9 Bean Rows Opens Bakery

Jen and Nic Welty of 9 Bean Rows opened their Traverse City bakery on Front St. earlier this week. Over the past couple years they've offered Jen's delicious croissants, tarts, breads and other baked goods at local farmer's markets, but the new storefront gives them a welcome presence throughout the week. Today we tried the cream cheese croissant and Jen's "new favorite pastry" a brioche royale. This muffin-sized brioche is filled with pastry cream, cinnamon and raisins and is soaked in a simple syrup. It sounds so rich, but was surprisingly light. And the combination of cream cheese, croissant and powdered sugar was a big hit too. To satisfy your sweet tooth, or to grab a loaf of bread, make sure to stop by. The bakery is open Tuesday-Saturday from 7 a.m. until noon. You'll find it as 439 E Front St. where the Cooks' House used to be. (And don't worry...the Cooks' House is still here. They just relocated to the Wellington Market around the corner on Wellington.)

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Have you visited a Northwest Michigan winery or other agri-tourism destination?

MSU research study looks at NW Michigan agri-tourism experiences.

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Northern Natural Winery’s Grand Opening Tomorrow

Northern Natural Winery is holding a Grand Opening October 16 featuring live music, wine tastings, and a meet-and-greet with six area vendors whose products are sold in the winery and available for sampling. Located at the corner of US-31 and M-115 in Benzonia, the winery offers a new Riesling, a variety of fruit wines -- apple, peach, cherry and strawberry -- along with organic hard cider and the rare iced apple cider. Learn more here.

Farm 651 Market Is Now Open

We have opened our pavilion-style market in Cedar.

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A Little Love for Crooked Tree Breadworks

The Petoskey News-Review writes about a gem of a place in No secrets at Crooked Tree Breadworks. So true. I've had a print-out of their Mixed Berry Scones recipe in my cupboard for about a year and finally made them last week. A definite hit, and I already bought the ingredients to make them again. Glad that recipe isn't a secret!

MLUI - The Video

Last Friday was the "World Premier" of MLUI : The Movie, with some good material on local food.

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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.

Looking for the Best Buffets & All-You-Can-Eats

WJR's "Discover Good Food" is considering doing a show featuring the Best Ofs around Michigan. Care to contribute?

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Freep Finds Us

More coverage of our wonderful local food scene.

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Local TV coverage of local distribution and CSA’s

Local TV News coverage of local distribution and CSA's.

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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.

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Traceablity

Where do the foods come from, what will come in future years? Will our kids, or grandchildren think fish is raised on farms and never know they are from our waters?

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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.