Synopses & Reviews
In 2005 Dan Kaercher, editor-in-chief of M
idwest Living magazine, took us to his favorite places in the acclaimed
Best of the Midwest: Rediscovering America's Heartland. Now he returns to pursue the number one interest of most travelers--food!
Join Dan as he tours the twelve states of the Heartland, exploring their food traditions and bountiful harvests--and, of course, sampling meals prepared by world-class cooks along the way. Gorgeous photography and evocative text bring travelers to the table, where they will taste the cuisine of today's top chefs as well as local specialties at tried-and-true small-town cafes. Some stops are places visitors have heard of; others are hidden gems. All are recommended for their fantastic food and distinctive character. Dan gives directions to palate-pleasers across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Abundant recipes from the Midwest are included to inspire and satisfy the home cook. But this road trip isn't all about eating--visitors can also choose sides in the fried chicken wars of Kansas, make Amish shoofly pie in Indiana, tour a vinegar museum in South Dakota or a dairy farm in Wisconsin, learn about the legend of Norwegian lutefisk in Minnesota, and so much more. In addition, each chapter includes a calendar of events to alert readers to fairs, festivals, and quirky food-related events that occur in each state. And for armchair travelers, Dan supplies practical information for obtaining mail-order delights from food purveyors across the region.
Once again, Iowa Public Television sent a videographer with Dan to gather material for a one-hour special and a new eight-part series scheduled to air on member stations throughout the Midwest in 2006. In addition, extensive coverage in Midwest Living--America's third-largest regional magazine (circulation 925,000, with more than 4 million readers)--as well as on the magazine's Web site and in other publications promises to draw attention to this delicious journey.
Synopsis
Join Midwest Living® magazines Dan Kaercher as he eats his way across the twelve states of the Heartland, exploring their bountiful harvests and food traditionsand sampling signature dishes along the way.
Some stops are well marked on the map; others are hidden gems. All are recommended for their fantastic flavors and distinctive character. Meet innovative chefs from renowned restaurants as well as the personalities behind the counter at the local neighborhood cafe. Come along to the produce auction and talk shop with the farmers who raise the crops. Learn the ethnic origins of the regions favorite foods and try wild variations on old-time favorites.
But this trip isnt all about eatingyou can choose sides in the fried chicken wars of Kansas, watch brewers at work in Wisconsin, tour a vinegar museum in South Dakota, learn the legend of Norwegian lutefisk in Minnesota and much more.
Dan also provides practical information to help you plan your own gastronomic adventure. Cant make the trip this year? Take advantage of the mail-order listings in each chapter, read about quirky food-related fairs and festivals, and warm your own kitchen with the 101 recipes in this book.
If you love the Midwest, youll appreciate Dans passion for life in the Heartland. And youll never again wonder where your next good meal should come from!
Whether you seek sophisticated dining or down-home fare, dig inyoure guaranteed to love every Taste of the Midwest.
About the Author
Dan Kaercher is editor-in-chief and founding editor (1987) of
Midwest Living, the premier periodical about Midwest cities, suburbs, and small towns and Midwesterners' lifestyles. He lives in Urbandale, Iowa.