From Rust Belt To Gourmet Heaven

Normally towns like Cleveland or Pittsburgh or even Buffalo don't get a second glance from foodies however all is changing in this region known as the Rust Belt. This swath of American towns from Michigan and  Ohio to upstate New York was once known for producing  of the country's steel and ship, Hard times made the areas poor both in economics and good food.Luckily the last is changing and bringing some much needed business to the Belt region.

Julia Moskin explored this new foodie must try in an article in today's New York Times Dining section. She traveled to different cities to interview the forward thinking chefs that are making the Rust Belt a gourmet travel destination and giving it  a new name Rust Belt Revival. These cities have always been connected by a series of now defunct canals and railways, Now they are linked by thousands of acres of still usable farm land.. This means sustainability while promoting locovore dining. Also there are plenty of Amish here who still farm the old fashioned way .planting and harvesting artesanal and organic produce as well as meats They work with the "English" or local farmers to teach them better agricultural methods.

Everything has paid off.  Once Pittsburgh eateries served salads topped with friesor all sorts of steak cuts. Now their restaurants have gotten better fare, such as stinging nettle pesto. Traditional ethnic food like pierogies have been put on this axis with a topping of Korean kim chee. New Rust Belt chefs like Justin Severino, along with Jonathan Sawyer are reinventing classic dishes and introducing new ones. They are big on seasonal ingredients  much the same way cooks of the area or the Amish have been for centuries. Some such as corn can be first served as steamed cobs, for leftover ones the kernels are then ground into polenta..From there it's treated with slaked lime so it can be reconstituted into hominy ;They also believe in using every part fo the animal, the nose t tail technique also favored by  their Amish neighbors.

The Rust Belt Revival  means good food and prosperity to an area hungry for business. Thanks  to forward thinking local chefs,it will definitely be the destination spot for both foodies and gourmands. They can savor the flavor and success of the area and the amazing prooduce and meat dishes.