A weekend of fun and food in Southwest Michigan

The 6th annual Epicurean Classic, a joyous celebration of food and wine, will take place in St. Joseph, Michigan, on August 28 - 30, 2009. The international event will feature cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, receptions, dinners and more. The Epicurean Classic help put Traverse City, its previous location, on the culinary map, and the St. Joseph community is looking forward to becoming the new home of this gourmet event.

Traverse Epicurean Alliance, an educational organization dedicated to creating greater awareness and appreciation for food, wine and brewing artisanship, created the annual Epicurean Classic. Interaction with the world's finest chefs and wine industry professionals has made this event internationally renowned. This year’s select roster of wine and food personalities includes 24 culinary artists and 59 participating wineries.

Unless otherwise indicated, all programs will be conducted at the cooking and tasting pavilion sites on Lake Bluff Park. Celebrity chefs will present dinners at 7 locations throughout the community. Passes can be purchased for individual or weekend events.

Harbor Shores is sponsoring the Grand Reception, by far the most popular event at the Classic, featuring 20 guest chefs and cookbook authors. In addition, over 20 wine tables will be hosted by prestigious wineries and importers. The cost for the Grand Reception is $85.00. Find out more at http://epicureanclassic.com

Every Saturday during the summer, the Farmer’s Market can be found at Lake Bluff Park. At this beautiful spot overlooking Lake Michigan, you’ll find an abundance of homegrown flowers, fruits and vegetables for sale. And don’t forget to try some homemade baked goods – there’s always a wide variety of irresistible treats offered by the many vendors.

For more information about these events and others, visit our Calendar of Events page, and find out why we are called Michigan’s Great Southwest.