CHEF J. JOHO entered the profession as a 6-year-old, peeling vegetables in his aunt’s restaurant kitchen in Alsace, France. By the age of 23, Joho was the sous chef at a Michelin three-star restaurant but his real rise to international success began on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange with Everest, which is now one of the world’s premier dining rooms. Today, his establishments across the US; in Chicago (Everest, Paris Club Bistro & Bar, Studio Paris), Boston (Brasserie JO) and Las Vegas (Eiffel Tower Restaurant) set standards for dining and win accolades at every turn. Including the Beard Award Inspired by the arts, Joho has filled his home and restaurants with the work of many of his friends, including Ivo Soldini, the Swiss sculptor whose bronze statues adorn each of the tables at Everest, and John Westmark, the painter. Inspired by travel Chef Joho spends much of his summer in southwestern Michigan, where the latitude, about 44 degrees, is similar to Alsace in France where he was brought up and first learned to cook. He shares his favourite Michigan spots for Summer with his customers and friends.  www.everestrestaurant.com

Take a look at some of the farms, vineyards, distilleries, bake shops, antique fairs and unique art galleries the Chef Jono recommends...   

Journeyman Distillery 
Historic Featherbone Factory
109 Generations Drive
Three Oaks, MI 49128
269-820-2050
www.journeymandistillery.com
This certified organic distillery (USDA, MOSA, KO) has the nation begging for more handcrafted whiskey. Founded quite recently in 2010, Journey man’s foundations date back to the 1800’s, and has been quite eloquently following in the footsteps of late inventor and prohibitionist EK Warren. Journey mans has amazing whiskey and a deep rooted history down to the architecture of the distillery. This special distillery invites you and your friends to take a tour to watch how the magic is made with incredibly affordable prices. You’ll get an overview of the product, production process, a historical perspective, and wrap it all up with a tasting. And take a walk down the aisle with an incredible industrial fashioned backdrop at their factory. You and guest will get a inside peak directly at their production area.

Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm
9351 E. Eureka Rd
Eau Claire, MI 49111
269-782-7101 or 877-863-3276
www.treemendus-fruit.com
Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm offers pick-your-own and fresh-harvested fruits in season. Apricots, cherries, peaches, nectarines, pears, plums, apples, blackberries, and red and black raspberries are all grown at Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm. The country market boasts a variety of fruitful products including our own cherry topping, ciders, cherry juice, and apple butters. Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm is home of the world famous International Cherry Pit-Spitting Championship which happens every year on the first Saturday of July!

Hickory Creek Winery
750 Browntown Road
Buchanan, MI 49107
(269) 422-1100
www.hickorycreekwinery.com
Hickory Creek Winery features classic, small production, European-style wines made form 100% Lake Michigan Shore AVA grapes. All wines are aged on-site in French oak barrels and steel tanks. With a focus on all things local, look for varietal classics and new their new release, Merlot and Laughing Labs White.

Bit of Swiss
4333 Ridge Road 
Stevensville, MI 49127
(269) 429-1661
www.bitofswiss.com
Breads are made using old world methods and are fermented slowly. All breads contain no preservatives, no additives, and no trans-fat. From scones to wedding cakes A little bit a Swiss will leave you feeling a little bit European with their plethora of pastries, breads, and coffee. Their baguettes are a favorite of mine.

Sawyer Home Garden Center
5865 Sawyer Rd.
Sawyer, MI 49125
(269) 426-8810
www.sawyergardencenter.com
Sawyer Home & Garden Center was founded by Barry and Linda Patejdl in 1986. Barry previously owned a retail garden and fruit market and Linda had background in the nursery industry. With the help of their family, Sawyer Garden Center has grown from a small garden center to the destination garden center of Harbor Country, Southwestern Michigan and beyond! With over 30 years of dedication and passion for the business and its community, Sawyer Garden Center has become an integral part of the Sawyer community.

Round Barn Winery
10983 Hills Road
Baroda, MI 49101
(800) 716-9463
www.roundbarnwinery.com
Round Barn specializes in award-winning wines, handcrafted micro brews, vodka, rum and bourbon. In the winemaking business for more than 30 years, the Moersch Family uses time-honored traditions, artfully expressed with a “new world” twist, and are pleased to offer an experience unlike any other. Their secret of success is based around a spirited, educational and unintimidating atmosphere featuring quality service and products.

Blue Star Produce
1500 Sanford Lane
Buchanan MI 49107
(269) 861-6398
www.bluestarproduce.com
This fantastic farm has been family-owned for more than 18 years. Adhering to very strict farming practices to ensure the highest quality produce, without using pesticides or synthetic chemicals, Blue Star grows nearly 100 different varieties of heirloom vegetables and gooseberries.

Dablon Winery & Vineyards
111 W Shawnee Rd
Baroda, MI 49101
(269) 422-2846
www.dablon.com
Modeled after the wines of Burgundy and Bordeaux, and featuring unique varietals such as Malbec, Carmenere and Tannat, Dablon Winery & Vineyards believes that exceptional wine comes from exceptional grapes and their unique terroir, hand-nurtured from the time they are planted, until the grapes are harvested. The winery encourages guests to explore their terroir-driven wines with a full tasting in their 2,400 square foot tasting room, overlooking rolling vineyards and wine producers in action. After your tasting, relax with a glass of your favorite wine on the lovely patio featuring tables for friends, sofas and an inviting fireplace.

Tapistry Brewing
4236 Lake Street
Bridgman, MI 49106
(269) 266-7349
Tapistry Brewing has one goal: creating excellent craft beer. Whether it’s a classic English robust porter or an experimental dark smoked imperial saison, Tapistry crafts their beverages with purpose, conviction and the highest quality ingredients available, hand-crafted in beautiful just one mile from Lake Michigan. The taproom features 20 taps as well as an artisan menu and a relaxing beer garden for sunny summer days.