Michael Turback

A locavore before the word existed, Michael Turback www.michaelturback.com was the first to embrace concepts of farm-to-table and vineyard-to-table at his local restaurant, Turback's of Ithaca, New York - an achievement recognized nationally. Michael not only created and nurtured one of the region's first destination restaurants, he built a reputation around his ability to stalk, procure, and support the best of local food and wine. The Los Angeles Times called Turback's, "the first Finger Lakes restaurant to really devote itself to New York's culinary and enological bounty." The restaurant's library of early vintages documented the progress of the growing local industry, earning attention and commendation from The Wine Spectator, Bon Appetit, Gourmet Magazine, The New York Times, Boston Globe, Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, Nation's Restaurant News, the Food Channel, and NPR's "All Things Considered." Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Turback’s “one of the wine-friendliest restaurants in America” and the restaurant was awarded “Best American Wine List” by Restaurant Business Magazine. A true "local movement" pioneer, Michael's efforts sparked trends that are seen throughout the hospitality industry today. His loyalty to small local farmers and use of seasonal local produce helped to popularize American regional dining; his wine tasting events and wine dinners inspired interest in a new generation of regional wines. The Turback's staff even picked local grapes for the restaurant's house wine. Michael originated "The Great Nouveau Race," in which long-distance runners carried each vintage's first-released bottles of local wines to market, upstaging the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau from France and nearly creating an international incident! Known for his versatility as a writer, Michael has published over 25 books, on such topics as the ice cream sundae, the banana split, hot chocolate, the partnership of chocolate and coffee, creative barista drinks, cocktail archeology, food-and-cocktail pairing, Prosecco, Fernet-Branca, and Finger Lakes Wine Country. He has developed and produced cookbooks for Cincinnati, Ohio’s Findlay Market, Columbus, Ohio’s North Market, the Ithaca Farmers Market, as well independent restaurants and wineries. He is represented by The Lisa Ekus Group, LLC.