Posts for Articles section of Food page.
Since 2015, Taste the Local Difference has been publishing an annual food guide focused on the bounty available in our state. If you're curious about past editions, you can peruse digital versions here. Meanwhile, the Traverse City-based marketing and food consulting agency is prepping to release its 2022 edition. The 100-page magazine celebrates Michigan’s local food culture
According to Feeding America, 1,299,020 people in Michigan are facing hunger, and 305,190 of them are children. The need for children becomes even more drastic as the academic year comes to a close, and many meals provided through schools become unavailable. That is the driving force behind a food drive by Busch’s Fresh Food Market that is running from
When I was a little girl, the Easter Bunny always seemed to have a partnership with Sanders, as was reflected in my basket. I was a Detroit kid, so naturally that made sense. Luckily, our favorite furry friend of spring seems to have an excellent relationship with several companies throughout the state. In case you’re looking to
Each spring, as the days get longer and the temperatures begin to rise, Michiganders head out into the woods to take part in the state’s oldest agricultural activity…tapping maple trees for sap to be turned into mouth-watering maple syrup, candies and other sweet treats. This year, 24 members of the Michigan Maple Syrup Association (spread out throughout
At this time of year, you can find them for sale around nearly every corner. That’s because we love Halloween, but also because Michigan farmers grow nearly 80 million pounds of pumpkins each year. You can carve them, roast the seeds, toss some in a smoothie, make soup, and a myriad of other things. Of course, lots
When travelers cross the Ambassador Bridge into the United States, they land immediately in Mexicantown. I don’t know about you, but I find that a bit amusing. Can’t help but wonder if it has ever confused anyone to be greeted by Mexican flags when entering the U.S. Unfortunately, these days, there are less people crossing that border.
They say life is like a bowl of cherries. I’m not sure what that means in other places, but here in Michigan, if your life is well represented by a bowl of cherries then it must be pretty darn good. Cherries are spectacular for our economy, and of course they are exceptionally tasty, which is why they
Summer wouldn’t be the same without indulging in some sweet, cold, creamy, decadent treats, but how far would you go to satisfy a craving for creamy, dreamy, greatness? Whether you prefer a cup or a cone, vanilla or chocolate, toppings or plain, these little shops are waiting to delight you, and they are worthy of a road
Wisconsin may be known for as the land of Cheeseheads, but that doesn’t mean it’s cornered the market on making or selling cheese, glorious cheese. In fact, it should come as no surprise that a state with well over 1,200 dairy farms, there is in fact, a Michigan cheese trail. If you are a cheese lover, then
In some places Fat Tuesday is also known as Mardi Gras, but here in Michigan, it is more widely nicknamed Paczki Day. Once common only in the Detroit area, particularly in Hamtramck, the tradition has caught on around the state, and this year will be celebrated on February 16. Place orders in advance, or risk standing in
Finally, an American "holiday" is coming along during the pandemic that is literally built around watching TV and eating. Super Bowl Sunday should not only prove to be entertaining with the battle of the rising superstar quarterback VS the greatest of all time, but it also affords us an excellent opportunity to support local businesses while chowing
Perhaps the only thing that can make Michigan’s agricultural products and inventive locally-produced foods even more tantalizing is when talented chefs combine them and take them to a masterful new level. That’s what makes Taste the Local Difference’s (TLD)new digital cookbook such an exciting addition to Michigan’s foodie culture. The Traverse city-based local food marketing company has
Whether it’s a charcoal hibachi at the beach or firing up a gas-powered beast in the backyard, summer is definitely grill season in Michigan. With many of us lounging more at home this year, there’s never been a better time to up your grill game. Here are some flavorful suggestions. Fish Grilled fish is a really healthy
There are few things more refreshing and decadent on a hot summer day than a sweet, creamy, scrumptious scoop of ice cream. Summer road trips often include stops at great joints like Marion’s Dairy Bar in East Tawas, House of Flavors in Ludington, Roaring 20’s in Flushing, The Frozen Flamingo in Munising, and of course the aptly-entitled
June means it’s time to turn our attention toward the contribution of the dads and father figures in our lives. These days, when many of us have had to be apart, this holiday has some extra significance. It is also a more important year than ever to thank your dad with gifts that keep dollars close to
Like most things these days, this will be an especially interesting Mother’s Day. Some families that are usually apart on that day have been quarantined together, while others who are typically able to spend the day together, will be separated for safety. Regardless of circumstance, there are several wonderful ways you can honor mom, while staying safe,
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic will take a toll on our economy, but we can work together to minimize the negative impact. Place carryout orders from local restaurants One of the easiest ways to help, and let’s face it, give yourself a break too, is to pick up a curbside carry-out from your favorite
There is perhaps no more prestigious honor in the restaurant world than to be acknowledged by the James Beard Foundation. Today, there are a dozen chefs and eateries in Michigan with reason to celebrate. The foundation has announced its list of Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists, and Michigan, particularly Detroit, is well-represented. Best New Restaurant: Saffron De
What was once a small chain of Plum Market grocery shops has gradually expanded into several go-to destinations around Metro Detroit. The latest of these Plum Market Kitchens has now opened in the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Plum Market Kitchen is a small-format spin-off of the full organics-focused grocery stores with which the company started.
One of the most significant elements that makes up the food culture of any region is the ethnicity of the people that settle in that area because they bring with them the traditions of their land of origin. One such example is the influx of Polish immigrants to the Detroit area in the late 1800s and early
They say that Super Bowl Sunday is second only to Thanksgiving when it comes to food consumption in a single day in America. That means a lot of dollars being spent, and whether placing an order, or relying on grocery stores, there are plenty of ways to keep things simple and local for the big game. Popcorn
If they’re grown in the summer and sold in the fall, why are so many fruits (yes, they are fruits not veggies) considered to be winter squash? Pumpkins, buttercup, butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash are all part of this family, which is harvested and eaten in the mature fruit stage, meaning the seeds have matured fully and
The air is getting crisper and so are Michigan’s apples. September and October are prime apple-picking months and there are U-Pick orchards all over the state for some fresh food and family fun. Before you head out, here are ten tips for a fruitful experience. Plan Ahead Before you choose your destination orchard, do some investigative work. Find
The season of road trips, picnics, and beach days is upon us. What better time than now to up your snack game? These unique options will tantalize your palate and perhaps even surprise a guest or two. Original Cinnful Crunch When I was a kid I absolutely loved buttered toast, topped with cinnamon and sugar. It was
Throughout the years of running this campaign I’ve met many food producers across the state with remarkably similar origin stories. It all starts with a phenomenal family recipe, followed by the encouragement of loved ones, and then some innovative twists of their own. Granny’s Confections in Howell is no exception to this path to success. In their case it
