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 Basil-licious
Unexpected might be a term you would use to describe one of the most in-demand frozen custard flavors at Ozzie’s Eatery in New Buffalo, MI.
Owner Angela Reichert says the idea for Basil Custard came from a TV program about unusual flavor combinations. That got her to think about what might pair well with a base of smooth, rich vanilla custard (perfectly wonderful on it’s own).
After some experimentation she came up with a winning formula. “It’s so much fun when we hand out tastes to parents with kids. After tasting the flavors the parent asks ‘So which do you want, the chocolate?’ to which kids almost always say ‘No. I want the basil!’â€
And she sources her basil locally from New Buffalo's Green Spirit Farms, and Three Oaks' McWethy Farms.
Currently Ozzie’s Basil Custard is made fresh weekly and is available only at Ozzie’s (603 E Buffalo St New Buffalo) and at the Sawyer Garden Center in Sawyer, MI. Call Ozzie’s to check availability - 269.469.9437
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Notable Mentions
GreenTown Michiana: Healthy people. Healthy communities.
This October in South Bend, IN GreenTown is happening. What is GreenTown? It is a zero waste, carbon neutral event designed to “connect the dots†between the public and private sector to create a stronger platform for common ground and building community. The aim is to mix equal parts inspiration, aspiration and perspiration to be a catalyst for sustainability planning and implementation.
Since 2007, mayors and other elected officials, city managers, public works directors, park district directors, planners, developers, builders, architects, landscape architects, engineers, school leaders, teachers, healthcare professionals, environmental advocates – and many others interested in sustainable development – have gathered to hear inspiring speakers, learn from been-there case studies and discuss actionable steps to make communities–and people and planet–healthier. At GreenTown, people learn. Network. Act.
Michiana’s GreenTown conference will be held Friday, October 11, 2013, at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown South Bend. Pre-conference events will be held on Thursday, October 10.
For information on keynotes, workshops and pre-conference activities and more, visit the conference website. Registration is now open and scholarships are available.
Edible Michiana is pleased to be the media sponsor of this event. Hope to see you there.
Research Shows Multiple Positive Impacts from Farmers Markets
Think you are seeing more interest in farmers markets? A survey of 575 grant recipients from the Farmers Market Promotion Program (a US Department of Agriculture grant - FMPP) reported increases in producer participation, vendor and product diversity. Between 2006 and 2012 FMPP grants, ranging from $2,000 to $100,000 supported a wide array of farmers market and direct farm marketing programs at local, regional and state levels. FMPP funded outreach, new market start-up, marketing, training and business skill development. The result? Season extension, increased community engagement, improved food safety and added entrepreneurship opportunities. Most grantees increased by weeks and days of the week when they were open for business, which supported increases in first-time customers and increased accessibility to local food.
Of particular note, more than 75% of grantees used funds for outreach to participants in federal nutrition programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP. formerly Food Stamps). Grantees who allocated funding for electronic benefit transfer (EBT) activities, 92% reported increased return rates for SNAP/EBT shoppers and 85% reported an increase in sales to SNAP participants. 


Survey results including case studies, state-by-state grants awarded and a green paper with recommendations are available here.
Beach Bites No Ordinary Concession Stand
Beach Bites is the new concession stand at Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor. But it’s no ordinary concession stand. It not only serves up food for beach goers but is a new social enterprise that provides training and work experience for Benton Harbor residents.This culinary-based project directly addresses the need for skilled workers in Southwest Michigan’s hospitality industry while providing a reason (if one was needed) to stay longer at the beach.
Featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, and a variety of other snacks, Beach Bites is open daily from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Olive Cart Opens Second Store
South Haven, Michigan's Olive Cart has expanded to Michiana with a location in downtown St. Joseph. The Olive Cart is built on the success the owners had running a successful B&B, known for its elaborate gourmet breakfasts and their experience in all aspects of the restaurant industry. Their stores feature their own high quality line of food as well as body care products. More information is at their website.
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Did you know...
Source: Seen on the American Kitchen's chalkboard
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Edible Events
Here are just some of the many events occurring in August. Know of Edible Events occurring in your corner of Michiana? Please send events to us. We want to know!
Adoption Rocks Event
August 1 & 3, 9:30am-3:30pm; August 2, 9:30-8pm
Olfactory Hue Bistro - Niles, MI
During the first three days of August, 10% of you can eat and support adoption as all sales at Olfactory Hue Bistro will be donated to the Riggenbach Family Adoption Fund. Door prizes and specials are part of this special event. For more information call 269.687.0880 or visit the bistro's Facebook page.
Taste of Michigan City
August 2, 4pm -10pm; August 3, Noon-10pm
Uptown Arts District - Michigan City, IN
Enjoy two days of local food tasting, live entertainment and art in the Uptown Arts District. Starts with the First Friday Art Walk and features food vendors lining Franklin Street both days plus a wide range of live entertainment. The event benefits Michigan City Main Street Association’s downtown revitalization effort. Visit website for more information.
Fish Fry for Chapman Lake
August 3, 4:30pm-7pm
Chapman Lake Conservation Association Clubhouse - Warsaw, IN
Help raise funds for lake enhancement at this carry-out only event. Fish, cole slaw and chips dinners plus a bake sale too. Dinners are $7; parking is free. For more information see event site.
Ice Cream Social
August 3, 7pm-9pm
Culver Town Park - Culver, IN
Spend a lazy summer evening cooling off with ice cream and listening to music in the park. Featuring Brett Wiscons' adult contemporary stylings. Free admission.
Art and Music in the Vineyard
August 3-4, Noon - 6:00pm
Round Barn Winery - Baroda, MI
Phone: 269-625-1638
More than 35 of Michiana's finest artists exhibit in this two-day event with original works of pottery, glass, metal sculptures, paintings, and more. Sip a glass of wine, beer, or spirits while viewing art and listening to live music. More information at Round Barn's website.
Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social
August 4, 1pm-4pm
Ruthmere Museum - Elkhart, IN
An Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social is combined with Free Family Sunday. In addition to free tours of Ruthmere and/or Havilah Beardsley House, enjoy ice cream on Ruthmere's front lawn, free of charge. For more information, see the museum's website.
Electronic Recycling Green Lunch
August 7, 11:30am-1pm
Cravings Bistro & Pub - Benton Harbor, MI
Responsibly get rid of unwanted electronics as Green Earth Electronics of St. Joseph accepts computers, televisions, printers, cell phones - anything with a cord. No charge except computer monitors ($5 )and televisions ($10). Then learn about electronics recycling at lunch. No charge to attend for members of Michigan’s Great Southwest Sustainable Business Forum; non-members $5. Lunch on your own from the menu. RSVP at 269-588-0222.
Healthy Home Made Meals
August 8, 6pm-8pm
Perennial Accents Kitchen - St. Joseph, MI
Learn to make five dinners of five ingredients with Tara Newman of Delicious Deliveries. Apple-Cherry Pork Chops; Herb Crusted Chicken Milanese with Summer Vegetables; Cheese Ravioli with Lemon Cream Sauce, Zucchini and Squash; Fish Tacos with Chipotle Cream; and Mediterranean Chicken Stacks with Herbed Bread, Beefsteak Tomatoes and Eggplant. $30 per person; nothing to bring. To register, call 269.983.5791.
Salsa Squared
August 8, 5pm-9pm
Palais Royale - South Bend, IN
Help raise money for Unity Gardens at this contest for the best tasting salsa. Restaurant and amateur divisions. Learn to salsa dance and maybe even win the dance contest! Tickets $5 plus cash bar. For more information and to purchase tickets see Unity Gardens' events page or call 574.315.4361
50th Annual National Blueberry Festival
August 8-11
Downtown - South Haven, MI
The South Haven Blueberry Festival has blossomed into a nationally recognized event. It attracts more than 40,000 visitors to a weekend of fun, family events, live entertainment, great food and, this year, a 50th Birthday Party!. See the event website for times and details on activities. .
Third Annual CSA Farm Tour and Farm to Table Dinner
August 10, 1pm tour; 6pm dinner
Fernwood Botanical Garden - Niles, MI
Celebrate farmers in Southwest Michigan. Visit Blue Star Farms in Buchanan, the Three Oaks Community Garden, Granor Farm and Middlebrook Farm both in Three Oaks. A hearty dinner follows on the Bauer Terrace at Fernwood prepared by Chef Tim Carrigan, incorporating products from the farms visited and local wine. Tour $30 (Members $24); Dinner $90 (Members $72); Both $110 (Members $88). Reserve online or call 269.695.6491 by August 6.
19th Annual Hamlet Rendevous
August 16-18
4-H Fairgrounds - Hamlet, IN
Experience Michiana life from 150 years ago. For a weekend people live like our ancestors did in canvas lodges-tents, cooking over open fires, spinning wool into yarn, hammering iron into utensils, dipping candles and more. Events include hawk/knife, muzzle shooting, a fashion review, iron skillet/rolling pin toss a carry-in supper and more. For more information see event website or call 574.586.2105.
Taste of LaPorte
August 17, 3pm-9pm
Chamber Square - LaPorte, IN
Enjoy a Saturday visiting the beer garden and tasting foods from many of LaPorte's restaurants, including Spire and Seven and more. Listen to live entertainment and cap off the evening with a fireworks show. Free shuttle to the nearby LaPorte County Blues Festival from Chamber Square. Taste of La Porte is free to enter, and the La Porte County Blues Festival is $8 at the gate. For more information, see the Taste of LaPorte's Facebook page.
4th Annual Heirloom Tomato Festival
August 31, 9:30am-3pm
Uncle Paul's Gardens - Goshen, IN
Celebrate the tomato! Now in it's fourth year, tomato lovers gather to taste and take home more than 300 varieties of tomatoes and learn from speakers on soil and nutrient dense food. Free to the public. More information here.
Kee-Boon-Mein-Kaa Pow Wow
August 31-September 1
Rodgers Lake - Dowagiac, MI
More than 100 Native American dancers from throughout the Great Lakes will compete during these two days as they celebrate the huckleberry harvest. Enjoy drum groups, visit a marketplace showcasing black ash baskets, traditional beadwork, sweet grass braids, jewelry, crafts and native foods. Free admission. For more information visit the event website.
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Don't You Dare Take That Off Your Menu!
For the last year we've invited passionate eaters to share their favorite dishes from Michiana's restaurants and other eateries. Do you have a favorite that you think deserves to be in the spotlight? Tell us!
In an email, answer three questions in 200 words maximum. The questions:
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What dish do you love?
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Why do you love it?
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Where do you get it?
Then tell us who you are in a couple of sentences. It's that simple. Really!
Now on to this month's favorites....
Praise for Corndance
by Johnathan Jones
The Farm to Fork concept may seem obvious for someone like George Pesek, restaurateur and owner of his own farm. But it's his creativity with these fresh and (REALLY damn) local ingredients that make a visit to one of his Corndance restaurants (Mishawaka and Culver) so inspiring and FUN for us!
We're intrigued by his unrelenting ability to offer unique plates that fall so appropriately between cutting edge and comfortable. This adventurous approach to the changing seasons and local ingredients of Northern Indiana results in a dynamic special-of-the-day board that makes it difficult to remain loyal to one single dish!
However the Veal Wildwood with Southwest Mash, is my most recently talked about comfort food. Pesek makes and uses a vegetable mash (originally tasted at his Harvest Dinner and then again recently) that may be becoming a signature flavor.
If you get the opportunity to dine at either Corndance Restaurant, order something from the chalkboard! You'll be on the edge of your seat from Starter to Sweet Ending!
Jonathan Jones owns Java Trail in downtown Plymouth, IN. He and his partner, Stacey Edwards, have spent a storied lifetime (or two) in the “biz†on both US coasts, after meeting in an Indiana restaurant kitchen over 20 years ago.
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Green Drinks in Michiana
Each month around the world people meet up at informal sessions known as Green Drinks. Here are four Michiana locations where you can network about organic, green, sustainable topics.
Elkhart - the second Wednesday of the month from 5:30-8pm. Venue changes monthly. For information, contact Burne Miller or Kristi Bly.
Goshen - the third Thursday each month from 6-8pm at A Constant Spring, 219 S. Main Street, Goshen. For information contact Paul Steury.
NEW! Michigan City - the third Thursday of each month starting at 6:30pm (CST) at Shoreline Brewery, 208 Wabash Street. For information check Green Drinks Northwest Indiana's Facebook page or Google "Green Drinks Michigan City."
South Bend - the third Tuesday of each month at a different bar/restaurant in the South Bend area. For details, contact Joel Barrett.
Sunset Coast - the third Wednesday of each month from 5-7:30pm at various Southwest Michigan locations. In August at Founder's Winery, Baroda, MI. Please call 269-588-0222 for information.
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Growing up gardening...
by Michele Poitras
My earliest memories of my Mother gardening are the grapes and apple tree we had in the backyard of our home in Chicago. She was elated when we moved to the suburb of Streamwood and could put in a real vegetable garden.
She grew tomatoes, beans, beets, peas, cucumbers, and the dreaded mustard greens. I really hated when she made mustard greens, as I was forced to eat them because “they are good for you.†The only thing she used for pest control was extremely watered down Joy dish detergent. She said it kept the bugs off and fertilized so nothing else was needed. I remember thinking as a teenager that it would be great if it took care of the weeds too.
Today I have my own organic garden in my Cass County backyard and still wish there was a way to not have to hand weed. Instead of mustard greens or beets, I grow spinach and lettuce along with everything else she grew. I understand the satisfaction she felt when hard work pays off and you get those first few vegetables. I also have my kids help me, hoping I can pass on a tradition that my Mother gave me.
Michele Poitras has been working as a summer intern on a variety of Edible Michiana graphic design and other projects. This reminiscence is her final project.
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