Tastemakers
Rick Coates 8/24/09
You Don’t Have to
Be Diabetic to Love This Cookbook
Chef and New York restaurateur Tom Valenti will be in Northern Michigan this week at several locations signing copies of his new book “You Don’t Have to Be Diabetic to Love This Cookbook.” Valenti was diagnosed with diabetes over 15 years ago and started creating diabetic cuisine that doesn’t skimp on flavor and he has been showcasing those recipes at his acclaimed restaurant, Ouest, and the recently opened West Branch both, in New York City. His new book features 250 of his favorite recipes and as the title suggests you don’t have to be diabetic to appreciate this cookbook.
“People with diabetes and anyone looking for a healthy lifestyle will rejoice in Valenti’s signature cuisine,” said Mario Batali. “This book he has written and the recipes have made me one of his biggest fans.”
While this cookbook is a blessing for the more than 23 million Americans with diabetes, Valenti also intended it for everyone. “You know that a simple lifestyle intervention can reduce the development of diabetes in high-risk cases 58 percent of the time,” said Valenti. “When I was first diagnosed I thought my good-eating days were over, what I found out was they were just beginning.”
“You Don’t Have to Be Diabetic to Love This Cookbook” is full of great recipes and many will surprise those who thought such items as dessert and pasta might be off limits. Valenti utilizes unexpected combinations, innovations and techniques and despite his professional background he has presented this cookbook for the home cook to use. For more information and a schedule of his book signings in Northern Michigan checkout workman.com --Rick Coates
Wild Pony
Saloon Battle of the Bartender’s
It was 20 years ago that Brian Flanagan and Doug Coughlin brought the bartender position to a new level with their tricks, flair and bottle juggling. Of course these were just characters from the movie, “Cocktail,” starring Tom Cruise and Bryan Brown. But “flair” bartending as it is known remains popular and competitions are popping up all over.
Now, the Wild Pony Saloon, located within Wilderness Crossing near Chums Corner, south of Traverse City is hosting the Battle of the Bartender’s beginning August 27. Bartenders from around Northern Michigan are invited to participate. The registration fee is $50 and the winning bartender will take home $750, plus their establishment will receive a one year free monitor ad at Wilderness Crossing ($2,400 value).
“We want to celebrate and honor the bartenders in the region,” said Tammy Schuster, event organizer. “We are also going to have some nights for those competing to come in and practice and learn tricks. We will have celebrity judges and this will go on for several weeks this fall until we have a winner.”
The competition is also a spectator sport and competitors will be given an assortment of cocktails to make. To compete or to learn more info check out wildernesscrossing.com or call Tammy at 231-943-9200. --Rick Coates
Rick Coates 8/24/09
You Don’t Have to
Be Diabetic to Love This Cookbook
Chef and New York restaurateur Tom Valenti will be in Northern Michigan this week at several locations signing copies of his new book “You Don’t Have to Be Diabetic to Love This Cookbook.” Valenti was diagnosed with diabetes over 15 years ago and started creating diabetic cuisine that doesn’t skimp on flavor and he has been showcasing those recipes at his acclaimed restaurant, Ouest, and the recently opened West Branch both, in New York City. His new book features 250 of his favorite recipes and as the title suggests you don’t have to be diabetic to appreciate this cookbook.
“People with diabetes and anyone looking for a healthy lifestyle will rejoice in Valenti’s signature cuisine,” said Mario Batali. “This book he has written and the recipes have made me one of his biggest fans.”
While this cookbook is a blessing for the more than 23 million Americans with diabetes, Valenti also intended it for everyone. “You know that a simple lifestyle intervention can reduce the development of diabetes in high-risk cases 58 percent of the time,” said Valenti. “When I was first diagnosed I thought my good-eating days were over, what I found out was they were just beginning.”
“You Don’t Have to Be Diabetic to Love This Cookbook” is full of great recipes and many will surprise those who thought such items as dessert and pasta might be off limits. Valenti utilizes unexpected combinations, innovations and techniques and despite his professional background he has presented this cookbook for the home cook to use. For more information and a schedule of his book signings in Northern Michigan checkout workman.com --Rick Coates
Wild Pony
Saloon Battle of the Bartender’s
It was 20 years ago that Brian Flanagan and Doug Coughlin brought the bartender position to a new level with their tricks, flair and bottle juggling. Of course these were just characters from the movie, “Cocktail,” starring Tom Cruise and Bryan Brown. But “flair” bartending as it is known remains popular and competitions are popping up all over.
Now, the Wild Pony Saloon, located within Wilderness Crossing near Chums Corner, south of Traverse City is hosting the Battle of the Bartender’s beginning August 27. Bartenders from around Northern Michigan are invited to participate. The registration fee is $50 and the winning bartender will take home $750, plus their establishment will receive a one year free monitor ad at Wilderness Crossing ($2,400 value).
“We want to celebrate and honor the bartenders in the region,” said Tammy Schuster, event organizer. “We are also going to have some nights for those competing to come in and practice and learn tricks. We will have celebrity judges and this will go on for several weeks this fall until we have a winner.”
The competition is also a spectator sport and competitors will be given an assortment of cocktails to make. To compete or to learn more info check out wildernesscrossing.com or call Tammy at 231-943-9200. --Rick Coates
