Growing Hops in Northern Michigan
The Record-Eagle reports on a new crop in town in Hop to it: Local crop makes a splash in beer.
Paula McIntyre
Paula McIntyre is a co-founder of Up North Foodies, along with her sister Ann Drury. A Traverse City native and current Leelanau County resident, she owns a web design company, Loracs Design LLC.. Paula is a CSA shareholder, Oryana member, owner of too many cookbooks and a journalist by training. She's desperately seeking a northern Michigan chocolate croissant extraordinaire!
Posts
Peaches Galore
We found a wonderful new source for peaches just down the road, and ended up with the best peach jam ever.
Time for Wine and Microbrew Festivals
The Traverse City Wine & Art Festival returns for its second year at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons tomorrow, August 21, from 3-10 p.m. Celebrating the wine, food and culture of Michigan's wine coast, the festival features local wines, food from local restaurants, music headlined by Larry McCray, Greg Nagy, Song of the Lakes Trio, May Erlewine & Seth Bernard, and artwork from 3 arts organizations and more than 60 regional artists.
Next up is the Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival, which takes place at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Friday & Saturday, August 27 & 28. The festival features craft beers, ciders and meads from all over the country, plus food, games, meet-the-brewers tasting sessions, and live music on two stages.
Cooking Local & Culinary Basics with Chef Keil Moshier
Space is still available in next week's adult cooking class: COOKING LOCAL & CULINARY BASICS with Chef Keil Moshier August 16 - 20 9:00-12:00 in the kitchen at The Children's House in Traverse city. $125.
Check out our garden and learn the importance of fresh local produce. Take an in-depth look at sauce making techniques, roasting, grilling and how to break down recipes. This class teaches basics from a master chef's perspective. Chef Keil is a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute and co-owner of Patisserie Amie and Chez Peres in Traverse City. Call the school at 231.929.9384 or register online.
Fair Season!
If you're looking for old-fashion family fun, you're in luck. Michigan communities host more than 80 fairs throughout the state. See what's scheduled for up north!
Garlic Harvest at Birch Point Farm
Trying to beat the rain to get the garlic in at Birch Point Farm.
Raspberry Jam
This morning I headed out with three sisters and a niece to pick berries at Potter Road Raspberries. Brenda and Mike Mahn have a beautiful spot with several varieties of raspberries, including some fall berries that will be available for picking until the snow flies. With the sun warming our shoulders, we spent a couple peaceful hours picking. Sixty-two pints later we headed into the kitchen and whipped up 134 jars of jam.
Green Cuisine Tomorrow
Green Cuisine is tomorrow! 5 to 8 pm at Food For Thought 10704 Oviatt Rd. in Honor, Michigan. Green Cuisine is an expression of Food For Thought's philosophy. It is our effort to bring more awareness to the benefit of local food and sustainable business practices. Visitors will be able to sample some of the best products of local food and beverage artisans, tour Food For Thought's organic farm and green buildings as well as socialize, learn and have fun in a beautiful setting. Children welcome.
Visiting foodies write up our local cherries
Some fun write-ups from bloggers visiting Northern Michigan to check out the cherries: Traverse City, Michigan: An Education in Cherries from Nomadic Foodie and Cherries: A few days in Traverse City, Michigan from Matt Bites.
Birch Point CSA Week 4
Snap peas galore, beautiful scallions, loads of lettuce, swiss chard, cilantro, dill and a new one for me - purslane. I'll have to try some in potato salad or verdolagas dal.
Chef Mario Batali to appear at Traverse City Borders
Chef Mario Batali will autograph his new book, Molto Gusto at Borders in Traverse City July 17.
Greens, Beets, Garlic and Peas
A beautiful day for pick-up at Birch Point Farm. The smell of green garlic filled the car on the ride home, prompting me to use it for dinner tonight. The farm newsletter provided just the right recipe: saute the green garlic in olive oil, add baby beets and saute a few minutes, then add the beet greens and cook down, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes. Mix with toasted walnuts, balsamic vinegar, sea salt and pepper and a sprinkling of goat cheese. I'd forgotten how good beets are fresh from the farm!
On tap for this weekend: cows, wine and coops.
Traverse City's Urban Chicken Coop Tour
An eclectic tour of 7 local chicken coops in beautiful downtown Traverse City to share experiences, knowledge, and interest in urban chickens. Saturday, June 12. The tour is self-guided between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. but there is an optional guided bike tour as well.
25th Annual Leland Wine & Food Festival
Michigan's oldest wine festival takes place from 12-6 this Saturday, June 12 at the Leland Harbor. Enjoy live music, beautiful views, fine wines and specialties from local restaurants.
Traverse Colantha Walker Dairy Festival
On Sunday, June 13, head on over to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons to celebrate one special heifer. Part of the former Traverse City State Hospital's herd, Colantha was the highest milk producer in the world! Events include a pancake breakfast, farmers market, a public parade to Colantha's headstone, live music, a grilled cheese grill-off, live music and special activities for the kids. 10 a.m.-7p.m.
Esselstyn to speak in Petoskey May 19
Dr.Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., an internationally known surgeon, researcher and clinician at the Cleveland Clinic, will speak at North Central Michigan College on Wednesday, May 19 at 7 p.m., in the library on the Petoskey campus. Dr. Esselstyn says that a plant-based, oil-free diet can prevent and stop the progression of heart disease and reverse its effects.
Crazy Hats, PJs and Wine?
Leelanau wineries will host their Spring Sip & Savor Wine Trail Tour this weekend, May 1 & 2. The annual event features great pairings of wine and food along with the Fabulous PJ & Hat Content. Check out the LPVA website for the lowdown.
2010 Farmers Markets now listed
Farmers markets around northern Michigan are set to open next month. Check out our updated list.
Wine Dinner at Chateau Chantal
Last week my husband and I had the opportunity to be guinea pigs for a not-so-dry run of Chateau Chantal's Wine Dinners. The dinners will debut June 16, and will be held Wednesday and Saturday evenings through August 28. Best advice I can give: come with an empty stomach!
National Trout Festival Starts Wednesday
Catch "Trout Fever" at the National Trout Festival in Kalkaska. The 74th (almost!) annual festival runs Wednesday through Sunday, April 21 through 25. See the festival's web site for more info.
Taste of Grand Traverse this Sunday
This Sunday is the Taste of Grand Traverse, a food and beverage tasting fundraiser for the Women's Resource Center in Traverse City. Great Wolf Lodge Conference Center. Check their website for details, including a list of participants. $15 admission per adult includes 3 tasting tickets.
Empty Bowls Benefit April 18
The 8th Annual Empty Bowls Benefit, raising funds and awareness to fight hunger, will take place on Sunday, April 18th from 11AM-2PM at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City. Join us for a delicious meal of soups, breads, and beverages donated by Grand Traverse area's finest restaurants while enjoying live music and participating in a raffle for unique handcrafted local art and gift certificates. Before leaving, select a hand-made bowl donated by local artists and students as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. All proceeds support the work of the Fresh Food Partnership, a nonprofit organization serving people in need with fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting local agriculture in Northwest Michigan. Tickets are $15 per person and are available at Oryana, Art Center, LIAA or at the door. Call 231-929-3696 with questions.
Western/Northern Michigan diversified small farm for lease/sale
Are you a serious farmer looking for land? Check out this Wexford County farm, listed with the Center For Rural Affairs. CFRA has a farm link program that links retiring farmers and non-farmed land with new farmers who would like to get started with little or no overhead.
Maple Syrup Festival at Crystal Mountain
Tree tapping demonstrations, maple syrup shack, cooking classes, chainsaw wood carving demonstration, pancakes drenched in delicious northern Michigan maple syrup and live entertainment by the bluegrass band Detour are just some of the activities on tap this Saturday at Crystal Mountain's Maple Syrup Festival.
Wes Jackson and Kent Whealy to visit Traverse City
Nature, Climate Change, and the Problem of Agriculture is the topic of the evening, April 8, when "sustainable agriculture pioneer" Wes Jackson pays a visit to the State Theater in Traverse City. On Saturday, April 10, Wes will be joined by Kent Whealy, founder of Seed Savers Exchange, at Higher Grounds Coffee. Check out the flyer for more info. Both events are free.
Edible Art Photos
Check out these photos from last weekend's Edible Art Show at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Fun fun!
Conference helps kids eat healthy
Learn about getting fresh local foods into the schools, at MLUI's second farm-to-school conference, Setting the Table for Wellness. This regional conference for schools, camps, parents, students and farms will be held this saturday, March 15, at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Check the conference web site for details and registration information.
Edible Art Show on Saturday
The farmers market at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons will get an artistic twist on Saturday. The "You Art What you Eat" Edible Art Show will feature edible creations crafted by market vendors, along with merchants, chefs and artists in the village. Purchase tickets at $1 each to cast votes for Best in Category and Best of Show. You can even enter silent-auction bids to take home select consumable artwork. All proceeds benefit local food banks. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Grand Traverse Pie Company presents "Kids Make & Take" Road Show in Suite 25. Children learn about local agriculture while handcrafting their very own pie! Donations support our local foster youth. Also bid on a gigantic GTPC Pie, a 7-pie equivalent, and either take it home or donate it to the local Goodwill Inn. The show runs during market hours, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Great fun for the entire family!
Three Local Chefs Honored
Three area chefs have been selected as semifinalists in the James Beard Foundation's annual chef awards, best chef for the Great Lakes Region: Randy Chamberlain, Blu, Glen Arbor; Myles Anton, Trattoria Stella, Traverse City and Guillaume Hazael-Massieux, La Becasse, Maple City. Awards will be announced in early May. Time magazine calls the JBF awards "the Oscars of the food world." Congratulations and good luck!
Festival of Foods this Saturday
Meet new foodie friends, try different foods, learn new cooking skills, and get fresh ideas in NMC's state-of-the-art kitchen and demonstration classrooms. The Winter Festival of Foods is scheduled for Saturday, February 20, from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. at the Oleson Center on the main campus of Northwestern Michigan College. Culinary instructors, area chefs, and specialty food business owners/staff provide demonstrations, tips and tricks, and samplings in this learn-a-lot-quick experience. Learn more. $69 for 4 demonstration sessions and lots of tastings.
NMC to offer Viticulture Certificate Program
Northwest Michigan's thriving grape and wine industry will have a new pipeline to a trained workforce thanks to a partnership between Northwestern Michigan College, Michigan State University, and the online VESTA program at Missouri State University.
This summer students may begin coursework toward a new viticulture certificate offered by MSU, with an option to complete an associate degree from NMC. Students will enroll through the MSU office at NMC's University Center. All classes will be offered online or in Traverse City. See news release for more information.
The Promise of Gardens
Diane Conners writes about how community, in the form of an experienced neighbor, transformed her early gardening efforts in Gardens Fed by Community. And now we have a chance to explore and foster that connection in northwest Michigan this Sunday afternoon. "The Promise of Gardens: How Gardens Build Community, Feed Us All and Reconnect Us to Nature," features award-winning author Eric Toensmeier. Attendees can hare ideas and resources during a visioning session, and connect with neighbors. A community gardens panel and group discussion will feature people who are starting or dreaming of garden projects in Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Antrim, Wexford and Missaukee counties. The event is free and runs from 12:30 to 4:30 at the Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere, Traverse City.
Eco Lunch Gear Giveaway Winner
Thanks to Jena, Randy Chamberlain and JTH for their posts last week! We went to random.org to select the winning number, and Jena wins the Eco Lunch Gear sandwich wrap. Even though the contest is over, we welcome your contributions to our Up North Foodie community.
Yummy holiday recipes from Michigan chefs
The Michigan Home Resource Guide features holiday recipes from four Michigan chefs, including Jolly Pumpkin 's Paul Olsen and Stafford's Gerald Gramzay. Old Mission Butternut Squash & Honey Crisp Apple Soup anyone?
Eco Lunch Gear Giveaway
Hey folks! We're giving away an Eco Lunch Gear sandwich wrap. Easy on the eye, a cinch to use, and they make you feel good knowing you're making an eco-friendly choice. What a great stocking stuffer! All you need to do is post on Up North Foodies by midnight November 30 and you'll be included in the drawing. Read on for details.
Rieslings a fine choice for Turkey
"Thanksgiving is a Riesling holiday because of the range of sweet and dry levels, friendly prices and compatibility with roast turkey," writes Detroit News columnist Sandra Silfven. "And, thankfully, there is no shortage of choices with Michigan labels on them." Plenty to choose from here in Northern Michigan!
A win for Longview Winery and Vineyard Winter Ice 2007
Wine Clash 2009 pitted the wines of Michigan against those of Ohio, with Michigan carrying home the top awards. Congratulations to Longview Winery and Vineyard (Winter Ice 2007, first place), 2 Lads (Cabernet Franc Reserve 2007, second) and Gill's Pier (Meritage 2007, fourth). Eleven of the top wines from each state were chosen and judged in both Columbus and Ann Arbor by panels of wine lovers, writers and professionals.
Apple glut? Do your part!
The apple harvest was bountiful this year, and MLUI's Janice Benson reminds us of what we can do: "buy a bushel, get out your recipes,and pack the lunch boxes, freezers,and cupboards."
Bioneers post conference workshops this saturday
The Great Lakes Bioneers are hosting several post-conference workshops November 7, starting at 1 p.m. at the Oleson Center in Traverse City. Other events at the Open Space. Vermicomposting and biodynamic farming are on the agenda.
Indoor Farmers Market at the Commons
The new Indoor Winter Farmers Market gets underway this Saturday at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons in the retail marketplace of The Village.
New guide on Endangered Great Lakes Foods
A new guide is now available that chronicles endangered Great Lakes foods, aimed to inspire food recovery projects and bring these foods back to the table. Published as part of Slow Food USA's Renewing America's Food Traditions Alliance, the booklet includes a working list of rare place-based foods with unique traditions rooted in the Great Lakes region, along with essays from residents working to protect and revive these foods. The list of at-risk foods was shaped by a series of workshops held throughout the Great Lakes, including one in Traverse City in October 2008.
A Local Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is just a month away, and Jacob Wheeler, editor of the Glen Arbor Sun, encourages you to eat local for the holiday. Check out which local farmers are raising turkeys, and where you can stock up on bountiful produce, pumpkin pie and cranberries in Sustainable Thanksgiving.
Food divides and unites
Two local teens share their experiences in today's Record-Eagle, showing how food can both unite, as well as divide. Side by side, their articles show the great things that can happen when you keep an open mind, and the cruel things that can happen when you don't. Impressive young women, not only for their writing styles, but their bravery too. Read their pieces to see what I mean.
Top Northern Michigan Eats from a West Coaster
A California blog, Blame it on the Food, features the authors' top picks for Northern Michigan eats for Summer 2009 in Out of Town: Northern Michigan.
Cooking with Kids
Great blog post by Dianne Conners about the Cooking with Kids session with local chefs and fresh foods that MLUI hosted at last week's Northwest Michigan Fair. Puts a whole new spin on fair food!
Cherry recipes
You know cherries are ready up north when you get stuck behind a shaker driving along blocking traffic, or when you come to a wet spot on the road with a scattering of cherries splashed from their containers while getting trucked from the orchards. Cherries are ready to pick, and Janice Benson at Taste the Local Difference has a collection of recipes to check out.
Food Safety Moves Could Harm Local Farm Prospects
The Michigan Land Use Institute's Patty Cantrell explores how efforts to improve the safety of industrial farm food could lead to new regulations that hurt small-scale local growers in her article Food Safety Moves Could Harm Local Farm Prospects.
First-time festivals celebrate wine, art, beer and music in TC
Traverse City welcomes two new back-to-back festivals next month: the Traverse City Wine & Art Festival on Aug. 22 and the Traverse City Microbrewery & Music Festival on Aug 29.
Fairs, fairs and more fairs!
Communities are gearing up for fair season all around Northern Michigan. Take a look at our events page for details.
Shetler Yogurt Smoothie Revamp
Shetler Family Dairy is tweaking their yogurt smoothies to include a new fruit puree formulated by Food for Thought that uses fruit grown naturally by local farmers. Very cool!
Ice Cream: A Local and a Michigan Thing
Shetler Family Dairy's ice cream and a bit of Michigan ice cream trivia for you.
Cherries aren’t just for dessert
Today's Record-Eagle has a collection of cherry recipes including chicken salad, sweet-sour cherries and shrimp, cherry buffalo meatballs and more.
TC a Foodie Haven
Traverse City gets some foodie props on Huffington Post. Check out Traverse City, Michigan Is A New Foodie Haven ... but we've known that all along!
Calling all gardeners!
Chef Eric Patterson blogged about wanting to create an organic garden in the space next to The Cooks' House, his restaurant on Traverse City's West Front Street. He just announced he got the go ahead from the city commission, and is now inviting gardeners to join in.
Learn Great Foods does Leelanau
Make sure to check out the line up of upcoming Leelanau Peninsula culinary tours offered by Learn Great Foods. Based at Sweeter Song Farm just north of Cedar, the tour includes two food stops, a hands-on cooking class and a delicious organic gourmet dinner.
Hearth & Vine
Black Star Farms recently celebrated the opening of Hearth & Vine, a vineyard cafe, market and bakery.
Adventures in Gardening
The quest for local produce has led my neighbors, Pat and Mark, from CSA shareholders to building their own raised veggie beds. I paid a visit to check them out, and was quite impressed! Maybe they'll hire out and build them for aspiring gardeners. Read about their approach in the Glen Arbor Sun.
Plans to double farming sector’s value
The recently formed Northwest Michigan Food and Farm Network aims to double the value of the local farming economy over the next decade. Read more in the Record-Eagle's article Farm network has Vision.
Empire’s Gnarly Old Man
Check out a local history of ginseng, aka "Man Root" in the Glen Arbor Sun by writer Pat Stinson.
Trust Your Product
In "The real credit isn't ours," Chef Eric Patterson redirects the praise for the foods they serve at the Cooks' House right back to Michigan farmers and producers. "One cannot over emphasize the importance of great quality products with which to work," he writes.
Kids’ program on endangered and heirloom seeds
Farming for our Future is offering a program for children on June 24 to learn about agriculture, farm life as well as endangered seeds. Children will also help design and plant Emmet County's first Endangered Seed Garden located at Pond HIll Farm in Harbor Springs, as well as take endangered seedlings home with them to plant in their own gardens.
Farmers Market Listing
Ah, the much anticipated opening of farmers markets throughout the north is upon us. Take a look at our Up North Farmers Markets and a plan a visit!
Time for Asparagus
It's that time of year! Asparagus is Ready to Pick says the MLUI, and Food for Thought reports that the asparagus is ready at Norconk Farm on Aral Rd., south of Empire off M-22, just in time for the Empire Asparagus Festival, which gets underway this weekend. Enjoy those spears!
Taste the Local Difference Guide is here
The Michigan Land Use Institute's Taste the Local Difference guide is here, sporting a new look. Copies will be mailed out next week to our farms, retailers, and supporters. You can also get a copy from MLUI. Just call 941-6584, check out their website localdifference.org, or stop by their office at 148 East Front Street, Suite 301, Traverse City.
High praise for Black Star Farms
Black Star Farms' wine made quite an impression at the White House. Read on for details.
The Market at Railroad Place
The Market at Railroad Place will open for the season this Saturday, May 9. The market replaces the former City Market at Traverse City's old train depot on Woodmere. Open every Saturday through the fall from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., the market will host local artisans, farmers and specialty food producers. For additional information contact Dale or Teresa Campbell at Urban Diversions located at the Station 231-946-6600.
TC Downtown Farmers Market Kicks off ‘09 Season on Saturday 5/9
The Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market kicks off its Saturday market in Traverse City, Michigan, on May 9. You'll find it in the parking lot across from Clinch Park.
Simply Cherries & Cherry Sauce to debut at National Cherry Festival
Two official products of the National Cherry Festival will debut this season: Simply Cherries and Cherry Sauce. They'll be available at the festival and, better yet, they'll be produced and distributed all year long.
Unwanted food put to good use
Marta Hepler Drahos writes about the Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan in Monday's Traverse City Record-Eagle. "Bob Cullen emerges from Goodwill Industries and fires up his refrigerated truck emblazoned with the Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan logo and the slogan, 'Putting good food to good use.' He was up before the birds in order to start his route at 8 a.m.," she writes. "Before the day is over, he'll have rescued about 500 pounds of food from area stores -- food close to the sell-by date and therefore destined for the garbage dump -- and delivered it to people in need through area food pantries, shelters and community meals programs." Learn more about the organization at its web site.
NMC culinary classes
Classes are filling up, there are still spots in several of the culinary classes offered through NMC's Extended Education program. Offerings include The Sushi Roll, Girls Meet Grapes wine appreciation, Spring Fresh-The Color of June, Indian Breads and Chutneys, For the Love of Chocolate, French Cooking, Easy Appetizers, and cake decorating too!
TC Foodie Town
Traverse City is getting a reputation as a foodie town, according to today's Ticker from the Traverse City Business News.
Kitchen Happiness
Chef Eric Patterson continues his 33 moments of happiness in the kitchen with 12 - 22.
Empty Bowls Event to Benefit Fresh Food Partnership
The 7th Annual Empty Bowls Event, supporting the vital work of the Fresh Food Partnership, will take place on Sunday, April 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City.
New Farm Tokens for Education Program Launched
A new program shows how eating well and eating locally can benefit our schools.
Forgotten Fruits: Conserving Apples in the Landscape
Last Fall, Gary Nabhan visited Northern Michigan as part of the Renewing America's Food Traditions project's focus on the Great Lakes foodshed. The next step was a gathering in Madison, Wisconsin, where heirloom apple growers met to discuss threats to fruit tree diversity and identify conservation strategies.
How to Make Local Food Work for Michigan
Read Patty Cantrell's piece over at the Michigan Land Use Institute about how small local farms can be an economic bright spot for the state. Her new report can guide local and state officials to leverage Michigan's great farm diversity to grow jobs, build health, and strengthen regional economies.
Aged Raclette Takes Silver
Leelanau Cheese Company's Aged Raclette took the silver medal at the 2009 U. S. Championship Cheese Contest with a score of 99.2 out of 100. Their Raclette placed fifth in its class with a score of 99.25. Held March 17-19, the Green Bay event was the largest cheese competition ever held in the country.
Happy Anniversary to the Cooks’ House
The Cooks' House celebrates its first anniversary today. Congratulations to a welcome addition to downtown Traverse City! Now that they've survived the first year, they've got some welcome plans for the future. Chef Eric Patterson notes, "We have our cookbook coming out in September. We are planning a community garden for this summer in the space next to the restaurant. The market continues to grow and we have more leads on local products that will make it even better, and we have other things in the works."
Blu on WJR’s Come to the Table
The string of appearances by Northern Michigan businesses continues on WJR's Come to the Table radio show. The Glen Arbor restaurant, Blu, was featured last week in a show about foods inspired from around the world. Blu sources seasonal local ingredients for their worldwide menu. The podcast is now up, so you can listen to it online; the Blu segment starts about 20 minutes into it.
The Ultimate Peanut Butter Sandwich
Northern Michigan's Naturally Nutty Foods and Crooked Tree Breadworks were featured on WJR's Come to the Table recently. Check out the podcast .
Changes afoot at Cherry Capital Foods
Cherry Capital announces new management; founder Eric Hahn stepping down from day-to-day operations.
Stimulus $ to support school kitchens
Michigan schools will receive nearly $2.6 million in grant dollars from the federal stimulus package to buy new kitchen equipment, including equipment that can make it easier for schools to prepare fresh food from local farmers. Diane Conners of the Michigan Land Use Institute reports on the story.
Farming a N.W. Michigan Heavyweight Farming a N.W. Michigan Heavyweight
Check out the Michigan Land Use Institute's Patty Cantrell article on the new policies, investments, and marketing that could make Northwest Michigan a champ: Report: Farming a NW Michigan Heavyweight.
LPVA Second Fridays: An After Hours Wine Experience
The Leelanau Peninsula Vintner's Association announces LPVA Second Fridays that offer a chance for you to experience award-winning wines and unique tasting rooms after hours on the second Friday night of every month. These special evenings will be held from 5-8 PM and each will feature a fun & unique theme. Next one up is "Toast the Taxman" on April 10.
Park to offer Antique Apple and Pear Tree Pruning Workshop
Wondering how to shape up those neglected antique fruit trees? You won't want to miss this free hands-on workshop at Sleeping Bear Dunes!
Eco Lunch Gear
If you pack a lunch and want to reduce your waste, check out eco lunch gear, a new business recently launched by a Northern Michigan mom.
Fridays at the Farm
Just watched the trailer for a short film called Fridays at the Farm. With beautiful time-lapse photography, Richard Hoffman explores his experience joining a community-supported farm. The film has been making the rounds of film festivals, won some prestigious awards, and is being used by CSAs to help convince last-minute shareholders that they really DO want to eat local, healthy foods.
Good news for farm-to-school efforts
MLUI's Diane Conners reports on farm-to-school legislation, just signed by Governor Granholm, that will make it easier for Michigan schools to serve fresh local foods to their students.
Latest draft of the Great Lakes Foods At Risk List
Slow Foods USA has just added the latest draft of the Great Lakes Foods At Risk list to its website. They've also added a draft manual/manifesto about heirloom apple restoration. Please visit the RAFT publication page to download both publications. RAFT organizers welcome your input on both publications.
Ice Wine
Janice Benson over at the Michigan Land Use Institute has a write-up on ice wine, including a list of area wineries that make it. For more on ice wine, read Chateau Chantel winemaker Brian Hosmer's Ice wine, liquid gold and the biggest gamble in wine from our archive.
CSA Dreamin’
With yet another 5 to 10 inches of snow predicted tonight, why not take a mental vacation and think about all the area CSAs gearing up for the spring season. For those of us who didn't score a winter share somewhere, Ken Scott's recent photos are like looking at memories from another season. Now is the time of year when CSA farmers are purchasing for the start of the growing season, ordering seeds and any necessary equipment. In other words, this is a great time to sign up, because many of your share dollars are spent now to get that delicious local produce on your table when warmer weather finally arrives. Take a look at CSAfarms.org or Taste the Local Difference to see the CSA farms in Northern Michigan. Keep in mind that many already have waiting lists, so the sooner you act, the better! With a variety of pick-up locations, including in town, at farmers' markets, and on the farms, along with different types of shares, you're sure to find one that suits.
Cooks’ House on WJR
Our Northern Michigan run on WJR's Come to the Table continues with a feature on The Cooks' House.
TC Film Festival Fundraiser, “Big Night” dinner at Stella
[EDIT: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED]
Trattoria Stella is throwing a big shindig fundraiser for the Traverse City Film Festival on Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m. They'll recreate the entire feast from Campbell Scott's award-winning classic foodie film, "Big Night." Enjoy a meal you'll never get anywhere else: risotto tre colore, whole suckling pig, the famed timpano, and more. Clothing from the 1950s is encouraged and prizes will be awarded to those who best represent characters from the movie. If you have the means to afford it ($100), you'll be helping out the festival and enjoy a great meal. To order tickets, please call Trattoria Stella at 231-929-8989.
Epicurean Classic heads to St. Joe’s
It's official. The discussion over at Mynorth.com indicated the Epicurean Classic may be heading to St. Joseph after the Great Lakes Culinary Institute decided to no longer host the event. On Friday, Victoria Sutherland posted that the event will move to St. Joseph's "metro" area in late August, and that an official press release was in the works. Haven't seen that yet, but the EC website lists August 27-30 for the dates. That seems pretty official! Sorry to see it go.
Michigan can learn from Mawby and Laing
Interesting article from Cari Noga in the TC Business News about lessons learned from a local winery's new partnership between Larry Mawby and Stuart Lang.
Left Foot Charlie Goes Green
Left Foot Charley Winery, at the Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City, is going green, reports today's Record Eagle. Eco-friendly packaging includes wine straight from the tank, as well as refillable bottles. Read more.. They've added a new wine bar with light appetizers, draft cider and wine by the glass.
Up North Foodies Comes to the Table
Check out the podcast of Up North Foodies on WJR's Come to the Table radio show.
A Quest for Chocolate
Today's Record-Eagle has a story about Barbara Disborough and her quest for chocolate, which led her to writing "The Guide to Chocolate in the Grand Traverse Region." She'll be signing the book this Saturday in downtown Traverse City at Morsels Bite-Sized Bakery from 10 a.m - noon, and Horizon Books from 12:30-4:30 p.m. A box of chocolate and a book about it...now that's a sweet package for Valentine's Day!
At Risk Foods in the Great Lakes Region
I just received the updated list of Foods at Risk in the Great Lakes Region from the folks at RAFT. This initiative, Renewing America's Food Traditions, is currently identifying the traditional foods of our region that are in danger of disappearing. A regional workshop is slated for March 21 in Madison, Wisc., to build on the efforts of our local workshop we had in Traverse City last October. Take a look at the updated list, and if you have information to share, please send your comments to the people listed in the document.
Pumpkin Pancakes a la Timothy
Timothy Young of Food For Thought shares his recipe for Pumpkin Pancakes, prepared with delicious local ingredients and accompanied by locally ground coffee and cherry mimosas. Check out his website for the recipe and video.
Up North Foodies to be on WJR
Here's a heads up that Up North Foodies will be featured on WJR's Come to the Table with host, Steve Stewart The show will run on Feb. 8 from 3 to 4, and then get archived on their web site. They're always looking for good stories featuring chefs, authors, farmers, food manufacturers, retailers and others. Send your suggestions to host Steve Stewart.
Frostbite Food Drive Starts Today
The Father Fred Foundation kicks off its 15th annual Father Fred Frostbite Food Drive today. Stop by the parking lot of the Garfield Plaza across from Agave Mexican Restaurant in Traverse City. Volunteers will be braving the cold through Feb. 8 to receive your donations to fill two semi trucks with non-perishable foods. Hours are Monday - Friday, 7 a.m to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also donate online via the foundation's website. Cash donations are welcome, and because the foundation buys in large lots, they can help stretch your donated dollars by 30 percent or more with bulk purchasing. Now with the largest food pantry in Northern Michigan, the foundation depends on food drives each year to feed more than 2,000 families, including 5,000 children.
Chateau Chantal offers cooking classes
Check out the Events page for a whole slew of cooking classes offered by Chateau Chantal. There are few spots still left for the first class–Handmade Pastas and Sauces–coming up next saturday. Sounds like a great way to spend a chilly saturday!
Hickory Nut Cookies
A couple months ago my neighbor, Pat, brought over a plate of homemade hickory nut cookies. Sometimes plain old nut cookies are a little bland, not bad, but just not that great. Well, these cookies were awesome, with the perfect texture of crispy/moist. They were a big hit and disappeared quickly. Pat just wrote an article for the Glen Arbor Sun, How I became a hickory nut, about her quest to find hickory nuts to make cookies for a friend. And lucky for us, she includes a copy of the cookie recipe (although she made it without the frosting, and we didn't think anything was missing). She ended up ordering the nuts online, but in a pinch, you could try walnuts. Yum!
Food for Thought’s Timothy Young on WJR
Food for Thought's Timothy Young talks about organics, Fair Trade and the philosophical foundation of Food For Thought as a guest on Come to the Table hosted by Stephen Stewart on WJR in Detroit.
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