The Importance of Being

Chef Ted Cizma could teach a class titled "The culinary field is not what you see on the Food Network, 101." Rather than all glamor and glitz, it's a lot of hard work. But if you love it, it's all worth it!

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Grand Vision Scorecard

I just filled out the Grand Vision scorecard. Have you? If you want a say in what future you'd like for northern Michigan, make sure to fill it out! It's simple! They offer comparisons of the four scenarios presented, including the number of additional roads, availability of mass transit, ability to walk or ride bikes, the size and type of buildings, land consumed, and more. Each scenario has a different effect on agriculture and agritourism for our region, so let the planners know which future you prefer.

You can find paper copies throughout the region, or fill out the scorecard online.

The Lonely Chef

Chef Eric Patterson writes of the paradox chefs face in bringing people together, providing them joy, and yet in doing so, are often lonely. He asks, "Are those who miss out, who walk alone, who choose others happiness over their own, are they the ones who find the most inspiration? Perhaps that's the trade off. Perhaps inspiration can only be found in the lonely places on earth."

Stephanie Mills and Gary Nabhan Book Signing

Photos from last week's book signing with Stephanie Mills and Gary Nabhan.

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Bingham’s Agri-Tourism Ordinance Update

The Bingham Township Planning Commission held public hearings on two proposed zoning ordinance amendments last week and subsequently recommended both changes for adoption, reports the Leelanau Enterprise. Both amendments will be forwarded to the Leelanau County Planning Commission for review, and then on to the township board.

Epicurean Classic Needs a Home

The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College will no longer host the Epicurean Classic, according to an article in today's Traverse City Record-Eagle. Let's hope we get some creative community solutions to keep it here in town!

A Beautiful Day for an Opening

Tandem Ciders celebrated its Grand Opening on Saturday, and you couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day! Looks like proprietors Nikki Rothwell and Dan Young would agree. We've been enjoying their sweet cider all weekend, and they make the hard stuff too. Head out to 2055 North Setterbo Rd, just north of Suttons Bay. They're open Wed-Sat, 11-7, and Sun 12-5. Photo courtesy of Gary Nabhan.

Local Foods Tasting Wrap Up

Last Friday was the Local Foods Tasting I helped to organize, and I just wanted to acknowledge the talented folks at Cuppa Joe who helped pull it off.

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Lori Narlock’s Visit to TC

Chef Lori Narlock, author of Small Plates, Perfect Wines, was in Traverse City for the Epicurean Classic, and blogged about her experiences here in northern Michigan, including a Black Star Farms wine, dinner at the Cooks' House, a nod to the Great Lakes Culinary Institute, the friendly locals, and the friendly, professional staff at Firefly. She also includes her recipe for Chocolate Puddle Cakes.

Tandem Ciders Grand Opening on Saturday 10/11

Take a drive out the Leelanau Peninsula to visit the new Tandem Ciders, which will be celebrating its grand opening on saturday.

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Eat it to Save it: An Interview with Gary Nabhan

From roasted tomato hornworm larvae, to pit-roasted cactus flowers, Gary Paul Nabhan has sampled his share of foods unfamiliar to most of us in northern Michigan. A renowned ethnobiologist, conservationist, MacArthur "genius grant" recipient and author, Nabhan has traveled the globe, searching out the stories and tastes of many a region's traditional foods. But his efforts aren't about saving these foods for the museum shelves; instead, he aims to get these foods back on our plates to savor and enjoy. "Eat it to save it" sums up the approach. Read on for our interview with Gary and his upcoming visit to northern Michigan. (This piece will also appear in next week's Northern Express.)

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Ethnic food up north? Oh my!

The one thing I hear more than anything else from people who move to northern Michigan, or move back to northern Michigan, is that they miss ethnic foods...Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern...you name it, we want it!

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Local Foods Tasting and Book Event with Gary Nabhan and Stephanie Mills

If you care about developing a strong local foods economy, or you just like to eat good food, or you want to get inspired and informed listening to two wise voices, including the man dubbed "father of the locavore movement" plan to be at Horizon Books Lower Level on October 10. Enjoy a local foods tasting, followed by a book signing and reading with Gary Nabhan and Stephanie Mills, rounded out by music from Barbara Jordan. What's not to love? Read on for details...

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March of Dimes Chef’s Dinner

Great event supporting an even better cause. Check out the 6th annual dinner at the Hagerty Center on Wednesday, October 1st.