LANSING GIFT-WORTHY EXPERIENCE
November 22, 2016
In my time so far with Awesome Mitten, I’ve written about mid-Michigan foods to be thankful for, our wonderful local libraries and the countless festivals that happen in Greater Lansing year-round. What can I say? I’m proud of the place I grew up in and have continued to call home all these years.
Mid-Michigan is full of interesting things to see and do, and with the holidays nearly upon us, it should be no surprise that I’ve been on the hunt for fun, local experiences. Whether you’re looking for something to do while your friends and family are visiting, or you’re enjoying the latest trend of people giving experiences as gifts, anyone (even you!) can enjoy this kind of Capital City fun for the holidays — or any time of year!
LE CHAT GOURMET
Le Chat Gourmet is tucked away on Bunker Highway in Eaton Rapids, and it’s just perfect. Between Chef Denene Vincent’s culinary expertise and the charming house where the cooking classes take place (Vincent’s home!), you’ll feel you’ve traveled much farther than 30 minutes outside of Lansing. This is such a wonderful gift to give the Bobby Flay-loving, Food Network-watching people in your lives. Or, let’s be honest, anyone who loves to eat and is willing to create something with their own hands.
I gave this as a gift to my mom a few years ago for Mother’s Day (I went along too!) and to this day my mom still uses the arancini (rice ball) recipe we learned that evening. There are themed classes, kids’ classes and team-building classes. But if you really want to give the gift of experience, you can take advantage of Le Chat Gourmet Culinary Vacations. In 2017, Vincent is taking groups to Tuscany and Provence! The gift of cooking is an important one for Vincent. “For me cooking is about gathering family and friends around the table and sharing a meal, friendship and love,” she said. “Cooking should be fun, and eating a joy. This is my goal for each experience at Le Chat Gourmet.”
Jennifer Orlando
Greetings from mid-Michigan! (I’m waving at you all right now!) Michigan means a lot to me: It’s home to Grand Ledge (my hometown!), many of the people I love most, Michigan State University (my alma mater and my employer) and some of the most breathtaking scenery (no matter the season) I’ve ever seen. How lucky am I to live and work and have tons of fun in a place I love so much? Awesomely lucky.