Ice Sculptures and Sweet Treats Are Coming To Downtown Bellaire.

Bellaire, MI. The American Culinary Federation of Northwest Michigan* has partnered with Shanty Creek Resorts and the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce to bring “Art in Ice, Sweet & Nice” to the Streets of Downtown Bellaire on Saturday February 29^th 12pm –  4pm. Watch 3000 pounds of ice transformed into sculptures before your eyes. Carved by regional culinary artists, students of Henry Ford College Culinary Program and Macomb Community College. The blocks are being sponsored by Bellaire businesses to support the American Culinary Federation’s scholarship program. Visitors are invited to watch ice blocks take shape and is open to the public.

Ice Sponsors (as of 1/31/2020):

• Bellaire Animal Hospital
• Bellaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
• DEK Realty
• Foxy’s Custom Cruises
• The Julie Pietrowicz Team
• The Spice & Tea Exchange
• Shanty Creek Resort
• Short’s Brewing Company
• Uniquely North

Returning this year during the Art in Ice event is the “Sweet Treats Bake Off”, featuring samples from area pastry chefs. Like Bellaire’s popular Soup Cook Off, a $5 ticket gives visitors an opportunity to taste 8 baked sweet treats that include a “pie dough” ingredient. Only 200 tickets will be sold. Ticket holders will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite treat while enjoying the live ice sculpting. The winning pastry chef will hold bragging rights as the “Best Sweet Treat” in Bellaire.

Tickets are on sale now at the Bellaire Chamber, Paddles & Pedals, and The Flying Pig, Toonies Fish & Steakhouse, 4Front Credit Union, and The Lunch Box. Only 200 tickets are available and will sell out fast.

Sweet Treat Chefs:

• Corner Bistro
• The Flying Pig
• Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery
• Short’s Brewing Company
• 4Front Credit Union (@ Hello Vino) 
• Lakeview Restaurant, Shanty Creek Resorts (@ Paddles & Pedals)
• Terrain
• Bellaire Bed & Breakfast (@ Inspire Health)

While in Bellaire, visit downtown shops as they offer specials and entertainment or make a weekend of it and come early to catch Shanty Creek Resort’s Celebrate the Culinary Arts as Local Chefs share ‘Tales of the Industry’ on Friday, February 28, 2020 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Chefs and guest speakers will share their story of how they were introduced to the culinary arts and how they got to where they are today. Area chefs and guest speakers include Larry & Caitlin McSweeny of Danuhof Farm, Bob Rodriguez of Northern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute, Michael Bodijak of Odawa Casino, Ruthann Dexter of Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery, Siren Hall’s Micheal Peterson, and Mickey Cannon of Grand Traverse Resort.

“The event is a fantastic opportunity for current and future culinary students to get to know some of the area’s culinary leaders, ask questions and gather insight on the industry,” commented Dennis Wagner, Executive Chef at Shanty Creek Resort. “In addition, the American Culinary Federation will be awarding one a scholarship to a student at the event.”

The evening starts with an opportunity to mingle with local chefs while enjoying complimentary hors de houvres, and a cash bar, before individuals take center stage to share their story. Event tickets are $15 per person, with the ticket price being donated to the American Culinary Federation. For more information and to make reservations for the Chef’s Event, visit ShantyCreek.com.

For more information, visit www.bellairechamber.com or call the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce at 231-533-6023.

*The American Culinary Federation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to continual education of young professionals and preservation of the culinary arts community. www.acfchefs.org