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 is made up of two peninsulas in the Great Lakes region. The Mitten State got its nickname from the shape of the Lower Peninsula, which is shaped like a mitten. Detroit is the largest city here but the capital is Lansing. Other important cities are Grand Rapids and the university town of Ann Arbor.
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.
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.
The harvest seasons for the different products are the perfect excuse for food festivals. Not a month goes by without a mushroom, asparagus, cherry, strawberry or other festival somewhere in the state. Moreover, the local cuisine is celebrated with restaurant weeks in cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor.
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.
With so many delectable options to choose from, it can be hard deciding where to dine when you visit Michigan. Of course you can check the travel and restaurant guides for ideas or let your nose and stomach guide you. However, a great way to discover the many tastes of the Mitten State is to go on a food tour.
Michigan is made up of two peninsulas in the Great Lakes region. The Mitten State got its nickname from the shape of the Lower Peninsula, which is shaped like a mitten. Detroit is the largest city here but the capital is Lansing. Other important cities are Grand Rapids and the university town of Ann Arbor.
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.
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.
The harvest seasons for the different products are the perfect excuse for food festivals. Not a month goes by without a mushroom, asparagus, cherry, strawberry or other festival somewhere in the state. Moreover, the local cuisine is celebrated with restaurant weeks in cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor.
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.
With so many delectable options to choose from, it can be hard deciding where to dine when you visit Michigan. Of course you can check the travel and restaurant guides for ideas or let your nose and stomach guide you. However, a great way to discover the many tastes of the Mitten State is to go on a food tour.
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