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 people from Michigan are a diverse lot. Most Michiganders are of European descent, usually of German, English, Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian, Dutch, Italian or Polish stock. There are important Hispanic and African American communities too and the state also has sizable populations of Hmong, Japanese or Middle Eastern descent.
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.
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.
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 people from Michigan are a diverse lot. Most Michiganders are of European descent, usually of German, English, Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian, Dutch, Italian or Polish stock. There are important Hispanic and African American communities too and the state also has sizable populations of Hmong, Japanese or Middle Eastern descent.
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.
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.
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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