Many local Leelanau County businesses rely, in part, on J-1 international student workers to shoulder the load through the busy summer tourism season. Each Labor Day weekend, we honor and thank those workers. Meet a few of them here—from Anderson’s Market, Art’s Tavern, Grocers Daughter Chocolate, Blu, Crystal River Outfitters and La Becasse.
On Thursday, Feb. 29, at 6:30 pm, La Becasse, the French restaurant in Burdickville, will hold its almost annual celebration of the food (and rhum!) of the Caribbean, with a special nod to the island of Guadeloupe–timed just when we start really needing a warm-weather escape–even if it’s just for an evening (and in Burdickville). Typically five courses (details available soon), with paired drinks–our last event started with a Punch Planteur and ended with Rhum Coco, and featured wine pairings in between. Break out your Caribbean attire and come prepared for fun!
Willowbrook Mill in Northport will host a Beaujolais Nouveau Day Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 6-9 p.m. The five-course French meal includes wine pairings created by guest chef Guillaume Hazael-Massieux of La Becasse restaurant. Limited seating is available, and going fast. Tickets cost $129 per person and are available online at MyNorthTickets.com.
Burdickville-based La Becasse recently signed the MI Restaurant Promise, which commits to “uphold the guidelines set forth by the State of Michigan, local Health Departments, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We view them not as infringements on our rights, but rather precautions we can all take to allow for our industry to re-open safely for our staff and our guests. In return, we ask for your commitment to carefully follow the guidelines posted in our establish- ments and communicated to you by our team members.”
Glen Lake Community Schools held a belated high school graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 27, for 56 graduates. We spoke with graduate Margot Hazael-Massieux, whose parents Guillaume and Brooke own La Bêcasse restaurant, about what it was like to lose the last three months of her high school experience, how she dealt with social distancing, and what’s next for the fall.
La Bécasse, the beloved French country-style restaurant in Burdickville, east of the Glen Lakes, reopened for curbside pickup last Thursday. This year of the coronavirus pandemic marks La Bécasse’s 40th year in business, and 15 years since Frenchman Guillaume Hazael-Massieux and his wife Brooke acquired it.
Don’t miss this fifth annual foodie event in Leelanau County from April 26-May 4. Glen Lake Restaurant Week offers an array of options, “from French Fries to French Cuisine,” boasting something for everyone with a variety of dining options around the greater Glen Arbor area.
La Becasse serves authentic French country fare in Burdickville in Leelanau County. The restaurant is a mere 30-minute scenic drive west of Traverse City, situated between Glen Arbor, Empire and Maple City.
The Cedar Maple City Lions Club and La Becasse are hosting a benefit dinner on Sunday, Aug. 27, from 4-7 p.m. for Maple City local Joe Flowers, who is battling a rare blood clotting disorder and Crone’s Disease. The suggested donation is $15 and includes a French-themed grilled chicken dinner, roasted vegetables, salad, sweet corn, sides and a silent auction.
“I’m up in Glen Arbor; it doesn’t get any better than that,” says the rich, energetic baritone voice of Tim Sutherland. “Be happy. Be kind. Be safe. Leave a message after the beep.” Anyone who has spent significant time in Glen Arbor recognizes this as quintessential “Sudsy”.