Seminars

Special guests will lead a series of seminars available to the public on Saturday, April 21.

9:00am – 9:45am
Going All Out with Spring Produce
Asparagus, strawberries, ramps, morels and more! Barb Tholin, editor of Edible Grande
Traverse, will share tasty new ways to enjoy Michigan’s early produce.
Topnotch Room, upper level of the Civic Center
Presented by Barb Tholin, editor of Edible Grande Traverse

9:00am – 9:45am
Lavender Culinary Products and Uses
Learn the background of the amazing lavender herb and its early uses. The seminar explores
the many varieties of the herb, of over 300, that are appropriate for culinary purposes and
how to incorporate lavender into your everyday recipes.
Ramshead Room, upper level of the Civic Center
Presented by Jan Ruback of Lavender Hill Farms

9:00am – 9:45am
Techniques, Care and Cleaning of Cutlery and Cutting Boards
Jim Borchers of iMJN Enterprises will demonstrate a variety of knife techniques and share
cleaning techniques and care instructions for your cutting boards.
Arlberg 1, lower level of the Civic Center
Presented by Jim Borchers of iMJN Enterprises

10:00am – 10:45am
Farm to Table – Really!
Chef and local farmer, Mike Everts of Blackbird Gardens, will demonstrate a variety of cooking techniques using fresh greens and mushrooms picked from his northern Michigan farm.
Ramshead Room, upper level of the Civic Center
Presented by Mike Everts of Blackbird Gardens

10:00am – 10:45am
Celebrating the Bounty of Michigan
Join Chef Ray Sierengowski, corporate research chef for Meijer and food science author, for
an exciting live culinary demonstration featuring Michigan products.
Topnotch Room, upper level of the Civic Center
Presented by Chef Ray Sierengowski of Meijer

10:00am – 10:45am
Savoring Michigan’s Rich Foodie & Agricultural History
Dianna Stampfler, director of Promote Michigan, will enlighten audience members on the
“Mitten of Plenty.” Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the country with cherries, grapes, blueberries, pumpkins, peaches, apples, asparagus, celery and more.
With a growing industry focused on locally sourced products including cheese, poultry,
sauces, jams, breads, chocolates and so much more, you have a feast in your own
backyard just waiting to be devoured.
Arlberg 1 Room, lower level of the Civic Center
Presented by Dianna Stampfler of Promote Michigan

2:30pm – 3:15pm
The 5 S’s of Wine
See, swirl, smell, sip and savor different wines. This informative seminar includes sampling
of different wines to illustrate the differences in weight and color.
Topnotch Room, upper level of the Civic Center
Presented by Ed Brehm of Boyne Country Provisions Wine Emporium & Market

2:30pm – 3:15pm
The Art of Whiskey
Learn a brief history of American whiskey including the explanation of American oak barrels
and the difference between bourbon and malt whiskey. The seminar includes sampling of Brewer’s whiskey - “un-aged,” small barrel whiskey, Zeppelin Blend whiskey - standard
barrel whiskey, and Dragon’s Milk - beer aged in whiskey barrels.
Ramshead Room, upper level of the Civic Center
Presented by Rich Blair of New Holland Brewing Company

2:30pm – 4:00pm
Feeding your Mind, Body and Spirit – Being Fit Never Tasted So Good!
Michelle Bommarito, professional celebrity chef, discovered after many experimental years
how to stay fit by choosing the right foods to put into her body. She is convinced that if you eat
well, you will have an abundance of energy and she is committed to this “lifestyle.” Her
experience as Michael Jordan’s personal Chef ignited her passion to educate others
and improve their energy and stamina by selecting an array of foods to use as fuel.
Join her for this inspiring seminar which is a reminder to take care of “YOU!”
Arlberg 1 & 3, lower level of the Civic Center
Presented by Professional Chef Michelle Bommarito