Michelle Groenke

Writer, reporter and editor

Chicago

Freelance writer and editor

Michelle Groenke

Writer, reporter and editor

Chicago

Freelance writer and editor

Ireland embraces global family for St. Patrick's Day and beyond
Famine, poverty and the desire for new opportunity sent millions of Irish from their homeland in the 19th and early 20th century. Now Ireland, hit hard by the global recession, is hoping descendants of those early emigres will return home this year for a visit.Ireland is trying to tap into the Irish Diaspora, estimated at 70 million people worldwide, to help revive the economy.
UPI
Chia seeds fueling 2013 specialty food trends
Savory teas, chia seeds and organic coconut oil were among the items singled out by a panel of trendspotters at the show, which ended last Tuesday. The top five food trend categories for 2013, according to the panel were "Botanical Beverages," "Oil Nouveau," "Blue Cheese Redux," "So Many Seeds" and "Top Banana."
UPI
Kale pops, mixology top specialty food trends
Now exotic cheeses are made in Vermont and Wisconsin and there is great charcuterie coming out of Iowa and New York. The trade association represents more than 3,000 members in the United States and abroad. This year's show featured 180,000 products from more than 2,400 food manufacturers, importers and entrepreneurs.
UPI
Sniffing out the meaning in 'Sell by' dates
The report called for changes in the way food manufacturers label their products. "Expiration dates are in need of some serious myth-busting because they're leading us to waste money and throw out perfectly good food, along with all of the resources that went into growing it," said Dana Gunders, staff scientist with the NRDC's food and agriculture program.
UPI
Food tracing a growing concern for global food supply
Food and Drug Administration says the U.S. food supply is among the safest in the world but there are still about 48 million cases of foodborne illness each year according to government estimates. The FDA says the illnesses result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Behind the scenes, the Global Food Traceability Center, based in Washington, officially launched in July by the Institute of Food Technologists, is working to establish itself as a clearinghouse for efforts to protect and improve the global food supply.
UPI
Holiday wish lists looking for an upgrade
Take a peek at holiday wish lists and consumers may find it's all about the upgrade this year: a smartphone to replace the old flip phone, the latest iPhone or Android to replace an older model smartphone or an updated version of an older gaming system." With a variety of new products and technologies being introduced into the marketplace, this holiday season is all about upgrading your tech," said Trae Bodge, senior editor of The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.com.
UPI
Sustainability, sourcing top restaurant trends
Local sourcing of meat and seafood tops the list of predicted trends for 2014, according to U.S. chefs.Nearly 1,300 professional chefs were surveyed for the National Restaurant Association's annual forecast of trends for next year's menus. The categories of environmental sustainability, locally sourced and grown ingredients, and the reduction of food waste ranked in the first 11 of Top 20 trends for 2014.
UPI
Europe's river cruises on a roll
It landed in the survey's list of the Top 5 international destinations for the first time ever after ranking 21st just three years ago. "If Europe could find a way to create additional scenic rivers, the travel industry -- and, in particular, our agents -- would be sending even more clients on European river cruises," Travel Leaders Group Chief Executive Officer Barry Liben said in a release.
UPI
New year, new technology
Out with the old, in with the new. The 21st century is still young, but it's growing-up fast, technology-wise.The International CES technology show in Las Vegas kicked-off 2014 with a glimpse of the latest in consumer electronics that will help feed the seemingly insatiable desire consumers have for the next big thing.
UPI
Call for chip-and-PIN technology grows louder
The NRF says banks need to replace current credit and debit cards with cards that would store data in an embedded computer micro-chip and require the use of a personal identification number rather than a signature. Current cards use easy-to-hack 1960s technology, the NRF said last month in a letter to Congress.
UPI
Price of love has shoppers looking for a good deal
True love may be priceless, but U.S. consumers are looking for bargains this Valentine's Day, the National Retail Federation says.The NRF is suggesting retailers take heed of the trends seen in November and December, which saw shoppers seeking out the best deals. A survey conducted for the NRF by Prosper Insights and Analytics found fewer people are planning to celebrate Valentine's Day this year but those who do will be spending a little bit more than they did in 2013.
UPI
Sriracha is so hot, it's cool
Sriracha is expanding from the hot sauce aisle into the chip and snacks section, as the spicy, garlickly, slightly sweet Thai-style chili sauce hits the mainstream. Sriracha flavored items at the show included hummus, tortilla, chips, popcorn and even peach jam. The original sriracha sauce developed in Los Angeles in 1983 by Huy Fong Foods founder David Tran, a Chinese-Vietnamese immigrant, has spawned a host of imitators and the image of the clear plastic bottle with a green cap and a rooster logo is now something of a foodie icon.
UPI
Jackson gym at Brainerd faces wrecking ball
The bulldozers that leveled the old Brainerd high school building are ready to take on the brick shell of the slightly newer Jackson Gym as Libertyville Community High School District 128 moves forward with plans for the site. The gym – built in 1929 – lo
Chicago Tribune
Blackhawks honor Mundelein Marine during game
When U.S. Marine Capt. Brandon Tole stood on the ice before a Chicago Blackhawks game in his dress blues as Jim Cornelison sang the National Anthem, it was a homecoming of sorts. As an active duty service member who served in Afghanistan, Tole said it was
Chicago Tribune
Program helps kids feel joy of basketball
The 3- to 6-year-olds on the court look the part in jerseys and baggy shorts. They are running drills and learning how to pass and shoot. Though they may be a little too young for the NBA draft, Michael Weinstein, founder and CEO of Joy of the Game, said
Chicago Tribune
Lake Forest high schoolers to host TEDx talks
It all started with an assignment given to freshmen in a social studies class last fall at Lake Forest High School: Create a TED-style talk for your final exam. Social studies teacher Joe DeRosa told his students the talk had to relate to something they’d
Chicago Tribune

About

Michelle Groenke

Writing

Reporting

Journalism

Technical writing

Feature stories

Food writing

Travel writing

Social Media

Broadcasting

Assignment Desk

Communications

Editing

Business writing

Experienced writer, reporter, news editor and communications professional with an eye for detail and a passion for storytelling.

As a reporter, I cover everything from breaking news to business features and have a knack for getting to the heart of a story.

As an editor, I assign stories and help my writers make the most of their talent by assisting in story development and ensuring their writing is clear, concise and accurate.

As a writer, I look for opportunities to produce feature stories that offer valuable insight into the latest trends in food, travel, consumer issues and sustainable living.

An avid traveler, I have a passion for making connections and experiencing local food and culture, whether I'm exploring the markets of Hong Kong, the vineyards of Tuscany or an island off the coast of Maine.