The Michigan August Festival celebrates the state’s agricultural and cultural heritage. The festival showcases the state’s arts, cuisine, seasons, and fun-loving spirit. According to recent statistics by MFEA, 35 million people attended the 2011 Michigan Festivals. An individual spent at least $20, totaling $700 million, much of which remains in Michigan.
With the diverse group of specialties and the excellent culinary scene, it is no surprise that the Michigan festival cannot miss in food celebrations. This article lists seven foods you should try at the Michigan August Festival.
1. Tempeh
Tempeh is a tender and chunky international soy product. Soy is mixed with another grain, such as millet or rice. They are fermented and pressed into a bar or cake with a nutty or smoky flavor. It can be marinated, sliced, or grilled and added to chili, soups, or casseroles. You can be sure of enjoying its slightly spicy and savory flavor.
Tempeh is perfect for vegans who are attending the Michigan festival. It is an excellent source of protein and comes with vitamin B12. It means it contains all the essential amino acids a human body requires. Your Michigan August Festival can only be complete with the Tempeh.
2. Better Made Potato Chips
Better-made potato chips have been a true Michigan Festival favorite since 1930. The chips are made from fresh potatoes. The potatoes are thinly sliced and fried until golden brown. The result is a delicious snack that is quite addicting!
The chips have flavors like Sour Cream & Onion, Salt & Vinegar, Honey BBQ, and classic original. Each offers you a satisfying crunch with every single bite. It does not matter if you are snacking them immediately or returning them home. They are must-try foods during the Michigan August Festival.
3. Traverse City Cherries
Traverse City cherries are some of the juiciest, sweetest, and most delicious ever. Traverse City has the perfect soil and climate for growing tasty and plump fruits. The cherries are hand-picked when they are ripe from the local orchards. The traverse type is used in baking cobblers and pies, while the sweet type is easily enjoyed by munching on them. Michigan Home Cooks use these luscious fruits to make jam. The jam is used in decorating cakes and other desserts.
Traverse City cherries are some of the juiciest, sweetest, and most delicious ever. The cherries are hand-picked when they are ripe from the local orchards. The tart type is used in baking cobblers and pies, while the sweet type is easily enjoyed by munching on them.
Michigan home cooks use these luscious fruits to make jam. The jam is used in decorating cakes and other desserts.
4. Chipati
Chipati is a simple yet delicious food typical of the Michigan Festival. It shows that preparing a well-loved dish does not have to involve a complex process. Chipati is prepared by using fresh, chewy, and soft-baked pita bread. It is stuffed with different fillings to your liking. Some popular options are lettuce, cheese, ground beef, tomatoes, and sour cream. It is a yummy meal that will satisfy your hunger and taste buds. The different ingredients and flavors combine to create something satisfying.
You can customize Chipati with your favorite toppings to create an even more fulfilling experience. It is a convenient food that you can carry around easily. Chipati originated from Pizza Bob back in the 1970s. Unsurprisingly, the Michigan August Festival is the best place to try this food.
5. Wet Burrito
Wet Burrito is a Mexican-American cuisine. It is a ubiquitous dish in different parts of the US but very popular at the Michigan Festival.
Can you visualize a giant tortilla stuffed with savory meat, cheese, rice, and beans? Try imagining how it will taste when you top it with sour cream, tomatoes, or lettuce. The whole thing is baked in an oven until the cheese is perfectly melted and piping hot.
It is an incredibly flavor-packed Burrito that will satisfy any taste buds. It is also filling, making it an excellent meal choice any time of the day. Wet burritos, from upscale eateries to fast food restaurants, are common in Michigan.
6. Olive Burger
Michigan is home to several types of burgers. No burger is as unique as the olive burger. There are different theories as to the origin of this unique sandwich. Regardless, the olive burger is an authentic and tasty meal you should remember to try out when attending the Michigan August Festival.
The key ingredient is olive. It is blended into a paste and spread on the well-grilled and fresh hamburger patty. The burger is made with a juicy beef patty well topped with olive paste. Top it with mustard, onion, tomato, mayonnaise, or pickles. Some people still add a slice of cheese to make it extraordinary!
7. Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-Style Pizza has been in existence for close to 70 years. It has become one of the most iconic comfort foods in the Michigan Festival. It is rectangular and comes with a crispy and thick crust making it look like Sicilian-style Pizza. The cheese is what sets it apart. Cheese is perfectly layered at the bottom, creating a crispy and caramelized edge. The sauce is placed on top of the cheese instead of below, like in most other pizzas.
Detroit-Style Pizza has a unique flavor and tastes you will not get anywhere. It can be served with some generous pepperoni amounts adding another flavor. Its magic starts when you take the first bite. The outside crust is crispy but pillowy and soft on the inside. The cheese is delicious and gooey, and the sauce helps tie it together.
Conclusion
The Michigan August Festival is unique; it is so much more when you try any of the above foods. From the fulfilling pasties to the Coney dogs, you can have several delicious foods to fight your hunger. Feel free to carry some back home. It does not matter if you are a Michigander needing some comfort or just visiting from out of state; you will be satisfied with the 7 foods. They will add the experience you will enjoy from other activities during the Michigan festival.
