Chef Mario Batali To Spend Black Friday in Downtown Traverse City for a Live Remote on the Omelette & Friends Morning Show

Internationally-recognized celebrity chef, restaurateur and part-time Leelanau County resident Mario Batali will join the Omelette & Friends Morning Show on WKLT 97.5/98.9 FM at Horizon Books in downtown Traverse City on Friday, November 28. Omelette & Friends will be broadcasting live Friday, November 28 (8-10am) outside in front of Horizon Books. Mario will join the show at 9:30 am. The interview will be streamed live on www.wklt.com or on the KLT App.

The special "Black Friday" broadcast will encourage shopping in downtown districts throughout Northern Michigan. For culinary aficionados this will also be a unique opportunity to spend time with Mario Batali in his only Michigan appearance to sign copies and discuss his New York Times bestselling book, America—Farm to Table: Simple, Delicious Recipes Celebrating Local Farmers, which was released in October.

"When Mario reached out to us and asked that we coordinate his book signing and only Michigan appearance on his book tour we were honored," said Omelette, host of the Omelette & Friends Morning Show on WKLT. "We immediately asked that the event also promote downtown shopping and he agreed. It's no secret that Mario lives here part time and while he graciously promotes Northern Michigan every chance he gets, his schedule seldom allows for public appearances. We are very excited that during his annual family Thanksgiving visit to Northern Michigan he is taking time for this event."

Following the radio interview Chef will join Rick Coates, Omelette's co-host and producer for a Q&A inside of Horizons Books in the lower level Café. Coates—a long-time food and beverage writer, a former chef to rock stars and friend of Mario—will ask Chef Batali questions about the new America: Farm to Table book, as well as questions about cooking and food preparations tips, behind the scenes of Mario's award-winning show “The Chew,” his favorite places in Northern Michigan and more. Audience members will get an opportunity to submit questions. Seating will be available and there is no cost for the Q&A, which should begin around 9:45 am.

Copies of the 352-page cookbook, which includes brief profiles of some northern Michigan farmers, will be available for purchase for $35. Mario will also sign copies upon request. He says the book celebrates American farmers: their high-quality products and their culture, defined by hard work, integrity and pride.

“This book is a loose itinerary, or road map, that will hopefully lead you to develop relationships with local farmers, but also to enjoy the improvisational style of cooking that will elevate the flavor of the dishes you create when you buy products from a farm or at a farmers’ market and bring them directly to your table,” says Mario Batali on the book cover.

Among the featured farmers is Bardenhagen Farms in Sutton’s Bay, noted for its fruit (including cherries). Mario shares the story from Vernon to Ryan to the next generation with Ginger and her brother Chris.

In researching this latest title, Mario traveled to 14 cities across the country, interviewing chefs and their suppliers, crafting together “a highly entertaining behind-the scenes look at the business of small farming” writes Publishers Week. “The beautifully produced work at times has the feel of being two different books sewn together. And that’s not a bad thing. On one hand, celebrity master chef Batali comes through again with an inspired collection of appetizers, soups, main dishes, sandwiches, and desserts. Most of his more than 100 recipes, unsurprisingly, have an Italian spin.”

The James Beard Award Winning Mario Batali counts 24 restaurants, nine cookbooks, numerous television shows and the 50,000-square-foot Eataly marketplace among his ever-expanding empire of deliciousness.

Salt of the Earth Presents 2014 Michigan 'Surprise' Dinner Series

Southwest Michigan’s premier farm-to-fork eatery Salt of the Earth announces its 2014 Michigan ‘Surprise’ Dinner Series. “We love ‘playing with our food’ and beverage. Come out and have some fun with us!” says proprietor Mark Schrock. “At Salt of the Earth we are always ‘cooking in the moment’, so we thought we’d have some fun and introduce the element of the “unexpected” into these three dinners. We really enjoy working outside of the box, and we intend to push the envelope of the food and beverage experience. ” adds Executive Chef Matthew Pietsch. Space is limited and reservations are required by calling 269.561.7258.

The three events planned for winter/ spring 2014 include:

Thursday February 20- The ‘Not-Your- Average’ Wine Dinner- featuring the award winning wines and celebrated winemaker Coenraad Stassen from Brys Estate. Enjoy these sought after wines in a creative five course dinner from Chef Matthew Pietsch and the SotE culinary team. Expect the unexpected! 6:30PM $75 per person + tax and gratuity.

Thursday March 27- ‘Shorts Brewery Beer Dinner and ‘Roast’ Reunion!’ Shorts Brewing Company's mission and culture pairs perfectly with everything we love about food and hospitality! We will celebrate the best that Shorts has to offer with seasonal and perfectly crafted brews. Join our friends from Shorts, along with a Mid-West cast of guest chef alumni from Michael Symon’s ‘Roast’! 6:30PM $75 per person, plus tax & gratuity.

Thursday April 24- ‘Bubbles and Booze- a Michigan Cocktail Party’- join in the fun with Mike Laing from Mawby and M. Lawrence sparkling wine, and the good folks from Coppercraft Distillery in Holland. Enjoy imaginative cocktails, sparkling wines, and an evening full of creative bites, unexpected flavors, and lively execution from Chef Matthew and guest Chef Jesse Hahn from ‘Fork in the Road’. PLUS dueling pianos by Hugh Little and David Raffenaud!!! $60.00 per person plus tax and gratuity.

Salt of the Earth- rustic American eatery and bakery is located in a historic building in downtown Fennville, in the heart of southwest Michigan farm and orchard country. A meal at the restaurant is an authentic Midwest American rustic food experience, built from a foundation of fresh high quality seasonal ingredients from growers within a fifty-mile radius of Allegan County. Under the direction of Chef Matthew Pietsch, the SotE kitchen cooks from scratch to create dinner entrees, wood oven fired pizzas, creative soups, fresh salads, desserts, and artisan breads.

A full-service bar proudly serves Michigan craft beers, hard ciders, spirits, and wines alongside other domestic and international products. Salt of the Earth is also a popular entertainment destination presenting the finest roots musicians on the scene at weekly house concerts.

Expect a high quality destination dining experience in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Please call 269.561.7258 or visit www.saltoftheearthfennville.com for menus, current hours of operation, house concert, and event schedules.

Salt of the Earth
114 East Main Street
Fennville MI 49408
269.561.SALT (7258)
info@saltoftheearthfennville.com
www.saltoftheearthfennville.com
www.facebook.com/saltoftheearthfennville

Café Cortina Carries On Family Tradition of Pairing Business with Local Philanthropy

When Café Cortina first opened the doors of its Italian eatery in the suburbs of Metro Detroit in 1976, it was with a sense of family tradition and community responsibility inspired by old world philosophies. Now, more than 35 years later, and under the direction of its second generation, Café Cortina retains its presence as one the country’s leading culinary destinations.

Located in an Italian countryside vineyard setting in Farmington Hills, Michigan and under the auspices of the Tonon family, Café Cortina started out as a “best kept secret” restaurant that has turned into a world-class foodie destination. This authentic Northern Italian eatery operates with a passion for people, memorably delicious food, genuine Italian hospitality, and an inspired philosophy of making a positive difference in their local community and beyond.

From the beginning, Café Cortina’s menu has reflected traditional hearty Northern Italian food from 150 years ago, presented in an exquisite and modern way. Although a popular restaurant trend today, this ‘true’ Italian gem is one of the first garden-to-table restaurants in the country. The café has always had their own onsite garden, producing about 70% of needed summer produce including herbs, tomatoes and peppers for roasting, creating a menu that is seasonally-influenced. Ingredients are mainly sourced in Italy, Michigan and California, with everything made in-house – including pasta and desserts.

In its nearly four decade long history as one of the more noteworthy metro Detroit “heart and soul” businesses making a difference, the locally- and nationally-acclaimed Café Cortina, has consistently strived to be more than just a restaurant.

“Breaking bread is one of the most powerful tools in life,” says Adrian Tonon, Director of Operations, third generation restaurateur, and son of co-founders, Rina Tonon and the late Adriano Tonon, “Food brings people together and, for us, it is a catalyst to making a positive difference in other people’s lives. Chefs, restaurateurs, and foodies need to create awareness that ‘we can help’ and we can change the world with food. When you’re in the hospitality industry, you touch one person at a time, but we all need to challenge ourselves to touch those outside the restaurant.”

From previously hosting a show intended for the Fine Living Network called “Culture Café” to his current venture, The Adrian Tonon Project, (www.adriantononproject.com) Tonon utilizes “philanthrotainment” to drive home his message that everyone has something to offer to make the world a better place.

The Adrian Tonon Project approaches nonprofit organizations and charities with one simple question, “What are three immediate nonmonetary needs you require assistance with in order to achieve your mission?” The Adrian Tonon Project then proceeds to prove that philanthropy is about more than money, services, and products by locating and working with other businesses in the quest to provide these specific needs. Tonon’s relentless pursuit to bring happiness and a helping hand to those around him is touching, inspiring and contagious.

In addition to his work at Café Cortina and The Adrian Tonon Project, Tonon, a father of four, also serves on the Board of Directors for Orchards Children’s Services, Founder of Food First Program of Michigan, a member of the International Visitors Council of Detroit, and an advocate for the Slow Food Movement, Children’s Center and Youthville.

Café Cortina is often seen as a place of special, meaningful celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries and weddings, but other meaningful experiences occur at the café as well. Tonon often can be seen gathering community minded people together at a corner table in his family’s warm and welcoming “more than just a restaurant” to break bread while discussing solutions to area issues.

Between homemade courses of fresh salads and bread, scrumptious pasta, and savory main courses, bonds and alliances are formed, action plans are created, and people are united for a common purpose to do good work. From addressing neighborhood blight and crime, to providing education to children on the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits, to bringing people together to donate their time and talents, Tonon seeks to empower all individuals to join him in a movement to make a positive impact in other’s lives.

“I’m just following my passion, my dream and my family legacy of serving others,” he says, “and while I’m not sure where it’s going to take me and the restaurant – it’s just something I have to pursue.”

Café Cortina
30715 W. Ten Mile Road
Farmington Hills, Michigan
248.474.3033
www.cafecortina.com
Café Cortina Facebook

Food Dance welcomes local forager Andy Davis for spring "From the Wild" Dinner - Thursday, May 17

Join Saveur magazine’s “Local Forager of the Year” Andy Davis for an exclusive spring-themed dinner at Food Dance in downtown Kalamazoo, on Thursday, May 17. Foodies are invited to savor the bounty of Davis’ ways during the “From the Wild” Dinner. The dinner runs from 6-8pm and cost $49 per person, plus tax/gratuity.

Among the items that Chef Robb Hammond will be crafting into the four-course dinner are ramps, morels and fiddleheads. The exact menu will be a surprise, based on the harvest in the days leading up to the dinner.

Andy and his family – wife, Michelle and their three children – collectively love the outdoors and have found foraging a joyous recreational activity that they can all take part in.

“Foraging gives us powerful tools for teaching our kids about the world and helps to satisfy our need to be in the wild,” Andy says. “ Foraging encourages the kids’ curiousity and interest in nature, while providing a template for introducing them to economics and planning, as well as the importance of good stewardship and respect for others.”

Andy – a builder, geologist and field naturalist, and Michelle – a geographer and experiential/environmental educator – share a passion for living close to the earth and have a small piece of land outside of Kalamazoo where they keep a large organic garden, raise heritage meat chickens, make maple syrup and landscape for biodiversity.

“We both have a lifelong interest in all things edible and collectively have years of experience finding, tasting, testing and tracking down wild edibles to set on our table,” says Andy. “In doing so, we have developed an intimate relationship with the habits, habitats and haunts of our local flora and fauna.”

To make reservations for the Food Dance “From the Wild” dinner with Andy Davis, call 269-382-1888.

Food Dance is a locally-owned company committed to growing profitability through positive relationships between suppliers, staff and guests. As one of the original West Michigan farm-to-fork restaurants dedicated to using locally-produced food, the culinary team at Food Dance works to provide a positive environmental impact and educates its staff and guests on the importance that this mindset has to the culture and community in which we live. Food Dance also supports the belief that we are all mutually-accountable to obtain excellence, by providing opportunities that create community engagement through great food and great service.

FOOD DANCE
401 E. Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo MI 49007

www.FoodDance.net
www.facebook.com/FoodDanceRestaurant
www.twitter.com/Food_Dance

Food Dance Takes Farm-to-Table to the Next Level

For over 18 years, Food Dance has touted their commitment to farm-to-table freshness. They are now prepared to put their pitchfork where their mouth is.

Food Dance is partnering with local farmers, Mark Schieber & Misty Klotz, to start a collaboration of businesses that further support locally-produced foods that will make their way onto Food Dance’s menu. The first of these partnerships is a small-scale farm, hopefully in the Kalamazoo area.

“Hopefully” because the first step is finding good, tillable 20-40 acres to farm.

“Ideally, we’re looking for a farmer or land owner who wants to see their land continue to be farmed or returned to agriculture,” says Julie Stanley, owner of Food Dance, “This could be an active farm or fallow fields that can be returned to active use.”

Julie, Mark and Misty are hoping to get the word out to these potential farmers and land owners to talk about creating a sustainable food source.

“It’s important for us to identify some potential individuals and talk to them about our vision of fresh, local food,” says Schieber, “We’re fully committed to sustaining the land, the community and the farm as a business.”

Education is a key component of the venture. Stanley says there are plans for an Edible Schoolyard children’s program to teach kids about farming and where food comes from. There will also be adult agriculture and cooking classes as well as a CSA (crop sharing) program for local residents to benefit from the bounty. Luckily, the food experts at Food Dance will have great cooking tips and recipes to share with all participants.

“We want to stress how locally-produced foods help to sustain our community,” says Stanley, “Not only is it important, but it’s fascinating to see the food cycle – from seeds to a completely-prepared meal.”

Farmers or landowners interested in discussing the opportunity are encouraged to contact Julie Stanley at 269-382-1888.

For more information about Food Dance and their commitment to local, sustainable agriculture, visit www.fooddance.net.

Upcoming Fundraisers to Benefit Capital Campaign for Fulton Street Farmers Market Improvements

The Fulton Street Farmers Market (FSFM), located in the southeast corner of the Midtown Neighborhood, is the last remaining of three original Grand Rapids farmers markets established in the early 1900s. Originally constructed in 1922, the market has retained its regional popularity over the years. Drawing more than 8000 patrons per week during the peak of the season, the market generates millions of dollars worth of revenue for local growers each season.

With the recent influx in “buy local” initiatives, the Fulton Street Farmers Market is seeing a resurgence in both the number of participating growers and in customers. As such, the market is literally busting out at its seams. Earlier this year, a $2.0 million dollar “Our Goodness is Growing Campaign” was announced by the Midtown Neighborhood Association, which will generate funds to provide much needed infrastructure improvements to the space, including:

• Permanently covered, open-air sheds with increased water and electricity access points
• Reconstructed plaza with added space for seating, bicycle storage and vendor overflow
• A small LEED-certified building with indoor stalls for year round vending
• Traffic flow reconfiguration
• New parking area pavement, landscaping and striping
• Two sets of wheelchair-accessible restrooms
• Complete site re-grading to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards
• Upgraded heating / cooling systems, insulation and wiring
• Rebuilding of the east side retaining wall
• Storm water retention system reconstruction

“When complete, the renovated Market will offer a better overall experience, more capable of serving local neighbors, area shoppers and our regional farming vendors,” says Diane Griffin, Campaign Chair. “Most importantly, the facility upgrades will provide a space where people can continue to enjoy the finest in locally-grown food, flowers and other goods.”

To date, $1.6 million of the project funds have been raised, leaving just $400,000 to go. Thanks to the strong fundraising efforts and a dedicated group of community leaders and volunteers, organizers will break ground on the new facility in November and celebrate the grand re-opening in May, 2012.

Upcoming fundraising events to benefit the Fulton Street Farmers Market “Our Goodness is Growing” campaign include:

Friday, September 16 (6-9pm)
An Evening in the Neighborhood
From the Heart Yoga Center
714 Wealthy Street SE
Relax and enjoy a delicious dinner provided by local restaurants, using locally-grown goods, as well as local wine and cider pressed from West Michigan apples. Participate in the silent auction for local goods and services and listen to the music from Jimmie Stagger and local chef & blues guitarist Jim Powell and his son, Sam.

Tickets $50 each (including food & drinks) are available at:

o Fulton Street Farmers Market (in office near Fulton)
o From the Heart Yoga Center (on Wealthy)
o Jeffrey Richard Salon (on Wealthy)
o Art of the Table (on Wealthy)
o BarterTown Diner (on Jefferson)
o Grand Central Market (on Monroe Center)
o Or by calling 616-328-9547.

Tuesday, September 27 (11am-1pm | 4-8pm)
Brick Sale for Fulton Street Farmers Market
Grand Central Market
57 Monroe Center, Downtown Grand Rapids
Local singer/songwriter Susan Picking will provide music throughout the day. Purchase a brick or paver and have your name forever etched into the history of the market.

o Brick (2.5x8 inches | one line | 16 characters): $35
o Half Paver (4x8 inches | three lines | 14 characters per line): $50
o Full Paver (8x8 inches | four lines, 14 characters per line): $100

Wednesday, October 5 (11am-1pm | 4-8pm)
Brick Sale for Fulton Street Farmers Market
BarterTown Diner – 6 Jefferson Street

o Brick (2.5x8 inches | one line | 16 characters): $35
o Half Paver (4x8 inches | three lines | 14 characters per line): $50
o Full Paver (8x8 inches | four lines, 14 characters per line): $100

Wednesday, October 19 (5-9pm)
An Evening in the Piazza
Tre Cugini’s La Scala Banquet Room
125 Ottawa, Downtown Grand Rapids (Ledyard Building)
Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by Tre Cugini’s culinary team – using locally-grown ingredients. Participate in the silent auction for goods and services donated by local businesses. A cash bar will be available.

Tickets $75 each (including food & drinks) are available at:

o Fulton Street Farmers Market (in office near Fulton)
o BarterTown Diner (on Jefferson)
o Grand Central Market (on Monroe Center)
o Or by calling 616-328-9547.

Owned by the City of Grand Rapids and managed by the 501(c)3 Midtown Neighborhood Association, improvements to the Market fall under the auspices of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan. All charitable gifts to the campaign are tax deductible to the full extent of state and federal law.

www.FultonStreetMarket.org
www.facebook.com/FultonStMarket
www.twitter.com/FultonStFarmers

JW Marriott Grand Rapids & Trillium Haven Farm Partner to Offer Classes, Farm Tour, Farm-to-Plate Al Fresco Meals & End-of-Season Harvest Dinner

This summer, the JW Marriott Grand Rapids will team up with Trillium Haven Farm, located in Jenison, MI, for the Speak to the Earth Tour 2010. The series of classes will demonstrate the importance of farm-to-plate dining, and how it is used in the JW Marriott’s restaurant, six.one.six. The farm-to-plate, or farm-to-table, concept is a growing cultural shift toward supporting local, organic, and natural farms and producers.

“Behind every farm-to-plate dish is a farmer who helps chefs like me by providing ingredients of the highest integrity,” said Andrew Voss, executive chef of JW Marriott Grand Rapids. “With these classes, we hope to spread the word about the importance of supporting local farms and continuing the traditions that have been practiced by Michigan locals for centuries.”

This unique experience will be offered once per month, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12, and includes:

• Al fresco brunch at six.one.six, next to the JW Marriott’s Chef’s Garden, which grows a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs for the restaurant

• Gardening class from hotel chefs and Trillium Haven Farm farmers

• Transportation between the hotel and Trillium Haven Farm

• Owner-guided tour of Trillium Haven Farm

• Family-style al fresco lunch with farm ingredients currently being harvested

• Invitation to the Harvest Dinner on Oct. 13, exclusive to Speak to the Earth Tour 2010 guests, including wine pairings

• “Speak to the Earth” shirt

All classes, open to hotel guests and residents alike, are 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and limited to 20 people, based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets are $125 per person. For reservations, please call 616.242.1448. For more information, please visit www.ilovethejw.com and www.trilliumhavenfarm.com.

On behalf of the JW Marriott and six.one.six, Chef Voss is proud to support local farms throughout the year, and the entire 26-dish menu changes every eight weeks with the seasons. In farming season, from May to November, the restaurant obtains over 90 percent of its menu from local farms. During the off-season Voss obtains about 40 to 50 percent of the menu from local sources, and the remaining ingredients are seasonal and sourced as close to the Michigan region as possible. The hotel’s Chef’s Garden currently includes arugula, spinach, raspberries, elderberries, English peas, French breakfast radishes, thyme, lavender, rosemary, basil, and more.

About the JW Marriott Grand Rapids
The 24-story, 337-room JW Marriott Grand Rapids opened in September 2007 as the first JW Marriott hotel in the Midwest. The hotel is centrally located near downtown’s corporate, medical and entertainment districts, and it is connected via the skywalk to the DeVos Place Convention Center and Van Andel Arena. All guestrooms and suites, including 59 concierge rooms, and seven one-bedroom suites feature luxurious bedding; spacious workstations; cordless phones; WiFi internet capabilities; gourmet-stocked mini bar and refrigerator; computerized safe box; iron/ironing board; hair dryer; coffeemaker; individual climate control; and 37” flat screen televisions with JW Signature Technology Pack, a docking station for mobile phones, iPods, and satellite radios. The 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness facility features an indoor heated pool; steam rooms, and spa-like whirlpool. The hotel also boasts full concierge desk; dry cleaning and laundry service; valet parking, and helipad access. More than 20,000 square feet of versatile meeting space includes a 1,000 seat Grand Ballroom, one of the largest in the region. The hotel boasts the signature market fresh restaurant, six.one.six., Mixology, a destination lounge, Starbucks, and 24-hour in-room dining.