Michigan’s new pig rule threatens heritage breeds

"The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment is enforcing a new policy that threatens the livelihoods of small farms raising heritage breeds of pigs that are popular with chefs and others buying in local food markets," states an article from the Michigan Land Use Institute. Read more here. Also check out Chef Eric Patterson's blog to find out what local chefs are doing to support the farmers. There's a fundraising dinner for farmer Mark Baker and his legal costs at 7 p.m. Monday, April 23, at The Blue Heron Restaurant in Cadillac. The cost is $75, not including tax and gratuity. Call The Blue Heron at 231-775-5461 to make reservation.

Changing Tastes of Chardonnay

A brief article on the oaked, unoaked movement in the world of chardonnay producers.

continued→

What Is Artisan Food, Anyway?

Local food artisans answer the question of "What Is Artisan Food?"

continued→

Cooking Classes Up North

Although we finally have enough snow to get out and enjoy the winter, the thought of staying inside to enjoy the tastes and aromas of good cooking, guided by the expertise of local chefs sounds pretty appealing too! Northern Michigan has plenty of cooking classes available for recreational cooks.

continued→

The Ultimate Warming Tray

Earlier this month I received an email asking if I'd be interested in reviewing a cordless warming tray, manufactured right here in Michigan. I'm ambivalent about doing product reviews, but I liked the story behind the Ultimate Warming Tray, and it looked like a smartly designed product that would serve its purpose well. So, I said, sure, why not!

continued→

Airtime in ChiTown for “Up North”

Peter Payette gives us some "air"

continued→

Some local PR

Just sharing some tout for what we have going on here.

continued→

Orchard Vandalism - help needed

Vandals cut down more than 400 young tart cherry trees, setting back their owners by 8 to 9 years. Reward offered to find the people responsible. If you have any information, you may pass it along to the Silent Observer Line.

continued→

Welcome to Traverse Gourmet

We think northwest Michigan has it all! The seasons, the people, the food all make this area a great place to visit; a great place to live. Our goal with Traverse Gourmet is to make available a variety of your favorite local foods. We have created one location from which you can shop some of the tastiest food created by thoughtful artisans.

continued→

Manistee Food Revolution August 17

The "Food Revolution", as author and TV personality Jamie Oliver coined, is happening in Manistee County. And growers, retailers, restaurateurs, food distributors and consumers are invited to join in a Food Policy Council Symposium on August 17 to talk about how Manistee County, as well as other communities, can organize to support a revolution that is critical to our economy, just as it is to our health and well-being. The Symposium will be held at the West Shore Medical Center Education Center from 10 a.m. to about 1 p.m., including a networking lunch that will begin at noon provided by the Manistee Community Kitchen.

continued→

Traverse City a Foodie Paradise

"Traverse City turned out to be a foodie paradise," according to this Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article. "That wasn't the big surprise, though. It was the wine."

Local Food and Farmers Already Cooking in Frankfort

More than 70 products ready to buy at Frankfort Farmers Market's new online store. Farmers markets in Elberta and Suttons Bay online ordering will be available too.

continued→

Bigger Picture

Shameless plug : this is what Cherry Capital Foods has been investing and building for : making product available to a broader customer base. We support CSA's and Farm Markets, but it's time to grow.

continued→

Big Haps for Farmers and Foodies

The Ticker reports that plans are in the works to set up three "incubator" kitchens in Building 58 at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, as well as a mobile slaughterhouse. Read the story here.