Eat Local, West Michigan!

Be a hero. Fight hunger. May 4, 2013

Press Release — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:09:41 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

WHAT: With just over one week left to go until the 36th Annual Access Hunger Walk, agencies across West Michigan are making a final push to raise $150,000 and have 1,000 people in attendance. The community is encouraged to:

1. Donate to the Hunger Walk at accessofwestmichigan.org

2. Form a Hunger Walk team and join the effort to eliminate hunger for Kent County’s 91,000 people living in food insecure households

3. Come dressed as their favorite super hero!

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 8:30am

WHERE: The 5K Walk will begin at First United Methodist Church (207 E. Fulton) and then winds through the East Hills and Wealthy Street neighborhoods of southeast Grand Rapids.

WHO: Access of West Michigan is coordinating the event with 24 hunger-fighting partner agencies that benefit from the Walk proceeds. 75% of all monies raised serves the local population, 25% serves international need.

WHY: People from all backgrounds will participate in the Access Hunger Walk on May 4, raising money for local and international hunger fighting agencies through pledges. Over the course of 35 years, the Hunger Walk has raised over $5.6 million to help provide food for families in need.

For more information visit Access of West Michigan

Pure Michigan and Founders Brewing Co. Launch Craft Beer Contest

Press Release — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:17:32 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

LANSING – With the craft beer craze continuing to sweep the state of Michigan and summer approaching, Pure Michigan and Founders Brewing Co. have teamed up to give fans and craft beer enthusiasts a chance to pick a Founders beer style that best represents Pure Michigan.

The beer chosen by fans will be featured in the Founders tap room in downtown Grand Rapids throughout July as part of Michigan Craft Beer Month.

Starting today and running through Friday, May 3, fans can vote between the following three beer styles – Vanilla Stout, Apple Ale and Wheat IPA – to choose the one they want to try in the Founders taproom. To vote, visit michigan.org/blog. Individuals can vote once a day for the duration of the contest and the winning beer will be announced in May. Participants must be 21 years of age to vote.

“Michigan has a thriving craft beer industry that is building on our tourism efforts by offering visitors unique flavors and memorable experiences,” said George Zimmermann, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Founders is a vibrant and growing company here in Michigan and we are excited to work with them on this fun, beer-inspired contest. And we encourage fans to stop in at the Founders taproom this summer for a taste of Pure Michigan craft beer.”

Home to more than 100 breweries, Michigan is fifth in the nation for the number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs. Grand Rapids, home of Founders, shared the designation of Beer City USA with four-time winner Asheville, North Carolina in 2012. Michigan’s craft beer industry grew by 20 percent in 2012, outpacing the national industry growth rate by 12 percent, and has a total economic impact of more than $133 million in the state.

Michigan’s craft brewers are also part of a close knit community, promoting all that the Great Beer State has to offer.

“On a given weekend in our taproom, our staff will check the IDs of people from Grand Rapids to Detroit to Chicago to Louisville and beyond,” said Dave Engbers, Co-Founder and Vice President of Brand & Education at Founders Brewing Co. “Having so many great beer destinations in Grand Rapids and across the Great Beer State brings new people into town and keeps others coming back.”

For rules and regulations or for more information on voting, please visit michigan.org/blog. Pure Michigan and Founders Brewing Co. remind everyone to drink responsibly. When enjoying a brewery tour or visiting a taproom, please use a designated driver, call a cab or use public transportation. Founders is conveniently located across the street from the Rapid bus station.

For more information on beer trail suggestions and brewery tours, visit michigan.org/breweries.

Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, markets the state’s tourism industry and provides valuable visitor information services. For Michigan travel news and updates, go to michigan.org.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead agency for business, talent and jobs, with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy. For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: MichiganAdvantage.org.

Simply Eight {Giveaway!}

wendy — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:51:59 +0000

It’s been awhile since I featured a Made in Michigan item, so I was glad when Simply Eight contacted me to find out if I’d review their cookies and granola bars. While not made in Michigan, they are a Michigan-based company.

I love how their products are eight ingredients or less – and it’s stuff you’ve heard of! And while they don’t quite taste homemade, they are really good. Better yet, 120 or so calories per serving!

You can find their products at Meijer, or read more about the company in a recent article in the Grand Rapids Business Journal.

One lucky reader will win two boxes of granola bars and two boxes of cookies!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: Entries limited to ages 18 and up, U.S. only.

Governor Snyder Declares April “Michigan Wine Month”

Press Release — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:01:40 +0000

Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant. Photo courtesy of Michigan Wines

PRESS RELEASE

LANSING — Governor Rick Snyder has declared April as “Michigan Wine Month” to honor Michigan’s wide selection of quality wines and the wine industry’s significant contribution to the economy. Sales of Michigan wine in the state rose more than 6 percent in 2012, while total wine sales increased just 1 percent. Michigan wine sales have outpaced total wine sales over the past 10 years, doubling Michigan wineries’ market share to 6.5 percent.

The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council has added 11 new wineries to its roster over the last year — for a total of 101 wineries that support Michigan agriculture by using primarily Michigan grapes and other fruit for their wines. Michigan’s wineries welcome more than 1 million visitors to their tasting rooms each year, and Michigan’s wine and grape industries contribute more than $800 million to the state’s economy annually.

“I am proud to acknowledge the outstanding recent growth of the Michigan wine industry,” noted Gordon Wenk, Chief Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, and Chair of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. “The industry is a shining example of value-added agriculture, contributing to the agricultural and tourism economies of our beautiful state. The quality of our wines, unique local foods and the scenic beauty of ‘Pure Michigan’ make Michigan an unparalleled winery touring region in the U.S.”

Michigan wines consistently win high awards at competitions around the country, and Michigan increasingly is recognized nationally for the quality of the wines produced. Increased interest and demand for these high-quality wines has sparked an increase in wine grape vineyards. Michigan’s wine grape acreage doubled over the past decade from 1,300 acres to 2,650 acres, according to a report released last summer by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service. The USDA report is based on the 2011 Michigan Fruit Survey, which collected data from grape growers throughout the state. The complete results of the survey are available online and can be accessed fromwww.michiganwines.com/fast-facts.

April is a great time to kick off winery touring. Travelers can benefit from off-season rates and overnight packages at hotels and B&Bs near wine country. Tasting rooms are less busy in the spring, and tasting room staff are delighted to provide visitors with extra attention. Michigan wineries will begin to release new white wines from the 2012 vintage in April, as part of their Michigan Wine Month promotion. Most of the red wines from 2012 won’t be released for a year or two, but some reds from the outstanding 2011 vintage will be released this spring.

Many events are planned this spring and early summer that will provide opportunities to meet winemakers and sample a variety of Michigan wines, including:

• Michigan Wine Showcase: April 15 – The Rattlesnake Club, Detroit (www.michiganwines.com/showcase)

• Michigan Wine Celebration: April 20-21 – Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail (www.pioneerwinetrail.com)

• Spring Sip & Savor: May 4-5 – Leelanau Peninsula Vintners (www.lpwines.com)

• Blossom Day: May 18 – Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (www.wineriesofoldmission.com)

• Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival: June 15 – Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country (www.miwinetrail.com)

April will also see the release of the 2013 Michigan Wine Country magazine, an indispensable guide to the wines and wineries of Michigan, featuring maps and touring information. Michigan Wine Country is available online at www.michiganwines.com. Pick up a free copy at any Michigan winery or Travel Michigan Welcome Center. To request a copy, visitwww.michiganwines.com or contact the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council at 517-241-1207.

Our Brewing Company (Holland): A Review

wendy — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:38:50 +0000

There have been so many breweries opening up in West Michigan that I’m embarrassed to admit that I am slacking on trying them all out! This past weekend my husband and I decided to remedy that by going to Our Brewing Company in Holland, MI.

They opened up next door to New Holland last October, and are still growing into the pub. Brewing 15 gallons at a time, they tend to run out (as was the case this past weekend – we went on a Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, and there were no dark beers on tap). But it’s a cozy little taproom and the servers are pleasant enough.

I ordered the sampler and DH ordered a cider.

We agreed that the beers are solid, but not spectacular. The toasted cider was our favorite by far.

“The two ciders are great. The beers are ok. Nothing wrong with them just nothing I really want. I would say I liked the farmhouse the best of the beers,” said my husband. If you are into the out of the ordinary flavors, the Foreign Market Pale has a strong fenugreek (maple syrup-ish) flavor. I wish they had used some Hefeweisen yeast to add some banana and clove notes to help balance the sweetness.

Overall, it was a good experience and it’s a nice addition to the Holland beer scene. It will be fun to watch it grow, and I’d love to go back to try some of their darker beers when they are back on tap.

There’s Nothing Like Michigan Maple Syrup!

wendy — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:01:30 +0000

Photo from http://www.mi-maplesyrup.com

For some reason, sugaring season always catches me off guard. I look at the March events and see maple sugar events and I always say, “already?” Yep! It’s here!

According to the Michigan Maple Syrup Association, Michigan ranks 5th in the U.S. for maple syrup production. They also have a handy list of producers on their website so you can get it directly from the source. (Of course, it’s also a great item to pick up at farmer’s markets)

If you’d like to make a family outing of maple syrup festivities, you might want to check these out:

Backyard Maple Sugaring at Blandford Nature Center (March 2, 10am-4 pm)

Have you ever wanted to tap into that large sugar maple in your backyard and make some LOCAL maple syrup? Then this is the workshop for you! Join Blandford maple experts to learn the entire process of harvesting, processing and enjoying Michigan syrup.

Lunch will be provided.

The cost is $40 member/ $48 non member .
Adult and Teens only please.
Space is limited to 15 people, so RSVP soon!

Blandford Nature Center Sugarbush Festival (March 9, 9 am – 5 pm)

Our annual Sugarbush Festival!

This year, our theme is local sustainable harvests-with Maple Syrup being the first Michigan harvest of the season, we’re happy to bring you some maple treats!

Stay tuned for more information… once details are finalized.

Cost for admission will be $5 Members/ $6 Non-members

Circle Pines Center Maple Syrup Weekends (March 8-10 and 15-17)

With a little help from mother nature, the sweet smell of boiling sap will fill the air these weekends. Join us for a weekend in the sugar bush when the forest transforms into this agricultural opus. Learn how to tap trees, hang buckets, collect and boil sap, and create the ambrosial nectar we call maple syrup. The climax of the weekends’ efforts will be a pancake breakfast where we savor the smoky, sweet fruits of our labor. We’ll also be inviting a local musician to help entertain us on Saturday night. Two nights and five meals. COST: $130 (non-members); $110 (members); Kids (4-17) 1/2 price!

Kalamazoo Nature Center Maple Sugar Festival (March 16 & 17)

Join us for our 48^th Annual Maple Sugar Festival! Maple treats and fun activities await you at this celebration of the coming of spring. Start your day off with pancakes and real Michigan maple syrup! Take a stroll through the woods on a maple sugar tour to see how maple syrup is made in our sugaring shack. A maple carnival full of games and activities for the whole family will be set up in the Interpretive Center. Finish off your day with a maple syrup and ice cream treat!

Crystal Mountain Maple Syrup Festival (March 23)

Tree tapping demonstrations, maple syrup vendors, cooking demos, chainsaw wood carving demonstration, and pancakes drenched in delicious northern Michigan maple syrup are just a few of the highlights.

Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival (April 25-28)

Shepherd, Michigan (on US 127 between Alma and Mt. Pleasant)

Activities: Pancake, syrup, and sausage meals; 5K run; Tractor pulls; Sugar Bush open house and syrup sales; Amusement rides; Arts and Crafts; Parade; Classic Car and Antique Tractor displays; Historical Society, Train Depot, and Little Red School House Museums.

Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival (April 26-28)

Vermontville, MI (Southwest of Lansing, MI)

Several programs throughout the weekend, typically featuring activities at the Maple Manor (maple syrup, blacksmith, and woodworking demonstrations), arts & crafts show, breakfasts, dinners, BBQs, Little Miss Maple Syrup Pageant.

Want to know what to do with all that syrup (other than topping pancakes, of course!)? Check out 10 Maple Syrup Recipes at my blog The Local Cook.

West Michigan Home & Garden Show Coming Feb 28 – March 3

Press Release — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:37:30 +0000

I’ll be helping out at the Slow Food West Michigan booth on Thursday, stop by and say hello!

PRESS RELEASE

As February turns to March, the 2013 West Michigan Home and Garden Show will fill DeVos Place with hundreds of products and services, dozens of free seminars and demonstrations, contests and attractions, and, of course, plenty of gorgeous indoor gardens to delight all of your senses. With over 350 exhibitors packing the exhibition halls and the Grand Gallery, you’ll find everything you need for your home, inside and outside!

Here’s a guide to just some of the show’s special features and highlights:

HGTV Star Cari Cucksey - Michigan native Cari Cucksey hosts the HGTV hit show Cash & Cari.  When she’s not on TV, Cucksey is an “Antiques Matchmaker” who gives dusty relics a new lease on life – she runs RePurpose Estate Services and operates The RePurpose Shop out of Westland Michigan. Come hear her story on the Home Stage, meet her in person, and be inspired to turn that old piece of furniture from your basement into a new treasure.

Joe Lamp’l – Growing a Greener World - Widely known as “Joe Gardener,” Lamp’l is one of the country’s most trusted authorities on gardening and sustainability.    He is the host and producer of Public Television’s Growing a Greener World, where his passion for living a more eco-friendly life is evident to his nationwide audience. Join Joe on the Garden Stage to learn about the latest trends in sustainable living, mixed with traditional gardening know-how! Joe Lamp’l is presented by Farm Bureau Insurance.

Keeping It Local - We’re proud that over 300 of our exhibitors are local businesspeople and companies who care about and support our community, and who provide outsanding service to their customers.   Come meet them, and feel good knowing they’ll be around to take care of you after the Show is over. The Show is also a proud member of Local First.

Garden and Art Market  - A show within the Show!  Come browse the most colorful booths in the show, full of unique and inspired garden accessories, plants, decor, art, food and gifts from the area’s best artists and finest local nurseries and garden shops. It’s shopping at its best.

A Garden For Joy – The AGRLP Feature Garden - Led this year by Mike Van Duine of Wabeke Lawn Service, the Association of Grand Rapids Landscape Professionals again creates a fantastic centerpiece for the show!    This year’s Feature Garden is a tribute to Mike’s mother, and is an amazing retreat for families, including an infinity edge pool, a lifesize checkerboard, playscape area, and restful fire pit conversation area for when the sun goes down. Get inspired to create your own family retreat!

Saturday is Family Day - The whole family can get involved in activites from cooking and building to bird watching and fairy gardens.  Children get in free until noon,  and the morning is jam-packed with activitities that will entertain kids so Mom and Dad can spend more time with all the experts they need for their home and garden projects.

Pancake Breakfast  - On Saturday, from 9am – 11am, kick off Family Day with all you can eat pancakes, sausage, orange drink and coffee.   Cost is just $5, and proceeds benefit The Home Builders Association Foundation.  The HBA Foundation builds hope and strengthens community by providing special needs housing for disabled individuals, and granting scholarships to college students in the building-related industries.  (Note: the show opens at 10am).

Standard Kitchens Cooking Stage – GREAT GRAINS! - Our popular chef Angus Campbell, from GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, is presenting delicious foods made with high-fiber and nutritionally-rich grains. Whole grains are loaded with vitamins and minerals and may help fight heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more. Plus, they taste delicious!   This year’s menu includesToasted Barley Pilaf, Beluga Lentil Salad, Wild Mushroom and Quinoa Salad, and Millet Crunch.

Over a Dozen Indoor Gardens - Spring is definitely in the air at DeVos Place! In addition to the inspiring Feature Garden by the AGRLP, you’ll find more magnificent indoor landscapes at every turn. Our area’s premier landscapers are here to show off their best work, and the results will wow you. Whether you have acres for your own landscaping, or just a window box to work with, you’re sure to pick up plenty of ideas to take home.

Garden Stage - The Garden Stage is packed with back-to-back seminars starting every half hour all weekend long! Presented by the area’s leaders in gardening, landscaping, soil and tree care, and more, a visit to the garden stage is an opportunity to learn everything you need to know, in one place. Speakers are from Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Michigan Nursery & Landscape Assocation and MSU Extension Horticulture Educators.

Smart Gardening - MSU Extension horticulture educators will be presenting “smart gardening” techniques in a variety of free seminars on the Garden Stage, as well as being onsite throughout the show to talk with visitors in their Smart Garden. Come prepared with all of your toughest questions and stop by their garden, by the Garden Stage, for their expert assistance.

Standard Flower Show - Sponsored by District IV of the Michigan Garden Clubs. The theme of this year’s show is “”Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” Come enjoy stunning entries in the horticulture and design competitions, located at the back of the Grand Gallery.

HBA Pro Pavilion - The place to go for all your building and remodeling needs is the Pro Pavilion!   “Start Here” to connect with expert members of the Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, who are committed to providing quality homes, buildings, renovations, products and services for the entire region through adherence to ethical practices, community involvement, advocacy, and education.

Home Stage - This is the stage to head for if you want new ways to make your home as beautiful and comfortable as it can be! Everyone’s favorite florist J Schwanke is back for Fun With Flowers and J.  Great interior design ideas from Leslie Hart-Davidson Design, tips to get your home energy effiecient from the West Michigan Environmental Action Council, and much more!

MadDog and Merrill, known nationwide as The Grilling Buddies, presented by DTE Energy. Their fun-filled seminars will make anyone, pro or novice, a better griller. The duo has been featured on ESPN and The Travel Channel. Their demos include everything from vegetables to roasts to desserts to appetizers, proving their motto, “There’s nothing you can’t cook on a grill!”

Make a Rain Barrel - Using rain barrels is an effective and easy strategy for conserving water, managing community storm water issues, and improving water quality. The West Michigan Environmental Action Council provides low-cost rain barrels to the region as a means of addressing water conservation and pollution issues in West Michigan. WMEAC will have walk-up workshops onsite where you can make your own rain barrel for a minimal cost and take it home with you!

Full year subscriptions to Better Homes & Gardens Magazine included with your online ticket

Purchase your tickets to the Show at www.GRHomeShow.com

Discounted tickets are available at all participating area Home Depot locations. Discount weekday adult admission coupons are available online at www.GRHomeShow.com and at Wendy’s.

Dates & Times                                                                                      Admission

Thursday, February 28          3 pm – 9:00pm                                    Adults: $10.00

Friday, March 1                      Noon – 9:00pm                                   Children (6-14): $4.00

Saturday, March                     10 am – 9:00pm                                  5 & Under: Free

Sunday, 2March 3                  11 am – 6pm

Free Fishing Weekend in Michigan!

wendy — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:31:57 +0000

Next weekend is a great opportunity to try fishing for FREE! All fishing license fees will be waived for two days, February 16 and 17, 2013.

I have fond memories of ice fishing when I was a little girl. I’d bundle up, my Dad and I would stop at Gillet’s for some waxworms, and we’d head out to the lake. Sometimes he’d even let me try to chip through the ice with the spud. If the fish weren’t biting, I’d get bored and cold real fast. If they were biting, I could stay out there for hours. I would watch the fish on the ice, and put them in the bucket before heading for home.

My Dad would fill the sink with water and put the fish in there to thaw; as they warmed up the fish would start flopping around, much to my and my sisters’ delight. That night we’d have fried fish for dinner.

Why not make some memories of your own this weekend? Here’s a recipe for pan-fried fish from my other blog.

For complete details about Free Fishing Weekend, check out the DNR Website.

P.S. Be sure to brush up on ice fishing safety.

Valentine Ideas for West Michigan Local Foodies

wendy — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:40:45 +0000

Even if you are unattached, Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to splurge on chocolate and go out to eat. Below are some ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in West Michigan.

Special Dinners

Check out the restaurant directory for locally-inspired fare. Of special note: The Saburba Dinner at Sietsema Orchards~ Feast for Aphrodite on Feb. 13. and Artful Dining – Kissing with Klimt (Valentine’s Day!) at Bar Divani.

Wine Tasting

Check out the Love, Wine & Chocolate event at Robinette’s on February 9. Feeling adventurous? Take a trip on the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.

Weekend Getaways

The weather outside may be frightful, but a romantic weekend for two is delightful. Head out to Traverse City Winter Microbrew & Music Festival or the Michigan Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, both on February 9. The following weekend, February 16, you can Romance the Riesling on Old Mission Peninsula.

P.S. . . . Don’t Forget the Chocolate.

Want even more ideas? Check out the GRNOW Valentine’s Day Event Guide

Consider Adding Hops to Your Garden This Year

wendy — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:04:12 +0000

It’s that time of year again to order rhizomes! Whether you’re a homebrewer, herbalist, or just want a beautiful addition to your garden, consider planting hops this year!

Sicilianos Market is now taking orders for hops rhizomes, $5 each. Order by Sunday February 25 by emailing greg@sicilianosmkt.com.

They’re fairly easy to grow (speaking from experience). Plant by the end of May and they will grow like a weed. Harvest in late August or September. They don’t need constant watering. For more growing info, check out these websites:

http://www.freshops.com/

http://www.beersmith.com/blog/2008/04/10/growing-hops-in-the-garden-how-to-grow-beer-hops/

http://www.growinghopsyourself.com/

and soon your yard will look like this: