In This Issue: Summer 2017

What are the best things about summer? About your summer? What are the best restaurants, the best farmers’ markets, the best wineries, best beers, road trips and beaches?

At Edible Grande Traverse we have the local spin on everything and we’re here today to tell you that the best things this summer will be anything you actually get out and do that involves local businesses and farms, your friends and family—and fantastic food. That’s all it takes, and around here it should be easy!

If you need any ideas, the stories in this summer issue are a great place to start. Like finding the farm called Spirit of Walloon at several of our more northern farmers’ markets; taking a road trip with a focus on food in the Manistee region; trying the brand new deli and restaurant in Traverse City; spending a day pigging out on pulled pork sandwiches (hint, they’re not hard to find anymore!). But each of these stories is just the appetizer for an adventure you could savor all summer in whatever part of northwestern Lower Michigan you call home.

And for cookouts, picnics and potlucks, we’re extra full this time with recipes that make the most of ingredients you can find while out exploring the markets and our bountiful farm country.

My own goals for a “best of” summer are simple. The best evenings might be to put aside work early and enjoy the sunsets over Lake Michigan, with feet in the water and a lovely local rosé to drink. The best home time will be watching the tomatoes in the garden fill their cages and spill over with ripening multi-colored fruits. The best cooking will definitely involve finding fresh ways to use all the glorious golden nectars we found for the honey recipes of this issue. And the best outings will revolve around visiting every new tasting room and eatery that has opened this year.

OK, I admit that last one won’t be easy, but I can’t wait to try! I hope you get to do most of your “best of” things this summer, whatever they are, and that you find some new favorites, too. Just keep it local, friendly and fun, and it’s sure to be the best of what Northern Michigan has to offer.

Happy summer!

Barb