Yooper Food Spotlight - Bimbo's Wine Press

Greetings to all! It's been almost a month since I've written anything new. It would be easy for me to say it was because I've been busy since the start of the new year, but the more honest answer would be I've been a lazy ass, at least as far as writing is concerned. That being said, I'm back in the saddle and I'm coming out swinging!

On the legendary north side of Iron Mountain, Michigan lies a neighborhood tavern known as Bimbo's Wine Press. As you might guess from the name, it is an Italian establishment. You see, the north side is steeped in much Italian history and pride, dating back to the days the iron mines in Iron Mountain were started. Italian immigrants flocked to the area for work, and much like the boroughs of New York were divided up, the north side of Iron Mountain belonged to the Italians and in many ways still does. While its heyday may be long gone, Bimbo's still stands today as a reminder of those golden days, with it's bright red door as the beacon.

The front door to Bimbo's. L'vino torchio is Italian for wine press.  Photo credit goes to  Emily Betz Tyra.

The building in which Bimbo's stands has been a local tavern for many years, but it took it's current name in 1978, when the business was taken over by a local teacher named Bimbo Constantini. I didn't know Bimbo personally, but from what I've been told he was beloved in the community for his great food and his kindness. It's safe to say that these two things have been passed on, because they are in abundance at Bimbo's Wine Press.

From the minute you walk in the door you instantly are taken over by a feeling of comfort. I don't know if it's the lingering smells of homemade Italian food, but you can't help but feel at home. The tin ceiling is hand painted and the colors red, green, and white are in no short supply. Everywhere you look you find Italian memorabilia and photos of Tom Izzo and Steve Mariucci, Iron Mountain's prodigal sons. Of course it wouldn't be a tavern without an 8 foot pool table, complete with a wonderful stained glass light cover (Side note: I helped move the table one time in exchange for a pitcher of beer, but that's a story for another time.) The place has been well kept over the years, like a prized antique, with the soft lighting giving a classic feel that you can't help but appreciate.

Nostalgia, corner pocket.

Behind the bar you will find an incredible gentlemen by the name of Buzzy Olivanti, or Mr. Buzz as I prefer to call him. He is someone I hold in very high regard. I can tell you right now that he's exactly what you picture in your head when you think of what a friendly, old Italian man looks like. He's got white hair, olive oil skin, and a permanent smile that he always greets you with. I like to think of him as the "keeper of the fire" as far as what Bimbo's represents. He's polite and well kept, and he moves without a sense of urgency. He's a living reminder of a time before the world went and got itself in a big damn hurry. He's old school Italian in every sense of the word, and in all of the best ways!

Mr. Buzz

There are no menus at Bimbo's. Just a cardboard pizza circle tacked up behind the bar with writing on it. Your choices are as follows: A boat (Italian sausage in a bowl of gravy with a hard roll), a porketta sandwich, a hot Italian beef sandwich, or thin crust pizza. In all honesty any one these choices is phenomenal. It is homemade Italian food at the highest level! Everything made with a whole lot of TLC, which is apparent in each delicious bite. If you're a Yooper reading this you know what porketta is, but if you aren't in the know it is a boneless pork roast sandwich. The Bimbo's receipe is a secret, and they cook it in an oven specifically made for that purpose down in the basement. This oven is a bit of a mystery as well, as they really won't show it to anyone, at least as far as I know. My personal favorite is their thin crust pizza. I like it because it's cut into squares, and they put the toppings underneath the cheese. Everything else about it, from the flakiness of the crust to the amount of sauce that is used, is just pure perfection. I consider myself a pizza connoisseur, whether it's the Ambassador in Houghton or The Congress in Ishpeming I've had pizza just about everywhere in between. I can honestly say this is my favorite pizza out of any UP spot.

YUM!

Truthfully, as I finish this post I realize I am a bit biased. I grew up in the area, and Bimbo's has always been a staple for me and my family. Regardless of that, this place truly is what I consider a hidden gem of the Upper Peninsula. It is the quintessential "hole in the wall" establishment that travelers and foodies like myself try and seek out. A spot where locals and those who are in on the not-so-well-kept secret come together in fellowship. Make no mistake - it is not a young/hip, or even a busy place. In fact it is the exact opposite. Many times that you go there you may only see 5 or 6 people in the whole bar. Yet from the minute you sit down you are completely absorbed into "The Experience." The experience of loud and animated conversation that Italians are famously known for. The stories and laughter fill the air, and they combine with the food smells in what I can only describe as cacophony of goodness. This amazing food that covers every inch of your stomach, until it feels like it's creeping into your soul, the way only good Italian food can. You are but a stranger there only once, so the next time you're in Iron Mountain it truly is a must stop. Just be sure to send my regards to Mr. Buzz, and he'll greet you with that smile I know all too well. I'm not Italian, although I say all the time that I wish I was, so instead of saying cheers the way I normally end these posts I will close with "Salute!" my friends...