Issue #28 Fall 2014

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHERS

How does one say thank you to so many wonderful people? You publish a magazine about the local food movement in Southeastern Michigan. For seven years my wife, Kate, and I have had the privilege and honor to meet so many wonderful people through the pages of Edible WOW.

When we started on this journey we had no idea how our lives were about to change. Kate and I have always been gardeners, and truth be told we loved to share the bounty of our gardens with the neighborhood. In fact, if you ask our children they will tell you the Harper motto is: “If you can’t share it, you shouldn’t have it.”

And now we get to share the stories of the people who put their passion into bringing quality food products to our tables. Just look around at the explosion of farmers’ markets and the number of people who are in the craft food business. And yes, let’s be honest: It is a business. That is why we need to support the people who support us with quality food. My soapbox is actually a tomato basket. Go to the market, meet the farmers, the bakers, the pickle makers and try some homemade jam. This is the time of year when the bounty comes in.

We live in a very exciting time when it comes to food and food production. Southeastern Michigan is the talk of the nation when it comes to food, farms and restaurants. We hear from other Edible publishers around the country, and they want to know about our food movement, our urban farmers and sustainable farms. To support this completely positive trend, when spending your hard-earned money on food make sure it’s healthy, local food.

This is our 28th issue of Edible WOW, and yes we are proud. But I would be remiss if I did not thank the people behind the pages who create this wonderful publication. Our Executive Editor Chris Hardman and our Food Editor Pam Aughe have been with us since the creation of issue number 1, and we thank them for their passion and commitment. To the writers and photographers who go to great lengths to share their passion for local food, we thank you all. And to all of our new friends (and now, after seven years, some old friends), we thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas.

Many of you we have met at Edible WOW events. Edible WOW does know how to throw a party. Thanks for your support, and keep coming. Look to our website for some exciting events coming soon and leave us a message or two on Facebook. We love to hear from you.

Starting this fall Edible WOW will be the sponsor for Essential Cooking with Ann Delisi from WDET radio. It will be a monthly cooking class held at The Great Lakes Culinary Center. So come on over, listen to some great music, meet the guest chefs, have a drink and eat some great local food.

—Robb Harper, Publisher