As the long hot growing season draws to a close, shorted days and cooler weather transform northern Michigan into a kaleidoscope of Autumn colors. This is my favorite time of year and the perfect time to visit farmer’s markets and wineries to enjoy the fruits the harvest. More than a decade ago, Jason and I […]
Sutton’s Bay in the summertime is a photographer’s dream; from the stunning shoreline of Lake Michigan with its sandy beaches and ocean-like vastness to the hillside vineyards, this part of northern Michigan offers an escape from the flat Midwestern landscape. Straddling the 45th parallel, the Leelanau Peninsula is home to many wineries, small farms, farmstands […]
Hosted at the Inn at Black Star Farms, harvest dinners are monthly events spotlighting the best of seasonal fruits and vegetables in a coursed menu with wine pairings that present the diner with a dining experience spotlighting a locally grown in-season ingredient; in July ours featured strawberries. The elegant dinner setting featured a long table […]
The Boathouse’s culinary team is headed by Executive Chef Jim Morse. Chef Jim is a fourth generation Northern Michigan native and attended culinary school at the Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College. He started working at The Boathouse as Sous Chef in 2000, and became Executive Chef in 2002. Jim then moved to […]
The Traverse City area of northern Michigan is the Nantucket of the Midwest; just a few hours drive north of Chicago, it offers both coastal charm and warm Midwestern hospitality. Farms, vineyards, and artisanal food producers dot the landscape, creating a culture of locally produced cuisine most exquisitely demonstrated by the menu at the Boathouse […]
The sizzle of a thick steak searing on a hot grill is one of the best things about dining alfresco, and charred, crisp summer vegetables are the perfect addition to the summertime dinner table. Living in the city, I have no place for a barbeque grill, but I can enjoy the same flavors and textures […]
Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies, and who doesn’t have a favorite recipe, whether its a classic right from the bag of chips, or an old stand-bye handed down from mom. There are hundreds of variations to choose from, that suit every taste. Every taste except mine, that is. My family and friends know I’m picky […]
Spring has arrived at last, the trees are full of leaves again and the days are getting longer. Local farmer’s markets are just starting up again and though its still early in the season, the first summer vegetables are starting to appear. Deep red tomatoes, golden yellow squash, dark green zucchini, and violet eggplant are […]
Since the 19th century when France colonized Morocco and Algeria, French food culture has experienced an infusion of North African flavors and techniques. Paris is somewhat of a hotspot of Moroccan cuisine and is where we first experienced the exotic flavors of Moroccan cooking. One of our favorite restaurants, Le404, is located in the 3rd […]
The last time I was in Italy I spent a morning browsing the outdoor market with its rows of tables full of local vegetables and fruits. Behind one of them I watched an old man preparing artichokes before roasting them as a snack for shoppers, the aroma drifting through the market, drawing shoppers to his […]
Tomorrow is the Kentucky Derby and what better way to celebrate the “Race to the Roses” than with a Mint Julep! Mine features Four Roses Kentucky bourbon, and it absolutely sparkles with the addition of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne! The traditional Mint Julep is easy to make with bourbon, sugar, mint, and water, but it tastes so […]
Trendy drinks come and go, but classic cocktails stand the test of time. One of the most distinguished classics, the Manhattan, originated in New York City in the 1860’s-70’s. Though there are several common variations, the classic recipe is made with American rye whiskey, Italian sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and a maraschino cherry. I’ve made […]
A Cook's Canvas 