Protein is having a moment, with powders available in a variety of flavors and base ingredients. The Green Leap, a family-owned business based in Grand Rapids derives their protein powder from a source you probably won’t find at Meijer: crickets.

We visited Montse Rosales Osoria at her cricket farm in West Michigan, plus the kitchen where she roasts and packs the final product.

Helpful links:

• Find The Green Leap website here
• Find bonus footage on our website here
• Read what the U.N. has to say about insect consumption here
• Read a study about the nutritional benefits of cricket consumption here

Give us your suggestions!

• Email us at TheDish@michiganpublic.org
• Find our submission form here

Support our work: https://www.michiganpublic.org/podfund

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manuel De Paz created his Guatemalan diner, Encuentro Latino, with community in mind. The name translates to “Latin Gathering.” It’s been in the same location in downtown Ypsilanti since 2015. Many other shops have struggled to stick around, but a loyal customer base has kept Encuentro Latino in business.

Today, chef-owner De Paz talks about building something distinctly Guatemalan – a gathering place for everyone – the dishes that keep people coming back, and what it means to keep the doors open when part of your community is afraid to walk through them.

Helpful links!

• Find Encuentro Latino here and follow them on their Facebook page to be in on their weekly specials.
• Follow and subscribe to The Dish here so you don't miss an episode!

Give us your suggestions!

• Email us at TheDish@michiganpublic.org
• Find our submission form here

Support our work: https://www.michiganpublic.org/podfund

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cottage Bagel, a home bakery in Grand Rapids owned by Angela and Tony Ochoa, has developed a loyal following, with weekly bagel and scone pre-order “drops” often selling out within hours. Orders are placed on their website, and then picked up from the Ochoas’ home on Fridays.

The Ochoas highlighted the culture of community-building and supporting local businesses in the city. We talked with Angela and Tony about quiet morning rituals, baking in the Republic of Georgia, and what it means to be part of a growing community of home-based cooks.

Helpful links:

• Find the Cottage Bagel order form here
• Find bonus footage on our website here

Give us your suggestions!

• Email us at TheDish@michiganpublic.org
• Find our submission form here

Support our work: https://www.michiganpublic.org/podfund

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.