Savoring the Season: Celebrating Food, Drink, and Autumn Elegance
Hello my friends,
October is here, and with it, the flavors that define our community. For this month's 'Food and Beverage' issue, we invite you to explore the tastes and styles that are uniquely ours.
First, let’s toast to the revival of a local legend. The Mount Clemens Brewing Company, once a cherished name in our town’s history, has been resurrected with all the passion and craft of its storied past. Their signature Pearl Foam beer is more than just a beverage; it’s a sip of nostalgia, lovingly brewed for a new generation of local beer connoisseurs.
And what’s better in the autumn than a visit to the Mount Clemens Farmer’s Market? Voted Michigan’s favorite, this market is more than a place to purchase fresh produce—it’s a vibrant community hub, where every stall tells a story of farm-fresh authenticity and local pride. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect heirloom tomato or just soaking in the atmosphere, the market is a feast for the senses.
For fall-wedding fans, the experts at Viviano Flower Shop share their insights to help you choose the flowers and ambience that will perfectly complement your celebration's food and drink. Their guidance will ensure your event is as memorable as the season itself.
To heighten your Halloween, our pumpkin bread recipe is to...die for, and our Spook-Cutie platter is just the cutest (and spookiest!). Oh, and don't miss Spotlight: Spooky Soirées, our ghoulish guide to all the Halloween happenings around town.
So, as you sip, savor, and celebrate this month, know that every page of this issue has been crafted with the same care, passion and Mount Clemens spirit as the artisans and farmers we feature within.
Cheers to a season of flavor and festivity!
KIMBERLY JANOWICZ, PUBLISHER @MOUNTCLEMENSCITYLIFESTYLE
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Kimberly Janowicz | kimberly.janowicz@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Marshall Zweig | marshall.zweig@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Amy Gillespie | agphotographyis@gmail.com
Jacob Sciacchitano | taylorjacobscc@gmail.com
Kevin Shea | kevinshea56@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Don Seaman, Savanna Jaggears
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Gregory Jaggears
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Brewing Up History
Michigan’s Best Farmers’ Market
Voted
Fall, In Love
Rustic
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ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY GILLESPIE
IAN COLE, TOMMY VIRGA, AND JOHN AMAN HAVE FAITHFULLY RESURRECTED MOUNT CLEMENS BREWING COMPANY AND ITS LEGENDARY PEARL FOAM BEER
BREWING UP HISTORY
Coming from a brand marketing background, I find the histories of brands fascinating. So, what Ian Cole has managed to accomplish captivates me: he and his partners have meticulously
a deep background in commercial brewing, and John is a craft brewer.
“I didn't even know there was a Mount Clemens Brewing Company,” John says.
“I SAID, ‘HOW DO WE BRING THIS BEER BACK TO LIFE?’”
and faithfully resurrected the historic Mount Clemens Brewing Company, and its flagship product: Pearl Foam beer.
Eight years ago, Ian and his wife Hope, a fifth-generation Mount Clemens native, moved to Mount Clemens planning to fix up a historic home.
“I probably watched too many ‘This Old House’ marathons as a kid,” Ian laughs. When he realized how daunting the task actually was, The Clem’s unique magic came to his aid.
“Immediately I found out I have amazing neighbors,” Ian recalls. “They offered their tools, their garages, whatever I needed to work on my house.”
Two of those neighbors were Tommy Virga and John Aman.
Captivated by his new hometown’s charm, Ian started exploring Mount Clemens’s rich history—and stumbled across the Mount Clemens Brewing Company, driven out of business by prohibition almost a hundred years ago. Ian also found out our city doesn’t have an active brewery.
Ian brought his findings to neighbors Tommy and John. Tommy has
“I said, ‘How do we bring this beer back to life?’” Ian recalls.
“From the first time he mentioned ‘Mount Clemens Brewing Company,’” Tommy reveals, “I was waiting for this day to come.”
‘This day’ is the successful reincarnation of the brewery and its signature Pearl Foam beer.
From the start, brand steward Ian, general manager Tommy and head brewer John focused on staying true to their product’s vintage roots. But the original Pearl Foam recipe was lost in a flood decades ago.
“Having a general idea what types of ingredients they used, and historic context, I had to reverse-engineer it,” John explains.
Even with Ian’s exhaustive research and John’s knowledge of bygone brewing processes, it took eighteen months of tinkering to recreate Pearl Foam.
“It’s a pretty simple recipe as far as beer goes,” John says. “Back then they weren't working with the specialty grains and different types of yeast that we have nowadays. So that was where
CONTINUED >
I wanted to take this beer: the simple, crispy, easy-drinking kind of beer they would have had at the time.”
Ian sums it up succinctly: “Elevated but not stuffy. It’s a beer for everybody.”
I ask Ian to describe the process of unearthing the history of this longdefunct brand.
“We went all over,” Ian recalls. “The state of Michigan, the county clerk's office, genealogy records, newspaper clippings. The history was very scattered and limited. Putting all these pieces together in chronological order, the story becomes less about the brewery and the beer and more about the people, these immigrants from Germany and Belgium who got impacted by prohibition and started bootlegging. Having all these pieces come together to paint the picture of the brewing company is to me the coolest part.”
I’m curious if the partners recall a moment that stands out in the brand’s comeback.
“My brother Joey was coming by Mount Clemens,” Tom remembers, “and he said, ‘Hey, I want to have your beer.’ So I met him at Three Blind Mice for a pint. Joey starts talking about how good it is, and this conversation starts all around me, with all the patrons at the bar. Everyone was drinking Pearl Foam. It was a flood of emotion.”
“ELEVATED BUT NOT STUFFY…IT’S A
BEER FOR EVERYBODY.”
I ask the three neighbors the best part of bringing Pearl Foam back to life.
“The best part,” Tom declares, “is drinking the beer. There are a lot of beers I don't like, but this beer, it’s like a fresh new song in your mouth every time.”
I wonder: if the recipe’s so simple, what makes Pearl Foam taste so unique?
“It’s based off a traditional German Helles Dortmunder lager, which not a lot of people brew,” Tom informs me. “It has a little more alcohol at six percent, and a hoppier kick at the end. It’s odd to me, but I haven’t had one person say they don’t like it.”
For now, Pearl Foam is only available on tap, at Three Blind Mice and the Rec Bowl, and via small kegs for parties and events.
“We're letting this thing just grow organically,” Ian says.
Follow the brewery on Facebook (mountclemensbrewco) to see where they go next. For Pearl Foam kegs, contact Tommy Virga at 586.531.5511.
Michigan’s Best Farmers’ Market
Voted Michigan’s best farmers’ market, the venerable Mount Clemens Farmers’ Market is beloved by generations of customers—and farmers
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACOB SCIACCHITANO
Every year, American Farmland Trust conducts the only public-voted ranking of the country's top farmers' markets. This year's winner in Michigan: our very own Mount Clemens Farmers' Market.
My family and I visited for the first time to find out what makes MCFM the best farmers' market in the entire state.
CONTINUED >
What immediately stands out to me is the palpable energy of joy, excitement and fun. Market coordinator John Cody believes "that friendly atmosphere" is why the market won. John also tells me about MCFM's spectacular variety, which quickly becomes evident as we explore.
For starters, my wife Heather, who grew up in the South, adores fried green tomatoes, but finding green tomatoes locally is a challenge. Not at MCFM: Heather snapped up a bunch and cooked them up as soon as we got home (and I can now assure you: fried green tomatoes are indeed delicious).
Here's another example: if you're looking for a carton of eggs, you'll need to be more specific. Duck eggs? Turkey eggs? Goose eggs? Ostrich eggs? Repurposed Paradise Farm offers them all, along with traditional chicken eggs. The animals are all pasture-raised by Jennifer Giles and her family.
"We actually stopped going to other markets," Jennifer says, "because we always sell out here. It doesn't matter how many eggs I bring. If I bring 300 dozen, they're gone by 10:00. We only brought 200 dozen today and they were gone by 8:40."
Repurposed Paradise Farm also sells homemade granola and breads; their sourdough is now our 11-year-old son's all-time favorite.
Clark Farms offers flowers, soaps, and an impressive variety of fruits and vegetables. It's run by fifth-generation farmer John Clark and his wife JoEllen, for whom farming is "what my family has always done." I ask JoEllen what makes Mount Clemens Farmer's Market so special.
"Every city tries to start a farmer's market," she says, "but there aren't enough farmers to fill them, so they turn into a craft show with one or two farmers. We're certified home-grown: everybody has to grow what they sell."
Beth Sanna of mushroom specialists Give & Grow Farms agrees: "They inspect your farms--you have got to be a real farmer to be here."
Lucy Robertson of "R” Bees Honey Farm says, "A lot of our customers come every week." That includes Fran Sampson, who's lived in Mount Clemens for 76 years. "No one can beat this market," Fran says. "I hope you come here and experience what I experience every Saturday."
Mount Clemens Farmers' Market runs from May through mid-November on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Every city tries to start a farmer’s market, but they turn into a craft show with one or two farmers. We’re certified homegrown: everybody has to grow what they sell.”
37035 S. Gratiot Ave. • Clinton Twp. at 16 Mile Rd (Next to Secretary of State) 586.333.5526 • macombpharmacy.com
FALL, IN LOVE
to
in for fall weddings
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SHEA
Fall wedding season is upon us. To find out fall’s most popular trends, I reached out to Viviano Flower Shop, considered metro Detroit’s high-end florist.
For almost 90 years, Viviano Flower Shop has been synonymous with breathtaking elegant floral creations, enhancing thousands of weddings with their designs.
Rustic chic
timeless elegance: Viviano Flower Shop tells us what’s
“Peach Fuzz is the Pantone color of the year…2024 is all about the return of bold and vibrant color.”
Cecilia Viviano, Viviano’s marketing and product development manager, tells me of the family florist’s humble Detroit beginnings: her great-grandfather, Cecilia shares, “used a cigar box as his cash register, and delivered flowers by taking city buses!”
Viviano’s buys directly from farms, so their flowers never spend time at a wholesaler.
“It’s all about creating a lasting legacy of loyalty and goodwill among our patrons,” Cecilia expresses. “Because we love them.”
Cecilia sits me down with Viviano’s wedding manager Hilary Gilmore and wedding sales consultant Kim Viviano. I start by asking the pair what brides are going for this fall season.
“More of a low-key, intimate wedding,” Kim says, “like weekday ceremonies and restaurant receptions.”
I assume low-key wedding means informal designs. Kim says that’s not the case: they’re seeing ‘classic minimalist sophistication.’ I wonder what that looks like.
“Clean lines,” Kim explains. “Understated elegance. Tablescapes with sleek vases and single-statement blooms, or groupings of monochromatic botanical floral pieces. This really showcases the natural beauty. Less is more.”
I’m curious about lighting: are couples keeping that simple too? Hilary says they are.
“String lighting, twinkle lighting, bistro lighting,” she lists. “Floating, pillar, and tapered candles are also huge trends. They create a romantic ambiance.”
Hilary also says adding in fruit, moss, or other unexpected textures “draws your eye to the florals.”
So, what are the trendy design styles? Kim cites Modern Minimalist: “mono-botanical arrangements in bud vases and candles.” which she says puts the focus on the simplicity of the blooms. She also mentions Classic Romance, which she calls “timeless.”
Hilary offers up Boho Chic— “we incorporate dried and bleached floral”—and Rustic Elegance, which, CONTINUED >
Venue: Tina’s Country House & Gardens Linens & Farm Chairs: Elegant Events
when she explains it, hits me as trés cool: “wood slabs, whiskey barrels, other rustic accents like that to support our floral designs.”
To personalize their theme, brides often bring in their own containers to create a specific vibe or use engagement photos on guest tables or a welcome area. Hilary also says creating a sense of closeness is popular, with communal-style seating and a captain's table with low floral arrangements.
So does the simplicity trend extend to floral containers? Hilary says there, the trend is earth-friendliness: “Sustainable, eco-friendly containers— that’s in vogue,” Hilary reports. If that inspires you, Hilary suggests mixing containers and arrangements instead of matching them, and using herbs and branches for rustic charm and authenticity.
On to the flowers themselves: which varieties complement this trend of understated elegance? Hilary says roses and hydrangeas are popular all year, but “we’re also seeing dahlias and sunflowers.” Kim adds gladiolas, zinnias, and yarrow to that trending list.
I wonder how couples are incorporating flowers into their overall wedding decor. “We’ve seen hedges on tables, hanging installations, flower walls," Kim says. She also says airy, dimensional hand-tied bouquets, and bridal cascades that create a natural, trailing effect, are what’s most requested right now. “Charms, rosaries, or heirlooms can be incorporated too,” she mentions.
Let’s consider color palettes.
“Peach Fuzz is the Pantone color of the year,” Hilary informs me. “The light fruity tone conjures peace and serenity.”
The peach originated in China, where the color also represents immortality—apropos for commemorating forever love.
“Simplicity of lighting: string lighting, twinkle lighting and bistro lighting creates a romantic ambiance in any venue. Candles,
candles and more candles! Floating candles, pillar, and tapered candles are huge trends.”
Hilary suggests pairing Peach Fuzz with earthy browns and nudes; deep reds and plums for a dramatic effect; or blue for a fresh, modern feel.
I understand the appeal of clean simplicity. But what if I want my wedding to dazzle?
“2024 is also all about the return of bold and vibrant color,” Kim replies. “Rich jewel tones to playful neon.”
As examples, Hilary offers up vibrant shades like copper and deep greens. “They add understated luxury,” she says. She also lists sunset colors: “they complement the fall evenings.”
If you’ve already got a color scheme and budget, Kim says Viviano’s can find you “the most
beautiful varieties within your range. We’re always testing new varieties in each color.”
Hilary advises couples to keep an open mind during the initial consultation, because floral pricing can fluctuate wildly depending on variety and design. “For example,” Hilary says, “a peach garden rose can range from $2 to $9.” Their job is to turn a couple’s expectations into reality within their budget.
It’s a lot to think about. That’s why Kim suggests planning wedding flower six months to a year in advance: “It’s never too early to start planning the wedding of your dreams.”
For more info, or to start planning your dream wedding, visit weddings.viviano.com
SPOTLIGHT: SPOOKY SOIRÉES
A chilling catalog of local ghoulish gatherings galore this October
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG
1. CROCKER HOUSE MUSEUM AND GARDENS CEMETERY WALK – OCTOBER 5TH, 12 - 4 P.M.
Join us at Clinton Grove Cemetery in Clinton Township for a journey through history. The guided walk features actors in period costumes sharing tales of Mount Clemens heroism. Blending history and Halloween, it’s an experience both educational and eerie.
3. 17TH ANNUAL SPOOKTACULAR –OCTOBER 19TH, 12 - 3 P.M.
2. MONSTER WALK –OCTOBER 13TH, 7 P.M.
Undead, unearthly, or simply unnerving: join our march! It’s the Monster Walk, hosted by Weirdsville Records. Every monster strutting through the streets could win one of over 60 prizes. Registration begins at 6 p.m.. Follow Weirdsville Records on Facebook for updates.
It’s ‘boo’ time! The Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority presents the 17th Annual Spooktacular. Trickor-treat with local businesses and walk the Haunted Hallway. There’s also Roscoe the Clown, the Mount Clemens Kiwanis Club Cake Walk, and the Optimist Club’s Trunk ‘n Treat in the Macomb County Parking Garage. Costumes encouraged.
4. WITCHES NIGHT OUT –OCTOBER 23RD, 5 - 8 P.M.
Gather your coven and head downtown for Witches Night Out! Dress in your witchiest attire and enjoy some good cackles over refreshments, exclusive shopping discounts and general hocus-pocus. Who will win the Spooky Witch Hat Contest? Witches of all ages welcome. Follow The Nest Collaborative on Facebook for more info.
5. ANATOMY OF DEATH MUSEUM –OPEN ALL OCTOBER
Delve into the macabre side of mortality. You’ll explore exhibits on Victorian mourning practices, death masks and other chilling curiosities. The Anatomy of Death Museum offers an eerie yet educational experience on endings, perfect for those who love the darker side of history. It’s a must-visit for Halloween season.
6. HALLOWE’EN AT THE CROCKER MANOR –OCTOBER 26TH, 5 - 10 P.M.
Experience the Crocker House Museum transformed into the “Crocker Manor” for a night of fun! Wander through candlelit exhibits, admire vintage Hallowe’en decorations, and play games. Then gather around the campfire for ghost stories, including the spooky, local tale of the “Woman with the Red Bandana.”
& Masonry Designs
Sleep Trouble? TMJ Disorder?
Pumpkin Cuties
• Cutie Mandarin Oranges
• Celery Sticks
Peel the cutie mandarin oranges and cut celery sticks into 1-inch long sticks.
Cut each slice of celery into thirds or fourths and insert celery sticks into the center of the peeled oranges.
Oreo Spiders
• Oreos
• Candied Eyes
• Chocolate Chips
• Pretzel Logs
Break pretzel rods in half and stuff them into the Oreo cookies to form the spider legs. Melt the chocolate chips until smooth.
Use a toothpick to place the melted chocolate onto the Oreos where the eyes will go.
Immediately place the eye candies onto the melted chocolate. Place the Oreos in the fridge until the chocolate hardens.
cuterie SPOOK-
A SPOOKY SPIN ON THE CLASSIC CHARCUTERIE
ARTICLE BY SAVANNA JAGGEARS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY JAGGEARS
Spook-Cuterie is a cutie Halloween snack for pre- or post-trick-or-treating. This spooky spin on the classic charcuterie board will excite the kids and provide a few nutritious nibbles before they fill up on too much candy. Whether you bring this to the school party or set it up while everyone gets in their costumes, fun MUMMY-ries will be made.
Nutter Butter Ghosts
• Nutter Butter Cookies
• White Melting Chocolate
• Mini Chocolate Chips
Instructions:
1. Gather together the items.
2 .Arrange and style according to your party aesthetic.
3. Add extra items, such as crackers, chips and cheeses.
Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 15-second increments. Stir between increments until the chocolate is fully melted.
Dip the top of each cookie into the melted chocolate and place the coated cookie on wax paper to dry.
Press the mini chocolate chip to make the eyes and mouth before the chocolate dries.
Blackberry Bats
• Bat Shaped Cookie Cutter
• Blackberries
• Candied Eyes
Place the cookie cutter on the charcuterie board and fill with blackberries. Place candied eyes to make the eyes of the bat.
4. Fan out additional fruits and veggies.
5. Celebrate and make the days leading up to October 31st memorable!
PUMPKIN PERFECTION
Put the carving tools down and check out how you can add some pizzazz to your pumpkins with just a paint brush.
ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN
the CREEPY crawler
For this design, you’ll need several pumpkins or gourds in various shapes and sizes, some white and metallic acrylic paint, hot glue and some fake creepy crawlers.
Paint your “background” pumpkins in metallic colors. For your centerpiece, use white paint to cover the body, metallic paint for the stem and hot glue your creepy crawlers all around.
It’s Pumpkin Bread Season
The Perfect Recipe For Some Autumn Comfort
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 eggs
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the flour, baking soda and baking powder, spices, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine the oil, butter, and vanilla in a liquid measuring cup.
4. In a mixing bowl (with a paddle attachment), beat the pumpkin, sugar, and eggs until combined.
5. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the liquid ingredients. Let this process take about 1 to 2 minutes so the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
6. Using a spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet and slowly fold until the ingredients are blended.
7. Prepare a 10 x 5 loaf pan by buttering it really well and then adding a strip of parchment paper to the bottom and up the sides for easy removal.
8. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 1 hour. The bread will be fully risen in the center, like a loaf. Make sure it’s fully cooked and brown on the top otherwise it will fall in the middle once removed from the oven.
ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN
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