April's Newsletter
Hello friends! We are back this month with another menu full of great food, real talk, and yes, more great food. To kick things off, I’d love to dive into the amazing experience of being featured on the Podcast, Harder Than Life hosted by my friend Kelly Siegel. In this particular episode, we navigate my journey to discovering the art of cooking and all of the deep trials and tribulations that have brought me to this point in my career. Being asked to share this part of my story is so meaningful to me. We all face times in our lives that are not in control but serve us as a time of transition and change. The biggest takeaway from these moments is to remember that WE are in control of our happiness and we have the ability to change the narrative. If you listen, I’d love to hear your takeaways!
If you follow along on my Instagram, you may have started to see a few reels showcasing my new restaurant highlight series. The Detroit area (and the Midwest in general) has such diverse dining options and it is my goal with this series for you all to join me on my culinary adventure to find the new and delicious. This month is brought to you by my always hectic media travel schedule that landed me in Chi-town and more importantly at a table in the acclaimed restaurant Boka. Since 2003 Boka has been solidified as one of Chicago’s most iconic restaurants with Chef Lee Wolen creating hyper-seasonal American food centered on beautiful ingredients and meticulously executed preparations. You can take a look at my personal dining experience here.
All of this travel has taken me not just to the windy city, but to all over Northern Michigan as well. Our Skinny Butcher north media tour took us from Bay City to Traverse City with appearances on WNEM, Q100 radio, Cadillac News, and 9and10 News. Take a look at the links added in to see what new and tasty treats we are whipping up all across the state.
And just like that, we are back with more great food. Specifically, we are whipping up a duo of recipes that scream IT’S SPRING! So to finally put those trick warm sunny days to rest and welcome in a more consistent sun with moderately temperate days, I have a stunning Brocolini, Asparagus & Crispy Capers Salad paired with a savory Wild Mushroom Truffle Pasta. And just like John Lennon and Paul McCartney, as good as these two dishes are on their own, it’s always better when the whole band performs together.
However, if all this talk of food, travel, and warmer weather has you inspired, I might challenge you to take a stop at your local farmers market and see what seasonal treats catch your reusable bag. Now that we are all on the same page that mushrooms and asparagus are on the shopping list here, I think it could add another layer on to our culinary adventure together to throw in some rhubarb, arugula, and maybe even some watercress to take this month up a notch. Cheers to Spring, Summer, and all the delicious things ahead of us!