Press Release – Claddagh Irish Pub Dedication Ceremony

9 10 2008

From a press release….

MEDIA ALERT

Claddagh Irish Pub Dedication Ceremony Friday
Owner from Ireland visits Lansing and shares heritage

What: Claddagh Irish Pub rededication ceremony and VIP party

Who: Local dignitaries including Lansing Township
Supervisor John Daher and Pat McDonagh, owner of Claddagh Irish Pubs

When: 3 -9 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2008; Ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m.

Where: Claddagh Irish Pub at Eastwood Towne Center

Why: To honor the grand reopening of Claddagh Irish Pub and to celebrate six “glorious” years in the Lansing location

Details: Claddagh Irish Pub is thanking its patrons by offering free tastos and live music from 7 p.m. to close: from 7-9 p.m. enjoy traditional Irish folk music; from 9 p.m.-2 a.m., local rock band The Jabs will take the stage. This event is part of Claddagh’s week-long “A Taste of Ireland” celebration.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Food News, Lansing, Press Releases

Press Release – Bennigan’s and United Way Fundraiser

7 10 2008

From a press release.

Bennigan’s and United Way Team Up to Benefit Local Charities!

WHO: Capital Area United Way

     Special Guest Hosts and Bartenders including

     Mike Brown, President, Capital Area United Way (Okemos location, 11am – 1pm)

     Kelli Ellsworth-Etchinson, Vice President of Sales and Business Development, LAFCU  (W. Saginaw location, 11am – noon)

     Jessica Danou, Assistant Attorney General, State of Michigan (Okemos, 3pm – 4pm)

WHAT: Bennigan’s is “living united” by supporting the United Way’s annual fundraising campaign to meet the needs of the greater Lansing community.

WHEN: 11:00 a.m. – midnight

Thursday, October 9, 2008

WHERE: Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern

West Lansing Location Okemos Location

(On North side of M-43 2085 W. Grand River Ave.

between Canal & Creyts Rds) Okemos, MI 48864

718 Delta Commerce Dr. 517-349-2321

Lansing, MI 48917 517-349-6751 (fax)

517-327-0722

517-327-0839 (fax)

DETAILS: The United Way is making it easy and appetizing for Lansing residents to give back to their community. The Capital Area United Way will be hosting a fundraising event at two local Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern locations on Thursday, October 9th from 11:00 a.m. until close. Diners need only to present an event flyer, available at http://www.capitalareaunitedway.org, to their server and Bennigan’s will donate a percentage of the bill to the Capital Area United Way. The event will feature special guest hosts and bartenders.

A portion of each bill, including dine-in, to-go, curbside and party platter orders, will go to the Capital Area United Way’s Community Investment Fund. Donations will help support emergency assistance, youth development, job retention, and a variety of other critical services in the greater Lansing area.


Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Food News, Lansing, Michigan, Okemos, Press Releases

YaYa’s Flame Broiled Chicken – Saginaw Hwy.

30 09 2008
  • 5415 W. Saginaw Hwy
  • Lansing, MI 48917
  • (517) 886-0995
  • Website
  • Menu
YaYas Flame Broiled Chicken on Saginaw Highway near the Lansing Mall.

YaYa's Flame Broiled Chicken on Saginaw Highway near the Lansing Mall.

What a great idea for a chicken restaurant.  Just the other night, I was craving chicken and considered going to Popeye’s.  Knowing I was kind of bad on my diet over the weekend, I didn’t want to splurge on fried chicken.  This afternoon, J asked me to run out to Horrocks to get some more of them delicious honey crisp apples.  She went to work a little early, so I just waited to eat lunch until after she was gone.  I made my stops at Wal-Mart and Horrocks then got thinking about lunch.  When I was working this weekend, one of the guys I worked with had said something about YaYa’s near Frandor.  For some reason, I remembered there was one near the Lansing Mall, so that’s where I went for lunch.

YaYa’s is a chain of 17 restaurants with locations in Michigan and Florida.  The first restaurant was opened in Seminole, FL in 1985, but the first franchise location was opened in Flint, MI in 1988.  There are two locations here in Lansing and both are on Saginaw Highway.  There’s this one by the mall and the other is farther down Saginaw near US 127.  This particular YaYa’s is located in a shopping plaza in a very commercialized area of Saginaw Highway. 

It was a little after two when I went looking for lunch.  There were no cars parked in front and the inside was empty.  The store is not very big.  It’s longer than it is wide and there are a handful of tables in the space to sit and eat.  The counter is located at the far end of the space.  The menu board is behind the counter above the grills where the whole chickens are butterflied and grilled.  Read the rest of this entry »


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Chains, Chicken, Lansing, Michigan, Restaurant, Reviews

Press Release – Harvest Celebration

30 09 2008

From a press release…..

Old-Fashioned Fall Fun for the Family at Michigan Historical Museum’s Harvest Celebration, Oct. 4

LANSING – Step back in time and enjoy games, crafts and activities from a bygone era as the Michigan Historical Museum celebrates Michigan harvest traditions on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free for the Michigan Harvest Celebration, which will feature a variety of old-fashioned fall fun, including:

-Noon to 3 p.m. – Sample a variety of Michigan heritage apples provided by Roger Miller Orchards

-1:30 to 3 p.m. – Harvest tales with Steveanna Roose, The Pioneer Storyteller

-Traditional music and dancing

-Apple cider and donuts

-Hands-on harvest activities like a hay bale toss, a corn-shelling bee, butter making, the opportunity to make apple-head and corn-husk dolls or a scarecrow, an up-close look at tools of the trade, old-time toys and games

-Traditional crafts such as woodworking, wheat weaving, spinning, basket weaving, tin punching and more

-Characters from Michigan history throughout the museum’s galleries

The Michigan Harvest Celebration is sponsored by the Michigan Historical Museum, the Michigan Historical Museum Docent Guild, the Michigan Historical Center Foundation and the Friends of Michigan History.

The Michigan Historical Museum is located inside the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo St., two blocks west of the State Capitol in downtown Lansing. The main entrance and visitor parking are located north of Kalamazoo Street, just east of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Museum hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission and weekend parking are free. For more information, visit http://www.michigan.gov/museum.

The Michigan Historical Museum System is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, an agency of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL). Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan’s heritage and fostering cultural creativity, HAL also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. For more information, visit http://www.michigan.gov/hal.

# # #


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Food News, Lansing, Michigan, Press Releases

Press Release – Empty Bowls

30 09 2008

From a press release….

Mark your calendars for  Empty Bowls 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 – Lunch 11:30Am – 1:30 PM Dinner 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

More than 800 bowls are handmade by the Potters Guild, Clayworks and many Lansing area potters. In addition, local businesses donate soup, bread and beverages each year.

“We are fortunate to work with such talented artists in efforts to reach out to our community”, Kathe Smithe, Operations Supervisor and MMFB, said. “Empty Bowls is a wonderful event for families as well as businesses to enjoy. It brings the whole community together for a great cause.”

For a donation of $20, attendees receive a handcrafted bowl, as well as their choice of soup and drink. All proceeds will go towards feeding the hungry through the Mid-Michigan Food Bank.
This great event is held at The Center for the Arts 425 S. Grand Avenue – Lansing. This event is celebrating 18 years of feeding the hungry.

Become a Sponsor
– For $250 you can sponsor a table of eight  For $500 you can sponsor a table of ten
– For $750 you can sponsor a table of ten and receive and Empty Bowls Poster
  signed by the artist.

Learn how you can become a sponsor! Go to www.midmichiganfoodbank for more information.
Buy Tickets To purchase tickets for the 2008 event, please contact Kathe Smith at 517-702-3358.

Thank you to our contributors:
Breadsmith of Okemos – Coral Gables – Dusty’s Cellar – Empire Szechuan
Flap Jack Restaurant – Great Harvest Bread Co. – Mijo’s Diner
New Apple Jade Chinese Restaurant – Red Cedar Grill – Robinhill Catering
Sahara’s – Spartan Water and Coffee – Spuds – Sultan Express – Ted-Dee’s – The Cappuccino Café – The Spotted Dog Café – Travelers Club
                                                                       ###


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories : Food News, Lansing, Michigan, Press Releases

Dagwood’s Tavern and Grill

28 09 2008
  • 2803 E. Kalamazoo St.
  • Lansing, MI 48912
  • (517) 374-0390
  • No Known Website
  • Menu
Dagwoods Tavern and Grill on Kalamazoo St. in Lansing.

Dagwood's Tavern and Grill on Kalamazoo St. in Lansing.

There are so many places we drive by that I put on a mental checklist of places.  My memory isn’t always so good though.  Dagwood’s Tavern and Grill is one of those places I always think about when we’re driving on 127, but I never think of it when we’re debating where we should eat lunch at.

I was working at the Breslin Center Saturday afternoon.  J was had planned on meeting me for lunch at 3:30.  We got released for lunch break earlier, so I told her to meet me at The Roadhouse Pub.  I walked down there before she was able to get through town, but I found a dark, empty bar.  I had to come up with a plan b.  On my way to Breslin earlier that morning, I got off of 127 at Kalamazoo and again thought to myself, we should eat at Dagwood’s.  As I was walking back towards the arena, I finally remembered that little bar we’ve been wanting to try.

Dagwood’s is located on Kalamazoo St at the US 127 interchange.  It doesn’t look like much from the outside….just you’re neighborhood bar.  I’m much more comfortable in a place like that than I am in a bar where I’m trying to impress someone…..luckily, I don’t have to do that anymore…..good thing cause I was never good at it anyway.  Read the rest of this entry »


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories : Bar, Burgers, Lansing, Local Flavor, Michigan, Restaurant, Reviews, Sandwiches

Allen Street Farmer’s Market

24 09 2008
  • 1619 E. Kalamazoo St.
  • Lansing, MI 48912
  • (517) 367-2468
  • Website
The Allen Street Farmers Market on the corner of E. Kalamazoo and Allen Sts.

The Allen Street Farmer's Market on the corner of E. Kalamazoo and Allen Sts.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a review at the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market (review HERE) and raved about the selection of peppers and fresh herbs.  Jackiecat was quick to point out that a lot of those same ingredients were available at Markets here in town.  She suggested both the Allen Street Farmer’s Market and the Meridian Farmer’s Market. 

I had heard about the Allen Street Farmer’s Market, but haven’t been there yet this summer.  J goes to work at 3:00 and the Market opens at 2:30 so there was really no time for us to go together.  I suppose I could always go by myself, but she eats most of the produce and I’m not very good at picking out what’s good and what’s not.

Since it was recommended I check out, I set down the Wii remote and turned Mario Kart off for a while, jumped in my truck and went shopping.  I found the Allen Street Market on the corner of East Kalamazoo and Allen Streets.  The Farmer’s Market is in a parking lot on the corner.  I saw signs for parking and followed the around the corner to find another parking lot.  It was a pretty tight fit, but I parked then walked over to the tents to see what I could find. Read the rest of this entry »


Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Farmer's Market, Lansing, Local Flavor, Michigan, Reviews

Troppo to Move…

22 09 2008

…across the street.  The LSJ had an article yesterday about Troppo planning to move across the street so their patio would have more sunlight.

From Troppo’s patio on the south side of Michigan Avenue, Elliott said he saw potential. His patio was always in the shade because it’s on the north side of an office tower.

“We were looking across the street and saw the sun was always shining on the IBM building,” he said.

Sun is key to good patio space, he said. And good patio space is key to the restaurant business.

Interesting move.  I actually prefer a place that has some shade.  It’s nice to sit outside, but not nice when the sun is in your eyes or you’re sweating from direct sunlight. 

We’ve eaten at Troppo (review HERE) once for lunch and really liked it.  It was a great experience and the food was fabulous.  The idea after moving Troppo is to move Tavern on the Square to Troppo’s spot.  We stopped in Tavern on the Square for lunch one day and thought it was a little pricey and didn’t have a really good lunch selection, but that day, we were in the mood for sandwiches, so we got up and left.  It deserves a second chance and I’d like to get to it before they move.  They have a really cool space where they’re at


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Food News, Lansing, Michigan

Press Release – Old Town Oktoberfest

18 09 2008

From a press release….

Old Town Oktoberfest Tickets Now Available
­­­­­­­­­­­Celebrate fall at Old Town’s version of a classic German festival

OLD TOWN, LANSING, Mich. – In just a few weeks, festival patrons will be able to step into Bavaria, enjoying all the polka music, authentic German food and beer they can handle, without ever leaving Lansing. Get tickets now for the third annual Old Town Oktoberfest, Old Town Lansing’s ode to the largest festival on the planet.

On Friday & Saturday, October 3 & 4, Old Town Oktoberfest patrons will be transported into the heart of German culture. The festival features German music and dance, authentic German fare and world-renowned German and Oktoberfest-style beer.

Tickets for the event are now on-sale. One day admission is $13 in advance, $17 at the door or $15 for students and seniors (ID required). For two-days of German fun, purchase a Weekend Pass, good both Friday & Saturday, for only $25. Admission to Oktoberfest includes a souvenir Oktoberfest mug and three food/drink tickets.

Tickets are available at selected Old Town retailers including, Grace, Prespective2 and Mama Bear’s Café, as well as in the OTCA office, located at 1232 Turner St. Patrons can also purchase tickets online at www.oldtownoktoberfest.com.

This year, anyone can enjoy Oktoberfest like a VIP. Private Parties are still available for the entire Oktoberfest weekend. Great for client and employee appreciation or a night out with a group of friends, a Private Party package includes one reserved table in the VIP tent, admission to the festival and drink/food tickets for eight people, private restrooms, a great view of the entertainment and your very own satellite drink station, so Private Party guests will never have to wait in line for a drink. Parties are $400 per night or $700 for the weekend.

Old Town Oktoberfest is presented by and a fundraiser for the Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA). The funds raised from this event helps to beautify the district, recruit businesses, produce special events and preserve Old Town’s unique character.

Old Town Commercial Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of Lansing’s Old Town through socioeconomic development, historic preservation, business recruitment and community outreach. For additional information, please visit www.iloveoldtown.org.

###


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , ,
Categories : Food News, Lansing, Michigan, Old Town

Press Release – SOS Office Accepting Donations for Harvest Gathering

18 09 2008

From a press release…..

Helping residents put a meal on the table
Secretary of State branches accept Harvest Gathering donations

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that Michigan residents again can drop off nonperishable food items at branch offices to benefit needy families in their communities for the 18th annual Michigan Harvest Gathering.

“Your donations help put a meal on the table for someone in need,” Land said. “Of the
1 million Michigan residents expected to visit a food bank this year, 38 percent are children and
14 percent are senior citizens. I encourage you to contribute to Michigan Harvest Gathering to help your less-fortunate friends and neighbors, including our most vulnerable populations.”

The campaign, which is coordinated by the Food Bank Council of Michigan, helps supply the state’s regional food banks through donations of food and money. The regional food banks serve food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in every Michigan county.

People can drop off donations at all Secretary of State branch offices through Dec. 12. Requested items include peanut butter, canned tuna and other meat, and canned fruits, vegetables and soups, although all nonperishable food items are welcome. Envelopes will be available for those who wish to mail cash donations, which are used to cover the cost of collecting and distributing the food.

In 2007, the Michigan Harvest Gathering collected more than $400,000 and 289,000 pounds of food. The 2008 goal is $430,000 and 300,000 pounds of food.


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Food News, Lansing, Michigan, Politics

« Previous Entries Next Entries »