Ep 1. Copper Country

In A Taste of History season 12 episode 1, titled Copper Country, host Chef Walter Staib travels to Michigan's Upper Peninsula to explore the region's rich mining history and delicious cuisine.

Staib begins his journey at the Quincy Mine in Hancock, Michigan, where he learns about the importance of copper mining to the area's economy and history. He then heads to the nearby town of Calumet, where he visits the historic Calumet Theatre and meets with local historians to further delve into the region's past.

Throughout the episode, Chef Staib showcases the region's unique cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the mining industry. He visits several local restaurants and bakeries, trying dishes like Cornish pasties, a meat-filled pastry that was a favorite of miners, and Finnish-inspired dishes like rye bread and pickled herring.

Staib also visits the Keweenaw Brewing Company in Houghton, Michigan, where he samples locally-brewed beers made from the region's abundant natural resources. He also explores the area's agricultural offerings, like the famous Nakkila potato, which was developed by Finnish immigrants in the early 1900s.

Throughout the episode, Chef Staib emphasizes the role that food played in the lives of the region's miners and their families. From hearty meals that sustained the workers during long shifts in the mines to festive family dinners that celebrated the region's unique cultural heritage, food was an important part of life in Michigan's Copper Country.

In addition to showcasing the area's rich culinary traditions, Copper Country also highlights the resilience and ingenuity of the people who made a life for themselves in a challenging and often dangerous environment. Through Chef Staib's explorations of the region's past and present, viewers gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich history and unique cuisine of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.