Episode 764: Traverse City Food & Wine is back

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - This episode is all about food, travel and music. That's right up BTM's alley!

A big portion of the show is focused on Traverse City Food and Wine, which is back bigger, bolder, and more delicious than ever, with 80 events, a fully functional demonstration kitchen, sold-out chef dinners, and rare up-close moments with some of the biggest names in food.

Amy Sherman sits down with Whitney Waara, COO of Traverse City Tourism, to unpack why year two of the festival feels like the real breakthrough. From collaboration dinners with multiple chefs to waterfront tastings, market-basket challenges, and the new Open Space Park kitchen built for real cooking, Whitney shares how Traverse City is turning August 19-23 into a choose-your-own-adventure for food lovers.

In addition, you’ll discover:

• Why the chefs had just as much fun behind the scenes as the guests did.

• How the festival mixes national stars like Andrew Zimmern with beloved voices like Ruth Reichl.

• What makes the new demo kitchen different from the usual festival setup.

• Why the Farmers Market Morning is one of the most local, seasonal experiences of the week.

• How the grand tasting, winery events, and expanded VIP offerings create something for every kind of attendee.

Whitney also explains how Traverse City’s produce, wineries, distillers, and brewers shape the entire experience - and why this is the perfect time of year to be in northern Michigan.

Also on the show:

John Gonzalez checks in with foodie Chad Lamar of Grand Rapids who is a truck driver by day, but uses his travels to explore some of his favorite destinations all over the country. John interviews Chad while in line at Stubburn BBQ in Grand Rapids.

And Amy and Gonzo interview bluegrass musician Mark Lavengood, a.k.a. Huggy Bear, who is the master of ceremonies at the first ever (and SOLD OUT!) Ionia Freak Fair (Aug. 28-29). You will learn more about Mark's musical background, what it's like to be on stage with Billy Strings and Greensky Bluegrass, and, his early years, when he played middle school basketball at Comstock Park - with John as his coach. We're not making that up!

Follow John and Amy's adventures on their Facebook page at facebook.com/behindthemitten.

Want more events and things to do in Michigan? Follow the West Michigan Tourist Association, the official partner of Behind the Mitten. Go to WMTA.org.