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 is made up of two peninsulas in the Great Lakes region. The Mitten State got its nickname from the shape of the Lower Peninsula, which is shaped like a mitten. Detroit is the largest city here but the capital is Lansing. Other important cities are Grand Rapids and the university town of Ann Arbor.
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.
The state's population boasts an interesting and exciting ethnic diversity. Minorities include African Americans, Latinos, Hmong, Arabic peoples and Japanese. Most Michiganders have European ancestry, with immigrants having come especially from Germany, Ireland, Poland, Britain, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and Italy.
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.
At different times of the year there are different festivals that celebrate the many agricultural products of Michigan. Keep an eye out for these when you visit. However, if the thought of going to a festival completely dedicated to something like cherries or pickles doesn't really appeal to you, you may prefer the restaurant weeks in cities like Ann Arbor or 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.
With so many delectable options to choose from, it can be hard deciding where to dine when you visit Michigan. Of course you can check the travel and restaurant guides for ideas or let your nose and stomach guide you. However, a great way to discover the many tastes of the Mitten State is to go on a food tour.
Michigan is made up of two peninsulas in the Great Lakes region. The Mitten State got its nickname from the shape of the Lower Peninsula, which is shaped like a mitten. Detroit is the largest city here but the capital is Lansing. Other important cities are Grand Rapids and the university town of Ann Arbor.
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.
The state's population boasts an interesting and exciting ethnic diversity. Minorities include African Americans, Latinos, Hmong, Arabic peoples and Japanese. Most Michiganders have European ancestry, with immigrants having come especially from Germany, Ireland, Poland, Britain, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and Italy.
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.
At different times of the year there are different festivals that celebrate the many agricultural products of Michigan. Keep an eye out for these when you visit. However, if the thought of going to a festival completely dedicated to something like cherries or pickles doesn't really appeal to you, you may prefer the restaurant weeks in cities like Ann Arbor or 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.
With so many delectable options to choose from, it can be hard deciding where to dine when you visit Michigan. Of course you can check the travel and restaurant guides for ideas or let your nose and stomach guide you. However, a great way to discover the many tastes of the Mitten State is to go on a food tour.
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