Food For Thought {A Review and Giveaway}

In the last week, I've had the pleasure of reading an incredible coffee table book, that every foodie, especially if you are a fellow Hoosier, would enjoy. Food for Thought: An Indiana Harvest uses both pictures and personal stories to capture and explore this exciting time in Indiana food and agriculture. From the point of view of over 80 people from every corner of the state, this book gives the reader an inside look to what is going on in every aspect of the Indiana food scene.

You will meet Cindy Hoye from the Indiana State Fair, who grew up just 10 minutes from the fairgrounds and has lifelong memories of this summer time tradition. She tells us that when she started out at the fair the number one reason people came to the fair was for the animals, followed closely by the exhibits. Number three was the food. Today, food has become the #1 reason why fair goers drive the miles (yep, that's our family) and each August head to Indianapolis. She talks about how the different types of foods offered at the fair have grown in such variety, including the now famous Deep Fried Twinkie. Plus, she makes sure to suggest when you attend the fair, you visit the Dairy Barn for one of their amazing milkshakes; which I know all about!

Alex outside the Dairy Barn August 2012

Another story you can read is that of Pete and Alice Eshelman, who in 2000 opened Jospeh Decuis Restaurant. Pete, a former pro baseball player brought his sports insurance business here and what started out as a way to entertain clients and colleagues became a public destination when the restaurant opened. I especially enjoyed learning the history of Jospeh Decuis because it resides in Roanoke, which is less than 30 minutes from my house. And while I have never eaten there, I have heard wonderful things about their food, and hope to one day. Since opening, the business has grown to include a farm, where much of the restaurant's food, including it's Wagyu beef, is raised! We're talking about the ultimate "farm-to-fork" experience, right up the street and I didn't even know! Pete says " I think Indiana should become an international culinary destination, like Napa, like New York". And I couldn't agree more.

The third story I was drawn to was about folks right here in my hometown, Fort Wayne. Bernadette Olivier and Elie Laurent Apollon are a refugee couple from Haiti, who lost two sons in the 2010 earthquake. Even though neither had ever farmed before, through Catherine Kasper Place, a ministry aimed at supporting and finding opportunities for immigrants, they have learned the skills necessary to earn an income. How? They are selling their produce at local farmer's markets and churches! My family loves to frequent local farmer's markets, so I've probably had some of their veggies in my home! Theirs is a story of trial and overcoming set backs. From that horrific earthquake, to their very first crop here in Indiana being wiped out, they have seen adversity and persevered; and hope to someday open the first Caribbean restaurant in Fort Wayne!

These are just a few of the stories shared in this foodie's dream book. Even if you aren't from Indiana, you will love reading about everything we have going on here in the Hoosier state. Not to mention the absolutely breath taking photography! The pictures will make you feel like you were there the moment the photo was snapped. Learning more about the food we eat, where and who it's coming from, makes us all more responsible eaters. Plus it blesses us with a great appreciation for all the wonderful foods on our table. 

If you would like to get your very own copy, click here to purchase Food for Thought: An Indian Harvest. But I have been provided with one copy to give away to one lucky EMM fan. See below for details, rules and entry: 

********Giveaway********

Rules:

1. This contest is open to US Residents 18 and older ONLY.

2. The winner will be chosen by Random.org 

3. The winner will be notified by email and Facebook. He/she will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. I will then pass on your address to the sponsor for shipping.

4. When leaving comments for entries, they MUST BE SEPARATE ones AND include an email address so it's easy for me to find the winner. If entries are together, it will only count as (1) and if no email, entry will not be considered.

5. If any of the extra entries are items you are already doing, please just remind me!

6. Contest Ends: December 11, 2012

One Lucky Winner Will Receive:
 (1) Copy of Food For Thought

Mandatory Entry:

1. Leave a comment. Anything you want! Tell me hi. Why you want the book. Wish me a Merry Christmas. That's it! Easy as can be!

Extra Entries: 

1. Become an EMM Facebook fan. Leave a comment when you have.

2. Follow EMM on Twitter. Leave a comment when you are.

3. Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment.

4. Follow me on GFC, Networked Blogs or Linky Tools...all on homepage, left hand side. Leave a comment when you have.