Hour Detroit // May 2022 by Hour Media

HISTORIC SALE

INSIDE THE $4.9 MILLION FISHER MANSION

WINE COUNTRY GETAWAYS RESORTS AND WINE TRAILS TO EXPERIENCE

WHAT’S COOKING? METRO DETROIT DINING NEWS

MAY 2022

Jerry Green: Fords to blame for 60 years of Lions futility Is the super-weird USFL for real?

DCFC: the team that breaks the rules — and wins games

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FOOD + WINE SHOW Hour Detroit’s

FOOD + WINE SHOW AUGUST 12-14 | HUNTINGTON PLACE

HOUR D E T R O I T

VOLUME THIRTY ONE | ISSUE FIVE PUBLISHER: Jason Hosko EDITORIAL EDITOR: Kate Walsh SENIOR EDITOR & DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR: Emma Klug NEWS & FEATURES EDITOR: Steve Friess ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Rachael Thomas, Ashley Winn COPY EDITOR: Olivia Sedlacek EDITORIAL INTERN: Brianna Blackshire CONTRIBUTORS: Nolan Bianchi, George Bulanda, Jennifer Conlin, Kathy

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05.22

CONTENTS I S S U E T H R E E H U N D R E D T WO

28 Stay. Sip.

Savor.

The charming suites of Chateau Chantal in Traverse City overlook a grand landscape boasting a local lake and the property’s idyllic vineyards.

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This summer, escape to Michigan wine country, where you’ll find some of the best winery accommodations in the U.S.

38 Now This Is

Football

Fans can’t get enough of DCFC, the Detroit football team that breaks the rules — and wins games. Plus, a look at the superweird reboot of the USFL and a retrospective on 60 years of Lions futility from a 94-year-old sports writer who covered it all.

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CONTENTS I S S U E T H R E E H U N D R E D T WO

Up Front LEGACY LISTING 16

The record price tag is just one part of the Alfred J. Fisher mansion’s long history.

MADE IN MICHIGAN: 18 ROBIN GIVHAN

Agenda 56 CULTURE CALENDAR

Movement music festival returns, and Motor City Comic Con brings in big-name stars.

57 ARTS FOR ALL

People of all ages and abilities learn teamwork and confidence through the arts.

Pulitzer-winning fashion scribe reminisces about summers on Belle Isle, credits her Detroit high school teachers, and critiques Whitmer’s clothes.

58 50 YEARS OF MAGICAL MUSIC MEMORIES

Pine Knob has been rocking — and paving a hell of a memory lane — for half a century.

ROE WOES 19

An imminent (and potentially pivotal) Supreme Court decision could revive Michigan’s 176-year-old abortion ban.

60 EXHAUSTIVE SUCCESS Detroiter Jaunique Sealey flourishes in publishing as author Jayne Allen.

24/Seven

Food&Drink

MI STYLE: MARY 22 CAPICCHIONI

70 WHAT’S COOKING?

The owner of Old Soul Vintage shares her love for antiquated fashion through her local shop as well as her personal style.

This month’s metro Detroit dining headlines.

71 BRIDGING CULTURES

LIKE MOTHER, 23 LIKE DAUGHTER

The Pink Papillon Mommy and Me Showroom might be your next go-to spot for cute gear.

I NEED MY SPACE: 24 LOFTY AMBITIONS

A watercolor artist has found the perfect home for her fine art and design business.

Juan Carlos Dueweke-Pérez is showcasing the delicious diversity of Southwest Detroit.

72 MORE THAN A MOCKTAIL

Local mixologists are raising the bar for sippable sansbooze beverages.

73 DINNER AND A SHOW

Fresh seafood and carefully prepared Mediterranean dishes meet stunning service at Mare Mediterranean.

FASHION 26 ACROSS BORDERS

An apparel brand from a local entrepreneur brings Congolese artisanship and tradition to Detroit.

10 E D I TO R’ S L E T T E R 77 R E STAU R A N T L I ST I N G S 94 M I D N I G H T H O U R

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96 T H E WAY I T WA S May Day, 1930

FOOD REBECCA SIMONOV PILLOWS COURTESY OF KELLY VENTURA DESIGNS GREGG ALLMAN KEN SETTLE

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05.22 From Our Readers

E D I T O R’ S L E T T E R

The week before the Super Bowl, my 12-year-old came home from school and asked who we were rooting for. He said kids at school were rooting for the Rams, but he couldn’t figure out why. Unlike most kids his age, he didn’t know that Detroiters were rooting for Los Angeles because they wanted to see Matthew Stafford succeed, even if he was on a different team. Or maybe because he was on a different team. He was unaware because he grew up in New York (where I moved after college) and wasn’t raised a Lions fan. Even though I was born, raised, and educated in metro Detroit and Michigan — and am a die-hard fan of all our other college and pro sports teams — I didn’t encourage him to be a Lions fan. I’ve seen what it did to my dad and has done to my brother and countless other Detroiters who have given their hearts to the team only to have them stomped on in the last few minutes of every game. It was just too sad and hopeless. Plus, it was too easy for me to be swept away by the New York Giants, a team that won four Super Bowls in my time on the East Coast — and one in my son’s short lifetime. Veteran sports writer Jerry Green’s take on the Lions’ hapless history — which includes just one postseason win in the 56 years of the Super Bowl era — is part of our multifaceted football coverage that begins on page 38. It also includes two excellent pieces by up-and-coming sports writer Nolan Bianchi on the exciting and successful Detroit City Football Club and the mystifying reincarnation of the USFL. This package was fun to put together and a great final editing project for departing news and features editor Steve Friess, who found Bianchi’s stories “as different as they are insightful, relevant, and well written.” I look forward to working with Nolan and Steve (as a contributing writer) on future stories. Earlier this year, Steve wrote articles for this magazine’s website and Newsweek about Jerry Green and his lifetime covering the Detroit Lions. The photo on this page is of Green grinning from the press box at this year’s Super Bowl in California; he’s the only print reporter who has covered all 56 of those NFL championship games. For this month’s travel feature on page 28, we take you  Up North to discover (or Sportswriting legend Jerry Green, now 94, rediscover) Michigan wine poses triumphantly in the press box of his 56th Super Bowl in February. country. In this article, Kathy Gibbons, the former managing editor of Hour Media’s Michigan Wine Country magazine, takes you inside three award-winning winery resorts and provides a guide to local wine trails and nearby vacation rentals. With gas prices being what they are, a trip to our state’s wine country could be the perfect way to have a luxury vacation without going too far from home.

KATE WA L SH , EDI T OR KWA LSH@HOUR-MEDI A .COM

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“One of the most amazing dining experiences I’ve ever had (‘2022 Restaurant of the Year: Oak & Reel,’ March). From the moment you walk in, everything is absolutely masterfully crafted! Well deserved! Can’t wait to come back!” —@jennuofm2k72014, Instagram “I’ve been a couple of times; always great food and service. Well deserved (‘2022 Restaurant of the Year: Oak & Reel,’ March)!“ —@waitwhatwhut, Instagram “These two guys are terrific and [I’m] grateful to them and all who have been working to bring out the best in Detroit (‘The Detroit-Based Stars of HGTV’s “Bargain Block” Look to the Future,’ March). Thank you, Evan and Keith.” —James Sugarman, hourdetroit.com “As [a] born Detroiter, this show is amazing (‘The Detroit-Based Stars of HGTV’s “Bargain Block” Look to the Future,’ March). I love what they are doing to help revitalize the city and neighborhoods.” —@kitag1217, Instagram “It’s wonderful seeing all the new talent coming to the arts in Detroit (‘Two Appointments Usher in 2022 at the DSO,’ March).” —@craiginstockholm, Instagram

Hourdetroit.com Digital Extra By the time you’re reading this, hopefully you’ve secured your gifts (or at least have an idea about what you’re gifting) for Mother’s Day, which falls on May 8 this year. If not, don’t fret! Head to hourdetroit.com for our roundup of locally available gift options to treat the moms in your life.

PORTRAIT BRAD ZIEGLER SNAPSHOT COURTESY OF JERRY GREEN

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What will you find in Ohio? Take a break from the hustle and bustle in this charming city on the Ohio River. From eclectic shops to riverboat rides, Portsmouth boasts plenty of simple pleasures and outdoor adventures. Plan your next adventure at Ohio.org U.S. Grant Bridge in Portsmouth

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05.22

LOOKING FOR A

REAL ESTATE AGENT?

Behind the Scenes

L U X U R Y R E A L E S T A T E. R E D E F I N E D.

WE ASKED ILLUSTRATOR Heather Gatley to “travel” from her home in Berlin, Germany, to northern Michigan’s scenic vineyards and resorts for this month’s travel feature. Gatley’s watercolor paintings effortlessly show the beauty of Michigan wine country. “She is an absolute joy to work with and always digs deeps to showcase the true beauty of anything she illustrates,” says creative director Lindsay Richards. “Any time I’m able to work with Heather, I know the feature package will be beautiful.”

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE UP NORTH SPOT AND WHY?

Kathy Gibbons

Paul Vachon

Jacob Lewkow

“I love the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s Maple Bay Natural Area between Traverse City and Elk Rapids. It’s a short walk through the woods from the parking lot to a pristine, uncrowded beach reminiscent of the secluded Great Lakes shoreline in the U.P. ” Kathy Gibbons is a former managing editor of Hour Media’s Michigan Wine Country magazine and of Hour Custom Publishing. She spent the bulk of her career at the Traverse City Record-Eagle. as features editor and a columnist. She lives in Traverse City, where she and her husband run a small business.

“My very favorite Up North destination is Kitch-iti-kipi, a large natural spring [connected to] Indian Lake at Palms Book State Park in the Upper Peninsula. KIK offers the ultimate peace and serenity. You can take a boat over the springs and marvel at the ginclear water bubbling up from almost 50 feet below.” A lifelong Michigander, Paul Vachon is a freelance writer and author as well as a part-time guide with City Tour Detroit. In his spare time, Paul enjoys traveling, nature photography, and acting in community theater. He lives in Oak Park with his wife, Sheryl, and their dog, Sophie.

“When Up North, my favorite thing to do is rent a pontoon in the summer with family and friends and explore the Pictured Rocks, complete with pasties and Michigan-made libations in tow. It’s a truly sacred place to be cherished.” Jacob Lewkow is a freelance photographer and creative director living in Detroit with a focus on people, hospitality, food and beverage, lifestyle, and cannabis. Aside from photography, he has several other passions and hobbies, like horticulture, coffee, cooking, music, disc golf, kayaking, and nature.

WROTE “STAY, SIP, SAVOR” (PAGE 28)

WROTE “CHANNELING GOOD TASTE” (PAGE 36)

PHOTOGRAPHED “ARTS FOR ALL” AND “GREAT TASTE” (PAGES 57 AND 71)

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05.22 NEWS, NOTES, AND PERSONALITIES

Up Front R EAL ESTATE

A SALE OF HISTORIC PROPORTIONS A look inside Balmoral (aka the Alfred J. Fisher mansion), the most expensive home sale in Detroit history — complete with exclusive photos p. 16

R E A L E STAT E p.1 6 M A D E I N M I C H I G A N p. 18 P O L I T I C S p. 19

EXTERIOR COURTESY OF KATHY BROOCK/SKYVIEW EXPERTS

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Up Front

REAL ESTATE

LEGACY LISTING

The record price tag is just one part of the Alfred J. Fisher mansion’s long history BY KHRISTI ZIMMETH

AT $ 4.9 MILLION, it ranks as the most expensive home sale in Detroit’s history. But the numbers alone — as impressive as they may be — tell only a small part of the Alfred J. Fisher mansion’s story, says real estate agent Kathy Broock of Birmingham’s Max Broock Realtors, who brokered the recent sale of the landmark estate in Palmer Woods to Stellantis North America chief operating officer Mark Stewart and Antonio Gamez Galaz. “The woodwork, the plasterwork, the handcrafted faces” are just a few highlights to be seen in the approximately 20,000-square-foot, 29-room residence, which boasts 15 bedrooms, six full bathrooms and four half bathrooms, a ballroom, an indoor swimming pool, a solarium, and elaborate gardens, Broock explains. “It’s built like a castle because it was Detroit’s version of one.” Dating to 1926, the house, located at 1771 Balmoral Drive, was designed by architect Richard Marr, with interior designer Wallace Newton and landscape architect Bryant Fleming, for Fisher and his wife, Alma. The Fisher brothers — Frederick, Charles, William, Lawrence, Edward, Alfred, and Howard — of Fisher Body Co. fame, were part of one of Detroit’s first automotive families who made their fortune in the city’s burgeoning car industry. Broock has sold the historic house twice, the first time in 2015, when it was officially listed and garnered interest from people all over the world. During showings, “people would stay for hours; there’s just so much to see,” she says. She worked with then-owner Brad Lamm, a California businessman in the health and wellness sector, who hoped to turn the house into an addiction treatment center but was opposed by neighbors and the city zoning commission. Daniel and Pernilla Ammann ultimately purchased the house in 2015 for $1.5 million, Broock says. At the time of the sale, Daniel Ammann was a General Motors Co. executive and CEO of its vehicle company Cruise. The Ammanns later purchased two additional nearby acres (once the site of brother William Fisher’s home, destroyed by fire in the 1990s) in 2017 and lived in the house until recently, when

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Ammann left the company and the couple left Detroit for their “next chapter” in south Florida. Two things initially drew the couple to the house, Ammann says. It was “a combination of it being a once-in-a-lifetime house of that caliber and character and the opportunity to do our small part to contribute to the continued rebirth of Detroit, by moving our family into the city and investing in it,” he explains. When they purchased it, the vast majority of the house was still more or less in its original condition, Ammann points out. “The bones of the house were in great shape, all things considered,” he explains. “That said, there were a lot of aspects that had been let go or underinvested in, so there was a lot to do to bring things back to where they deserved to be,” he says. The work that took place over the following years fell into three main categories: restoring original details to their former glory (“This was probably the biggest single component of the work we did,” Ammann says); rebuilding and upgrading systems such as plumbing, electric, and HVAC; and renovating parts of the house “that had already been significantly compromised from their original state,” including the kitchen and indoor pool. Not surprisingly, living in the house was without comparison, says Ammann, who notes that the expanse wasn’t overwhelming. “Despite its overall size, it is a very friendly and livable house. It didn’t feel like you were living in a small corner of some museum. Even after several years, there would be new details that you hadn’t noticed before. … I even noticed some when we were packing up to move out.” He has mixed feelings about the move. “Leaving a place that you’ve called home for several years is, of course, bittersweet,” he says. “We will always have amazing memories of our time at Balmoral (as we called the house). We’re glad to have helped preserve this amazing piece of Detroit history and to have left it in better shape than we found it in.” INTERIOR COURTESY OF KATHY BROOCK/ SKYVIEW EXPERTS

4/7/22 9:55 AM

Up Front

DETROIT DIGITS:

 Daniel and Pernilla Ammann purchased Balmoral in 2015 and lovingly updated the home, keeping and restoring many original details. (clockwise from far left) The grand entrance with a switchback staircase; a hand-forged gate into the garden room; the formal living room with a limestone fireplace; a completely renovated kitchen with modern ammenities; the gilded dining room with marble floors 

26.6

MILLION

The amount of tax revenue that came to the city of Detroit from internet gambling in fiscal year 2021, which ran from July 2020 to June 2021 and encompassed most of the months hit hardest by the pandemic. Internet gambling became legal in January 2021, so analysts predict fiscal year 2022, its first full year of legality, will bring $71.1 million to city coffers, according to PlayUSA.com. Mayor Mike Duggan credited the new revenue stream for helping to offset COVID-related budget losses.

328x

That’s the multiplier by which Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares’ total compensation in 2021 exceeded the average salary of the automaker’s 292,000 employees, according to the Detroit Free Press. Tavares raked in $21 million; the mean employee pay is $63,503. The company reported a net profit of $15.2 billion last year, up significantly from the COVID-marred 2020 profit of $5.5 billion.

491 The extensive improvements no doubt helped sell the house, as well as boost its selling price. This time, Broock sold the house privately and in the middle of winter, traditionally a slow period in the real estate business. “A house like this shows well no matter the season,” she says. The realtor even has a personal history with the property. Her great-grandfather, Max Broock, who started his realty business in Detroit in 1895, and her grandfather were involved in many of the city’s early residential developments, she says. “My grandfather, Ferd Broock, would have socialized and spent time in the Fisher Mansion. I can’t believe he walked on the same floors. I wish he was here so we could talk about it and compare notes.”

The number of payments — amounting to nearly $48 million — made by the Detroit Police Department on behalf of police officers sued for misconduct between 2010 and 2020, according to a Washington Post investigation. Ten of those settlements, more than $665,000 worth, involved the actions of Officer Lynn Christopher Moore, a 23-year veteran of the force. Moore left DPD in 2019 and now works for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department.

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Up Front

MADE IN MICHIGAN

STYLE, SUBSTANCE, AND LEATHER Pulitzer-winning fashion scribe Robin Givhan reminisces about summers on Belle Isle, credits her Detroit high school teachers, and critiques Whitmer’s clothes BY J E NNIF E R CONL I N ILLUSTRATION BY RACHE L I D ZER DA

ROBIN GIVHAN, The Washington Post’s senior critic, recently realized she has now lived on the East Coast longer than she resided in Michigan. Despite this, the Detroit native — who since September 2020 has penned a weekly news column covering politics, race, business, and the arts — says she still feels connected to her regional origins. “I think the place where you grow up highly shapes how you interact with the world,” she says, defining Midwesterners as “pragmatic, warm, and welcoming.” Givhan, 57, should know. Her career as a fashion critic has taken her around the globe, first working for the Detroit Free Press and putting in stints at the San Francisco Chronicle, Vogue, The Daily Beast, and Newsweek. But she is best known for her tenures at the Post, where she first worked starting in 1995 and

has worked on and off for most of the 27 years since. In 2006, Givhan won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, with the committee citing her “witty, closely observed essays that transform fashion criticism into cultural criticism.” At the Post, she gained a following writing about the styles of both male and female politicians, including the cultural and social shifts that occurred with the first Black family in the White House. (Along with the Post photo staff, she authored Michelle: Her First Year as First Lady.) These days, in her column called “Perspective,” she applies her thought-provoking style to a broad array of topics. Recent work examined the power of vulnerability and courage shaped by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and how Ketanji Brown Jackson is defying stereotypes as the first Black woman nominated to the Supreme Court. Givhan, who earned her master’s degree in journalism at the University of Michigan, chatted with Hour Detroit about her Detroit childhood as the daughter of a postal worker and a YMCA youth director, her early career, and how she approaches her column each week.

Did you always know you wanted to be a journalist or writer?

I really did not think I would go into journalism. I just really loved writing and had a special affection for my English teachers at Renaissance High School. They made literature come to life and encouraged us to write. We would keep a journal that was not graded. Just a place to be expressive. I thought I would be premed in college. But I liked writing with the yearbook, and I was always curious about the news. I remember watching [retired WXYZ news anchor] Diana Lewis growing up. It was part of my consciousness, as my parents were big news consumers. CO N T I N U E D O N PAG E 93

SCIENCE MITTEN

Intriguing findings from researchers across Michigan By Steve Friess SENIORS SUPER SATISFIED WITH ELECTIVE SURGERY: Two-thirds of Americans ages 50 to 80 reported being very satisfied after elective procedures — stuff like knee replacements, gall bladder removal, and cataract surgery that addresses non-life-threatening issues, according to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, a product

of the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation in partnership with Michigan Medicine and AARP. Of people who are in excellent or very good health, 79 percent were pleased with the outcome of the surgery, versus 53 percent of folks in fair or poor health. Of the roughly 2,100 people polled across the country, 30 percent had considered having or had an elective procedure in the past five years. CROWDFUNDING PAYS BUT SHAMES: Hundreds of thousands of

cash-strapped cancer patients turn to sites like GoFundMe to finance lifesaving treatments every year, but young people who must do so find the process humiliating, according to a survey published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship. GoFundMe hosts some 250,000 medical fundraisers that collectively raise more than $650 million each year, but only about half meet their goals. The process has become embarrassing but necessary as health care costs rise, and researcher and U-M postdoctoral nursing student Lauren V. Ghazal says

young cancer patients are in an especially vulnerable position because they’re “beginning to achieve financial independence and finding career employment” when cancer derails their plans. DAMN THE DAMS: While the use of rivers to produce hydroelectric power has its benefits — namely, the creation of reliable electricity without greenhouse gas emissions — dams also force population relocation, damage ecosystems, and worsen economic conditions

GOFUNDME HOSTS SOME 250,000 MEDICAL FUNDRAISERS THAT COLLECTIVELY RAISE MORE THAN $650 MILLION EACH YEAR, BUT ONLY ABOUT HALF MEET THEIR GOALS.

for people living near them, according to a Michigan State University study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The MSU team, led by social scientist Peilei Fan, analyzed the impacts of 631 dams constructed since 2001 and commissioned before 2015 around the world. Fan says the findings show a need for “a humane approach towards assisting relocated populations” that could include “creating new job opportunities to compensate for the loss of their lands and source of livelihood.”

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Up Front

POLITICS

Roe Woes

An imminent (and potentially pivotal) Supreme Court decision could revive Michigan’s 176-year-old abortion ban BY ASHLEY WINN

MICHIGAN IS HOME to one of the strictest abortion bans in the country — a ban that was originally penned in 1846 and remains on the books to this day. The only barrier to its enforcement is the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which declared such bans unconstitutional. That could change in the next two months as the Supreme Court rules on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The case calls into question the constitutionality of a 2018 Mississippi state law that banned abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. A ruling in favor of Mississippi could overturn Roe v. Wade and launch Michigan’s abortion ban back into effect. According to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services records, some 26,000 abortions were performed in the state each year from 2010 to 2020. If the ancient law goes back into effect, only those abortions imperative for the mother’s survival would be permitted. Violators would face a possible 15-year sentence for felony manslaughter. Will that happen? Many experts say yes. “From everything I’ve read and observed about this court, I think this is the opportunity that many conservatives have been waiting decades for,” says Jeff Timmer, former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party and senior adviser for anti-Trump PAC The Lincoln Project. Even if the court’s prospective endorsement of the 15-week ban doesn’t amount to a full reversal of Roe, Timmer says, a “serious chipping away” at the precedent — which would embolden other states to shrink the timespan during which abortion is legal — is equally likely. “In either case, I expect it to unleash abortion as a galvanizing issue in this year’s elections,” Timmer says. In Michigan, that will only be compounded by a proposed amendment to the state’s constitution, intended to safeguard abortion access, that likely will appear on the ballot in November. “Whatever the Supreme Court does is going to be like throwing gas on a fire.” Genevieve Marnon, legislative director for Right to Life of Michigan, agrees. A Roe reversal would be the prize her group has sought for nearly 50 years, but it would simply shift, not end, the fight. “At that point, it comes down to a state law, and state laws can be changed,” Marnon says. “We’ll be playing defense.” Marnon’s goal this year is to keep anti-abortion majorities in both chambers of the Michigan Legislature and oust Democratic Gov. Gretchen PROTEST ISTOCK/DJMCCOY

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 Pro-Life and Pro-Choice demonstrators clash outside the U.S. Supreme Court Building, in Washington, D.C.

Whitmer, a staunch abortion rights advocate, “to create a firewall against pro-abortion legislators simply passing a law that makes abortion legal.” Timmer says Marnon is mistaken if she thinks criminalizing abortion is a winning message. GOP opposition to abortion proved a useful tool in motivating the party’s evangelical base while there were no real-world consequences, but the general Michigan population — including most suburban Republican-leaning women — supports legal abortion.

“I expect it to unleash abortion as a galvanizing issue in this year’s elections,” —JEFF TIMMER

Michigan’s abortion ban would reopen the doors for the criminal prosecution of patients and doctors involved in terminating a pregnancy — an outcome opposed by more than 70 percent of Michigan voters, according to a survey by Public Policy Polling. “There’s no public appetite for that. None,” Timmer says. “If that happens, Republicans will face slaughter at the ballot boxes.” That’s exactly what abortion advocates are counting on. Acknowledging the likelihood of a conservative Supreme Court ruling, the area’s

abortion rights organizations are going on offense. The ACLU of Michigan, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, and Michigan Voices banded together to form the Reproductive Freedom for All coalition, with the sole objective of passing the aforementioned constitutional amendment. According to ACLU policy strategist Merissa Kovach, the initiative would not only nullify Michigan’s existing but dormant abortion statute but also protect against future restrictions. “It’s the most decisive way to close the issue, once and for all,” she says. “It would establish abortion as a constitutional, fundamental right for every single person in Michigan.” While the coalition works to collect the more than 425,000 signatures required to secure a spot on the ballot, Planned Parenthood of Michigan also is bracing for the worst. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sarah Wallett says the organization is exploring ways it could help Michiganders seeking out-of-state abortions — likely in Illinois or New York, where abortion is protected by law — if they became illegal on the home front. Wallett says travel can be complicated and burdensome. “It takes a lot of privilege to travel,” she says. “In addition to money, people need a job that allows them time off; they need childcare, in some cases.” Such difficulties are even more common among populations already struggling with access health care. “People with low incomes, people of color, people in rural communities, LGBTQ individuals, minors — these are the people who will be most affected by additional barriers to abortion.” M AY 2 0 2 2

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05.22 MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE IN METRO DETROIT

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I N EED M Y SPACE

THESE FOUR WALLS

Artist Kelly Ventura shares a glimpse of her Milford studio, where she dreams up wallpaper and fabric designs and more for her business, Kelly Ventura Designs p. 24

INTERIOR COURTESY OF KELLY VENTURA DESIGNS

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“I definitely love to draw inspiration from the 1960s, 1970s. … The music, movies, fashion — I feel connected to that time.” —MARY CAPICCHIONI

MI STYLE

TIME TRAVELER

Old Soul Vintage owner Mary Capicchioni shares her love for vintage fashion at her local shop and through her style BY R AC HAE L THOMAS P H O T O BY MAT THEW L a V E RE

Capicchioni poses at Old Soul Vintage, where she got her top and platform sandals. She’s also wearing a corset made by local audio engineer Keaton Butler and trousers from Nordstrom.

MARY CAPICCHIONI HAS BEEN growing her presence in the local vintage fashion community for nearly a decade. The 27-year-old Macomb native launched her shop, Old Soul Vintage, in 2014 from her home. After years of popups, Capicchioni opened her brick-and-mortar in Detroit’s Cass Corridor in 2020. Locals can find apparel and accessories from every decade of the 20th century (and some occasional Y2K items) at the shop as well as on Depop, Etsy, and Poshmark. Capicchioni and her team also produce seasonal, music-influenced editorials with the help of local photographers, models, and makers. (An example: Check out the shop’s recent Valentine’s Day look book, “Songs to Make Whoopee to,” inspired by hits from Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and The Doors.) Here, Capicchioni talks all things vintage — and more.

My personal style: I love to draw inspiration from the 1960s, 1970s. I love layering, so turtlenecks, leather jackets, band tees, high-waisted jeans, and some boots are usually my go-tos for the fall and winter. Spring and summer, I love to wear a fit-and-flare dress and a T-shirt over [it]. Or like a little mod mini with some boots. My favorite decade: The music, movies, fashion — I feel connected to [the ‘60s].. … People were just coming into their own and experimenting for the first time since like the 1920s. Like really diving into themselves. And that reflected in their style: bell bottoms, fur hats, feathered hats, paisley button-ups, no bras — there’s so many different aspects of that time. And then you start to see jumpsuits and paper dresses. A lot of the silhouettes that we’ve seen in the ’60s are still relevant today. Just making your own interpretation of how you want to be perceived — or not be perceived at all. Where I shop: Lost and Found Vintage was one of the first places that really got me into vintage [clothing]. Also, being in the vintage community, I try to support everyone that I possibly can. So, Flamingo Vintage, Fleatroit [Junk City], The Velvet Tower, [local fashion and costume designer] Nabeela Najjar. My favorite tattoo is … My Jimi Hendrix. There’s like purple haze around him — it’s really freakin’ sweet. Literally, I get chills thinking about him; he completely transformed the world of music just by playing the guitar. [The tattoo] was done by Josh Barg at Electric Park Tattoo. They’re located in Eastern Market. Really great people — I have a lot of really good tattoos by them. Josh even went so far as to put little flowers in his blouse. Where I go for a good time: Hamtramck for sure is always fun. I love going to Bumbo’s and smaller dive bars. Outer Limits is always a good time. Also, The Painted Lady and Marble Bar [in Detroit]. One of my good friends lives in Southwest, and we just hang out and go to taco trucks, and Donovan’s [Pub] is just right down the way. There are just so many great places here in Detroit to just have fun. Check out Capicchioni’s shop, Old Soul Vintage, at oldsoulvintage.com.

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Watching Kyndal “blossom from this caterpillar into this beautiful butterfly” was inspiration for the shop’s name, says Ravon; papillon in French means “butterfly.” In opening a boutique with Kyndal, Ravon wanted to expose her daughter to entrepreneurship at a young age, as her parents did for her at her mother’s hair salon. Indeed, Kyndal is living up to her duties as The Pink Papillon’s co-owner; when she’s not at school or hanging out with friends, she is at the boutique assisting folks while they shop, keeping the space clean, filming promotional TikTok videos with her mom, and even ringing up guests at the register and inputting inventory. “My favorite part has been seeing the customers [aka the “ButterFLYs”] compliment our outfits as they look around,” Kyndal says. “And I love seeing the customers be happy as they see me doing what I do.” What’s next for The Pink Papillon? This month, expect to see new Mommy and Me pieces available just in time for Mother’s Day. Long term, Ravon and Kyndal hope to create an in-house brand and expand The Pink Papillon to a mall location, selling only matching clothing for mothers and children, and have space to house On Point Hair Designs within the shop. “Just reaching a broader audience and inspiring other mothers and daughters to venture out into entrepreneurship or follow whatever their dreams are,” Ravon says of her goals for their business. “It’s so fun to do it with your child.” The Pink Papillon Mommy and Me Showroom, 624 Livernois Ave., Ferndale; thepinkpapillonshop.com RETAIL

Like Mother, Like Daughter The Pink Papillon Mommy and Me Showroom might be your next go-to spot for cute gear BY RACHAEL THOMAS | PHOTOS BY SAL RODRIGUEZ

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN a mom and her child share a passion for fashion? Well, in the case of Ravon Summers-Nowden and her 10-year-old daughter, Kyndal Nowden, they open a boutique to share that love with everyone else. The Pink Papillon Mommy and Me Showroom — which held its grand opening last September — offers versatile apparel and accessories for women on the go as well as children (toddlers through preteens). A small selection of matching clothing for mothers and kids is available through the Mommy and Me collection. “I want [our customers] to feel like beautiful young women and women,” Kyndal says. “I want them to feel great in their clothing. I want people to refer everybody they know to us so we can make them look beautiful.” The Ferndale location was perfect in practically every way. “When we got there, the interior was already pink. I really didn’t have to do a lot,” says Ravon, who envisioned the shop with a pink, girly aesthetic. And if you’d like to get your hair done after shopping, you can head next door, to On Point Hair Designs, owned by Ravon and her mother.

 Ravon SummersNowden (left) and her daughter, Kyndal Nowden, wear matching sets available at The Pink Papillon. Shoppers can find fun clothing and accessories for women and children at the boutique.

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24/Seven Tactile textiles: One wall showcases some 60 textile sample patterns with both floral and abstract motifs. “Our fabric line is something we just started less than a year ago,” she shares. “Some of the patterns are woven for upholstery and drapery. Some are reversible.” 

Bright and light: The natural light and the 15-foot-high ceilings were the biggest draws to the building, Ventura says. “Even on the dreariest of Michigan days, it’s beautiful and bright in here.” Hanging are 12 pendant lights she purchased at West Elm. 

“Creating patterns is a great way to express myself.” —KELLY VENTURA

I NEED MY SPACE

LOFTY AMBITIONS A watercolor artist found the perfect home for her fine art and design business BY M E GAN SWOY ER

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WHEN ARTIST Kelly Ventura had outgrown her painting space in her Milford home about four years ago, she started looking for a new studio. After about a year, Ventura — a busy mother of three kids ages 12, 10, and 6 — was driving by an old building on Milford’s Main Street and looked up to see a skylight. Ventura did some digging to find out who owned the building, discovered it had been vacant for about six years, made an offer at the end of 2017 to rent and renovate the space, and was painting in her new studio by early 2019.

“The building dates to 1872,” Ventura says of the 1,400-square-foot space. “The third floor, where we are, was called St. John’s Hall, and musicians, poets, theater groups, and more would provide local entertainment. … When we first got it, there was a toilet in the middle of the floor. There were no walls. It was a mess.” Today, from the beautifully renovated space, Ventura and her sister, Jen Walker, run Ventura’s fine art and design business, Kelly Ventura Design. It offers Ventura’s branded line of wallpaper and fabric patterns for retail licensing,

PORTRAIT, INTERIORS COURTESY OF KELLY VENTURA DESIGN

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24/Seven Stay awhile: As you enter the studio, you’re greeted with a rack of beautiful linen and linen-cotton blend pillows for sale that range in size from lumbar-style to square. It’s the backdrop of a cute sitting area that features two chairs (“$25 for two on Facebook Marketplace!”) reupholstered in Ventura’s own “Valley in Hazel” linen fabric. 

Green scene: Ventura has a green thumb, and it’s not from her paints. “My studio plants are like extra children for me,” she says. Discovered on Facebook Marketplace and at estate sales, Ventura’s plants include a fiddle-leaf fig that is 60 years old and 15 feet tall and a rubber tree about 14 feet tall. “It’s nice to have a little outdoors inside.” 

as well as fine art prints and original artwork, all of which showcase splashy, colorful watercolor motifs in muted, organic colors and shapes. In addition to selling their own line of wallpaper and home textiles, the two collaborate with national retailers on a range of products, from bedding and stationery to dinnerware and small gifts. A few of her current retail partners include Anthropologie, Blue Sky, Crate & Barrel, and Target. “Creating patterns is a great way to express myself,” says Ventura, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan and

Beauty and the brick: “When we tore down the old plaster walls, we discovered that the whole space was brick, but we felt that we needed white walls (painted in Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace), too. We kept two walls of original brick, which adds a lovely warmth and character to the studio.” 

two impressive New York City internships for a bespoke wallpaper designer and a rug-design company under her belt. “I’m an introvert, on the quiet side and shy, so through color and texture, it’s a way for me to be louder, to express, and I get to share it with everyone.” Some of her works are reminiscent of Great Lakes State scenery. “I think I’m inspired by trips to northern Michigan, and maybe that’s where I find my blues,” she says. Here, Ventura shows us where all the magic happens.

 Floored by beauty: “The pine floors are, to my knowledge, original to the building, and we salvaged them,” Ventura says. “We stripped the old finish, patched the damaged areas, and restained them. There are old chips and dents, but that adds such character to the space.”

MORE! VISIT US AT HOURDETROIT.COM TO VIEW A VIDEO OF KELLY VENTURA IN HER STUDIO.

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24/Seven

 Mapenzi, one of the tailors for Zapenda, shows a custom garment for a client at the brand’s shop in Bukavu, in 2019. Stella Safari, pictured in a corset from the first drop of Zapenda’s latest collection, The Versatility Collection, and flare pants that will be released later this year. 

FASHION

FASHION ACROSS BORDERS

A local entrepreneur creates an apparel brand that brings Congolese artisanship and tradition to Detroit BY RACHAEL THOMAS

FOR STELLA SAFARI, her online clothing brand, Zapenda, is a bridge between African and American ways of dress and a reflection of her experiences growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the U.S. In 2000, an 8-year-old Safari fled Congo to the U.S. with her five older sisters amid an ongoing war and moved to Silver Spring, Maryland, where Safari grew up. In 2013, she came to Detroit as a fellow for the nonprofit Venture for America (VFA), shortly after graduating from Dartmouth College. As Safari navigated postgrad, corporate life, she desired to maintain her authenticity and stay connected to her roots. “I remember working at Invest Detroit and being in this very professional environment, and it’s like, ‘OK, now I have to dress like a grown-up and like a serious professional,’” she says. “I would go back to Congo and I would get clothes made while there. … I would literally take my clothes from my closet that I was wearing to work or wherever, like a vest or a blazer, and I would take it to Congo and have it made in African print.” When Safari would return to the States with her custom threads, friends would ask where she got her items. Their inquiries were the push Safari needed to create something that both expressed her love for fashion and shared her heritage. She officially launched Zapenda in 2019 with fellow VFA peer and Detroit transplant Dextina Booker. The brand’s name is a play on the Swahili word

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PORTRAIT NELSON NYAMUGASHA TRAVEL (BOTH PAGES) COURTESY OF ZAPENDA

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24/Seven  Safari with graduates of a sewing program at the Congo Peace School, a partner of Zapenda’s. The school is located in the village of Mumosho.

mapendo, which means “love.” Zapenda offers clothing custom-made in Congo and shipped to customers around the world. Items like the Nabintu Kimono, Bahati Jumpsuit, Serena Jogger Set, and Stunna Dress make up Zapenda’s collection of staple pieces, each made with African wax cotton. Shoppers provide their measurements and select from various vibrant prints; in four to six weeks, their Zapenda garment is at their doorstep. “Our process is very typical of the region, people from the continent of Africa,” says Booker, who serves as Zapenda’s creative director. In Africa, she says, people purchase their fabrics at markets and have a personal or family tailor create garments from those materials. Both Booker and Safari aim for people to rethink their clothing consumption, opting for higher-quality pieces made uniquely for their bodies. While Safari and Booker hold the fort down in the D, Zapenda employs six full-time tailors in Congo to create the products. Safari keeps in daily contact with the Congo team, communicating in Swahili and French primarily through WhatsApp. But sometimes key details can get lost in translation, and that’s when trips to Bukavu — Safari’s hometown and where Zapenda’s products are made — are required. In fact, the duo recently returned from a monthlong trip to the city, where, among other things, they learned some sewing techniques from the tailors that “will help us with making minor alterations when needed while we are in the U.S.,” Safari says. Safari and Booker also launched the first items

Children in the lunchroom at Congo Peace School visit with Safari during her late 2019 visit to the country. 

of the brand’s new Versatility Collection while in Congo. Serving as Zapenda’s reintroduction after a pandemic-induced pause, the collection features statement garments — made with the brand’s signature colorful fabric options — that are meant to be worn multiple ways and with whatever is in your closet. Items including the reversible Miss Tina Cloak and the Versatility Corset made up the initial four-piece drop. New items from the collection will be available in mini-drops taking place throughout the year. As Zapenda continues to grow, Safari’s goal continues to be sharing her roots and African artisanship with the world. “I see myself as an ambassador for Congo when I’m [in the U.S.] and an ambassador for [the U.S.] when I’m there. I think that I exist between these two worlds. My desire is to keep building that

 Safari recalls that day she met with graduates from Congo Peace School’s sewing program being an emotional one for her. “Just seeing the need that there is in that community for work.”

Mapenzi works on an item for Zapenda. 

 Safari discusses the types of styles Zapenda offers with graduates from Congo Peace School’s sewing program, in 2019. (All photos on this page are from that year).

bridge for more and more people to have this crosscultural exchange. As a Congolese person, I feel really strongly about stepping into that light of portraying my country, how I interact with it, and how I experience it. And Zapenda is definitely a part of that.” Learn more about Zapenda at zapendashop.com. M AY 2 0 2 2

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Stay,Sip

BY K AT H Y G I B BO N S

avor S

Escape to Michigan wine country,

I L LUST RAT I O N S BY H E AT H E R GAT L EY

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where you’ll find some of the best winery accommodations in the U.S.

hen the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2022 Best of Class award winners were announced earlier this year, the list was unsurprisingly heavy with vintners in California. But there were also four Michigan wineries among them — Ciccone Vineyard & Winery for its Gewürztraminer, St. Julian Winery for its Braganini Reserve Traminette, Chateau Chantal for its Amour rosé, and Aurora Cellars for its Grüner Veltliner. Dozens more from the Great Lakes State took top awards in individual categories as well. Now, it seems, the idea of Michigan wineries winning national and international recognition is not so shocking. “Michigan wines are showing up with rave reviews, gold medals, and ‘Best of’ lists more often than ever before,” says Dave Miller, past

president of the Michigan Wine Collaborative and owner and winemaker at White Pine Winery in southwest Michigan. For example, while very few wineries in the state offer on-site accommodations, three Michigan destinations swept the top three spots in the 2021 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Wine Country Hotel, in this order: Chateau Chantal on the Old Mission Peninsula, Hotel Walloon in Walloon Lake, and the Inn at Black Star Farms on the Leelanau Peninsula. The others in the top 10 were in Oregon, California, Virginia, and Texas. We set out to discover what it is that sets the three Michigan winners apart. Hint: Besides location, location, and location, all present a quiet refuge with impeccable service, personal touches, and access to some of the best wines Michigan has to offer. M AY 2 0 2 2

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Chateau Chantal IT’S ALL IN

THE FAMILY ON OLD MISSION PENINSULA

a patio and a terrace — to enjoy wine and the sunset over the water and vineyards. If you want to buy a bottle of wine or snack after hours, you can. It’s done by honor system — you just note it on a sheet provided at check-in and settle up at the end. hat makes a house a home? When it comes to Chateau Begin and his wife, Nadine — she passed away in Chantal on Traverse City’s Old 2018 — purchased the 60-acre estate in 1983. Today, Mission Peninsula, it’s founder Bob there are 45 acres of grapes on the property, and they Begin and his daughter, CEO Mariefarm another 60-plus acres on Old Mission Peninsula. Chantal Dalese. Grapes produced include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot A stay here feels as if you are in their Grigio, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Cabernet Franc, home. When we arrived at this 13-room bedGewürztraminer, and specialty blends. and-breakfast late on a Sunday afternoon, When the Begins planted their first vines in 87-year-old Begin was unloading bags from his car 1986, they set out to create a European-style parked at the tasting room entrance and insisted winery chateau. “If you go to the Burgundy on showing us to the bed-and-breakfast entrance region [of France], you may have visited a himself after he stashed away his purchases. chateau where the family lives there, you spend In our suite — two rooms of sumptuous yet the night, drink some wine from grapes right understated comfort in a soothing green-driven outside the window,” Dalese says. “It’s that palette with a couch and sitting area, a kingcomplete hospitality experience.” size bed, big-screen TVs in both rooms, and a In the morning, we went to the dining room for bathroom with a jetted tub, not the chef’s artfully plated breakfast of Chateau Chantal took to mention sweeping views of the souffle, roasted potato hash, bacon, first place in the 2021 surrounding vineyards and lake oatmeal with raisins, fresh fruit, and USA Today 10Best Readers’ — there was a laminated card that toast. After breakfast, as he often Choice Awards for Best Wine Country Hotel. included Begin’s and Dalese’s cell does, Begin offered guests a cellar It also made the Reader’s numbers in case of an urgent need. tour through massive production Digest 2021 list of the After check-in, we still had time rooms with huge steel drums and 25 Best Wineries in the U.S. to get to the tasting room before wooden barrels. He also showed off a it closed. We could have enjoyed a new bottling system from Italy that’s tasting flight but instead decided to going to make it possible to increase Chateau Chantal offers uncork a bottle of Chateau Chantal’s production and produce sparkling Yoga Weekends, booked in conjunction with staying at Naughty white; B&B guests are wines on-site. the B&B. The next one is offered a complimentary bottle of Chateau Chantal has 13 guest May 6 and 7. A spring wine with their stay. We sat by the rooms — mostly suites and including cooking class is set for May 21. June wine dinners windows and took in the view as we one top-floor executive apartment are held Wednesdays and decompressed, realizing how nice it with a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, Saturdays beginning June felt to just be there and not have to and spectacular views. Room rates 15, continuing Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday drive home after. in-season range from $234 to $608 in July and August. Jazz After the winery closes, B&B with most around $400; off-season at Sunset runs every guests have the run of the place. In rates are $220-$550 with most around Thursday in July and August. the Hospitality Room, you can sit by $380. Chateau Chantal, 15900 Rue the fire and read or play chess. Some De Vin, Traverse City; 231-223-4110; guests take chairs outdoors — there’s chateauchantal.com

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The accommodations and the view are just two reasons USA Today readers voted Chateau Chantal the Best Wine Country Hotel.

EXTERIOR JOHN DOSKOCH INTERIORS KYLE BROWNLEY

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BlackStar Farms

The porch at the mansion-turnedinn is rocking-chair ready; (below) the winery includes 180 acres on Old LeelaMission and Leela nau peninsulas.

THIS

SUTTONS BAY R E T R E AT IS PICTURE PERFECT

n artist asked to paint a setting for an idyllic winery stay might not be able to imagine all of the details that make Black Star Farms a oneof-a-kind destination. There’s the country lanelike driveway leading down, around, and through the hillside vineyards. A country complex that includes a mansion-turned-inn, equestrian facility, wine cave, production building, and tasting room. A restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients that operates seasonally and for

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The Inn at Black Star special events. And stunning sunsets. The inn itself was originally a family Farms ranked third in the home — all 10,000 square feet of it. The property near Suttons Bay 2021 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Our room, overlooking the grand entry where Black Star Farms sits was Best Wine Country Hotel. hall, belonged to the original owner’s purchased in 1998 by Kerm and It also took first place in daughter. Outside the window was a Sallie Campbell; 18 years later, the 2020 USA Today list. In addition, Black Star was view of a pergola and pinewood forest. their daughter, Sherri Campbell included in the Reader’s Eight of 10 rooms have king-size beds; Fenton, joined the business. Today, Digest 2021 list of the 25 the inn also has three suites, including she oversees operations and all Best Wineries in the U.S. one that’s especially suited to families hospitality programs at the winery, or a friends’ getaway that has an which includes 180 acres of vineyards attached room with two twin beds. on both Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas. All stays at the property include a Hospitality hour, also included in every stay, complimentary wine tasting in the tasting room. takes place at Pegasus Lounge. It’s a bar that Besides sampling wines — we were especially remains the same as it was when the original enthralled with the Arcturos Pinot Blanc — we owners built it. There, Mitchell Myler, one of the learned a handy hint for remembering once and innkeepers, served us a small plate with prosciuttofor all how to pronounce Gewürztraminer from wrapped asparagus and homemade samosas from Tasting Room Manager Chris Lopez. He said to the kitchen of chef John Wojnarski, along with a just think of “girls are meaner.” We’ll never forget. glass of Arcturos Sur Lie Chardonnay. It’s a cozy space, with a fireplace and overstuffed furniture where guests can gather casually and mingle. There are also places to sit at the bar, where two of the seats are actual saddles. After a completely silent night of sleep — this is very quiet country — a fresh breakfast is served in the recently remodeled dining room. This one happened to be a yogurt parfait with granola that’s created on-site with You may have missed out on getting that special Black Star hard cider, followed by a woman in your life a sumptuous banana-and-rum pancake Mother’s Day stay at Black bread pudding topped with a creme Star, but it may not be too late to book a Mother’s Day anglaise made with the winery’s own brunch on May 8. Sirius cherry dessert wine. New this year, Black Star is Guests who book overnight holding Progressive Wine and Food Tastings May 4, reservations at Black Star Farms 11, 18, and 25. Black Star’s can also arrange add-ons like bike Spring Arcturos Dining touring, fat-tire biking, private yoga Series Dinner is May 13, with a northern woods instruction, picnics, private dinners mushroom theme. Come with wine pairing opportunities, and June, look for Estate and more. Room rates are $390-$525 Wine Tasting Tours, offered in group format in high season, $275-$395 during Mondays and Fridays at 11 the winter, and $310-$400 in May. a.m. and private sessions Black Star Farms, 10844 E. Revold by appointment. Road, Suttons Bay; 231-944-1270; blackstarfarms.com

EXTERIOR, PORCH COURTESY OF BLACK STAR FARMS

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Wine

Trails

Wineries in various regions of the state have formed their own trails to help identify themselves as a destination for those who want to go wine touring and visit multiple wineries in one day or over several

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail

Located in southwest Michigan, the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is a collaboration of 15 wineries in the Lake Michigan Shore American Viticulture Area. (Note: AVAs are specific zones for vineyards that share geography and climate.) The trail is at the southern end of Lake Michigan, which creates a microclimate for fruit growing and protection from weather extremes that helps extend the growing season later into the fall. miwinetrail.com

Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail

Heading east and then north out of Traverse City leads visitors to the picturesque Old Mission Peninsula. Ten wineries in the Old Mission AVA participate in the trail. They are generally just a few miles apart, with most yielding views of East and West Grand Traverse bays as well as vineyards, orchards, hills, and valleys. ompwinetrail.com

Petoskey Wine Region

The state’s northernmost — and newest — wine trail consists of 14 wineries. Part of the Tip of the Mitt AVA, wineries on this trail grow rich, robust grapes that thrive in cold temperatures. petoskey.wine

Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

On one of two peninsulas jutting into Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail in the Leelanau Peninsula AVA is home to 23 wineries. Many offer sweeping vistas with vineyards, lakes, and rolling countryside. lpwines.com

Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail

The members of this trail are southeast Michigan’s newest pioneers — the vintners of the early 21st century. thepioneerwinetrail.com

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Hotel Walloon

Come by car or by boat to this Petoskey Wine Region hotel. (below) Cottage View Kings rooms have private balconies and stunning views.

PERSONAL CARE AND

SERVICE IN PETOSKEY’S WINE COUNTRY

I “

there’s an electronic “do not disturb” function in lieu of the traditional sign hung over a doorknob. Soft robes and slippers beg to be slipped into, as does the plush king-size bed. An outdoor hot tub functions year-round Hotel Walloon came in — it’s bordered with glass to offer t’s phenomenal second in the 2021 USA Today 10Best Readers’ protection from the wind off the lake. — their customer Choice Awards for Best “We are the only privately owned service is beyond Wine Country Hotel. It hotel in northern Michigan that does compare. It gets rave took first place in 2019 and was in the have AAA diamonds, so with that we reviews from the minute top five in 2020. have a level of standards and service guests walk in to the minute that are unmatched,” says Emily they leave.” Jensen, sales and marketing manager. That’s Mary Ann Lippe, “It’s kind of a hidden gem oasis.” co-owner of Boyne Valley Vineyards near Be sure to allow time to visit local wineries, Petoskey, talking about Hotel Walloon in Walloon such as Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery, Lake. The winery and the hotel work closely to Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery, Walloon Lake coordinate visits for hotel guests who want to Winery, and Resort Pike Cidery & Winery. For experience the Petoskey Wine Region with its 14 dining, there’s the Hotel Walloon-owned Barrel wineries during their stay. Back Restaurant for excellent brewpub-style fare Lippe’s comments hint at why. From the and, for fine dining, the Walloon Lake Inn. Village personal greeting, sit-down check-in, and tour Green Park, The Talcott event venue, and several (featuring the hearth room with see-through shops are also within walking distance. fireplace and hotel bar, the drawing room with In fact, Jensen notes that the hotel, built brand its Murano glass chandelier, and a fitness room) new in 2015 by Grand Rapids-based developer to a welcome glass of wine and eventual personal Jonathan Borisch, was a catalyst for development introduction to your room, it’s clear that this is in Walloon Lake. It’s been a passion project for no ordinary hotel. Every unit has a balcony or a Borisch. Before he came on the scene, there was patio that sits directly on the hotel’s private beach. just a general store in the community. Now there There are also boat slips. are multiple businesses, some of them seasonal. The marble bathroom floors are heated; For breakfast, you’ll find granolas and baked goods as well as specialty coffees, including lattes and cappuccinos. The hotel also offers snacks through the day and hors d’oeuvres and dessert presentations toward evening. Hotel Walloon features 32 guest rooms — there are nine different The Walloon Lake Inn offers types in all, including suites with Walloon Wine Time on its patio from 3 to 4:30 p.m. kitchenettes. Summer rates start Memorial Day to Labor Day, at $400 per night and can run up weather permitting, to $1,300 for a suite. Winter rates featuring wine pours and small plates. are $200-$850. Hotel Walloon, 4127 N. M-75, Walloon Lake; 231-535-5000; hotelwalloon.com

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EXTERIOR COURTESY OF HOTEL WALLOON

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Vacation Rentals AN INTERNET SEARCH of “places to stay in Michigan wine country” yields quite a long list of links for everything from hotels to vacation rentals to bed-andbreakfasts. Rebecca Harrison, who owns several vacation homes in close proximity to southwest Michigan wineries, says she’s made a point of advertising the rentals as winetouring properties. “We started [promoting wine tours in the listing headlines] probably within the last four to five years,” Harrison says, explaining that many of her renters come specifically to visit wineries. That’s particularly true in the off-season, starting after Labor Day. “We get quite a few people that come in either for girls’ getaways or a bachelorette party, bachelor parties,” she says. “We also partner with Grape and Grain Tours — they have tours to the wineries, you can set up your own tours, and they also have private tours. “They give our guests a discount, and they also will pick up and drop off at the house so our guests don’t need to drive.” Also in southwest Michigan, Michigan Wine Trail Cabins offers six tiny homes that can collectively accommodate up to 18 people. Multiple other listings highlight proximity to the region’s wineries. In northwestern lower Michigan, Joni and John Sztykiel just purchased The Vineyard House near Suttons Bay, which has been available for short-term rentals. The $3.9 million, 9,000-square-foot home that sleeps 14 is in walking distance to several wineries, is close to a 17-mile trail, and sits on 77 acres — three of them a vineyard — with its own in-ground heated pool. “It is gorgeous, within a short drive from Detroit or Chicago,” Joni says, adding, “The land, the house, the vineyards, the water — the whole area is just amazing.” Bonnie Modroo owns another Airbnb rental, Chardonnay Shores, also located in Leelanau County. With frontage on West Grand Traverse Bay, the house overlooks a vineyard. “I would say 95 percent of our guests visit the wineries,” Modroo says. Find more listings at vrbo.com and airbnb.com. To search for a B&B on or near a Michigan wine trail, visit laketolake.com.

INTERIOR, DOCKS COURTESY OF HOTEL WALLOON

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Channeling

Taste

Good

t’s often said that learning through experience is the best way to acquire a new skill. Achieving proficiency as a chef under the mentorship of an expert is but one example. For almost a decade, this timehonored concept has been alive and well in the Upper Peninsula community of Hessel at the Les Cheneaux Culinary School. Hessel, and its sister town, Cedarville, are the mainland anchors of the Les Cheneaux community (loosely translated from the French as “the channels”), an archipelago of 36 islands hugging the Lake Huron shore about 30 miles east of the Mackinac Bridge. Emerging as a summer colony during the late 19th century, the community’s early residents included wealthy industrialists from Detroit and Chicago, but also from points as distant as Cincinnati, Akron, and St. Louis. Today, many of their descendants maintain homes in the area. Although not as well known as the Petoskey-Harbor Springs area, Les Cheneaux exists as an equally upscale northern destination. The idyllic location gave rise to a strong nautical tradition, evidenced today by the numerous marine engine shops, the Great Lakes Boat Building School, and the annual Antique Wooden Boat Show. While the year-round population is small, the number increases threefold with an annual influx of summer residents. To serve the community, various eating establishments have come and gone, no doubt due to the area’s seasonal nature. While informal restaurants can weather these fluctuations, finer dining requires a full-time (and costly) commitment to quality. In 2011, longtime resident Bonnie Mikkelsen sensed the community’s desire for a quality yearround restaurant, while also noting that most of the young people in Les Cheneaux were leaving once they finished school. “We were rapidly becoming a retirement community,” she says. She approached the owners of the Hessel Bay Inn, which operated only during the summer, with a proposal to lease the building during the winter to offer informal cooking classes. The owners declined, as they were near retirement. But this proved only a temporary setback. Not to be deterred, Mikkelsen and other residents, inspired by the success of the Great Lakes Boat Building School in Cedarville, considered the possibility of establishing a professional culinary school. Like its boat building counterpart, the new institution would offer instruction using the apprenticeship model. Hands-on instruction

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BY PAUL VACHON

AN UPPER PENINSULA CULINARY SCHOOL

SERVES THE COMMUNITY IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

Executive director Zach Schroeder (center) works with students Marcy Misner and TJ Lee; (top) student Haley Black

would be offered for nine months, followed by a three-month summer internship, during which the school would operate as a restaurant, allowing students to test their new skills. The idea behind the Les Cheneaux Culinary School was born. In November 2013, a group of investors formed an LLC and acquired the then-vacant Hessel Bay Inn, which was thoroughly renovated. The next step was to hire an executive director. After an extensive search, former UP resident Zach Schroeder was hired in early 2014. A native of St. Ignace, Schroeder had been working in the Detroit area as the food and beverage manager at a South Lyon golf club. Schroeder enthusiastically embraced the vision set by the founders. He points out that the apprenticeship model makes good economic sense. “Food is getting more expensive, and in a traditional culinary education program, these

KITCHEN PREP COURTESY OF LES CHENEAUX CULINARY SCHOOL

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increased costs force tuition up. A solution is to offset the costs by selling the food in a restaurant setting.” This model has long been the norm in Europe, but has only recently emerged in the U.S. A typical year’s enrollment ranges from six to 12 students, but Schroeder explains that 16 is the capacity. He describes the program as “intensive.” Students are in class or in the kitchen 32 hours per week and are also assigned homework. The program acclimates learners to all aspects of food preparation, including prep, grilling, sauteing, salads, and desserts. During the busy summer season, Schroeder supervises kitchen operations while students gain practical experience in each of these areas. The program also includes principles of food service management and food storage. At graduation, students are awarded a Culinary Arts Chef Certificate. “One of the main objectives of the program is to

supply the local workforce with skilled employees,” Schroeder says. “To achieve that, we designed a program that is quick but intensive. That way we can efficiently train our students while also minimizing student debt.” While a separate waitstaff is hired for the summer months, students are also exposed to “front of the house” functions, with a priority placed on customer service.

“ONE OF THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM IS TO SUPPLY THE WORKFORCE WITH S K I L L E D E M P L O Y E S .”

—Zach Schroeder, executive director The restaurant at LCCS prioritizes sustainability, a cornerstone of the farm-to-table concept, where ingredients are locally sourced items currently in season. To support this, the school has relationships with area farms, dairies, and other purveyors to obtain meat, poultry, eggs, baked goods, and produce. They even have a source for Upper Peninsula maple syrup. Farm-to-table also determines how the menu is composed. “A menu is a fully developed single idea,” Schroeder says. “Our menu design is built around products that are coming in. Most restaurants design their menu and order food; we do it the opposite way. We find a product a local farm is offering, and then we build a menu item around it.” Each year’s menu is composed using this method and features an array of mouthwatering options that are sophisticated yet not pretentious. Recent examples include za’atar roasted chicken thighs, a blackened whitefish sandwich, and a house milled country loaf with garlic and herb oil. The menu frequently changes throughout a summer season and is posted daily on the school’s Facebook page. Local sourcing accounts for almost two-thirds of the needed ingredients and is but one of LCCS’s sustainability initiatives. The school also works to generate as little trash as possible, and the amount that is produced is composted and offered to local farms for soil. Although the restaurant is normally closed during the off-season, it does hold occasional special events, such as the recent Snowsfest Dinner in February. Guests were treated to poached sunchoke with lobster cream, seared duck with glazed shallot, and a Chocolate Trio (tart, macaron,

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and mousse) for dessert. A Cinco de Mayo event is planned for the spring, and opening day is slated for June 17 (it closes after Labor Day). LCCS also offers catering services and is often hired to provide food for weddings at the nearby Hessel School House. The school’s online newsletter, Beyond the Fork, which is on its website (lcculinary.org), features upcoming events, student profiles, and even a recipe or two. Since LCCS has been operating, some alumni have continued their education to earn degrees in hospitality management and some have gone straight into food service jobs. “We’ve seen students graduate and go on to start their own catering companies, while others have gone to work at establishments in the Petoskey-Harbor Springs area, plus some of the higher-profile restaurants in the Detroit area,” Schroeder says. “One person even went to New York and landed a position at a Michelin five-star restaurant.” That alum is Nic Ross, a sous chef at Wright & Co. in Detroit, who landed a job at Greenwich Village hot spot Minetta Tavern after his 2019 graduation. He says he found the school’s size a benefit. “It’s easy to focus and learn more than just the basics. After graduating, you don’t have to be just a line cook. You can become a baker, a butcher, or even work in food sales.” As far as the school’s goal to infuse the region with talented youth, some graduates have found jobs in the Upper Peninsula, and one, Spencer Hoffmann, is hyperlocal: He is an instructor at the school. M AY 2 0 2 2

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Now

This

is Football If the Lions leave you with little to cheer about, try Detroit City FC, the team that breaks the rules – and wins games By Nolan Bianchi Photos by Sal Rodriguez

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DCFC’s home opener came complete with scarf-waving fans, chants, cheers, red smoke, and a win.

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On the mid-March morning of Detroit City Football Club’s home opener, a freezing rain pours steadily and doesn’t appear likely to stop anytime soon — certainly not ahead of the 4 p.m. kickoff against the visiting Charleston Battery, of South Carolina. The weather though, has apparently no bearing on the game’s attendance. More than 5,300 “supporters” — or fans, in the parlance of pro soccer — brave the elements at Hamtramck’s Keyworth Stadium, for a 1-0 victory. It’s the club’s most important game to date, after all — a celebration of a major “promotion,” the soccerworld term for rising to a more prestigious and competitive league. DCFC this year joined the USL Championship, a step up from their previous league, the National Independent Soccer Association. The best-known Major League Soccer stands atop the hierarchy of American soccer, followed by the USL. If you’re a less-than-casual soccer fan whose knowledge is limited to Ted Lasso, and you’re already a little lost, that’s OK. It’s a little complicated. So, here’s what you must know: Today is a big deal. DCFC, founded in 2012, has staged a dizzying rise, against long odds. That DCFC has made such a rapid climb is plainly surreal. The club moved to Keyworth from Cass Technical High School’s stadium in 2016 and usually surpasses average attendance of 5,000 people — topping out at an average prepandemic attendance of 6,341, in 2019. An hour before kickoff, the Northern Guard Supporters, which is essentially a fan club, lead a few hundred fans on the March to the Match. They pass out flags at Fowling Warehouse bar on Christopher Street. Percussion instruments and folks with megaphones — “capos,” as they’re known around these parts — narrate the walk, lighting smoke bombs and leading chants characterized by general statements of disdain for the opposition. “You either sing for City or you’re shit!” Bum, bum, bum “You either sing for City or you’re shit!” Bum, bum, bum

The same morning, Detroit Free Press subscribers open their papers or apps to an essay by sports columnist Carlos Monarrez with a predictabl inquiry into why soccer has never really taken hold in the United States. He opens his screed with the admission that he’s a secret soccer fan who can no longer hide in his closet because he’s too excited about DCFC. The headline asks: “Detroit City FC moves up one level. Could its next move be to MLS?” With that, it remains clear that the biggest voices in town still just don’t get it. The question of whether DCFC ever joins the MLS is beside the point. They might; they might not. But it’s not how anyone around here judges its success. Rather — and yes, this may make you roll your eyes — its goal is to stand for something while promoting the sport (“a community-focused, supporter-driven, design-forward club,” team co-owner Alex Wright calls it), to create an authentic soccer experience, from the European era before the game became one of the biggest businesses in the world. Their “moral compass,” Wright adds, follows that of FC St. Pauli, a German-based team founded in 1910 that, in the 1980s, picked up a fanbase of left-wing political activists with a knack for being rowdy. It was the fan bonding experience, as much as what happened on the pitch, that built the team following into a social and financial success. DCFC is doing something similar, albeit perhaps not uniting fans so much around a political creed as around a sense of metro Detroit pride. Moving to the MLS would require a move away from Keyworth, a rugged, Great Depression-era stadium that lines a railroad track and was opened personally by President Franklin Roosevelt, in 1936. It would slap more restrictions on a ruthless, boisterous fan atmosphere that has attracted players like Antoine Hoppenot of France and Francis Atuahene of Ghana, both former MLSers now playing here. Hoppenot and Atuahene follow a long line of players who’ve seen or heard about the atmosphere at Keyworth and have gone out of their way to be part of it. “It’s incredible. It’s loud. I can’t hear anything, and it’s the way I like it,” Hoppenot says after scoring the winning goal against Charleston. “It makes it real. It makes it true. Sometimes you play a game and there’s no one. This makes it feel like a real, professional game.” On the pitch, DCFC is led by a dangerous group of scorers that includes Hoppenot, Maxi Rodriguez of Texas, Pato Botello Faz of Mexico, and Commerce Township native Connor Rutz. On the back end, it’s captain Stephen Carroll of Ireland and goalie Nate Steinwascher, a Sterling Heights native. Players receive housing and a salary of between $40,000 and $60,000, but some,

Northern Guard Supporters emerge from under a bridge on Christopher Street in Hamtramck, lighting smoke bombs and singing chants during the March to the Match on March 19.

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like Steinwascher, who is an accountant, have day jobs. He’s been with the club since 2016 and recorded nine “clean sheets,” or shutouts, in 16 games during last year’s fall season. They’re led by manager Trevor James, a onetime talent scout and interim head coach for the MLS’ LA Galaxy back in the aughts, when David Beckham played there. James got a taste of the charmingly homespun nature of DCFC when he landed at 6 a.m. in Detroit, for his job interview in 2019, expecting to be picked up by club co-owner Sean Mann. Instead, he found a text on his phone from Mann: “Sorry, I’m having a problem with day care. Can you get an Uber?” James, a heavily sought-after recruit after helping to lead Indy Eleven to promotion from NISA to the USL in 2017, was bemused. “It was typical Detroit City, to be honest,” he says. To fans, he’s known as “TMFJ,” his initials embellished with two letters that stand — lovingly, of course — for a common expletive. Under his tutelage, DCFC has been a significantly better team, winning multiple season and tournament championships in NISA. Last season, DCFC lost just one game over 34 matches, between April and November, en route to spring and fall league championships. Yes, that’s right — there’s a Detroit football team that wins. A lot. James’ task this season is a bit more daunting. DCFC will play a 34-game regular season from March to October, all streamed via ESPN+. The league sends the top seven teams from the Eastern and Western conferences to the playoffs. DCFC resides in the East. “When you move up a league, you get players that played at a higher level, you get players that have played at a lower level that all get matched in one group,” says Rutz, now in his third season with DCFC. “There can be some disagreements about the standards. I think that’s what Trevor does very well, is he keeps a good core to move the standard up.” James’ approach, and that of the club, is a bit unusual for pro sports: “We try to sign players who’ve got character and a little bit about them, you know? It’s not always just about their ability on the field.” Indeed, DCFC opts against the sort of professionalized, super-serious approach that most pro teams in any sport enact. Instead, it sees itself as a genuine “club,” not just a team, with the public a key piece of the community and camaraderie. “This is a scrappy, blue-collar club playing in a [nearly] hundred-year-old, blue-collar building that’s surrounded by neighborhoods and factories,” Wright says. “It is in every way reminding you about who we are.” As pro sports events go, it’s also a bargain. Season tickets for adults start at $150 for 20 home games, about $8 per game. That’s about

Abdoulaye Diop (left) and Antoine Hoppenot during a training session 

 DCFC midfielder Brad Dunwell outruns a Charleston Battery defender.

half the cost of a fancy beer at Little Caesars Arena. Season tickets for children ages 7 to 17 cost $85. Single-match tickets run $12, $15 if purchased on the day of the match. Kids 6 and under are admitted for free. “We provide people an opportunity to enjoy a game that’s beautiful at a cost they can afford,” Wright says. “This isn’t about not making money. It’s about finding a way to respect your fans, keep them invested and engaged. You wouldn’t exist without them.” There has been no shortage of helping hands from the sidelines. Sean “Red” Novak, a supporter, hosts the 4:51 Podcast, a DCFC-centric show named for the code for a popular soccer field player formation. He aims, he says, to “nurture that relationship between the city and the club. I guess the trifecta for 4:51 is Detroit, soccer, and community.” On the Tuesday before DCFC’s home opener, for instance, Novak hangs around the Detroit City Fieldhouse, their practice site on East Lafayette in Detroit, waiting to speak with James. That alone is extraordinary; hosts of fan-driven podcasts rarely have that sort of access with a pro team, even in soccer. Formerly an ice rink that once served as

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the Detroit Red Wings’ practice facility, the 75,000-square-foot facility was remodeled to house indoor training and other day-to-day activities for DCFC players and staff. Players are served two meals a day there, get their training in, watch film. The team’s administrative staff works upstairs, in offices adjacent to a bar — Detroit City Clubhouse — overlooking the turf. The podcaster is a Detroit native and lifelong soccer fan and has been a DCFC die-hard since 2015. He’s also been a central figure in several community-based service projects, including the Rusty Nut Fund. During Keyworth’s 2016 renovations, some groups had an idea to sell off the remnants as jewelry and keepsakes. Novak delivered $500 in proceeds to the Hamtramck soccer coach in a sandwich bag, he recalls. He figures there are “maybe even a few thousand” supporters as intense as he is. Actually, that number can reasonably be estimated at about 3,000 — the number of supporters who helped keep DCFC solvent by buying shares when the club sold off 10 percent of its ownership to raise nearly $1.5 million needed to weather the pandemic-induced downturn. “I don’t know what all nearly 3,000 of our investors were dealing with in their personal lives, but in my personal life, it was not a time when I was looking to give money to anyone, to invest in anything, whether I believed in it or not,” Wright says. Some supporters, owners, and supporterowners have taken a hands-on approach by volunteering to assist with Keyworth renovations. Others make regular grocery runs for the players or drop off food at the facility. “From the first day, you could feel how welcoming they are,” says Devon Amoo-Mensah, a Chicago-area native and first-year DCFC player. “Something as simple as coming in here and them bringing us dinner and lunches — it’s really nice for them to have that feeling towards us and appreciate us like that.” The point, Novak says, is to be part of something bigger than themselves, to be a cog in the wheel: “The soccer was always the cherry on top. What’s most important to me about this club is that the relationship between the club and the city of Detroit and the broader metro regions is nurtured.” Unlike with most professional sports teams, which Wright says often leave fans feeling powerless and irrelevant, there’s an element of trust between supporters and owners. In some ways, that goes against everything that we know to be true about professional sports in the United States — the bigger and shinier the better — and DCFC brass gripe that that has hurt their pursuit for local media coverage. They’re not trying to move to a bigger stadium or more prestigious league if doing so will mean

 Manager Trevor James during a recent training session.

DCFC veterans Matt Lewis (left) and Connor Rutz run down the line to high-five supporters, after their win against the Charleston Battery. 

diluting the fan experience. Both local papers, The Detroit News and the Free Press, have covered DCFC games sporadically — without quotes and without sending reporters to attend games —and have done bigger features at key moments. DCFC, of course, wants more. “We’ve been on the cover of more magazines in Europe than we have in the city of Detroit,” Wright says. “We get more requests from international and national soccer writers than we do from local writers. They come here, and they’re like, ‘Holy crap, this is the sport that my grandpa told me about.’” Soccer is here. And in due time, DCFC’s owners and fans insist, people won’t be able to misunderstand or ignore them — because an entire generation of Detroiters is being taught to love soccer with pride.

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the

whimper y November, the field was soggy, and the football grid consisted of patches of brownish grass and fresh mud. This was the playing field of the Detroit Lions. It was also their practice field, churned up daily by the athletes. It was inside Tiger Stadium 48 years ago, a weekday after a bitter Sunday — and another defeat. Twenty seasons earlier, this was where the Lions enjoyed a championship dynasty: three NFL titles in six years in the 1950s. By the early 1970s, this threadbare field symbolized the Detroit Lions. They were trapped in another dismal season. Annual rumors floated that another coach was about to get the “ziggy.” “Ziggy” was a Detroit-only word perpetuated by Joe Schmidt, star linebacker during the championship seasons and frustrated head coach during the late 1960s into the ’70s. In other words, the head coach was about to be canned. And on this grim weekday, inside the locker room, William Clay Ford, the club owner, was fuming. “Do you know what it’s like to fire somebody?” he lectured me. “No idea.” The head coach in jeopardy in 1974 was Rick Forzano. “I want to see Roman candles shooting over the sidelines,” Ford said, describing his vision for the Lions. Roman candles? The Lions had not had a quarterback capable of shooting Roman candles since Bobby Layne was exiled back in ’58. The Lions were reigning NFL champions then. They have not won another NFL championship in the 64 seasons since. In fact, the Fords’ Lions are the oldest franchise to never appear in any of the 56 Super Bowls. At least equally astonishing: In all those years, the Lions have won just one postseason game. One. During these barren years since stampeding Detroit fans carried linebacker Joe Schmidt off that field in celebration of the 1957 championship, the franchise has employed 21 head coaches and 44 starting quarterbacks. They have played on three home fields — Briggs/Tiger Stadium, the Pontiac Silverdome, and Ford Field. Eight general managers have struggled to control the team’s operations —

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of the lions Exploring 60-plus years of Ford family futility with a legendary columnist who covered it all By Jerry Green

player acquisitions, scouting, negotiating contracts, placating coaches, and managing disenchanted athletes. Plus, mollifying the critical media. Incandescent stars have come and gone, too; Yale Lary, Night Train Lane, Lem Barney, Charlie Sanders, Barry Sanders, Dick LeBeau, John Henry Johnson, Alex Karras, and Calvin Johnson are all in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 2008, the Lions became the first NFL team of the Super Bowl era to lose every game, and as a result, they used the first pick at the 2009 draft to acquire Matthew Stafford. Then they neglected to build a team around the guy. And the fault for that, like the rest of the years of disappointment, rests firmly on the Fords. The malaise, to me, originated Aug. 12, 1957. That was the night of the annual Meet the Lions banquet in the downtown Statler Hotel. I was there. At the time, the Lions were a rollicking collection of athletes under the ownership of a syndicate of 144 preening co-owners. All was well, or so it seemed; the Lions had won championships in 1952 and 1953, too, under head coach Buddy Parker. In advance of the coming season, Tobin Rote had been acquired from Green Bay to back up Layne at quarterback. The Statler ballroom was packed that night with expectant fans. It was a routine banquet — until toastmaster Bob Reynolds summoned Parker to the microphone. “I quit,” Parker began, stunning the room. “I can’t handle this team anymore.” The next day, assistant George Wilson took the job and led the team to the 1957 championship. Rote carried the Lions after Layne injured his leg, and by the next season, Layne would be shuttled out of town.

The Detroit Lions enter the field before a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, at Ford Field, on Aug. 13, 2021; they would lose that game and finish the season 3-13-1.

LIONS NIC ANTAYA/GETTY IMAGES

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Meanwhile, the owners continued to fawn over the athletes, jollying it up in the locker room, while feuding viciously among themselves. A power struggle erupted between Edwin J. Anderson, former boss of the Goebel Brewing Co., and D. Lyle Fife, an electricity contractor, that resulted in the emergence of a minority stockholder as peacemaker: William Clay Ford. Henry Ford’s grandson became club president in 1961. The team remained competitive for a few years before its descent into enduring mediocrity. Part of the challenge was the rise of the American Football League. By the early 1960s, the AFL was competing with the NFL for draft choices and was overpaying them. The Lions were outbid for key picks — Johnny Robinson; John Hadl, who would have solved a quarterback problem; Earl Faison; and Gerry Philbin. All became prominent in the AFL. Anderson, the co-owner who served as Detroit general manager, lost them all. The Lions players that season were in revolt against Anderson. At one point, Anderson was hung in effigy from the goalposts at Tiger Stadium before a practice. And after the ’62 season, Don Shula, age 33, a defensive specialist being groomed to become the eventual head coach, was plucked away by the Baltimore Colts. The shareholder drama ended for good on Nov. 22, 1963, coincidentally the day JFK was assassinated, when William Ford — Billy to his friends — became the team’s sole owner. He paid $4.5 million, about $42 million in today’s money but a whopping sum for any sports franchise 58 years ago. Billy Ford was 38 and on the rise at the Ford Motor Co. He was a friendly, compassionate — sometimes outspoken — and dignified gentleman. And now he became owner when television was beginning to attract the masses to professional football. The purchase would prove Ford to be a brilliant investor — and a lousy, micromanaging supervisor. That first full season of Ford ownership ended in a relatively dismal 7-5-2 record. The new boss ordered head coach George Wilson to fire his five assistant coaches; Wilson quit instead. Harry Gilmer, a former University of Alabama and NFL quarterback, came along as head coach. His second game at the helm, he lost 17-3 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a bottom-feeder squad back then. Ford was seated in the press box that day, so I solicited his opinion. “We weren’t only outplayed — we were outcoached,” Ford said. The Lions’ 1966 season ended with a 4-9-1 record, including three successive defeats, and Gilmer left the final game barraged by snowballs. He responded to the obvious queries from journalists with homespun humor: “At least they didn’t have rocks in them.” Then he was gone, replaced by Joe Schmidt, a recently retired Lions linebacker. Ford summoned him every Monday after games to demand explanations for Sunday’s field decisions.

With Sanders’ departure, the Lions’ era of promise ended and the team’s sorrowful culture Schmidt called them “how come?” meetings. He constantly complained about them. Schmidt had a fine season, 10-4, in 1970. One of the defeats was a shocking loss in New Orleans on Tom Dempsey’s 63-yard field goal, the longest in NFL history at the time. The Lions made the playoffs as a wild card. They lost at Dallas, 5-0. Ultimately, Schmidt chucked the head coaching job in 1972. He delivered a self-ziggy, a resignation. “Why?” Schmidt, who just turned 90, told me recently. “I couldn’t do the things I wanted to do.” Don McCafferty, Forzano, and Tommy Hudspeth came and went before Ford tapped Monte Clark in 1978. Clark was sure he’d be fired in 1983 when the Lions started 1-4, but the team finished 9-7, won the Central Division, and then lost a one-point playoff heartbreaker in San Francisco. Clark, whose team went 4-11-1 in 1984, was replaced by Darryl Rogers. Rogers lasted one mediocre and two horrible seasons. During the second horrible season, Rogers was marching up the incline from the locker room to the practice field at the Silverdome when he stopped in front of me and dropped a conspiratorial whisper into my ear: “What does a coach have to do to get fired around here?” The answer was quick. Rogers caught the ziggy with the Lions at 2-9 in mid-1988. Wayne Fontes was promoted to head coach, and a different era was about to begin. Barry Sanders was drafted in 1989 with strong influence from Fontes. Sanders, with his slip-sliding ability to pivot in mid-run, gained more than 1,000 yards in each of his 10 seasons. He is widely regarded as the GOAT — greatest of all time — of NFL running backs, and the Lions went to the playoffs twice in the Fontes-Sanders era. They even won one of those games, and over the vaunted Dallas Cowboys no less, in 1992. Then the Lions lost the NFC championship game

to Washington, 41-10. They never came closer to a Super Bowl, unless you count the years — 1982 and 2006 — when the city itself hosted the game. By 1996, after four straight playoff appearances capped by a losing season, Fontes caught the ziggy. Successor Bobby Ross guided the Lions to the playoffs in the 1997 and 1999 seasons, but again, they lost. Ross, a dour coach, did not have the relationship with Barry that Fontes had; just before training camp of the ’99 season, Sanders prematurely retired. He admitted that he was tired of losing. Later on, in his autobiography, it was confirmed further that the Lions had denied his trade request. With Sanders’ departure, the Lions’ era of promise ended and the team’s sorrowful culture of the 1970s returned. Another series of coaches would pass through the Silverdome and then Ford Field until the nadir year of 2008 when the team lost every game. All 16. That earned them the draft pick that brought Matthew Stafford. Billy Ford died in 2014. His widow, Martha Firestone Ford, took over for the rest of the decade before handing the reins to their daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp. The chairperson changed, but the outcome was the same — Stafford suffering through season after unrewarding season. The tone was set by William Clay Ford Sr. He ran the franchise for 49.5 years. He was passionate — and compassionate. Among the posse of NFL owners, he operated largely with enviable integrity — and perennial failure. It’s not that he was cheap. He spent big. But he failed to recognize the value of serious, strong, experienced football advisers. He micromanaged head coaches but failed to hire and empower qualified general managers. Matt Millen, for example, put in seven disastrous seasons as GM in the early 2000s. He’d been a four-time Super Bowl winner as a player and a sharp broadcaster, but even he knew that wasn’t enough. “Mr. Ford, I appreciate this, but I’m not qualified,” Millen said when interviewed by the Lions. “You’re smart,” Ford reportedly countered. “You’ll figure it out.” Millen had been correct. His coach selections were horrid. His draft choices, mostly, were lacking in the necessities. By 2008, he was predictably cashiered by Ford, having amassed a horrific 31-84 record. The most glaring proof that the Fords are the problem, of course, is Stafford’s disillusioning tenure — and triumphant first year after. At the end of the 2020 season, Stafford wanted out — like Barry and Calvin before him. The Lions, this time, honored the player’s wishes. Stafford left for the Los Angeles Rams, labeled a loser by the Detroit fandom until Feb. 13 this year when his passing won the Super Bowl with a dramatic comeback drive over the Cincinnati Bengals. And in Los Angeles, there were Roman candles shooting over the sidelines.

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 At least we know what the uniforms and logo look like.

Can shadowy,

strange usfl play?

With disasterous media outreach, confused players, and games all played in Alabama, why will anyone care? By Nolan Bianchi

y the time this story hits print, the inaugural season of the United States Football League 2.0 should be underway. Did you know or care? The first go-around in the early ’80s actually saw some success — especially locally. Amid years of turmoil for the NFL’s Detroit Lions, the Michigan Panthers in that inaugural 1983 season won the whole dang thing on an explosive play by former University of Michigan wideout Anthony Carter. Many people were excited about spring football, and Michiganders were intrigued by a gridiron team that could — gasp! — actually win something. But that USFL, which sputtered out in 1986 after three seasons, is not in any way attached to the new one. In fact, the first incarnation is suing the current one for falsely claiming otherwise. This PANTHERS COURTESY OF USFL

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USFL, owned by a Fox Sports subsidiary called National Spring Football League Enterprises Co. LLC, denies the claim, saying they’re using eight original USFL team names and logos to “elicit nostalgia.” The new folks have held the trademark since 2011. Shady? Somewhat. Weird? Definitely. And that’s just the start of the weirdness here. The league was set to launch on April 16, with games broadcast on Fox, USA, FS1, or NBC or streamed on NBC’s Peacock app. The season is 10 weeks long, with four games per week — all of which are played in, of all places, Birmingham, Alabama. A four-team playoff is planned for the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, in June. And that, dear reader, is almost everything we know. You’d think a new sports league of this nature

would be flooding the media with opportunities to write about it, to inform potential fans, to create interest and make people curious. You’d be wrong. At this writing, one week before the first kickoff, it’s been seven weeks since I requested an interview with Panthers coach Jeff Fisher. The USFL’s communications staff, a mysterious and excruciatingly difficult gang to reach, has made no progress. Fisher is supposed to be one of the faces of this league — a former longtime NFL head coach whose bona fides should provide some legitimacy to the endeavor — but the USFL offered nothing. No general media availability. No one-on-one interviews. Nothing. Normally the media is not the story, but here it is because the USFL is actually owned by a media company. Hour Detroit planned many months ago to feature a Detroit City Football Club player and a M AY 2 0 2 2

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 The 2022 USFL is not to be confused with the league of the same name from the early ‘80s. (right) John Corker of the Michigan Panthers takes on Rob Taylor of the Chicago Blitz, during a game at Soldier Field, on June 26, 1983.

USFL player side by side in full, glossy glory on our cover; any competent publicist knows the value of such “earned media” is incalculable. The USFL? Not so much. After months of effort and persistent chasing of the USFL’s spokesman, Darryn James, via text and Twitter, he finally replied as if it were a big bother to ask what we wanted. James did give us one thing: a supremely odd Zoom interview with Panthers quarterback Shea Patterson, the USFL’s No. 1 overall pick in its Feb. 22 draft and a one-time star at the University of Michigan. The Panthers have a few other stars of in-state interest: linebackers Taiwan Jones from Michigan State University and Terry Myrick from Eastern Michigan University, plus defensive tackle Kyshonn Tyson from Grand Valley State University. The draft experience for Patterson, specifically, set off some alarms for our team. “I got an email a month — not a month, a week before the draft [to send] in an application for the league. And a couple days later, they said, ‘Hey, come to Birmingham — we’re hosting a draft, and we’d love to have you,” Patterson says. “It was a spur-of-the-moment type thing.” Does this sound like a serious, well-run operation to you? This league’s biggest star sent in what he describes as “kind of a resume,” and the first time he met or spoke with Fisher, he says, was onstage at the draft. The process of getting hired at BaskinRobbins is more rigorous. “I didn’t even know if I was going to get taken,”

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Patterson says. “So I was like, ‘Cool, I’ll come down there and see how it goes.’” As confusing as it was for Patterson, that draft process remains even more mysterious to the public. Teams have no owners. It’s not even clear if they have general managers. So, who’s deciding who gets drafted where? Are they stacking certain teams with more talent than others, to encourage a certain outcome, in order to excite fans in more lucrative markets? Nobody will say. It’s also strange that all the games are in the Yellowhammer State, and nobody’s available to explain exactly why. Maybe it saves a lot on travel expenses. Maybe when they planned this, there was more concern about COVID-19 and being able to create a “bubble” made sense. Who knows? But this setup also raises a key question: Why should anybody care? New football leagues that compete with the NFL have a long history of failure. In recent years, the Alliance of American Football went bankrupt after eight weeks of play in 2019 and the XFL reboot shuttered after five weeks of play in 2020, though the onset of the pandemic was a big factor there. Now comes the USFL with its derelict media outreach operation. The thing is owned by a TV network, but the draft wasn’t televised. Huh? Consider how real pro sports leagues operate. The main Twitter profile for the NFL links to a landing page with buttons for scores, schedules, combine results, and more. The MLB’s has links for

new rules, FAQ, news, their shop, and other things. Any individual team’s Twitter page takes you to extensive team websites. But @USFL? Every Twitter bio associated with the league and its teams takes you to the same place: ShopUSFL.com. In fact, none of the teams had an official website as of early April. If you only followed the league on social media — or caught its announcement on March 30 that it’d be pairing with NFL Films for a 12-episode all-access show on FS1 — you might think that the league has its stuff together. And maybe that’s a sign of something. But what if the USFL has no intention of being a traditional football league? What if it’s an e-commerce company designed to move merchandise and encourage betting on the Fox Bet app? The league is clearly not relying on ticket sales; tickets cost $10 a pop and are mostly free for kids under 15. Also, they’re playing in Alabama, hundreds of miles from most of its teams’ home bases. Maybe selling the merch is the endgame here. As long as the league stays alive and continues to give football players an opportunity to keep their playing dreams alive while presenting an entertaining product, there’s no harm in this setup. But it certainly is different. Like the other leagues that have come before it, we’ll have to wait until a trophy is awarded to know if this thing will actually work. If this thing is still happening by the time this piece reaches you, good for them. If not, don’t be surprised. PANTHERS BRUCE DIERDORFFNFL PHOTOS/GETTY IMAGES

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ot every great adventure begins in an airport. Pack your suitcase, but skip the TSA line, extra baggage fees, and the dreaded middle seat. Sometimes your dream vacation, perfect getaway, or wonderful weekend is as easy as jumping in the car — and you don’t even need to type in the coordinates on Google Maps because you already know where Traverse City is, how to get to the Bavarian Inn, or what roads (and ferry) will get you to that cabin on Drummond Island. Michigan isn’t only a great place to live; it’s a great place to visit, vacation, play, and relax — all at the same time, if you choose. And the state really springs to life when the weather turns to spring. Up in the Traverse City area, the cherry blossoms arrive in May for their annual spring spectacle. The Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth features four pools inside the waterpark — and you can check into a room with a whirlpool or a family suite. Grand Traverse Resort & Spa offers the ultimate Michigan resort and spa experience, while the Flint Institute of Arts is the second-largest art museum in Michigan and is home to a world-renowned collection. We all have different interests and activities we enjoy, but let’s face it: Michigan has pretty much everything covered, and at a very high level. If golf is your game, you already know that Michigan has some of the best courses in the country. For those who enjoy being outdoors in other settings, fishing, hiking, canoeing, camping, and boating opportunities are waiting around every corner, from Monroe to St. Joseph to Mackinaw City to Port Austin — and that’s just the Lower Peninsula. It’s easy to forget just how amazing our state is when it comes to awe-inspiring places. Sometimes we put off visiting some of these landmarks or destinations because they’re so close, and we figure we’ll eventually get there. Stop putting it off — now is the perfect time! Whether your “game” is on land or water, Michigan is the place to be. 

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GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA Guest Information: 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd., Acme, MI 49610 231-534-6000 | grandtraverseresort.com Point your compass north, where adventure awaits at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The resort’s 900-acre property is just minutes from downtown Traverse City and offers fun, relaxation, and exceptional dining experiences. Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul with a trip to the renowned Spa Grand Traverse. Play your best round of golf on one of three championship golf

courses. Take in breathtaking views while enjoying a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner Aerie Restaurant & Lounge. Guests can also take a dip in the pool, browse Grand Traverse Resort’s unique Gallery of Shops, or get their game on at The Den. There’s something for everyone at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

TRAVERSE CITY TOURISM

Guest Information: 101 W. Grandview Parkway Traverse City, MI 49684 231-947-1120 | 800-872-8377 | info@TraverseCity.com | traversecity.com Traverse City, home of the annual week-long National Cherry Festival in July, is a four-season destination with plenty to do, see, taste, hear, and enjoy — all with a cherry on top! Visitors certainly have their favorite time of the year to visit Traverse City, but the area simply springs to life in May. Known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” the Traverse City area’s cherry blossoms typically arrive in mid-May for their annual spring spectacle. The region, which explodes with abundant fields of fluffy cherry blossoms in spring, produces almost half of the nation’s tart cherries and 83 percent of the state’s sweet cherries. Harvest season — including U-pick opportunities — begins in July. For visitors who want to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the spring season, peak blossom time comes just in time for seasonal celebrations in the coastal town. Nikki Rothwell, district horticulturalist at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station in Leelanau County, reported seeing anywhere from 10-60 percent of the region’s cherry trees in bloom during the middle of May last year. The sweet variety is typically the first type to flower, with tart cherries anticipated to begin blooming soon thereafter. In addition to bloom-touring, springtime visitors can celebrate Traverse City’s rich agriculture with Michigan Wine Month. During the month of May, the region offers complimentary wine tastings, wine discounts, and discounted lodging and attractions through the Traverse City Uncorked

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package. If you’re looking for an event or activity that best meets your needs or interests, traversecity.com is the best place to start. From there, one can head in many directions in one of the Midwest’s most popular visitor destinations.

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Where Florida Horses Meet Detroit Tigers. Things can get pretty wild here in Florida’s Sweetest Spot. One day you’re out exploring trails on horseback, the next you’re cheering on your favorite baseball team at spring training. Learn more about this animal lover’s paradise at VisitCentralFlorida.com.

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OHIO. FIND IT HERE. Ohio.org

History and natural beauty shine in the river town of Portsmouth, Ohio. With more than 60 images painted on previously drab floodwalls, the Portsmouth Floodwall Murals depict the history of Portsmouth, stretching back over 2,000 years. Along with the city’s influence on Ohio’s early commerce and the Underground Railroad, famous residents are depicted — including singer/movie star Roy Rogers, nicknamed the “King of the Cowboys,” and Branch Rickey, who was instrumental in breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Southern Ohio Museum features the largest single collection of works by American painter Clarence Holbrook Carter, as well as 10,000 prehistoric American Indian objects. Rotating galleries feature well-known and emerging contemporary Ohio and regional artists. Discover what it was like to live along the river 200-plus years ago. The 1810 House was home to

three generations of the Kinney family, and now stands as a living example of pioneer history in the area. Birders, boaters, and backpackers will find Shawnee State Park ideal for exploration. The park also offers horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking trails, disc golf courses, and an archery range. Bask in the quiet setting of Shawnee State Park by staying at Shawnee Lodge and Conference Center. You can take in views of the Ohio River at the Selby 100 Mile House & Gardens, an impressive 37-room Colonial-style mansion in Stout. Stay in the home or in a private cottage, and take a walk in the garden to enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. If all your sightseeing has made you hungry, feast on fine hickory-smoked ribs or steaks at The Scioto Ribber, or stop in at the Market Street Café, a quaint eatery located in the historic Boneyfiddle District of Portsmouth that offers grilled paninis and createyour-own smoothies.

BAVARIAN INN LODGE

Guest Information: 855-652-7200 | bavarianinn.com One Covered Bridge Lane, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 Plan your spring getaway with a Michigan tradition! The Bavarian Inn Lodge is a treasure in the heart of downtown Frankenmuth. Millions of people have been welcomed with their home-cooked chicken dinners, delightfully cozy beds, something fun for everyone, and warm Bavarian hospitality. Accommodations at the Bavarian Inn Lodge include whirlpool and family suites; an adults-only, European-style courtyard with an indoor pool and whirlpool; free nightly entertainment; multiple dining options; and a gourmet coffee bar. The Lodge also has tons of activities for the whole family — which is why just one night might not be enough! The indoor waterpark features four pools (including one for adults only), three whirlpools, and two water slides. The Family Fun Center is the largest in any Midwest hotel, and includes more than 160 video and redemption games and a mini golf course. The Bavarian Inn Lodge has you covered — in more ways than one!

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Portsmouth Floodwall Murals

FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS Guest Information: 1120 East Kearsley St., Flint, MI 48503 810-234-1695 | flintarts.org

The Flint Institute of Arts is the second-largest art museum in Michigan and has one of the largest museum-connected community art schools in the United States. Its world-renowned collection, which exceeds 8,500 objects, is significant for its depth of important European and American paintings and sculptures, as well as its extensive holdings of decorative and applied arts. The FIA is committed to making art available, approachable, and accessible to all by providing multiple ways of accessing information on the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. These include guided tours; lectures and community dialogues; art classes, workshops, and studio demonstrations; gallery, studio, and outreach programs for PreK-12, Head Start, and homeschool students; films and videos; and print, audio, and multimedia resources. Easily accessible from I-75, the Flint Institute of Arts is the perfect day trip. Enjoy Huntington Free Saturdays and free glass-blowing demonstrations on the weekends. Learn more at flintarts.org.

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TRUSTED ADVISERS Q&A Q: WHERE CAN I FIND RELIABLE, KNOWLEDGEABLE, AND LOCAL EXPERTS TO ANSWER MY DIFFICULT QUESTIONS? A: RIGHT HERE!!!

he past few years have shown us that we should never take anything for granted, and life can change as quickly as the Michigan weather. While some things are out of our control — like the weather! — it’s important now, more than ever, to take control of what we can and be as prepared as possible for whatever is waiting around the corner. For example, while we can’t predict whether it will rain or not, we can

have an umbrella in the back seat just in case. What better time than now to take important steps that could possibly change your life — or, at the very least, improve your life? It starts with being informed, asking questions, and trusting your sources before making the right decision. It’s simple: The better informed we are, the better our decision will be. Finding the right Realtor or the right bank requires not only

How has finding the right Realtor changed in the past 10 years?

A: Finding the right Realtor is extremely important — and it’s changed over the past 10 years, because the market has changed. Today, you might get multiple offers on your home, and you’ll need to know which offer is the best. Looking back just 10 years ago, there was a lot of inventory. It was simpler. You might have received fewer offers, and

probably had to negotiate your price and terms. But today, you really need an experienced Realtor, or a Realtor who’s hungry — or both — to get a deal done. It’s important to have a Realtor who knows the area and the market even before your house is listed. All of this will help give you an advantage when listing your home, and you’ll have

someone on your side when the offers start coming in. An agent-to-agent relationship is another key when looking to list your home. A lot of agents look at each other as competitors, when they really should be looking at each other as collaborators. Relationships with other Realtors are a really important consideration, too.

DOBI Real Estate Simon Thomas, CEO & Broker 2211 Cole St. Birmingham, MI 48009 248-385-3350 wearedobi.com

Which industries are expected to drive the M&A market in 2022?

A: Almost all industries are

experiencing transaction volume growth, but for different reasons. Increased deal activity by industry can be more broadly characterized and understood in two categories: Cyclical Industries: These industries have historically tended to ebb and flow with cyclical forces, whether it be commodity pricing, consumer sentiment, administration/regulatory changes, and/or construction spending. Illustrative examples include building products, metals and mining, chemicals, business and consumer services, paper and packaging and certain real estate sectors. Technical Change: These industries have been significantly

understanding the current market, but learning about the latest trends and options. Want to do some remodeling? Before you ask Google, talk to Jason at Performance Remodeling. In this issue of Hour Detroit, we’ve assembled not only knowledgeable and reliable sources, but local experts who are available for a “follow-up” question or consultation to help you make not just a better decision, but the best decision. ■

influenced by technological change that has either shifted consumer preferences or created an entirely new industry segment. Examples include automotive, distribution, transportation and logistics, energy, consumer and the general technology sector. The last 24 months have proven to be a unique and exciting market in M&A resulting in a remarkable increase in transaction activity. This historic increase was the result of several factors, the most prevalent being the release of pent-up activity that was deferred in 2020 as the world was adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, there was a shift in macro-dynamics, resulting in a disconnect in global supply and

demand dynamics. The environment afforded several industries to achieve outsized growth. The result has been increased valuation multiples, encouraging more sellers to market while building momentum into 2022.

KeyBank J.R. Doolos Managing Director 216-689-7674 jdoolos@key.com

This article is for general information purposes only and does not consider the specific investment objectives, financial situation, and particular needs of any individual person or entity. KeyBanc Capital Markets is a trade name under which corporate and investment banking products and services of KeyCorp® and its subsidiaries, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and KeyBank National Association (“KeyBank N.A.”), are marketed. Securities products and services are offered by KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and its licensed securities representatives, who may also be employees of KeyBank N.A. Banking products and services are offered by KeyBank N.A.

Do replacement windows pay for themselves?

A: People like to say they can’t

afford new windows, but in reality, people can’t afford not to get new windows because they pay for themselves in a few years, add equity to your home, and result in savings every month on your energy bill long after they’re paid for. For example, let’s say a home needs to replace 10 windows and the

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cost is $10,000. You’re automatically eligible for a $500 energy credit on your federal taxes, as well as a local energy rebate totaling $150 (10 windows @ $15 each). The new windows will add value and equity to your home, with a 75 percent return on investment totaling $7,500. The biggest savings, especially

over time, will come on your energy bill. New windows can cut your energy bill in half, so let’s say you save $1,500 a year there. After less than two years, you’ll be saving money because of your new windows. So, yes, replacement windows pay for themselves, and will actually save money in the long run.

Performance Remodeling Jason Sawinski, General Manager 14017 23 Mile Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48315 586-540-6000 windowsroofingsiding.com

4/4/22 8:51 AM

05.22 ARTS, CULTURE, AND OTHER THINGS TO DO

Agenda AN N I VER SARY

ROCK OF AGES Celebrating Pine Knob’s 50th anniversary with photos and memories of concerts gone by p. 58 C U LT U R E CA L E N DA R p.5 6 R E C R E AT I O N p.5 7 A N N I V E R S A RY p. 58 S P OT L I G H T p. 60

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4/6/22 10:19 AM

Agenda

MAY 2022

Culture Calendar

Our carefully curated guide to the month in arts and entertainment BY RYA N PATRICK HOOPE R

 Read about Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo’s time in Detroit in this new graphic novel.

electronic music isn’t your thing, Movement can convert even the most pious doubter. Embrace one of the world’s best festivals right in your own backyard and bring a sensible pair of dancing shoes. To view the full lineup of performers, get connected to pre-parties and after-parties, and get tickets, go to movementfestival.com.

 See works such as “Biking on Cement 1” by Michelle Sider at the Janice Charach Gallery in West Bloomfield.

POP CULTURE

Celebs flock to the Motor City Comic Con in Novi

The Motor City Comic Con will open May 13 and run through May 15 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. It’s a loaded lineup this year for pop culture junkies. William Shatner is one of the marquee names, alongside Christopher Eccleston (known for playing the ninth doctor on the British television series Doctor Who) and an all-star Superman reunion with stars from the Christopher Reeve films. For the hardcore nerds out there (“nerds” is now a term of endearment, FYI), there are plenty of autograph opportunities and memorabilia from across the pop culture lexicon to enjoy. For the

casual observer, the costumes and peoplewatching will entertain you all weekend long. See you there! Go to motorcitycomiccon.com for tickets and to check out the list of comic creators, celebrity guests, vendors, and more. VISUAL ARTS

Potholes + shattered glass = art in West Bloomfield

There’s a must-see exhibit at the Janice Charach Gallery in West Bloomfield that closes this month (the final day is Wednesday, May 18). This year’s Michigan Regional Glass Exhibition focuses heavily on the work of Huntington Woodsbased Michelle Sider. Sider is a fine artist who has spent the last six years focused on glass mosaic art. Her

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latest series — and the one that will be on display at Janice Charach Gallery — is called “On the Side of the Road.” “I was inspired to create this series while riding my bike along a particularly pothole-ridden — and since-repaired — section of road inside Kensington Metropolitan Park,” Sider says. The result is a playfully abstract body of work that plays off the textures of crumbling, eroded, and glistening streetscapes. For the list of artists in the exhibit, hours of operation, and more, go to gallery.jccdet.org. MUSIC

Movement returns to Hart Plaza, crowd goes wild It’s finally back. The Movement music

festival will conquer Hart Plaza over three days during Memorial Day weekend (May 2830). There was a much smaller, club-based affair during the pandemic, but this is the first time in two years that it will be back to full power, with more than 100 acts, multiple stages, and enough people watching to make your eyeballs burst into flames. The lineup is diverse, as always (2 Chainz, Skrillex, the Blessed Madonna), but I’m particularly impressed with the local selections this year. There’s always a strong focus on that department, but this year names like Waajeed, Tammy Lakkis, DJ Minx, and Amp Fiddler are really jumping off the poster. Even if you think

READING LIST

New graphic novel explores Diego Rivera’s story and his legendary murals in Detroit

The title is a direct one. Diego Rivera, the graphic novel written by Francisco de la Mora

with art by José Luis Pescador, puts the story of Rivera front and center in an appetizing format that’s easy to read, visually stunning, and comprehensive. While his wife Frida Kahlo (whom he married twice!) appears on the cover, this is truly Rivera’s spotlight, including a heavy focus on his time in Detroit with Kahlo to create the Detroit Industry murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Shop local with this one. Copies of Diego Rivera are for sale at Source Booksellers, sourcebooksellers.com. Ryan Patrick Hooper is the host of CultureShift on WDET 101.9 FM, Detroit’s NPR station (weekdays from noon to 2 p.m.).

 Waajeed is one of the 110-plus acts appearing on six stages during the three days of the Movement music festival at Hart Plaza.

BIKING ON CEMENT 1 BY MICHELLE SIDER, COVER OF DIEGO RIVERA GRAPHIC NOVEL COURTESY OF SELFMADEHERO PUBLISHING, WAAJEED COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

4/6/22 10:18 AM

Agenda

RECREATION

ARTS FOR ALL

Through theater, art, and music, people of all abilities and ages learn teamwork and confidence BY ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY PHOTOS BY JACOB LEWKOW

FINDING ACTIVITIES for children and teens that are both good fun and good for them can sometimes be a challenge. It’s even more so for parents of individuals with disabilities: Programs are out there, but they are not as widely known as options for neurotypical youth. Here, we’re highlighting two local organizations whose combination of therapy and creative programming is helping all participants excel.

Open Spot Theatre

Launched locally as 4th Wall Theatre Co. in 2012 and scaling nationally as Open Spot Theatre in 2020, this organization provides accessible drama programs for youths of all abilities. The goal: to break down the “fourth wall,” or remove any barriers, and allow every child to join, says Open Spot Theatre co-founder and co-owner Annie Klark. At Open Spot, which has served thousands over the past decade, neurotypical and neurodivergent youths alike learn how to sing, dance, and act in the same groups, with the help of trained theater professionals, whose backgrounds include American Sign Language and special education. Kids also play an active role in developing lines and scenes. Sessions take place in a fixed setting (such

as a meeting at a specific location once a week) and are offered at schools as a one-day program. Currently, 80 percent of Open Spot participants have a disability. Mary Sue McLaughlin says the program has allowed her daughter, Emma, who has Down syndrome, to be the star of the show. “Although Emma had participated in school plays and had taken dance classes for years, her involvement was often considered an accommodation,” McLaughlin says. “Her role in plays, a silent one. Her placement on stage, in the background.” Open Spot, however, changed that. Programs that aren’t one-offs have a runtime of six to eight weeks and are concluded by a final performance. As the curtain falls, students exit the stage with more than just theater experience: They’ve gained social and communication skills and, oftentimes, lifelong friends. From Aug. 8 to 12, Open Spot is also hosting a summer camp in partnership with the Detroit Opera House. For more details and to register, visit openspottheatre.com

Far Therapeutic Arts and Recreation

Founded in 1951, Far Therapeutic Arts and Recreation offers a creative outlet for youths and adults with disabilities. The Birmingham location offers music, art, dance, and recreational therapy. The nonprofit also extends its services to nearly 30 public schools in 15 school districts; the programs are provided during the school day and tailored to the specific needs of individual students. Serving more than 1,500 individuals, Far’s music therapy is the nonprofit’s biggest draw, making up 40 percent of programming. “We work with people of any age and any diagnosis,” explains Pamela Ayres, Far’s president. “Anyone from little babies, 18 months old, to adults in their 80s and 90s.” For kids and teens, however, Far offers

 Open Spot — which started locally and is now national — is named after the organization’s goal to create an “open spot” for individuals of all abilities.

therapeutic programming that includes everything from a summer camp to events like Halloween trunk or treat. At Camp Far Out, kids ages 5-15 spend two weeks fully immersed in the arts. At the end of the summer program, Camp Far Out participants put on a public performance for friends and family to enjoy. “Far has provided the resources and support to allow my son to be on equal, if not advanced, at times, footing with his neurotypical peers,” says Mark Palmer, whose son Leo attends Far programming. “Participating in a percussion group, as well as having the opportunity to perform in front an audience, has helped him overcome his fear of sudden loud noises.” Each of Far’s 19 therapists has experience working with individuals of different needs and age groups. Music and recreational therapists are board certified. Ayres says, “By having such a huge therapy team, we can make sure that we have the right therapist to work with each individual to help them achieve whatever their goals for themselves or their families might be.” To enroll, visit far-therapy.org or call the Far office at 248-646-3347. M AY 2 0 2 2

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4/8/22 9:52 AM

Agenda

 The Grateful Dead concert, 1991 Tom Petty, 1985 

ANNIVERSARY

Pine Knob: 50 Years of Magical Music Memories

The greatest outdoor amphitheater of all time has been rocking for half a century — here’s a little history and some concert-goers’ memories BY RYA N PATRICK HOOPE R

IF YOU CALLED IT DTE Energy Music Theatre, you sounded like a used car salesman sticking to a company line. And no one was buying what you were selling. The real ones always called it by its true, original name — Pine Knob. A holy musical pilgrimage for metro Detroiters for 50 years. The award-winning outdoor amphitheater was christened with a matinee concert by teenage heartthrob David Cassidy on June 25, 1972 (a few days later, old-school crooner Andy Williams and multihyphenate Quincy Jones hosted a five-night run at Pine Knob to mark the occasion). It was the largest venue of its type in the country at the time, currently able to accommodate 15,000 patrons. A couple of weeks later, the first rock concert at Pine Knob forced the police to shut the place down — a sign that Clarkston’s new venue had a little something for everyone. The James Gang is responsible for classic rock-station staples like “Funk #49.” When they rolled into Pine Knob that inaugural summer, an

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estimated 25,000 “young people” tried to storm the venue. That’s according to a report in the Detroit Free Press at the time, which noted that the rest of the “hard rock” concerts scheduled for that summer would be canceled after the ruckus. That included an upcoming show by Detroit’s own Bob Seger, who would go on to play more than 25 soldout shows at the venue over the years. Maybe you were at that show, or the more than 3,000 other concerts that have taken place there. Thousands of metro Detroiters have made memories at Pine Knob over the years, whether blurry-eyed ones from the top of the hill or oncein-a-lifetime front row experiences from within the comfort of the pavilion (which, admittedly, could’ve been blurry-eyed, too). When Pine Knob changed its name to DTE Energy Music Theatre in 2001, it was those memories that kept the original name alive. Even the bands that played there and recorded live albums there called it Pine Knob. “It’s always been Pine Knob to me. I always call it that from the

stage,” Peter Frampton told Billboard earlier this year. “I am really happy Pine Knob’s true identity has finally been returned.” (Frampton recorded his 1999 album Live in Detroit at Pine Knob.) For its 50th anniversary, a duo of new sponsors — United Wholesale Mortgage and Trinity Health — made the wise move to tap into that well of nostalgia by bringing back the original name and some of the retro aesthetic to the signage and logo. The upcoming season kicks off with indie pop trio AJR on May 27 and will feature massive names throughout the summer such as Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town (June 3), Josh Groban (June 17), Jack Johnson (July 2), and Imagine Dragons (Aug. 24), among many others. Those are some of the shows where we’ll make new musical memories this summer — and that’s the most special thing about Pine Knob. If you look around the country, it’s littered with amphitheaters just like this one. It would be hard to tell them apart if you put them in a lineup. But Pine Knob is our amphitheater, and it’s our experiences there that drive it, so Hour Detroit and 101.9 WDET-FM, Detroit’s NPR station, teamed up to collect your memories of attending Pine Knob over the years. Here’s what you shared: GRATEFUL DEAD CONCERT JAMES R ANDERSON, TOM PETTY KEN SETTLE

4/6/22 10:17 AM

Agenda

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band’s final Detroit-area show, 2019

Fan from Day One  Tina Turner, 1993 Gregg Allman, 1987 

Reign On, Carole King

My friends and I were 17 and huge fans of Carole King in 1973. Pine Knob was packed, and we were on the lawn. Carole was fantastic. During the concert, it started to rain and quickly became a downpour. No one left. We didn’t care if we were getting soaked. The lawn turned muddy. Our bucket of KFC filled with water. It didn’t matter. She was so great we didn’t want to miss a minute of it. I remember her saying how touched she was that we all stayed. Bar none, one of the best concerts I’ve attended. —Julie Martin, Washington Township

I have been going to Pine Knob since the venue first opened. We would go to five or six concerts per summer, sitting on the lawn for $5. Back then, you could bring in your own food and beverages. Since the drinking age was 18, you can imagine how crazy it could get on the hill. Some of the many performers we saw include Chicago (had to see them every summer), The Beach Boys, The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers (which we saw in the pouring rain — everybody just stood the whole time), Hall and Oates, Sha Na Na, John Denver, James Taylor, Pat Benatar, ELO, Santana — the list goes on and on. It was such a fun place to go in the ’70s and early ’80s. One thing that most of the ladies will remember is the long line down the hill to the only women’s bathroom, which I think only had four stalls. We all tried to go during the intermission between the opening act and headliner so we didn’t miss any of the main concert. I know at least once, a group of us ran down the hill and took cuts, feigning illness, and we were even bold enough to use the men’s bathroom, which of course had more stalls than they needed. —Lauren Mitchell, Ypsilanti

TINA TURNER, GREGG ALLMAN, BOB SEGER KEN SETTLE

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From Eddie Money to Grandma Ginny

A Kid Rocks

My first show was ’78-79, with REO Speedwagon and Blue Oyster Cult. I was 5 or 6. This was when you could walk in with your own cooler, keg, etc. At that show, all I kind of remember was my stepdad and uncle getting xxxx-faced. … About 50 shows later, my stepdad took me to the concert that changed my life. It was Rusted Root opening up for the Allman Brothers [Band]. And if you have been to an Allman Brothers show, it is an equal mix of bikers and hippies. At this show, which is so unlike me, I was able to stop a bunch of bikers about to beat up a hippie. —Matt Formagin, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

I have countless memories of magical nights spent at Pine Knob. I was even lucky enough to have my graduation ceremony there (shoutout to Clarkston High School class of 2010!). Growing up, buying a cheap, $10 lawn ticket was the go-to move on a summer night. We always looked forward to Eddie Money (RIP) as the season opener. Those concerts were always especially wild — you were bound to see someone who had imbibed a little too much passed out on the hill (it’s OK, we’ve all been there). While combing through the many pictures I’ve taken there over the years, I came across a couple from 2012 of my dear grandmother Virginia (Ginny). [She is] tailgating in the parking lot with my dad and aunt and then, later that night, watching The Temptations from the wheelchair-accessible section. I remember she had so much fun that night, singing along to every lyric and rocking out in her glowin-the-dark gear. —Betsy Patterson, Waterford

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4/6/22 10:17 AM

Agenda

“This was the story that was burning in my spirit, in my gut.” —JAYNE ALLEN

AUTHOR JAYNE ALLEN — the pen name of Jaunique Sealey, who grew up in Detroit — seems to have lived nine lives. The Detroit Country Day School grad left Detroit in 1996 to earn an engineering degree at Duke University, then pivoted her postgrad plans from medical school to Harvard Law School. But audio streaming service Napster’s ascension during Allen’s college years got her excited about music in the tech space, so she started working at a startup record label during law school, commuting between Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C., while crafting deals with artists and later producing music videos and gaining marketing skills. “I had a really wide experience there because it was a startup, and that was my first time dipping my toe into that world,” Allen says. “I realized you can learn a lot of things, and do a lot of things, and have a bigger impact the earlier you get involved with a company and the smaller the team.” In 1984, Allen was ready for her next adventure; she headed west to Los Angeles, where she did marketing work for a tech startup and got involved with Court TV. Her television work sent her briefly into the world of stand-up comedy and improv. “Only did it for about six months,” Allen says, “but coming from a conventional space and being a lawyer, and having corporate environments influence how you communicate, how you think — just to step so far outside of that, and to get better connected to your real thoughts, your real communication instincts, I would recommend that for anyone.” Later, Allen was working as part of Universal Music Group’s digital strategy group when she decided she wanted to learn about publishing. She

SPOTLIGHT

Exhaustive Success Detroiter Jaunique Sealey flourishes in publishing as author Jayne Allen BY JENN MCKEE

 Allen discussed Black Girls Must Be Magic on Detroit Public Library’s Author Series earlier this year.

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began by writing a book about time management and self-published 250 copies she gave to friends and family. At her next job, while working for Lady Gaga’s digital strategy team, Allen gained the opportunities and knowledge that inspired her to write a social media marketing guide. But when first trying her hand at fiction, Jaunique Sealey became Jayne Allen. She’d grown accustomed to pseudonyms used in the entertainment industry, and she found that hers provided extra courage as she stepped into the unknown. “It was something that was completely unfamiliar to me, to … put something of myself out there like that,” Allen says. “You really have to substantively interact with people around a work of fiction, as opposed to nonfiction, where’s it’s very matter-of-fact.” When Allen had carved out the time (over two years) to write her first-in-a-trilogy novel manuscript, Black Girls Must Die Exhausted — which tells the story of 33-year-old TV reporter Tabitha Walker, who finds herself facing personal, professional, and fertility crises simultaneously — she sent it out to agents but was met with lukewarm responses. “I think the industry gatekeepers I approached … make their decisions based on what they’ve seen historically, and they didn’t think that the audience would connect to a story told from a Black woman’s perspective,” Allen says. “I just didn’t believe them.” No stranger to self-publishing, Allen decided to publish and market Black Girls herself. “This was the story that was burning in my spirit, in my gut,” Allen says. “I’d wake up with it and go to sleep with it. It just wouldn’t leave me alone. I think that gave me the fuel to power through those moments of doubt that still came up.” All of Allen’s marketing experience led her to connect with readers via social media and book groups; one virtual book group meeting led Allen to finding her agent, which soon led to a four-book deal with Harper Collins Publishers (which published Black Girls Must Die Exhausted last September and its follow-up, Black Girls Must be Magic, in February). Allen is working on the series’ third book now — it’s currently slated for a February 2023 release — and she’s in talks about a possible screen adaptation of her work. But while looking forward, Allen also pauses now and then to reflect on the ways her hometown — which she visits several times a year during non-pandemic times — shaped her. “It took me a long time to go to the Motown Museum, but when I went and saw for myself how Berry Gordy worked around the obstacles in front of him, it made me think, ‘Yeah, I’m from Detroit, too. This is what we do,’” Allen says. “There’s just something about us where we’re not going to be stopped by ordinary obstacles. We’re going to find a way.” PORTRAIT, BOOK COURTESY OF NARDI MEDIA AND HARPER COLLINS

4/7/22 2:48 PM

Canna-Business Profiles

The Growth of Cannabis in Michigan Science, scale, and lifestyle will impact the near future

Forbes magazine recently asked: Where is the cannabis industry headed in 2022? The simple answer might be “wherever it wants to.” It seems every sector of the cannabis industry — including consumers, cultivators, distributors, and dispensaries — has the pedal to the metal, a full tank of gas, and an ever-expanding road map. Cannabis is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world despite the ongoing global pandemic, supply chain struggles, and issues with policies to regulate the industry at the federal level. The flip of the calendar from 2021 to 2022 brought the end to some of those setbacks, and more Americans than ever approve its legalization, as negative stereotypes have given way to positive health benefits. Cannabis is also one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors for job creation and tax revenue. California, the largest market for cannabis, benefited from more than $1 billion in additional tax revenue from cannabis in 2020. Experts predict cannabis will serve as a vital economic engine in 2022 as communities continue their economic recovery. According to a report released by Leafly, a Seattle-based cannabis website that tracks jobs in the industry, Michigan has the third-highest number of cannabis-related jobs in the country. There were 31,152 workers in Michigan’s cannabis industry as of January 2022, third behind California (83,607 marijuana-related jobs) and Colorado (38,337), according to the report. “The cannabis industry is already among the top three employers in Michigan and it’s certainly not slowing down anytime soon,” says Todd Webber, one of the co-founders of DeHydr8, a game-changer when it comes to the overall cannabis experience. “The evolution of product, education of consumers, and acceptance by multiple generations (from boomers to Xers to millennials and Ys) are all impacting the trajectory, from investment to enhancement to usage and adoption.” There’s even more room for revenue growth in Michigan, considering two of the state’s five largest cities, Detroit and Warren, have yet to sort out their respective recreational licensing and approval regulations. “I think you’re going to see the onset of Cannabis 3.0 with the adoption of fast-acting, infused beverages; more SKU selection for consumer adoption on their terms; and more micro-dosing for individual pref preference and functionality,” Webber says. “Science, scale, and lifestyle will most certainly impact the next 24 months. “Another interesting aspect will be where we see cannabis and psilocybin cross paths for the benefits they carry individually. What the collective benefit becomes may be the strongest breakthrough yet,” he adds. Here, Hour Detroit presents some of the game-changers in the cannabis industry who call Michigan home. They have the pedal to the metal, a full tank of gas, and an ever-expanding road map. ■

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4/5/22 10:23 AM

Canna-Business Profiles

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3/29/22 10:34 AM

Why DeHydr8? While the technology and science behind this company may be complicated, the results are quite simple - DeHydr8 delivers a faster onset, a more predictable cannabis experience and increased bioavailability for delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). What’s not to like. DeHydr8 LLC is the US Licensor of Lexaria Bioscience’s patented drugdelivery technology, DehydraTECH(TM). The IP improves the way THC enters the bloodstream through a Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SEDDS) thereby promoting more effective oral delivery. DehydraTECH has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to increase bio-absorption with cannabinoids in some instances by as much as 27x compared to standard industry formulations, to reduce time of onset from 1 - 2 hours to minutes, and to mask unwanted tastes, addressing several of the key issues with cannabis-infused edible products. DeHydr8 products can be found in many form factors and are faster acting, more predictable, and taste amazing. While most edibles can take over an hour after consumption for effect, DeHydr8 infused products have an average time of onset within 15 minutes. Compounds processed using the DehydraTECH system are all natural and essentially flavorless and odorless therefore DehydraTECH formulations do not require unwanted sweeteners or chemical masking agents for flavor and odor blocking. DeHydr8 LLC’s leadership team includes legal experts, seasoned marketers, and health and wellness “cannapreneurs” who are bringing Cannabis 3.0 to the marketplace. Cofounders Todd Webber, Jessica Webber, Marc Seyburn and Craig Aronoff are focused on fast acting, predictable and stable experiences where “science (bioavailability) means more than size (milligrams).” Dehydr8 LLC Licensed Manufacturing partners are currently manufacturing gummy, powder for infusion, pressed dissolvable tablets, topicals, medi-gels, syrups and RSO. Evolution Edibles, Lume Cannabis, and For the Love of Charlie are among the Flagship licensing partners. “We chose these operations carefully based on relationships and long-term vision,” says Todd Webber, CEO and co-founder. “As the industry is currently seeing bifurcation through consolidation, it is vitally important to us to build trust, value, and adoption along

with business.” Webber says the company has been working on research and development, relationship building and bringing this IP to the Michigan market as well as six other markets in the US for the past several months. “We are now the No. 1 Fast Acting product in market and on shelves all over Michigan and have already experienced some explosive growth in just the first few months,” he says. The growth has been amazing, but not surprising considering the many advantages this technology provides. DeHydr8 can now be found in more than 100 medical and recreational provisioning centers throughout Michigan. “DeHydr8 is a safer, more predictable, allnatural, faster acting and more stable product for the end consumer,” says Webber. “We are bringing Cannabis 3.0 through premium biotech to manufacturers and retailers in the cannabis industry.” The patented DehydraTECH™ technology has been shown in independent clinical studies to effectively deliver orally ingested cannabinoids into the bloodstream more quickly and more completely, avoiding significant first pass liver elimination and degradation. It is backed by 24 issued patents worldwide, and does not rely on anecdotal claims or marketing techniques; it is backed by solid clinical research and data. Cannabinoid human clinical trials and clinical data include research on hypertension reduction, bloodbrain barrier penetration, absorption, rapidity of onset, tolerability, skin penetration, and many more. “We are based in science, backed by studies, supported by data,” Webber says. “We do not believe in anecdotal marketing spin: we believe in performance.” Webber says understanding the consumer and the consumer understanding the product is the company’s immediate focus based on the fact that “many of today’s shoppers are seeking volume and value of milligrams over premium quality,” he says. “While there is a current race to the bottom in the industry, we are focused on premium experience, premium quality and maintaining a consistent, predictable and safe value proposition to the consumer.” DeHydr8 LLC, founded in 2021, is currently in multiple states - DeHydr8 MI covers the Michigan market and can be found in more than 100 locations across the state. Locations can be found online at dehydr8.weedstreetnow. com/map. n

DeHydr8 248-292-5683 info@dehydr8.com Dehydr8.com/Locator

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3/29/22 10:34 AM

Canna-Business Profiles

Securatech is the premier security company in Michigan, and the only Security One company that can fulfill its clients’ every security need, whether that’s protecting their home, businesses, or other investments. Michigan residents, investors, businesses and property owners can contact Securatech to receive a comprehensive assessment that will be used to tailorfit security services to their specific needs, at competitive prices and with a personalized service level that’s unmatched in the industry. Securatech has offices in Farmington Hills and Bay City, as well as an office in Southern California. Services covered include burglar and fire alarms, video surveillance, card access, corporate threat assessment, security guards, executive protection, and private investigation. Securatech integrates security with a state-of-theart command center that monitors burglar, fire, and

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video systems. This monitoring technology provides 24/7 oversight to ensure that clients, their property, and their personnel are protected. Securatech custom designs, installs, and services the equipment. With guard services as part of the business, a rigorous screening and training process is followed when it comes to hiring security guards and protection details. A large percentage of the security guards Securatech works with have military and law enforcement backgrounds. Once they become part of the team, they receive additional training to cover not only the protective skills that are required by the state, but customer service, first aid, CPR, and the proper use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Securatech guarantees that its guards and protective detail personnel are trained and prepared to handle numerous emergencies and customer-oriented situations.

The president of Securatech, Rudy Patros, started the business in 2010 and has 20 years of experience in the security industry. Although Securatech specializes in the cannabis industry and their particular security needs, Patros takes pride in providing the best service to all of his customers. “Securing and protecting your home or business is our business,” Patros says. “We provide that ‘peace of mind’ feeling.” ■

Securatech 27260 Haggerty Rd., Ste. A1 Farmington Hills, MI 48331 877-929-2288 securatech.com

3/29/22 9:18 AM

Canna-Business Profiles

One of the most important aspects when it comes to the booming cannabis industry is testing, which allows consumers to make informed and safe purchasing decisions based on the strength and composition of cannabis products. Accurate testing also is important for medical patients who need specific effects and adult-use consumers, because products vary widely in their potency — and that influences the effect and experience. Prism Lab, LLC and Prism Triangle, LLC are Michigan’s premier labs dedicated to functional medicine diagnostic services and the best full-service cannabis testing in the state. Owner Joe Ruefiel says the procedures used at the two locations are the “gold standard” in laboratory medicine. Prism Triangle is a cannabis lab with state-of-theart equipment and technology that provides fast testing times. Testing laboratories make sure cannabis goods are safe for consumption and free of contaminants. The Department of Cannabis Control

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requires all batches of cannabis goods to be tested before they can be sold. Both labs follow all of the testing standards required by the CDC and FDA. Using this guidance, they maintain the highest probability of accuracy and a consistent outcome. Michigan mandates through the MRA — the Marijuana Regulatory Agency — that all cannabis products are tested. “Our lab space and equipment allows for shortened testing times for the MRA required testing, from 72 hours to a little over a day,” Ruefiel says. “It helps the growers get the results faster for their samples, which helps them turn their products into money. In addition, they don’t have to quarantine their products for long periods of time.” Prism Triangle is a little under 10,000 square feet and has the most advanced software for reporting to clients and the state. Analytes of interest include cannabinoids, terpenes, residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and microorganisms. Potency

information is a considerable drive for cannabis testing, to provide information on the THC and CBD levels in cannabis products. Prism Triangle also offers courier services, and will pick up samples and securely deliver them to the lab for testing. The service is available to cannabis farms, cannabis processors, and cannabis stores. ■

Prism Lab, LLC 130 Hampton Circle, Ste. 110 Rochester, MI 48307 248-841-4101 prismlabllc.com

Prism Triangle, LLC 850 Ladd Rd., Building B Walled Lake, MI 48390 833-483-7822 prismtriangle.com

4/5/22 10:41 AM

Canna-Business Profiles

The United Green is here to help you grow! Founded in 2018, The United Green assists companies across the country by connecting top industry talent in order to aid a company’s growth. The goal is to help businesses in the cannabis and hemp industry bring more health options to end users throughout the United States. The team at The United Green believes in the healing effects of CBD and THC, and they want to help established companies create the best products for their customers. “We assist companies across the United States by connecting them with top industry talent to aid their growth,” explains Craig Petersmark, owner of The United Green. “We connect the industry’s top talent with our clients to help grow their ‘A-Team.’ Our experienced recruiters have a passion for networking and placing job-seekers into the career

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of their dreams.” The United Green helps companies focus on integrating their business model, and its professionals help make the hiring process as seamless as possible. United Green’s mission is to assist people through the process and protocols of finding employment within the cannabis industry, and to build a diverse network of industry trailblazers in the process. “We understand that there are many different paths to choose from, whether you’re new to the industry, have experience, or you’re an expert in everything green,” Petersmark says. “We staff all business areas across the cannabis industry and can support any type of candidate or company. We pride ourselves on bringing professionalism and excellent customer service to our clients nationwide. As we continue to expand, The United Green plans on

adding to our current suite of services, to eventually become a one-stop-shop for all cannabis HR needs.” The United Green is a full-service staffing company specializing only in the cannabis industry. They commonly service grow and processing facilities, lab testing, provisioning centers, and secure transport. ■

The United Green 3252 University Dr., Ste. 185 Auburn Hills, MI 48326 947-886-2427 theunitedgreen.com

4/5/22 10:39 AM

Canna-Business Profiles

New Standard Cannabis set out to become the “new standard” by creating a vibrant Michigan-based community for cannabis cultivation and appreciation founded on service, knowledge, care, quality, and inclusivity. Their incredible growth, unmatched customer satisfaction, and commitment to holding true to their original business plan proves they’ve created exactly what they set out to create: the new standard. The company’s success begins at the front door, where guests feel like they’re walking into their favorite coffee shop or boutique. The team is dedicated to providing the highest-quality cannabis in a safe, socially conscious, eclectic environment. “Our budtenders are the No. 1 educators in our business,” says New Standard COO Mary Turon. “We want everyone to be greeted with a friendly face and a team that’s very knowledgeable and helpful. Our

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budtenders can guide each guest and educate them on the many different varieties available in our stores. “We don’t judge people on their journey and what they’re trying to achieve. These are only recommendations, and everyone’s system is different. We always go with the least amount and increase if needed.” From one store in April 2020 to nine in April 2022, each New Standard location offers a relaxed vibe and unique décor reflective of the local community. New Standard also is growing the local economy, creating more than 300 jobs statewide in just two years. “With cannabis you have to be very flexible, because things change very rapidly even when you’re doing everything right,” Turon says. “We’re growing at a thoughtful pace and learning as we grow. We’re a fully integrated company following a sound strategic plan, and opening up in the right areas that will make

the most impact.” New Standard is involved in every aspect of cannabis, from farm to flower, and its two Michigan farms produce the popular Beaverton Farms and SuperSuper products, which are sold in all New Standard stores. When it comes to choosing a cannabis flower, New Standard offers a wide variety of options. Other products offered by New Standard include vapes and cartridges, concentrates, edibles, vaporizers, prerolls, topicals, tinctures, merchandise, and accessories. ■

New Standard Cannabis Nine locations in Michigan – and growing anewstandard.com

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7/28/21 3/21/22 4:18 PM 9:28 AM

05.22 AN EPICUREAN’S GUIDE TO THE REGION’S DINING SCENE

Food&Drink DRINKS

SANS BOOZE

More metro Detroit bars and restaurants are mixing up their cocktail menus, incorporating more nonalcoholic drinks p. 72

N EWS p. 70 G R E AT TA ST E p.7 1 D R I N K S p. 72 R EV I EW p. 73

COCKTAIL REBECCA SIMONOV

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NEWS

What’s Cooking? Metro Detroit dining headlines BY D O RO THY HE RNANDE Z

Two Detroit Chefs, Restaurant in Running for James Beard Awards

A Moroccan bistro, a seasonally driven and sophisticated bakery, and an Argentinian-inspired restaurant are representing Detroit in this year’s James Beard Awards — i.e., the Oscars of the food world. Barda in Core City is vying for Best New Restaurant against restaurants in Los Angeles; New York City; Oakland, California; and Phoenix, among other places. Warda Bouguettaya, founder of Warda Pâtisserie in Midtown faces nominees from Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York City, in the Outstanding Pastry Chef category. Omar Anani, chef and owner of Saffron De Twah in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood, is up for Best Chef in the Great Lakes category, usually dominated by Chicago chefs. The winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 13, at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago.

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New Food Hall Opens at MGM Grand

Food halls in Detroit have come (hello Detroit Shipping Co.) and gone (goodbye Fort Street Galley), and the trend doesn’t seem to show signs of slowing down, with the recent announcement that the former Detroit Water and Sewerage Department building will be transformed into one. Recently MGM Grand Detroit opened up Detroit Central Market, its take on hosting multiple food concepts under one roof. From hot fried chicken sandwiches and Detroitstyle pizza to street tacos and noodles, there are plenty of options to feast on in between games at the poker table.

Common Grill Gets Second Life

The restaurant group led by chef Zack Sklar has taken over the beloved Chelsea restaurant The Common Grill. Peas & Carrots Hospitality, which is also owned by Jim Bellinson and Josh Humphrey, purchased the Chelsea community institution earlier this year.

The menu will remain the same, with favorites like the Miso Glazed Atlantic Salmon, Parmesan Crusted Lake Superior Whitefish, and The Grill’s Burger. Proprietor and Executive Chef Craig Common isn’t going anywhere — yet. He says he will be staying on to oversee the transition. Peas & Carrots Hospitality’s culinary director, José Colín, will work closely with Common during the transition. Colín has worked for top chefs like Thomas Keller at The French Laundry in California.

Restaurateur Reopens Fly Trap

Matt Buskard, the owner of local gastropubs Bobcat Bonnie’s, was a loyal customer of The Fly Trap and now owns the Ferndale staple. When the restaurant closed at the end of September, owners Kara and Gavin McMillian weren’t sure what was next for the diner after enduring challenge after challenge due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Buskard then reached out to see what could be done about keeping The Fly Trap alive. The couple, who opened The Fly Trap 17 years ago, told customers in a Facebook post they never entertained any other offers and felt they were leaving The Fly Trap in good hands. Fans of dishes like the crab cakes and eggs, the burger, and the Swat Sauce can rest assured that nothing on the menu has changed. The popular breakfast spot reopened in March.

The Common Grill is in new hands, but the menu remains the same. 

GARDENING

A FRESH APPROACH TO GARDENING Keep Growing Detroit’s Romondo Woods II offers some tips to ensure you eat what you sow BY D O RO T H Y H ERNA N D EZ

NOW THAT IT’S MAY, if you haven’t started your garden for the summer yet — or you’re ready to move seedlings you started indoors out — it’s time to kick your gardening into high gear. When it comes to planning your garden, think about what you like to eat, says Romondo Woods II, garden development coordinator at the nonprofit Keep Growing Detroit. “That is the real motivation behind your commitment to growing. Any vegetables that you can eat, think of the cost you can save by growing them and then start there,” Woods says. It’s prime time to plant vegetables like radishes, beets, carrots, lettuce, kale, chard, green onions, and onions right now. A good rule of thumb is to start planting around late April/early May, but it is Michigan, after all. Weather can be your best friend — if you know how to work with it. “Weather here in Michigan is real feisty,” Woods says of temps that can fluctuate wildly in the early spring. If you started seeds indoors, wait until the low temps are consistently between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit to move them outdoors, he says. And don’t bring them out all at once. “Hardening off” — when seedlings are brought from indoors to outdoors in increments — will make sure your transplants will make it. One way to mitigate potential losses of plants is to plant in succession, or intervals. “If you plant half of your plants, and then [there’s frost] a week later, you’ve still got your other half.”

RESTAURANT COURTESY OF COMMON GRILL GARDEN ISTOCK/CJP

4/6/22 10:15 AM

Food&Drink

From left: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez is cofounder of Southwest Detroit Restaurant Week, showcasing the diversity of cuisines represented in the area, like El Rey de Las Arepas, which specializes in Venezuelan fare like black bean arepas and a chicharrones dinner with black beans and rice. 

GREAT TASTE

Bridging Cultures

Juan Carlos Dueweke-Pérez is on a mission to showcase the delicious diversity of Southwest Detroit BY DOROTHY HERNANDEZ | PHOTOS BY JACOB LEWKOW

JUAN CARLOS Dueweke-Pérez has been an entrepreneur since he was 11. Now 32, DuewekePérez is the founder and owner of marketing and public relations agency Featherstone Moments and the cofounder of Southwest Detroit Restaurant Week (SWDRW), to name just a couple of

this multihyphenate’s many pursuits. Dueweke-Pérez’s food industry experience began after his dad lost his job and the family started making cheesecakes to make ends meet. Eleven-year-old Dueweke-Pérez sold the cheesecakes doorto-door and hated it. He became known

around the community as El Chisquero (roughly translated to “Cheesecake Boy”). “It was an interesting time of my life. I didn’t see the whole benefit of being an entrepreneur back then,” he says. “But it opened up a lot of doors.” For example, now as an adult, he works with and encounters people who

remember him as “El Chisquero.” That cheesecake enterprise fueled him to found Featherstone Moments, telling businesses’ unique stories. Around the same time, he founded the business (in 2016), he also noticed the growing dining scene in Detroit in neighborhoods like Corktown and Midtown. “There were places in Southwest and in other spots throughout the city that, maybe they don’t look as hip, but they were dope,” he says. “So, I got mad [they didn’t get as much attention]. And from there, it was just taking my skills from the cheesecake time … and being able to make a first step.” He and his business plan instructorturned-collaborator Monica Casarez took that first step to launch Southwest Detroit Restaurant Week in 2018. The pandemic halted the multiday culinary event showcasing

Go-To List the community’s rich diversity (it’s more than just Mexicantown), and sadly, Casarez passed away due to complications from COVID-19. But Dueweke-Pérez says Southwest Detroit Restaurant Week is coming back this year from Sept 16–25 and will feature about 25-30 restaurants. Dueweke-Pérez says his responsibility with SWDRW is not only to educate people about the different communities that call Southwest Detroit home but also to use it as an opportunity to unite communities that have experienced racial tension in the past. “It’s not just about making people get along,” he says. “It’s about getting people to see how similar you are to someone.” For more information on Southwest Detroit Restaurant Week, go to swdetroit restaurantweek.com

Here are some of Dueweke-Pérez’s favorite spots EL REY DE LAS AREPAS (SW DETROIT): “Avocado or cheese arepas. It doesn’t matter when or why you get them; they always hit the spot.” Find them on Facebook AMADEUS (ANN ARBOR): “For Polish-Hungarian, dim light, a small-town feel, a romantic atmosphere, and a tasty selection of wine. I love their potato pancakes, especially the Amadeus Placek.” amadeus restaurant.com QAHWAH HOUSE (DEARBORN): “Mofawar and Adeni Chai. The first time I tried them, my perception of coffee was challenged. This would be my go-to daily if I lived nearby.” qahwahhouse.com LA JALISCIENCE (SW DETROIT): “One thing that is not comparable to any other Mexican restaurant is their red pepper peanut salsa.” lajalisciense detroit.com

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Food&Drink  Kevin Peterson working his magic; Castalia’s Carpe Diem, Peaceful Warrior, and Ray of Hope (below)

DRINKS

More Than a Mocktail Metro Detroit mixologists are raising the bar when it comes to complex, sippable drinks sans booze BY MI C KEY LYONS | PH O T O BY R EBECCA SI MONOV

KEVIN PETERSON IS A BORN experimenter, so it’s only fitting that his lair is in the basement of a Midtown brownstone with light fixtures shaped like water, alcohol, and glass molecules. Perfumer by day and cocktail wizard by night, Peterson brings some serious scientific credentials to the task. The co-owner (with

his wife, Jane Larson) of Sfumato, a local fragrance brand and store that transforms into cocktail lounge Castalia by night, has a doctorate in mechanical engineering, a bachelor’s in physics, and a couple of semesters of culinary school. His bar offers a unique experience for tasters, pairing scents with cocktails both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. At Castalia, Peterson is challenging metro Detroit consumers’ understanding of cocktail culture and how it incorporates nonalcoholic options. And he’s not alone: Metro Detroit mixologists see increased value in crafting complex, sippable drinks sans booze. According to Nielsen data, nonalcoholic beverage sales have increased 33 percent over the past year and accounted for $331 million in sales. Americans are drinking less alcohol than they have over the past 20 years. It’s no surprise, then, that bargoers are looking for something beyond a blueberry lemonade or a virgin Moscow mule. For Peterson and other Detroit bartenders, the focus of any cocktail, no matter the amount of alcohol in it, should always be on the interplay of scent, taste, and texture that makes a good drink so enjoyable. “I want to make sure that the nonalcoholic drinks are complex enough to draw a person’s attention,” Peterson says. When he opened Castalia, he expected one in 100 drinks he served to be nonalcoholic. In fact, he says, that number is closer to one in 10. Josh Nadel, beverage director for Noho Hospitality Group, which owns restaurants in and around Shinola Hotel, looks overseas for inspiration when designing new beverage programs and menus. “There’s an entire world out there that has been consuming nonalcoholic and low-ABV [alcohol by volume, referring to the amount of alcohol in a beverage] drinks for a very long time,” he says. “Their consumption is not the two-martini lunch. I think it’s a really pleasant evolution of the American palate.” Peterson uses what he calls a “base spirit” in his nonalcoholic cocktails. Composed of a secret formula including gentian and orris roots, barley, grains of paradise, and other botanicals, the base echoes rather than mimics alcoholic spirits. “We don’t have something that tastes like alcohol, but it replicates a lot of the perceptual qualities of alcohol,” he says. “We then layer some other aromatic ingredients on top of that,” like citrus, herbs, and juices. Each bar approaches its zero-proof and low-alcohol cocktail programs a little differently. For some, like Evening Bar, the cocktail menu is arranged in order of increasing ABV, from zero-proof cocktails to higher-octane drinks like the oldfashioned. Others arrange their menus by taste profile: sweet, sour, bitter, or spicy. Castalia takes this approach, pairing each Sfumato scent with two drinks that complement its scent characteristics, one with and one without alcohol. The goal for all bartenders in creating a quality nonalcoholic drink, though, is to emphasize the complex flavors of each ingredient and how they play against one another. Unlike “mocktails,” zero-proof cocktails should be designed with care and with respect for guests’ palates. “Customers expect attention to detail,” says Liz Dabecco, head bartender at Evening Bar. “I don’t think that they want something elementary. At Evening Bar, we treat the NA cocktails much like we would the rest of the menu, making sure that there’s something for every drinker.”

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Food&Drink

 Mare General Manager Vladimiro Speranza prepares a sauce tableside to go with salt-baked Balata.

R E STAU R A N T R E P O RT

Dinner and a Show Mare Mediterranean’s fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes are prepared with precision and care, but the service is what sets it apart BY D O ROTH Y H ER NA ND EZ | PH O T OS BY R EBECCA SI MONOV

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Food&Drink

MARE MEDITERRANEAN 115 WILLITS ST., BIRMINGHAM 248-940-5525. D TUES.- SAT.

AT MARE MEDITERRANEAN in Birmingham, you’ll be greeted by a video wall playing scenes of people dancing underwater. While sitting at your table, you’ll be distracted by the people who appear to be regulars filling the loud and lively dining room. You’ll strain at times to hear your companions over pulsating electronic music that seems more fitting for the club than a restaurant, but it adds to the buzz and energy in the room.” The server will invite you to peruse the market to pick your dinner. After a quick and informative rundown of where all the seafood came from and what they ate, you’ll pick a white sea bream baked in salt. It’ll take 45 minutes, so while you wait, you’ll sip on a green negroni and initially wonder if they brought you a rocks glass of absinthe instead, but the trademark bitterness lets you know that you were not led astray. You’ll see other tables get served their fish, phones capturing every moment, and you can’t help but watch. Then your salt-baked fish arrives, and it’s your fellow diners’ turn to gawk. And after nearly two years of mostly takeout and home cooking, you’ll probably be enjoying yourself and feel like you are being served with care and attention — and fed extremely well. In Sicily, you’ll see restaurants with big fish markets boasting that day’s catch from the Mediterranean. You’ll pore over the offerings, pick what you want, and have it cooked the way you want. That’s the vision Nino Cutraro had for several years: to bring a restaurant like the ones from his native Sicily to his adopted home of Michigan. “I was discouraged by a lot of people,” Cutraro says. “They thought this concept would probably not work in the Midwest [because] Midwest [diners prefer] meat and potatoes. But I disagree. We have so many people here from all over the world — from

 Top left: Grilled octopus with yellow fava beans puree, onion, caper, and spring onion. Top right, clockwise: Mixed mushrooms are roasted to umami perfection and come as an optional side; octopus, grilled bone-in wagyu N.Y. Strip, and frutti de mare.  Mare co-owner Nino Cutraro (bottom) recruited his general manager, Vladimiro Speranza (left) from Miami. Chef Matt Strabbing oversees the kitchen.owner Nino Cutraro

Europe, Greece, Italy, the Middle East — [who would appreciate this concept]. I was very positive.” He and his partner, Feldman Automotive Group CEO Jay Feldman, brought that vision to life this past fall with the opening of Mare in the former Cameron’s Steakhouse location. A glitzy and polished space beautifully clad in crisp white linens and a serene color palette that evokes the sea, the renovated 6,800-square-foot restaurant is the type of place to see and be seen. That’s not surprising for a restaurant owned by Cutraro, whose Bella Piatti, also in Birmingham, often hosts celebrities (Mark Wahlberg was a frequent customer while he was making Transformers: The Last Knight), professional athletes, and film crews.

The menu highlights fish — shipped fresh on dry ice from the Mediterranean three times a week — with Greek, Italian, and Spanish flavor profiles, alongside several pastas and meat entrees. Cutraro developed the menu with his wife as well as General Manager Vladimiro Speranza. But the big draw, the heart of the restaurant, is the fish market, where fresh fish is extravagantly displayed on ice (Cutraro says he expected maybe half the people to select their fish at the market — but nearly every diner does). The servers will walk you through the day’s offerings and offer suggestions on the best fish for your party and the ideal cooking method. There are four methods to choose from: acqua pazza (baked in white wine, fennel, onion, capers, tomato, and fingerling

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Food&Drink

potatoes), grilled, pan fried, or salt baked (a technique that entails surrounding the fish completely with salt, creating a salt shell that traps and absorbs moisture during cooking, which ensures maximum flavor and even cooking). No matter the preparation we selected, the constant was that the fish was cooked with respect and simplicity. On the first evening, our server, Chrissy, walked us through the array of fish on display. She had picked out two fish for us, Dover sole and dorado. She described the latter as the “princess of the sea,” a rich, buttery, and flavorful fish. On another evening, my dining companion and I went with a Spanish sea bream baked in salt. The fish, which is of the highest quality and treated with care, is not interchanged here, with a branzino or Dover sole swapped in when the market dictates. The fish is reverently prepared, with the distinct flavor of each fish gently coaxed out and accentuated, still tasting of the sea. The fish is selected first, so while you wait, your other dishes are brought to the table at perfect intervals. We tried the branzino crudo, which intrigued us in a world full of salmon and tuna tartares. While I would’ve personally preferred fewer white beans so as not to take away from the fresh and vibrant fish, the beauty and simplicity of the branzino shined through, minimally dressed with just a whisper of a vinaigrette to emphasize the flavor. We followed it up with two Greek starters, the Mare Tower and moussaka. Both were meticulously and impeccably done, the Mare Tower layering thin, crisp sheets of eggplant and zucchini with flavorful kasseri cheese and a zippy tzatziki. The moussaka, a traditional Greek comfort food, was reimagined and refined with a spicy pomodoro sauce hugging cubes of eggplant. On another evening, my husband and I tried the

What sets Mare apart is the practiced and thoughtful service. The servers are charming and knowledgeable...

shrimp saganaki. Sweet and tender crustaceans were generously dressed in white wine and tomato sauce and topped with feta cheese. These dishes were standouts and some of my favorites at Mare. The fish was presented tableside on a cart, so hot that wisps of steam were still rising from it. The pageantry of the presentation was a feast for the eyes before the actual feast. The grilled and salt-baked preparations treated the fish with tenderness, with the addition of only olive oil, capers, and lemon spooned on top. Sides like mushrooms roasted to umami bliss and caramelized fennel with tzatziki sauce enhanced the entrees. The cocktail list offers familiar-sounding drinks with a twist, such as the Mare Negroni. When my negroni showed up, I thought they had given me the wrong drink because it was a mutagen green,

but instead of Campari, Mare’s version uses P31 Green Aperitif, which gives it that verdant hue. P31 is an Italian green aperitif created from the infusion of more than 20 aromatic herbs. It still tasted like a classic negroni, potent and bitter, but with added depth from the P31’s notes of cloves and ginger. What sets Mare apart is the practiced and thoughtful service. The servers are charming and knowledgeable (not to mention quite adept at breaking down a whole fish quickly in front of an audience). Cutraro says he brought several employees from Bella Piatti, including the sommelier, Jimmy Schulz, who expertly intuited exactly the type of wine we were looking for even though we couldn’t quite articulate it, offering only vague descriptors. After we told him our preference for red despite conventional wisdom that says you must drink white with fish, he brought us a bold and fruity Sicilian Nero d’Avola, “a Pinot Noir on steroids.” We didn’t even have to look at the list. Tell Jimmy what type of wine you want and your price point and he’ll come back with the perfect bottle. Speranza, who Cutraro recruited from renowned seafood restaurant Estiatorio Milos in Miami, came by several times to check on us (he is a frequent presence in the dining room, plating up pasta or breaking down fish tableside). The former New York Times restaurant critic and food writer Ruth Reichl once wrote, “Going out to eat used to be like going to the opera; today, it is more like going to the movies.” Mare goes big with everything it does. It’s bold, it’s loud, it’s extravagant. It may not be for everyone, but neither is the opera. If you prefer La Traviata to The Batman, you’ll find a lot to like at Mare.

 The expansive dining room is beautifully dressed in white linens and a stylish, modern aesthetic.

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4/4/22 11:43 AM

Restaurant Guide

Wayne

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge $$ SOUL FOOD • This iconic lounge serves soul food: beef short ribs with gravy, creamy mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet cornbread muffins. 20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-345-6300. L, D Tue.-Fri.

Al Ameer $$ LEBANESE • This Lebanese restaurant is a recipient of the prestigious James Beard America’s Classics Award. The Al Ameer platter is perfect for sharing: two grape leaves, two fried kibbeh, chicken shawarma, tawook, kabob, kafta,and falafel. 12710 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-8185. 27346 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights; 313-565-9600 L,D Mon.-Sun. Amore da Roma $$ ITALIAN • Guy Pelino, Roma Café’s chef, took over the ownership reins of this restaurant on the edge of the Eastern Market. He retained the menu, adding a charcuterie board and updating the wine list, and didn’t change the character of the old-school restaurant, known for its steaks and pastas. 3401 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313-831-5940. L,D Tue.-Sat. Antonio’s Cucina Italiana $$ ITALIAN • The Rugieros have impressed restaurant guests for decades with authentic cuisine. Signature dishes include Gnocchi Rita and Chicken Antonio. There’s a full bar and a very extensive wine list. 2220 N. Canton Center Road, Canton; 734-981-9800. 26356 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights; 313-278-6000. 37646 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-9944000. L,D daily.

COVID-19 UPDATE Many establishments are following safety protocols. Please call the numbers listed here to verify hours and space availability.

Apparatus Room $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • The Foundation Hotel’s restaurant, the Apparatus Room, once housed the Detroit Fire Department headquarters. The cooking of chef Thomas Lents, who earned two Michelin stars while at Chicago’s Sixteen, is refined and highly skilled. A separate Chef’s Table restaurant offers a pricey but delicious option. 250 W. Larned St., Detroit; 313-800-5600. D Wed.-Sun. Atwater in the Park $ GERMAN • At this casual spot, traditional German-style beer is the beverage of choice. Chef Chris Franz’ noteworthy menu is compatible with such additions as a platter of local bratwurst and other sausages teamed with sauerkraut, plus Bavarian soft pretzels and pierogi. 1175 Lakepointe St., Grosse Pointe Park; 313-344-5104. L,D daily. Avalon Café and Bakery $$ ORGANIC BAKERY • The bakery’s mini-empire includes a café on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Its bread is also the basis for dishes such as Avocado Toast with tahini, thinly curled cucumbers, lime, and chili flakes. Vegetarian fare includes a grilled veggie sandwich with portobello mushrooms, zucchini, and goat cheese. Meatier highlights include a turkey and gouda sandwich, and BLTA with cider house bacon. 1049 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-285-8006. B,L daily. Babo $ NEW AMERICAN • This café settled into the Midtown Park Shelton building in July 2019, serving elevated comfort food made from local, small-batch producers. The self-described gourmet diner offers espresso drinks and such dishes as Avocado Toast, Kimchi Patatas Bravas, and the Babo Burger. 15 E. Kirby St., Ste. 115, Detroit; 313-974-6159. B,L,D daily.

E N T R É E P R I C ES

Baobab Fare $$ AFRICAN • With his New Center restaurant, Mamba Hamissi urges diners to venture into culinary territories they’d otherwise evade, like the Mbuzi starring a goat shank that is slow-roasted until the meat is so tender that it slides off the bone with ease. 6568 Woodward Ave., Ste. 100, Detroit; 313-265-3093. L,D Tue.-Sun.

$ Affordable (less than $12)

Barda $$$$ ARGENTINIAN • Barda brings a new cuisine to metro Detroit. True to Argentinian culture, the restaurant celebrates traditional meat dishes. For starters, Carne y Hueso, meaning Flesh and Bone, features a mold of finely chopped beef tartare topped with spicy horseradish alongside a dense bone filled to the brim with buttery marrow. Tira de Asado, a classic Argentinian short rib dish, arrives on a plate in a coriander-pepper crust. And Inch-thick slices of rare Bife, or strip loin steak, lie on a bed of melted butter infused with chimichurri. 4842 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313- 952-5182; bardadetroit.com. D Thurs.-Sun. Bash Original Izakaya $$ JAPANESE • From the proprietor of Canton’s popular Izakaya Sanpei comes a Japanese pub located in Woodbridge. Occupying the former home of Katsu, Bash maintains much of that eatery’s Asian-inspired décor, such as hanging lanterns and bamboo shades. Bash’s drink menu focuses on Japanese craft beer, while the food menu of small plates and sashimi includes Gyoza, Tempura Udon, and fried octopus balls called Tako Yaki. 5069 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; 313-788-7208; L Wed.-Sat. D Tue.-Sun. Besa $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • This modern fine-dining eatery takes its name from Albania — where the owners trace their heritage — and means “pledge of honor.” Choose from starters such as roasted olives, fried calamari, and double-cut lamb chops. 600 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-315-3000. D Mon.-Sat. Bobcat Bonnie’s $ GASTROPUB • The menu is eclectic, with fried goat cheese, fish tacos, Buddha bowls, and a barbecue bacon meatloaf. The weekend brunch with a Bloody Mary bar and all the classics is a hit. See bobcatbonnies. com for locations and hours. Brome Modern Eatery $$ BURGERS • This healthy spin on a classic serves neverfrozen, grass-fed, antibiotic-free, organic burgers. There’s beef, chicken, haddock, and vegetarian dishes — but no pork, as the restaurant is halal. There’s also a cold-pressed juice bar. 22062 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-996-5050. L,D Mon.-Sun. Bucharest Grill $ MEDITERRANEAN-AMERICAN • This bustling casual sandwich shop, now with five locations, is a cult favorite with its fresh Mediterranean fare, notably the best chicken shawarma wrap sandwiches in

$$ Moderate ($13 to $20)

$$$ Expensive ($21 to $30)

05.22 YO U R C O M P R E H E N S I V E RESOURCE FOR DINING OUT IN METRO DETROIT

town. We’re serious. See bucharestgrill.com for locations and hours.

Cadieux Café $$ BELGIAN • This institution was like a slice of home for early Belgian immigrants. They serve up four varieties of mussels, and a wide range of hearty dishes such as Belgian Rabbit, but there also are classic sandwiches. 4300 Cadieux Road, Detroit; 313-8828560. D daily. Café Nini $$$ ITALIAN • This intimate spot offers well-prepared food that includes eight appetizers, more than a dozen pasta dishes, and 16 main plates, notable among which are tournedos di vitello — medallions of veal filet in a fresh mushroom sauce. The wine list is impressive as well. 98 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-308-3120. D daily. Cantoro Italian Market and Trattoria $$ ITALIAN • A restaurant inside the market serves great traditional Italian food. Do not miss the tagliatelle alla Bolognese: wide pasta with a meat sauce made of ground veal, beef, sausage, and pancetta. A delicious Italian feast you can conveniently pick up on your way home. 15550 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth; 734-4201100. L,D Tues.-Sat., L Sun. Capers $$ STEAKHOUSE • This is the type of place longtime Detroit natives describe like an old friend. On Gratiot Avenue between Seven and Eight Mile roads, this place has been packing them in for nearly 40 years. There’s a massive a la carte menu, with items such as barbecue babyback ribs and potato skins, but the main draw is steak by the ounce, at market price. 14726 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-527-2100. L,D daily. Caucus Club $$$ TRADITIONAL AMERICAN • The reborn spot emphasizes service and a traditional steak and seafood theme, with such tasty signature dishes as wood-grilled ribs, seared scallops, and steaks.150 W. Congress, Detroit; 313-965-4970. D daily. Central Kitchen & Bar $$ CREATIVE COMFORT • The space facing Campus Martius is done up in gray and white under industrial light fixtures. Crowd-pleasers include buttermilk fried chicken, filet and frites, burgers, and salads. 660 Woodward Ave., Ste. 4A, Detroit; 313-963-9000. D Thu.-Sat., BR Sat.-Sun. Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails $$ NEW AMERICAN • While the menu rotates based on the season, its offerings always highlight the freshest local ingredients. Creatively prepared dishes range from cold starters to hearty entrees. But the Twice Cooked Egg is not to be missed. 15 E. Kirby St., Detroit; 313-8183915. D Tue.-Sun. Chili Mustard Onions $ VEGAN • This is Detroit’s only Coney Island with a vegan menu. Choose from traditional favorites including the Coney Dog, Southwest Nachos, and chili fries, complete with owner Pete LaCombe’s secret vegan “cheeze” sauce. 3411 Brush St., Detroit; 313-462-4949. L Wed.-Sat.

$$$$ Very Expensive (more than $30)

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City Kitchen $$ AMERICAN • The emphasis is on fresh fish and seafood here, but also on the locals — especially lake perch. There are also such dishes as Cajun tenderloin tips and a few good angus burgers. 16844 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe; 313-882-6667. L Mon.Fri., D nightly. Cliff Bell’s $$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • This restored Art Deco hotspot offers small plates such as oysters with cava granita and a salmon croquette. Large plates include sesame soy glazed shiitakes and summer stir fried vegetables with coconut rice. Jazz prevails on the bandstand. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-961-2543. D Wed.-Sun. Common Pub $ GASTROPUB • Fans of Atlas Global Bistro, which shuttered in 2013, should be happy to learn that some of the principals may be found at this spot in the Belcrest Apartments. The well-edited menu includes duck fried chicken and a burger. 5440 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-2858849. L Tue.-Sat. Coriander Kitchen and Farm $$ GASTROPUB • At this Jefferson Chalmers eatery, guests can rent fire pits and roast housemade marshmallows to make s’mores, or sip mugs of Hot Buttered Rum. By day, grab a picnic table and dip hunks of grilled flatbread into creamy fish dip made with smoked white fish and lake trout and seasoned with herbs from the farm. 14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit; 313-822-4434. D Fri.-Sun. Cuisine $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • Cuisine offers a romantic, white-linen experience with the level of food, service, and ambience one might describe as timeless rather than trendy. Examples of the expertly prepared fare include the Thai snapper as well as the sea Scallops, featuring corn risotto, creamed leeks, and citrus butter. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit; 313-872-5110. D Tue.-Sun. (Note: not wheelchair accessible.) Dakota Inn Rathskeller $ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • The sausages are the kind that snap when you cut them. The combo plate features one bratwurst and one knack-wurst, served with hot German potato salad and sauerkraut. And yes, sing along with the schnitzelbank song. 17324 John R St., Detroit; 313-867-9722. D Thu.-Sat. Detroit Club $$$$ FRENCH-AMERICAN • The formerly shuttered Detroit Club was magnificently restored before reopening in 2018 — and now, the public is invited. It now operates as a boutique hotel, serving a light breakfast and full lunch and dinner. The old dining room, known as the Grille Room, looks very much as it did more than three decades ago. The food is excellent, as is the service. 712 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-3383222. D Wed.-Sat. Detroit Shipping Company $ FUSION • This bi-level destination, created out of shipping containers, offers a variety of food options ranging from the Caribbean-fusion dishes at Coop to Thai fare from Bangkok 96 and more. 474 Peterboro St., Detroit; 313-462-4973. L Sat.-Sun., D daily. Detroit Soul $ SOUL FOOD• A hidden gem on the city’s East Side. Detroit Soul serves its namesake with a healthy twist. Owners Sam Van Buren and Jerome Brown draw from the recipes of their grandparents, who relocated to Detroit from Alabama in the 1940s. The turkey and col-

lard greens are savory standouts and yams are a sweet treat. This is the kind of place that every soul-food lover must visit. 2900 E. Eight Mile Road, Detroit; 313-3665600. L,D Tue.-Sun.

destination, but the neighborhood joint vibe remains. The menu is shaped around Azar’s appreciation of Vietnamese food, with a very personal twist. 4440 Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-554-2085. D Thu.-Sun.

Detroit Vegan Soul $ VEGAN • The popular spot offers your classic soul food favorites but with plant-based twists — mac and cheese, maple-glazed yams, collard greens, and interpretations of catfish and pepper steak. 19614 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-766-5728. L,D Wed.-Sat.

Folk $ NEW AMERICAN • A charming Corktown storefront dishing up an all-day brunch menu. It’s an offshoot of the Farmer’s Hand grocery and farmers market. The menu focuses on globally inspired dishes, like salads, quiche, and sandwiches — all beautifully plated and nutritious. Infused milks and frothy lattes are well sought after, too. 1701 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; 313-7422672. BR Wed-Mon.

Dime Store $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • This popular breakfast and lunch spot adds just the right retro touch to a contemporary American menu typified by fresh, hearty omelets and Benedicts early in the day. 719 Griswold St., Ste. 180, Detroit; 313-962-9106. B,L Mon.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Ford’s Garage $$ BURGERS • Henry Ford’s legacy is celebrated on Dearborn’s main thoroughfare. There are at least 12 variations on the classic American burger here. Try the Ford’s Signature, featuring a half-pound of grilled black angus beef, aged sharp cheddar, applewoodsmoked bacon, and bourbon barbecue sauce. Other appealing dishes include shrimp mac and cheese, and chicken wings. 21367 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-752-3673. L,D daily.

2010

Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe $$$ GASTROPUB • A jazz club with top guest musicians and an American bistro menu in a traditional interior. Starters include shrimp pico and pan-fried calamari. Main entries include a beef short rib. 97 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-882-5299. L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.-Sat.

Giovanni’s Ristorante $$$ ITALIAN • This old-school Italian restaurant offers housemade pastas, including an outstanding lasagna. Elaborate veal and seafood dishes and desserts like orange Creamsicle cheesecake round out the delicious menu. 330 Oakwood Blvd., Detroit; 313-841-0122. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat.

Eatori Market $-$$ SPECIALTY GROCERY • This stylish spot overlooks downtown’s Capitol Park. The menu has steamed mussels with leeks, garlic, and toasted crostini. International flourishes abound with truffle aioli for the burger. 1215 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-395-3030. L,D daily. El Asador Steakhouse $$ MEXICAN • A concentrated cuisine with little modern flairs that also stays faithful to traditional Mexican cooking. Don’t miss the Camarones en Salsa de Langosta: breaded shrimp stuffed with cheese, fried to a golden dark brown, and topped with a lobster cream sauce. It’s a delicious dinner spot you don’t want to miss and an unassuming Latin-American find in Detroit’s Springwells Village. 1312 Springwells St., Detroit; 313-297-2360. L,D Tue.-Sun. El Barzon $ MEXICAN-ITALIAN • Norberto Garita prepares Italian and Mexican cuisines alongside his wife, Silvia Rosario Garita. Authentic Mexican entrees include enchiladas with a homemade green sauce made with tomatillo, jalapeños, and roasted poblano pepper, while the Italian influence takes the form of spaghetti carbonara and zuppa di pesce (seafood soup). 3710 Junction Ave., Detroit; 313-894-2070. D Tue.-Sun. Evie’s Tamales $$ MEXICAN • This Mexicantown restaurant makes some of the best tamales around. Pork or chicken is jacketed with sturdy masa, a dough of ground corn, and then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed. Eat in or order a dozen for later. 3454 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-843-5056. B,L daily. Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café $$ NEW ORLEANIAN • Enjoy classic New Orleans dishes, such as jambalaya and fried catfish beignets. Come for breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, or carry-out. 400 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-965-4600. 29244 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; 248-351-2925. 23722 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-498-3000. L,D (downtown), B, L,D Southfield and St. Clair Shores. BR at all three. Flowers of Vietnam $$ VIETNAMESE • Chef and owner George Azar transformed a former Coney Island into an industrial-cool

FEATURED

Cork & Gabel

EUROPEANINSPIRED This Corktown eatery takes the form of a 4,450-square-foot renovated beer hall and is an ode to filling European staples. Try the chicken marsala, featuring a panseared 7-oz. chicken breast, sauteed wild mushroom blend, wild rice, and seasonal grilled vegetables, cooked in a Lombardo Ambra Sweet Marsala wine sauce. Simply delicious! 2415 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2261.

Grandma Bob’s $ PIZZA • If you’re wondering what that psychedelic building on Corktown’s Michigan Avenue is, it’s a pizzeria known as Grandma Bob’s. Chef Dan De Wall, previously of Wright and Co., offers a small, delicious menu of pies, including sausage and pistachio with ricotta cheese and thyme. Or try the Big Mack — the vegan pizza version of the popular burger. 2135 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-315-3177. L,D Fri.-Sun. Grand Trunk Pub $ NEW AMERICAN • Breads from Avalon Bakery and meats from Eastern Market anchor the hearty fare, which pairs well with a selection of Michigan beers. Staples include a reuben with Poet Stout Kraut and the Ghettoblaster beer-battered fish and chips. 612 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-3043.; BR, L, D, Fri.-Sun. The Greek $ GREEK • Plaka Café was a presence on Monroe Avenue for years, and now its space is in the hands of the founders’ children. Notable dishes include spinach pie, lamb chops, and New York strip steak. 535 Monroe Ave., Detroit; 313-209-6667. L,D daily. Green Dot Stables $ NEW AMERICAN • The menu of sliders — with 20-plus eclectic bun toppings, including Cuban, Korean, and “mystery meat” — packs in fans. Local beers are spotlighted along with Chicken Paprikas soup, a nod to the neighborhood’s Hungarian origins. 2200 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-962-5588. L,D daily. Grey Ghost $$ NEW AMERICAN • The cuisine at this Brush Park hotspot isn’t easily defined, but the results are original and well-prepared — for example, the duck breast with cheese grits and fried shallots and pork tenderloin with gruyere spaetzle and dill pickle mojo. 47 Watson St., Detroit; 313-262-6534. D daily. BR Sun.

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DINING & NIGHTLIFE Marketplace

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Highlands $$$ STEAKHOUSE/NEW AMERICAN • Occupying the top two floors of the Renaissance Center, Highlands comprises three separate concepts. A steakhouse of the same name provides a high-end dining experience, while the more casual Hearth 71 serves locally sourced dishes cooked over an open fire. The third concept within the space is the appropriately named High Bar, where guests can choose from a vast collection of spirits and decadent desserts. 400 Renaissance Center, Floors 71 and 72, Detroit; 313-877-9090; D Tue.-Sat. The Hudson Cafe $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • The fresh, well-prepared fare from the kitchen of this breakfast/lunch spot has creative takes on the eggs Benedict theme, red velvet pancakes, and apple-walnut stuffed French toast, as well as lunchtime sandwiches and salads. 1241 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-237-1000. B,L daily. Hungarian Rhapsody $$ HUNGARIAN • This Downriver restaurant offers authentic Hungarian dishes, such as chicken and veal paprikas, beef goulash, and palacsinta (crêpes). 14315 Northline Road, Southgate; 734-283-9622. L & D Tue.-Sun. Ima $ JAPANESE-INSPIRED • Japanese-inspired fare with a Midwest emphasis. Ima tacos trade the traditional shell for a slice of jicama-stuffed spicy shrimp, roasted tofu, or garlic chicken. Appetizers include edamame, dumplings, and clams. 2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-5025959. 4870 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-883-9788. 32203 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248-781-0131. L&D Daily Ivy Kitchen and Cocktails $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This Black-owned restaurant was founded by Nya Marshall to bring fine dining to the East Jefferson Corridor where she grew up. The spot serves New American fare with international influences in a modern, elevated space bathed in neutral tones. The Mezcal Wings with pickled jalapeño and cilantro bring a Mexican kick, while dishes like the Shrimp Linguine Pomodoro contribute European flavors. 9215 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-332-0607; L Fri.-Sat., D Wed.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2012

Joe Muer Seafood $$$$ SEAFOOD • This reborn Detroit legend is stellar for a romantic evening or a quiet business lunch or dinner. Located on the main floor of the GMRenCen, it has sweeping views of the Detroit River and a menu that walks the line between old-time favorites and hipper Asian-influenced seafood, sushi and raw bar. There’s also a Bloomfield Hills location. There are reminders of the past as well: white-bean stew, smoked fish spread, creamed spinach, and stewed tomatoes. A true Detroit classic. 400 Renaissance Center, Ste. 1404, Detroit; 313-567-6837. L, D daily, BR Sun. 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248792-9609. L,D daily. Johnny Noodle King $ JAPANESE-INSPIRED • This noodle shop offers bowls topped with pork belly, confit chicken, and tofu as well as seaweed salad and gyoza. There are several fusion bowls as well like the Southwest topped with shredded chicken and housemade crema. 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-309-7946. L,D daily. Jolly Pumpkin $$ BREWERY • Jolly Pumpkin’s brews rule the offerings, along with other Northern United Brewing Co. beverag-

es, such as North Peak and Jolly Pumpkin artisan ales. Pizzas with creative toppings abound. 441 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-262-6115. 419 S. Main St., Ste. 9, Royal Oak; 248-544-6250. D daily. Karl’s $$ AMERICAN • The luncheonette is part two of the Siren Hotel’s partnership with chef Kate Williams. Inspired by the East Side bakery of the same name that Williams’ great-great grandparents once owned, the menu features diner staples. 1509 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-855-2757. B,L,D daily.

FEATURED

Lovers Only

BURGERS The star at Lovers Only, located in downtown Detroit’s Capitol Park, is pastureraised beef from Ferndale’s Farm Field Table, used to make its standout burgers. Other key ingredients, including baked goods, are local as well. There’s also craft cocktails and beer. 34 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-9861174. L,D daily.

Karl’s Cabin $$ AMERICAN • Dishes from their currently rotating drive-through menu such as pan-seared walleye and beef tenderloin tips with Cajun spice and gravy surpass typical roadhouse food. 6005 Gotfredson Road, Plymouth; 734-455-8450. L,D daily. The Kitchen by Cooking with Que $$ VEGAN • This eatery created by Detroit-based cooking blogger Quiana Broden serves lunches of smoothies, salads, and sandwiches. Broden also often offers live cooking demonstrations. 6529 Woodward Ave., Ste. A, Detroit; 313-462-4184. L Tue.-Sat., D Fri. Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles $ SOUTHERN COMFORT • Several recipes, including a signature thin waffle, are family-owned at ex-NFL player Ron Bartell’s spot. Think comfort food kicked up a notch: fried catfish, salmon croquettes, shrimp and grits, and biscuits. Drink the Kool-Aid, too. 19345 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-861-0229. B,L,D Tue.-Sat., B,L Sun. La Dolce Vita $$$ ITALIAN • Traditional Italian cuisine is key at this Palmer Park hideaway. Recommended is the lake perch in white wine sauce, the veal scaloppine with artichokes, and the lasagna. 17546 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313865-0331. D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun. La Lanterna $$ ITALIAN • The founder of Da Edoardo, the first Edoardo Barbieri, started it all in 1956 with a restaurant called La Lanterna. Now his grandchildren have revived it. Although the white and red pizzas — like Margherita, Liguria, and Da Edorado — dominate, there’s more, including a number of elegant pastas like the Lasagna Alla Bolognese. 1224 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-9628821. L Wed.-Sun. Le Culture Cafe $$ SOUL • Eastern Market’s Le Culture Cafe is bridging fine-dining with comfort food. Start with the Maryland crab cakes, then the Mamba Chicken Pasta or the Catfish Po-Boy. 1452 Brush St., Detroit; 313-285-8137. L Sun., D Fri.-Sun. London Chop House $$ STEAKHOUSE • The kitchen turns out classics like oysters Rockefeller, French onion soup, and sautéed perch. This is the place to come when you need to satisfy a craving for steak in elegant surroundings with hospitable service. 155 W. Congress St., Detroit; 313962-0277. L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. Leila $$$ LEBANESE • The restaurant from the proprietors of Birmingham’s Phoenicia is named after the owner’s mother — just one facet of the establishment that pays homage to family traditions and heritage. The menu includes various Lebanese dishes, from falafel to Leila’s Bolognese, featuring spaghetti, pine nut, and basil. Other menu items include sujuk — a spicy

Armenian sausage — and tabbouleh made of parsley, cracked wheat, and spices. The beer and wine lists offer plenty of options to accompany any meal. 1245 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-816-8100; D Sun., L&D Mon.-Sat. Lucy & the Wolf $$ SPANISH • This Anglo-sounding restaurant offers very good Spanish-inspired tapas dining. Standouts include a fire-roasted jalapeño cheese spread, shrimp tacos, and a grilled flank steak in chimichurri sauce. 102 E. Main St., Northville; 248-308-3057. L Sat.-Sun., D Thu.-Sun. Lumen Detroit $$ NEW AMERICAN • A contemporary American menu and a Victor Saroki setting make the restaurant overlooking downtown’s Beacon Park one of the best of recent entrants onto the scene. Appetizers such as freshly made pretzels prelude main courses such as salmon with chimichurri herb sauce. 1903 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-626-5005. L Fri.-Sun., D. Wed.-Sun. Mario’s $$$ ITALIAN • This Midtown Detroit classic dates to 1948. Linen-covered tables, framed paintings on wood-paneled walls, expert waiters clad in black tie, and tableside preparation survive here. Italian dinners always begin with an antipasto tray and continue through soup, salad, pasta, and entree. 4222 Second Ave., Detroit; 313832-1616. L,D daily. Marrow $$ NEW AMERICAN • This West Village restaurant and butcher shop hybrid is an ode to meat, especially unusual cuts. Diners must walk through the butcher shop, bypassing cases of pastrami and sausage, before entering the restaurant. Offerings from a sample tasting menu include Roasted Bone Marrow and Lamb Kefta. 8044 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; 313-652-0200. D Thu.-Sun. Maty’s African Cuisine $$ WEST AFRICAN • A small storefront in the Detroit Old Redford neighborhood is decidedly Senegalese. Fataya, a deep-fried pastry with savory fillings, are reminiscent of an empanada. The star of the show is the whole chicken with yassa. 21611 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313472-5885. L,D daily. M Cantina $ MEXICAN • Nuevo Latino street food is the premise at this surprising spot where everything from the tortilla chips to the salsas are made in-house in the open kitchen. Juices are freshly squeezed and the menu of tortas, tacos, tapas, and salads from the kitchen of Heidi and Junior Merino from Hawaii and Mexico is distinctive. 13214 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-3999117. L,D Tue.-Sun. Mercury Burger & Bar $ BURGERS • This Corktown joint seats 70 around the zinc-covered bar set with Mercury (Liberty) dimes. The burger is available in a variety of iterations, such as Southwest Detroit with a chorizo slider, jalapeno, Müenster cheese, tortilla strips, and avocado. 2163 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-964-5000. L,D daily. Michigan & Trumbull $$ ITALIAN-AMERICAN • After a successful four-month run at Fort Street Galley, Michigan and Trumbull became one of the latest in a long line of Detroit-style pizza joints to open in the area. Not your traditional carryout joint, Michigan and Trumbull is housed in a sleek, refurbished car-repair garage. The menu fea-

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tures square, deep-dish pies with Detroit-inspired names, such as Packard Pepperoni and Woodward White. 1441 W. Elizabeth St., Detroit; 313-637-4992; L,D Wed-Sat. Mi Lindo San Blas $$$ MEXICAN • Heaping platters of seafood such as shrimp, octopus, and scallops, tell the story at this spot that brings a corner of Mexico’s seaside Nayarit region to southwest Detroit. On weekends when live music is added, the tables are often pushed back to create a dance floor. 1807 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-789-5100. L,D daily. Monarch Club $$$ NEW AMERICAN • At the 14th floor of the revamped Element Detroit Hotel located at the Metropolitan is the Monarch Club. It’s one of the most recent rooftop bars to open in metro Detroit and serves a variety of delicious small plates along with classic cocktails. 33 John R St., Detroit; 313-306-2380. L Sun., D Mon.-Thurs. Mootz Pizzeria & Bar $$ ITALIAN-AMERICAN • Bruno DiFabio, a six-time World Pizza Games champ, rejects the label New York-style for his fare. “It’s authentic New York pizza,” he says. In a hurry? Grab a slice from Side Hustle, Mootz’s by-theslice counter next door. 1230 Library St., Detroit; 313243-1230. L Fri.-Sun., D Mon-Thu. Motor City Brewing Works $ BREWERY • Just 15 mostly nontraditional pizzas on excellent, chewy crust, and the option to build your own pie with various toppings. Plus, salads from locally grown greens to accompany the house-brewed beers. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 19350 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-832-2700. L,D daily. Mudgie’s Deli $ DELI • Seats are often filled in search of the House Smoked Pastrami Reuben or the Brooklyn (beef brisket, bacon, and beer cheese). The dinner menu features meat and cheese boards as well as build-your-own sandwich options. It’s a delicious place for a meal any time. 1413 Brooklyn St., Detroit; 313-961-2000. L,D Mon.-Sat., BR Sun. Nico & Vali $$ ITALIAN • This eatery offers favorites with unexpected twists. The artichokes and chilies appetizer boasts battered and fried artichokes with Fresno and jalapeno peppers, tossed with fresh basil in white wine. Popular choices include the Whitefish Filet. It’s a classic Italian spot with an update that’s worth a visit. 744 Wing St., Plymouth; 734-207-7880. L Thu.-Sat., D Tue.-Sun.

that’s surprisingly ambitious. It offers a number of fish and seafood dishes, from lake perch to coconut shrimp and fried calamari, as well as steaks. Nearly every table in the restaurant has a river view. 3455 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-281-6700. L,D Tues.-Sun.

bruschetta, calamari, roasted garlic, and whipped goat cheese to be spread on paper-thin crostini. 1400 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-5500. L,D daily. Pao Detroit $$$ FUSION • Visit this upscale Pan-Asian fusion restaurant for Asian-themed cocktails and dishes, such as creamy rock shrimp, charred octopus, filet mignon, and orange sesame salmon. Based in the former Michigan Oriental Theater, the interior combines new and old. 114 W. Adams Ave., Ste. 200, Detroit; 313-816-0000. L Sun., D Wed.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2018

Parc $$$ NEW AMERICAN • Excellent food, exceptional service, and a crisp and formal but distinctly unstuffy atmosphere set this Campus Martius gem apart. Appetizer highlights include a bright and fresh tuna tartare and wood-roasted oysters. Creamy roasted garlic butter and lemon add a zippy touch to the roasted oysters. Main courses are exceptional, including an interesting blend of Italian food, wood-grilled whole fish, and organic Scottish salmon. There’s also a large selection of dryaged gourmet steaks, wood-grilled and served tableside. The wine selection is impressive and caters to a diverse set of price ranges and wine drinkers, so you won’t be disappointed with any bottle here. 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-922-7272. L,D daily. BR Sat.-Sun. Park Grill $$ MEDITERRANEAN • Mediterranean fare gets a Balkan spin. The menu offers tasting plates, pita-wrapped sandwiches, and salads, as well as entrees including chicken and beef shawarma, beef and pork kafta, lemon-pepper pork tenderloin, and lamb chops. Service is friendly and informal. 15102 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Park; 313-264-1997. L,D daily. The Peterboro $$ ASIAN-FUSION • A contemporary take on AmericanChinese fare gives new life to the cuisine with robustly spiced dishes, including an “absurdly delicious” cheeseburger spring roll and a take on almond boneless chicken. 420 Peterboro St., Detroit; 313-833-1111. D Mon.-Sat. Pho Lucky $ VIETNAMESE • This charming Midtown Vietnamese spot serves authentic fare emphasizing pho. Bowls of spicy broth with noodles, round steak, and meatballs come in several variations. Other noteworthy dishes here include summer rolls and crisp spring rolls. Look for Asian beers and robust Vietnamese coffee. 3111 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-338-3895. L,D daily except Tue. when it’s L only.

Norma G’s $ CARIBBEAN • Lester Gouvia, the Trinidadian chef who brought us the famed food truck, opened a fullservice restaurant under the same name. Stop in for a plate of Chicken Pelau: a tasty blend of rice, diced chicken, squash, peppers, and golden-brown baked chicken. 14628 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-2902938. D Tue.-Sat.

PizzaPlex $ ITALIAN • This pizza isn’t just authentic, it’s certified. PizzaPlex earned the title of Vera Pizza Napoletana, or real Neapolitan pizza, from Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana in Naples. Try the Margherita. Topped with mozzarella, basil, and EVOO, there’s nothing like a classic. 4458 Vernor Highway, Detroit; 313-757-4992. L Sun., D Wed.-Sun.

Olin MEDITERRANEAN • A taste of the Mediterranean in Michigan. Starters like the potatoes and artichokes “bravas” with harissa and black garlic aioli and paellas are inspired by Spain but showcase Olin’s unique spin on these iconic dishes. 25 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-774-1190. D Tues.-Sat. BR Sun.

Polish Village Café $ POLISH • The “Polish plate” includes stuffed cabbage, pierogi, kielbasa, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes and gravy. The dill pickle soup and city chicken are standouts, too. A Polish staple in Detroit, where there aren’t too many. 2990 Yemans St., Hamtramck; 313-874-5726. L,D daily. Not wheelchair accessible.

Ottava Via $$ ITALIAN • Chef Ariel Millan sends out great thin-crusted pizzas as well as interesting small plates typified by

Portofino ITALIAN • This big waterfront spot in Wyandotte is both a local hangout and a restaurant with a menu

2019

Prime + Proper $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • Downtown Detroit dining gets a major shot of glamour with this over-the-top steak and seafood emporium on the corner of Griswold and State streets. Although red meat, from prime dry-aged Tomahawk ribeye to Wagyu strip is the focus — and yes, there’s a burger made with a dry-aged butcher’s blend — oysters, king crab, and caviar are not far behind. An elegant white and gold setting backgrounds it all. The niceties are maintained by an impeccably dressed staff. 1145 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-636-3100. D Tue-Sun., BR Sun. Prism $$$ NEW AMERICAN • Greektown Casino-Hotel’s renamed eatery is located off the main casino. The menu features local ingredients, steaks, and fresh seafood. 555 E. Lafayette St., Detroit; 313-309-2499. D Wed.-Sun.

FEATURED

Pegasus Taverna

GREEK The cry of “opa!” resounds in St. Clair Shores at the second edition of the longstanding Greektown restaurant. The resturant boasts an extensive menu, from moussaka and spinach pie to gyros and roast lamb. 24935 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586772-3200. 558 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-9646800. L,D Tue-Sun.

Rattlesnake Club $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • This restaurant on the river remains one of the most appealing spots in town. The casually elegant space offers a range of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Dishes that typify its style include seared diver sea scallops, an 8-ounce filet, and a 16-ounce porterhouse. 300 River Place, Detroit; 313567-4400. L,D Tue.-Sat. Red Dunn Kitchen $$ NEW AMERICAN • The Trumbull and Porter hotel’s spiffy restaurant is an ambitious undertaking, offering three meals a day. Chef Jay Gundy’s style is best experienced at dinner, with a la carte offerings such as foie gras-stuffed quail, smoked and marinated salmon collars, braised lamb leg, and bacon-wrapped duck breast with polenta. 1331 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; 313-887-9477. B,L,D daily. Red Smoke Barbeque $$ BARBEQUE • At Red Smoke, hickory and applewoodsmoked ribs, pulled pork, apple-smoked, all-natural chicken, and an array of classic sides are served out of one of the most attractive two-story buildings that are still standing on Monroe Street. 573 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-962-2100. L,D daily. Rocky’s of Northville $$ NEW AMERICAN • Menu includes shrimp cocktail, salmon pate, and broiled Great Lakes whitefish. Also look for chipotle honey-glazed salmon. 41122 W. Seven Mile Road, Northville; 248-349-4434. L Mon.-Fri. Roman Village $ ITALIAN • The Rugiero family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1964. They’ve launched three additional Antonio’s Cucina Italiana locations. Roman Village is the original and features their signature gnocchi Rita. 9924 Dix Ave., Dearborn; 313-8422100. L,D daily. Rose’s Fine Food $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • The menu is straightforward, based mainly on fresh ingredients and fromscratch preparation. Breakfast eaters can choose from a variety of egg dishes, such as the ESD (egg sandwich of the day). For lunch, there’s a selection of creative sandwiches. 10551 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-8222729. L Mon, Wed-Sun.

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R E STAU R A N T L I STI N G S 0 5 . 2 2

Seva Detroit $$ VEGETARIAN • Seva offers such dishes as black bean and sweet potato quesadillas, gluten-free options, and colorful stir-fries — some vegan as well as vegetarian. There’s also a full bar as well as a juice bar. 2541 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-662-1111. 66 E. Forest Ave., Detroit; 313-974-6661. L,D Mon.-Sat.

Rusted Crow $$ ECLECTIC AMERICAN • Calamari flash fried served with caper aioli sit alongside spinach artichoke dip. Craft cocktails utilize house spirits. Try the Rosemary’s Baby, made with Detroit Steam vodka and ginger beer. 78 W. Adams Ave., Detroit; 313-782-4751. L Sat.-Sun., D Tue.-Sun. San Morello $$$ ITALIAN • This Italian gem serves pizzas, pastas, and wood-fired dishes that draw inspiration from the coastal towns of Southern Italy and Sicily out of the Shinola Hotel. Think Tartufi Pizza with fontina and black truffle, handcrafted by James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini. 1400 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313209-4700. D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

The Sardine Room $$$ SEAFOOD • A seafood restaurant and raw bar, The Sardine Room is fresh, fun, and energetic, with a cleanline décor and a menu full of surprises. For starters, there is a Seafood Louie featuring jumbo lump crab, shrimp, egg, avocado, tomato, and bibb lettuce. Worthwhile is a grouper sandwich that’s available seared, pan-fried, or blackened. 340 S. Main St., Plymouth; 734-416-0261. D daily, BR Sun. Savannah Blue $$ SOUL FOOD • Highlights at this upscale soul food joint include the twice-dredged fried chicken and the shrimp and grits. Shareables include perch fritters, okra fries, and a Georgian Hummus that substitutes black-eyed peas for chickpeas. There’s also a great bar. 1431 Times Square, Detroit; 313-926-0783. D Mon.-Sat., BR Sun. Savant $$$ FRENCH • In a cozy-yet-upscale interior with leather couches and an open kitchen, Jordan Whitmore and Rebecca Wurster, formerly of Apparatus Room, serve up rotating European-inspired menu items, including Champagne Chicken, an Apple and Arugula Heirloom Salad, Calamari, and — for vegan diners — Ratatouille Confit. 51 W. Forest Ave., Detroit; 313285-9294. D Fri.-Sun. Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips $ SEAFOOD • Head to this Brightmoor spot for perfectly prepared fish and chips. The key to Scotty’s longevity is the batter that coats the cod, perch, shrimp, chicken, onion rings, and frog legs. 22200 Fenkell St., Detroit; 313-533-0950. L,D Tue.-Sat. Second Best $ RETRO AMERICAN • The talents behind nearby Grey Ghost have unveiled a second, more casual spot with a retro spin in Brush Park. The menu of lighter dishes includes the Yogi Gyro with roasted root vegetable and coconut tzatziki, and fried chicken sandwiches that accompany drinks that were popular more than a few years back. 42 Watson St., Detroit; 313-315-3077. L Sat.Sun., D nightly.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2016

Selden Standard $$$ NEW AMERICAN • What sets Selden Standard apart is that it is moving Detroit into a new era in which upper-end dining with starched linen and tuxedoed waiters doesn’t hold much interest anymore. Chef Andy Hollyday, a multiple James Beard semifinalist, does farm-to-table scratch cooking with ideas borrowed from around the world. A key to his cooking is the wood-fired grill. This spot has garnered national attention. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-438-5055. D Thurs.-Sun.

2020

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar $$$ ITALIAN • Chef Anthony Lombardo takes fresh and housemade to a new level with this Midtown restaurant that serves only dinner from a menu inspired by Italian cooking specific to Rome. Milling all of his own flour for his pastas, breads, and polenta in house, Lombardo, well known as the former executive chef at Bacco, serves a selection of simple but elegant regional Italian dishes. 438 Selden St., Detroit; 313315-3992. L Wed. Thu., & Sun., D Wed.-Sun.

FEATURED

Urban Ramen

JAPANESEINSPIRED Urban Ramen serves bowls of steaming broth filled with housemade, springy ramen noodles topped with fixings like bamboo, egg, pork chashu, and sesame seeds. The menu also includes poke, salads, and sides such as garlic edamame and Japanese fried chicken. 4206 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-285-9869. L,D Mon.-Sun.

the delight of moving from one superb bite to the next. 2520 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-855-2864. D Mon.-Sat. Tap at MGM Grand $ SPORTS BAR • More than 40 HD flatscreen TVs for sports fans, plus sports memorabilia. The menu features comfort food and pub classics: burgers, wings, and house nachos. Pizza and more upscale entrees are also available, as are more than 50 beers. Bring your family and friends for a very entertaining night on the town. 1777 Third St., Detroit; 313-465-1234. D daily. Traffic Jam & Snug $ GASTROPUB • Michigan’s first officially designated brewpub is fresh and eccentric. Though limited, the menu is diverse, with options like chicken and basil egg rolls for a starter, black bean burrito, roasted and shaved spiced lamb, and deep fried fillets 511 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-831-9470. L Sat.-Sun., D Fri.-Sun.

Slows Bar BQ $$ BARBEQUE • The brick-and-wood original in Corktown gained a following for its pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. They expanded with a “to go” spot in Midtown, as well. This is a true Detroit classic in every sense of the term. Corktown location: 2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-9828. D Wed.-Sun. Slows To Go in Midtown: 4107 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-309-7560. L,D Wed.-Sun.

Trattoria Serventi $$ ITALIAN • The brick pizza oven turns out an array of thin-crust pizzas and there’s an interesting daytime menu that offers a real bargain. In the evening, such dishes as Scallopini Style veal, and Gnocchi alla Palmina, recalling chef Aldo Ottaviani — who was instrumental in setting up the original Andiamo menu — typify the style. 20930 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods; 313-8869933. L,D daily.

Smith & Co. $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This Cass Corridor bar and restaurant is housed in the old Smith Welding Supply & Equipment Company building — hence cement ceilings and exposed brick that evoke an industrial vibe. The menu features small plates, sandwiches, and entrees such as Mushroom Toast; Braised Lamb Shank; the Fried Chicken Bowl with sweet sesame sauce and kimchi; and the Smith Burger, soy-ginger marinated and topped with a fried egg. Beverage options include craft beer, wine, and fresh takes on classic cocktails. 644 Selden St, Detroit; 313-974-7100. D daily, B,L,&D Sun.

Vertical Detroit $$$ WINE BAR • This wine-centric restaurant puts the focus on pairing Chef Alex Knezevic’s innovative cuisine with owners James and Rémy Lutfy’s nationally recognized wine program. The menu emphasizes locally sourced protein, seafood, and produce. A must-try for any wine enthusiast. 1538 Centre St., Detroit; 313-7329463. D Wed.-Sat. Not wheelchair accessible.

Standby $$ NEW AMERICAN • The libation menu — categorized by spirit — is longer than the food menu, but both food and drinks are equally emphasized. The fare ranges from small plates of marinated olives and tamari eggs to entrees such as grilled lamb kebabs and the house cheeseburger. 225 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-241-5719. D Thu.-Sun. Not wheelchair accessible. Supino Pizzeria $$ ITALIAN • Relax with one of the town’s best thin-crust pizzas — they come in more than a dozen variations, with or without red sauce. A few dishes from the La Rondinella menu made the list as well, such as paninis, salads, and small plates such as polpette and three delicious salads. Beer, wine, and cocktails add to the appeal. 2457 Russell St., Detroit; 313-567-7879; 6519 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-314-7400. L,D Tue.-Sun. Sweet Soul Bistro $ SOUL FOOD • The large menu includes homages to Detroit musicians, from Stevie Wonder Wonderful Wings to Aretha Franklin Catfish Bites. Also notable are the crab cakes. In the evening, the bistro transforms into a club. 13741 W. McNichols Road, Detroit; 313- 8627685. L,D daily. Takoi $$ THAI • Thai-Laotian fare might seem out of place in Corktown, but virtually everything on the menu has distinction. There’s a depth, concentration, and balance between heat and coolness, the range of spices,

Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine $$ CUBAN • An evening at this lively spot is more than just Cuban and Spanish dining. Appetizers and tapas include the outstanding Tapa de la Casa, pork leg marinated in mojo; a Spanish chorizo and fresh mushrooms concoction with garlic lemon sauce; and empanadas, a Cuban turnover filled with ground beef or chicken. 1250 Library St., Detroit; 313-962-8800. L,D daily. Vivio’s Food & Spirits $ SANDWICH/DELI • This Eastern Market classic has been run by the Vivio family for more than 40 years. Sandwiches and burgers are mainstays, but diners also appreciate the steamed mussels. 2460 Market St., Detroit; 313-393-1711. L,D Mon.-Fri., BR,L,D Sat.,L Sun. The Whitney $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • The historic 1890s mansion is still going strong. The menu is typified by classic beef Wellington, wrapped in spinach, prosciutto, and pastry; and pan-roasted Scottish salmon. Tableside cooking, by reservation only, is an optional feature. Don’t forget The Katherine McGregor Dessert Parlor for a sweet treat.4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-5700. D Thu.-Sun and high tea Sat.-Sun. Wine Dotte Bistro $$ WINE BAR • This interesting wine bar and restaurant offers a view of the Detroit River. The menu includes coconut shrimp, lobster tails, tenderloin medallions, and lamb chops. The wine is displayed in a cabinet across one wall and it’s the main focus. 2910 Van Alstyne St., Wyandotte; 734-556-3195. L,D Tue.-Sun. Wright & Co. $$ NEW AMERICAN • The collaboration between chef

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R E STAU R A N T L I STI N G S 0 5 . 2 2

RECIPE

ZINGERMAN’S ROADHOUSE’S

CAJUN STEAK PASTA

Ingredients:

5 oz. diced sirloin 3 oz. diced red peppers 3 oz. diced onions 1 clove garlic 8 oz. pasta 4 oz. heavy cream 2 Tbsp. blackening spice or Cajun seasoning 4 oz. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 1 oz. fresh parsley and basil, chopped

Directions:

Add 2 oz. olive oil to a 12-inch saute pan an place over medium heat. Add steak, onions, peppers, garlic, and blackening spice or Cajun seasoning. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the steak is browned, about 5 minutes. Add cream and cook until thickened, about 4 minutes. Add cheese and cooked pasta. Mix until well coated. Place in a pasta bowl and garnish with fresh herbs.

R ECI P E F ROM ZINGE RMAN’S ROADHOUSE P H O T O BY K AILEY HOW E LL

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Marc Djozlija and Dave Kwiatkowski of the popular Corktown craft cocktail bar Sugar House gives new life to the second-floor space in the Wright Kay building. Small plates such as tuna tartare with pickled pears, and pork belly sliders with tomato jam and sriracha aioli are the focus. 1500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313962-7711. D Mon.-Sat., BR Sun.

and a gravy-smothered pork chop. Tempura-battered fried shrimp comes with a choice of cocktail or spicy BBQ sauce, and there’s a notable Louisiana-style gumbo to boot. 29508 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; 248208-1680. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat.-Sun. BR Sun. Bella Piatti $$ ITALIAN • The location right across from the Townsend Hotel has inspired a number of visiting celebrities, professional athletes, and film crews who stay there to check out the Italian fare at this restaurant. The menu of such dishes as Gemelli pasta with fresh tomato sauce, salmon baked with spinach, kalamata olives, white wine, and tomatoes, and tagliatelle Bolognese stands on its own. It’s one of our true favorites in the area in terms of Italian restaurants. 167 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-494-7110. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat.

Yum Village $ AFRO-CARIBBEAN • The former food truck opened a full-service restaurant in the North End in 2019. The space is bright and fun with wooden tables, mismatched chairs, and a colorful, geometric paint job. And the food is just as bold. The restaurant serves up piquant dishes like Lemon Pepper Jerk Chicken. 6500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-3346099. L,D Mon.-Sat.

Oakland 220 Merrill $$$ NEW AMERICAN • The menu includes apps and small plates as well as Wagyu beef carpaccio, ahi tuna tartare, and classic roasted oysters. There are heartier entrees as well, like the braised beef short ribs. 220 Merrill St., Birmingham; 248-646-2220. L,D Mon.-Sat. BR Sun. Adachi $$$ JAPANESE-INSPIRED • Heading the kitchen is Lloyd Roberts, who has trained in the kitchens of celebrity chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Nobu Matsuhisa. Here, soy truffle broth is ladled over pork dumplings reminiscent of coin purses, and miniature tacos are filled with lobster, tuna, or vegetable pickings. 325 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham. D daily, L Mon.-Fri. Andiamo Restaurants $$ ITALIAN • Steak and Italian pasta are the focus, but dessert is also impeccable. The more casual but as just delicious spots are known as Trattorias. See website for hours and locations; andiamoitalia.com Anita’s Kitchen $ LEBANESE • With pita pizzas and lamb chops, the Lebanese food here is some of the best around. And there’s vegetarian and gluten-free fare, too. Healthy, nutritious, and delicious. See website for locations; anitaskitchen.com Assaggi Bistro $$$ ITALIAN • Seasonal offers encompassing rustic Italian, country French, and authentic Lebanese are all created in the open kitchen. Standouts include Moroccan duck legs, porcini-dusted day boat sea scallops, and cioppino (seafood stew). 330 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248584-3499 D Tue.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2005

Bacco Restaurante $$$ ITALIAN • Chef-owner Luciano Del Signore’s pastas are like pure art. Try the Strozzapreti Norcina: Italian sausage, truffles, tomato, and white wine, tossed in hand-rolled pasta. From local grass-fed beef to sustainably farm-raised sea bass to a fresh caprese, the ingredients are top-end. Based in the heart of Southfield, Bacco is a true Italian gem in the suburbs. And the desserts, are not to be missed. 29410 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; 248-356-6600.L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. Beans & Cornbread $$ SOUL • Upscale soul food is the premise at Beans & Cornbread: fried chicken, salmon croquettes, catfish,

FEATURED

168 Crab & Karaoke

PAN-ASIAN Don’t judge by 168 Crab & Karaoke’s unassuming strip mall location. It’s a unique experience that meshes food, karaoke, and pop party culture into a one-stop destination. The dining room offers dishes blurring the lines. Standouts include stir-fried snow pea leaves with garlic and stir-fried udon. The traditional Korean noodle dish chap chae is a strong option. 32415 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248616-0168. D daily.

Beverly Hills Grill $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This Beverly Hills institution has built a loyal following over the years with its California vibe and dawn-to-dark schedule. These days they’re serving only dinner but still features the fresh and innovative fare that put it on the map. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills; 248-642-2355. D daily. Bi Bim Bab $$ KOREAN • Though sushi and a small selection of Japanese entrees share the bill here, it’s Korean food at center stage — on barbecue grills, on which meat and seafood are grilled to order. Or come for the restaurant’s namesake. 43155 Main St., Novi; 248-3486800. L,D daily. Bigalora: Wood Fired Cucina $$ ITALIAN • The pizza concept from chef Luciano Del Signore, a four-time James Beard Award nominee, features small plates, fresh pastas, wood-roasted meats, and a range of distinctive Neopolitan pizzas. See website for locations; bigalora.com Bistro Joe’s $$$ GLOBAL • Part of Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market, Bistro Joe’s is in a mezzanine overlooking the open kitchen and market. There is an eclectic list of dishes like Spicy Tuna “tacushi,” steamed mussels, and tasty flatbread pizzas. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-5940984. L,D Tue.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2003

Café Cortina $$$ ITALIAN • Selections include prosciutto di Parma stuffed with greens and mozzarella; squid sautéed with fresh pomodori; gnocchi with porcini mushrooms; and meaty prawns finished with lemon, white wine, and herbs. For dessert, try the crepes 30715 W. 10 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-474-3033. L,D Mon.-Fri., D Sat. Café ML $$ NEW AMERICAN • Café ML is contemporary in décor and its “globally inspired food.” Such dishes as short rib steamed buns, Chinese chicken salad, Singapore street noodles, and Korean fried chicken share the menu with burgers, steak frites, and fresh seafood. Garage door-style windows open onto the patio on warm days. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township; 248-642-4000. D daily. Capital Grille $$$ STEAKHOUSE • Hand-cut, dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood dishes are the stars at Capital Grille. The restaurant’s outstanding wine list features over 350 labels. The setting is appropriate for both business lunches and social events and includes well-

appointed private dining rooms. 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy; 248-649-5300. L,D Mon.-Sat., D Sun. Casa Pernoi $$$$ ITALIAN • Three months after its grand opening, what once was a multi-hyphenate concept, blending French, Asian, and Italian cuisine, soon defaulted simply to a cuisine most familiar to chef Luciano DelSignore: Italian. Housemade pastas rolled by hand, chicken parmesan, and a meaty branzino typify the menu. A cannoli cake layers sweet ricotta atop a spongy cake and a base of dark chocolate reminiscent of a Nestle Crunch Bar. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham; 248-940-0000 Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar $$$ TRADITIONAL • You can buy your cigar and smoke it, too. Plus, there are dry-aged steaks, pan-roasted sea bass, seasonal East Coast oysters, and lamb chops, among other options. A full bar boasts a large selection of whiskey, scotch, and bourbon — and plenty of wine. 116 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham; 248-647-4555. L Mon.-Sat. D daily. Como’s $$ NEW AMERICAN • This Ferndale favorite reopened in May 2019 under the ownership of Peas & Carrots Hospitality with a trendier, fresher look. The warm, homey feel is still intact, but it’s ditched the old menu for — among other things — chef Zack Sklar’s square, deep-dish, Detroit-style pizza that’s leavened from a sourdough starter as opposed to commercial yeast. 22812 Woodward Ave., Unit 100., Ferndale; 248-6774439. L,D daily. Crispelli’s Bakery Pizzeria $ ITALIAN-INSPIRED • This hybrid offers artisanal pizzas from a brick oven, salads, paninis, and soups. A bakery offers crusty breads, desserts, and meals to go. Two patios add to the appeal. See website for locations; crispellis.com Culantro $$ PERUVIAN • Native Peruvian Betty Shuell brings a taste of her home to Ferndale. The casual, homey, seat-yourself establishment is named after an herb that is often used in traditional Peruvian cooking. An especially notable dish is the Pollo a la Brasa, marinated chicken served with French fries, rice, and a variety of dipping sauces. 22939 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-632-1055. L,D daily. Diamond’s Steak & Seafood $$$ STEAKHOUSE • This Howell restaurant is the perfect location for ribeye, fresh gulf shrimp, or a classic cheeseburger. Plus, weekends boast a buffet-style brunch. 101 W. Grand River Ave., Howell; 517-5485500. D daily. Eddie’s Gourmet $$ NEW AMERICAN • Chef Eddie Hanna’s gourmet diner is a simple concept that works to perfection. The menu offers standard selection of breakfast items, burgers, sandwiches, and lunch specials, but the real draw is the counter-side gourmet and pasta specials. Offerings include Veal Marsala and Chicken Milano 25920 Greenfield Road, Oak Park; 248-968-4060. L,D Mon-Sat. Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar $$ LEBANESE • The lamb and chicken shawarma, shish kafta, kibbee nyeh, and other Lebanese dishes are emphasized by the décor, including photomurals of old Beirut and strings of blue beads cascading from the ceiling. A fun place to frequent for a quick lunch or a night out with friends. 263 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-647-2420. L,D Mon.-Sat.

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Imperial $ MEXICAN-INSPIRED • The menu offers Californiastyle tacos on soft tortillas, including lime-grilled chicken, carnitas, and marinated pork, as well as slowroasted pork tortas, and guacamole. 22828 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248-850-8060. L,D daily, BR Sun.

The Fed $$ GASTROPUB • An attractive restaurant with great food and a delightfully refreshing atmosphere. The menu crosses boundaries, from shareables, like Spanish Octopus and Wild Mushroom Crostini, to heartier fare, like Braised Lamb Pappardelle and Steak and Frites. Plus, the bright and airy bohemian-chic interior is highly Instagrammable. 15 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-297-5833. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

J-Bird Smoked Meats $$ BARBEQUE • Offering wood-smoked meats served with the traditional sides of cornbread, buttermilk slaw, and mac and cheese, popular dishes include the Three Meat Sampler and JBird Gumbo, as well as St. Louis Ribs and old-fashioned JBurgers. If you love meat, this is your place. 1978 Cass Lake Road, Keego Harbor; 248-681-2124. D daily. BR Sat.-Sun.

The Fly Trap $ ECLECTIC AMERICAN • This “finer diner” typifies trendy Ferndale with its tin ceiling, red-topped tables, and counter with swivel stools. It offers sandwiches, salads, pastas, and omelets. 22950 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-399-5150. B,L Tue.-Sun., D Tue.-Fri.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Kaizen Ramen $ JAPANESE • A downtown Royal Oak space with exposed ductwork, orange booths, and a lively, floor-to-ceiling, black-and-white robot mural may not seem like the obvious choice for authentic Asian noodles. But this casual spot offers a variety of vegan and meat-based ramen dishes, as well as gyoza, poke, spring rolls, and karaage — Japanesestyle fried chicken. Don’t skip out on desserts like mochi ice cream and cheesecake tempura. 411 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak; 248-677-1236. L,D Mon.-Sat.

2009

Forest $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • The menu is brief but designed to let the kitchen assemble sharp flavors from various farm and market ingredients. Try the delightful pastas, like the Bolognese and the agnolotti, as well as the understated Farm Egg. 735 Forest Ave., Birmingham; 248-258-9400. D Mon.-Sat. BR Sat. Garage Grill & Fuel Bar $$ NEW AMERICAN • The car-themed rooms of a former 1940s gas station are as fresh and appealing as the dishes themselves. The kitchen serves up a variety of seafood starters and “full-size sedan” entrees, as well as pizzas. 202 W. Main St., Northville, 248-9243367. L,D nightly, BR Sat.-Sun. Gran Castor $$ LATIN STREET • From the duo behind hit spots like Vinsetta Garage and Union Woodshop comes this vibrant Latin-American café and restaurant.Diners can choose to sit behind one of the two bars, a cozy café, or in the 245-seat dining room all decked in colorful textiles. At Gran Castor, the dining room is equally as decadent as the food and drinks served. Grab a $5 margarita between 4 p.m.-6 p.m. daily. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy; 248-278-7777. D Mon-Sun. Honcho $ LATIN FUSION • From the owners of Vinsetta Garage and Union Woodshop, this restaurant can be described as “Latin food that speaks with an Asian accent.” Menu items include a chicken burrito fried and tossed in a soy fish sauce and Korean pork tacos, featuring Woodshop pulled pork tossed in Korean BBQ sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds and Malay radish slaw. 3 E. Church St., Clarkston; 248707-3793. L,D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2002

Hong Hua $ CHINESE • One of the best area restaurants dedicated to Asian food offers some rare delicacies — shark’s fin and bird’s nest soups, fresh abalone — as well as more customary items. One signature dish is stir-fried yellow grouper fillet with vegetables. 27925 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills; 248-489-2280. L,D daily. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • This plush modern steakhouse offers dry-aged prime and Kobe-style wagyu beef in a fun, clubby setting. An extensive wine list accompanies the restaurant menu that also features platters of chilled fresh seafood. 201 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-594-4369. D daily. 17107 Haggerty Road, Northville Twp.; 248-679-0007. D Tue.-Sat.

FEATURED

Hazel’s

SEAFOOD What was once multiple concepts under one roof, named after the three neighborhoods that converged right where the restaurant stands (Hazel, Ravine, and Downtown), is now simply Hazel’s. The comfortable and casual restaurant specializes in authentic dishes, drinks, and vibes from some of the country’s top seafood destinations. Here you’ll find dishes like Mainecaught lobster, Maryland Blue Crab, and more. 1 Peabody St., Birmingham; 248671-1714. B,L,D daily.

Lao Pot $$$ CHINESE • In 2019, the owners of Madison Heights’ international market 168 Asian Mart opened Lao Pot, which specializes in Chinese Hot Pot cuisine. Hot Pot is a traditional method of cooking, using a pot of simmering broth, which sits in the center of the dining table. Lao Pot allows diners to customize and cook their meals right at their tables, combining great food and a memorable experience. 32707 John R. Road, Madison Heights; 248-689-9888. L,D daily. La Strada Dolci e Caffé $ ITALIAN • A slice of European elegance offers an impeccable little menu of Italian dishes and rich coffees and espresso. Paninis, delicious fresh green salads, hearty minestrone soup, pastas, pizzas, and decadent and artistically crafted pastries are prettily served and very tasty. 243 E. Merrill St., Birmingham; 248-480-0492. B,L,D Tue.-Sat., L,D Sun. Lelli’s Inn $$ ITALIAN • Dinners begin with an antipasto tray, creamy minestrone, salad, side dish of spaghetti, and then — nine times out of 10 — a filet mignon with zip sauce. 885 N. Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills; 248-3734440. L Mon.-Fri. D daily. Loccino Italian Grill $$ ITALIAN • Loccino is a “family-friendly” yet upscale Italian restaurant. Choose from fresh seafood, steak, chicken, and veal dishes, plus traditional pastas, pizzas, salads, and more. They also offer happy hour specials from 3-7 p.m. weekdays. A great special occassion place or delicious workday lunch spot for whevener you need a break from the office. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy; 248-813-0700. L Mon.-Fri., D daily. Lockhart’s BBQ $$ BARBEQUE • The heart of this joint’s authentic barbecue is the dry-rubbed meat smoker, which can smoke up to 800 pounds of meat at a time. Choices such as pork ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, burnt ends, and chicken are served atop butcher paper on metal trays for the true experience. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak; 248-584-4227. L,D daily. BR Sun.

Loui’s Pizza $ ITALIAN • Sure, you can now get a Michigan craft beer, but not much else has changed. And that’s a good thing. Parties dine on square pizzas with crisp crust that’s faintly charred around the edges. Hailed by food critics and Detroiters alike as arguably one of the most classic Detroit style pizzas in the city — so it’s well worth a trip. 23141 Dequindre Road, Hazel Park; 248547-1711. L, D Wed.-Sun. Luxe Bar & Grill $$ NEW AMERICAN • The simple menu at this Grosse Pointe Farms joint offers burgers on brioche buns and interesting salads and sides, as well as entrees typified by wild-caught salmon, prime filet, and Greekstyle lamb chops. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-792-6051. 115 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-924-5459. L,D daily. Mabel Gray $$$ NEW AMERICAN • Chef James Rigato produces some masterful dishes on this tiny menu, which does not miss a beat. The menu includes a multi-course tasting option, as well as a daily listing of changing items that never disappoint. It’s a fine dining experience that is certainly worth a visit. 23825 John R Road, Hazel Park; 248-398-4300. D Tue.-Sat. Mad Hatter Bistro, Bar & Tea Room $$ ECLECTIC AMERICAN • The whimsical setting inspired by Alice in Wonderland welcomes far more than the tea-sipping set with burgers and sandwiches, rabbit Porchetta, truffle risotto bites, and baked brie with pistachio, honey, and pomegranate. There are also pastries, of course. 185 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-540-0000. L,D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Tea by reservation. Lower level not wheelchair accessible. Market North End $$ AMERICAN • Joe and Kristin Bongiovanni opened this eatery just across the street from the family’s existing restaurants, Salvatore Scallopini and Luxe Bar & Grill. It represents a younger, more casual alternative to the cult-favorite classics, with a serious kitchen that offers traditional American dishes as well as hints of global influences. 474 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-712-4953. L,D daily. The Meeting House $$ ECLECTIC AMERICAN • This eclectic American menu includes Gulf Shrimp Gratin, steak frites remarkably close to those at Paris bistros, and a housemade soft pretzel with roasted jalapeno-goat cheese dip. Or, try the beef short rib with shawarma spices, pistachio basmati, and pickled vegetables. 301 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-759-4825. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Mesa Tacos And Tequila $ MEXICAN-AMERICAN • The two-story setting includes balcony seating in a big, open room where the bar gets equal time with the kitchen. The popMexican menu — which includes guacamole, nachos, and the titular tacos — is backed up with an array of tequilas. 312 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-545-1940. L & D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2008

Mon Jin Lau $$ ASIAN-FUSION • Explore such dishes as Singapore noodles, combining chicken, shrimp, chilies, and curry with angel-hair pasta; Mongolian beef; or seared scallops with lemongrass-basil Thai curry sauce. The patio opens up and the dining room transforms into a

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dance floor for weekly events. 1515 E. Maple Road, Troy; 248-689-2332. L Mon.-Fri., D daily. The Morrie $$ NEW AMERICAN • Music and munchies can be a great combination when served in the right proportions. Such offerings as the smoked chicken wings, smoked apple burnt ends and Detroit style pizza, as well as the requisite burger and steak, appeal to a wide demographic. The rock’n’roll-themed eatery also brought its much-loved American dishes and cocktails to Birmingham in 2019. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-216-1112. D daily. 260 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-940-3260. L,D Mon.Fri., B,L,D Sat.-Sun. BR Sat.-Sun. Oak City Grille $ NEW AMERICAN • This downtown Royal Oak spot bridges the gap between bar food and upscale dining. Order a dressed-up sandwich or burger, or elevate your dining experience with an 8-ounce filet mignon or lamb chops. The friendly price range makes anything possible. 212 W. Sixth St., Royal Oak; 248-5560947. D daily. Ocean Prime $$$$ SEAFOOD • An upper-end steak-and-fish place and a popular business lunch site. The menu features naturally harvested fresh fish and prime aged beef. Don’t miss the chocolate peanut butter pie or the carrot cake. A tried-and-true metro Detroit spot. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy; 248-458-0500. L Mon.-Fri., D daily. One-Eyed Betty’s $$ ECLECTIC AMERICAN • Picnic-style tables and blackboards lettered with scores of brew choices add a beer-hall sensibility to this popular spot. The kitchen delivers New Orleans-themed dishes such as Chicken Tchoupitoulas with tasso ham and bearnaise sauce, as well as a mouth-watering bacon burger. Weekend brunch features delicious housemade doughnuts. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale; 248-808-6633. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Otus Supply $ NEW AMERICAN • This Ferndale stunner has delightful food, superb service, and one wild look. The menu offers main courses and shared plates, as well as pizza and sandwiches. Can’t-miss: The housemade Bolognese with ground lamb and Italian sausage. There’s also a concert venue called The Parliament Room. 345 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-291-6160. D Mon.-Sat. O.W.L. $ MEXICAN-AMERICAN • This Royal Oak spot offers 24 hours of sustenance. Step up to the counter and order from the letterboard menu before grabbing a stool at the counter or along the window ledge. Dishes here include such diner musts as eggs, sausage and potato hash, burgers, and chicken wings as well as tacos and nachos served from the open kitchen. 27302 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-808-6244. B, L,D daily. Phoenicia $$$ LEBANESE • This long-standing upscale Lebanese eatery has clean, contemporary lines that complement the French door-style windows. Don’t miss the morel mushrooms or roasted garlic cloves with tomato and basil as an appetizer. The menu expands to unexpected items such as baby back ribs and single-serving-sized local whitefish. 588 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-644-3122. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

FEATURED

Prime29 Steakhouse STEAKHOUSE The 29-day aged prime beef, including the 24-ounce tomahawk bone-in rib-eye, still stars here. There’s also Chilean sea bass, Loch Duart salmon, and lamb chops with lobster fried rice. The service is notable, as is the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. 6545 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield; 248-737-7463. D daily.

Polka Restaurant & Beer Café $$ POLISH • Servers in traditional garb greet you near original murals, and light woodwork is enhanced with painted floral panels. Try the dill pickle soup, city chicken, and beef short rib, plus other favorites like pierogis, schnitzel, stuffed cabbages, and several kielbasa styles. 2908 E. Maple Road, Troy; 248-817-2601. D Tue.-Sun.

Social Kitchen & Bar $$$ NEW AMERICAN • The energetic Birmingham spot allows guests a view of the kitchen action. It has a creative and varied menu typified by falafel lettuce wraps, fried chicken sandwiches, crispy Brussels sprouts, and salmon with braised lentils, crispy kale, and a mustard vinagrette. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham; 248-594-4200. L Mon.-Fri., D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Pop’s For Italian $$ ITALIAN • It doesn’t sound fancy, but this Ferndale restaurant serves well-prepared, Italian dishes paired with an ambitious wine program. The fairly brief menu starts with a list of Neapolitan pizzas, then moves to pastas, but has all the classics to hit the spot. There are charcuterie boards and Italian desserts, too. 280 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-2684806. D Tue.-Sun.

Sozai JAPANESE • To truly experience Sozai, you have to reserve a seat at the custom-built sushi bar where chef Hajime Sato will curate a unique sustainable sushi dining experience called omakase. There’s also a menu offering crowd pleasures like chicken karaage and rolls featuring familiar ingredients with tuna, jalapeno and avocado. 449 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson; 248-677-3232. D Tues.-Sat.

Public House $$ NEW AMERICAN/VEGAN • This Ferndale spot reopened under new ownership and with a refreshed look in late 2021. Standout selections include its burgers, sharable plates like barbecued carrots, and craft cocktails and mocktails. It also features a special vegan menu and carries plenty of gluten-free options. 241 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-850-7420. L,D Mon.Fri, B,L,D Sat.-Sun.

Streetside Seafood $$ SEAFOOD • Small and cozy yet sophisticated, the restaurant has a pared-down menu of fresh fish and seafood on a seasonal menu. There are always two soups: a bisque and a chowder. Favorites include the oysters and bouillabaisse. A delicious restaurant for all palates to enjoy and feel comfortable in. 273 Pierce St.Birmingham; 248-645-9123. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

Quán Ngon Vietnamese Bistro $ VIETNAMESE • This gem of a bistro in a hand-some space adds to the local Vietnamese offerings. Dishes such as cha gio (elegant little eggrolls), bun bo nuong sa (grilled steak atop angel-hair rice noodles), and banh mi made with fresh ingredients. 30701 Dequindre Road, Madison Heights; 248-2684310. L,D daily.

Take Sushi $$ JAPANESE • Crisp salads, miso soup garnished with the tiniest dice of tofu, sashimi and sushi, oversize bowls of soba or udon noodles, and all the familiar — and some not-so-familiar — entrees, combine together to make this spot special. 1366 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 248-652-7800. L Mon.-Sat., D daily.

Redcoat Tavern $ BURGERS • The half-pound choice beef hamburger is always atop the list of local favorites. But a low-fat, high-flavor Piedmontese beef one is tastier than the original. This is the place for your burger craving. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-549-0300. 6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248-865-0500. L,D Mon.-Sat. Rochester Chop House $$ NEW AMERICAN • Two restaurants in one; Kabin Kruser’s and the Chop House. There’s a throwback roadhouse-style feeling about the Chop House, which has a menu divided between red meat and fresh fish and seafood. Signature dishes include calamari, Maryland jumbo lump crabcakes, and a large selection of aged steaks, rack of lamb, and steak/seafood combinations. 306 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-6512266. L Mon.-Fri., D daily Ronin $$ JAPANESE • The sushi menu, ranging from spicy tuna rolls to yellowtail and salmon eggs and well beyond, is augmented by a concise menu of cooked fare. Front windows open onto the sidewalk, making the cocktail lounge open-air during the warm months. 326 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-546-0888. D daily. Silver Spoon $$ ITALIAN • This quintessential slice of Italy features excellent food, knowledgeable staff, and friendly service. Try the bucatini made with pancetta, onion, red wine, and fresh tomato sauce. Also worth trying: saltimbocca alla Romana, or veal scaloppini sautéed in white wine. A truly delicious place for any kind of outing. 543 N. Main St., Rochester; 248652-4500. D daily.

Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro $$ WINE BAR • Understated décor and a pared-down menu of seasonal dishes make this spot a Birmingham classic. The kitchen turns out dishes like Lamb Belly Ragu with housemade pasta; and whole branzino with charred zucchini and romesco. Wine is served by the glass, the pitcher, or bottle. 155 S. Bates St., Birmingham; 248-731-7066. D Mon.-Sat. Three Cats Restaurant $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • Formerly a small café serving customers of the boutique Leon & Lulu, Three Cats is now a full-fledged restaurant and bar. Located in the former Clawson movie theater next door to the shop, the spot serves small, simple plates, including vegetarian and vegan options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The beverage menu features local selections, such as vodka from Ferndale’s Valentine’s Distilling Co. and wines from grapes grown on the Leelanau Peninsula. Patrons can even take home the colorful, quirky chairs or tables they’re dining at, as most of the furniture at Three Cats Restaurant is available for purchase. 116 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson; 248-288-4858. L,D Mon.-Fri., B,L,D Sat.-Sun. Toast, A Breakfast & Lunch Joint $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • It’s fun, it’s breezy, and the food at Toast, A Breakfast & Lunch Joint is very, very good. The house specialty smothered burrito has plenty of fans, as does huevos rancheros: fried eggs upon corn tortillas, pintos, and cheese. Toast, a Neighborhood Joint, the spinoff of the Ferndale original has a more elaborate setting pairing ’50s retro with sleek contemporary in a pair of rooms. The new menu features twists to comfort food. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-398-0444. L daily, B Sat.-Sun. 203 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-258-6278. B,L Mon.-Sat., B,L Sun.

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Toasted Oak $$$ BRASSERIE • The menu revolves around the charcuterie sold in the market next door and a list of hot grill items, such as grilled steaks with béarnaise sauce. In 2019, the restaurant earned a Wine Spectator magazine award for its outstanding wine program. Plus, just across the lot is Twelve Oaks Mall, should you fancy an evening of shopping and dinner. 27790 Novi Road, Novi; 248-277-6000. B,D daily, L Mon.-Fri.

Gaudino’s $$ ITALIAN • The trend toward combining a food market with a restaurant has a good example at this spot. It offers imported pastas and sauces, plus a butcher counter with sausages and a wine assortment. The menu offers pasta and pizza, salads, and entrees, including a Chicken Milanese. 27919 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-879-6764. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Townhouse $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This popular Birmingham spot for comforting New American dishes has several exceptional offerings on its menu, such as the specialty 10 ounces of 28-day dry-aged beef hamburger on brioche. 180 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-792-5241. L,D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313723-1000. L,D Mon.-Sun. BR Sun.

Isla $$ FILIPINO • Dishes at this Filipino restaurant, formerly sheltered at Fort Street Galley, are reflective of the culinary traditions of the founders’ Iloilo City hometown. Annatto is used to punch up the color of Chicken Adobo, the unofficial dish of the Philippines, and juicy mangoes complement sweet and savory dishes. 2496 Metro Pkwy, Sterling Heights; 586-883-7526. D Tue.-Sat., BR Sun.

Union Woodshop $$ BARBEQUE • Part of the ever-growing Union Joints restaurant group, this is a self-described wood-fired joint, where pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and beef brisket come from the smoker, and Neapolitan-style crispcrusted pizzas from the wood-burning oven. And definitely check out the mac and cheese. There’s also a delicious kid’s menu for any youngsters in your party. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-625-5660. D Mon.-Fri., L,D Sat.-Sun. Vinsetta Garage $$ NEW AMERICAN • This restaurant, which is housed in a vintage car-repair shop, offers well-prepared comfort-food classics such as burgers served on pretzel buns, macaroni and cheese, the Chef Bowl with spaghetti and tomato basil sauce, pizzas, and brown sugar-glazed salmon. A restaurant that pays true homage to the city of Detroit. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley; 248-548-7711. L,D daily. Voyager $$ SEAFOOD • Fresh seafood with emphasis on oysters is the premise in this hard-to-find location. The space entails convivially close quarters for such dishes as peel-n’-eat shrimp, chili crab spaghetti and grilled swordfish. The premium bar offers short but notable lists of beer and wine as well as craft cocktails. 600 Vester St., Ferndale; 248-658-4999. D Tue.-Sat.

Macomb Butter Run Saloon $ GASTROPUB • Solid American fare that’s beyond bar food (although their burgers are certainly noteworthy). There’s escargot, perch, steaks, and a huge whiskey selection — 900 at last count. 27626 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-675-2115. L,D daily. Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar $$ ITALIAN • Da Francesco’s has been around for more than 15 years, but its massive new facility is packing in the crowds offering an upbeat modern twist to traditional Italian dining. 49521 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-7544. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat., L,D Sun. Detroit Fish House $$ SEAFOOD • This restaurant feels like a true coastal eatery, serving an extensive menu of fresh fish and seafood in a well-designed setting. Choose from a wide variety of fresh fish and meaty seafood, ranging from salmon to Lake Superior whitefish. 51195 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Charter Township; 586-7395400. L,D Mon.-Sat., D Sun.

J. Baldwin’s Restaurant $$$ NEW AMERICAN • The menu showcases talented chef Jeff Baldwin’s contemporary American food: cedar-planked salmon, chicken fettuccini alfredo with pesto, and herb-crusted chicken, with housemade breads. The desserts include chocolate bumpy cake, spiced carrot cake, apple cobbler, chocolate mousse layer cake, and banana foster bread pudding. 16981 18 Mile Road, Clinton Township; 586-416-3500. L,D daily, BR Sun. Mr. Paul’s Chophouse $$$ STEAKHOUSE • This bastion of red meat as well as classic dishes is still going strong. Try old-school tableside presentations such as Chateaubriand and Caesar salad. There’s a solid selection of fresh seafood and pasta, too. The founding family still runs the place and emphasizes great hospitality and a heckuva good time. 29850 Groesbeck Hwy., Roseville; 586-7777770. L,D Mon.-Fri., D Sat.

RECIPE

THE PETERBORO’S

WELCOME TO MIYAMI COCKTA

R EC I PE F RO M T H E PET ERB O RO PH O T O BY K A IL EY H OW EL L

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz. Plantation dark rum 1/2 oz. Cocchi Americano 1/4 oz. Ming River Sichuan Baijiu 3/4 oz. fresh lime juice 1 oz. sweet potato syrup 1/4 oz. coconut cream

Directions:

In “dirty dump” fashion, add everything to a shaker with ice; frappe (meaning, shake); and pour into a glass.

Sherwood Brewing Co. $ GASTROPUB • Quality local ingredients raise Sherwood’s fare to well above “elevated pub grub.” Some notable choices include the hearty House Beer Chili, savory Better Made-crusted fish and chips, and spicy Buffalo Mac. Homemade extends to dessert, including Cashew Outside Cookies. This isn’t just bar food,it’s elevated bar food. 45689 Hayes Road, Shelby Township; 586-5329669. L,D daily. Steakhouse 22 $$ STEAKHOUSE • The late Nick Andreopoulos once spent time as a “broiler man” at London Chop House. His family stays true to those roots at this American steakhouse with a casual, neighborhood feel. They offer an array of well-prepared angus steaks, plus seafood and pasta dishes. With the sizable lunch and portions offered at Steakhouse 22, good luck saving room for dessert! 48900 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-3900. L,D daily. Testa Barra $$ ITALIAN • The newest spot from talented chef and restaurateur Jeffrey Baldwin and his wife, RoseMarie, offers modern Italian fare in a lively, upbeat setting. Pastas are made in-house. 48824 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb Township; 586-434-0100. D nightly D Tue.Sun. dessert! 48900 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-3900. L,D daily. Twisted Rooster $$ SPORTS BAR • This “Michigan-centric” chain (Chesterfield Township, Grand Rapids, and Belleville) has takes on classics, with mac & cheese variations and

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steaks with “zip” sauce. 45225 Marketplace Blvd., Chesterfield; 586-949-1470. L,D daily.

classics. 1739 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-6622877. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Vast Kitchen and Bar $$ NEW AMERICAN • Chef Nicole Justman heads the kitchen at this fresh spot that brings a touch of Birmingham to Shelby Township. A contemporary menu at Vast Kitchen and Bar includes pan-seared salmon and sous vide pork shank. 52969 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-991-6104. L,D Mon.-Sat.

The Common Grill $$ SEAFOOD • Owner and chef Craig Common’s skilled work has drawn the attention of the now shuttered Gourmet magazine and the James Beard House — as well as the Purple Rose Theatre crowd. This mainstay is best known for fresh oysters and seafood, but all the fare at The Common Grill is expertly prepared. A tried-and-true foodie destination with a range of desserts, including coconut cream pie, lemon pudding cake, and cherry cobbler. 112 S. Main St.,Chelsea; 734-475-0470. L,D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun.

Waves $$ SEAFOOD • Seafood covers most of the menu at this Nautical Mile favorite. It’s a tough task choosing between such popular appetizers as coconut shrimp, crispy grouper nuggets, and plump steamed mussels. Entrees include al dente pastas and several choices from “over the wave,” such as lamb chops and New York strip steak, plus lump crab cakes, and beer-battered cod. 24223 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-773-3279. L,D daily.

Washtenaw Bellflower $$$ NEW AMERICAN • A restaurant housed in a former exchange of the Michigan Bell Telephone Company, Bellflower answers Ypsilanti’s call for fine dining with an adventurous flair. Boudin sausage with roasted okra, baked oysters, and ginger ale or Coca-Cola-roasted beets showed up on early menus as chef Dan Klenotic’s way of straddling the line of creole tradition and an imaginative style that is entirely his own. 209 Pearl St., Ypsilanti. L,D Mon.-Sat., L Sun. Black Pearl $$ SEAFOOD • This seafood and martini bar is especially popular during patio season. But step inside for a host of craft cocktails, then stay for dinner. A seafood-dominated menu includes a notable roasted scallop dish. Non-seafood options include the eponymous burger, roasted butternut squash salad, and filet mignon. And make sure to order dessert. 302 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-0400. D daily. Blue LLama Jazz Club $$ CREATIVE AMERICAN • Come to this swanky jazz club for the music, which includes headliners such as the Grammy-nominated Ravi Coltrane Quartet, but stay for Chef Louis Goral’s delicious food. Try the crispy foie gras PB&J with Marcona almonds and strawberry jam. There is also a delicious Sunday brunch with decadent orange blossom beignets and strawberry pancakes. 314 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-372-3200. D Wed.-Sat., BR Sun. The Blue Nile $$ ETHIOPIAN • The real treat of the meal at this quaint Ferndale restaurant is that it’s scooped up with a spongy bread called injera, and all the lentils, often seasoned with an Ethiopian spice mixture known as Berber, and vegetables are equally delicious. 221 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-9984746. D Tue.-Sun.545 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-547-6699. D daily. Cardamom $$ INDIAN • Check out the Hyderabadi Biryani —chicken, goat, and vegetable dishes, in which the rice is first cooked then baked. All the Indian favorites are available at Cardamom, such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh, and warm, fluffy, made-fresh garlic naan. It’s the ideal spot for when you’re craving the

KouZina Greek Steet Food $ GREEK • The Greek “street food” at this Ann Arbor spot comes in lamb and beef, and chicken. Try the lentil soup for a delicious lunch or go for something more filling like falafel. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this excellent spot. 332 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734997-5155. L,D daily. Mani Osteria & Bar $$ ITALIAN • This popular casual restaurant infuses freshness with lower prices than most osterias in the area. It’s a well-rounded blend of modern, eclectic Italian with classic standbys. The pizzas are hot, fresh and perfectly executed to suit your tastes. 341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-769-6700. L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.Sun., BR Sun. Miss Kim $$ KOREAN • This spinoff from the Zingerman’s mini empire comes courtesy of chef Ji Hye Kim and is a go-to spot for healthy Asian eats. Kim often incorporates ancient Korean culinary traditions, such as rice syrup and plum extracts, into her dishes. Standouts here include the Korean fried chicken and Street-Style Tteokbokki — just to name a few of them. 415 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-2750099. L,D Tue.-Sun. Paesano $$ ITALIAN • With a friendly waitstaff and decked in vibrant colors, this lively restaurant is not to be missed. The innovative menu changes seasonally. Must-tries have included the pasta carbonara, featuring shrimp, duck bacon, and Italian greens, as well as beet and ricotta gnocchi with brown butter. 3411 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-971-0484. L,D daily. Seva Ann Arbor $$ VEGAN • Seva offers such dishes as black bean and sweet potato quesadillas, gluten-free options, and colorful stir-fries — some vegan as well as vegetarian. There’s also a full bar as well as a juice bar serving creamy smoothies and dense shakes, fresh-squeezed juices, and craft mocktails. Choose from one of the most extensive vegetarian menus in the Detroit area. 2541 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-662-1111. L,D daily.

Slurping Turtle $ JAPANESE • This fun, casual Ann Arbor restaurant, owned by celebrity chef Takashi Yagihashi, offers plenty of shareable dishes, such as hamachi tacos and duck-fat fried chicken. But the star at Slurping Turtle is the noodle (Yagihashi’s “soul food”), which is made in-house daily on a machine imported from Japan. 608 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-887-6868. L,D daily. The Boro Dining Room and Bar $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • Much like the restaurant’s ambience, the cuisine at The Boro is both refined and relaxed. The Grilled Bone-In Pork Loin typifies the vibe. In flavor, the pork is reminiscent of a slab of tender brisket at a family barbecue. The loin is sweetened with a smattering of St. Louis-style barbecue glaze. In presentation and accoutrements, though, the dish is worthy of white-tablecloth status. 5400 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-6693310. B,L,D daily. Vinology $$$ ECLECTIC • Natural brick walls blended with darkwood booths and tables lend warmth to the dining room at Vinology, while tall ceilings contribute to the restaurant’s spacious feel. The menu draws on assorted cuisines to produce dishes such as Campeche Flautas, Argentinian Deep Dish Pizza, and lamb chops with chimichurri. As implied by the name of the venue, the wine list here is incredible. Try a bottle off of its New or Old World Cellared Collection. 110 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-9841. L Mon.-Fri. D daily. Yotsuba Japanese Restaurant & Bar $$ JAPANESE • The semi-circular sushi bar is the center of this restaurant. Sushi chef Bobby Suzuki has a loyal following for his precise nigiri rolls. There are also tatami rooms and conventional seating. 7365 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248737-8282. 2222 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor; 734-9715168. L,D daily. Zingerman’s Delicatessen $ SANDWICH/DELI • Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a household name for Michiganians, and a must-try staple in Ann Arbor. The temptations at Zingerman’s are endless: fresh breads and a menu of filling sandwiches, olive oils and housemade balsamic vinegars, chilies, and mustards. 422 Detroit St., Ann Arbor; 734663-3354. B,L,D daily. Zingerman’s Roadhouse $$$ CLASSIC COMFORT • This eatery celebrates American food from various cities. From fresh Maryland crab cakes to the delicious delicacies of New Orleans, every last bite of the country is represented here. The buttermilk biscuits are beyondthis-world. 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-6633663. B,L,D daily.

Shalimar $$ INDIAN • Offering North Indian, Tandoori, and Mughlai dishes, Shalimar is suitable for carnivores and herbivores alike. Standouts include the Tandoori Lamb Chops marinated in creamy yogurt, spicy ginger, and fresh garlic, which is best eaten with the restaurant’s flavorful, chewy garlic naan served fresh and hot. 307 S. Main St., Ann Arbor;734-663-1500. L, D daily.

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BOOKSTOCK | USED BOOK AND MEDIA SALE Bookstock, metro Detroit’s largest used book and media sale, returns to Laurel Park Place in Livonia this year. There will be more than 400,000 used books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and records available at bargain basement prices. One new feature is a tent that offers an outdoor experience to shoppers. Please join us from Sunday, May 15, to Sunday, May 22. Admission is free. The presale event only has a cost of $20, and is set for Sunday, May 15, from 8:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. Teachers are to be honored with a 50 percent discount on Tuesday, May 17, and Wednesday, May 18. All books will be half-price on Sunday, May 22. Proceeds benefit education/literacy projects in Detroit and beyond. Our presenting sponsor is the Mike Morse Law Firm. Neal Rubin, columnist of The Detroit Free Press serves as honorary chair, and Detroit Public Schools Community District Deputy Superintendent Alycia Meriweather is honorary chancellor. For more information, call 248-645-7840, ext. 365, find us on Facebook, or visit bookstockmi.org.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE | SPOTLIGHT EVENT Jewish Family Service is shining a light on mental health in the community at our Spotlight Event. Please join us at Temple Israel’s outdoor pavilion on Thursday, May 12, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This evening is part of the Reva Stocker Lecture Series. It will feature Gary Gulman, seasoned stand-up comic and star of HBO comedy special The Great Depresh, which was executive produced by Judd Apatow. With humor, vulnerability, and honesty, Gary not only destigmatizes mental illness, he normalizes treatment while offering hope. Our comprehensive services have a concentration in the areas of older adults, mental health/wellness, and safety net. These services include counseling, psychiatric assessing, suicide prevention training, and more. All proceeds will support the agency’s greatest needs. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Admission is $65. Tickets can be purchased by calling 248-592-2339 or visiting jfsspotlightevent.org.

THE SALVATION ARMY | WALK FOR JUSTICE Put your walking shoes on and join The Salvation Army’s 10th annual Walk for Justice! Your whole family is welcome at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, May 14, from 8 a.m. to noon for a fun day supporting this great cause. Registration is $40 for adults, which includes admission, parking, refreshments, shirt, and entry into a kettle raffle. Children attend for free. There will also be a silent auction that features exciting experiences and items to bid on. All proceeds benefit the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic – the only free legal aid clinic of The Salvation Army – which provides quality guidance in a variety of areas, including homelessness, child abuse/neglect, domestic violence, and consumer advocacy. Last year alone, the clinic helped resolve nearly 1,800 legal issues affecting low-income individuals, families, and U.S. military veterans. For registration and ticket information, visit walkforjustice.org.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOUR MEDIA SPONSORED EVENTS AND SEE PHOTOS FROM THOSE EVENTS, VISIT

HOPE AGAINST TRAFFICKING | KENTUCKY DERBY GALA Would you like to participate in an afternoon of food, fun, and horseracewatching that benefits a good cause? Join us on Saturday, May 7, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bloomfield Open Hunt Club for our Kentucky Derby Gala fundraiser. VIP guests will enjoy exclusive access to a private reception and tasting room. They also are set to receive a special swag bag. The general admission experience includes strolling meal stations, auction items, raffles, and more. At Hope Against Trafficking, we believe that all lives are valuable. Every measure should be taken to support survivors as they heal, grow, and reclaim their lives. Restoration is possible! This memorable event will support both the survivors of human trafficking in our program and community outreach/education initiatives. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hopeagainsttrafficking.org/derby.

SHADES OF PINK FOUNDATION | A WILD TIME AT THE DETROIT ZOO Join us for Shades of Pink Foundation’s 17th annual A Wild Time at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, May 21. Enjoy a stroll among the animals in zoo exhibits with family and friends. New features, including a scavenger hunt, have been added! Gates and the Big Top open at 7 a.m. Everyone must enter before 9 a.m. The event concludes at noon. Registration ranges from $0 to $35. There will be a price increase on Sunday, May 15. Proceeds assist our clients cover everyday expenses, such as childcare, housing, transportation, and utilities. These grants help alleviate the financial stress associated with a breast cancer diagnosis, which allows individuals to concentrate on their families, treatment, and healing. SOPF is proud to have raised nearly $2 million for southeast Michigan patients since its inception in 2005. We help build our community up one person at a time. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Karla Sherry by calling 248-320-1559 or emailing karla@shadesofpinkfoundation.org. To register, visit shadesofpinkfoundation.org/a-wild-time-at-the-detroit-zoo.

UNIFIED | DINING FOR DOLLARS UNIFIED – HIV Health and Beyond presents its 26th annual signature fundraiser, Dining for Dollars. Join us at the exquisite Ann Arbor City Club on Wednesday, May 18, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The evening will feature a cash bar, plated meal, inspirational program, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and live entertainment. Please help us support individuals living with or at risk of acquiring HIV in southeast Michigan. We cannot wait to get back to in-person events this year! To learn more, visit miunified.org/dining2022.

Learn about local non-profits, the work they are doing in our community, and ways you can help their causes in the digital edition of Give.

HOURDETROIT.COM

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Up Front

CO NTIN U ED F ROM PAGE 18

How do you remember your years in Detroit?

When I was growing up, Detroit was a mediumsized city that had a lot to recommend it but had its ebbs and flows. It was clearly reliant on the auto industry, and so as its fortune went up and down, so did the city. It had an amazing music scene, great food and great summers on Belle Isle, ethnic festivals at Hart Plaza, and dancing at St. Andrew’s. As a young journalist at the Detroit Free Press, Detroit still had real vigor. My first real apartment all by myself was at River Place, this converted warehouse industrial space.

How did you end up writing about fashion?

Randomly! I joke that friends from high school and college have photographic evidence that I was not a fashion plate. My first job was in the entertainment section for the Free Press. I reviewed terrible movies, concerts, and theatrical productions. I got the backwash of everything. Then, in the early ’90s, I started covering menswear part time. I loved it because at that point it was a much smaller part — it still is — of the industry. Menswear designers were much more accessible. They would talk about the construction of their clothes, so it really taught me a lot about the mechanics of the industry: what it meant to be a designer running a business and the nuances of tailoring and how clothing is constructed. It was a great way to start. I got a real understanding of the foundations of fashion without all the smoke and mirrors and fluff and drama and noise that accompanies the women’s industry.

How did your fashion writing change at The Washington Post?

The Post has never had a separate section for fashion. It was part of the Lifestyle section, which includes film and all kinds of features. The result was fashion had to hold its own next to a story about a political personality or an upand-coming visual artist. Fashion could also be serendipitously discovered by readers who came to the section for other things, and I think that encouraged me to always write about fashion in the most expansive way I could. Being in Washington, politics just seeps into everything. It is the local industry.

What do you make of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s style?

She likes a bit of leather. Someone had written this entire Twitter thread, the goal of which I believe was to get me to write about Gov. Whitmer. But by the time I got to the end of this Twitter thread, I was like, “Honestly, I don’t know what else I could say.” They were captivated by her use of leather. They had not seen a politician with that much leather in her wardrobe. I get it and I

love it. I love when anyone has a genuine enthusiasm for fashion and style and indulges that and plays with that.

What do you make of Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema wearing purple wigs and thigh-high white boots, among other outfits?

For me, a lot of Kyrsten’s public image is quite disingenuous. We are all intelligent creatures, and so we recognize the parameters and we know when we are stepping outside of them. Everyone should have that freedom and mobility, but to say that the parameters don’t exist or to pretend that you have not moved outside of them — then you are gaslighting.

Fashion journalists are often accused of policing female politicians. What do you say to that?

I don’t feel like I am policing their clothing. I am trying to understand the communicative abilities of clothing. Men’s attire can speak just as clearly as women’s attire can. Case in point: Male politicians love to take off their jackets and roll up their sleeves as a universal sign of “I am now going to speak earnestly to you.” People notice it more often and respond in a more impassioned way when it is about women, not men. I still write about men as well, as I continue to have a soft spot in my heart for menswear.

You are obviously not afraid of criticism. Has it gotten worse in these times?

Yes. What is frustrating is when people want to attack a column and oftentimes it is not because of what the column says, just the subject. The subject serves as this match that ignites the fuel, and they start responding in the comments or sending emails or leaving voicemails that are just rants about this thing over there. My column is just an excuse to unleash.

taught me the way all these social and cultural dots come together to form a picture.

How has being a Black female journalist defined your career?

That is always a difficult question to answer because I don’t have another point of comparison. I do think I bring my own context. I wrote about Ahmaud Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones. As a Black woman, I am very much aware of that stereotype of the angry Black woman, and I know what that means in the way that Black women have to navigate their emotions, in the same way that I think all women know what it means when a man tells you to calm down or “Why don’t you give me a smile?” You want to punch them in the face. When I was writing about Cooper-Jones, that notion of the angry Black woman certainly was in the back of my mind. But I was also thinking of my own mother and how justifiably furious she would have been and how determined she’d be to get some kind of justice for her son. That understanding helped me understand the power in her refusal to be politic in thanking the Justice Department for prosecuting his killers.

What’s your advice when it comes to clothing for female political candidates?

Voters can sniff out authenticity. You don’t want to come in looking like you were having lunch in the city when you will be walking through a muddy field to get to a stage. You want to be dressed appropriately to the situation. No one wants someone looking like they are in costume trying to play to the crowd. That is a bit of a game of subterfuge.

How did you end up going from being a fashion critic to writing your generalinterest column?

During the pandemic, when everything just came to a screeching halt, fashion did, too. The Post always let me divert from fashion, but now there were so many other compelling things to write about. It was this avalanche of news, from politics to the pandemic to the social justice protest to just people trying to figure out how to deal with a very strange abnormal. That window allowed me to fully invest in exploring these other topics. It was time. I was ready to step into this bigger role. As I started doing this other kind of coverage, I realized that fashion had taught me a lot about the power of observation and taught me the power in a single image. It M AY 2 0 2 2

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Midnight Hour

02.19.2022 1

Code 313 Charity Dinner & Silent Auction

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PH O T O GRA PH S BY L IN DS AY S CH W EICK ERT

NONPROFIT CODE 313 hosted this inaugural event on Feb. 19 at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center. Comedian Mike Bonner served as master of ceremonies for the evening, entrepreneur Jillian Blackwell was the keynote speaker, and the Detroit Pistons’ DJ Chachi provided music. The event benefited Code 313’s mission to provide equitable access to STEAM education.

1. Rose Moten, Reginald Smith 2. Jillian Blackwell 3. Alecia Gabriel, Deirdre Roberson 4. Raquel Welch, Deirdre Roberson, Marquita Proctor-Samuel, Tynisha McGee, LaToya Stewart, Tashawna Parker, Paris Ross, Mary Moore 5. Drew Sanders, Sean McElrath 6. Tiffany, Nadia, Braylon, and DeLoran Griffin 7. Grace Wimbley, Jeremy Thomas 8. Jay Alexander, Cynthia Alexander 9. Code 313 Executive Director Bartel Welch, Gary Beaver 10. Melisa Taylor, Tilly Oliver

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1. Armen and Bergy Darakjian 2. Pam Stoler, Yan Stewart, Margie Christopher, Jue Page, Amy Ordona, Helen Cao 3. Edith Tomlan, Kristina Marra, Nicole Nichter, Leah Colorito, Gisele Nikaj 4. Dan Moen, Dongshu Gu, Nina Wang, Stephanie Wang, Cynthia Cao 5. Anna Spradlin, Kelly DeSantos, Pam Gregory, Lara Lozser 6. Thornton and Madonna Hughes 7. Kyle Palmer, Evan Thomas, Keith Bynum, Gary Levit, Dean Soupal 8. Allison Decapite, Amy and Eric Ordona 9. Ashley Mann, Yan Stewart, Pam Stoler 6

02.24.2022

Lunar New Year Runway Fashion Show

P H O T O GR A P HS BY ANDRE A STINSON

NEIMAN MARCUS AND Yan International hosted their fashion show on Feb. 24. Held at the Neiman Marcus store at the Somerset Collection in Troy, the evening featured a traditional Asian dress exhibition, Asian food, a performance from the Grand Bollywood Dance Troupe, live painting, a silent auction, a fashion presentation with an appearance by the Dragon Dancers, and more. The event benefited Common Ground, a local nonprofit that provides mental health services.

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1930

CUSTOMS AND RITUALS COME AND GO, but one deserving of a revival is the celebratory act of dancing around a maypole — typically performed on May Day, May 1 — to usher in the month and its promise of clement weather. Most historians agree that the maypole has its roots in either pagan fertility rituals or a demonstration of a wish for bountiful crops. Gradually, it lost those associations and simply became a joyous festivity welcoming late spring as celebrants weary of a long winter cavorted around a pole festooned with ribbons and flowers. Here, circa 1930, children whirl around the maypole at the Merrill-Palmer Institute (now the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child & Family Development) on East Ferry in Midtown Detroit. The child-development center was founded by philanthropist Lizzie Pitts Merrill Palmer, who left a bequest after her 1916 death to fund it. She was married to Sen. Thomas Palmer, after whom Palmer Park was named after he donated the land to the city in 1893. The institute began in 1920 and has been part of Wayne State University since 1981. There is another layer of history in this photo as well. In the rear is the former home of Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), a wealthy industrialist, collector of American and Asian art, and connoisseur of Asian and Middle Eastern pottery and porcelain. Merrill-Palmer moved into his former residence in 1923. The shinglestyle dwelling was completed in 1892 by Philadelphia architect Wilson Eyre Jr., who also designed the Detroit Club at Cass and Fort in downtown Detroit. Freer’s collection is displayed at the Freer Gallery of Art, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The nonprofit organization Freer House keeps Charles Freer’s legacy alive by holding tours and hosting speakers. —George Bulanda

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The Way It Was

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE WALTER P. REUTHER LIBRARY, ARCHIVES OF LABOR AND URBAN AFFAIRS, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY (THE DETROIT NEWS)

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