Why are we called The Cut. In the 1800s, European Settlers attempted to connect Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan in Northern Michigan. These settlers connected a trading dock to the property on Lake Michigan, and the dock’s base still remains today. For years, by usage of horses and buggies, the locals worked to connect the two lakes. “The Sandcut” is the name the locals gave this piece of land. This project eventually came to a stop due to the fact that if the two lakes were connected, it would drain the much smaller Lake Leelanau. “The Sandcut” went on to be used by locals as a picnic hangout until the early 90’s when a local bought “The Sandcut” and built a beautiful home.

Thousands of people over several decades have lived out their own stories on this beautiful piece of land, me especially. “The Sandcut” holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I created the book you’re reading now. Not only is it a unique local historic landmark, but it provided me with the perfect name for my first cookbook, having written, designed, and photographed everything you see within these pages right here in “The Sandcut.” I hope to bring attention to the treasured and historic piece of land that is now my home, as well as the great surrounding area of Leland.