Epicurean Classic--it may move to St. Joseph, MI? What do you have to say about that?

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Permalink Reply by Megan on December 11, 2008 at 4:31pm

I've only participated in the eating/drinking portions of the event (not the classes) but I think it's a great event and will be disappointed if it moves. That said, it does seem like it has outgrown the Hagerty Center... I just don't know if the kitchen-infrastructure exists in enough other locations. And I wonder if it's even feasible without the great (and I presume, free) work of all the culinary students.

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Permalink Reply by Emily Betz Tyra on February 9, 2009 at 11:34am

Epicurean Classic in September (combined with other draws like the Traverse City Film Festival, Leelanau and Old Mission wine country and our ever-surprising restaurant scene) is a big part of what makes Traverse City such a cool place to visit—and live!
I'm glad to know it's staying in Michigan, but wish there was a way to keep it in the North!

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Permalink Reply by Tere Payne on February 9, 2009 at 11:56am

This would be a great loss for Traverse City! It's an amazing event.

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Permalink Reply by Patricia on February 9, 2009 at 5:01pm

I live in St. Joseph and I think this is wonderful news. I do , however, wonder where this event will be held.

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Permalink Reply by Rachel North on February 9, 2009 at 5:09pm

I wondered that myself Patricia. Are there any "culinary" schools or big conference areas that you think would work?

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Permalink Reply by Greg Carpenter on February 10, 2009 at 7:36am

I understand the realities of holding such an event, but the move is a disappointment. The Epicurean Classic, by its very location, highlights the uniqueness of Northern Michigan's culinary culture. Our region boasts a wealth of great restaurants, food artisans, wineries, breweries, coffee roasters. The Epicurean should be its nucleus. Move it downstate and the regional influence becomes diluted. Perhaps one of the ski resorts could serve as a venue?

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Permalink Reply by Karen Ford on February 10, 2009 at 4:08pm

As part of the local volunteers and workers for the Epicurean Classic, I am really disappointed in this decision. I believe that this is really taking away from the great local restaurants, and local food and beverage makers here – it really established TC as a serious Foodie town. We all love Traverse and this was an event that everyone really looked forward to. Couldn't the city itself do more to keep this event here?

As for the Great Lakes Culinary Institute, this was a great opportunity they had to promote their program, let their students experience a ‘real’ and very serious event atmosphere and work among some very well known and successful chefs – many of whom choose interns for their restaurants from the GLCI because of the Epicurean Classic. Anyone in the restaurant industry seeing this participation on a culinary graduate’s resume, would see this applicant as set apart from the hundreds of other applicants, and this could land them jobs in this tough economy. Concerning the posting about ‘free’ labor – that is what the restaurant industry norm is – you intern to get your skills noticed – the students should understand this part of the restaurant business early in their studies. So I think, all in all, this decision was foolish and a loss for all concerned.

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Permalink Reply by Victoria Sutherland on February 12, 2009 at 9:23am

Commenting from the inside, moving the EC to St. Joe still in the rumor stages. Partners Matt Sutherland and Mark Dressler actually on a road trip there today to discuss possibilities with FOEC (Friend of Epicurean Classic) --KitchenAid. Obvious benefits to new location for this international event would be easier access for millions more foodies within couple hours driving distance: lower Michigan and Chicago areas as well as TC residents. More to come.

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Permalink Reply by Rachel North on February 12, 2009 at 10:06am

Victoria, it's great of you to keep us in the loop--it feels like we're all on the inside now.

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Permalink Reply by Rachel North on February 13, 2009 at 1:34pm

Victoria, I don't suppose you'd be able to share the update on the meeting with KitchenAid?

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Permalink Reply by Brooke Hazael-Massieux on February 13, 2009 at 1:50pm

Hi Victoria!
It seems like the key word is "international." If the goal of the EC is to be an international event as opposed to a more local or regional one, it makes sense to be in a more accessible locale. That said, it has been really wonderful for all of us in the business of food and drink to get folks from far flung places to associate Traverse City with good food.

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Permalink Reply by Monterey Wheeler on February 13, 2009 at 1:31pm

Like the Film Festival, the Epicurean Classic validated Traverse City as more than just a pretty place on the map. I'll be sad to see it leave our area.

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