Food For Thought has played a critical role in the local foods movement here in Northern Michigan. But when he started the business out of his house south of Empire in 1995, Timothy Young was one of just a handful of pioneers in this niche market. The demand for local foods has exploded over the last decade, and Young’s business has expanded to 10 full-time, year-round employees and a spattering of part-time and seasonal employees.

In advance of Glen Lake Restaurant Week, May 1-9, we reached out to Western Avenue Grill chef Ken Sarkadi to ask what excites him about this culinary opportunity before the local tourism season kicks into gear. Participating restaurants will offer their own 3-course prix-fixe dinner for $25. Some establishments will offer $15 lunch specials as well. Glen Lake Restaurant Week began in spring 2014.

In advance of Glen Lake Restaurant Week, May 1-9, we reached out Chef John Piombo at Nonna’s to ask what excites him about this culinary opportunity before the local tourism season kicks into gear. Participating restaurants will offer their own 3-course prix-fixe dinner for $25. Some establishments will offer $15 lunch specials as well. Glen Lake Restaurant Week began in spring 2014.

In advance of Glen Lake Restaurant Week, May 1-9, we reached out to the Glen Lake Manor to ask our local chefs what excites them about this culinary opportunity before the local tourism season kicks into gear. Participating restaurants will offer their own 3-course prix-fixe dinner for $25. Some establishments will offer $15 lunch specials as well. Glen Lake Restaurant Week began in spring 2014.

In advance of Glen Lake Restaurant Week, May 1-9, we reached out to Trattoria Funistrada to ask our local chefs what excites them about this culinary opportunity before the local tourism season kicks into gear.

From staff reports In advance of Glen Lake Restaurant Week, May 1-9, we reached out to several participating restaurants to ask our local chefs what excites them about this culinary opportunity before the local tourism season kicks into gear. Participating restaurants will offer their own 3-course prix-fixe dinner for $25. Some establishments will offer $15 […]

In advance of Glen Lake Restaurant Week, May 1-9, we reached out to La Becasse chef Guillaume Hazaël-Massieux to ask what excites him about this culinary opportunity before the local tourism season kicks into gear.

In advance of Glen Lake Restaurant Week, May 1-9, we reached out to Blu chef Randy Chamberlain to ask what excites him about this culinary opportunity before the local tourism season kicks into gear.

Since the mid-winter freeze is here, and since Empire and Glen Arbor’s “Winterfest” celebrations return this weekend, we decided to chat with Wayne “Soni” Aylsworth, whose all-season apparel outfitter, Empire Outdoors, is wrapping up its first year in business.

The Foothills Café in Burdickville began a “Pay It Forward” Initiative this past summer, collecting over $2,200 in donations. This money has been designated to help stock the shelves of a couple local food banks and to promote a Karma Kitchen. Come to the Foothills on Saturday, Feb. 21, between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. for breakfast, free of charge. Visitors will have the option to “Pay It Forward” for 2015.