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.
The combination of a diverse population and a huge variety of available foodstuffs has done wonders for Michigan's cuisine. A chicken salad here isn't just a chicken salad but usually includes locally grown cherries or apples. The immigrant populations brought brewing and wine-making industries to the state too and ethnic foods are easy to find. One dish that is a popular specialty of the Upper Peninsula is the pasty, brought here by Cornish miners. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss the creamy fudge made 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.
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.
The combination of a diverse population and a huge variety of available foodstuffs has done wonders for Michigan's cuisine. A chicken salad here isn't just a chicken salad but usually includes locally grown cherries or apples. The immigrant populations brought brewing and wine-making industries to the state too and ethnic foods are easy to find. One dish that is a popular specialty of the Upper Peninsula is the pasty, brought here by Cornish miners. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss the creamy fudge made 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.
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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