Known for its lakes, beaches, forests and freezing winters, the Mitten State is often associated with people who love the great outdoors. The state is also popular among sports enthusiasts. What not many people realize is that foodies will have plenty to rave about too when they visit, with plenty of excellent Michigan restaurants that show off the tastes of the region.
The Midwestern state of Michigan lies in the Great Lakes region. Two peninsulas form its surface area and it's the lower one of these that inspired the nickname, the Mitten State, because of its distinctive shape. Lansing is the capital but by far the largest city here is Detroit. Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor are important cities too.
The Mitten State is famous for its industries, especially the car factories in and around Detroit. However, the soils here are fertile and there is plenty of water, so agriculture forms an important part of the economy too. Crops such as cherries, apples, berries, legumes, beets and potatoes and livestock such as dairy cattle, chickens and hogs are farmed here. Moreover, there is a large fishing industry.
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.
The different people who settled in the area brought their culinary traditions with them, such as the pasties of the Upper Peninsula, brought to the region by miners from the Cornwall region in England. The existing traditions were combined with the plentiful produce available to create unique regional specialties. For example, Michiganders won't settle for a plain old chicken salad if they can add cherries to it. Mackinac Island is the place to go for the most delicious fudge and throughout the state you'll find wineries and breweries for quenching your thirst.
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.
While Traverse City is the current foodie hot spot, no self-respecting food lover should visit without checking out the Detroit dining scene. Down-to-earth specialties in the city include the Coney Island hot dog and Detroit-style deep-dish pizza. Expand your horizons in ethnic neighborhoods such as Greektown or the Polish suburb of Hamtramck and if you prefer fine dining, you have plenty of options. There are more than 130 restaurants just in the downtown area.
The one problem with a gourmet paradise is that there is so much choice that you may not know where to start. One way to get introduced to the delights of the Mitten State is to take a food tour. Otherwise, simply check the suggestions on food websites, consult the local listings, ask Michiganders for recommendations or follow the kitchen smells as you stroll along the sidewalks.
The Midwestern state of Michigan lies in the Great Lakes region. Two peninsulas form its surface area and it's the lower one of these that inspired the nickname, the Mitten State, because of its distinctive shape. Lansing is the capital but by far the largest city here is Detroit. Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor are important cities too.
The Mitten State is famous for its industries, especially the car factories in and around Detroit. However, the soils here are fertile and there is plenty of water, so agriculture forms an important part of the economy too. Crops such as cherries, apples, berries, legumes, beets and potatoes and livestock such as dairy cattle, chickens and hogs are farmed here. Moreover, there is a large fishing industry.
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.
The different people who settled in the area brought their culinary traditions with them, such as the pasties of the Upper Peninsula, brought to the region by miners from the Cornwall region in England. The existing traditions were combined with the plentiful produce available to create unique regional specialties. For example, Michiganders won't settle for a plain old chicken salad if they can add cherries to it. Mackinac Island is the place to go for the most delicious fudge and throughout the state you'll find wineries and breweries for quenching your thirst.
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.
While Traverse City is the current foodie hot spot, no self-respecting food lover should visit without checking out the Detroit dining scene. Down-to-earth specialties in the city include the Coney Island hot dog and Detroit-style deep-dish pizza. Expand your horizons in ethnic neighborhoods such as Greektown or the Polish suburb of Hamtramck and if you prefer fine dining, you have plenty of options. There are more than 130 restaurants just in the downtown area.
The one problem with a gourmet paradise is that there is so much choice that you may not know where to start. One way to get introduced to the delights of the Mitten State is to take a food tour. Otherwise, simply check the suggestions on food websites, consult the local listings, ask Michiganders for recommendations or follow the kitchen smells as you stroll along the sidewalks.
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