Spring has finally reached lower Michigan. I celebrated by attending two great foodie experiences at Southern Exposure Herb Farm. This unique foodie destination is located in the countryside between Battle Creek and Marshall Michigan. It is well worth the drive, plan to arrive a little early so you can tour the grounds and enjoy their flowers. Southern Exposure holds both workshops and specialty dinners. The workshops are either focused on gardening or food and usually include a meal. They also have foodie tours such as a recent adventure to North Chicago for a Food Tasting & Cultural Tour.
Workshop
Do You Dream of Chocolate was a fun night focused on CHOCOLATE. Chocolate lovers could indulge in their favorite food and learn a bit too. As we gathered at the table for dinner, we worked on a Chocolate quiz. The quiz was interesting and full of fun facts about chocolate including the average annual chocolate consumption of chocolate in the US (11 lbs) and what country is the largest producer of Cocoa beans (Ivory Coast - West Africa). After a delightful dinner and decadent chocolate dessert, we traveled to different locations on the farm to extend our chocolate knowledge and tastings. Recipes and techniques were demonstrated and shared.
Specialty Dining
Our next experience was a relaxed and exquisite dinner event called An Evening with Mozart. On this brilliant spring evening Southern Exposure Herb Farm was decorated for Spring. A dogwood tree in full bloom greeted us and the garden beds were groomed for spring. A high degree of attention was paid to every detail, as displayed in the beautiful table arrangement.
The menu was based on Mozart's favorite foods:
- Chef Elsie’s Shrimp and Corn Chowder
- Colorful Spring Salad of Cucumber and Feta with Herb Buttermilk Dressing
- Baked Salmon Fillet with Fresh Pineapple and Ginger Chutney
- Oven Roasted Herb Potatoes
- Roasted Spring Vegetables
- Linzertorte with Whipped Cream
- Pinot Noir selected by our Sommelier
Southern Exposure Herb Farm is a delightful experience for Foodies whether you choose to enjoy specialty dining or a hands-on workshop. I hope to join to next Chicago Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour!
Read more about Southern Exposure
Oh do a critique of Hepburn's Crepe & Coffee in Shelby Township, Michigan! I love their food but I'd love to get your opinion! They have some culinary art students working there.
Posted by: Eileen O'Connor | June 07, 2010 at 10:24 PM
Hi Eileen, Thanks for the tip. I hope to get to visit Hepburn's Crepe and Coffee shop sometime soon! JF
Posted by: Just Foodies | June 08, 2010 at 07:57 PM
I loved the food there, my personal favorite is "Baked Salmon Fillet with Fresh Pineapple and Ginger Chutney". The next time i will visit i will try Chef Elsie’s Shrimp and Corn Chowder. I cant wait to taste the food again!
Posted by: poker | March 25, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Good article ;) I think i have new dea for eat with my wife, soon our birthday of wedding ( 5 years ). I can prepare and do big surprise ( in general i don't prepare eat at home ^^ ). Thx again !
Posted by: rencontre | September 03, 2011 at 05:59 PM