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

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Permalink Reply by Jill on February 13, 2009 at 5:06pm

It would be a loss to see it go but one of or both of our winery groups could start talking about steering a new event to be in place at the same time of year. Seems I remember that there had been some discussion awhile back for an event called "Vines Accross the Bay" that would have brought together wine and local food.

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Permalink Reply by Victoria Sutherland on February 13, 2009 at 3:01pm

Hi food-n-winers,

They had a productive day! An "official" press release announcing dates (late August), location (St. Joseph 'metro' area--about six blocks), committed chefs (you need to have some surprises!) is in the works as a joint effort from EC and KitchenAid. This is a tremendous next step in the journey of this Traverse City-based company serving epicureans who want a taste of something different then the infamous Aspen and South Beach events. It's a bummer to see it leave Traverse City, but I feel like a parent leaving my freshman college student at an Ivy League school-sad but know it is in their best interests.

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Permalink Reply by Rachel North on February 13, 2009 at 3:21pm

Well, (sigh) there you have it. While we're delighted to be able to provide the latest news about Food & Wine Up North here at MyNorth.com, we're saddened to see such a lovely event leave Northern Michigan.

Victoria, thanks for keeping us updated with the inside story. We always wish our fellow Northern Michigan entrepreneurs success and we're delighted to have enjoyed the event while it was here. Perhaps you can invent another event and start it here ... ? Maybe you could launch the initial concepts here on MyNorth.com and have our gang provide some input ...

And as far as this year's event, I'm sure there will be a number of Northern Michigan farms, vineyards and orchards happy to send some of the world's best produce from Up North to St. Joseph.

Aside--If you enjoy getting the latest news on food & wine put together by our food editor, Emily Betz Tyra, and you're not a subscriber to our free monthly e-newsletter, please sign up! Here's the link to more info http://www.mynorth.com/My-North/Food-Wine/Newsletter/

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Permalink Reply by J.P. on February 18, 2009 at 3:48pm

Matt and Mark,

I wish you success in St. Joseph. Good Luck!!!

Perhaps I will see you there.

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Permalink Reply by Rosie Kern on February 19, 2009 at 11:00am

I am sorry to hear the Epicurean Classic is moving, it was such a pleasure to have it at NMC. I am happy that the event will still be in Michigan and wish Matt and Mark the best!

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Permalink Reply by shannan on February 23, 2009 at 3:48pm

If the International Epicurean Classic is moving away from the Grand Traverse region, then an opportunity presents itself to encourage this region to highlight its own unique talents with a "new" Northwest Michigan Epicurean Festival. This could be held at the end of September, beginning of October when the harvesting of the wonderful local vineyards and orchards are taking place. It would be a great time to promote this region and highlight what is best about the local talent. Encourage "homegrown" chefs who have ventured out to share their outlooks and demonstrate the ways they incorporate local experiences and flavors with other influences to define their new corners of the world. There are so many wonderful local vineyards, microbreweries, orchards, and farmers as well as educational institutions (MSU and NMC) that are dedicated to promoting the agricultural and culinary aspects within our region. It would be great to have a Northwestern Michigan Epicurean Festival in Traverse City that would feature the various agricultural influences, the growers' expertise, and the chefs' creations featuring the many local flavors that are showcased in this region.

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Permalink Reply by Randy on February 23, 2009 at 11:57pm

Bravo Shannan! I couldn't agree with you more.

The EC obviously had a substantial economic impact on the region, but, In my opinion [and many other local chefs] the success of the event lead to the promotion and exposure for everyone BUT Northern Michigan based talent. I was beginning to think I needed to write a mindless cook book to be included....no offense to Matt Sutherland, I'm sure the marketing of big names had to be done to cover the overhead.

I believe Northwest Michigan is on the cusp of great things in the world of food & wine behind the strength of quality restaurants, wineries, artisans and breweries....not to mention the students and culinary culture the Great Lakes Culinary Institute is producing. This region has every right to celebrate with our own festival.

-Randy Chamberlain

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Permalink Reply by Jill on February 25, 2009 at 9:13am

Like I said earlier, Randy, I truly hope the local restaurants and wineries jump on this opportunity to create an event! Pick the same time in the fall and give it a new direction and energy!
It would be well received and could build momentum on the EC past success..

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