The Winds Cafe and Bakery » Blog

Open That Bottle Night

Itinerant — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 03:13:55 +0000

Lively conversation, the sharing of wines, and delicious foods to go along. Our annual Open That Bottle Night was a wonderful evening. Thanks to everyone who attended!

Spirited Away to a Secret Location

john — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:28:41 +0000

Mary Kay surprised us by hosting this year’s Leo Tasting at the Grinnell Mill Bed and Breakfast. When we arrived, we were greeted by Marylin Monroe, who was there to sing “Happy Birthday” to our favorite Leo. Kim and Chris were in the kitchen, about to wow us with the evening meal. We sat on the patio under the stars on one of Ohio’s cooler, breezier August evenings, listening to the frogs & cicadas sing us into the night while Mary Kay shared some of her favorite wines with us.
Thanks to everyone who came out!

Scenes from the Robert Sinskey Tasting

john — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:19:33 +0000

Like A Small Hill

john — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:11:57 +0000

The luncheon with Diane Puymorin of Domaine de la Petite Cassagne and Château d’Or et de Gueules was a lovely success! Thanks to everyone who attended.

The Bad Conscience of Viticulture

john — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:24:47 +0000

Once again, David Schildknecht wowed us with his knowledge and enthusiasm at this year’s Austrian Wine Tasting. This time the knowledge and wit came complete with maps. Kim designed dishes that paired perfectly with David’s selections, so that, with the maps, the food, the wine and the company, we had a truly delightful and enlightening experience. Thanks to everyone who came out!

They Came From A Land Down Under

john — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:19:16 +0000

Hello Spring

john — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:33:11 +0000

Thankfully, spring is almost here. The blessing is twofold as the earth warms, turns green and lush, I’m reminded how lucky I am to live in the greatest town on Earth. It’s easy to forget as Kim and I struggle to keep the Titanic Winds Cafe dodging icebergs of broken garbage disposals, snowy weekends and financially strapped customers. Just when you think you might sink, a long time employee offers to work a day every pay period for free (bless your heart, Kathy) or an already great customer comes in 3 times during the weekend and brings guests (you’re the best, Lisa) or a vendor tells me to forget paying January’s bill because it was such an awful month and we’ve been such a good customer over the years (thanks a million, Cathy). These are the blessings and many more that happen in my world. I suspect these don’t happen in corporate restaurants. The months ahead will be tricky for everyone. We are well aware customers are eating out less often and that our business is considered a luxury. In the months ahead when you do go out, please think about where your money is going. Consider spending it at an independent restaurant that sources local ingredients, invests in its community and cares about its employees.

School’s In Session

john — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:39:26 +0000

With the turn of the year came time again for Wine 101, Mary Kay’s annual class designed to help wine novices learn the basics of wine. This year’s class was fun and lighthearted, with excellent food pairings prepared for Kim. Watch out — this will definitely be on the test!

2008 Holiday Tasting

john — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 20:25:58 +0000

‘Sparkle’ in French is ‘Sparkle’

john — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:13:56 +0000

There’s nothing like sparkling wine to jump-start the holiday spirit. Mary Kay presented this year’s favorite sparkling wines to a sold-out crowd while snow fell lazily on the first Saturday in December. Once again, Kim outdid herself with the menu, and Daniel popped in for a surprise French lesson. Thanks to everyone who came out!