Yous and yinz — Cheesesteak lovers, rejoice! Carolyn Wyman, author of The Great Philly Cheese-steak Book (Running Press, $15.95), will be at Joey's Famous Philly Cheesesteaks this week. She'll be at the Southgate location (14625 Northline Rd.; 734-281-4444) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and at the Woodhaven location (16125 West Rd.; 734-692-1111) from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30.
Local heroes — With all the interest in local fare, it's fitting that Ann Arbor's Blue Tractor BBQ and Brewery is marking harvest time with a menu of specials made from locally produced ingredients. Through the end of September you can enjoy a bison burger, a smoked barbecue duck and more, all made with ingredients from as close to home as possible. At 207 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-4095.
School aid — Until mid-September, shoppers at Hiller's Markets can help local students start the school year right by donating school supplies for Operation: Kid Equip, which helps homeless, poor and low-income children in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. Find the Hiller's nearest you at hillers.com.
FOOD/THOUGHT
Steven Raichlen has written and collected hundreds of barbecue recipes, more than 500 alone in his newly revised Barbecue Bible (Workman Publishing Company, $22.95), only one of many collections he's put together. In the bible, he's captured barbecue dishes from around the world. Raichlen's detailed instructions teach the techniques needed to become an international grill master. And this edition has newly added color photos complementing the recipes.
BOTTOMS UP
From the zany folks at Magic Hat Brewing comes their latest seasonal 12-pak — Night of the Living Dead. Alongside the usual fruity #9 and wheat-based Circus Boy is the new fall seasonal, Roxy Rolles, nutty with a brisk grapefruit finish, all under a thick, creamy head that looks like the inside of a malted milk ball. And a Belgian chocolate stout that's dark, roasty and malty but finishes dry; slightly stronger in alcohol content, it should keep you cozy on those breezy autumn evenings.
THE WORKS
Enjoy perfectly chilled draft beer at home with the Krups-Heineken BeerTender, a patented system designed to be used with Heineken's DraughtKeg — which keeps beer fresh for as long as 30 days, with your choice of three preset temperatures. An illuminated digital display indicates keg volume, current and desired temperature, and days since the keg was installed. A detachable draw spout and drip tray allow for easy cleaning. Available now at Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table.
Know of any upcoming food events? Want to tell us about wine dinners, food specials or dining-oriented special events or fund-raisers? Let us know. Drop us a line at [email protected], 313-202-8043 or 733 St. Antoine St., Detroit, MI
