Up North Foodies

Rhubarb

Young men may turn to love, but in the spring this young-ish woman's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of rhubarb.

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Sustainability Uncorked!

Give new life to empty wine bottles with the Sustainability Uncorked Project!

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Grape trial planted this month

Cari Noga writes in Michigan Grapevine that the one-acre trial plot of about 18 different grape varieties is being planted this week at MSU's research station in Berrien County, and a second plot is slated for planting May 27-28 at MSU's Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station in Leelanau County. Noga also links to her recent story about the grape trial and the demand for grapes in Michigan Blue magazine.

Culinary Tours in Leelanau and Petoskey

Whether you're a visitor or a local, check out Learn Great Foods for a great way to experience the local foods of northern Michigan. Now in its fourth year, the agritourism company was started by Ann Dougherty to teach people about the link between sustainable farming, great cooking and the environment. Ann organizes tours and retreats in northern Michigan that feature chocolate, fishing, CSA farms, and a whole host of shops and experiences.

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Cherry Capital Foods Opens Store

Cherry Capital Foods has opened a combination warehouse / grocery store south of Traverse City at 195 US 31 South, about a mile north of Chums Corner. Eric Hahn started Cherry Capital Foods as a distribution business to get local farm products into area restaurants, schools and other businesses. Now with the new store open to the public, anyone can stop by and shop for all local and Michigan produce, meats and food products, or place orders via phone or fax for pick-up at the store or for UPS shipment. Visit the company web site for more information. Also check out Feeding the Demand for Local Goods in today's Traverse City Record-Eagle.

A Beautiful Day for Blossoms

What a great day for the Leelanau Cherry Blossom Tour! Blue skies and white blossoms against the backdrop of Leelanau's rolling hills and the deep blues of Lake Michigan made for scenic vistas all along the tour.

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TC Downtown Farmers Market Begins Season Tomorrow

The Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market kicks off its Saturday market in Traverse City, Michigan, starting tomorrow. You'll find it in the parking lot across from Clinch Park. The City Market, located at the Railway Station at 8th and Woodmere near the library, is already underway, and other markets in the region will be opening soon. Taste the Local Difference has a list of northern Michigan farm markets online. Check it out and visit your local farm markets!

More on the 2008 Northern Michigan Wine Summit

Check out this video on the 2008 Northern Michigan Wine Summit, held April 28 at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City, Michigan.

In another summit follow-up, Cari Noga writes on her blog Michigan Grapevine today about No.Mi.Wi., which organized the summit for sponsors the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association and the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula. No.Mi.Wi. is now looking to become a permanent organization to market both the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas' wines with a unified voice, and better yet, the region as a destination.

Empire Asparagus Festival May 16

Just knowing the Empire Asparagus Festival is but a week away makes me smile. Plentiful local produce will soon be here!

Now in its fifth year, the festival is scheduled for May 16-18, and includes a poetry contest, cook off, fun run, Asparagus Fest dinner, local wine tasting, kids games and of course, the Asparagus Parade, where saluting asparagus is required!

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Chef Perry Harmon’s Blueberry Lavender Swirled Coffee Cake

Food for Thought just posted this recipe for Blueberry Lavender Swirled Coffee Cake on their blog from Chef Perry Harmon's Peninsula Kitchen, which airs on the fourth Monday of the month on 7&4 News Today and 7&4 News at 5pm. Chef Harmon and the station have teamed up to bring us great recipes using local products. Make sure to check out the Peninsula Kitchen website, which archives the recipes and includes video of Chef Harmon at work. The coffee cake features Food for Thought's Organic Blueberry Lavender Preserves and Shetler's milk. This one looks great for a Mother's Day Brunch!

Kudos to Forty-Five North

Congratulations to winemaker Shawn Walters and Forty-Five North, Michigan's newest winery, for snagging three "Double Gold - Best of Class" medals and a "Best of Show" distinction at last week's 2008 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition in California.

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Festival of Tables this weekend

Festival of Tables to benefit Child & Family Services is slated for May 9 & 10 at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City. The festival is the primary fundraising event for Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan. Festival of Tables celebrates the art of home entertaining. Highlights include gourmet hors d'oeuvres Friday evening by many of the area's finest restaurants, and a gourmet luncheon on Saturday created by Grandview Catering. Tickets are $100 for the Friday night Gala Preview, and $50 for the Saturday luncheon. That money supports a good cause: an organization that helps children and families in our community.

Cherry Blossom Tour returns to Leelanau County May 10

For years, Leelanau County celebrated the Cherry Blossom Tour, but had long been discontinued the practice. Until this year, that is. Next Saturday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. you can get on board a BATA bus to tour one of the most beautiful spots on Earth. It's easy to get jaded when you live in the midst of it, but take the time to stop and savor the blossoms this spring. You won't regret it. And those are the memories that help get us through February!

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Farmers face skyrocketing costs

Rising costs put the squeeze on local farmers as they face a growing season unlike any other. Check out Input costs skyrocket, hurt farmers in today's Traverse City Record-Eagle.