INTERVIEW: Scott Graham - Executive Director of the Michigan Brewer's Guild

BD: What are the Guild's thoughts on the 2012 Winter Beerfest?

SG: Really good! We're expecting it to be more popular than ever and we're trying to make some more room for some more people. There'll be more breweries and more people as well.

BD: Last year I read entry was expanded by about 1,000. You mentioned more people for this year, thoughts?

SG: We were a little short of 1000 last year, and we are planning on allowing more people entry this year. the basic idea is that we want to fit in more people promoting michigan beer and keep our breweries growing. even with ticket availability last year we sold out earlier than previous years. So, i think they'll go fast this year.

BD: How did MBG settle on 5/3 ballpark, and how are relations going with them?

SG: When we decided to move the festival in it's third year from Lansing to Grand Rapids, we looked at a few different places, and 53 is one of the ideas that happened to evolve and work out, and we have a great partnership with them, we get along and we love working with eachother. There are things that
we don't get to focus on, like parking, that they completely take care of. We love those guys, they're great.

BD: How many breweries attended last year, and how do you expect this year to turn out with brewery representation?

SG: Our festivals are open to all of our members, we don't set a goal or a target. we're not out trying to reach a number, but as the number of the breweries in the guild grows, so does representation at festival. Last year was about 60.

BD: Have you heard from any number of these brand new breweries that have opened up?

SG: Most of these new breweries are joining the guild, and we would like
every brewery to be a member. There's so many opening that sometimes i don't realize they're there until they're already open!

BD: What would you say to someone who has never been before?

SG: It's just such a great thing to do in Feb. A great thing to do in the winter. Get yourself outside and enjoy some Michigan beer. There's alot less going on in that time and people are looking for something to do. Our crowds have a great attitude, they're happy to be there and are really easy going.


See you in FEB for WINTER BEERFEST!

INTERVIEW: Aaron Burrows - Head Chef - Graydon's Crossing, Grand Rapids

Had an awesome opportunity to talk to Aaron Burrows over at Graydon's Crossing, an awesome beer bar here in GR. Focusing on the menu and it's suggested beer pairings.

BD: So, your menu is pretty impressive. 

AB: I have a monthly menu that changes, it's 10 different main items - appetizers, small plates, and entrees - and the beer pairings with those are going to change with the menu every single month.

BD: How do you manage to pair the beers with your menu selection?

AB: The way we decide how the beer apirings is the FOH manager and myself sit down and taste the beers, research them, and he'll get me info on what different spices and herbs are in those specific beers and then I try to mirror that in my food. I also do alot of cooking with beer as well. last tuesday of every month is a beer dinner.

BD: I love that your kitchen is locally focused.


AB: We get all of our produce and meat local. Whole cows pigs lambs chickens, all of it. We do alot of breaking down of meat here in our kitchen. We get the meat whole and then break it down into what we want to use it for.

You can find out more info, including their entire current menu and draft list at Graydon's Crossing's website.