The team at Bellflower would love to make your Thanksgiving dinner this year

I’m sorry that I haven’t been around much lately. Between working to get Biden elected, taking care of the kids, and helping to get an award-winning, five-star restaurant off the ground here in Ypsi, I just haven’t had time to engage in the debate over the rapidly imploding right wing conspiracy theory about Hunter Biden’s laptop, or whatever other nonsense people are talking about these days. With that said, I wanted to let you know that we’ve been listening to all of you who, over the course of the past two months, have asked for us to concentrate on our pick-up offerings here at Bellflower. While I can’t share too much at this point about what we have in store, I can tell you that we’ve perfected our smoked turkey recipe, and we’re now taking orders for Thanksgiving meals. Here, in case anyone is interested, is the basic package. [We have other, bigger packages that include more items, and larger quantities. You can find them outlined here.]

Thanksgiving Package 1: Half Smoked Turkey (5-6.5lb averages), Mashed Potatoes (32 oz), Turkey Giblet Gravy (16 oz), Milk Bread Custard Stuffing (10” pie tin), Cranberry Chow Chow (8 oz), 2 Milk Bread Po’ Boy Rolls, Green Bean Casserole (10” pie tin), and Apple Cobbler (10” pie tin) …$98

It’s a good value, and I’m super proud of our team for putting it together. I know that a lot of you, due to health concerns, still aren’t eating out, and, as that’s the case, I haven’t talked much about the restaurant here. I didn’t want to post photos of the food, or the reviews, and, in doing so, encourage people to come out who might otherwise be quarantining at home. I understand that eating out isn’t for everyone, even in the most responsible restaurants, and I didn’t want to encourage people to do anything that they weren’t comfortable with, or might later regret. And, if I started posting photos like this, I knew that’s what would likely happen.

While we have outdoor seating, an open kitchen, and follow all of the state health guidelines to the letter, I just didn’t want to encourage people to come out until we had a system in place that would allow them to pick up food in a contactless manner, etc. Now that we’re making headway in that direction, though, I feel better about sharing a little more about what we’re doing at Bellflower.

A few weeks ago, we opened up our online wine shop, featuring a few dozen bottles — many of which are under $20 — selected by our sommelier, Jenn Lucier. [If you’re interested, I’ve posted an interview with Lucier on the restaurant’s website, which I’ve been making a lot of content for.] Well, the orders have been going well. [Thank you to everyone who has bought a bottle so far.] And now we’re working on our packaged food offerings. In fact, based on the response we’ve received thus far from the community, we just decided to invest in an enormous smoker, which is going to allow us to do more in that area. It’s still too early to talk about things like weekly dinners and the like, but I wanted to post something today, letting you know that we’ve entered into an agreement with a turkey farm to supply free-range, all-natural birds for the holiday, and we’re now taking orders.

Anyway, if you’ve been hearing from your friends and neighbors about how damn good dinner is at Bellflower, but you haven’t felt like coming in, now’s your chance to see for yourself. Our team has gone all out and created a terrific, affordable menu for Thanksgiving, and I’m super proud of them. So, if you’ve wanted to see what all the fuss is about, here’s your chance. And, of course, you can still stop by during lunch for one of our sandwiches. Just be sure to come early, as we’ve been selling out by 2:00 or so each day. [We serve our sandwiches on milk bread rolls we make ourselves, and we only make 100 loaves a day.]

OK, I guess that’s if for now…. I just wanted to let you know that, if you weren’t heading home for the holidays to see your extended family, there was now a really, really good local option. And I mean that sincerely. I have never in my life had the pleasure to work with a team like I’ve been working with these past two months at Bellflower. Every day they set the bar for professionalism and quality, not just in Ypsilanti, or in Washtenaw County, but in the entire state of Michigan. The food we produce every day, and the level of customer service that we’ve been able to maintain, is truly spectacular… which is why, I suspect, that, as of right now on Google, 83 of our 87 reviews are five-star reviews. We are doing truly incredible work here, and I’m so happy to finally be able to share it with all of you, and not just those of you who feel like eating out at a restaurant.

If you’d like to order a Thanksgiving meal, and see what Bellflower is all about, just click here.

Oh, I should also mention that Jenn Lucier, not to be outdone by our cooking team, has put together three wine bundles for Thanksgiving. Here’s what she has to say about the first one, which includes a 2018 Krone Brut Sparkling Pinot Noir from South Africa, a 2018 Château Les Miaudoux Sauvignon Blanc from France, and a 2017 Zantho Blaufränkisch from Austria. “Our 3 bottle bundle gives you the perfect curated package to accompany your Thanksgiving feast. The Krone Brut Sparkling Rosé calls for a celebration with its festive bottle and a bright nose bursting with notes of red berries and buttery biscuits. Let it stand on its own, or drink throughout the meal, it will compliment everything from the turkey and stuffing to baked fruit and pastry with dessert,” she says. “Vegetable side dishes (or main courses!) will be highlighted by the flavors of stone fruits, minerality, and hint of spice found in the Château Les Miaudoux Bergerac Blanc, and nothing pairs better with turkey and gravy than a Blaufränkisch. This vibrant, fruit-forward red wine with flavors of cranberries, black currants, baking spices and subtle smokiness will accentuate your holiday bird no matter the preparation!” The three bottles are just $60, and you can order them from the Thanksgiving menu in our online store.

One last thing, as long as I’m praising members of the team… The loaves of Ypsilanti Rye that our baking team produced last week sold out not just here at Bellflower, but in both Argus Farm Stop stores in Ann Arbor. As a result, we’re baking even more this week. If you’re interested, stop by Argus on Sunday.

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36 Comments

  1. Demetrius
    Posted October 30, 2020 at 2:11 pm | Permalink

    I finally had a chance to try Bellflower recently after hearing positive comments from friends and co-workers. The food was delicious, the service was great, and the atmosphere was pleasant and attractive.

    Two words: Scallops+Gravy. … not necessarily two items I had ever thought of having together before, but this combo was delicious!

    I also recommend trying the beet salad, if that’s still on the menu.

  2. Posted October 30, 2020 at 3:32 pm | Permalink

    This is so awesome. I am hoping that my folks will allow me to bring the dinner but we will see. If not, I suppose I can always bring some wine! I have been wanting to give your restaurant a try but have been staying home. I will do a pickup from there soon!

  3. Posted October 30, 2020 at 3:45 pm | Permalink

    Thanks, Lynne. I’ll let you know when we start rolling out other contactless pick-up meal options. If all goes according to plan, I’ll have another package next weekend with salmon, cheese, wine and our Ypsilanti Rye. And, as I mentioned, we’re going to be doing more smoked meat.

  4. Hyborian Warlord
    Posted October 31, 2020 at 9:56 am | Permalink

    You mean rapidly exploding, right? It’s his laptop and it strongly supports my main points: Sex abuse blackmail and bribery of US politicians by foreign governments.

  5. Shawn
    Posted October 31, 2020 at 12:15 pm | Permalink

    Best of luck to you and your team Mark. Really glad to see a restaurant of this caliber successful in Ypsi.

  6. Posted October 31, 2020 at 1:36 pm | Permalink

    I was out canvassing today for the Biden-Harris campaign. Not one person brought up Hunter Biden’s laptop.

  7. Jean Henry
    Posted October 31, 2020 at 5:44 pm | Permalink

    HW— amazing how you dismiss many many sexual assault accusations against Trump as fraudulent political attacks but hunter Biden’s laptop with incriminating evidence (sort of…) suddenly appearing in October raises no concerns.

    PS the suspicion is that they hacked into his real computer and dropped the files into the on that was found along with a bunch of fabricated nonsense. No one is buying it but the ppl who supported Trump anyway. Fail.

  8. Hyborian Warlord
    Posted October 31, 2020 at 10:07 pm | Permalink

    Not surprising considering the mockingbird media outlets have buried it, barky.

    I don’t see the connection between accusations with nothing to support them and your candidate’s son’s actual laptop, Jean.

  9. Posted November 1, 2020 at 6:13 am | Permalink

    You see, HW is referring to operation mockingbird. He feels everything is a CIA manipulation, except the most blatantly obvious manipulation…that of him.

    He can’t imagine he’s been suckered again. He has never came to terms with having been suckered the many times he has been before. Emotionally, he can’t face it. It’s a psychological condition, not a perspective.

    The condition appears incurable. These are the cases psychology gives up on and defaults to endless “medication.” I’d recommend he up his dose.

  10. John Brown
    Posted November 1, 2020 at 7:18 am | Permalink

    Mark, that sounds like a delicious diversion from the christo fascist insurrection. Meanwhile in Texas gunned up agent orange traitors attack a Biden campaign bus. These people are gonna need a dose of their own medicine ultimately.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/31/us/elections/vehicles-flying-trump-flags-try-to-force-a-biden-harris-campaign-bus-off-a-highway-in-texas.html

  11. Posted November 1, 2020 at 7:18 am | Permalink

    JH, you have a nice theory, kinda like Russiagate. Not a single fact to support it. We don’t even have the Bidens saying any of the emails are false. We have a flawed corrupt candidate. So what. Trump and the death cult must be sent packing.

  12. Posted November 1, 2020 at 7:33 am | Permalink

    Wobblie, of course the Bidens aren’t going to deny that bullshit. Why would you think there would be any reason they would? You’re pretty strange sometimes.

    If I accuse you of eating babies, Wobblie. Are you going to put any effort in proving you don’t?

  13. Anonymous
    Posted November 1, 2020 at 7:35 am | Permalink

    We’ve long run out of regular alphabetical names for the annual tropical storm/hurricane season and are into the Greek alphabet. This has only happened once and we got to zeta. Eta is forming now, and we still got two months to go. I wonder when Florida, Texas, and Louisiana residents will notice and make some higher level connection.

    https://www.noaa.gov/news/with-alpha-2020-atlantic-tropical-storm-names-go-greek

  14. Posted November 1, 2020 at 8:02 am | Permalink

    If some one had a picture of me eating babies, and emails from me sharing recipes for how to prepare roasted babies. I would most definitely point out that they are lies and fabrications. Silence has always equaled acquiescence. The reality is that the emails really did not tell us anything new. The stupid Twitter and Facebook censorship of the Post made this a bigger story than it really is. Who does not believe that Hunter and Joe’s brother have not been trying to cash in on Joe’s power and influence?
    iRobert you are much more sophisticated than this.

  15. Posted November 1, 2020 at 8:52 am | Permalink

    We’ve not heard from FF in a while. Just to pass on this little info. The Austin police are still investigating your good buddy Perry for the murder of Foster. He remains confined to his barracks at Ft. Hood. Your good buddy Kyle is back in Kenosha where he will soon go on trial for the double homicide he committed. The wheel of justice turns slowly, but it does turn.

  16. Posted November 1, 2020 at 8:55 am | Permalink

    That’s why I know it’s an old ploy which works every time. It’s part of the strategy to let it take hold among the mindless on the right. It’s working to help cement support among moderates, independents, and just plain sane people. It’s better not to do anything to dispel or even address the embellished details.

    The birther bullshit was used in the same way. What is it that you’re not getting about this, Wobblie?

  17. Posted November 1, 2020 at 8:58 am | Permalink

    By the way, Wobblie, I give credit where it’s due, and you were very accurate with your prediction of where the Florida death numbers would be by November 1st (today). You humiliated FF on that. You should be nice to him now.

  18. Posted November 1, 2020 at 9:22 am | Permalink

    Wobblie: “If some one had a picture of me eating babies, and emails from me sharing recipes for how to prepare roasted babies. I would most definitely point out that they are lies and fabrications.”

    That’s why you’d make the worst candidate ever. You let your emotions overrule effective strategy.

    Have you noticed the GOP media strategy is to suggest Biden and all Democrats are like you and have your agenda? It’s a strong strategy. If they could convince me I were you, I’d even vote against myself.

  19. Anonymous
    Posted November 1, 2020 at 9:39 am | Permalink

    Mark posts something beautiful abut his news restaurant, and we turn it into a conversation on baby eating. It’s no wonder he’s not posting as much.

    FWIW, conspiracy theories about the drinking of baby blood go back centuries. Look up “blog libel.” As they say, there’s noting new under the son.

    From Wikipedia: Blood libel or ritual murder libel (also blood accusation)[1][2] is an antisemitic canard[3][4][5] which accuses Jews of murdering Christian children in order to use their blood as part of religious rituals.[1][2][6] Historically, these claims—alongside those of well poisoning and host desecration—have been a major theme of the persecution of Jews in Europe.[4]

    Blood libels typically claim that Jews require human blood for the baking of matzos which they eat during Passover, although this element was allegedly absent in the earliest cases which claimed that then-contemporary Jews reenacted the crucifixion. The accusations often assert that the blood of the children of Christians is especially coveted, and, historically, blood libel claims have been made in order to account for the otherwise unexplained deaths of children. In some cases, the alleged victims of human sacrifice have become venerated as Christian martyrs. Three of these – William of Norwich, Little Saint Hugh of Lincoln, and Simon of Trent – became objects of local cults and veneration, and in some cases their feast days were added to the General Roman Calendar.[who?] One, Gabriel of Białystok, was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.

  20. Frosted Flakes
    Posted November 1, 2020 at 9:41 am | Permalink

    Why wouldn’t they investigate him for murder? He shot him. The obstacle for prosecuting for murder are the reports and phot evidence that he approached the car with his assault rifle point toward Perry.

    Rittenhouse will not be found guilty of murder—I promise.

    I promised FL would not hit 17k by Nov 1 and I was right (barely). Wobblie said FL would hit 17k by Nov 1 “easily”. Wrong.

    I also promise USA will not have 400k deaths by Jan 1.

    FL is roughly the same as MI right now but FL is trending in a better direction than MI right now.

  21. Posted November 1, 2020 at 10:03 am | Permalink

    FF, you humiliated Wobblie on that Florida prediction. You should be nice to him now. He’s really old a feeble. Have a little compassion.

  22. Frosted Flakes
    Posted November 1, 2020 at 10:12 am | Permalink

    I don’t think he should feel humiliated but if what was supposed to “easily” happen never happens, then it was never going to happen “easily”. A lot of people are acting like they experts. I think it is a normal coping mechanism.

  23. Posted November 1, 2020 at 10:38 am | Permalink

    But Wobblie is so very old and so very feeble. Watching you humiliate him over and over is like watching you beating him with his walker.

    Does Bellflower have senior discounts?

  24. Posted November 1, 2020 at 11:11 am | Permalink

    FF, 16969 resident deaths in Florida. If you include the non-resident deaths that died in the states hospitals and they are well over 17000 deaths. With nearly 25000 new cases in the last week, I hardly would be looking at Florida as an example of how to handle the virus. I’m old but tough. Nothing but scar tissue, so no way to inflict new hurts.

    Rittenhouse will be found guilty of two counts of homicide, several counts of reckless endangerment and then there are the Federal gun charges which, once the outlaw death cult is swept out of Washington, he will be facing–up to 10 years just for that–oh and his buddy who provided the murder weapon will also be going to prison. No one has come forward to corroborate his story of being “hired” to protect a business, just as no one has come forward to corroborate Perry being in Austin working for a “ride share” business.

  25. Frosted Flakes
    Posted November 1, 2020 at 12:09 pm | Permalink

    Yes, and 16969 is less than the number you said they would easily surpass. You were wrong when you were supposed to be easily right. Not a big deal though. It just fits in a pattern where you are proven to be full of it. I guess, according to you, Rittenhouse will easily be found guilty of homicide….I guess, according to you, USA will easily surpass 400k deaths…Blah Blah Blah….

  26. Posted November 1, 2020 at 12:47 pm | Permalink

    I have pre-ordered the Thanksgiving dinner! I am currently in discussions with my sister. She is a teacher and her son is going to school in person and thus, they will not be able to join my parents and me for dinner. I am only going because I am going into strict quarantine myself for the two weeks prior to the date. At any rate, my sister is leaning towards also ordering the dinner so that we can all be eating the same food when we Zoom. :)

  27. Frosted Flakes
    Posted November 1, 2020 at 1:07 pm | Permalink

    Not much is going to hinge on Perry doing Uber rides that night….Jesus….Doing Uber rides the night you shoot someone is not a magic get out of jail free card…Jesus…Although, I am pretty sure the attorney showed receipts of Uber rides given in Austin, by Perry, that night… You really don’t care about facts at all do you? Just a bunch of made up garbage constantly. Blah blah blah.

    Similarly, just because Rittenhouse was life guarding, removing graffiti, and extinguishing fires in Wisconsin earlier that day does not mean he is allowed to shoot people without some sort of justifiable cause….Jesus….

  28. Jean Henry
    Posted November 1, 2020 at 2:16 pm | Permalink

    FF— you sound very stressed. More than usual. Something worrying you?

  29. Jean Henry
    Posted November 1, 2020 at 2:29 pm | Permalink

    Wobblie—
    The burden of proof is on those who publish the story not me. I have no doubt (and have said so here months ago) That Hunter Biden tried to use his father’s position to gain advantage. It’s uncommon to not see that among rich and powerful families. It’s not Shocking or disqualifying Especially next to Trump’s blatant nepotism. I’m sure most of the emails are in fact his. We don’t know if the computer was his. It sounds as though the many legit news bureaus covering this have not been able to establish the truth of the story and are finding multiple inconsistencies.

  30. Posted November 1, 2020 at 3:51 pm | Permalink

    “The burden of proof is on those who publish the story” that is rich. The NY Times, Washington Post, MSNBC, CNN published unproven allegations about the DNC emails for over 4 years. In fact, if you actually pay attention you would know that the leaders of your “intelligence community” acknowledge that they have “no proof” of the Russians “hacking” the emails and yet DNC adherents believe these unproven allegations are true.
    There is no “burden of proof”. The journalistic question is, “Is this news?”. “Is it credible”. One of the primary mechanisms of determining credibility is –“Is there a denial?” Does one of the principles contest the veracity of the “news”?
    In the Russiagate hoax, Assange, one of the principles involved has consistently maintained that the Russians had nothing to do with acquiring the documents—So you have a credibility issue–some one is lying, either Assange or the “intelligence community”.
    Just like FF is unable to understand the importance of the Rittenhouse and Perry’s stories is that it goes towards “credibility”. Since Biden has not denied the veracity of the emails, there is no real issue about the credibility of the emails is there?
    Just like with the DNC emails they demonstrate the common place level of corruption among our ruling class. Just as Trump demonstrates the same venal practices in Ukrainegate and his constant violations of the emolument clause. Is this a surprise? I mean we know this election is all about lesser evil candidates.
    Biden wins that analysis hands down.

  31. Posted November 1, 2020 at 4:44 pm | Permalink

    I admit that I haven’t paid close attention to this Hunter Biden thing but from what I understand, there are some emails where Hunter was trying to arrange a meeting with a man who is on the BOD of the same company as he is, to meet with his father. I believe that this man is Vadym Pozharskyi. So who is Vadym Pozharskyi?

    Is he some shady Ukranian character bent on manipulation? blackmail? Murder? Nope. He is just an energy expert, a UN environmental and energy consultant. The kind of guy that maybe Joe Biden might have wanted to talk to anyway. As far as I can tell, Hunter Biden is essentially guilty of networking. I have done the same when I think someone I know would have something interesting to say to a member of my family. I invite them to visit!

    And yes, I get it that it is unfair that the children of the rich and powerful tend to network their way into powerful connections. It is what it is though. You know when Sasha Spielberg decided to be an actress, her connections helped her out! Hunter Biden’s connections and last name surely helped him get on Burisma BOD, where he had a business and social connection to Pozharskyi.

    I am totally on board with policy that might reduce this effect but I can’t see how it could be eliminated. People help people they know. Heck. I have only gotten one job in my life where I wasn’t helped by someone I know and even that one, it turned out that the guy hiring me used to work with one of my references!

    I wouldn’t trust anything Assange says. The guy has the credibility of QAnon.

  32. Posted November 1, 2020 at 4:49 pm | Permalink

    Wobblie, I thought the Mueller report showed Russian interference so how come you think it is a hoax. Do you think the report was wrong?

  33. Jean Henry
    Posted November 1, 2020 at 6:27 pm | Permalink

    Wobblie reads a lot of the Intercept it seems.

  34. Anonymous
    Posted November 1, 2020 at 6:41 pm | Permalink

    https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/10/30/suspect-whitmer-kidnap-plot-jail-kaleb-franks/6085247002/

    It’s a hoax. Wait, I might be hoaxed in jail. Get me out of here.

  35. Wobblie
    Posted November 1, 2020 at 10:13 pm | Permalink

    Russian “interference” is not Russiagate and it is intellectually dishonest of you to equate the two. The Mueller investigation was a failure at every level. As far as evidence of Russian interference, his attempt at prosecuting the Russians fell apart when they showed up in court to defend themselves. That case just disappeared.

    https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/us/politics/concord-case-russian-interference.amp.html

    Ill take Assanges credibility over the professional perjurers and liars that make up the “intelligence community “ any day.

  36. iRobert
    Posted November 18, 2020 at 7:47 am | Permalink

    Hey, it just occurred to me that Sad hasn’t commented here yet. I’d like to see what his impressions are of this Bellflower joint.

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