Welcome to Up North Foodies!

The idea started with the bounty of another CSA pickup from Sweeter Song Farm overflowing my kitchen counter. What was I going to do with all these greens? Any ideas for arugula? Kale? Beet greens? I anticipate the weekly pickup with excitement and a tinge of guilt knowing that I don't always use up everything before the next Monday rolls around, despite my best intentions. I thought, wouldn't it be great to be able to ask other CSA'ers what they're doing with this week's pickup and have a place to share those suggestions?

At the same time, I was tired of reading all the bad press about Michigan, when this place is part of my soul. It gets a little scary at times when you read the news, and I wanted to do something about it. But what? We here in northern Michigan know we have a good thing going: a beautiful landscape and way of life that nurtures family farms, artisan bakeries and the production of award-winning cheese and wines; the completion of the long-anticipated expansion at Oryana; a dinner with Mario Batali raising $67,000 for the Leelanau Conservancy; opportunities for culinary students both at NMC's Great Lakes Culinary Institute and Career Tech; the Epicurean Classic. We have a lot to celebrate! We're seeing the birth of a vibrant food scene. And given our tourism and agricultural roots, one that fits this place of ours like a fine leather glove.

So my sister Ann and I are starting this community blog to celebrate our local food scene, and we invite you to join in the conversation. In fact, we're counting on you! Respond to posts. Or create an account so that you can add your own. Let us know if you have a northern Michigan foodie item to promote! Tell us what you want to hear about.

And definitely let us know what you do with your CSA bounty. The fruit flies are beating me to the tomatoes!

Filed under Miscellaneous