Food, stories and brands of Michigan
Michigan authors to speak on campus about Michigan food brands
File photo of the Park Library at CMU.
Michigan is home to plenty of brands: Kellogg's Cereal, Gerber Baby Food, Faygo and Vernors, but what else does the mitten state have to offer in regards to food and drinks?
Gail Offen and Jon Milan will be hosting an informational presentation about the book from 7 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 14 in the Opperman Auditorium.
"Attendees will laugh, learn and be proud of Michigan for producing such amazing food and drink," Offen said. "Many of us eat and drink Michigan products without knowing they are from Michigan, so we'll set the record straight."
Offen is a faculty member at Lawrence Tech University and a graduate of the University of Michigan. Milan is a journalist, photographer, and lecturer who specializes in Michigan-based pieces.
The presentation focuses on the contents of a book, "Classic Michigan Food and Drinks: The Stories Behind the Brands", which the two co-wrote and published in November 2024. The book and accompanying presentation cover a plethora of food and drink brands that were created in Michigan, such as Faygo, Kellogg's, Gerber, Vernors, and even the commercialization of fudge.
Following the presentation, there will be a reception and book signing event for those interested in purchasing a copy of the book that the presentation is based on.
Offen and Milan have written other books together, such as "Grand River Avenue: Detroit to Lake Michigan" (2014), "Iconic Restaurants of Ann Arbor" (2016) and "Michigan Haunts: Public Places, Eerie Spaces" (2019).
