Stumpjack Coffee Co.

We've moved

2010-03-28T08:43:00.003-06:00

We've moved our stumpjack.com URL to a new site. Please go to the new blogsite (http://stumpjack.com) and bookmark it.
Thanks very much.

New Blogsite Coming Soon.

2010-03-06T17:09:00.000-06:00

We've been getting a number questions about the Stumpjack blogs recently. We haven't been updating the blogs regularly of late as I've been working on changing our blog format and hosting over from Blogger to Wordpress. It's been a challenging project but we're almost there. I've deactivated a few of the links on Blogger and will be consolidating the sites into a single format on the forthcoming Wordpress site. Thanks for hanging in there and be prepared for a new look with some new features.

Espresso with a TWIST

2010-03-04T10:18:00.007-06:00

Here's the link to my Spill the Beans coffee column in yesterday's HTR. The article is about a cool new espresso gadget called the Mypressi TWIST. I need to point out an important error in the edited version (or more properly, altered version) of the article that went to print. In the article I submitted I had written the second sentence to read "Unfortunately, the price of a quality machine forces many more people to assign such units wish list-only status." I also ended the article with "The Mypressi TWIST offers excellent value at its $170 price tag."

In the published version of the article the staff, for whatever reason, combined the two sentences so that the second sentence erroneously reads "Unfortunately, the $170 price tag of a quality machine forces many more people to assign such units wish list-only status."

Quality counter-top espresso machines do not cost $170. They are quite a bit more expensive than that. The intention with the original last sentence was, of course, to make it clear that the $170 cost of the Mypressi TWIST is a very good value and well under the cost of a good counter-top machine.

Beer for strong bones

2010-02-08T09:04:00.003-06:00

As if we really need another reason to like beer, here's another article reporting the health benefits of beer. This time it's for the silicon, which contributes to bone health. I want to be a test subject in these studies. Click here for the article.
I'd advise staying away from crappy mass-market corporate beer and go with a good craft or microbrewed beer. We may as well drink good beer while improving our health.

Steampunk Coffee Maker

2010-02-03T16:16:00.003-06:00

Click here for today's Spill the Beans coffee column. Just FYI, my title was edited from the much more succinct & interesting "Steampunk Coffee Making" to the wordier/nerdier title in the paper. Also they edited out the following sentence, "We intend to offer vac pot coffee at our coffee shop, for no more elaborate reason than because it makes a great cup of coffee and it's fun." It's no biggie that it was pulled, but I did want it known that we intend to utilize vac pots at the Stump, which no one else is doing in this neck of the woods (again making Stumpjack the first coffee shop in our area to do something ahead of the crowd). Yes, I'm blowing my own horn a little there.

Feb 4: The essay got snagged by this cool steampunk blog. Click here.

Winter break reminder

2010-01-31T16:19:00.002-06:00

Just a reminder to all of our friends out there craving delicious coffees and artisan pizzas, we're in the middle of our winter break. Stumpjack will be back to serve you in the beginning of March. Until then, keep in touch with us on facebook for news and updates.
Cheers!

Spill the Beans column: Haiti and coffee

2010-01-21T12:17:00.005-06:00

Click here to go to yesterday's Spill the Beans coffee column in which I wrote about purchasing Haitian Bleu coffee as one small way to do something positive for Haiti.

Here's another article I just came across on the same subject, published this past Saturday in the Ethiopian Review.

The coolest Stumpjack teapot ever.

2010-01-19T15:41:00.002-06:00

Our just 15-year old daughter Jesse just brought home the coolest thing from her art class. Dig this teapot made in the form of a stumpjack critter. Its tail is the handle and there's a little hole in its snout where the liquid pours from. This is awesome!
I LOVE the color and beefiness of the piece. She told me what she was making several months ago but I really was expecting something much more fragile and more brightly colored, which would have been great but this is so much more the kind of thing I like...earthy, weighty, rough and primal. Awesome!And even cooler is that she made this for me for my birthday last November. It was well worth the wait. I did say how awesome this is didn't I. Awesome.

Top Ten Stumpjackings from 2009

2010-01-19T10:02:00.013-06:00

We sent out our final 2009 Stumpjack Scat newsletter at the end of December and it included the following Top Ten list of 2009. Several friends suggested we put it on the blog for more people to read since not everyone who checks the blog may get the newsletter too. That's a good idea, so here it is. (And if you want to get the newsletter just let us know and we'll add your email to the list.)

Top Ten Stumpjack Events of 2009

Here, in no particular order, are the Top Ten Stumpjack Events of 2009:

1) Pat DiNizio

The Smithereens were one of the big-name bands of the mid-1980s to early-1990s, earning consistent airplay on the strength of a dozen or so hit songs. The band is still going strong with a heavy touring schedule and continues to record and produce outstanding music (it borders on the criminal that The Smithereens are not yet in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame). Pat DiNizio is the leader of the band, and is one of the outstanding songwriters in modern music. He's one of the "elder statesmen," so to speak, of rock music.

On Friday, March 28, Pat DiNizio performed a solo concert at Stumpjack Coffee in Two Rivers. That's big stuff, not only for Stumpjack but for the city as well. Certainly Pat is the biggest name performer we've ever had at the Stump. I am writing at length about this event and our experience with Pat as part of a larger literary project I'm working on, but I will tell you now that it was one of the most passionate, intense, exhausting and satisfying musical experiences we've ever had at Stumpjack. We ran it as a ticketed, invitation-only event, with several dozen friends and Stumpers experiencing a really incredible performance by one of the most respected artists in music. It was a fantastic experience and is a milestone in the history and story of Stumpjack Coffee Company.

2) Pato Banton & The Now Generation

Saturday, April 25: Pato Banton and the Now Generation! The single most fun and joyous experience we've ever had at Stumpjack. How we were able to get Pato, an international reggae star who has performed all over the planet, with many of the biggest names in popular music, and has had hit songs (including #1) around the world, is a story of serendipity. The bulk of our thanks goes to our friend Don Raedke for initiating the project and setting all the wheels in motion for an event that we had very little time to prepare for. The place was packed, the electrical power was giving us fits, the cops came to warn us about the noise (and ended up rocking a little themselves), Pato and the band were more than fantastic, and everybody had an absolutely incredible, good time. We were still dancing and grooving a week later, I kid you not. And yes, you can bet that this is also a big part of the book project.

3) Stumpjumpers Picnic

Friday, July 10 was the date of what we hope will be a growing annual happening, the first Stumpjumpers Picnic. A gang of Stumpjumpers and Stumpers met at the reserved campground for an afternoon of food and beverage, bocci ball and camaraderie. It was a potluck picnic, where everyone brought something and Stumpjack providing steaks, beer and wine (with any luck we may be able to do an actual pig roast next year). The weather was great as we went into the evening, sitting around the fire and enjoying conversation.

4) Carson & Tina Kugler Art Exhibitions

Stumpjack displays a half dozen or so art exhibitions a year. This year was a little unusual in that we held two such displays by the same artists, Carson and Tina Kugler. At least a couple things made these exhibitions extra noteworthy. One, they sold very well. That's important, for the artist and for the space. Most shows sell some work, but the Kugler exhibitions sold better than any previous showings. Two, we solidified a few things that, in our minds, we need to be consistently aware of to do a better job in putting on successful showings. The opening receptions for these two shows were held on Friday, March 27 and Friday, November 6 and each exhibition ran for around two months.

5) Artisan Pizzas

Stumpjack has been at the forefront in introducing a few things to our area that may be popular on the coasts and in other, perhaps larger urban areas. Some things catch on with folks around here and show potential for growth, and some don't. One thing that does show some good potential for growth is the artisan pizza project we started in late spring, I think it was. We're very proud that many people have called our small, artisan pizzas the best pizza they've ever had (here's one gratifying testimonial). Excellent crusts individually prepared and shaped especially for Stumpjack by pastry chef extraordinaire, Jennifer Pasquill, are the foundation. Toppings are farmer's market fresh and often quite different from what you might expect to find on traditional pizza menus (with ingredients such as figs, prosciutto, salmon, capers, potatoes, walnuts, cranberries, almonds, BLT, and more...). Be prepared to see more of the artisan food movement in the coming years from other dining establishments. It is a growing trend in dining that is here to stay.

6) Electric Lunch

Electric Lunch was a fun series of summer and fall, Saturday noon-time gigs featuring the always interesting and aurally stimulating keyboard music of Greg Pagel. Greg is really an amazing musician whose music refuses to be categorized. He's also the accordion wielding half of the duo Pick & Squeeze, with his brother Andy. Sometimes Greg's performances were full house affairs while other times the audience consisted of just one or two appreciative listeners. It didn't matter whether the crowd was large or small, it was a great experience and one we hope to do again in 2010.

7) Pato Banton & Ethnic Fest Sept 18 & 19

As if Stumpjack wasn't blessed the first time Pato and band rocked the house, we were able to catch the magic again just a few months later when we were able to play host a second time to this incredible performer and spiritual man. Again, Pato and The Now Generation just blew everyone away during their Friday night performance at Stumpjack. But as grateful and joyful as was that event, we're even more proud and gratified that hundreds or thousands more people of this area got to see and hear Pato and the band as the headlining act of the annual Two Rivers Ethnic Fest on Saturday, September 19. This was, in many ways, a groundbreaking event for this area. Imagine it...an international, Grammy nominated reggae star performing in the center of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Pato opened a lot of eyes and hearts that day, with his message of peace and love, and with his music that forced you to move your body. This was a biggie for Stumpjack; it was because of his relationship with and the experience he had at Stumpjack that Pato agreed to book Ethnic Fest. We're mighty proud of that.

Check out this excellent video by Mark Matthews of Pato performing his beautiful "Life is a Miracle" at Stumpjack on September 18.

8) Kris Zastrow's Birthday Party

Stumpjack has held a few small birthday parties in the space before, but it was the birthday party celebration for our friend Kris Zastrow on November 28 that was the best so far. Everybody had a blast, with lots of great food and drinks, live music from Kurt Gunn (I think Kurt ended up doing at least three, maybe four encores). We need to do more birthday parties like that one.

9) Anniversary Party/Halloween Party

Saturday, October 24 was the third anniversary party for Stumpjack. We combined the anniversary party with our second Halloween costume party. A bunch of costumed Stumpers (a few who are shown above) enjoyed drinks, food, prizes, great music from Nick Weiland and band, and a big helping of silliness.

10) Survival

We survived 2009. It was a tough year for the shop financially, as we continued to feel the fallout of the global economic collapse and unemployment in our area hit double digits. Each month saw us juggling income against expenses while trying to gain some solid footing. Oftentimes it seemed as though for every yard we'd gain we'd get knocked back a yard in return. But we hung in there and kept battling, and we're still battling. Small business is not for the timid or weak of heart, that's for sure. But we made it through 2009 and so let's lift a coffee mug or beer glass to toast a more prosperous 2010 for us all.

*) Honorable Mention: Facebook

Facebook is something Stumpjack got into heavily this past year, and it's been a great way to stay connected with friends and customers, enabling us to let people know what specials are going on, any changes on hours, upcoming events, answer any questions, and to stay in touch. It's sure to be an even bigger part of what we do in 2010. So, again, if you aren't connected to Stumpjack via Facebook, please consider doing so. It's a great tool.

Bird Friendly Coffee

2010-01-09T14:05:00.003-06:00

Here's the link to this past week's Spill the Beans column on Bird Friendly Coffee: http://www.htrnews.com/article/20100106/MAN04/100106054

Policy on publishing comments to the blog

2010-01-09T13:15:00.003-06:00

We like getting comments on blog posts but, just so you know, anonymous comments won't get published onto the blog and most of the time they won't even be open to be read at all. Most anonymous comments are spam or phishing, of which we get maybe a half-dozen each week (the last dozen or so anonymous comments I did open were of that nature, two of which were entirely written in Chinese characters...lol. So I just don't even bother anymore.). Because of that, I've gotten in the habit of just immediately deleting without even opening any comments that come from an anonymous source.

So, if you want your comment published or read, make sure you put your name to it. I bring this up because I was about to delete one such comment that came to my email for publication or rejection but, for whatever reason, I did open this one before expecting to delete it. I may actually share this particular comment with you a little later, as it is indicative of a mindset that is all too familiar to people who actually are entrepreneurs and who are in business for themselves...it's one of those attitudes that many business people talk about when they get together and roll their collective eyes at.

So, again, if you've got something to share, positive or negative (we listen to both), please be a grown-up and put your name to it.

Phone not available

2010-01-04T09:29:00.004-06:00

We've had the phone service at the shop temporarily suspended while we're closed, so as not to accrue any charges for something we're not using. So, if you want to contact us please do so via email at stumpjack@gmail.com.

Closing the first weeks of 2010

2009-12-31T13:53:00.013-06:00

Stumpjack will be closing for the months of January and February. After three years of 70- to 90-hour workweeks, with a few days off here and there, we've decided to take an extended time to regroup and recharge, during the slowest time of the year.

We may open the shop once in a while, most likely on a weekend morning if we do. How will you know when we open on those odd days, if we do? The answer is: pay attention to Facebook, because if we do decide to open any particular day we'll likely announce it on there. If you are one of the few folks in the world who doesn't have a Facebook account, get one. It's super easy to set one up and it's fun. You can connect to Stumpjack Facebook via this address: http://www.facebook.com/stumpjack or do a Facebook search for Stumpjack Coffee. Just add us as a "friend" and you should receive any of our posts and updates.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T09:04:00.007-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

Mon & Tue Christmas Days special

2009-12-21T10:15:00.004-06:00

Today and tomorrow's (Mon & Tue) special: Our famous Stumpjumpers Blend for only $9.25 lb, while supplies last. Email your order and pick it up on Wednesday (stumpjack@gmail.com). And a wonderful coffee it is...the overwhelming majority favorite.

Last music of 2009

2009-12-19T12:01:00.002-06:00

Tonight, the FINAL music event of the year for Stumpjack. Help us close out 2009s musical cornucopia tonight at 7pm, when Sara Moilanen & Tim Suchoki of WEST of EAST bring their flawless talent to the Stump. These two are really quite excellent...well worth your time and a great way to move into Christmas week.

Check them out here.

Koz performing tonight

2009-12-18T18:31:00.005-06:00

Tonight at Stumpjack: The Eclectic Musical Stylings of KOZ. Clarinet, Saxophone, Guitar, Banjo, and a songbook covering jazz, pop, folk, country, big band, polka and who knows what else. 7:00pm.

Drinks Specials:
Irish Winter: Irish Cream Whiskey Latte
or
Winter Warmer: Kahlua Whipped Cream Latte
for only $5

Day 7 & 8 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of Christmas

2009-12-18T08:04:00.002-06:00

Running this special today and tomorrow:Our Stump Hollow Blend. A slightly darker roast combination than usual for us. Smooth and rich. Makes a great morning cup, especially at this time of year.

regularly $12.50-$13.00/lb
Today and tomorrow only $9.25/lb, while supplies last.

Day 6 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of Christmas

2009-12-17T11:35:00.005-06:00

Tonight's 12 Days special:Join us tonight for a very special performance by
Lea Holz and Lillie Lemon, 7:00pm.
To celebrate Lea's return visit from Colorado we're offering this 12 Days of Christmas drink special tonight from 6-9pm:

Irish Winter: Irish Cream Whiskey Latte
or
Winter Warmer: Kahlua Whipped Cream Latte

for only $4.50

Day 5 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of Christmas

2009-12-16T09:16:00.004-06:00

Today's 12 Days of Christmas special is an in-house special. Lunch today is from 11:00-3:00 and if you come in for an artisan pizza or panini sandwich your latte or cappuccino is free. That's a $3.75 drink on us.

Just FYI, today's menu includes -
Artisan Pizzas:

Margherita
Quattro Formaggio
Spinacj Artichoke
Pepperoni & Herbs

Paninis:

Capresé
Pizza Panini
Veggie Melt
Turkey Pepperjack

We also have home-made chili this week.

Day 4 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of Christmas

2009-12-14T11:55:00.003-06:00

The Stump is closed today (and tomorrow) so today's 12 Days special requires you to contact us if you want to take advantage of it (comment here, send an email, leave a voice message at the shop - 553-5282). Today we are offering several of our loose leaf teas and herbal teas for a skimpy $1.25 an ounce. That's more than 50% off in some cases.

Here's what you get to choose from:

Black Tea
Green Tea
Peach Black
Organic Chai
Ambrosia

Limit of 4 ounces of each tea. Only while supplies last...once we're out we're out, so you snooze you lose. Tell us what you want us to set aside for you in your message and we'll have it ready for you by Thursday of this week (you'll have to pick it up no later than Thursday).

Day 3 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of Christmas

2009-12-12T08:50:00.004-06:00

Thinking of something a little different for this Day of Christmas special. Tonight we have live music with the kind-hearted Becky Markvart and guitar-man Kent Aubry. So, today's, or rather tonight's special is...your first beer and coffee drink is on us. That's right, a free beer AND a free coffee drink! from 6:30-9:00 tonight.

Becky and Kent perform at 7pm tonight.

The caveat to that is that I get to choose your beer (you can pick your own latté or cappuccino). So, if I know you and like you, you may get one thing, if I know you and don't like you...well, we do have some skunky beer we need to clear out...

Live Music Tonight!

2009-12-11T16:38:00.001-06:00

Don't be a wimp who's afraid of the cold!

Tonight at 7:00pm: Adam Morantez, talented & passionate local singer/songwriter.

Day 2 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of Christmas

2009-12-11T07:46:00.002-06:00

The Day 2 special for the 12 Days of Christmas are these little gift baskets that we made for St. Nick's Day earlier this week. They went over pretty well and we have a few left that make a cool little gift for your friend, co-worker or family member who loves good coffee. Include a Stumpjack Coffee Mug, Free Latte Gift Certificate, Ghirardelli Chocolate and a Candy Cane in a colorful little gift box. All for a cheap 12 bucks.

Day 1 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of the Christmas

2009-12-10T09:37:00.007-06:00

It's that time of year again...and today is the first day of Stumpjack The 12 Days of Christmas!

Each day for the next 12 days we will have a one-day-only special in which you will have until midnight of that particular day to take advantage of if you so desire. You will, of course, have to email us after closing time (use the contact form on the right), or stop into the shop that day to make your purchase. These are pretty much all "while supplies last" sort of deals too, unless stated otherwise.

Here we go...!

On the first day of Christmas Stumpjack gave to meeeeee...

Stump Hollow Blend
This is fast becoming the favorite coffee blend of many of our friends,
and so we're kicking off the 12 Days of Christmas with this one.
It's a fabulous darker roasted coffee, full bodied and smooth.

Regularly $12.50 lb.

Today until midnight only $8 lb.
That's $4.50 off!

While supplies last. We keep a limited supply on hand and
once we reach the end that'll be the end of this particular special offer.

In order to take advantage of this offer you must contact us via email with the contact form on the right, before midnight tonight, or stop in at the café today before we close. You can email us and we'll set aside your stuff for you until the next day, when we ask that you please come in to pay for and pick up your order.

Live Music Tonight!

2009-12-05T14:08:00.002-06:00

Afraid of the cold, sissy-boy? How about you, wussie-girl? Well, don't be pansies! Come on out to Stumpjack tonight for live music with John Lambert at 7pm! Check him out at his myspace (click here).

Facebook diary of a pumpkin killing

2009-12-04T09:50:00.006-06:00

Headline: Stumpjack doorway pumpkin meets a violent end. Early this morning the brutalized body of the Stumpjack pumpkin was found on Washington Street in Two Rivers, mere feet from his usual resting spot in the doorway of the shop. The evidence at the crime scene suggests a pumpkin homicide. Police state that any tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator will be eligible for a latté reward.

Pumpkin Crime Scene - case # 12-04-09

I like it when conversations grow legs and wander off into fun directions.

Busy Stumpnight

2009-11-28T12:44:00.003-06:00

Lots going on tonight. Holiday Xmas Parade at 5:30 downtown. Then at 7:00 Kurt Gunn will be performing with Andy Holzem at Stumpjack. It is also our friend Kris Zastrow's birthday party here at the Stump tonight. A full and fun weekend!

Listen to Kurt's music here.

John Statz tonight...listen!

2009-11-21T14:09:00.006-06:00

Tonight at 7:00, via Madison, Wisconsin: John Statz will be performing at Stumpjack. Check out John's sound at his myspace site here. This will be John's first gig at the Stump and we are really glad and anxious to see him tonight. Listen to some of his music at the link above and you'll see why...he has something special, a sound that hints at Ben Harper, Tom Petty, John Prine, Phil Ochs, a little country, a little rock, a little folk. He's got a great voice, and a sincerity to his music that is warming to the heart.

Sharking Hour Tonight

2009-11-20T14:08:00.005-06:00

Go here to read the very fine article in yesterday's paper about The Sharking Hour performing tonight at the Stump. Listen to them at their myspace site here.
We are closing shop from 3:00 to around 5:30 or 6:00 this afternoon. Sharking Hour tonight at 7pm. Be here or have horrible nightmares tonight...it's a voodoo hex sort of thing.

Tonight's Cheap Date Special

2009-11-18T14:30:00.001-06:00

See Kim's Wednesday Night Special here.

Memmelization tonight

2009-11-14T11:07:00.004-06:00

Tonight at Stumpjack: Tony Memmel.

For those of you who don't know, Tony is a wonderful musician who has only a partial left arm - his lower arm is not there. And yet he plays guitar quite proficiently...just listening to Tony play you'd never know that it's even a challenge for him. That's how amazing he is. He's a passionate and exuberant artist, a darn nice guy, and puts on a show that is not to be missed. 7:00pm tonight.

Working man rock...tonight

2009-11-13T13:26:00.003-06:00

Tonight at the Stump: Michael "Doc" Retzinger and Mark "The Machine" Kimmes will be bringing the deep cut vibe. These guys put out an exceptionally sweet sound. 7pm.

A very nice compliment

2009-11-12T10:27:00.007-06:00

General Patton directs a subordinate to fetch him a bowl of Stumpjack Butternut Sage & Stout soup. Patton then slaps the returning soldier for forgetting the accompanying chunk of bread.

From the email inbox:

Dear Sir,
My wife and I were in your fine establishment yesterday while passing through Two Rivers on our way to Door County. We usually visit Door County at least once or twice each year and often pass through Two Rivers on our way. We had noticed your coffee shop when passing through this past July but did not stop at that time, although we made a mental note to do so on our next trip, which we did yesterday. I must tell you that we are both very glad we did.

We had intended to simply pick up a couple cups of coffee for the drive, but after looking at your menu board decided to try lunch at your place rather than in Sturgeon Bay as we often do on this trip. Are we ever glad we did. I had a bowl of your butternut and beer soup and we shared one of your artisan pizzas, the vegetable and parmesan I believe it was.

I must tell you that both the soup and the pizza were the best that either of us had ever had. Both were memorably flavorful and exceptionally fresh. I do not know what, if any, culinary training the cook may have, but he or she clearly knows how to create a high quality dish.

We live in Chicago, where there are more outstanding places to eat than anywhere else in the Midwest. We are also travelers and have spent time in every major city in the U.S. As you might imagine, we have eaten at many excellent restaurants. The small pizza we had at your restaurant was better than any pizza we've had, bearing in mind that we come from Chicago, where they take their pizza seriously. The soup was also head and shoulders above any creamed soup I personally have ever had in any of the finest restaurants we've enjoyed. The service was just as excellent. The woman who waited on us - your wife as I recall? - was friendly and most attentive, and your good humor during our brief conversation was a welcome addition.

Hope you don't mind the lengthy message. We are on one of our little vacations and we try to make a point to give praise where praise is due when traveling. It is part of the experience, after all. We wish you success and longevity in your business and will be sure to tell our friends to visit Stumpjack on their way through Two Rivers from now on.

See you next summer,

Robert and Dianne

Winston Churchill upon walking into Stumpjack immediately orders two artisan pizzas.

Nov. 11th Wed Night Special

2009-11-11T12:06:00.002-06:00

Tonight's Cheap Date Special at Kim's Food & Wine All You Want blog (click the link).

New Art & Live Music Tonight

2009-11-06T13:37:00.003-06:00

Tonight: Opening reception for The Portrait Show, watercolor and gouache paintings by Carson & Tina Kugler. A fun exhibition of whimsical and beautifully imaginative portraits. All works are for sale, so get your Christmas shopping done early!

Also tonight, live music courtesy of Jeremiah Jams. 7:00 tonight.

Gift Baskets for Xmas

2009-11-04T13:33:00.002-06:00

Stumpjack Gift Baskets

We're now taking orders for Stumpjack Gift Baskets. A Stumpjack Gift Basket is the perfect gift for your favorite Stumpjumper or coffee lover (although there are lots of things in addition to coffee that you can include in a gift basket).

It's entirely up to you what goes in it, or you can leave it to us. We can custom tailor a basket to your specifications or price, or you can just tell us how much you want to spend and leave it to us.

Some of the things that you could choose from for your basket include coffee, tea, beer, wine, mugs, biscotti, chocolate, T-shirts, hoodies, gift certificates, our homemade soups, candles, pastries... It's up to you.

We can also personalize Gift Certificates for you, with the name and even image of your friend or family member on them (you, of course, would email us an image).

Get your Christmas shopping done early...at Stumpjack. I can tell you confidently that just about everyone who has received a Stumpjack gift basket has absolutely loved it.

We can ship them too.

Tonight's Special

2009-11-04T11:45:00.001-06:00

Check out Kim's Food and Wine All You Want blog to see tonight's special. Something different for Wednesday night tonight.

Folk tunes tonight; Robots party tomorrow

2009-10-23T11:55:00.014-06:00

Tonight at 7:00: Live Music with folk songster extraordinaire, Matt Davies. You know by now that Matt is The Man around here when it comes to folk music. He's authentic, passionate and uber-talented. Come on out to Stumpjack tonight, pour a big glass of Fat Tire Ale and enjoy the vibe with us.

Here's my latest little robot flick, about tomorrow's Anniversary/Halloween party.

A warning from the future.

2009-10-22T19:57:00.005-06:00

Stumpjack Anniversary Party Saturday

2009-10-21T13:21:00.002-06:00

Click the image to enlarge. Drop us a line right away to let us know if you're coming so we can get a head count. Email at stumpjack@gmail.com.

Cheap Date Special Tonight

2009-10-21T10:06:00.002-06:00

Click here to see what yummy trio Kim has in store for tonight.

almost On the Porch tonight

2009-10-17T08:21:00.005-06:00

Tonight at 7pm, Scott Hanson from On the Porch will be at the Stump.

Here's what Steph Davies sent me on Scott:

Invoking the images of easy summer evenings, Scott Hanson’s music invites one to step up, sit down, kick back, dance around, and simply enjoy. He props his feet upon influences that emerge in the Dylan-esque “Old American Face” to the gritty “So Far to Roam” to the radio-friendly rock of “So Many Places” to the Nashvillian crowd favorite “Saturday.” The tunes, melodies, and good time vibes get in your head and don’t go away. At times romantic, at times political, Hanson blends insightful singer/songwriter vocals, catchy acoustic guitar, and harmonica with a beat you can groove to. What comes out is different, but somehow familiar. Fan quotes after shows have included: “It just feels good.” “It seems you’re having a lot of fun up there!” “These are songs you’d hear on the radio.” “I really liked the variety of styles.” Hanson’s band, On the Porch, recently released their first CD, “So Many Places” in the fall of 2008. It will be available at the show. Catch a preview at www.myspace.com/ontheporchmusic.

BENEFIT CONCERT for Whiskers!

2009-10-16T13:36:00.005-06:00

Unretouched photo of Becky's kitty, Whiskers.

Tonite: Becky Markvart will be playing the entire Ted Nugent song catalog. Either that or she'll be playing her own great songs. 7pm.

Some of the proceeds from tonight's Stumpjack musical performance by Becky will go toward the welfare of Becky's ailing cat, Whiskers. This is dire stuff folks, so your attendance tonight is paramount to the life of little Muffin...I mean Whiskers.

Unretouched photo of Becky's kitty, Muffin, I mean Whiskers.

Fuzzy...er, Whiskers, was so sick yesterday that Becky actually canceled a gig here last night in order to drive sick little Snookums, I mean Muffin, to Port Washington. Yes, you read that correctly, Becky put her foot to the pedal and sped her cat to a hospital in Port Washington. I just spoke with Becky and she said FooFoo, I mean Whiskers, is feeling a little better now that she/he is on the pain medication the doctor gave her/him. Yes, you read that correctly too, Becky's cat is on pain meds.

Unretouched photo of Becky's kitty, Boots...er, Whiskers.

So, I hope I've impressed upon you the seriousness of this situation and how important tonight's performance...shoot, let's just call it a Benefit Concert...is for little Boots, I mean Muffin. Please come prepared to hold your lighters up in the air and join in what will surely be a very emotional and dramatic rendition of "Cat Scratch Fever" by Becky Markvart.

Unretouched photo of Becky with reggae superstar Pato Banton sending out well wishes to Whiskers.

NO COVER and free use of our beer recycling portal!

THIRSTY THURSDAY MUSIC & BEER

2009-10-15T13:13:00.002-06:00

Tonight's THIRSTY THURSDAY Special: New Glarus Staghorn Octoberfest only 2.50 bottle.

Double Duty Live Music tonight with Becky Markvart and Kent Aubrey. Be here for beer and cheer. 6-9pm.

Tonight's Cheap Date Special

2009-10-14T11:51:00.001-06:00

Tonight from 5:30-8:30.

Tapas, Artisan Pizza, Drinks
All for just $20.
Tapas: Slow roasted tomatoes stuffed with feta cheese, olives & pine nuts. A delicious start to the main dish.

Artisan Pizza: Leek, Sausage & Parmesan...sauteed leeks, ground Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes. A body-warming blend of ingredients, perfect for a chilly night like tonight.

Drinks: a couple of microbrews, glasses of wine, smoothies, lattes or cappuccinos.

Reservations requested for larger parties.

Lemonheads Unite Tonight!

2009-10-10T10:30:00.006-06:00

Tonight: Lillie Lemon with special guest Lea Holz. 7pm.
The perfect evening compliment to an AppleFest day in Two Rivers.
Cool poster by Tina Kugler.

A free poster autographed by Lillie Lemon for everyone tonight.

Cell Phone places call for good coffee

2009-10-09T17:14:00.004-06:00

Today was the ribbon cutting and "official" downtown welcome for Camera Case Wireless, a few-month-old business across the street from Stumpjack. This cell phone dude was walking around aimlessly, waving at seagulls and inanimate objects. I went over to the shop, which is manned by our pals Mike Zimmer and Nic Borneman, to say howdy and get my picture taken with Cell Phone Guy (who I'd swear whispered to me during the photo that he really could use a good cup of coffee...).

Mike and Nic...I mean Mike and Cell Phone Guy.

Friday Night Fun & Musica!

2009-10-09T10:52:00.006-06:00

Tonight we have a special guest, Andrew Thiele. Special because this is Andy's first gig at Stumpjack and because he's a talented guy. Check out his myspace site to listen to his music. 7:00pm...this is the place to be.

And don't forget, tomorrow is Saturday and Saturday is AppleFest in downtown Two Rivers! It's also Lillie Lemon Fest at Stumpjack, and that's even more fun. 7pm for any LemonHeads out there. We will have lemonade, lemons for beer, and free lemonheads candy for everyone. Be here or go suck a lemon!

Dig the cool poster by Tina Kugler.

Outstanding video of Pato by Mark Matthews

2009-10-08T15:48:00.005-06:00

Awesome video of Pato Banton at Stumpjack last month. This video, this song and his spoken word, really give you an excellent picture of the spirit of Pato, of what he's all about. I love how the video captures the crowd response, to what Pato is saying and then in singing the chorus with him near the end of the clip. Please go to this video on youtube and give this video a rating and leave a comment, if you are so inclined.

Video by Mark Matthews, a cat who is developing a rep as someone who is the go-to guy in these parts for consistently high quality video. Check out Mark's handful of youtube videos. I was going to mention a couple of Mark's videos specifically by title, but I just watched them all and honestly, they are all excellent. His ability to find the right piece of music for each video is also quite noteworthy.

It's cool how Pato glances over to the counter when he mentions his granddaughter's name, Cheyenne. He's looking over to my daughter, who's name is also Cheyenne. Nice.

THIRSTY THURSDAY REPORT

2009-10-08T11:39:00.003-06:00

THIRSTY THURSDAY REPORT

Kerry Michaels serenades tonight while Negra Modelo Dark Ale goes for a measly 2.50 a bottle. 6:00-9:00 tonight.

Tonight's Cheap Date Special

2009-10-07T13:43:00.002-06:00

Check out Kim's Food & Wine All You Want blogsite for tonight's Cheap Date Special.
3 delicious things for one price of only 20 bucks.

Weekend music images from Brian's camera

2009-10-04T09:58:00.009-06:00

JoAnn Riedl

Brian (Powell) always takes some great pictures of musicians and other Stumpjack happenings when he and Darla are here. Here are a few great shots of JoAnn, Chelsea and Lea from Friday and Saturday nights. Check out Brian's Flickr site; he's got a whole collection of great sets of images from music nights at Stumpjack.

Chelsea Z.

JoAnn

Lea Holz

Probably your last chance for The Last Polka...Waltz...whatever...

2009-10-03T12:28:00.002-06:00

Lea Holz tonight at the Stump. You MUST come to this show if you can, it'll be Lea's last Wisconsin gig before moving to CO. We scavenged a keyboard from Greg (thanks, Greg!!), a PA system from either Becky or Ken (thank you guys!!) and even an offer of a ride to bring Lea in from Sheboygan (thanks Brian & Darla!!). Please comeon out tonight and join Lea Holz, "The Last Polka" (yes, that's a play on The Last Waltz...Lea doesn't really do polkas). 7:00pm TONIGHT.

Flannel & Fishnet Stockings Tonight

2009-10-02T07:42:00.007-06:00

JoAnn Riedl and Chelsea Z. Rock the House Tonight at 7pm.

Flannel & Fishnets?
Sorry, J & C, but it just popped into my head after I saw these pictures.

It's been a while since JoAnn and Chelsea have been back to the Stump. And I think the last time they were here was one of the very few times I was not here, so it's been an extra long time for me. These dames are just so dang good. JoAnn's band The Barrettes are a take-no-prisoners kickass punk/rock outfit that practice a scorched earth policy of loud and proud sonic crunchiness.

Listen to them at their myspace site here.

Then, forget about hearing that audio knuckle sandwich because tonight it's just JoAnn with an acoustic guitar, and maybe her banjo, for a sound quite different but just as passionate. She's good, folks, whether plugged in and clad in dominatrix garb or strapping on an acoustic guitar over a parka.

Chelsea is a lovely singer songwriter with a too-sweet voice and a self-taught style of playing guitar that's both expressive and workmanlike. She's an artist with a bohemian, have-guitar-will-travel attitude. Dig her music here.

Come on over, warm up with something hot to drink or a beer, and liven up your Friday night at the Stump tonight.

Tonight Pick n' Squeezeless

2009-09-26T14:53:00.003-06:00

Andy Pagel and Kate Aitken will be performing tonight at Stumpjack. 8:00pm. You know Andy from his performances her with brother Greg, as Pick n' Squeeze. Tonight the lovely Kate Aitken will be taking Greg's place (which now makes the night as visually appealing as it is will be musically).

This weekend's beer special: Your second bottle is half-price.

Come on down and unwind with us after a long week.

The Doc is in the house tonight

2009-09-25T14:46:00.004-06:00

Doc Retzinger8pm tonight.
Be there or be square.

Stumpjack closed until Friday

2009-09-22T11:49:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone! Stumpjack will be closed this week until Friday afternoon as Kim and I recharge the batteries up north.Join us Friday night for more great music with Doc Retzinger. Those of you who have heard Doc either by himself or with Joe LaForce and Mark Kimmes know how wonderful he is. Then on Saturday night Andy Pagel of Pick & Squeeze will be here with Kate Aitken...Andy has performed with us several times and it's always a treat, but this will be Kate's first time and we're excited about that. Both Friday and Saturday nights' music start at 8pm. I also have to apologize for the recent spate of blog posts that have been little more than event announcements. It's been so crazy leading up to Ethnic Fest that that's all I've really had time for. But when we return from our little hiatus we will get back to the rambling, nonsensical posts you're used to receiving from me.

Here's a few images from this morning at the cottage too.

Closed Friday until Pato's gig

2009-09-17T19:19:00.002-06:00

Stumpjack will be closed Friday (the 18th) until Pato Banton and the Now Generation hit the stage at 8:30. Our ticket holding friends should get here a little early though.

Thirsty Thursday: Emily White TONIGHT

2009-09-17T08:58:00.003-06:00

We're very excited to have Emily White kick off her fall tour tonight at Stumpjack. Emily is coming up from Chicago with Tyler Lyle to perform at the Stump around 7pm.
Born and brought up in Memphis, Tennessee on a healthy diet of Keith Sykes' Songwriters' Nights, Emily White learned the appeal of acoustic music early. She seems to have a love of the genre embedded in her DNA somewhere, and while growing up she took as much of an interest studying the singer-songwriters and blues musicians playing in the parks on Beale Street as she did listening to New Kids on the Block and MC Hammer. It was on that legendary street that Emily learned the intimacy and personal connection between artist and listener that acoustic music can create. It wasn't long before Emily knew she wanted to create the same connections by writing original music. Check out more of Emily at http://www.emily-white.com/

Emily will start at around 7:00pm

Tonight's Thirsty Thursday special: Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale $3.50 bottle.

Wed Night Cheap Date Special

2009-09-16T13:25:00.003-06:00

Menu for Wed. September 16th

(5:30-8:30pm)

Artisan Pizza, Tapas, and 2 Drinks of Choice
All for $20!

Pizza
Prosciutto Tapenade

Tapas
Herbed Potato Wedges with Dipping Sauce

Drink
Choose from a variety of tasty beers, wines, smoothies or coffees.

Other Pizza selections available.
Reservations for large groups suggested.

West of East Tonight

2009-09-12T10:02:00.002-06:00

West of East

8pm

Simply put, it is two guitars, an amazing voice, and a bunch of great stories about life!

West of East is a mostly acoustic duo of Sara Moilanen and Tim Suchocki, who's music borrows elements from Folk, Country, Rhythm & Blues, and Rock & Roll. They've had a successful early career playing and creating lasting impressions in the Milwaukee and greater Wisconsin area.

www.myspace.com/westofeastmusic

Music, pizza, beer...what more could you want?

2009-09-05T09:02:00.002-06:00

Tonight at 8pmOutstanding musicians and Nickelodeon cartoon villains,
Joe LaForce. Mark Kimmes & Doc Retzinger.

Tonight's pizza & beer special, same as last night:
Pepperoni & Herbs with a tall bottle of Czechvar lager...only 12.50.

Shelly's blogsite

2009-09-04T20:10:00.003-06:00

Check out our friend Shelly Katzung's blog Accentuate n' Ink about stamping and hand made greetings cards. Shelly makes the cards we sell at Stumpjack, as well as cards for the Washington House (featuring the ice cream sundae theme...invented in TR, you know). Shelly's cards are great and her blogsite has some cool images of some of her work.

Brothers Burn Mountain tonight

2009-08-28T08:35:00.003-06:00

Here's an image of Ryan and Jesse Dermody of Brothers Burn Mountain doing so live music in the KAXE radio studio for "Centerstage Minnesota." The guys will be here tonight at 8pm. I've been a huge fan of their music from the very first listen. It's the kind of texturally rich music that makes for good daydreaming and mental escapism.Listen to them on their myspace site here. Seriously, click on the link and listen to them right now...let it play while you work in another window, but listen.

Thirsty Thursday Jazz & Beer

2009-08-27T08:27:00.004-06:00

Tonight's Thirsty Thursday musical guest: Saxi-Dan's Peas-a-Pye jazz trio. These cats were here about a month ago. It was fabulous! Truly wonderful stuff (I love a what a good jazz drummer brings to the mix, and Eric is a good drummer). Craig Peaslee (guitar), Dan Schielke (sax) and Eric Pye (drums) make Saxi-Dan's Peas-a-Pye (get it?). 7pm.

And the Thirsty Thursday drink special tonight is bottles of Goose Island 312 for $2.50 a bottle while they last. If we run out we'll call in a substitute New Glarus for the same price. 6-9pm. So, come have a beer and an artisan pizza with us tonight."Densely populated with flavor, 312’s spicy aroma of Cascade hops is followed by a crisp, fruity ale flavor delivered in a smooth, creamy body. This gives 312 a balance of flavor and refreshment..."

Nick Venturella

2009-08-22T12:28:00.002-06:00

TONIGHT at 8pmNick Venturella

Tonight's "unloading crappy beer" Special:
Buy a regular GOOD beer and get a FREE Wild Blue blueberry swill...I mean lager...

The first Thirsty Thursday

2009-08-20T13:06:00.008-06:00

Whoa! I forgot that tonight is the first new Thirsty Thursday at the Stump. Tonight's drink special: New Glarus Dancing Man Wheat Beer, only 2 bucks a bottle. And even more impressive, Becky Markvart, "Mistress of the Park," will be here to play a few lively tunes on her guitar (no slow songs tonight...I understand she'll be working her way through the entire Ted Nugent and Ratt song catalogs).

From New Glarus:
If you dream of wheat this brew will get your toes tapping. Since 1995 we have brewed Bavarian style wheat beers exclusively for the same great state that grows and malts our own Wisconsin wheat. In a world full of posers this is a true hefe-weizen naturally 100% bottle fermented and hazy.
Expect this beer to cascade effervescent into your glass. The rich spicy clove and cinnamon notes will greet your nose while sweet fruit and wheat kisses your lips.
Lick the foam from your mouth and admit sometimes you just gotta get up and dance.

Cheap Date Special

2009-08-19T13:11:00.003-06:00

Check out Kim's Wine All you Want blog for tonight's Cheap Date Special (she doesn't like it when I call it that).

For a paltry 20 bucks you get three yummy items.:
Tapas: Corn & Tomato Salsa

Pizza: Garden Veggie Parmesan

Wine: Carafe of White Sangria

Live tunes: Something completely different

2009-08-13T10:54:00.004-06:00

Friday night

Dennis Hawk

8pm

From Dennis' myspace site: Dennis is a mixed blood Native American, Cherokee and Mesquaki. He is best known as a Native American Flute player and flute maker, however, he is also an accomplished guitarist and a composer as well. Dennis has found music to be a healer of the soul and bringing peace to the mind and body.

This is Dennis' first Stump gig and we're pretty pumped about having him here. His flute playing will be something totally different from what we've hosted before.

Saturday night

John Lambert

8pm

From John's myspace site: John Lambert is a long-time local Wisconsin Fox Valley musician, vocalist and songwriter. Tomorrow he'll be off to another performance spilling his soul into the lives of others. Writing and singing about lost loves, his beautiful daughters, appreciating what we have and finding a better place than being stuck in "limbo."

This is John's second time at the Stump.

Crabby cyclist and first homebrew success

2009-08-11T13:02:00.002-06:00

CLICK HERE to read about the grouchy bicyclist we had in the shop the other day; and CLICK HERE to see pics of my first homebrew.

Updating the blog roll

2009-08-07T15:05:00.002-06:00

Going through the blog roll today. Adding some new faves. Here's a cool and niche-specific blog about coffee tables (http://coffeetableblog.com/) by Matthew Proctor. A very "clean" site about an unusually interesting topic. Check it out.

The Blues, Dairyland Esquivel and Good Time Rock n' Roll

2009-08-06T15:10:00.006-06:00

FRIDAY NIGHT

Nick Weiland Returns
8:00pm

Yes! Nick Weiland is back to perform at Stumpjack. Although he's popped in a few times to say hi, the last time Nick belted out his excellent blues tunes was at our anniversary party last year. Well, he's been a busy man, recording a new CD and writing some great new music. Nick is one of our favorite musicians. I guarantee that if you like raw and passionate blues music you will love Nick Weiland. So come on down and start your weekend right.

SATURDAY

Electric Lunch with

Greg Pagel

12:00 noon

According to Greg: "Come eat lunch at SJ, while I play a bunch of electrical music thingies. The pizza is awesome, and the music will probably be just as good, or at least as good as what's in your fridge."

Electric Lunch has become my favorite Saturday of the month. Greg's keyboard ramblings are always interesting, sometimes inspiring, occasionally odd. Sometimes I get the tiki vibe, sometimes the lounge vibe, sometimes the hopped up on mushrooms vibe. It's dang enjoyable.

The Sheryl and Tom Duet

8:00pm

From Sheryl and Tom's myspace site: The Sheryl and Tom Duet is a fun based pop rock band formed in the north suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. "I believe that a dose of vitamin jam is good for the soul!” says Sheryl. writing style provides a sweet harmony pop song with simple but meaningful lyrics and a catchy hook. Her writing inspirations come from being together, the experience of life in Chicago, and being near Lake Michigan. they set a fresh contemporary standard for close two-part harmonies infused and influenced by early rock and roll.

Sheryl and Tom are coming all the way up from the Chicago area just to perform at the Stump. If you like good time rock n' roll you'll like these two. Give their myspace site a listen.

Wednesday Night Special

2009-08-05T08:26:00.004-06:00

Check out Kim's Wednesday Night Special artisan pizza/bottle of wine/yummy tapas for just 20 dinero. Here's the menu.

More fab art from the IQ

2009-08-03T10:50:00.009-06:00

Dig this poster that our IQ (Illustration Queen) Tina Kugler did for an upcoming Lillie Lemon gig. The Lemon show is in October but this is too fun to not share now. Do you recall Tina's other cool gig poster she did for Stumpjack last year for the Them Damn Kids show?:Or this one she did for the snorb! gig in February of this year:Check out Tina's other fab art and illustration prowess on her blog TinaKuglerIllustration. If you're looking for someone to do some cool art for a CD or DVD cover, family portrait, book cover, wedding invitation art, children's book illustration, highway billboard design, tattoo design, candy bar wrapper, whatever-you-name-it...this dame is the one you want to do it for you. I've got plans to do a couple of children's book projects using Tina's talents. And her hubby Carson is the man for much the same sort of thing. We have designs on brewing beer on a small commercial scale in the near future and I'm thinking that Carson might be the man for doing our labels and promo stuff (I say might be because I haven't actually brought it up to him yet).

Cool Jazz Trio to play the Stump TONIGHT

2009-07-31T03:21:00.006-06:00

We are more than pleased and excited to have Saxi Dan's Peas-a-Pye Trio performing at Stumpjack tonight. It's a bohemian rhapsody kind of night. Come on down and mellow out to some good jazz and a Fat Tire Ale.
Saxophone: Dan Schielke
Guitar: Craig Peaslee
Drums/Percussion: Eric Pye
From Craig's Myspace:
Composer/Arranger/Guitarist Craig Peaslee has been impressing audiences for years with his compositions and guitar prowess. Craig's compositions reflect his interest in all genres of music: from Middle Eastern Folk to American Blues; Western Orchestral to traditional Chinese music, Jazz, Rock, Country and combinations of all the aforementioned musical styles. Musicians have enjoyed performing Craig's works to the extent performers have declared that they would "Perform Craig's music at anytime." As a guitarist, Peaslee is primarily a solo performer, playing originals as well as his takes on pieces from nearly every genre from Bach to rock; including his arrangements for double neck guitar of such famous and popular tunes as: Bohemian Rhapsody, The Pink Panther and If I Only Had A Brain. Listen to Craig at www.myspace.com/threeneckbeast

Then, Saturday night at 8...Z-Man brings the Scat Acoustic Funk.

Z-Man (Zach Cleven) hails from Green Bay and this will be his first gig at the Stump. From Z's myspace: My musical journey began in 2008 when I was experimenting with the acoustic guitar and finding my meaning of life. The first song I learned was Bob Marley's "Redemption song" and it took off. I decided my musician name of Z-MAN with my real name being Zach Cleven it fits well. My music has grown to become a huge part of my life as I continue to become stronger as I mature as a songwriter. As I evolved on the guitar I began to develop my own style that many describe as ONE OF A KIND. The Z-MAN wouldn't be where he is, if it wasn't for his friends & family supporting the good vibes of his music and keepin' the spirit ALIVE. He brings a unique twist of skat acoustic funk to the world and isn't lookin' back.

Tonight's Cheap Date Special

2009-07-29T16:34:00.001-06:00

CLICK HERE to go to Kim's blog post detailing tonight's yummy wine/tapas/artisan pizza special...all three for one low price of $20.

T-shirt colors; Closing shop early this weekend.

2009-07-24T06:46:00.002-06:00

Here's a nice image with the colors of the tees that Nuclear Dave brought in yesterday. Colors might look a tad different on your screen compared to reality, but you get the idea.

Stumpjack will be closing early today and tomorrow (Saturday), at around 3:00. It's class reunion weekend. Somehow they wrangled me onto the reunion committee for this one (I can confidently declare that I fulfilled my role as the "dead weight" of the committee quite admirably).

So, again, Stumpjack will be closed at around 3:00 today and tomorrow.

New Stumpjack T-shirts

2009-07-23T10:27:00.004-06:00

The beautiful and charming Samantha modeling the absurdly named heliconia pink.

We just received a special delivery of Stumpjack tee-shirts this morning courtesy Nuclear Dave Theiss. Sizes m, lg & xl and colors kiwi green, honey, cherry red, texas orange, heliconia pink, and my favorite, prairie dust. A small version of the Stumpjack logo is also on the back under the collar, which I think is pretty cool too.

Sam in kiwi green.

New Belgium Brewery meets Stumpjack Gelato

2009-07-22T09:42:00.009-06:00

Just made a batch of New Belgium 1554 Enlightened Black Ale and Vanilla Gelato. New Belgium Brewing is the Colorado brewery, Fat Tire is the name of their flagship, and they have recently opened distribution into Wisconsin. Everyone around here thinks the name of the brewery is Fat Tire, so maybe we should just call tit Fat Tire Gelato, but we'll stay true to the brew and call it 1554 Enlightened Black Ale & Vanilla gelato. I like that you need to be 21 or older and show an ID to get some. And we do, of course, have 1554 and Fat Tire on hand in bottles as well.

Here's the script on the 1554 Black Ale from the New Belgium website:
Born of a flood and centuries-old Belgian text, 1554 Enlightened Black Ale uses a light lager yeast strain and dark chocolaty malts to redefine what dark beer can be. In 1997, a Fort Collins flood destroyed the original recipe our researcher, Phil Benstein, found in the library. So Phil and brewmaster, Peter Bouckaert, traveled to Belgium to retrieve this unique style lost to the ages. Their first challenge was deciphering antiquated script and outdated units of measurement, but trial and error (and many months of in-house sampling) culminated in 1554, a highly quaffable dark beer with a moderate body and mouthfeel.

Wed. Nite Especiálé

2009-07-22T07:58:00.002-06:00

For tonight's Wednesday Night Special CLICK HERE to go to Kim's Wine All You Want blog to see the details of what delisciousness she has in store for this evening.

A few more picnic images

2009-07-14T10:45:00.005-06:00

The troops in action.

Here are a few more images from last Friday's Stumpjack Picnic at Point Beach State Forest. Click here to go to the Stumpjack Flickr site where I've placed the image set. And don't forget to check out Brian's and Marty's sets, the links to which I've indicated in the post from Saturday, July 11.Keeping them warm.

John gets the bocce ball started.

Molly eating a strawberry.

Big basil plants

2009-07-12T20:46:00.003-06:00

We've got 9 basil herb plants growing; 7 sweet basil and 2 cinnamon basil. Here's an image of 4 of the sweet basil plants, which started out as little 6"-8" plants with plenty of room between each one. Now they're around 16" high and so wide that they look almost as a single, large bush, with big, fat luscious leaves. Fresh basil smells wonderful and tastes just as wonderful. This is the stuff that helps make a margherita pizza so darn good...a Stumpjack margherita pizza.

First Stumpjumpers Picnic in the books

2009-07-11T10:50:00.001-06:00

The first annual Stumpjumpers Picnic took place yesterday at the group camp site at Point Beach State Forest. The weather was awesome, the food was awesome, the beer was awesome, the company was awesome. I reckon we had, by my recollection, 26 stumpers enjoying the evening (not counting the grumpy ranger dude). We think we're going to do a picnic again in October for our annual anniversary party, and we'll put that info out there when it draws near.

Below are a few images that Brian took.You can see all of his pics from the evening on his Flickr site by clicking here. My Dad also took a bunch of photos and I'll post those when he gets them to me.

Pat smuggles in some questionable beer (Schlitz, fabulous marketing program, but so-so beer). We brought New Glarus Stone Soup and Dancing Man for everyone. Pat was forced to endure much ridicule and pelting with pine cones.

Pat, Pat, Peggy (looking very hip), Larry and Jayne. I believe they are discussing what would be the proper punishment for Pat for bringing in the Schlitz (you'll notice that Pat, on the far left, looks worried and is starting to back-walk away from the group).

Grilling some steaks I got from a couple of stumpjacks I harvested during a late 2008 northwoods hunting trip. My Dad in the background taking a picture of the ground for a photographic series he's calling..."ground."

Everyone observing the masterful skill with which Larry cuts his steak. The guy is an artist I tell you.

"Who wants the first slab o' stumpjack!?"

The food that everyone brought was fabulous. Who doesn't love potluck picnics.

Kim, I and Bobbi get schooled in bocce ball by Mike. The guy was seriously humbling the rest of us.

After we ran out of pine cones to throw at Pat, we resorted to the bocce balls. Pat is just out of the photo, buried up to his head in the ground. Kim throws the first ball while I mentally measure the distance.

Chillin' round the fire...what a great way to cap off the week.

Thank you, John (right) for bringing the bocce ball set. I think Molly is playing catch football with Glenn in this picture.

Kim placing stones and hard pine cones under the tent on the side where I would be sleeping, while Becky waves a magic wand at Mike to try to turn him into a Taylor guitar.

Great color in this picture by Brian. We got rain around 11:00 or so at the end of the evening. Stayed overnight and listened to the rain dance on the tent.

Mike and Kim. Photo by Marty. Click here to see Marty's pictures from the picnic.

Nathaniel returneth with a vengeance

2009-07-08T16:56:00.001-06:00

Thursday Night Live Music

Thursday evening at 7pm

Nathaniel Seer

Nathaniel is from Indiana and is in the middle of an extensive tour. He'll be stopping by Stumpjack Coffee on Thursday evening. This will be his second appearance here and he is well worth seeing. Nathan is one of the more passionate and earnest musicians we've had here. I love his sound, as it reminds me of one of my favorite 80's bands when I was in college: The Call...great powerful vocals, clever songwriting, passionate delivery.

Start your weekend early and come hang with us this Thursday night.

Tonight's wine, pizza, tapas special

2009-07-08T11:36:00.002-06:00

From 5:30-8:30 tonight.

Appetizer: Herbed Cheese Bread

Artisan Pizza: Wisconsin Extraordinaire
(A tasteful blend of Wisconsin's finest ingredients including brats and cheese curds.)

Wine: White Zinfindel

All this for one low price of $20.
Make a reservation.

The winner of last month's Wed Night Special drawing is Alice Sheehan!
Alice won a ticket to the most fun concert of the year: Pato Banton and the Now Generation band on Sept 18th at Stumpjack Coffee.

Random images from the last couple weeks

2009-07-08T09:26:00.004-06:00

Cheyenne showing off her huge left hand with the kung fu grip.

Nicole and Kent and Nicole's boy, I believe, during Lillie Lemon's gig.

Larry gives the Fat Tire an A-OK; Peggy watches Lillie Lemon.

Kim prepping tapas.

Nic over at Red Bank...I need to get out of the shop once in a while too.

Some fine coffee that Larry and Peggy brought back for me from their trip to Costa Rica.

Jesse holding my smoke-stick during Scott Hanson's gig in Central Park.

Please help make Stumpjack #1

2009-07-04T10:14:00.005-06:00

Stumpjack Coffee needs your help, all you Stumpers and Stumpjumpers out there. It's time for the annual Best of Manitowoc County, where you give props to your favorite places and services. Stumpjack would be most grateful if you would take a few minutes online to do the survey and if you would consider nominating Stumpjack for the following categories:

Atmosphere
Coffee Shop
Lunch
Beer Selection
Ice Cream (gelato!)
Pizza

Of course, there are any number of places that serve great pizza or ice cream or do a great lunch...vote your personal favorites. The biggies for us are Coffee Shop, Atmosphere, Lunch and Beer Selection, so please enter us for these categories especially.
The other two categories of Ice Cream and Pizza might be longshots for the Stump (although we do think we do those things pretty well, not as many folks know about it as know about the more popular places that serve pizza and ice cream.

Go to this link and fill out the survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey.zgi?p=WEB229CFA3UUTC

It'll take a few minutes because you've got to enter at least 50 different places for the ballot to count, so grab a beer or a cup of coffee and settle in for a few minutes. It's kind of fun and the places who do win will surely appreciate your support. Support your local businesses and friends.
Finally, please forward this to all of your friends online too and ask them to vote for Stumpjack in those categories too. It is a popularity contest, after all. Thanks so very much.

Lemonheads Unite!

2009-07-03T10:59:00.003-06:00

TONIGHT 8pm

Lillie Lemon

at Stumpjack Coffee
The perfect kick-off to your 4th o' July weekend.
image by Brian Powell

Hey, a link actually links

2009-07-02T10:51:00.002-06:00

Kim's niece, Samantha, is in the shop this afternoon, which gives me a little free time to work on some things that have been on the to-do list for Zeus-knows-how-long. Finally getting to work on our links up there underneath the header. Just hooked up the "Javalogy" link with yesterday's HTR column (that'll be where they all can be found).

2009 Cool City Classic Car Show

2009-06-29T08:12:00.008-06:00

The best photo in the bunch. You will notice that there is a car in the foreground as well.

This year's Classic Car Show was another great one. Lots of cool cars, lots of people enjoying the day, beautiful weather, good steady business throughout the day at the shop. Tip of the hat to Rick & Colleen Inman and everyone else who worked so hard and diligently to make it another really fun event. Here are a few images that our pal Jeff Dawson took:

Click here to view Jeff's entire photo stream of the event.

The coolest tail lights are from this era.

Nice crowd throughout the day.

Sweeeeet...

Kim's Wednesday Night Special

2009-06-24T13:26:00.003-06:00

Check out Kim's Wine All You Want blog for tonight's special trio of tapas, artisan pizza and wine for only 20 dinero. Featured pizza: Fig, Red Onion and Prosciutto. Call or email to reserve your spot.

Closed for Fathers Day

2009-06-21T07:26:00.000-06:00

On the stump...or porch...with Scott Hanson

2009-06-20T11:13:00.003-06:00

Tonight at 8:00pm, Scott Hanson of Milwaukee's On the Porch will be here. We're very excited about Scott's gig tonight. It'll be his first at Stumpjack and his appearance was actually booked by our friend Steph Davies (yep, the artist & musician who's work is hanging on the walls of Stumpjack at this very moment).
One of the fun things for me is listening to an artist's music online before they perform and then hearing those songs that I've become familiar with performed live at the café. Scott is super-talented, one of those musicians who you would go out of your way to see perform. Please check out Scott's myspace site to listen to his music: http://www.myspace.com/ontheporchmusic.

Every weekend with live music is a fun weekend, that's the truth, but I get the feeling that this is going to be one of those really special weekends where we get to listen to some great new music and make some new friends. Please join us if you can.

Tony Memmel at Stumpjack tonight

2009-06-19T08:58:00.007-06:00

I'm generally not into telling anyone what they should or shouldn't be doing, but in this case I'll make an exception. You really need to be here this Friday night. Singer/songwriter/guitarist Tony Memmel is going to be here at 8pm. Go to Tony's myspace site and check out his music: http://www.myspace.com/tonymemmel.

His folk music is catchy and cool and excellent enough to warrant lots of enthusiastic applause and a loyal following. But the man plays guitar with one hand...by necessity, because he was born with only one complete arm (his right one). Tony is one of those cool stories of a person with talent who didn't let circumstances get in the way of doing what he wanted to do, and doing it excellently.

And the man has a healthy sense of humor too, as witnessed by his promo image above. So yeah, you should come and see Tony perform this Friday. Besides spending an hour or so listening to good folk music (which is always worth it) you might just hit the weekend feeling pretty uplifted and inspired to give your own challenges a swift kick in the crotch.

Performing with Tony will be Connor Sands La Mue. Here's Connor's myspace link: http://www.myspace.com/connorsandsandthewayout

Wed. June 17 Pizza & Wine Special

2009-06-17T10:00:00.002-06:00

Tonight's menu continues this month's special trio of deliciousness...from 5:30-8:30pm.

Appetizer, Pizza, and Bottle of Wine for $20.

In addition, for every pizza purchased (only on Wed. evenings) you will be entered to win a concert ticket for the Sept. performance by reggae star Pato Banton.

Featured tapas selections:

Caprese Salad
Tuna, Olive Oil, Caper Crostini

Featured pizza (in addition to our other selections):

Portobello, Rosemary, Garlic

Suggested wine pairing:

Von Stiehl's Satin Red

Sunday morning laziness and steak grilled rare

2009-06-08T09:53:00.009-06:00

Yesterday was another enjoyable Sunday morning at the Stump. Sundays are generally that way. Most everyone is in a good mood, is relaxed and not in a big hurry, and there's lots of banter back and forth between both friends and strangers. Plus, the pace of the morning is nice for me, by which I mean that it is lazy. I'm basically a lazy person by nature, even though I work 80+ hours a week and even my "time off" always seems to have some work-related component to it. But all in all I much prefer field testing cigars and craft beer while swinging in a hammock, whittling a tree branch or drowning worms at the end of a fishing line.

Sunday mornings at Stumpjack are about as close as I seem to get to embracing my true lazy self each week. I sat around and chatted with Bill and Pat, Jessica and Pat, Larry and Pat, and Pat and a host of other pals of the shop. Pat was on the money yesterday, quick with the one-liner comeback and ridiculous yet timely quips that might be described as Patisms.

Patisms:
Me, experiencing a brain-fart where for no particular reason I call someone by a different name: Mary, I mean Pat... I just called you Mary? That's odd.
Pat: Maybe because I'm wearing her underwear.

Pat, knowing that Larry's guilty pleasure is Kentucky Fried Chicken, inserts "Kentucky Fried Chicken" into any conversational opening that Larry presents.
Jessica: I took a yoga and meditation class in Kohler the other day.
Larry: Oh, I think I know where you mean. It's in that little shopping area, next to...
Pat: Kentucky Fried Chicken?!

Me: What are you reading there, Larry?
Larry: [gives book title] It's about a guy who discovers...
Pat: Kentucky Fried Chicken?!

Me to Pat: I'm doing a series of paintings on Stumpjack peeps. Including one of you, Pat.
Pat: Am I naked in it?
Me: No, I don't think so.
Pat: Paint me wearing Mary's underwear.

(for the record, Pat doesn't wear Mary's underwear, he was just being silly)

Jessica may conduct a yoga, meditation and chocolate class at the Stump. She's someone I might decribe as one of those lighter than air people, who is into poetry and wine tastings, rafia handbags and organic foods, vegetarianism, incense and practical yet stylish shoes. After I wrote that previous sentence I thought I should probably check out her blog profile to make sure I wasn't saying anything so off the mark that she might find it offensive (Raffia handbags?! My mexican hairless was killed in a raffia incident. I hate raffia, you jerk!). I am happy to report that I am pretty close in my description of Jessica, although I do not think Jess is a vegetarian (did a quick blog search for the word "meat" and found that she does indeed eat meat, which gives her another thumbs up in my book).

Anyway, sometime today or tomorrow I'll be shooting out an email to everyone on the mailing list to see how many folks might want to participate in Jessica's yoga, meditation & chocolate class. Watch for it.

We capped our Sunday off by driving up to Green Bay so that Cheyenne, Jesse and Courtney could go mall shopping while Kim and I hung out at Barnes & Nobles for a couple hours. I purchased a CD by Lightin' Hopkins out of the discount bin (what a great find!) and the latest issue of Draft, a beer mag.

Then we went to Prime Quarter for steaks and kitty cocktails. I "earned" my third medal for eating their Beefeater Special. Truthfully, I'm an anti-large-quantities-of-food guy (don't care for smorgasbords or all-you-can-eat dinners, or the "supersize me" mentality). I just think it's a bit crass and the quality of food in those things is almost always pretty lame. But I love a good steak. And Prime Quarter sets the bar pretty low as far as quantity goes...it's only 40 ounces. 40 ounces of steak with salad, bread, spud and drinks is about as daunting as eating a small box of popcorn at the movie theatre. I'm thinking they need to set it up as a legitimate challenge, or at least make it interesting; something like "The Old 96er" in that John Candy movie "The Great Outdoors," where he has to eat 96 ounces of steak, including all the gristle and fat to get everyone a free meal. Something that looks like it would take a couple of guys to carry the plate to your table. Now for that I might have to do a little stretching and limbering up for. Anyway, I get my next steak free for polishing off the 40 ounce Beefeater. I didn't order dessert because that might have been rubbing it in a bit.

Wine All You Want Wednesday night special

2009-06-08T08:48:00.001-06:00

Click here to see what's on Kim's menu for this week's Wednesday night special.

A little more Steph Davies

2009-06-04T10:40:00.004-06:00

Here's another image of a cool little mixed media piece by Steph Davies. Her art opening is tomorrow night (Friday) at 7pm...music by the most excellent Matt Davies.

Another pic from last Sunday morning. Here's cigar pal Bill behind a bottle of coffee tequila that Mike & Kelly brought in for me to copy the label info off of. I've been trying, unsuccessfully, to find this juice ever since they gave me taste several months ago.

Pals, music, art, gelato, etc

2009-06-03T16:24:00.008-06:00

Art opening and live music

Steph Davies Art Exhibition
Friday night at 7pm
with music from folk troubadour Matt Davies

Saturday night at 8pm
Lea Holz
"...something familiar; something ancient; something raw and gentle; a dichotomy here, a polarity there. The sound of something smooth as skin or glass that ripples like water when touched. Lucidity. Liquid. Does spooning have a sound? How about the color red? ...passionate, melancholy, inquisitive, and confessional."

Last Sunday morning was fun. Koz kept his gear here from his gig the night before and performed a bunch of clarinet tunes for a few hours Sunday morning.
Mike & Kelly with Molly.

Lucy; Koz performing in the background.

Started making gelato again today for summer: made
blueberry, chocolate, raspberry, mandarin orange.
Yummy!

Stumpjack Coffee Co.

We've moved

New Blogsite Coming Soon.

Espresso with a TWIST

Beer for strong bones

Steampunk Coffee Maker

Winter break reminder

Spill the Beans column: Haiti and coffee

The coolest Stumpjack teapot ever.

Top Ten Stumpjackings from 2009

Bird Friendly Coffee

Policy on publishing comments to the blog

Phone not available

Closing the first weeks of 2010

Merry Christmas

Mon & Tue Christmas Days special

Last music of 2009

Koz performing tonight

Drinks Specials:Irish Winter: Irish Cream Whiskey LatteorWinter Warmer: Kahlua Whipped Cream Lattefor only $5

Day 7 & 8 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of Christmas

Day 6 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of Christmas

Day 5 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of Christmas

Day 4 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of Christmas

Day 3 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of Christmas

Live Music Tonight!

Day 2 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of Christmas

Day 1 of the Stumpjack 12 Days of the Christmas

Live Music Tonight!

Facebook diary of a pumpkin killing

Busy Stumpnight

John Statz tonight...listen!

Sharking Hour Tonight

Tonight's Cheap Date Special

Memmelization tonight

Working man rock...tonight

A very nice compliment

Nov. 11th Wed Night Special

New Art & Live Music Tonight

Gift Baskets for Xmas

Tonight's Special

Folk tunes tonight; Robots party tomorrow

A warning from the future.

Stumpjack Anniversary Party Saturday

Cheap Date Special Tonight

almost On the Porch tonight

BENEFIT CONCERT for Whiskers!

Unretouched photo of Becky's kitty, Whiskers.

Tonite: Becky Markvart will be playing the entire Ted Nugent song catalog. Either that or she'll be playing her own great songs. 7pm.

NO COVER and free use of our beer recycling portal!

THIRSTY THURSDAY MUSIC & BEER

Tonight's Cheap Date Special

Lemonheads Unite Tonight!

Cell Phone places call for good coffee

Friday Night Fun & Musica!

Outstanding video of Pato by Mark Matthews

THIRSTY THURSDAY REPORT

THIRSTY THURSDAY REPORT

Kerry Michaels serenades tonight while Negra Modelo Dark Ale goes for a measly 2.50 a bottle. 6:00-9:00 tonight.

Tonight's Cheap Date Special

Weekend music images from Brian's camera

Probably your last chance for The Last Polka...Waltz...whatever...

Flannel & Fishnet Stockings Tonight

Tonight Pick n' Squeezeless

The Doc is in the house tonight

Stumpjack closed until Friday

Closed Friday until Pato's gig

Thirsty Thursday: Emily White TONIGHT

Wed Night Cheap Date Special

West of East Tonight

Music, pizza, beer...what more could you want?

Shelly's blogsite

Brothers Burn Mountain tonight

Thirsty Thursday Jazz & Beer

Nick Venturella

The first Thirsty Thursday

Cheap Date Special

Live tunes: Something completely different

Crabby cyclist and first homebrew success

Updating the blog roll

The Blues, Dairyland Esquivel and Good Time Rock n' Roll

Drinks Specials:
Irish Winter: Irish Cream Whiskey Latte
or
Winter Warmer: Kahlua Whipped Cream Latte
for only $5