wines, white wines, beer varieties or spirits. This is a fun new site from those creative and energetic folks at the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.

Mouse over and click the cheese of your choice for even more great info, and keep the sound on your computer as your do so for the correct pronunciation tip.

Valentines Day Wine Tasting

2009-02-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

Join us for

Valentines Day
Wine & Gourmet Pizza Tasting

Saturday, February 14th
Time: 6pm

Music to follow by West Lafayette, Indiana jazz trio SNORB!

We're finally unrolling the long-awaited pizza project. We've solved the special pizza crust challenge by having Pastry Queen Jennifer Pasquill of Uniquely Yours Pastry Shoppe come up with a tasty, thin, beer soaked crust, small and oblong and totally delish. These will be small gourmet pizzas with ingredients a little out of the ordinary. We will have several wines selected from our friends at Von Stiehl and Captain's Walk Wineries for you to sample as well. Make plans for you and your sweetheart. Stop in to buy your tickets and reserve your spot.

members $20 per person
non members $25 per person

Space is limited so purchase your tickets asap

Break out the Champagne!

2008-12-28T07:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everybody!

If part of your new years celebration includes raising a glass of champagne with your friends here are a few brief things you might find interesting about this celebratory wine.

Champagne is produced in the region in France that bears its name. Generally champagne grapes are either chardonnay grapes, which are white, or pinot noir or pinot meunier grapes, which are red (the process using the red grapes produces white champagne wine).
The bubbles and "pop" in champagne is traditionally produced by a process of double fermentation. After the initial fermentation, at which time the wine looks and acts like regular white wine, a little sugar and yeast are added to the bottles for a second fermentation. The bottles rest for at least a year before they are given another little dose of sugar and wine, corked and then rested again for months or even years. This process creates the long lasting tiny bubbles that look so cool in your glass.
If it's not made the traditional way or is produced outside of Champagne, France it's not true champagne; it's called sparkling wine.
To properly open a bottle of champagne, and avoid wasting wine and possibly hurting someone or something with a flying cork, hold the bottle at a 45 degree angle, hold the cork tightly, and rotate the bottle rather than the cork as you separate the two.
Champagne should be served chilled, at around 45 degrees, and in a champagne flute, the tall stemmed glass that highlights those beautiful tiny bubbles so well.
Bottle sizes vary greatly with champagne. Many bottles larger than a magnum are named after biblical figures, with the Nebuchadnezzar sized bottle being the equivalent of around 20 regular bottles.
Dom Pérignon, the famous Benedictine monk, didn't invent champagne, although he was born in Champagne, France and did have much to do with further development in the method of producing champagne. An English physician by the name Merret is credited with being the fellow to first document the process of making champagne or sparkling wine.

Holiday wines, mmm...mmm...good

2008-12-24T11:23:00.001-08:00

I can't believe how quickly this month is going by. It seems like it was just a day or two ago that we had the Holiday Wines & Tapas event. Attendance was sparse, with only five or six people joining the fun because of the weather, but fun it surely was. I can honestly say that whether the group is large or small I fully enjoy these events. We always have a good time and always come away learning something new and tasting something delicious.
The mulled wine was a huge hit with everyone. We used a delicious Von Stiehl apple wine for the mulled wine. The recipe we used is in the previous post on this blog, and this is surely going to be a regular holiday wine for us from now on. Of the regular, "un-doctored" wines, again it was two Von Stiehl wines that were the clear favorites: their Naughty Girl red and their Christmas Blush (you might say that Von Stiehl winery was the star of the night).

Naughty Girl is a red grape wine with 20% raspberry wine, with an extra kick from the addition of a grape brandy. Christmas Blush is a semi-dry white, blushed wine made from Door County Montmorency cherries, very smooth with just the right amount of mellow sweetness. If you're looking for a delicious holiday wine, something that everyone will find delightful, you can't go wrong with these. And to make them even more appropriately Christmasy the labels on their Christmas Blush and Christmas Wine show wonderful vintage holiday scenes.

Today's Special & Mulled Wine

2008-12-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

Check out today's "12 Days of Christmas" special over on our main Stumpjack Coffee blog...you get $5 off Thursday night's Holiday Wines tasting. BTW, it's a today-only-special so you have to be quick.

What a wonderfully frosty evening (the thermometer says 1 degree right now) for some mulled wine. Here's one recipe:

2/3 c. sugar
1 bottle wine
1/2 cup brandy
6 to 8 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
orange peel from 1/2 orange

Pour wine (non-oak barrel aged wine) into a pan and heat on low.
Cut the zest off half an orange - remove the bitter white pith part.
Lightly pound the pieces of zest to release the aromatic oils. Add the zest and a little juice to the wine.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Stir occasionally, but don't bring to a boil.
It's ready to serve once it gets hot. Ladle into a mug but strain all the spices out first.

Intimidated By Wine?

2008-12-14T12:06:00.000-08:00

Do you enjoy wine but find it all a bit intimidating? Well...wine should not be intimidating or pretentious! One of our goals at Stumpjack is to be a wine bar without the intimidation. Wine should be something you enjoy for your own personal taste preferences. If you don't know much about wine, not to worry, you've come to the right place. Learning about wine can be quite pleasant and fun. As you try more and more wines, your awareness of flavors and personal preferences will develop. With a little experience (the fun kind, like you get at a Stumpjack wine tasting) you can start down the road to being a true wine aficionado!

Holiday Wines & Tapas

2008-12-14T11:57:00.001-08:00

Join us for
Holiday Wines & Tapas Tasting
Thursday, Dec. 18th
6:30-8:00pm
members $15
non-members $20

Anytime Fitness party

2008-12-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday we had the pleasure of hosting a wine tasting party for the gang of Anytime Fitness. Thank you Mike Langley from Anytime Fitness.

Enjoying wine and friends

Anytime Fitness pals

Kim talking about the wine and tasting notes

Tim Hand "Rising Star Award", Jolynn Jones "2008 Club of the Year - Manitowoc",
Mike Langley Owner

Pastry and Coffee = sooooo good

2008-12-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

Here's Brian Powell's thoughtful review of tonight's tasting:

"It was fun to meet Jennifer and taste her treats. I'm not a big sweets fan, but hers are more natural with the organic ingredients and extra effort she puts into them. She has many subtle flavors and textures that make each bite fulfilling and adventurous at the same time.

There were a couple of items (such as the raspberry topped cherry cream mini-cheesecake cup) where I just closed my eyes to avoid being distracted so I could concentrate on the senses that were being tantalized, namely my taste buds. The apple crumble was also one of my favorites, but the raspberries that were precisely placed on top of this treat looked too perfect to be real, so before you bit into it you had to admire its natural beauty.

The coffee made for a natural balance or contrast of flavors. We enjoyed the whole experience..."

Click the image above to enlarge and get a closer look at some of Jennifer's creations. Click here to visit her tantalizing blog.

A couple spots still open

2008-12-04T09:17:00.000-08:00

It's almost 11:30 at this post. Tonight's tasting of holiday flavored coffees and Uniquely Yours pastries kicks off at 6:30 and we have four spots open yet. If you want to partake just give us a call to reserve your spot (553-5282) before 6:30.

Holiday pastry and coffee tasting

2008-12-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

Thursday Night Tasting

Join us for a

Holiday Event...

Stumpjack Coffee &
Uniquely Yours Pastry

tasting

Thursday, Dec. 4...6:30-8:00pm
members $10*
nonmembers $15*

Sample decadently delicious seasonal coffees and out-of-this-world pastries specially made by Jennifer of Uniquely Yours Pastry Shoppe. Let us know if you are planning on coming.

Becky Markvart will be serenading us with beautiful Christmas music.

Thanksgiving Pairing Tips

2008-11-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It's a time to celebrate and give thanks with family and friends. Unfortunately, with all the stress of menu planning, grocery shopping and cooking, one thing that may be forgotten is the wine. With so many different dishes on the table it is often difficult to choose just one wine. Luckily, white wines are quite versatile and pair well with a variety of foods.

Sauvignon Blanc pairs with everything from shrimp to butternut squash to roast turkey. Chardonnay (the less oak the better) has similar versatility and it's full body make it appropriate for creamed dishes. However, if your preference is red wine, Pinot Noir will subtly support most dishes on your Thanksgiving table without overpowering them.

More robust than white wines, Pinot Noir has very little tannin and will likely blend well with the entire holiday meal. Then there's dessert. Well-chilled late harvest Rieslings, Ice Wines, Gewurztraminer and Ports pair well with sweet desserts as long as the wine is as sweet or sweeter than the confection. Whatever your choice of wine, everything tastes better in the company of loved ones. Enjoy!

Good Wine, Good Food, Good Friends...

2008-11-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

Andy Hilliard educating the Stumpjack masses on South African wine.
Image by Jaslyn Gilbert of the HTR.

What else could you ask for? Andrew Hilliard delighted us with both his smooth South African wines and tales of life at Beau Joubert. It was one of the most enjoyable and edifying wine tastings we've experienced. Outstanding wines (every single wine in their line was a thumbs up winner); a passionate and knowledgable presenter; a bunch of good friends; some tasty cheeses, bacon/scallops and prosciutto wrapped shrimp hors d'oeuvres...made for a very nice evening. Jaslyn Gilbert from the Herald Times Reporter was on hand snapping photos for an upcoming feature on the Beau Joubert Winery in the HTR's Lakeshore Living magazine.

South African Wines of Beau Joubert

2008-11-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

BEAU JOUBERT's rich viticultural history spans back to 1695 when the governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, allocated the property, Veelverjaagt to Coenraed Visser. One hundred years later, the farm was sold to a French Huguenot descendant, named Dirk Daniel Joubert. He in turn, divided the farm between his two sons; the one retained the Veelverjaagt name while the other named his portion La Provence, to honour the birthplace of his forefathers... from the Beau Joubert website.

I encourage you to check out the website of Beau Joubert vineyards of South Africa. It is quite beautiful! And their wines are wonderful! Meet Andrew Hilliard, Managing Director/Owner, this Thursday evening for a wine tasting event. We hope you can join us!

South African Wines of Beau Joubert
Thursday, Nov. 20th 6:30pm-8:00pm
Members: $15.00 Non-members: $20.00

I'm full!

2008-11-14T05:22:00.000-08:00

Image from last night's tasting, courtesy of Brian Powell.

Last night's Beer & Salami Tasting was very enjoyable. A handful of good microbrew beers, an equal measure of tasty Italian meats, a half-dozen friends sitting around shooting the breeze...makes for a fun and gastronomically satisfying evening. The majority consensus seemed to be that Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale was the surprise beer of the night (a truly great beer from that brewery's line of excellent products). I think the favorites of the meats were the pastrami and the capicola (or capicollo). While we followed a format of pairing specific beers with specific cuts of meat, no specific pairing jumped out as the overwhelming favorite.

Thank you to Lee Brocher of Maretti's Italian Deli in Manitowoc for setting us up with an excellent variety of cured meats. After the tasting we went over to the Strand theater for a private screening of the new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, which opens tonight. Big thumbs up on this gritty, action-packed flick. Thanks Gretchen and John!

Next week: Andrew Hilliard of the Beau Jobert South African Winery will be doing the tasting at Stumpjack. Details to follow.

post by David

And The Winner Is...

2008-11-11T17:24:00.000-08:00

I was so pleased that everyone enjoyed the wine and cheese tasting. After pairing seven different wines and cheeses, the unanimous winner was the pairing of the Rheinhessen 2006er Morio-Muskat and the Saxon Green Fields cheese. The rich body of the Morio-Muskat featuring rose hips and pear was a great combination with Saxon Green Fields cheese created by Saxon Homestead Creamery in Cleveland Wisconsin, a semi-soft washed rind cheese from raw cow's milk, carefully tended for 70 days. Stumpjack Wine Bar carries both. Wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle. So even if you missed the tasting, you can sample this delectable pairing on your own.

Did you know that Stumpjack also carries a variety of hand-crafted microbrew beers?

Join us for a

Beer and Sausage Tasting
Thursday, Nov. 13th
6:30pm-8:00pm
Members: $15.00
Nonmembers: $20.00
Please call 553-5282 to register or email stumpjack@gmail.com

Last night's tasting

2008-11-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

We had a really lovely time last night at the first Thursday night Stumpjack Wine Bar tasting. It was fun, relaxed and easy. Thank you, everyone who came, for making this such a nice evening. Be sure to keep abreast of what will be regular Thursday night tastings at the Stumpjack Wine Bar. The current calendar is on the right.

Becky, Maria, Kim, Darla, Lucy, Brian, Donna...and David taking the picture.

I'll give Kim props for a job well done! The wines and cheeses that she chose to pair made for a very interesting evening. The combinations ranged from subtle, sophisticated and creamy to powerful, rich and tangy. Individual tastes being what they are, I don't think there was a clear consensus on any particular pairing. Although while everyone expressed their enjoyment with the variety of tastes, aromas and textures, we all seemed to have at least one or two pairings that we wanted to remember for future reference. This turned out to be such an enjoyable couple of hours...wonderful food and drink, good people and lively conversation. And as an added bonus I think we all learned something too. I'm giving it a big thumbs up. Next week is my turn, with beer and sausage on the agenda. I hope it goes as nicely as last night's. ---David

We had an awesome time at the tasting last night. Kim did a great job hosting this. Thanks for the cheese gift that we won as well. See you next tasting and several times in between.
What a great, fun, social mecca you've created in downtown TR. ---Brian

That was fun last night. That was my first wine tasting. Kim did a very good job. ---Donna

That was fun last night. I learned something, and that's always nice. ...tell Kim how much I enjoyed the wine/cheese ---Lucy

A New Taste in Town...

2008-11-04T13:51:00.000-08:00

The grand opening of Stumpjack Wine Bar was held on Sunday, September 28th. Guests sampled several varietals of wine, in addition to artisan cheese and tapas. Stumpjack Wine Bar is proud to offer both locally produced wines and selections from around the world.

Thursday evenings feature special events such as wine tastings and pairings. Live entertainment is offered most Friday and Saturday evenings. The Stumpjack Wine Bar was created to offer an alternative to the typical bar scene by creating a relaxing, yet stimulating environment. It all adds up to a great night out! Private parties are available by reservation. Join us for our next event.

Wine and Cheese Tasting
Thursday, November 6th
6:30pm-8:00pm
Members: $15.00
Non-members: $20.00
Please either call (920-553-5282)or email (stumpjack@gmail.com) to reserve your tickets or to receive information on scheduled events.

2008-11-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings Wine Lovers:

Happy Halloween! Yes, I know I'm a day late, but we are celebrating the season with our annual costume party this evening. Hope you can join us! We are featuring this tasty Pinot Noir directly from Vampire Vineyards tonight. Happy haunting...

Powerful forest fruit and wild strawberry aromas persist on the nose, balanced by hints of fine French oak. The vibrant ruby red colors hint at a young wine, but the taste reveals a remarkable maturity. Elegant soft fruit flavors are already finely integrated into the structure of the wine, as is the oak, adding a subtle but powerful complexity to the flavor. This is a light smooth wine, easy to drink at any time of the year and exhibiting typical character of a young Pinot Noir. This wine has been made for early drinking using advance cold macceration techniques, but will age well for several years to come. It has a 100% malolactic fermentation - allowing the perfect integration of the natural acides into the structure of the wine.

Vampire Pinot Noir is well suited to Venison and game dishes, and is equally well adapted to pasta dishes featuring basil and tomato sauces. It can also be enjoyed as an aperitif or as an after dinner wine with snacks and blue cheeses.

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2008-10-31T08:51:00.000-07:00

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