Learn the basics of rustic french cooking with this meal of traditional favorites. Start with poulet roti aux legume racines, roasted chicken with root vegetables, then churn out the best mashed potatoes you’ve ever had with robuchon style pomme purée. Finish off with a mini tarte de pomme à la normande, the classic apple tart from northern France.
ACF Summer BBQ - Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 5pm - 7:30pm
Join the Greater Grand Rapids ACF for Food, Fun, and camaraderie at Affinity Group for our Barbecue. As this year and the last have been a trying time for us all, we have a great opportunity to meet up outside for a grand BBQ event with our friends and partners at Affinity Group. The ACF is rooted in the values we as Chef Professionals hold deep in our hearts: Come out for some amazing food, great networking, and the friendship of your peers.
All food service professionals welcome. All ACF members welcome to bring non food service professional guests.
***This event has moved from GRCC to the auditorium at KCTC***
Hyper-local farms. Ultra-tasty greens.
Brian Mitchell will talk about this partnership, how the companies are bringing fresh, hyper-local products to customers. Square Roots and GFS are building effective relationships with change agents that are helping to reshape how food is produced, prepared, and served. Square Roots is an excellent example of leading-edge thinking and technology driving new solutions.
We love when good friends, great music, AND valued clients come together! Come on out this Saturday to see #GrandRapids own Mannhattan play at Creston Brewery!
Love rock n roll, booze, and great food? All #Local? You don't want to miss this.
A Rock reimagining. As a constantly changing reflection of humankind's wild and and unbridled passions, Rock music has gone in many directions over the past few decades.
Let's bring that all back together.
Mannhattan takes the immortality of Rock 'n' Roll with fresh ideas borrowed from Jazz, Electronic, and Metal music for something really special. With classic riff-centric rock lines and explosive drumming tied together by vocals ablaze, get ready for a cutting-edge take on a time-honored genre!
Mannhattan is Cory Greeno, Joe Joel, Royce Lloyd, and Sam Mann.
About Creston Brewery:
Beers you'll remember. We are an eclectic group of individuals committed to working together to provide each person who steps through our doors with the best we can give. From the beer to the food to the service, we want you to feel at home and feel appreciated. We strive for this attitude to go beyond our walls and strive to do what we can to better our community as well.
Our focus is small because even the smallest things matter.
We’re lucky to live in the city with the best craft brews, so don’t just drink the good stuff–learn to cook with it too! This beer-inspired menu will include a refreshing seasonal salad with a pale ale vinaigrette, delicious brown ale-braised chicken, and rich chocolate stout cupcakes. Yes, beer in dessert! Complement your meal with your favorite brew, available for purchase from our curated list.
In this hands-on Valentine’s Day class, make your own ravioli from scratch! You’ll create a sweet and nutty butternut squash ravioli cooked in a rich brown butter sauce. Learn how to emulsify balsamic vinegar straight from Italy, and use it to dress a complementing salad. Assorted dried fruits and a sicilian marsala lend their flavors as you create a traditional italian compote served over ice cream. Pair your creations with a beverage available for purchase from our curated list.
Now in its 12th year, this festival has established itself as Michigan’s annual tasting event, measured by more than 1,500 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of food and spirits, this Festival will deliver a grand experience that is sure to please every palette.
Join us at Blandford Nature Center on Small Business Saturday for our first annual Nature Makers Market! Shop for gifts inspired by nature and created with natural materials. Our auditorium will be full of vendors offering you handcrafted goods and gifts like: jewelry, artwork, photography, watercolors, home decor, linocut prints, letterpress good, apparel, candles & soaps, edible goods, and much more!!!
This is the perfect opportunity to shop for the holidays (or for yourself) while supporting local makers and Blandford Nature Center!
Vendors include:
Birds of the Air
Solstice Handmade
Cold Porch
Gypsie Medicine
Lucky Shoe Art
Wildship Studio
Little Spirit Moon
Red Hydrant Press
Runaway Press
And many many more!!
Admission to the market is free! And while you're here be sure to check out our gift shop for great gifts too! All ages welcome!
Love a good homemade pie? Then this class is for you! Master a classic pie crust that puts your grandmother’s to shame. You’ll create two delicious twists on the traditional Thanksgiving pie—a ginger-chai pumpkin pie and a pear-date and sesame pie. You’ll go home with two pies, along with recipes to recreate your pies for years to come. Pair your creations with a beverage selection available for purchase from our curated list.
Bring your holiday cookie making tradition to the Downtown Market! You’ll bake the day away with four festive cookies that will get you invited to all of the holiday parties. In this popular holiday class you will leave with 8 dozen cookies, including the following:
French chocolate mendiants, a traditional french Christmas confection, which are decadent chocolate treats garnished with candied nuts and fruits
Festive lavender shortbread cookies
Raspberry linzer cookies—crisp and buttery holiday cookie great for sharing
Chocolate swirl meringue cookies are fluffy little treats that perfectly complete your holiday cookie platter
In this class, you will learn the tips and tricks of creating hearty meals that taste so good, you won’t believe they’re healthy! You’ll make tacos with vegan chorizo and beans topped with creamy cabbage slaw, a vitamin rich roasted cauliflower, and a tangy brussels sprout salad. End your meal with gluten free baked churros! Pair your meal with a beverage selection available for purchase from our curated list.
The Mediterranean region is known for bright flavors and tasty meals. In this class, we’ll master Mediterranean mainstays like falafel, tabouleh, and tzatziki. With these dishes, you’ll learn how to select authentic ingredients and how the right olive oil can add the finishing touches to your meal. Finish the night with a classic semolina cake for dessert! Pair your meal with a beverage selection available for purchase from our curated list.
All proceeds benefit the American Culinary Federation of Kalamazoo/ Battle Creek Scholarship and Educational Program
Seven Courses of Gold Menu
※All courses will be paired with a Green Door Distillery Spirits
1st Course - Amuse Bouche
Chef Matt Askleson of One Well BrewingBeef Heart Pastrami with Kohlrabi Kraut
2nd Course - Soup
Chef Steve Deal & CACC Culinary Student & Green Door DistilleryComparison of Autumn Flavors - Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup and Cauliflower Roasted Garlic Soup, with Green Apple Poblano Slaw, Beluga Lentil Ragout, Quail Carnitas, and Cumin Scented Pepitas
3rd Course - Salad
Chef Joel Boone & KVCC students & KVCC's Food Innovation CenterButternut Squash & Cheese Campari soaked
4th Course - Duck Entree
Chef James Allen & Cary Allen of 600 Kitchen & Bar & Oleavanti olive oilDuck with pumpkin mole
5th Course - Seafood Entree
Chef Jason McClellan of Bronson HospitalSustainable fish, broth, and veggies
6th Course - Lamb Entree
Chef Joe Hitson of Bravo! & Crisp Country AcresRoasted Rack of Lamb with truffle sea salt risotto, popcorn shoots, micro cilantro, ice buds, roasted radish, baby beets, brussels sprouts, beef bone broth
7th Course - Dessert
Chef Noel Corwin of Gorilla Gourmet & Catering & DeLeo FarmsTasting of Local Apples prepared roasted, frozen, and poached
Surprise Course
Chef Aaron Chew, Chef Kristen Dogan & Culinary Arts Students from Van Buren and Branch Area CTE Programs
※Pairings include: Green Door Distillery - Rye Whiskey, Aquavit, Gin, Vodka, Mint Julip Slush & More
Eating local is one of the best ways to shift your dollars to local businesses. We are all a part of the local food system and Fork Fest highlights the connection between those who grow, make, and serve our food. Attendees can stroll from booth to booth and try samples from dozens of West Michigan's finest restaurants, farms, grocers, bakeries, and more. All samples and one drink ticket are included in the price of admission. A cash bar will be available.
"Join us at Macatawa Legends and experience a fall fest with Brews and a Slider Bar in the new RedRock Grill. Each location will focus on a local non-profit partner in our community, with Kid’s Food Basket off Holland represented at Macatawa Legends. While the event is free to attend, we suggest a donation to our non-profit partners as Eastbrook Homes will match up to $10,000 in donations for each non-profit!
Interested? We invite you to participate by:
RSVPing to the event below
Attend one or all of our Taste & Tour Events throughout the Month of October
Bringing a donation (any amount helps!) to give to that location’s non-profit
Chat with the non-profit’s representative to learn about their cause
Enjoy the food and drinks while getting to know your neighbors"
"Do you love Eastown? Do you love beer?
Then you don’t want to miss East West Brewing Company’s Eastown Appreciation Night! On Friday, December 1st, we’re inviting Grand Rapids beer lovers from all neighborhoods to our brewery to celebrate our little piece of Grand Rapids.
Throughout our first year, Grand Rapids locals from all over have supported our brewery, and we want to give back! Come on in and enjoy incredible food and brew specials all night along with some great giveaways!
In addition to the food, drinks and prizes, we’ll be having a specialty limited beer release inspired by our amazing neighborhood! Stay tuned to our facebook event postings, as we're looking to our friends and neighbors to help us name this special beer!"
When: Friday, December 1, 2017
Where: East West Brewing Co. 1400 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Time: 6P
Phone: (616) 288-5250
For additional information and more events like this, visit ExperienceGR.com
The Southerner marries the tradition of the South with the charm of West Michigan. The restaurant is located on the Kalamazoo River and boasts a menu created by James Beard Award semi-finalist, Chef Matthew. Join us on the screened-in porch - no bug spray needed! Guests will sample seasonal favorites including fried chicken and biscuits. A cash bar and drink specials will be on tap.
PARKING
Look out for a dirt parking lot and some neon signs - the sign of a good ol' southern restaurant!
Getting married and looking for who to use for all your bridal needs? Then you better get to downtown Grand Rapids where picking out your wedding dress or your song list, the Spring Bridal Show is sure to give you an ample supply of ideas to plan your most perfect day.
Are you a food service industry professional? Looking for a fun and interesting evening on this boring Monday? Want to check out the hottest and freshest bartenders in the Grand Rapids battle it out for Bartender supreme? Look no further!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you like good food and plenty of it? Do you love your furry friends? Come out this evening to the Paws, Claws and Corks event tonight at the Devos Conventions Center. This event will feature the hottest restaurants, breweries, and wineries in West Michigan. Guests will enjoy fabulous cuisine, wonderful wine and beer samples, as well as opportunities to bid on exciting packages including adventures, trips, wine, sports memorabilia and much more! Most importantly, money raised will benefit the Humane Society of West Michigan in our mission to promote the humane treatment and responsible care of animals in our community through education, example, responsible placement and protection.
HAVE YOU HEARD?!?!?! – The Bird is the word. Also, Put on your Boogie Shoes and Hustle on over! Next Saturday night is the 8th annual Juice Ball hosted by Chef Tommy Fitzgerald. Come dressed in your 70’s best for this far out night of fun and entertainment at the JW Marriot in Downtown Grand Rapids. Look out for the Culinary Cultivations auction item as it will be one to bid on. All proceeds from the Juice Ball go to support Kitchen Sage. This is a non-profit organization that Chef Tommy Fitzgerald put together to train practical experience to inner city youth and young adults to help them with their career path in the culinary industry.
Let them know you're going on Facebook!
Looking for something cool to do tonight? The Kalamazoo American Culinary Chapter is having their 3rd annual Brew Launch Party tonight and your invited!!!! All proceeds from the sales of beer that evening will support the Scholarship Fund of the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek ACF Chapter. It will be a great evening of celebrating a beer idea by a local Kalamazoo chef.
The Louise Earl Butcher Shop today is hosting the American Culinary Federation Chef’s monthly meeting. This month the ACF for Grand Rapids is speaking about their upcoming charity events and then learning a little about whole hog breakdown from Matthew Smith butcher and owner at Louise Earl Butcher. Stop out and join the fun and learn how you can become a member of your local ACF chapter.
Local First is hosting their Forkfest event that focuses on local eateries and consumables. A new exciting thing is that Louise Earl Butcher will provide an on-site butchering demonstration!
"Unwind and socialize with hundreds of local professionals and entrepreneurs right after work on Tuesday, August 23rd at San Chez Bistro (38 Fulton Street West). You’ll make great connections in a fun and relaxed atmosphere while expanding your network of contacts to help fuel your own career or business goals. Network locally with America’s premier face-to-face networking organization which holds nearly 70 events across the country each month. Grab your business cards then get out and network with Network After Work."
"Come meet the artist Loren Naji and enjoy some cold ice cream at Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream at Mackay’s Towers, on their outdoor patio, near Rosa Park. Bring your small personal items or written thoughts of home to contribute to this amazing time-based sculpture that will also serve as Loren's home and a future time capsule."
Come out to Rosa Parks Circle, September 11th 12P-5P to help support the March of Dimes!
Bikers and Music Enthusiasts will love this new, unique outdoor event! Gather your friends and fellow riders to join us at Rosa Parks Circle for the best party in town.
$20 Admittance Fee includes lunch by Two Scotts barbeque, vendor area, sports memorabilia auction, blues bands and more! Additional charge for rib tasting from our five Pit Masters.
"We will be building our brick and mortar oven core for our pizza oven as a hands on workshop. The event is directed towards small farmers looking to begin value added production. But all are welcome."
Eat Local West Michigan is getting ready to announce their farm tours for the fall season! Learn from local chefs exactly where and how to get the best produce for you and your family.
In this beginner sushi experience, our expert chef will lead you through the basics of rolling, cutting, and preparing three classic sushi rolls. You will learn basic japanese knife skills, proper sushi plating, and expert garnishing techniques. This class is all about preparation, plating, presentation, and of course, tasting! Pair your rolls with a beverage selection available for purchase from our curated list.
Celebrate Christmas the european way with holiday street foods from Germany! We’ll start with classic gluehwein (german mulled wine) paired with a delicious currywurst (a poutine style dish with curry gravy topped with sausage). For dessert, enjoy some oliebollen (old-fashioned dutch doughnuts) that would make Father Christmas proud! Pair your street eats with a beverage selection available for purchase from our curated list.
"Join us for our annual gathering of West Michigan’s finest culinary talent in support of the March of Dimes. Held in the Steelcase Ballroom at DeVos Place, you will enjoy tasting the signature dishes of local chefs before taking your seats for the Live Auction and Fund the Mission. We encourage you to bid on one of our unique packages. Raise your paddle and give generously to save babies!"
"At this year’s event, our featured Signature Chefs will be competing. Top Chef 2019, Best Taste, Best Presentation, Best Display and the People’s Choice Awards are all decided and awarded at the event. Judges come from a variety of culinary backgrounds such as education, media and hospitality. We will give the awards on stage during the program."
For more information please contact Nicole Walters 616.247.6861.
For full details follow the March of Dimes event page.
Where would we be without food? We certainly wouldn’t be at Starbucks, grocery stores or restaurants. We wouldn’t, in fact, be anywhere for very long, because we need food to live. Food is seen as a basic human right, and yet one in nine people globally experience chronic hunger. As far back as 1945 the United Nations recognized food as not a privilege, but a right, and that’s why they created World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, in 1979. It’s a day of observance to draw attention to the plight of the hungry. So, today, join us in eradicating hunger.
How to Observe World Food Day
Give to a local food bank
In the United States it's estimated 1 in 7 people rely on food banks as their primary or supplemental food source—many of these are working families who suffer from underemployment and cannot afford the groceries needed to help their family live healthfully. The top requested items for food banks are healthy, non-perishable items high in protein, such as canned or dry beans, peanut butter, rolled oats, low-sodium soups and vegetables and tuna canned in water.
Support small scale farms
Ninety-eight percent of the farms in the world are family farms. They usually practice sustainable agriculture with plants that are indigenous to the area, rotating crops and limited use of pesticides. Sadly, many family farmers are unable to produce the variety of crops needed for their own survival and without support, can suffer from malnutrition themselves. On World Food Day, shop locally and support family farms.
Raise money to end hunger
On World Food Day there are typically a number of food drives. If you don’t know of a local food drive, organize one yourself and donate the food to a local food drive. Globally there are hunger walks, World Food Day dinners or food packaging rallies. Get involved and let’s end world hunger!
Join us for great fun and great food at the annual Pulaski Days celebrations!
A highlight every year is the Pulaski Days Parade:
When: Saturday, October 5
Time: 11am
Where: Seward to Marion St.
Pulaski Days was founded in 1973 by Ed Czyzyk and Walter Ulanch as a way to support the local social clubs by sharing Polish culture with the entire Grand Rapids community. The annual event has now grown into a week-long celebration to be shared with friends, family, and strangers alike.
"Savor the Craft during a month-long celebration of Grand Rapids' exceptional craft beer scene. Highlights include Cool Brews. Hot Eats, the 13th Annual Winter Beer Festival, Founder's Brewing Company KBS Week (March 5-10, 2018) and plenty of beer dinners and tap takeovers at Grand Rapids craft breweries.
Become a Beer City Brewsader during Beer Month GR and you will receive a limited time offer Brewsader gift, in addition to your official Brewsader t-shirt when you redeem at the gift shop at the Grand Rapids Art Museum."
Restaurant Week GR is your opportunity to “Taste the City” in delicious new ways! Scores of local restaurants offer special earth-to-table meals at an unbelievable price: $28 per person for a 3-course dinner – or 2 dine for $28 at select locations. For the first time, a number of the 60+ participating restaurants are serving lunch – just $14 person for a 2-course meal.
Our friends at March of Dimes is having a fund raising event Wednesday at Buffalo Wild Wings at Knapp Corner. Please some out and grab take out, or sit down and have a meal at BW3s with Melissa Petersen's Team Our Angels and Ginger Feldman's Team Dean and Libby's Laughing Destroyers. 20% of the bill will go back to the teams.
Venue: Sur La Table 2500 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Category: Food/Wine Price Per Person: $69 per person
What You Will Learn
Menu: Chicken and Andoiulle Sausage Gumbo - Shrimp Étouffée - Smoky Red Beans and Rice - Pecan Pralines
Class Description: Just in time for Mardi Gras, this fun class explores the rich Creole and spicy Cajun flavors of New Orleans cuisine. Our instructor will introduce you to traditional NOLA ingredients and techniques and show you how to create classics like gumbo and étouffée. You’ll enjoy working alongside fellow students as we practice everything from making a proper roux to perfectly cooking shellfish. Plus, we’ll share secrets for preparing the ultimate red beans and rice and walk you through the surprisingly simple steps for creating authentic pecan pralines.
What To Expect
**Special Note*****Great cooking isn't about recipes—it's about techniques. In our classes you'll work together with other students in a fun, hands-on environment led by our professional chef instructors.
Duration of Classes:2 to 2 1/2 hours, unless otherwise noted above
Class Size You will work with other students in groups of 4
*Special NoteHands-on classes are limited to 16 students
What to Wear:
You will be standing, cooking and working for most of the class
Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and have long hair tied back
BenefitsYou will enjoy a generous taste of every dish
Students receive a coupon good for 10% off in-store purchases the day of class
*Sur La Table recipes are developed using common cooking and baking ingredients that may or may not be specified in the menu titles, including various fruits and vegetables, nuts, meats, spices, wheat flours, etc. If you have a food allergy, please check with your local Cooking School before attending the class. Adjustments to recipes cannot be made during class.
Greater Grand Rapids American Culinary Federation is the governing body for culinary certification and we fund many benefits for culinary students and for local charities such as Kids Food Basket. We have partnered with the Grand Rapids Brewing Company to create a branded Greater Grand Rapids ACF brew. All of our chefs are working hard on putting together some great food for the event such as smoked meats, beer steamed shrimp, sausages, dips, beer braised kale, and many other snacks. The best part about the event that all the food is FREE! All we ask is that you purchase a couple of our winning beer and/or make a donation as you enter the event. Grand Rapids Brewing company has graciously donated the first keg off our brew to our ACF chapter and we are going to be selling the brew at our event to raise funds for our chapter. The remaining kegs of brew will be sold at GRBC until they run out and part of the sales of the remaining brews will go to fund Kitchen Sage. This will be a great event and we look forward to seeing all of our friends!
June 18, Gazelle Sports will be hosting a 5K run starting at Rockford High School. Bring the family out and check out the give outs to help fight hunger in Grand Rapids!
Prices range from $15-25, check out the website for more info
http://meijerlpgaclassic.com/meijer-lpga-5k-run-walk-registration-now-open-2/
Join us Sunday, July 3rd for the ultimate Great American Picnic. Watch the U.S. Navy Blue Angels® as they perform over the beautiful West Grand Traverse Bay while indulging in delicious cherry inspired picnic food. Not only will there be fabulous food; there will also be classic American outdoor games and fun for the whole family!
HAPPY HOUR LIBATION LECTURE: IT IS 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE, DAIQUIRIS!
"During the dog days of summer nothing beats a refreshing daiquiri to chase the heat away. Learn the techniques to make a classic, Hemmingway and greenhouse daiquiri. Fresh ingredients and perfect ice will make these daiquiris the highlight of your summer. Samples will be served and cocktails will be available for purchase."
Be at The Downtown Market, July 14 5-6:30PM!
Coastal Culinary Health:
A Doctor's & Chef's Prescription for Health in the Kitchen
Saturday, June 4, 2016, 11am - 2pm, West Olive, MI on the Shores of Lake Michigan
You are invited to join Chef Elizabeth Suvedi from [CulinaryExpedition.com]Culinary Expedition and Dr. Kristi Artz in the kitchen to create a plant powered, nutrient dense four course meal designed for optimal health. Together we will explore the importance of nutrient rich foods and highlight techniques in the kitchen that can maximize these health benefits in your everyday meals. Click here for the full details of this event and to register. Space is limited.
For anyone who missed the WoodTV news clip on how to make some delicious summer dishes, you can click here to watch the clip. The dishes were Caper Bruschetta with Balsamic Reduction and Dill Caper Potato Salad. Click here to watch the video!!!!