Foodies in the know are raving about a culinary destination you probably never thought of. After all, the Mitten State has more of a reputation as a destination for those who love the outdoors, old-school soul music and cars. However, Michigan restaurants are showing that the gourmet eateries of New York and California are not the only places in America where you'll find dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Michigan got its nickname, the Mitten State, from the peculiar shape of one of the two peninsulas that make up the state. Its largest city is Detroit, also known as the Motor City. Lansing is the state capital and other significant cities are Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids.
While the state is known especially as being a center for the automotive industry, it also boasts vast farmlands. The fertile soils are used to produce a wide range of products, from berries and other fruits like cherries and apples to vegetables and legumes. The livestock industry is extensive too, with dairy and pork just some of the animal products coming from the region. Naturally the many lakes and waterways mean that there is plenty of fresh fish too.
Michiganders are a diverse people. People have settled here from all over Europe, including Germany, Poland, Ireland, Britain, Scandinavia, the Netherlands and Italy. African and Hispanic Americans make up a sizable portion of the population too. The factories of Michigan have also attracted many people of Middle Eastern, Hmong and Japanese descent.
Where there is ethnic diversity, a wide variety of dishes follows. For example, immigrants from Cornwall brought the Cornish pasty to the Upper Peninsula, where it is a local specialty. The Italians and Germans brought the know-how for making wine and beer. Combine all these traditions with an abundance of produce and you have the recipe for fantastic cuisine. The ubiquitous cherry has even found its way into the chicken salads made here. For a heavenly sweet and creamy indulgence, try the fudge they make on Mackinac Island.
A great way to celebrate the produce of Michigan is to attend one of the many food festivals held throughout the year. When it's time for the cherry harvest, there are cherry festivals and when asparagus season starts, there's a festival dedicated to these tasty green stalks. There is even a pickle festival. If you prefer a little more culinary variety, try the restaurant weeks of Ann Arbor and Detroit.
Currently, foodies are flocking to the delights of Traverse City. However, don't forget about Detroit as a gourmet paradise. Just in downtown Detroit alone there are over 130 restaurants. If ethnic food is your thing, try the Polish Hamtramck neighborhood or explore the eateries of Greektown, among others. Don't forget about local fast food either. Detroit has its own take on the deep-dish pizza and if you're craving a hot dog, you simply have to try the Coney Island.
No matter where you are in Michigan, you'll find a great restaurant, deli or farmer's market where you can try the tastes of the Mitten State. Ask around, check the local listings and browse food and travel websites for suggestions. Another option is to let a specialist travel company arrange a culinary tour for you so that you can enjoy the highlights of this gourmet paradise.
Michigan got its nickname, the Mitten State, from the peculiar shape of one of the two peninsulas that make up the state. Its largest city is Detroit, also known as the Motor City. Lansing is the state capital and other significant cities are Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids.
While the state is known especially as being a center for the automotive industry, it also boasts vast farmlands. The fertile soils are used to produce a wide range of products, from berries and other fruits like cherries and apples to vegetables and legumes. The livestock industry is extensive too, with dairy and pork just some of the animal products coming from the region. Naturally the many lakes and waterways mean that there is plenty of fresh fish too.
Michiganders are a diverse people. People have settled here from all over Europe, including Germany, Poland, Ireland, Britain, Scandinavia, the Netherlands and Italy. African and Hispanic Americans make up a sizable portion of the population too. The factories of Michigan have also attracted many people of Middle Eastern, Hmong and Japanese descent.
Where there is ethnic diversity, a wide variety of dishes follows. For example, immigrants from Cornwall brought the Cornish pasty to the Upper Peninsula, where it is a local specialty. The Italians and Germans brought the know-how for making wine and beer. Combine all these traditions with an abundance of produce and you have the recipe for fantastic cuisine. The ubiquitous cherry has even found its way into the chicken salads made here. For a heavenly sweet and creamy indulgence, try the fudge they make on Mackinac Island.
A great way to celebrate the produce of Michigan is to attend one of the many food festivals held throughout the year. When it's time for the cherry harvest, there are cherry festivals and when asparagus season starts, there's a festival dedicated to these tasty green stalks. There is even a pickle festival. If you prefer a little more culinary variety, try the restaurant weeks of Ann Arbor and Detroit.
Currently, foodies are flocking to the delights of Traverse City. However, don't forget about Detroit as a gourmet paradise. Just in downtown Detroit alone there are over 130 restaurants. If ethnic food is your thing, try the Polish Hamtramck neighborhood or explore the eateries of Greektown, among others. Don't forget about local fast food either. Detroit has its own take on the deep-dish pizza and if you're craving a hot dog, you simply have to try the Coney Island.
No matter where you are in Michigan, you'll find a great restaurant, deli or farmer's market where you can try the tastes of the Mitten State. Ask around, check the local listings and browse food and travel websites for suggestions. Another option is to let a specialist travel company arrange a culinary tour for you so that you can enjoy the highlights of this gourmet paradise.
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