I have to say, this was one of the best meals I have ever had.

It featured small dishes that included  rabbit and sausage, scallop and lobster, morel mushrooms in brodo (just to name a few) paired with the new releases and previous award winning wines.

Just amazing. Chef Myles collaboration was inspiring.

The Vintner’s came to each table explaining the wine and answering all questions and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Here is a wonderful ARTICLE by Janice Binkert on the whole affair.

If you want the divine experience for yourself, this years event will be on June 6th at Trattoria Stella. Contact them for more info.

She and her family won the Edible Communities Local Hero Award for 2013!

And I know why they won. What a gorgeous place.

The Home and hoop house of Charla’s were both warm and inviting.

Charla was so gracious and fun. Plus, she fed me some of her amazing bread and cherry lime jam.

Magical.

My visit to Echo Bend was just what I needed! (You’ll love it too!)

Support your local farmers!

www.echobend.net

I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Tony a few weeks back while on assignment for Edible Grande Traverse Magazine.

His creations of Asian and Latin Cuisine are just gorgeous..and from the crowds and happy faces, delicious!

I can’t wait to go back :)

Congratulations Chef!

p.s. the new spring issue of EGT is out this week. Patty LaNoue Stearns has an excellent article all about Georgina’s. Pick up a copy and enjoy !

I want you to see it’s beauty like I do.

This is dinner tonight.

The others are what came after I started playing with my new back drop (an old piece of tin ceiling tile, thank you fellow photog and friend Coreene).

Really, I get started and just have to go with it…dinner will probably be on time.

What inspires you?

The Play
Conny Jasper

“The year, the day, or the time,
It is not important,
Yesterday is gone,
Tomorrow does not yet exist.
Only now do you have the chance
To be whoever you are.
Only now can you live
With the passion of spirit
And the spark of inspiration.
This is where everything ends,
And where everything begins,
Right here, right now
In the flow of what is.
This is all that you have.
Hold on, but let go.
Connect, but be separate.
Unite with the trust of the seed that grows in the earth,
The child that grows in the womb.
There is pain in growth,
But there is also wisdom.
To know is to know not.
Every movement, every transition is a risk,
It is an opportunity to transform.
It does not matter what it all means,
It is a play that exists in eternity.“

They set the mood and atmosphere.

They evoke emotion when you come down the aisle.  During cocktails they entertain while you are getting photos takenand they keep the dance floor hopping’ during the party!

Don’t forget the musician when you are planning your event.

Music is a part of all of us!

But first, here is a site where you can order herb favors! Favorcreative.com

These herbs are from a local farmer’s market.

Now, Rob and Naomi shared preserves, homemade by Naomi’s mom.They were beautiful and delicious.

Emily and Nigel presented golden jars of honey from Emily’s dad.

Thinking back on earth friendly gifts, I thought about how couples can help, and give at the same time..this is a very personal gift.

Why not make donations to your favorite charity as a favor? I think of my mom who supports the Arbor Foundation (trees would be planted with the money) or Kiva, who I support.

Use some recycled paper with a little note explaining the donation and charity. You could make these yourself or have family and friends help you.

The possibilities are endless and very ‘green’.

What comes to mind for you?

I decided I had better get out there since it was going to snow again soon (like that very night!).

The chickens told me it was spring..just by greeting me on the porch. Those ladies don’t like to walk barefoot through the snow.

I found some “Tree Tattoos” (That’s what I am calling them) in the form of lichens..and I slogged through some surprisingly deep snow! (just ask my leg muscles) to peak at the pond. Enjoy!

You may or may not be humming John Denver now but photos of flowers and brides are so nice on a grey, snowy, day in northern Michigan!

The colors and warmth remind me of sunshine!

Enjoy!

To a favorite of course, The Cook’s House!

If you haven’t been, you have to go. It’s the best. I’ll let my photos show you!

But first, know that if you are in the Traverse City area, there are so many restaurants (all delicious) that are participating in restaurant week (basically $25.00 gets you an appetizer, dinner, and dessert!).

Check out the full list at downtowntc.com

and come back to the blog and tell me where you went :)