When people think of the Mitten State, they probably think of beaches, snow, sports teams, cars or soul music. Gourmet pursuits are not usually high on the list of obvious attractions in the state. However, foodies are fast discovering that there are many excellent Michigan restaurants that offer innovative and, more importantly, tasty fare that will cause mouths to water and hearts to flutter in excitement.
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.
With its lakes and fertile soils, the Mitten State is a prime agricultural region. The variety of crops grown here is astounding, with cherries, berries, apples, beans and beets just some of them. Fish is plentiful in the waterways and livestock farming is an important industry too. Pork products, poultry and dairy are among the most popular animal products produced here.
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.
These days the name on every foodie's lips is Traverse City. However, don't leave the Mitten State without eating your way around Detroit. Explore neighborhoods like Greektown or the mainly Polish Hamtramck for ethnic specialties or try some of the more than 130 downtown restaurants for fine dining beyond compare. When you just want some easy comfort food, indulge in a hot dog known as a Coney Island or bite into a slice of deep-dish pizza made the Detroit way.
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.
With its lakes and fertile soils, the Mitten State is a prime agricultural region. The variety of crops grown here is astounding, with cherries, berries, apples, beans and beets just some of them. Fish is plentiful in the waterways and livestock farming is an important industry too. Pork products, poultry and dairy are among the most popular animal products produced here.
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.
These days the name on every foodie's lips is Traverse City. However, don't leave the Mitten State without eating your way around Detroit. Explore neighborhoods like Greektown or the mainly Polish Hamtramck for ethnic specialties or try some of the more than 130 downtown restaurants for fine dining beyond compare. When you just want some easy comfort food, indulge in a hot dog known as a Coney Island or bite into a slice of deep-dish pizza made the Detroit way.
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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