Press Release – L & L Community Commitment

25 07 2008

From a press release.

TO: Editors and Reporters

FROM: Potter Park Zoological Society

SUBJECT: Press Conference on L & L Food Centers Community Commitment

WHEN: July 29, 2008; 10:30am

WHERE: POTTER PARK ZOO

Martha Levandowski and associates of L & L Food Centers will announce a significant community commitment on July 29th at Potter Park Zoo. For more than 77 years the Levandowski family, proprietors of L & L Food Centers and Levandowski Sausage Company have built their reputation on Michigan families and the communities in which they serve. In addition to the family commitment, employees of L & L have organized a commitment of their own to be introduced at this time.

“This commitment will assist the Potter Park Zoological Society in maintaining its commitment to kids, animals and education,” said Diane McNeil, Executive Director of the Potter Park Zoological Society.

“The Potter Park Zoo is such a great community resource for area families. Many fond memories are created during visits to this zoo by young and old alike. We are proud to open up the zoo to so many in our community during L & L Zoo Days,” said Stanley Levandowski III, on the heals of exposing more than 21,000 mid-Michigan residents to Potter Park Zoo through L & L Zoo Days.





The Barbecue Bible

25 07 2008

The postman knocked on my door the other day and handed me a package from Amazon.com.  Wierd, I didn’t order anything, but it had my name on it, so I opened.  Inside were two books I had been wanting to get.  The Barbecue Bible and Barbecue Bible: Sauces, Rubs, and Marinades.  Once I saw the books, I knew exactly how they got to my doorstep.  My girlfriend ordered them for our anniversary which is coming up in a few weeks.  I think I had only mentioned once or twice that I wanted The Barbecue Bible, so it actually surprised me a little bit that she remembered. 

Whenever we go to a bookstore or Williams-Sonoma, I’ll usually pick up the newest Bobby Flay cookbook.  She’s always gets on me to buy one, but buying a cookbook from a Food Network chef is stupid. All the recipes are already on-line at FoodNetwork.com.  There’s no way I’m going to lay down $35 for something I can get for free.  I’ll just browse through the books i the store and find something I like then go home and print it out.

The Barbecue Bible by BBQ Expert Steven Raichlen

The Barbecue Bible by BBQ Expert Steven Raichlen

The Barbecue Bible is different.  Here’s a book of over 500 recipes put together by Steven Raichlen.  I love Raichlen show BBQ U which airs on PBS stations around the country.  I finally found a local airing her in Lansing on WKAR Create (Ch. 18 on Comcast cable) at 8:30 AM (it alternates days with Raichlen’s other show Primal Grill which I don’t think is as good).  The recipes are broken down by section starting with Warm-ups, then going to salads, breads, beef, pork, lamb, burgers and sausages, poultry, fish, shell fish, vegetarian, vegetables, rice and beans, side dishes, sauces, rubs, and desserts.

The interesting thing about this book is it’s a BBQ culinary tour of the world.  The recipes span the continents and are not as simple as throwing a rub on a rack of ribs and throwing them on the grill.  There’s a lot of asian and indian flavors on everything.  There’s also a lot of interesting ideas for grilled bread and veggies. Read the rest of this entry »





Buy Fresh, Buy Local – Select Michigan Farmer’s Market

24 07 2008
Shoppers looking for deals at the farmers market at the State Capitol

Shoppers looking for deals at the farmer's market at the State Capitol

I know it’s hard to believe but I actually got my butt out of bed this morning so we could make our way to the State Capitol for the farmer’s market.  We parked along Michigan near the roundabout and headed towards the Capitol.  I was really surprised at just how many people had already started checking out the booths at just a little after ten o’clock.

The sidewalks on the east lawn were lined with pop-up tents full of flowers, produce, fish, herbs, cookies, and much more.  One of the first place we stopped had zucchini and squash 3 for $1.  I just picked up a pasta recipe that uses both of those, so my girlfriend snuck through the crowd and grabbed a few.  As she was paying, she also noticed pints of Traverse City Cherries.  After handing me the bag of zucchini, she went back for cherries. 

The next stop was for me.  The thing I love about farmer’s markets is fresh herbs.  I’ve tried growing my own, but I get impatient and I usually end up killing the plants.  I’d rather just spend a couple bucks and buy small bunches as I need them.  I picked up a bunch of basil and oregano for a couple meals next week.  I love the smell of fresh basil and it made the car smell good the rest of the day. Read the rest of this entry »





Press Release- Gov. Granholm Visits Farmer’s Market

24 07 2008

I’ll have more on this later tonight.  My girlfriend and I made it down there and wound up with some good stuff.  For now, here’s a press release from the Governor’s office on her stop there this morning.

Granholm Visits Capitol Farmers’ Market, Underscores Benefits of Supporting Local Economy
Encourages citizens to visit SaveMoney Web site for money-saving tips
 
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited the “Buy Fresh, Buy Local – Select Michigan” farmers’ market on the State Capitol lawn to underscore the benefits of purchasing local agricultural products.  Granholm said supporting local farmers’ markets is a great way to ensure that money stays in Michigan and, in some cases, can be a money-saver for the consumer since local products aren’t being shipped long distances, which can increase fuel costs that are passed along to shoppers. Read the rest of this entry »




Buffalo Barbecue Wings Opens in Jackson

23 07 2008

No, that’s not a typo.  It’s not a Buffalo Wild Wings.  I did a double take when I initially read it too.  It’s probably done intentionally to be close to B-Dubs.  Here’s the info via the Jackson Citizen-Patriot.

Buffalo Barbeque Wings, a sports bar and grill, opened Monday.

Buffalo Barbeque Wings is at 1085 N. Wisner St. in the plaza behind Biggby Coffee. It’s open 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and noon to 11 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 782-4344.

There’s no website that I can find so there’s not a whole lot of information.  All I can find is this little bit of info on the owner.  Somebody down there in Jackson check it out and let me know how it is….I do love me some chicken wings!

UPDATE 8/17/08 – If you get to this page through Google, I’ve eaten at Buffalo Barbeque Wings and reviewed it since I wrote this intial post.  You can find my review and a menu by clicking HERE.





Guy Fieri Replacing Emeril?

23 07 2008

I headed over to Foodnetwork.com tonight to print out a couple recipes I saw on Guy’s Big Bite this afternoon and came across this message.

Is Guy Fieri the next Emeril?

Is Guy Fieri the next Emeril?

Hey Guy Fieri Fans!

Get up close (and very personal) with me, Guy Fieri – as I shoot all-new Guy’s Big Bite episodes with an exciting new twist – a live studio audience. Now’s your chance to hang out with me in Food Network’s incredible NYC studios.

 

We’ll shoot two shows each day – July 28, 29 and 30. So you’ll witness twice the shows and have twice the fun. Bring your sweatbands and BIG appetites – we’ll try to fit everyone into the pool!  

If I had any money at all I’d be on a plane to NYC.  Just a couple months ago, Emeril Live was cancelled on the Food Network then picked up for new episodes by the Fine Living Network.   Now, Food is coming back with a “Live” show (live as in live studio audience not live as in happening as you see it.)

My feeling is the novelty on Emeril wore off.  The “bam” was fun for a while and adding more and more Essence as the audience cheered was wacky at first, but it got tired.  I love Guy Fieri’s shows, so I hope this doesn’t happen to him.  Hopefully it won’t be overdone like Emeril eventually was and they stick to the one new episode a week like they do now.





Planning Board Votes to Sell City Market

23 07 2008
Could the Lansing City Market be getting a new home?

Could the Lansing City Market be getting a new home?

I really think this could be a good thing.  I know there’s history in the current building, but anything to pump  some new life into the Market can’t hurt.  I’ve been there twice and both times was a little disappointed.

The Lansing Planning Board voted 6-0 Tuesday to support the $1.6 million sale of Lansing City Market to East Lansing developer Pat Gillespie.

“I support what the city is proposing to do with the sale of the property,” said Andrew Frederick, a Planning Board member. “I’m willing to trade off the history preservation for getting that (site) cleaned up.”

Gillespie wants the market property at Shiawassee and Cedar streets for Market Place, a $24 million to $30 million retail, office and residential development along the downtown riverfront.

With proceeds from the sale, Lansing officials have said the city would build a new $1.2 million to $1.7 million year-round, indoor-and-outdoor market on nearby park land it owns. Read the rest of this entry »





Los Angeles May Ban Plastic Shopping Bags

23 07 2008

Usually, I would say I hate anything to do with California, but finally there’s a story from the west coast that doesn’t involve a sex tape and actually makes sense.

The Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to ban plastic carryout bags in the city’s supermarkets and stores by July 2010 — but only if the state fails to impose a 25-cent fee on every shopper who requests them.“This is a major moment for our city, to bite the bullet and go with something that is more ecologically sensitive than what we’ve ever done before,” said Councilman Bill Rosendahl, who represents such coastal neighborhoods as Venice and Playa del Rey.

Council members said they hope an impending ban would spur consumers to begin carrying canvas or other reusable bags, reducing the amount of plastic that washes into the city’s storm drains and the ocean.

 

So, it’s not a ban yet, but it could be.  Even the $.25 tax on plastic shopping bags is a good idea.  We’ve got four reusable bags hanging by our door right now and I always feel bad when we go to Horrock’s and forget to grab them.  It happens more than I’d like, but at least at Horrock’s they have the option for paper. Read the rest of this entry »





Press Release – Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition

22 07 2008

From a press release.

Wine Experts to Gather in East Lansing for
Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition

Who:    Respected judges from around the country and across the state

What:   31st Annual Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition and
        Gold Medal Reception

When:   Competition – Tuesday, August 5, 2008 – 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
        Gold Medal Reception – Thursday, August 7, 2008 – 5-8 p.m.
       
Where:  Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, East Lansing Read the rest of this entry »





Press Release – Mid Michigan Food Bank

21 07 2008

From a press release

Red Cross collects food and money donations at the

‘Food Fight’ at Sam’s Club

(Lansing, MI)

 

Saturday, July 19, 2008 at Sam’s Club on Edgewood Blvd., the Mid-Michigan Food Bank raised over $12,240.00 and collected some 26,300 pounds of donated food. The people of the Lansing area showed their caring and concern by generously donating much-needed items such as peanut butter and tuna fish. 26,300 pounds of food will stock the food bank’s mobile food pantry for one of its weekly trips. Shoppers and donors could also purchase hot dogs and pop donated by Sam’s Club, with those proceeds also going to the Mid-Michigan Food Bank. Local radio stations from 99.1 WFMK, 100.7 WITL, 97.5, 94.9 WMMQ, The Game 730 AM, Newstalk 1240AM (Citadel Broadcasting Company) were on-location all day, as were Fox 47 News and WILX News 10, all helping to load the food in the pouring rain. Ralph Shaheen of Shaheen Chevrolet brought over two trucks, which were filled with food 22 times. Shaheen Chevrolet also very generously donated 40% of the cash raised. Read the rest of this entry »