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How Mario Batali Gets His Drink On In and Around Traverse City, Michigan from nation food magazine Bon Appetit features 5 of Mario's favorite Leelanau wines & ciders. There's Black Star Farms Arcturos Cabernet Franc which Batali names "the best Michigan wine ever", Gill's Pier Semi-Dry Riesling (recommended with pork with roast grapes), 45 North Winery Icebox Gewurztraminer (a succulent dessert wine with classic notes of apricot, honey, and ginger spice), Tandem Ciders Smackintosh "It's become my new drink, I drink cider as an aperitivo now. Even back in New York. Where they're all from France and they're not as awesome." and L. Mawby Cremant Classic NV, named "arguably the Leelanau Peninsula's signature wine".

There's also a more narrative & lengthy feature about how the rock-star chef spends his summers in Leelanau. Mario says:

The food scene has really exploded in the region. There are farmers' markets and hip-looking people farming and butchering. It's very cool. Even in Northport, our town of less than 1,000 people, there's a great weekly farmers' market in the summer. The chefs involved in the scene celebrate what's here; they're not trying to be anything they're not. Now people are coming for gastronomic tourism.

There's a whole lot more to read and he highlights Leelanau standards like Fishtown, the deck at the Cove, Boones in Suttons Bay and Pleva's Meats. These are really great features that tout what many folks have known for years - the wine and the food of the Leelanau Peninsula and the surrounding area have arrived.

The table is set, come on up and check it out!

Photo credits: Apples & a Growler by Trish P. - K1000 Gal

The Record-Eagle has a report on our silly heat. Check it out and also see Five Things You Need to Know Heatwave Edition: Beat the Heat in Michigan on Absolute Michigan.

Joel Dinda took this shot up near Northport.

Through a variety of sources including the Leelanau Chamber, Glen Arbor Sun and MichiganFireworks.com, we've come up with our Leelanau Fourth of July event listings. Did we miss something? Post a comment letting us know below and definitely scroll down for  a sweet timelapse of the Northport Fireworks by Ken Scott!

• July 2, 4 PM, performance of patriotic music by the Northport Community Band at the Glen Arbor Athletic Club.
• July 3, 10 AM: Flag Raising Ceremony at Old Settler’s Park in Burdickville.
• Jul3 3, Dusk: Leland Fireworks, at Hancock Field
• July 4, 7-11 AM: Glen Arbor Fire & Rescue Association Pancake Breakfast at Glen Arbor Town Hall
• July 4, 10:30 AM: Glen Arbor Art Association for patriotic bike decorating
• July 4: Glen Arbor parade, line up at noon at Glen Haven, Glen Arbor at about 1 PM
• Leland parade at 3 PM on July 4th
• Glen Lake Boat Parade, 4 PM at the Glen Lake Yacht Club, Big Glen Lake on July 4th
• Fireworks at Northport on July 4th (dusk)

PS: If you like fireworks, check out Michigan Loves Fireworks and these pictures from the Detroit Freedom Festival show on Michigan in Pictures - amazing!!

The Leelanau Children's Center invites you to their Northport location for the dedication of Henry's House. The event takes place this Friday, July 1st from 5:30 - 7:30 PM.

Henry's House is a beautiful and unique structure built on the LCC- Northport playground by John Kinker. Their pages on Henry's House tell his story, and talk about the importance of resilience for children and for us all.

It is a memorial to a young fellow named Henry Forrest Eggert. Henry’s life was short but full of surprise, intensity and teaching. Walk around Henry’s House and discover the unique aspects of the structure: the invitations to contemplate, to come together and to take refuge.

The story of Henry and his family is a powerful story of resilience and acceptance. The literature on healthy families describes resilient parents: “Parents who are emotionally resilient are able to maintain a positive attitude, creatively solve problems, and effectively rise to challenges in their lives.” Henry’s parents, Sarah and John, had the capacity to maintain a positive attitude thoughout Henry’s life, which served as a rudder for the many people who were touched by Henry. As one family member noted: “Sarah set the tone and let us all come to peace with loving Henry for the time we had him rather than focusing on the fact that he would soon not be here.”

Henry was born with Trisome 18, a rare congenital condition that would limit his life to a few short months. John and Sarah learned of Henry’s condition upon his birth, and despite the shock, accepted the difficult news and turned their attention to devoting their time embracing Henry as their youngest child and as a member of their community.

Click through for much more!

Visit Leelanau Farmer's Markets on Facebook or go to eatleelanau.org for up-to-date information!

Leelanau Farmer's Markets are underway in Glen Arbor, Lake Leelanau, Leland, Northport and Suttons Bay. They offer you a chance to get out and connect with farmers and other folks who produce food in Leelanau County. Tell us your favorite Leelanau farmers market in our poll!

Tuesdays in Glen Arbor 9 am—1 pm June 21 - August 30 Location: Behind the Township Hall on Western Ave Thursdays in Leland 9 am—Noon June 23 - September 1 Location: Parking lot across from the Bluebird Restaurant Fridays in Northport 9 am—1 pm June 17 - September 16 Location: The Depot, next to the marina Saturdays in Suttons Bay 9 am—1 pm May 14 - October 22 NEW Location: North Park; intersection of M-204 & M-22, water side Saturdays in Empire 9 am—1 pm June 18 - September 10 Location: Downtown, next to the Post Office Sundays in Lake Leelanau 9 am—1 pm June 19 - September 4 Location: Parking lot across from NJ's Grocery downtown

What's your favorite Leelanau Farm Market? Empire Glen Arbor Lake Leelanau Leland Northport Suttons Bay View Results  Loading ... Radishes, eggs, salad greens and garlic from Abra at Bare Knuckle Farm More photos on the Leelanau Farmer's Market Facebook!

Taste the Local Difference is a comprehensive guide that includes farm, farm market, CSA, winery  and other listings with addresses, phone numbers and an index to seasonal food availability. The guide includes farms and winery listings, CSA contacts, addresses, phone numbers and an index to seasonal food availability. A kind of phone book for food.  No need to shuffle through the yellow pages--just pick up a guide and start eating!

via Michigan in Pictures...

Cherry Blossoms, photo by leelanau2010.

Every May I'm asked "When will the cherry blossoms be out?"

It's been a slow, cold spring but I'm happy to report that the answer is "Right now!"

Sweet cherry blossoms are out all over and the tart cherry blossoms will be along in a few days. That means this weekend will be the best one for photos.

David took this shot near Northport. Check it out background big, on his map or in his Cherry Blossoms slideshow.

Enjoy more blossoms and more Spring Wallpaper on Michigan in Pictures!

The Leelanau Farmers Markets Association will hold their Annual Kick-Off Meeting and Potluck next Wednesday, May 11 from 6-8 pm at the Leelanau County Government Center, 8527 E Government Center Drive, Suttons Bay. Join Board members, market vendors and community supporters for information, networking and camaraderie. Guests are asked to bring a dish to pass and their own table service; beverages are provided.

There will be a presentation by Local Orbit to learn about buying and selling local products for delivery at the new local “hub” - the Suttons Bay Market on Saturday mornings. Also on the agenda will be information on the acceptance of EBT Bridge Cards at the Suttons Bay Market, and a Q & A Session to answer any questions about any of the six Leelanau Farmers Markets.

The 2011 season begins at the Suttons Bay Market on May 14. Check out www.eatleelanau.org for dates and times of all the Leelanau Farmers Markets in Empire, Glen Arbor, Lake Leelanau, Leland, Northport and Suttons Bay. For more information contact Debby Disch, LFMA Board Chair, at 231-386-5686 or Leelanau MSU Extension at 231-256-9888.

More photos and information on the Leelanau Farmers Markets Facebook!

Robert Earl asked: "Where would be the best sites to see in your area if we only had a weekend to visit?"

I replied:

Hello Robert. Not sure what season you are coming, but the #1 thing is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Info is on the Park website and our Sleeping Bear Dunes pages. Particularly cool hikes with killer views are Pyramid Point, Empire Bluffs and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

Some other favorites of mine are Inspiration Point on Glen Lake, Fishtown and the beach in Leland, Leelanau State Park and the Grand Traverse Light in Northport.

Then it struck me that some other folks might have suggestions! Post them below!

photo credit: vast sandy wilds by gsgeorge

From the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association...

Celebrate wine, chocolate and love at the upcoming Valentine's Day at the Taste the Passion weekend February 5 & 6, 2011. The combination of winter's beauty in Leelanau with the special pleasures of life always makes for wonderful weekend. You can enjoy special pours and tasty chocolate treats or savory pairings at Leelanau wine trail wineries between the hours of 11am and 5pm on Saturday, and Noon and 5pm on Sunday.

Tickets for "Taste the Passion" are just $30 each and available online. As with all LPVA events, attendance is limited to give participants an opportunity to become better acquainted with our wine and wineries. In addition to regular ticket sales, participating lodging partners offered a limited number of special accommodation packages that included a ticket to the trail event.

To add to the weekend's festivities, several of the wineries will hold special events and activities exclusively for "Taste the Passion" ticket holders to celebrate the beauty and fun to be had in this winter wonderland.

There is also a special Glen Arbor Art Association "Art from Wine Country" event at the Homestead Resort on Friday night (February 4th). This event is open to anyone! For a third year, this event features wine from Leelanau wineries, coffee from Leelanau Coffee Roasing, original art by local artists and a fabulous small plates menu designed by The Homestead’s Chef Piombo. Tickets are $20 and we'll have more details soon!

Pathfinder Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday December 11 ~ Join the students and staff of Pathfinder school Saturday from 9-4 at the Pathfinder School Gymnasium for a day of fun! Refreshments provided at this Arts and Crafts Fair. The students have created a wonderful array of holiday items!

Holiday Hootenanny at Higher Grounds on Saturday, December 11 ~ The day runs from 10 AM - 11 PM. It is a benefit for the Run Across Ethiopia and features a Trunk Show, Silent Auction capped by a concert by Seth Bernard and May Erlewine. Get the details on Facebook.

Merry Marketplace on Saturday December 4 ~ The annual Christmas arts & crafts show will be held at the Old Art Building in Leland from 10 AM - 4 PM. This year's Merry Marketplace features 20 local artisans with fresh and dried holiday wreaths, herbal soaps and lotions, jewelry, specialty foods, pottery, woven wheat, cards, pillows, kids' and American girl doll clothes, and many hand knit items. There's also complimentary cookies and coffee!

Holidays in the Village on Saturday December 4 ~ Downtown shopping with special sales and giveaway of a $150 shopping spree in Suttons Bay - all day! Highlights are the live Antlers & Elves at Enerdyne and the lighting of the Christmas Tree by Santa & carols around the tree accompanied by the Suttons Bay School choir. Follow Santa to Silvertree to share your wish list and enjoy hot cocoa and refreshments.

Holiday Bake Sale & Bazaar on Saturday December 4 ~ Join the Northport Chamber of Commerce for an event that is sure to please children of all ages!

Cedar's Make and Take Christmas Party on Sunday December 5 ~ All the free supplies to make your own wreaths and decorations, jewelry and crafts. Join your neighbors at the Solon Twp Hall in Cedar from 1-4 pm for crafts, cookies, and holiday fun.

Right Brain Holiday Art Sale on Sunday December 5 ~ Show your love for the holidays by coming on down and getting some of your holiday shopping done at Right Brain Brewery. They are featuring original artwork that is under $200 from several local artists on Sunday, Dec. 5th from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. in the pub. Think about supporting our local artists and getting some of your holiday shopping done with a RBB brew in hand!

Also check out Leelanau Holiday Concerts!

Photo Credit: Laden by Trish P. - K1000 Gal