Hour Detroit - March 2023

SEA SCALLOPS with heirloom pumpkin, Brussels sprout leaves, bacon powder, and apple gastrique from our 2023 Restaurant of the Year

VOLUME TWENTY EIGHT ISSUE THREE

PUBLISHER: Jason Hosko

EDITORIAL

EDITOR: Kate Walsh

DEPUTY EDITOR: Scott Atkinson

DIGITAL EDITOR: Christina Clark

ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Rachael Thomas, Ashley Winn

COPY EDITOR: Olivia Sedlacek

CONTRIBUTORS: Bill Dow, Paris Giles, Dorothy Hernandez, Kiki Louya, Mickey Lyons, Jenn McKee, Blake Miller, Carlos Parisi, Robert Stempkowski, Megan Swoyer, Robin Watson, Lauren Wethington

INTERNS: Kira Gendjar, Arianna Heyman

DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Lindsay Richards

SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTIST: Stephanie Daniel

JUNIOR ART DIRECTOR: Steven Prokuda

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Keagan Coop

CONTRIBUTORS: CJ Benninger, E.E. Berger, Rachel Idzerda, Matt LaVere, Chuk Nowak, Rebecca Simonov, Joe Tiano

SALES

PUBLISHING AND SALES COORDINATOR: Mikala Bart

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Cynthia Barnhart, Regan Blissett, Karli Brown, Maya Gossett, Donna Kassab, Lisa LaBelle, Mary Pantely & Associates, Jessica VanDerMaas

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Jenine Knox

SENIOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: Jill Berry

PRODUCTION ARTIST: Jonathan Boedecker

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR: Amanda Kozlowski

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Jim Bibart, Kathryn Dave IT

IT DIRECTOR: Jeremy Leland

WEB

DIGITAL DIRECTOR: Nick Britsky

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Matthew Cappo

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS: Jim Bowser, Marissa Jacklyn, Luanne Lim, Kevin Pell

DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER: Travis Fletcher

VIDEO EDITOR: Taylor Lutz

VIDEO PRODUCER: Nicole Toporowski

DIGITAL MEDIA ASSISTANT: Robyn Banks

CIRCULATION

CIRCULATION MANAGER: Riley Meyers

CIRCULATION COORDINATORS: David Benvenuto, Cathy Krajenke, Rachel Moulden, Michele Wold

MARKETING & EVENTS

MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER: Jodie Svagr

MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR: Jaime Presnail

COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS LEAD: Cathleen Francois

MARKETING & EVENTS INTERN: Crystal Baker

MARKETING RESEARCH

MARKETING RESEARCH DIRECTOR: Sofia Shevin

MARKETING RESEARCH COORDINATORS: Georgia Iden, Kristin Mingo

MARKETING RESEARCH SALES COORDINATOR: Alexandra Thompson

MARKETING RESEARCH ASSISTANT: Alyssa Fueri

PRS GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Alexa Dyer

BUSINESS

CEO: Stefan Wanczyk

PRESIDENT: John Balardo

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS: Kathie Gorecki

ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER: Natasha Bajju

SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE: Andrew Kotzian

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATES: Samantha Dick, Austin Schmelzle

DISTRIBUTION: Target Distribution, Troy

CONTENTS

30 Restaurant of the Year

Hour Detroit’s top eatery of 2023 brings to Birmingham a level of fine dining that caters to the jetsetting traveler and the metro Detroit foodie alike.

44 Cabin Fever

Local travel blogger Gina Valente shares some of her favorite in-state retreats with this insider’s guide to Michigan cabin rentals.

Its location in the heart of Harbor Springs makes Cabin 6 one of travel blogger Gina Valente’s top spots; the stunning view and wraparound porch don’t hurt either.

ISSUE THREE HUNDRED TWELVE

CONTENTS

Up Front

MADE IN MICHIGAN: JEMELE HILL

The Detroit native talks about her rise to fame via ESPN, her rise to even greater fame via criticizing a president, and her new book.

THE WORDLE-SMITH

Meet the Ann Arbor woman behind every word you’ve wracked your brain to find in the popular game.

SHE SAID, SHE SAID

Celebrate women and reading this month with several female authors who have something to say about Detroit.

A FAMILY FIGHT

At 14 years old, a national boxing champion from Taylor is headed to the Junior Olympics with his family in his corner — literally.

24/Seven

WORLD OF KNOWLEDGE

Rey Pador brings their international fashion industry experience to the new CCS apparel design program.

PLAY SPACE

A local interior designer offers tips on creating a tidy kids’ area that will make playtime fun for everyone.

FROM THE HEARTH

Join this Pleasant Ridge antiques connoisseur by the fireside in his historic home.

POWER MOVES

Breathe new life into your wardrobe with Pantone’s vivid 2023 Color of the Year.

Agenda

CULTURE CALENDAR

A theatrical Corktown street party, a duo of must-see shows at Third Man Records, and more March events.

HAPPY CAMPERS

Discover nine overnight and day camps that will have your kids begging to leave home this summer.

THE REST IS HER -STORY

This Women’s History Month, explore the city’s past with Detroit History Club’s Wild Women of Detroit bus tours.

Food&Drink

SAY CHEESE

St. Paddy’s Day doesn’t have to mean the same green beer and corned beef. Mix it up with another Irish staple: cheese.

EARLY WEEK EATS

These reliable restaurants are here for you — even on food service industry off-nights.

YP, YP, HOORAY!

After a colorful international career, chef Rich Muszynski is hanging his hat in Ypsilanti. The globe’s loss is our gain.

REELING IT IN

A new sustainability initiative bodes well for both the fishing industry and consumers in the Great Lakes region.

HEAD OF THE CLASS

The country’s first female certified cicerone is training the next batch of brewers. EDITOR’S

Book Your Tour Today!

(866) 315-7678

abdow.org

Behind the Scenes

FROM THE INITIAL STORY IDEA to the art direction and all the way down to the photo selection, creating a layout takes time. It’s a magic moment when all of the hours of planning coalesce with the words and the images to create a visual and intellectual experience for our readers. Hour’s Restaurant of the Year is one of our most anticipated features of the year, and we like to give it the space it deserves. This year’s spans 14 pages. “We could have easily filled another 10 pages with beautiful images,” says creative director Lindsay Richards. “Narrowing it down can sometimes be the hardest part of the job, especially when you’re working with such a talented photographer as E.E. Berger.”

CONTRIBUTORS

MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH. WHAT WOMEN HAVE INSPIRED YOU?

CARLOS PARISI

WROTE “EARLY WEEK

EATS,” PAGE 71

“Being raised by a single mother, my No. 1 inspiration has always been her, a woman who made it her mission to give us a comfortable and beautiful life, no matter our financial state. In popular culture, I’ve had a fond appreciation of the creativity, strength, independence, and drive of women like Lucille Ball, Frida Kahlo, and Beyoncé.” Carlos Parisi creates content in and outside of the city, including videos for Hour Detroit. He is the host of his podcast, Sandwich Talk, and has hosted the show Detroit Digest. He is the owner of Aunt Nee’s chips, salsa, and guacamole and has been part of Detroit’s food scene for over 10 years through creating popups and participating in other food events.

KIKI LOUYA

WROTE “THE WHOLE FISH AND NOTHING BUT THE FISH,” PAGE 74

“The women in my family. From opposite sides of the world, they met challenges head on. They continue to inspire me to lead with love, kindness, and understanding when faced with adversity of any kind.” Kiki Louya is a chef, writer, and food activist. Formerly the chef and coowner of popular Detroit cafe Folk, Louya was named one of “16 Black Chefs Changing Food in America” by The New York Times, for her pursuit of social justice and equity in the kitchen. Her writing has been published in Plate Bon Appetit and other publications. Louya also competed on season 18 of Bravo’s Top Chef

ROBIN WATSON

WROTE “SAY CHEESE!”

PAGE 70

“Women who have inspired me include former speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, whose political acumen, style, grace, and sheer stamina are without equal, and Janice Bluestein Longone, a preeminent culinary history scholar who revealed how important food studies are within the larger mosaic of cultural and historical studies.” Robin Watson is a Detroit-area freelancer with more than 30 years of experience in food and feature writing. Her work has appeared in Culture magazine, Detroit Monthly, the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, and more. She was also a contributor to the James Beard Award-winning The Oxford Companion to Cheese (Oxford University Press).

EDITOR’S LETTER

I first visited this year’s Restaurant of the Year in December 2021.

I was new to my role as editor of the magazine and was still getting acquainted with its content when Hour Media’s president, John Balardo, asked me my ideas for 2022’s Restaurant of the Year. Having just returned to metro Detroit after being gone for a couple of decades, I was at a bit of a disadvantage. I had been reading about the city’s growing culinary scene throughout my time away, but with all that goes into moving a family 600 miles and starting a new job (first in the company’s custom publishing division, then at Hour Detroit), I hadn’t had much time for fine dining.

Fortunately, selecting the Restaurant of the Year isn’t just the editor’s decision. It’s a collective process with suggestions coming from many staff members, plus freelancers, friends, industry contacts, and more. My go-to person was then-newly appointed Dining Editor Dorothy Hernandez, formerly Hour’s managing editor, who had been writing about food for years with Hour as well as other local and national publications, including Eater, Thrillist, and Midwest Living

One of the places she suggested was still a little too new to be Restaurant of the Year. To have this honor, the venue must not only have creative and delicious cuisine, impeccable service, and an ambiance that makes you feel you are somewhere other than a few miles from home, but it also needs to have staying power. The restaurant must have been around long enough to get its bearings and work out the kinks. But I went there anyway just to see what it was all about. I liked it so much, it became the first restaurant on my list for 2023 contenders and, after more visits there and to many other restaurants, our final pick a year later. See what that restaurant is on page 30.

In this issue, you will also find nods to Women’s History Month. In our Up Front section, we recommend Detroit-centric books by female authors and have an interview with The New York Times’ first Wordle editor. In Agenda, we highlight a local history club’s fun and educational tour focused on the “Wild Women of Detroit,” aka women who may have been in the shadows of men but made their mark on the city and the world. March is also a time when your thoughts may turn to summer and planning for the upcoming season. In “Happy Campers,” on page 64, we present a carefully curated list of both day and overnight camps. It includes traditional summer camps, plus some that emphasize subjects like art, sports, and college prep. For our “Insider’s Guide to Michigan Cabin Rentals,” on page 44, we went to cabincore culture expert Gina Valente, whose Instagram account and blog, Moody Cabin Girl, caught our attention months ago.

While we wait for that warmer weather to arrive, consider taking a local escape to our Restaurant of the Year for dinner — and perhaps even an overnight stay at the hotel it resides in.

KATE WALSH, EDITOR KWALSH@HOUR-MEDIA.COM

P.S. If you’re wondering who took home Restaurant of the Year honors in past years, see our Restaurant Guide (beginning on page 77), where we highlight those venues.

From Our Readers

“All amazing people with [a] bright future (‘2023 Hour Detroiters,’ January)!”

—@forefathersgrooming, Instagram

“So proud of my wife, [Mallory McMorrow], making [Hour Detroit’s] list of the 12 individuals making a difference in Detroit and beyond (‘2023 Hour Detroiters,’ January)!”

—@raywert, Twitter

“I have to go see this [The Exchange]. How neat (‘Community Development Projects in Metro Detroit in 2023,’ January)!”

—@gollehurkim, Instagram

“It was a good time (‘Restaurant Report: A Symposium by Papas,’ January). Great service, food, and ambience.”

—Nicol Si Jasmin, Facebook

“[Daun Green] is a true gem to the community and the fashion industry (‘Dress Up: 8711 Showroom Offers Creative Space for Stylists,’ January).

—@darlene_perkins, Instagram

Hourdetroit.com

Digital Extra

Irish heritage takes center stage this month, and many bars across metro Detroit are gearing up to celebrate. Grab your green garb and find a local bar hosting St. Patrick’s Day parties and offering up specials at hourdetroit.com/ stpatricksdaybars.

Follow us online at hourdetroit.com or on social media:

@hourdetroit

@hour_detroit

@hourdetroitmagazine

JEMELE HILL

The Detroit native talks about her rise to fame via ESPN, her rise to even greater fame via criticizing a president, and her new book

BY PARIS GILES ILLUSTRATION BY RACHEL IDZERDA

JOURNALIST JEMELE HILL grew up in Detroit loving comic books, video games, early’90s hip-hop, and storytelling. Before bathing in the bright lights at ESPN as an anchor, Hill spent the earlier years of her career covering sports for the Detroit Free Press, earning a front-row seat to global juggernauts like the 2004 Olympics in Greece and other happenings a little closer to home. She left ESPN in 2018 following a muchbuzzed-about Twitter beef with then-President Donald Trump. Today, she’s a contributing writer at The Atlantic and hosts a podcast on Spotify, Jemele Hill Is Unbothered. In October 2022, she released an autobiography titled Uphill: A Memoir In the book, Hill boldly takes on generational trauma and chronicles a career during which she’s been unapologetically herself — come what may.

Your memoir, Uphill , came out in October. The age of 46 feels young to write one’s life story — tell me why now felt like the time. I would agree with you. … A memoir feels like something you do when you’re done and you feel like you have nothing left to do. And I certainly didn’t feel that way. It materialized because there was a lot of interest in the publishing world, and my approach, once I decided to write the memoir, was, “Well, if I’m going to do this, then I’ve got to do this all the way.” I don’t believe in doing anything half-assed, so I certainly wasn’t going to cheat myself out of telling my story in the most transparent and honest and raw way possible.

Early on in Uphill, you write about wanting to create “generational liberty.” What does that look like?

Just thinking about my own family lineage, there were a lot of adults in my family who dealt with their own personal demons, be it addiction, abuse, all these traumas. And they were constantly living lives that were either in response to the trauma or because they hadn’t healed the trauma. What liberty looks like for me is being in a healed space. A lot of people in my family didn’t know how to get that healing, and I think they also didn’t feel like they deserved that healing. It just looks like believing you deserve happy relationships and love and good friendships and experiences and those sorts of things. And it’s not conditional to me. You deserve these things because you’re a human being, and you deserve to live your happiest life.

You write a lot about growing up in Detroit and those lessons your family relationships taught you. Did the city itself teach you anything? Oh, the city taught me so much. Detroit is a very resilient place. It’s had to have a layer of toughness with all the things that have happened over the last 60-70 years, and really since its inception. But the resilience you learn in Detroit is something that’s

STUDY BREAKS

Intriguing findings from researchers across Michigan

By Olivia Sedlacek

EXTINCT FROG SPECIES FOUND:

For the last 40 years, a fungus has been killing off frogs worldwide, affecting more than 500 species of amphibians and driving a large number of them to extinction. But it may not be quite as bad as scientists originally thought. Ecologists at Michigan

State University, alongside partners in Ecuador, have demonstrated in a new study that up to 32 species of one genus — called harlequin frogs — that were considered extinct continue to survive in the wild. “In total, 87 species [of harlequin frog] have been missing,” says Kyle Jaynes, lead author and MSU doctoral student. “To date, 37 percent have been rediscovered over the last two decades. This is a shocking number.”

Those species are still critically endangered, so

the researchers hope this good news propels greater conservation efforts. “I can’t tell you how special it is to hold something we never thought we’d see again,” Jaynes says.

DOWN TO THE BONE:

Two experiments on bone density from University of Michigan engineers have been launched (literally!) on the International Space Station. The studies’ findings could provide insight into both osteoporosis, which affects about 10 million Americans,

and astronauts’ bone health. The researchers hypothesize that when bone cells aren’t exposed to gravity, they become less stiff, causing changes similar to osteoporosis and that they can prevent those changes by mechanically compressing bone cells to mimic gravity. If the theory is correct, we may soon see astronauts wearing compressive space suits to prevent bone loss. For non-astronauts, the results could lead to better diagnostics and treatment for bone decay.

MAKING WAVES:

The asteroid that hit the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico millions of years ago didn’t just wipe out the dinosaurs — along with about three-quarters of Earth’s other plant and animal species. It also caused a tsunami with mile-high waves that disrupted the ocean floor 7,500 miles from the impact site, according to a study from University of Michigan researchers and others published in AGU Advances The study presented a model

simulating the tsunami, the first of its kind to appear in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The researchers corroborated the model’s results by reviewing records of marine sediments deposited just before or after the impact at more than 100 sites worldwide. “This tsunami was strong enough to disturb and erode sediments in ocean basins halfway around the globe, leaving either a gap in the sedimentary records or a jumble of older sediments,” says lead author Molly Range.

MADE

almost untouchable elsewhere. In Detroit, I learned how to fight for myself. I was very rooted and baked into my identity in Detroit. It taught me a sense of self. And, you know, it’s a city of hustlers — everybody knows this. One job is like no job in Detroit. We invented grind culture and didn’t realize we invented grind culture. So my work ethic, toughness, and even the chip that I carry on my shoulder are all things that just became embedded in my DNA from growing up in the city.

Did the “Donald Trump is a white supremacist” tweet and subsequent controversy play a role in your decision to start a podcast? Was there a desire to better control the narrative?

It actually didn’t. Wanting to do my own podcast had everything to do with the fact that I missed interviewing. I missed sitting down and talking to people, and the podcast format allows you to have much more intimate conversations than a 10-minute interview or even TV, where you might have a fourminute segment. I wanted a platform where I could allow these conversations to breathe and with people who I found interesting, who had amazing stories, and who wanted to share their experiences and were willing to open up and be vulnerable. So, the podcast, even though it serves a purpose in the larger media space, was built from a selfish place. I missed what is a core function of journalism.

Your Unbothered podcast recently broke the 200-episode mark. Congratulations. For people who haven’t listened, give us your elevator pitch.

I would say that it’s Inside the Actors Studio but just not always with actors. When I sit down with people, I’ve done an extensive amount of research. And the challenge, of course, especially when you’re dealing with newsmakers, is that you’re trying to get them to share a part of themselves that, hopefully, they’ve never shared before. Or maybe get people to see them in a different light from the persona they’re known for.

Do you think podcasts are the future of broadcast journalism?

I don’t know about that. The thing about broadcast journalism is that the method is always changing. So today, it’s podcasts. Tomorrow, I don’t know. We could be beaming something up to a spaceship. … But what doesn’t change, to me, is just the general craft. The core tenets of journalism will never change. The “who, what, when, why, where, how” never will change.

You wrote in Uphill that ESPN didn’t want you making statements during the Trump whirlwind. If you could have spoken, what would you have said?

Probably something that would have wound up putting me in even deeper water, and so maybe it was a good thing. No, I mean, I would have explained that

those are my own views and opinions and they really have nothing to do with the network. That entire ordeal certainly brought to the surface the conversation about where does the line between you as a citizen begin and end with you as a journalist. There’s been this big conundrum within our profession about whether or not we’re allowed to be citizens, if you will. I think it’s very naive, especially in today’s political climate, for any news organization to believe that the journalists that cover the story don’t or shouldn’t have thoughts and feelings about the thing that they’re covering. For a long time, I think journalism has hidden behind objectivity, and we’ve used it as a shield and as an excuse to not do what was supposed to be the original job of the journalist, which was to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. I think journalists just strive to be fair, not objective; those are two different things.

Do you still have the same passion for sports post-ESPN?

I do. And I think how I’ve chosen to exhibit that passion has shifted because of what I feel are the critical conversations of the moment. I’m glad that I don’t really have to talk about sports from a results standpoint. I’m interested in writing about sports the way I do for The Atlantic, where I’m analyzing and commenting on the intersection of sports with culture, politics, gender, and race. The bulk of sports conversations — no matter what — they all come back to these messy intersections.

I read your recent Atlantic article on the Jerry Jones desegregation photo. You said you’d be willing to give him grace for being there back then but that you’d like to see him and the powers that be do more to fix the NFL’s race problem today. What’s the issue, and what needs to be done to remedy it?

The problem is that there’s never been a majority Black owner in the NFL. It took them 100 years for a Black man to be named team president. … There is also the ever-revolving problem of not having enough Black head coaches in the league. My issue with the NFL ownership in general is that they know exactly what the problem is, they know exactly how they can fix the problem, and they have no willingness to do this because they’re owners. They’re a group of white men that don’t like being told what to do. That’s it it’s just pure and simple. And so they can only see Black leadership in the very narrow spectrum of them just being labor. I mean, look how long it took for Black quarterbacks to gain some level of respect, acknowledgement, and access, because there was a widely held belief that Black men were not fit for the leadership position. So this very same league has that very same problem, only apply it to head coaches.

When you come to visit, what does your perfect day in Detroit look like?

People can judge me, but my perfect day in Detroit

is built solely around food. Detroit has some of the best cuisine in the country. We have the largest Arab population outside the Middle East, we have Mexicantown, we have a strong Polish community. So, you’re able to enjoy anything on the spectrum. Every time my husband and I go back to Detroit, we literally have a list. Nobody makes Chinese food the way it’s made in Detroit. Nobody! I can’t get that anywhere. We definitely hit Buddy’s Pizza. And I’m definitely going to go to Sweetwater Tavern to get some wings or whatever. It’s home, but the food really, really makes me feel at home.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

2Michigan’s prestigious ranking among the largest legal cannabis markets in the country, according to a recent analysis by market intelligence firm Headset. The Mitten State’s $2 billion cannabis industry comes in second only to California’s, which is valued at about $5.2 billion. The report also shows that Michigan was one of only three states to have experienced an increase in sales over the past year. In fact, its 28.2 percent boost represents the strongest growth of any U.S. market.

Headset expects to see this upward trend continue, projecting that the Michigan cannabis industry will reach $2.5 billion by 2025. 3 Where the Detroit Pistons fall on a list of teams offering the most affordable NBA game day experiences.

A nationwide survey circulated by Catena Media finds that more than half (54 percent) of Americans say the steep inflation rates will likely keep them from attending a professional basketball game this season. But there may still be room in the budget among Detroit Pistons fans, who

spend an average of just $73.42 at a home game, compared with the league average of $121.20. These figures come from Catena Media’s analysis of NBA arena data, which identified Charlotte Hornets games as the NBA’s most economical, with an average cost of $67.11. The priciest games are hosted by the New York Knicks and set attendees back about $261.03. 10.9

The number of minutes the average driver from the Detroit-WarrenDearborn area loses to rush-hour traffic each day, according to an analysis by car-shopping app CoPilot. The Detroit area ranked 65th amongst U.S. metro areas with the most rush-hour traffic, just above Columbus, Ohio, where drivers lose an average of 10.6 minutes in the daily commute. In the top spot, it may be no surprise, was the area surrounding New York City, where rush hour sets drivers back an average of 31.7 minutes every day. The study also found that in the post-COVID shutdown world, fewer people are driving to work than ever before and overall drive times have shortened but that doesn’t mean rush hour has disappeared.

DETROIT DIGITS

that. … So the first thing I did was scramble the list. But it’s still his list. I haven’t added any words yet.”

Bennett — who grew up in Maine and originally came to Ann Arbor to study English literature at the University of Michigan (’89) — also dabbled briefly in Wordle themes, setting up “drive” the day before Thanksgiving and “feast” on the holiday itself.

There was blowback, in part because these word choices seemed to emphasize American holiday traditions when the game’s scope is global.

But this was the moment when the thick skin Bennett developed while working in management for 25 years (as an editor at Mathematical Reviews) kicked in.

The W ORDLE-SMITH

Ann Arbor’s Tracy Bennett is behind every word you’ve wracked your brain to find in the popular game

BY JENN MCKEE | PHOTO BY MATT LAVERE

THOUGH TRACY BENNETT CALLS Ann Arbor home, her life took on a “We’re not in Kansas anymore” vibe on Nov. 7, 2022 — the day she was announced as The New York Times’ Wordle editor.

“I just thought it was going to be a normal day for me,” says Bennett, an associate puzzle editor who works remotely for the Times. “I was in my pajamas at 10 a.m. still when there was a knock on the door, and a Channel 4 news van was outside, and my heart just went ‘Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God.’”

This kind of media attention seemed to blow up as quickly as Wordle’s popularity did in 2021.

Bennett grew up loving jigsaw puzzles and word games. After winning a local crossword puzzle contest in 2010 and attending a national crossword players’ conference, she ventured into crossword construction, eventually getting her work published in the Times. In 2020, when the Times put out a call for an associate games editor, Bennett applied and landed her dream gig.

Josh Wardle, the game’s creator, has already programmed 2,700 words into the game, so Wordle is potentially stocked until 2027. So what is there to do? Bennett has been trying a few different approaches.

“Some people had published how to download [Wardle’s word] list in order,” Bennett says. “So it was information you could get. I don’t know what the joy would be in it, but you could get it on the first try every time if you’d downloaded



A lifelong love of puzzles led Tracy Bennett to her dream gig as a puzzle editor at The New York Times (Inset) “Trace” is Bennett’s go-to first word when trying to solve Wordle puzzles.

“I just look at what’s being said and gut-check whether it’s valid,” Bennett says. “I mean, there was a Slate hit piece about it, where the title was ‘The New [Wordle] Editor Is Ruining Wordle.’ … If I was reading this and I was 25, I would have just been devastated. But the reality was, it was another grouse. It was just on a big platform.”

Even so, Bennett’s generally aiming for randomness instead of themes these days in regard to Wordle’s solutions. But she’s also opting out of obscure terms that most people would never guess (like “caput,” a Latin term for “head”) and invests time plumbing each word’s usage history.

“I care if a word is derogatory in a tertiary meaning, and if somebody … has heard that word hurled at them, then I know I don’t want to use that, even if it affects 2 percent of solvers,” Bennett says. “There was one like that. It was an old epithet toward Hungarians that I didn’t recognize. … So that was one case where … some people complained, and then I said, ‘I need to research every word, even if I think I know what it means.’”

Can she still play Wordle and enjoy the game she curates?

“If I work far enough ahead, I can, because I have no memory for what I set up two months ago, or it’s dim enough that I at least have to get three guesses before I’m like, ‘Oh, yeah, that must be it,’” Bennett says.

Currently, Bennett’s go-to first Wordle guess is “trace.” Of the Times’ suite of games, Spelling Bee is probably her favorite (“I don’t know if I should say this, but I like it a little more than Wordle to play,” Bennett says sheepishly), and she still constructs crosswords for the feminist magazine Bust, as well as for Crosswords with Friends and Groundcover News.

The biggest source of Wordle complaints is something that doesn’t particularly speak to Bennett personally.

“I would say 90 percent of the complaints are about broken streaks,” Bennett says. “I don’t try to maintain streaks on anything. I’m just lucky to get my laundry done.”

BOOKS

Women. Words. Detroit.

March is the perfect time to celebrate female authors; here are several who have something to say about Detroit

BY JENN MCKEE

BECAUSE MARCH is both Women’s History Month and National Reading Month, it seems an ideal time to showcase some women who have written (and often continue to write) about the Detroit area. And while some pretty big names might come to mind immediately — looking at you, Joyce Carol Oates! — these newer voices deserve some love, too. So our advice? Get these authors on your radar, stat!

ANNA CLARK

In 2014, University of Michigan grad and past Fulbright fellow Clark edited A Detroit Anthology, a compilation of writings from various

Detroiters. More recently, the Detroitbased journalist received national attention (and numerous rave reviews) for her 2018 book The Poisoned City: Flint’s Water

and the American Urban Tragedy, which provided an in-depth overview of the crisis and was named one of the best books of the year by The Washington Post, the San Francisco Chronicle, Kirkus Reviews, and others.

EBONY LADELLE

This native Detroiter and Howard University grad (who recently moved from New York to Washington, D.C.) scored a home run last year with her debut young adult novel, Love Radio, which was named one of People magazine’s best books of the summer and was featured on the Today show. The book (set in Detroit) tells the star-crossed love story of Prince, a radio love guru with above-average family obligations, and Dani, an aspiring writer who has set her sights on a scholarship and a

move to New York City. With this kind of start, I can’t wait to see what LaDelle writes next.

BRIDGETT M. DAVIS

Davis now lives in New York City, where she’s a journalism and writing professor at Baruch College, but her deep Motor City roots nonetheless play a starring role in her work, including the novels Shifting Through Neutral (2004) and Into the Go-Slow (2014). Davis made her biggest splash to date with a 2019 memoir called The World According to Fannie Davis: My Mother’s Life in the Detroit Numbers. In addition to being named a Best Memoir of 2019 by Kirkus Reviews, it earned a spot as a New York Times Editors’ Choice book.

AMY

HAIMERL

The converse of Davis, Haimerl and her husband left Brooklyn to make a new home in Detroit, buying an abandoned, 1914 Georgian revival house for $35,000. She tells the story of the couple’s extensive (and expensive) home renovations, as well as the ways in which she came to embrace her

new adopted city and community, in the 2016 book Detroit Hustle: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Home.

DOMINIQUE MORISSEAU

If Detroit had a dramatist laureate, Morisseau — a MacArthur fellow (an award known as the “genius grant”) and U-M grad — would be an obvious choice, given the award-winning Broadway plays she has written about her hometown. In fact, Morisseau’s penned a three-play cycle called The Detroit Project, consisting of Paradise Blue, Detroit ’67, and Skeleton Crew. Though the playwright calls Los Angeles home these days, Detroit nonetheless seems to be a consistent recurring character in her work, and because Morisseau is a Detroit Public Theatre board member and executive artistic producer, you’re likely to get the chance to see her work on its feet now and then, too!

KAREN DYBIS

Former Detroit News staffer Dybis has written multiple books about the area, including The Ford-Wyoming Drive-

In: Cars, Candy, and Canoodling in the Motor City (2014); Better Made in Michigan: The Salty Story of Detroit’s Best Chip (2015); The Witch of Delray: Rose Veres and Detroit’s Infamous 1930s Murder Mystery (2017); and Secret Detroit: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure (2018). She’s even got a brand-new book focused on the history of Detroit-style pizza (called Doughtown) that’s slated for a midyear release, so stay tuned.

LISA

LUDWINSKI

Ludwinski, founder of Detroit’s famous Sister Pie bakery, embodies the scrappy, “Underestimate me that will be fun!” spirit of Motown in her 2018 cookbook, Sister Pie: The Recipes and Stories of a Big-Hearted Bakery in Detroit. After growing up in Milford and attending college in Kalamazoo, Ludwinski moved to New York for a few years, only to return eventually to Michigan and launch a pie business out of her parents’ home. It’s now a brick-andmortar phenomenon on Kercheval Avenue. Read all about it — and get some primo pie recipes along the way.

SPORTS

THE CHAMP

With the support of his family, one young man from Taylor is achieving his boxing dreams

IN A GARAGE- turned-gym in a Taylor neighborhood, the champ is getting ready.

Hadi Al-Mashhadi, 14, is preparing for a boxing tournament in Texas, where he’s competing for the national title. He is not nervous, he says — he’s been fighting since he was 8 years old, and he’s been working hard. He feels good. Besides, if he wins, it’s not exactly anything new. On the wall of the gym are the belts and medals from his previous national titles — six in all.

If he wins a seventh, though, it will be different. At 14, Hadi is now eligible to make the Junior Olympic team and fight with Team USA.

The gym sits behind his family’s house. From the outside, it looks like a detached garage, but on the inside, it is a boxing haven. Hadi trains at Hype Athletics in Dearborn Heights, as well with his team, Darkside Boxing. But this is the family gym. This is where the family tradition continues.

“Boxing has just been something that’s just it’s in our blood,” Hadi’s father, Hamed Al-Mashhadi, says. Hamed, 35, moved to the U.S. with his family from Iraq in 1995. In Iraq, his father taught him and his siblings (he is one of five boys) to box. They brought it with them to their new home country.

Hamed Al-Mashhadi (left) has trained his brother Husam Al-Mashhadi (right) and son, Hadi, to develop their own boxing styles.

Hadi trains most often with his uncle Husam, a 20-year-old undefeated professional boxer. The two are built differently: The younger Hadi fights at 170 pounds but looks like he weighs 150 — maybe less. His uncle fights welterweight, at 147, but looks as though he outweighs Hadi by at least 20 pounds. Husam is a head taller and has a long, almost lanky reach that he uses to his advantage in the ring. Despite their physical differences, they have similar boxing styles. They’re both southpaws (they fight left-handed) and have a strong defensive style. Hamed says he taught them first not to get hit — and when their opponent does miss, to always come back with something.

Out in the backyard gym, they lace up their shoes, getting ready to step into the ring that takes up most of the space. The rest is occupied by exercise equipment — a treadmill, punching bags. The walls are adorned with belts, medals, and a poster from one of Husam’s fights. The words “Olympic Boxing” are painted over a silhouette of the Olympic torch and rings opposite a painting of Mike Tyson along with one of his quotes: “In order to succeed greatly, you have to be prepared to fail greatly. If you can’t do both of them, you’ve got a problem.”

In the ring, Hadi and Husam warm up while their father talks. They’re here today because a reporter is visiting, but they still get to work, circling each other, exhaling — Hss! Hss! — with every light punch they throw. Husam speaks softly, making small corrections and critiques of Hadi’s movements. Hadi listens.

Hadi credits his uncle for the style he’s developed. “Those two boys are two different structures,” Hamed says, “but fight a lot alike.”

That’s also to his credit. Hamed understands that a good coach doesn’t look to make clones of himself but allows his fighters to find their own way.

Husam began that journey when he was 7 years old and “like, a really bad kid.” He was getting into fights at school, and his father made him go to the boxing gym with his older brothers, all of whom were boxing at the time. His first day, he sparred with a kid two years older, a national champion.

“And I didn’t beat him up, but I didn’t get touched. Like, off the bat, I knew I had really good eyes, and I’d seen everything coming a mile away.” After two weeks at the gym, a coach told him he had what it takes to fight for a national title.

 With seven national titles under his belt, 14-year-old Hadi Al-Mashhadi is preparing to fight for Team USA in the Junior Olympics.

He started competing that year and was successful, loving not only the competition but also the attention that comes from boxing. As a kid, he invented a trademark prefight move they call the slingshot, winding his arm three times like a windmill before kneeling down and bringing his elbow back, cha-ching style. It’s a move he still does today, alongside other theatrics. In a recent fight, he came out dressed in black as the Front Man from the show Squid Game, his entourage dressed like the contestants. He entered the ring, took off the garb, did the windmill move, and beat his opponent in the first round by TKO after landing two thunderous body shots to the guy’s liver.

That’s who Hadi has to help get him ready for his championship against other boys just a couple of years into adolescence.

Husam isn’t the only adult he spars with. As Hadi has grown into his teenage body, Hamed has put him in the ring sparring with more adults. The idea of sparring is to work out and practice, but not all egos get left outside the ring. Hadi has been the recipient of the strangest of compliments — attempted elbows and headbutts from grown men frustrated that they can’t hit the kid in front of them.

“They can’t hit him because of his defense level,” Hamed says, adding that Hadi recently got caught with a headbutt. “That pushes him to be even better at the defensive side.”

Hadi was seeded No. 1 when they got to Texas for the national title in December 2022. That meant he got a bye in the tournament, leaving him two fights in two days for this seventh consecutive title and a spot on the Junior Olympic team.

Fighting at 170, Hadi, standing about 5 feet, 11 inches, faced off against his first opponent, who stood at about 6-foot-4, according to Hamed. In that fight, he says, “Hadi blew him away. Every punch landed.”

In his second and final fight, he faced off against Simon Davis, a larger, taller opponent from Maryland. He started the match the way his uncle does, with the slingshot, which Hamed calls “an Al-Mashhadi thing.”

Davis sprinted to the center of the ring and started firing off jabs at Hadi, who looked unfazed as he either stayed just out of range or checked them with his lead hand. In his counterpunching style, he managed to dodge or slip most of Davis’ punches over the course of three rounds, returning fire the way he was taught. In a split decision, the ref raised Hadi’s hand, and he was, again, the champ.

“Man, I am feeling so proud,” Hamed says. “This is something that people dream of doing. It’s a huge step for his career. And I can’t be more thankful to have a son or a kid like him.”

 Tokens of Hadi’s many wins, which include seven straight national titles, adorn his family’s garageturned-boxing gym in Taylor.

His belt over his shoulder, his hands still wrapped, Hadi spoke with an interviewer after the fight who had watched him over the years. He remarked about “how big” Hadi had grown and said he saw a new confidence in him he hadn’t seen before. “Ever since I was little, I was always nervous. I never had that confidence. But the more I did it, the more I won, and winning gives you more confidence. Always working hard,” Hadi said.

Now, as part of the junior division of Team USA, Hadi’s life is about to change. This summer, once school is out, he’ll be training with the team. He’ll be sporting their gear. They’ll be setting up his fights and flying him around the country.

But that means his coaching is going to change as well.

“They told me I can tag along with them, … but for Team USA, they have their own coaches. That’s one thing about it,” Hamed says. “He will most likely be training with a different coach, but the outcome of that will never change. Hadi will still have his style. If anything, he will probably pick up on some things that are new, which will just be more experience for him and help get him ready for the pros. It’s not a bad thing. It’s a great thing,” he says.

Hamed recognizes that “not everyone has this opportunity. But because we believe in our craft and we train so hard and we train at home… it’s just — it’s everything to us.”

 Hadi credits his uncle Husam (left), who doubles as his assistant coach, with helping him develop his boxing style.

“Man, I am feeling so proud. ... I can’t be more thankful to have a son or a kid like him.”

—HAMED AL-MASHHADI

EDUCATION

A World of Knowledge

Rey Pador brings their international fashion industry experience to the College for Creative Studies’ new apparel design curriculum

BY RACHAEL THOMAS

REY PADOR has worked as a fashion designer and taught design all over the world, from New York and Paris to Antwerp and India. But it’s the city of Detroit where the 39-year-old says they truly feel the creative energy of the people.

So, when an opportunity arose for Pador to come to Detroit’s College for Creative Studies and oversee the new apparel design curriculum which launched last September as part of an expansion of the school’s fashion design program Pador was thrilled to accept.

The apparel design addition and Pador’s hiring were both part of continual efforts by CCS to ensure its place as a competitive institution for fashion design on a national scale. The fashion program was created in 2015 by world-renowned footwear and accessories designer Aki Choklat and was then called the Fashion Accessories Design program. It provided students with skills exclusively in accessory and footwear design, focus areas that Choklat and CCS felt were lacking in the Midwest. It was in late 2021 when faculty

began laying the groundwork to add apparel design to the curriculum, and the program was renamed the Fashion Design program.

“Apparel design was something that many students had asked for, so there was already a strong demand for it,” Choklat says. “We feel like, now, we have a strong overall fashion [curriculum] in order to produce super skilled and competitive students.”

As an associate professor, Pador aims to continue bringing that vision to life.

Born and raised in Germany, the child of Filipino immigrants fell in love with making art and clothing at a young age. While Pador’s mother taught them how to sew and alter their brother’s hand-me-downs out of necessity, fashion design as a career move was out of the question. “When you’re born into a brown household, dreams like becoming a fashion designer or an artist are not on the register,” Pador says. “[If] I wanted to work with clothes, I needed to do something that would be helpful in a way that is more of a trade.”

So Pador went off to tailoring school in Germany, where they gained skills in dressmaking and industrial sewing. Eventually, Pador began advancing their true dream of becoming a fashion designer, obtaining their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fashion design from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium, and working for a season at Marc Jacobs. Following a stint in Paris, Pador returned to Antwerp and created their (now shuttered) consulting company, Ghost, through which they offered technical solutions and design concepts for renowned fashion houses and designers, including Dries Van Noten, Christophe Lemaire, and Balenciaga. As a professor, Pador has taught at the Gurukul School of Design in India and the Art Institute of Chicago.

After applying for the associate professor position at CCS, Pador was invited to take a tour of the school. “I was amazed [at] how the facilities are and how elaborate everything was,” they say. But it was actually a separate moment back in Chicago, during a concert by Detroit techno artist Kevin Saunderson, that solidified Pador’s decision to move to the Motor City. “At the end of the concert … he said, ‘Detroit will always be the future of everything.’ I called the dean [at CCS], and I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll take the job.’”

Pador’s approaches to both design and teaching are holistic and community driven. They aim to impress upon students that Detroit is a flourishing creative hub — while also acknowledging its manufacturing history — and that those students have what they need to succeed in their careers right here in the city.

“I was really interested in developing the idea that my students learn first locally, then nationally and internationally,” Pador says. “My mom always said, ‘If you don’t know your roots, you don’t know where to grow to.’ I really advocate for building community through your work.”

This semester, Pador is teaching a special projects course, Studio Atelier Collection Building for Apparel, during which students learn the entire process of creating an apparel collection.

“When I saw Rey’s portfolio, I was quite stunned that someone with their experience literally dropped into my inbox,” Choklat says. “The mixture of their professional experience and teaching experience was ideal. Rey knows what the industry needs and knows how to prepare students for this demanding but fulfilling fashion life. 2023 is just the start of our quest to make CCS and Detroit the most desirable fashion destinations in the world. It’s the vision Rey and I both share.”

To that end, Pador is looking forward to leaving their mark both on CCS and on the city at large.

“What I learned about Detroit is that it’s very community driven, which I love,” Pador says, reflecting on their first few months in the city. “In Detroit, everyone feels that wind of change. I’m looking forward to exploring more of what Detroit has to offer.”

Rey Pador has designed for fashion brands from around the globe, including Agnona, an Italian luxury clothing label (pictured at left).

Organize the kiddos’ toys with durable rope baskets and labels to keep things orderly.

Heading outside to play? Categorized drawer liners (below) make the search for sunglasses, sunscreen, and other outdoor necessities stress-free.

Clear containers and wire or mesh baskets help children make playtime decisions more easily.

SPRUCING UP THE PLAY SPACE

A Bingham Farms interior designer shares tips on creating a tidy area for your kids, so playtime can be fun for everyone

BY MEGAN SWOYER

LAUREN COMBS adored the world of Lego as a child growing up in Cincinnati. In addition to building with them, she would organize the pieces by color and size. “I even had subcategories!” she says with a laugh.

Today, Combs is a Neat Method franchise owner who oversees home organization projects in the Bloomfield-Birmingham area and serves as the company’s director of product development.

Neat Method manufactures home organization products and provides solutions for clients’ organization projects. Folks can hire Neat Method organizers to overhaul everything from pantries and closets to playrooms and garages. Combs bought the Detroit franchise nine years ago and oversees a team of four organizers in her region.

1 SIMPLIFY

Create broad categories for toys. For example, designate a basket for “transportation” instead of one each for cars, trucks, and planes. Likewise, create one bin for fidget toys rather than separate bins for Pop Its, spinners, and stress balls.

2 CONTAIN

Customers can purchase Neat Method’s bins, labels, and more online or work with an organizer to handle procuring customized products. “Much of the time, we use our products when organizing a space, but let’s say a home has a beach vibe — we might obtain products from, say, Serena & Lily,” Combs says. “Target, too, now has great organization items.”

Combs, who lives in Bingham Farms with her husband and three children, ages 6, 8, and 10, says a play space is one of the most important areas of the home to keep in order. “Kids are learning responsibility and ownership when they have a system for keeping toys neat,” she says. “They more readily clean up and can find things easily when they’re ready to play again. No one wants to look for parts and pieces all over the house.”

Here, she shares four tips for curating a tidy play space:

Use proper bins and baskets that children can easily lift and move around. Combs recommends Neat Method’s rope bins, which are made of tightly braided ropes, sewn together for durability. They fit nicely on standard 14inch shelves. Fabric bins are also great for kids, as are metal grid baskets that you can see through.

3 LABEL

Even if your child can’t yet read, they see the contents of the bin and sense what the words say. So, in a way, labels help children’s organizational and reading skills.

4 PURGE

Kids’ interests change frequently. Set aside time to purge toys that no longer appeal to them. A great time to donate oldies but goodies? After a birthday or holiday when you need room for new toys.

“Kids are learning responsibility & ownership when they have a system for keeping toys neat.”

Main attraction:

Several 19th-century English equestrian oil paintings (which Stanwick collects) adorn the hearth room and other parts of the home. They feature original goldgilt frames, Stanwick says.

Draped in elegance: The linen window treatments (by Lee Jofa, a fabric house under the home furnishings company Kravet at the Michigan Design Center in Troy) feature foxes and pastel roses mingling with various greenery.

FROM THE HEARTH

BRAD STANWICK is fond of all things

BY MEGAN SWOYER

PHOTO BY JOE TIANO

English, from antique furnishings to specific spaniel breeds. (And yes, Downton Abbey ranks as a top TV series for the Pleasant Ridge resident.) Peek inside his home, and you’ll see this Anglophile’s British stamp throughout, especially in the hearth room.

The hearth space and kitchen were renovated about five years ago. “There was a door to the outside where the fireplace is now,” says Stanwick, whose home was built in 1916. He worked with interior designer John Rattray of Craighall Interiors to overhaul and redesign his craftsman bungalow-style home.

House of blues:

The flooring of heated blue flagstones, which extend into the kitchen, is inspired by “the grand houses of England, where there are huge flagstone kitchen floors,” Stanwick says.

Table talk:

A 19th-century pine table with a mahogany base expands to accommodate extra guests. It pairs well with several Windsorstyle chairs and a small oak table (beneath the horse painting) from England’s Lake District, located in the northern county of Cumbria.

Fired up:

Stanwick loves the elevated fireplace, which features a newly built limestone surround designed by Rattray. “Wood-burning fireplaces are work, but you can’t beat the whole process of having a fire — bringing in wood, lighting it, hearing the crackle,” Stanwick says. The practical area beneath stores wood, but in the summer, it serves as a dog bed for Stanwick’s cheeky Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Clementine and Eleanor.

What is a hearth room? Stanwick — who has an art history degree with a concentration in decorative arts from Oakland University and procures and sells English antiques for a living shares that it’s a small space, typically located near the kitchen, with a fireplace as the focal point. Long ago, they were often called keeping rooms. “We think this room was the servants’ cooking area, like a scullery,” Stanwick says. “You can tell there was originally a fireplace between that room and my kitchen.”

Today, Stanwick’s renovated space has a new wood-burning fireplace. It’s here where the homeowner enjoys a “cuppa” and gazes into a roaring fire or looks out over his gardens. “It’s my morning room, where I sit and drink my coffee and plan the day,” he says. “I love living with history.”

When Stanwick makes his semi-annual trips to England, he picks up pieces for both his online furniture business, The Parson’s Nose Antiques (TheParsonsNoseAntiques.com), and his own home. “I’m amazed at how furniture can transport you back to another time,” he says.

Here, Stanwick presents his depiction of British life through his hearth room, replete with furniture and art acquired mostly from northern England.

Let there be light: The antler chandelier hanging above the table was sourced from Scotland. Woodn’t you like to know: For the cieling and walls, Stanwick went with wood beams and quarter-sawn oak paneling, both fashioned by Rattray and stained dark.

Miscellany marvels:

Stanwick loves his antique, grasshoppergreen Chinese ginger jars. “They look great against the wall color,” he says. Also adorning the mantel are 19thcentury Meissen porcelain sheep and a green, 18th-century Chinese bowl.

“I love living with history.”

—BRAD STANWICK



Red Felt and Rubber Ribbon Necklace, $200, at DIA Shop, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-8337948; diashop.org



Carolina Herrera Floral Mini Dress, $2,790, at McMullen; shopmcmullen.com

Capucines Mini, Louis Vuitton; louisvuitton.com



Tied Blouse in Raspberry, $70, at Zara; zara.com



Cindy Necklace in 18K Gold-Plated Sterling Silver, $160, and Donna Earrings in 18K Gold-Plated Sterling Silver, $165, at Rebel Nell, 1435 Farmer St., Ste. 126, Detroit, 313-2888825; rebelnell.com

 High-Waisted Pants in Fuchsia, $50, at Zara

Power Moves

SHOPPING 2023 of the Year

Breathe new life into your wardrobe with Pantone’s vivid 2023 Color of the Year

as new, restraint.”

Breathe new life into your wardrobe with Pantone’s is Pantone a hue animated in pure we’ve up accessories variations own season.

VIVA MAGENTA is this year’s Pantone Color of the Year, a hue that the global color institute describes as “a new, animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint.” Here, we’ve rounded up apparel and accessories in variations of this vibrant color to inspire your own looks for the season.



The Row Bourse Suede Handbag, $1,990, at McMullen



D Red Crystal Reading Glasses, $50, at DIA Shop



Alane Slide in Pink Yarrow, $60, at Ugg; ugg.com

Mini, $6,350, at Louis

of the

The Forbidden Rice — with spicy pork sausage, wild shrimp, leeks, farm egg yolk, and chives — typifies Madam’s approach to farm-totable cuisine with a globally inspired spin.

Madam

THE FLAGSHIP RESTAURANT OF DAXTON HOTEL BRINGS

TO BIRMINGHAM A LEVEL OF FINE DINING THAT CATERS TO THE JET-SETTING TRAVELER AND LOCAL FOODIE ALIKE

By DOROTHY HERNANDEZ | Contributing reporting by SCOTT ATKINSON and KATE WALSH | Photography by E.E. BERGER

Clockwise from left: Beet tortelloni topped with orange puree and golden beet crisp, squid ink-dressed Spanish octopus, and seared sea scallops are just a few of the artfully plated dishes available at Madam.

RESTAURANT YEAR of the A

s you walk into Madam, your eyes are drawn to the two larger-thanlife women, who make a bold statement without saying a word.

The 12-foot-tall portraits, made by blending photos, paint, and a layer of gold leaf, showcase women who are vibrant, provocative, sophisticated — maybe even a little mysterious and surprising — much like the stylish and sumptuous space that is the flagship restaurant of the luxurious and posh Daxton Hotel.

At Madam and the hotel, art is a key ingredient, along with the food. Daxton hosts an Art of Dining series, featuring international artists such as Los Angeles-based Stephen Rowe. A 2021 salmon dish inspired by his “I Love the Silence of Blue,” which hangs in the wine-tasting room, stands out in his mind.

“As an artist, I’ve never experienced a food and wine pairing of my works,” Rowe says, adding that the chefs crafted “some plates that resembled my art; that was quite amazing to see the artistry they created.”

“Heliodor B” by Dutch artist Karin Vermeer is a focal point of Madam's light and airy dining room.

Making its debut in early 2021, Madam and its home base of Daxton Hotel were a part of the Chicago-based Aparium Hotel Group, whose portfolio of boutique hotels spans the country from Colorado to New Jersey and includes the Detroit Foundation Hotel downtown. Chef Garrison Price, who worked for culinary titans

such as José Andrés and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, helping to open restaurants across the globe, oversaw Daxton Hotel’s seasonally driven, vegetable-focused bill of fare with a global spin. Chef Rece Hogerheide, a sous-chef at the time, took the reins when Price left in early 2021, and now the menu is overseen by chef Clifton

Booth, another local who came on as sous-chef and was coached up and elevated.

Since opening two years ago, Madam has continued to carve its niche with its global take on farm-to-table, taking diners on a journey from Michigan, with simple local greens transformed into a symphony of flavors that belies its side

dish

Madam gives classic cocktails a refresh with subtle and surprising twists. The Subourbon, for instance, combines bourbon and orange bitters with walnut liquor, all spice, and cherry syrup.

RESTAURANT YEAR of the

Tender miso-roasted heirloom carrots are topped with romesco sauce, feta cheese, and fresh mint.

RESTAURANT YEAR of the

Full Circle

One of Madam’s most popular dishes is the mushroom dumplings, which have been a menu staple since the restaurant first opened its doors in 2021. It is also among the quintessential dishes that exemplify the Madam ethos of sourcing locally, making everything from scratch, and wasting nothing.

As of mid-December, chef de cuisine Clifton Booth says, the kitchen staff had rolled about 27,000 dumplings in 2022.

Here’s how the pros at Madam make them: They start off with a mushroom mix (sourced from The Mushroom Hub in Windsor, Ontario) that features fresh shiitakes and oyster mushrooms. Aromatics, such as ginger, scallions, and garlic, are added.

The dumpling is similar to a Chinese soup dumpling, which is usually filled with meat gelatin. Here, they use mushroom dashi (a Japanese soup stock) jelly, which utilizes the trim

cut from the mushrooms.

Then, it's rolled into a rice flour-based wrapper.

The dumplings are blanched, then steamed.

They’re served with house-made "Chili Crunch"

(Madam’s version of the popular Chinese condiment chili crisp, which has chilies, fermented soybeans, and aromatics like garlic and ginger) and nestled on a bed of pea leaves.

And if there is still some waste, it goes into the compost. Some of that compost goes back to the farms that grow their produce.

“It comes full circle,” Booth says.

Madam’s mushroom dumplings have been a fixture of the menu since its inception.

label, to Asia, with staples like mushroom dumplings, to Europe, with flavor-forward entrees like the Spanish octopus. Combining modern art (the aforementioned portraits were created by Dutch artist Karin Vermeer in her signature style), polished service, and locally focused food that tantalizes with every bite, Madam has quickly become one of metro Detroit’s best restaurants and is our 2023 Restaurant of the Year.

Thinking Globally, Acting Locally

When it comes to Madam’s approach to food, Daxton owner Mark Mitchell says the restaurant is farm-to-table but with a different spin.

“Normally, when [other restaurants] do farm-totable, everybody just kind of goes off of what I would say is more of an Americanized menu,” Mitchell says. “When you look at our menu, when you look at some of our pasta dishes [for example], it brings in some flavors from around the world.”

A recent pasta dish that shows off Madam’s approach to flavors is the beet tortelloni, which seems to encompass a conflicting assortment of flavors: The combination of pickled fennel, Boursin, and orange puree initially had us shaking our heads. When we dined at Madam, our server, Teal, assured us we’d enjoy it, and she did not let us down. The orange puree, which promised some sweetness, also included plenty of zest, the perfect amount of bitterness to complement the other flavors. Another pasta dish featured potato gnocchi with Calabrian sausage, sofrito, spinach, and Manchego.

The signature dishes of mushroom dumplings and forbidden rice exemplify the “farm-to-table with an international twist” approach. The

dumplings are Asian inspired, borrowing from China and Japan with a house-made chili oil paired with a soup dumpling filled with mushroom dashi. The forbidden rice is fried with house-made Italian sausage and served piping hot with a sunny yellow raw farm-fresh egg that cascades over the rice and coats every grain when you pierce it with your fork.

Side dishes here are no mere afterthought — they shine as brightly as, if not more than, the main event — as demonstrated by the ancient-grain risotto served with the salmon. The salmon itself was grilled to perfection, but the risotto it sat on stole the show. Roasted root vegetables, pimento creme fraiche, and arugula salad rounded out the dish. On another visit, it wasn’t an entree but rather a side dish that left us wanting to drink the rest of the sauce in the bottom of the bowl. Seasonal greens were sauteed and simply dressed with a voluptuous cream sauce topped off with a paper-thin disc of crisp and lacy Parmesan. It exemplified how great simple cooking can be, the

comforting flavors embracing us with each bite.

“We look to keep things as fresh and seasonal [as possible] and to rotate the product out as often as we possibly can,” Chef de Cuisine Booth says.

“It’s been amazing [working and coming up at Madam]; all the culinarians we have are so driven,” Booth says. “And it truly is humbling to see how much passion they all have. I’ve been in the industry for over 25 years. Just seeing the growth in the kitchen and seeing where these kids are. And just remembering being that old and [thinking], ‘I remember doing this.’”

As the chef de cuisine, Booth collaborated with Hogerheide on the menu before Hogerheide left. And Booth, “who has been instrumental in driving the Madam menu, has taken on Madam’s menu entirely himself,” says Daxton marketing manager Josh Griffin.

One of the dishes where you can see Booth’s influences at work is the Spanish octopus, which has become a fixture on the constantly evolving

“

WE LOOK TO KEEP THINGS AS FRESH AND SEASONAL [ AS POSSIBLE ] AND TO ROTATE THE PRODUCT OUT AS OFTEN AS WE POSSIBLY CAN.

“All the culinarians we have are so driven,” chef de cuisine Clifton Booth says of his fellow chefs. One of them, banquet chef Jake Szary is pictured here, at his right, in the Madam dining room. "It truly is humbling to see how much passion they all have.”

Desserts are constructed just as as carefully the entrees. This goat cheese panna cotta is served with spice cake and pumpkin ice cream and topped with lavender, honey, and poppyseed brittle.

they’re the reason that this is on a plate. We just make it look good and taste good.”

Cocktails and wine add another dimension to the experience. One of our servers, Dawn, expertly recommended to us drinks suited to our likes after short quiz: the Madam (with tequila, Aperol, pineapple, lime, and Firewater bitters) for me because I like fresh and light drinks that make me feel like I’m sitting on a beach along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, and an Old Woodward for my companion, who loves anything bitter with bourbon. On another occasion, Teal navigated us through the wine list, the selections of bottles spanning 15 pages — a wide variety including everything from interesting whites from the Old World to reds from the New World, including a wallet-friendly Cabernet from Napa Valley we enjoyed with our meal. We asked for a recommendation for our fish course, and Teal came through again with a surprisingly fruitforward Chardonnay that paired well.

Desserts are also as interesting and thoughtfully constructed as the main dishes, highlighting the best of local producers’ bounty while looking like art on plates. The Local Apple Pie — with Heaven’s Door bourbon, miso caramel, and vanilla ice cream — was made with a white cheddar crust, giving it a slightly salty and subtly savory twist that made it among the best we’d ever tasted. The citrus olive oil cake was decadent and luxurious, with ganache, crystallized chocolate, and chocolate anglaise. While that chocolate on chocolate on chocolate could be excessive, the orange notes of the softas-a-down-pillow cake balanced out the richness.

Speaking of pillows, the long benches wrapping around tables have plenty of them — no matter where you’re seated, you’ll feel like you lucked out to be led to your own little nest before you partake in your meal. And that’s part of the charm at Madam. The servers anticipate your every need and keep the meal going at a nice pace. We didn’t even realize four hours had flown by, and not once did we feel like it was time to take the table conversation elsewhere. But if you don’t want the night to end, there’s always the Geode Bar & Lounge.

menu. Booth brings his knowledge of Spanish and French flavors to this dish, with the intense flavors of Spanish chorizo complemented by the tang of pickled fennel and squid-ink vinaigrette.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the dedication to working with local producers and farmers.

“Everyone that we work with is very passionate about what they do,” Booth says. “And it shows; the quality of the ingredients that we are getting in is top notch. You know when a farmer really cares about what they do because it speaks in not only the flavor of the ingredients but the appearance and the care that they take. When you can look at

a carrot and you break it open, you see the layers of colors and you see the layers of different textures of everything. And then you taste it next to a commodity-style, and it’s night and day.”

Daxton Hotel works with more than 20 local farms and purveyors, according to Griffin. Some of the farmers they work with include Fisheye Farms, Featherstone Gardens, and Motor City Seafood Co. About 75 percent of the menu is locally sourced, Booth says.

“We’re able to showcase what [the farmers and producers] are doing to the community,” Booth says. “I like to treat them like rock stars. Because

A ‘Place for People to Come and Gather’

When we left at 10 p.m. after dinner on a Thursday, both the bar and lobby were packed; we saw many more women at the bar than there had been four hours earlier, many in their 30s and 40s.

The Geode Bar is an extension of Madam, making it the perfect beginning or ending to the meal. On one occasion when we arrived 20 minutes early for our reservation, we saw a few people in the hotel lobby. The bar area was about half full, with a group of about eight men who appeared to be businessmen from out of town but

RESTAURANT YEAR of the

Feast for the Eyes

Art is an integral part of the experience of dining at Madam and visiting Daxton Hotel as a whole, with more than 400 original pieces of art curated from around the world by Saatchi Art. Each guest room includes a custom piece of artwork from one of more than 80 artists representing 40 countries. Some of the pieces even come from owner Mark Mitchell’s personal collection. Here is a look at some of the artwork you’ll see at the Daxton Hotel.

GEODE BAR & LOUNGE

The adjacent lounge to Madam (top left) is a work of art itself, crafted by Romeobased metal fabricator Andy Gaskey. He fabricated about six different individual pieces that were shipped to Birmingham, then assembled in place over the bar. The geodesic shape is a recurring motif at the hotel and restaurant, from the water glasses to some of the light fixtures (middle right). There’s even a signature cocktail called the Geode Spritz, a delicious and deceptively light concoction made with vodka, Pama liqueur, Campari, lemon, grapefruit, and Prosecco.

PINK BUNNY BY ROARK GOURLEY

As you walk to the bathroom, you might glimpse out of the corner of your eye a hotpink bunny (middle left) down the hall lit in an eerie way that may or may not bring to mind the film Donnie Darko (2001). But the story of the pink bunny is far from sinister its name is a play on one of Mitchell’s kids’ nicknames and represents a passion for family, community, and laughter (the hotel is named after one of Mitchell’s kids, while Madam is an amalgamation of Mitchell’s and four of his kids’ initials). The 9-foot-tall sculpture was hand-carved and then got its eye-popping color from a special paint process that required rapid application to ensure there was no dripping.

CUSTOM LIGHTING INSTALLATION

The lighting installation in the Wine Room at Daxton Hotel (top right) is a custom fixture that was created by Yellow Goat Design, specifically for the hotel. Over the mantel is the painting “Hats to Make You a Beauty” by artist Karin Vermeer.

“THE GOLDEN MECHANICAL HORSE” BY ADRIAN LANDON

Landon is the artist behind the hotel’s flashy 24-karat-gold-plated horse (bottom left), which gallops for a full minute. Expression of raw energy is a central theme of Landon’s work, and that passion is on full display in this sculpture. Landon is known for creating “Wings of Glory,” a Pegasus sculpture that had both a wingspan and height of 35 feet, for Burning Man.

“STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES” BY STEPHEN ROWE

When guests check in to the hotel, one of the first things that greet them is an abstract painting by LA-based artist Stephen Rowe (bottom right), a personal favorite of Mitchell’s. “That’s the first piece of art I ever collected,” Mitchell says. “And I thought it only appropriate that I put that behind the front of the house.” Rowe has several other pieces featured at the hotel, including “I Love the Silence of Blue” in the wine room. “As an international artist, I feel very honored to be in amongst some amazingly talented artists that Mark has collected,” Rowe says. “And I believe the focus of the Daxton supports the artist and the arts, and that makes Birmingham a great destination to go see some great art.”

The menu changes regularly at Madam, but one dish that has become a staple is the Spanish octopus, which showcases the Spanish and French influences in Chef de Cuisine Booth’s cooking style.

The Tagliatelle features jumbo-lump crab, smoked trout roe, and leeks, swimming in a creamy lemon butter and tarragon sauce.

RESTAURANT YEAR of the

Madam's inclusive drink program offers a host of mocktails, such the PG-13. This sansbooze option is made with passionfruit, lemon, vanilla syrup, and zeroproof sparkling wine.

The Backstory

Daxton Hotel had been a longtime dream of local entrepreneur Mark Mitchell, who has built a successful career in creating visions and making them reality. The founder of Visiting Physicians Association (which expanded into the holding company HarmonyCares) and the Mitchell Family Office, a management platform that has invested in more than 20 companies across a wide swath of industries, has entrepreneurial roots that go back to when he was a 15-year-old launching a landscaping business.

“I had some friends that were literally pushing lawn mowers, doing lawns around their subdivision, and I thought, ‘They can do it better than this,’” Mitchell recalls. “And then my dad taught me as long as you work hard and hire good people and work alongside them, they’d work really hard for you.”

When Mitchell told his dad he wanted to start his own venture, he told his son that for every hour Mitchell worked, he would match what he made. In addition to that seed funding, he gave him his 16th birthday present early, a used truck.

Mitchell ran the business after school and through his second year of college at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he majored in economics. He sold the business for a sum in the “hundreds of thousands,” quite the payday for a college sophomore.

Mitchell’s work in the medical management field has led him all over the globe, and his international travels inspired him to bring the type of hotel he’d stay at, such as The Peninsula in Beverly Hills, California, where the staff remembers your name, to Birmingham.

“The whole goal with Daxton Hotel was to make an architectural and design experience, so every time you walked into a room or turned a corner, you had an ‘Oh, wow’ experience,” Mitchell says.

Part of that “Oh, wow” experience comes from the hundreds of art pieces all over the hotel, from the custom light fixture in Madam that resembles a pearl necklace to the artwork in the guest rooms. (See the "Feast for the Eyes" sidebar for more.)

It was always a given that Daxton Hotel — which was five years in the making, from design to construction — would be in Birmingham, with Mitchell on a mission to make the metro Detroit suburb a destination on par with the top cities in the world.

“I wanted to bring something to the local community. I wanted something that the community could be really proud to stand beside and something that people would come to,” he says.

could have been locals meeting for happy hour. There was also a couple; the woman was from Dearborn and had been to Madam and the Geode Bar & Lounge many times. She wanted to bring her companion there — he was from Chicago and in Birmingham for the first time — because she likes it so much. The restaurant and bar see more locals than travelers, Griffin says.

Daxton recently expanded its seat offerings in the bar area by adding more tables and chairs near the front windows, creating a more welcoming atmosphere with a unique metropolitan feel where people come and go as well as sit and enjoy cocktails. For us, it had the feel of being on vacation and discovering a fun, upscale bar where the action was.

Since its opening, Madam has evolved into a “place for people to come and gather,” Mitchell says.

“[The menu] was a little bit more eclectic when it started out,” Mitchell says. “Some of the items now are, let’s say a little bit more mainstreamed, which is nice for people because a lot of times there are great restaurants, but they’re destination [restaurants] where you would only go maybe once a year or twice a year. Originally, that’s kind of how we saw the restaurant. And then [Madam] was so welcomed by the community and everybody around [that] it ended up being a gathering place. So now we have people that frequent literally weekly.”

298 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-2834200. B,D Daily. L Mon.-Fri. BR Sat.-Sun.

BY BLAKE MILLER PHOTOS BY GINA VALENTE

CabinRentals

ina Valente has always had an affection for photography and social media. “Even back in the Myspace days, I loved how you could combine the two,” the Detroit native says. In 2013, she and her sister combined their love of food and Valente’s passion for photography and social media with an Instagram page aptly titled Girls Gone Hungry, followed by a blog two years later. The blog and social media page (which has more than 54,000 followers) are devoted to highlighting restaurants in the greater Detroit area.

But it was a visit to Iceland that same year that made Valente branch out to writing about local travel and design. “While I was there, I saw all of these really amazing cabins,” she says. “You drive around Iceland’s iconic Ring Road along the coastline, and there are cabins by waterfalls, cabins by rolling hillsides, all very Scandinavian in design. It really sparked my interest in cabins and their architecture.”

Not long after, Valente began renting cabins throughout Michigan as well as Ohio and Wisconsin, documenting her travels along the way on her personal blog and Instagram page, Moody Cabin Girl “Michigan and the Great Lakes have such vast forest areas chock-full of cabins and beautiful scenery,” says Valente, who has stayed in approximately 70 cabins throughout the Midwest. “There’s a huge cabin community here.”

Valente has garnered a following of more than 23,600 on Instagram and has earned her mark as an expert in “cabincore culture,” a term used to describe the trend of cabin-chic interiors and fashion.

Here, Valente gives an inside look at her favorite Michigan getaways.

Cabin 6

Harbor Springs is one of Valente’s favorite Michigan destinations, so it’s no wonder she has a strong fondness for Cabin 6. The newly renovated A-frame cabin is located in the heart of Harbor Springs and is the brainchild of owners Brooke Schwartz and Steven Edelman. With their background in design, the couple transformed the space into a home that’s clean and modern yet welcoming. “This is a very design-forward cabin, but it still retains its coziness,” Valente says. “The striking black exterior is a jaw-dropper, while the inside is very light and airy.” The hike up a long set of stairs to the entrance is worth it; the view of the nearby all-seasons resort The Highlands is stunning and one of the cabin’s highlights. The home’s location on top of a hill makes it feel like a secluded, tranquil treehouse, while the large wraparound porch offers a bit of respite after a long day exploring the area. Inside, white shiplap ceilings and walls lay the foundation for rustic modern details such as a cowhide with oak floors underfoot. The kitchen boasts open shelving accented by a modern black tumbled gloss backsplash that gives just the right edge to the overall aesthetic.

Cabin 6 has three bedrooms and two bathrooms and accommodates eight people. The cabin rents for about $299 per night. Book at micabin6.com.

Clarity House

VALENTE’S 5 TIPS FOR PICKING THE PERFECT RENTAL CABIN

Start planning early.

“The best cabins generally book up months in advance, especially if you’re looking for summer weekend dates.”

says travel blogger Gina Valente. “I recommend starting to look six months

prior to your stay, if you can swing it.”

Use filters. “Airbnb’s search options have gotten a lot better over the last few years. Now, you can filter based on things like whether pets are allowed, whether it’s

on the waterfront — you can even filter for A-frame homes.”

Don’t judge a rental based on the quality of the photos. Some of my favorite cabins used terrible photos in the listing. Sometimes you have to look past the

photo quality to see the diamond in the rough.”

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Be flexible in your location. “If you’re willing to stay a halfhour’s drive away from a tourist town and don’t mind giving up things like being on the waterfront,

you could pay a lot less money for an amazing property.”

Look through every page of your search results “Some of your favorite cabins may be on the last page of your search! Don’t give up too soon.”

While its proximity to Lake Michigan near Glen Arbor is one of Clarity House’s biggest draws, it’s the interiors that Valente loves most. Owner Marcus Trombetta sketched the modern chalet and enlisted an architect to bring it to fruition in 2020. While the exterior seamlessly blends with its rustic setting, the interiors are modern, with clean details and finishes throughout. Heated polished concrete floors (a bonus in the cold Michigan winters), sweeping cathedral ceilings with weathered oak beams, and a black-andwhite color palette with warm organic accents such as a leather Chesterfield sofa and a weathered wood coffee table on casters make this a unique and inviting cabin retreat. “The main living space of this house has a very open floor plan,” Valente says. And with Glen Arbor nearby, this modern chalet is the ideal home base for day trips to Lake Leelanau and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Clarity House features three bedrooms and three bathrooms and accommodates eight people. The cabin rents for about $461 per night. Book at airbnb.com.

Great Lakes Modern’s 1960s Chalet

Valente loves this property from rental company Great Lakes Modern in Harbor Springs — not only for its amazing setting but also for the cabin’s interiors. Cabin owner Meghan Warner Baker is a professional antique hunter and helms an Etsy page — appropriately named Great Lakes Modern — where she sells her treasures, including finds such as vintage faux-horn knives, midcentury Danish bowls, and antique ship doorsteps.

“Many of these amazing finds are used to decorate the cabin,” Valente says.

“The midcentury furniture and decorations utilized in the cabin make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.” The back patio, though, is the star: a large deck built around a towering tree with views of The Highlands just beyond. The cabin is situated directly next to Nub’s Nob ski resort, and its proximity to downtown Harbor Springs makes it secluded yet accessible — ideal for a private getaway or a more adventurous one.

Great Lakes Modern’s 1960s Chalet features three bedrooms and two bathrooms and accommodates eight people. The cabin rents for about $395 per night. Book at vrbo.com. For more information on Great Lakes Modern, visit glmodern.com.

True North Cabin on Lake Superior

If you want to go completely off the grid, True North Cabin is a must-visit. The ultrasecluded 2-acre retreat is located by Copper Harbor on the Keweenaw Peninsula along the rocky shores of stunning Lake Superior. And with no Wi-Fi or cell service, there’s nothing to do but take in the epic scenery. “It’s one of the most interesting locations

I’ve ever visited,” Valente says. Cabin owners Lynn and Jason Makela renovated the two-bedroom “Scandinavian cabin-meets-Aspen ski lodge” with thoughtful touches such as cozy blankets, plush seating, and wooden accents throughout. The cabin was designed in Portland, Oregon, as a ski chalet in the 1950s or ’60s, and the architectural blueprints hang in the kitchen. The highlight is the recently added back patio where Adirondack chairs and a firepit give way to views of the starry nights and the northern lights.

True North Cabin features two bedrooms and one bathroom and accommodates four people. The cabin rents for about $585 per night. Book at airbnb.com.

Martin House

This charming, renovated farmhouse built in the 1900s is one of Valente’s favorites.

“[Owner Marissa Wege] is an expert at decorating a space. From vintage National Geographic magazines to handmade ceramics, she uses interesting pieces to tell a story in each room. There are many decorative pieces everywhere [including a gallery wall of framed botanical prints and wooden duck decoys displayed throughout], and yet nothing ever feels cluttered — a feat not many can accomplish!”

The covered wraparound

porch makes for a great place to read a book in the early morning hours or enjoy evening cocktails before heading down to the outdoor fireplace. The home is located just five minutes from South Lake Leelanau and 10 minutes from popular Traverse City and boasts private access to the 17-mile Leelanau Trail.

Martin House has three bedrooms and oneand-a-half bathrooms and accommodates six people. The cabin rents for about $471 per night. Book at airbnb.com.

Harbor Springs A-Frame

A-frame aficionados are a passionate bunch who appreciate the nostalgic element of this cabin style, and the Harbor Springs A-Frame does not disappoint. Owner Chris Stranad renovated the home while maintaining its architectural integrity and original character, resulting in a classic, modernized rustic cabin. Valente’s favorite part about the charming cabin is the upstairs loft. “It’s so cozy!” she says. “I couldn’t wait to hang string lights and spend time in that space.” Valente also notes that the Harbor Springs A-Frame features “a working wood stove, lots of fuzzy blankets, and a wellmaintained outdoor space that is perfect for nightly bonfires.” The setting itself is one of its biggest attributes, too. Nestled in the woods across from a nature preserve and just a few minutes outside of downtown Harbor Springs, the cabin is a short drive from hiking trails, wineries, restaurants, and the famous Tunnel of Trees on M-119. The Harbor Springs A-Frame features two bedrooms and one bathroom and accommodates four people. The cabin rents for about $190 per night. Book at airbnb.com.

VALENTE’S 5 TIPS FOR BECOMING AN IDEAL CABIN HOST

Don’t oversell the property. Be sure to post photos that accurately portray the home, its setting, and the interiors, Valente says. Same with the “description in the listing, so you aren’t setting yourself

up for mismanaged expectations. That leads to bad reviews.”

Splurge on the bedding. “Guests love when you go the extra mile to ensure they enjoy peaceful sleep on their vacation.”

Clean thoroughly. This should go without saying, but a clean cabin is everything.

“Guests love a pristine property.”

Don’t go overboard on the checkout requirements.

“Asking that they load the dishwasher or remove the bedding is OK, but guests should not be treated the same as a cleaning service.”

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Read: don’t ask guests to take out the trash upon departure.

Keep it professional and don’t bad-mouth guests on social media.

“Airing your grievances with past guests will have potential ones running in the opposite direction.”

Stillwater Cottage

Valente describes the interior of this renovated lakeside cottage in the heart of Leelanau County as “Scandi-boho.” Owners Dana and Barry Kotler transformed the cottage with eclectic accents and decor; vintage glassware, Moroccan tiles, Turkish rugs, antique artwork, and an old French farmhouse table are layered throughout, complementing the timeless character of the cottage. Located on Mougeys Lake, Stillwater Cottage is a short drive to popular destinations such as Traverse City and Lake Leelanau.

Stillwater Cottage features three bedrooms and three bathrooms and accommodates six people. The cottage rents for about $500 per night. Book at airbnb.com.

Private Schools & Summer Camps

Private Schools & Summer Camps

Private Schools & Summer Camps

Top Orthopedic Surgeons

The following physicians are current or past Hour Detroit Top Docs in the Orthopedic Surgery categories. Hour Detroit Top Docs are chosen through a rigorous peer review only. That is, and always has been, the sole criterion for inclusion in Top Docs. Inclusion cannot be bought, and advertising has no impact on the review process. The full list of current Top Docs can be found in the October issue, and on hourdetroit.com

Hand Surgery

Altman, Perry M.D. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

* Arora, Avery M.D. Detroit Medical Center

Babushkina, Anna M.D. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Baron, Andrew M.D. Henry Ford Health

Bohm, Kyle M.D. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Bush, Ara M.D. Beaumont

Ciullo, Jeremy M.D. Ascension Michigan, Beaumont, Detroit Medical Center

Colen, Alexander D.O. Ascension Michigan, Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

DeSilva, Stephen M.D. Henry Ford Health, Trinity Health Michigan

Dietz, James M.D. Beaumont

Gorski, John M.D. Beaumont, Detroit Medical Center

Hankin, Fred M.D. Trinity Health Michigan

King, Elizabeth M.D. Henry Ford Health

Placzek, Jeffrey M.D. Ascension Michigan

Rohde, Rachel M.D. Beaumont, Henry Ford Health

Samona, Scott M.D. Ascension Michigan, Beaumont, Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health

Singer, Richard M.D. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Sobol, Gregory M.D. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Hand Surgery - Pediatric

* Lochner, Heather M.D. DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan

Orthopedic Surgery

Acker, Steven D.O. Trinity Health Michigan

Afsari, Alan M.D. Ascension Michigan

Alosh, Hassan M.D. Beaumont, Henry Ford Health, Trinity Health Michigan

Bak, Sean M.D. Ascension Michigan

Charters, Michael M.D. Henry Ford Health

Cooke, Christopher M.D. Detroit Medical Center

Davis, Jason M.D. Henry Ford Health

DeClaire, Jeffrey M.D. Michigan Knee Institute

El-Yussif, Eddie D.O. Henry Ford Health

Frisch, Nicholas M.D. Ascension Michigan

Frush, Todd M.D. Ascension Michigan, Detroit Medical Center

Greene, Perry M.D. Beaumont

Guthrie, Stuart M.D. Henry Ford Health

Hakeos, William M.D. Henry Ford Health

Hill, Derek D.O. Ascension Michigan, Henry Ford Health

Hoegler, Joseph M.D. Henry Ford Health

Kassab, Safa M.D. Trinity Health Michigan

Kohen, Robert M.D. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Kornblum, Martin M.D.

Trinity Health Michigan

Lasater, Peter M.D.

Ascension Michigan, Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Marshall, Nathan M.D.

Ascension Michigan

McCarty, Scott M.D. Detroit Medical Center

Michigan Knee Institute Orthopaedic Knee Specialist

Board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic knee specialist Dr. Jeffrey H. DeClaire and the team at the Michigan Knee Institute are committed to improving their patients’ quality of life by utilizing advanced technology and the most innovative, minimally-invasive procedures and treatment options.

Dr. DeClaire’s groundbreaking Elite Knee procedure combines computer-generated imaging with robotic instrumentation and over 30 years of surgical expertise to provide a superior outcome for knee replacement patients. Using robotic technology and a ligament-tensioning device to measure a patient’s ligament balance, Dr. DeClaire can determine the best implant position, resulting in a well-balanced knee replacement.

The precision and accuracy of the Elite Knee offers a more successful knee replacement with reduced risk of complications, including malalignment, instability of the knee, stiffness, motion limitations, and pain. Patients undergoing the Elite Knee procedure report a 97 percent satisfaction rate, surpassing the 81 percent satisfaction rate using traditional, non-robotic knee replacement techniques.

The philosophy at the Michigan Knee Institute is to find practical solutions to preserve or restore normal knee anatomy using the least invasive approach possible. Physician assistants Meredith Wood and Natalie Ducharme assist Dr. DeClaire in providing patients with personalized treatment plans, for the best possible outcomes for injured and damaged knees.

The Michigan Knee Institute, which performs more than 1,000 knee surgeries per year, is a state-of-the-art medical facility offering full-service treatments including minimally-invasive partial and total knee replacements, robotic knee surgery, outpatient knee replacement, cartilage restoration, and arthroscopy to get patients back on their feet and back to their active lives. ■

Mendelson, David M.D. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Mendelson, Jeffrey M.D. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Mendelson, Stephen M.D. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Michaelson, Jefferey M.D. Ascension Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Trinity Health Michigan

Milia, Marc M.D. Beaumont

Mott, Michael M.D.

Muh, Stephanie M.D. Henry Ford Health

Munk, Andres M.D. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Nasr, Kerellos M.D. Detroit Medical Center

* Prieskorn, David D.O. Beaumont

Ren, Emily M.D. Beaumont, Detroit Medical Center, Trinity Health Michigan

Vaidya, Rahul M.D. Detroit Medical Center, Trinity Health Michigan

Yusaf, Michael M.D. Ascension Michigan, Beaumont

Orthopedic Surgery - Pediatric

Ahmed A. Bazzi, D.O. DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan Detroit

Michelle S. Caird, M.D. Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Ann Arbor

Christopher Minnock, M.D

DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan Detroit

Jeffrey Settecerri, M.D. Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons

Royal Oak

Walid Yassir, M.D

DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan Detroit

Ira Zaltz, M.D. Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons Royal Oak

Sports Medicine

Cooke, Christopher M.D. Detroit Medical Center

* Ellenberg, Michael M.D. Beaumont, Henry Ford Health

Frush, Todd M.D. Ascension Michigan, Detroit Medical Center

Haque, Sadiq D.O. Detroit Medical Center

Jaskulka, Bradley M.D. Henry Ford Health

Kakos, Brandon M.D. Detroit Medical Center

Karageanes, Steven D.O. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Kolowich, Patricia M.D. Henry Ford Health

Lasater, Peter M.D. Ascension Michigan, Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Makhni, Eric M.D. Henry Ford Health

Mendelson, David M.D. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Mendelson, Jeffrey M.D. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Mendelson, Stephen M.D. Beaumont, Trinity Health Michigan

Moeller, James M.D.

Moore, Nicholas M.D. Ascension Michigan, Detroit Medical Center

Morasso, John D.O. Beaumont, Detroit Medical Center

Moutzouros, Vasilios M.D.

Prieskorn, David D.O. Beaumont

Samani, John M.D. Trinity Health Michigan

Shehab, Ramsey M.D. Henry Ford Health

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

Another spring, another chance to chase away bad luck

It’s been remarkable to watch the Marche du Nain Rouge grow into a full-fledged Detroit holiday in the city’s Cass Corridor neighborhood. For the uninitiated, the Mardi Gras-esque affair brings thousands marching down Second Avenue to chase away

the mythical, devil-like character known as the Nain Rouge, who, it is said, has been bringing bad luck to Detroit since the city’s founding. Each year, participants don ever more elaborate costumes and fashion even more makeshift floats, and the event has evolved from a midafternoon street parade into a daylong party. Many of the local businesses

DON’T-MISS EVENTS

Save the dates for comedy shows, film screenings, performances, and more

BY

LAUREN WETHINGTON

MARCH 2 • COMEDY

Luenell and Kym Whitley:

Arkansas-born comedian and actress Luenell Campbell first entered the public eye in the early ’90s when she made regular appearances on the Oakland, California, cable station KSBT. Since then, she’s appeared in dozens of big- and small-screen comedies, including Borat, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Dolemite Is My Name. She will bring along fellow funny woman Kym Whitley, who is best known for her role in the 2003 comedy film Deliver Us from Eva, when she stops at the Sound Board theater for a night of stand-up. $40+. Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 2023

Culture Calendar

Our carefully curated guide to the month in arts and entertainment

BY RYAN PATRICK HOOPER

and eateries are known to offer specials in the weeks leading up to the Marche, adding to the overall theatrical atmosphere. The event, which returns at the end of the month, on March 26, is completely free, open to the public, and family friendly. For more details, visit marchedunainrouge.com.

LIVE MUSIC Two must-see shows at Third Man Records

We’ll stick around the neighborhood, as I’m excited to have the opportunity to finally include Jack White’s Third Man Records in Culture Calendar. It’s part retail, it’s part vinyl pressing plant (you can schedule a Friday tour for $15 per person), and

it’s one of the coziest, best-sounding music venues in the area. This month, you’ve got two excuses to finally visit if you’ve yet to do so: Os Mutantes is a Brazilian psych-rock group that influenced everyone from Beck to Kurt Cobain — your favorite band’s favorite band, if you will. From one of the greatest guitar licks of all time on the “Oh, I’ve heard this before” jam of “A Minha Menina” to the rest of its fuzzed-out catalog, Os Mutantes will bring one of the best feel-good, dance-allnight shows around to Detroit. If you’re looking for something a bit more experimental, allow me to introduce you to the double billing of the James Brandon Lewis Trio and The

Messthetics, who combined forces last year to put out the jazz-tinged progressive instrumental single “Fear Not.”

Featuring former members of the influential punk band Fugazi, The Messthetics deliver some of the sharpest instrumental rock you can find on stage. Saxophonist and composer James Brandon Lewis dropped his best work to date with his latest album, Jesup Wagon Expand your musical palette by attending one (or both) of these shows. You can catch them at Third Man Records on March 8 (Os Mutantes) and March 16 (James Brandon Lewis Trio and The Messthetics). For tickets, visit Third Man Records in Detroit or thirdmanrecords.com.

MARCH 3-5 • THEATER

Paw Patrol Live: Heroes Unite: Help the animal cast of Paw Patrol solve puzzles and travel the globe at this family-friendly stage production. Incredible visual effects, a catchy musical score, and engaging storytelling will entertain and enthrall kids of all ages. A VIP package, which includes premium seats and after-show photo opportunities with Paw Patrol characters, is also available. $30+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 5 • MUSIC

Alvvays: This Canadian indie pop band’s 2022 album Blue Rev landed on multiple year-end “best of” lists, thanks to richly layered power pop sounds

and a witty, nonchalant lyrical style. Hear standout tracks like “Pharmacist” and “Easy on Your Own?” when the band stops at Detroit’s Majestic Theatre this month. $25+. Majestic Theatre, Detroit; majesticdetroit.com

comedy tour. The show will feature Druski’s original stand-up routine as well as a live rendition of his “Coulda Been Records” segment, which offers up-andcoming performers a chance to showcase their talents before a live audience. $35.75+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 11 • COMEDY

Jam: A New Legacy. $45+. The Fillmore, Detroit; livenation.com

MARCH 11 • FILM

MARCH 10 • COMEDY

Druski: Following recent collaborations with Lil Yachty, Jack Harlow, and Drake, comedian and internet personality Drew Dawit Desbordes will embark on his first-ever headlining

Sarah Silverman: The Emmy Award-nominated comedian, actress, and writer will make a stop at The Fillmore during her upcoming Grow Some Lips tour. Best known for her Comedy Central variety show, The Sarah Silverman Program, Silverman also boasts four full-length comedy albums and appearances in various films, including School of Rock, Funny People, and Space

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan: Enjoy a screening of the cult classic 1982 movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, followed by a live appearance from special guest William Shatner. Fans will have the chance to ask questions and hear behind-the-scenes tales from throughout the actor’s celebrated career. Photo opportunities and autographs are available for an additional charge. $39.75+. Redford Theatre, Detroit; redfordtheatre.com

MARCH 12 • MUSIC

Vanessa Carlton: This Pennsylvania-born singer-songwriter first achieved mainstream

 Saxophonist James Brandon Lewis will play at Third Man Records this month in a double-billed show with The Messthetics.

On My Playlist

DOWNTOWN EVENT

Detroit Spring

Home & Garden Show is like Comic-Con for the HGTV crowd

As with the boat and RV shows, such huge events at downtown Detroit’s Huntington Place offer the ultimate window-shopping experience, and this one is ideal for anyone who is heavily invested in home-improvement projects, or just absolutely obsessed with HGTV (guilty as charged). Attendees can expect big-time displays, appearances from big-time personalities (Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas, the co-hosts of HGTV’s hit

series Bargain Block, among them), and an array of industry professionals showing their wares. Even if you aren’t ready to tackle a home-improvement project of your own just yet, you’ll get plenty of ideas; think about it like walking through a giant Pinterest board. Plus, it’s a surprisingly fun way to spend a weekend (March 18 and 19) in downtown Detroit. For more details, visit YourHomeShows.com

Ryan Patrick Hooper is the host of Culture Shift on 101.9 WDET, Detroit’s NPR station (weekdays from noon to 2 p.m.).

Local electronic music icon Theo Parrish brings Detroit together for his latest project

Last year, Detroit electronic music stalwart Theo Parrish put out a DJ-Kicks mix (basically a mixtape of his own music, plus that of his favorite artists), and it’s a de-facto showcase for the abundance of talent characterizing our current music scene. From the excellent kickoff track by saxophonist and composer De’Sean Jones and singer Ideeyah (“Pressure”) to Jon Dixon’s gorgeous progressive house number (“Wind Drifts”), each track feels like its own world existing in harmony within this multi-disc galaxy from Parrish. It’s certainly worth a listen. Not only will you discover new players in the local music game (it is titled Detroit Forward after all), but you’re also sure to enjoy a barrage of “Wow, I love this — who is it?” when you make it the background track for your next dinner party. Available to stream wherever you listen to music. Detroit Forward can be purchased in digital and vinyl formats via Bandcamp.

success with her breakthrough hit “A Thousand Miles” in 2002. The track charted in the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 list, and the album from which it was plucked — Be Not Nobody — later went platinum. Carlton has since released five more studio albums, including 2020’s Love Is an Art. $30. The Ark, Ann Arbor; theark.org

features a blend of comedy and drama that was truly ahead of its time when it debuted in 1738. Experience this opulent production from director Tazewell Thompson, featuring dynamic countertenor Key’mon Murrah as Xerxes and internationally renowned soprano Lauren Snouffer as Romilda. $29+. Detroit Opera House, Detroit; detroitopera.org

MARCH 14 • THEATER

Michelle Azar. Witty, fascinating, and funny, the production offers a chance for audiences to get acquainted with an American icon and the tribulations that shaped her professional life. $49+. Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor; michigantheater.org

and ’80s drum-machine beats. $45+. The Fillmore, Detroit; livenation.com

MARCH 20-APRIL 1 • ART

Northville Student Art

Exhibitions: Northville Art House will feature two student displays this month: the Northville High School Student International Baccalaureate Art Exhibition, featuring pieces created by more than 30 students enrolled in the school’s IB visual arts program, and the Northville Public Schools Student Visual Art Exhibition, which recognizes young local artists in grades six through 12. No cost. Northville Art House, Northville; northvillearthouse.org

MARCH 21 • MUSIC

Keshi: This singer, songwriter, record producer, and multiinstrumentalist is known for his distinctive falsetto vocals and richly textured instrumentals. Hear his unique fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and alternative musical styles as he supports his debut studio album, Gabriel, which premiered last year. $24.75+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 26 • MUSIC

Brit Floyd: Pink Floyd fans will enjoy faithful live renditions of the iconic classic rock band’s most beloved tracks, thanks to this England-based tribute band. Dubbed the “World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show,” the production will feature highlights from Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, Wish You Were Here, and more, along with dazzling multimedia and laser light shows. $34.50+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 4-12

• THEATER

Xerxes: This classic, fast-paced opera by George Frideric Handel

All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: This new play by Tony Awardwinning playwright Rupert Holmes — who also penned and sang “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” — follows the storied career of the late Supreme Court justice, played by actress

MARCH 14-19 • THEATER

The Book of Mormon: This hilarious musical by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone won a whopping nine Tony Awards upon

its Broadway debut in 2011. These include Best Musical and Best Original Score. It follows the comedic misadventures of a pair of Mormon missionaries as they attempt to spread “the good word” to the uninterested inhabitants of a rural Ugandan village. $40+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

MARCH 16 • MUSIC

Ari Lennox: Grammy Awardnominated R&B singer Ari Lennox will be supporting her 2022 album Age/Sex/Location when she embarks on a North American tour this month. Her neo-soul single “Pressure,” which landed her on Billboard’s Hot 100 list in 2021, draws inspiration from Motown harmonies

MARCH 22 • MUSIC

Wizkid: Widely regarded as one of the most influential African artists of all time, Nigerian-born Afrobeat singer-songwriter Wizkid claims more Spotify streams than any other Nigerian artist in history. His fifth studio album, More Love, Less Ego, was released to warm critical reception in November. $39+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 23 • FILM

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya: Enjoy a screening of one of Studio Ghibli’s (Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service) most renowned films at Ann Arbor’s State Theatre. The movie tells the story of a ninthcentury orphan girl found in a stalk of bamboo by a bamboo cutter and his wife. As she grows into a beautiful young woman, five suitors compete for her affection. It will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles. $8.50+. State Theatre, Ann Arbor; michigantheater.org

MARCH 28-APRIL 2

THEATER

•

Chicago: After nearly 50 years, Chicago remains one of Broadway’s most beloved and acclaimed musicals. Touting six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and one Grammy Award, the show was also made into an Academy Award-winning hit film in 2002. Experience all the catchy songs and jaw-dropping choreography when this production arrives at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre. $30+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

MARCH 31 • MUSIC

Jill Scott: Following COVIDrelated cancellations in 2020, the three-time Grammy Awardwinning R&B artist is setting off on a belated celebration tour for the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking 2000 debut record, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1. Hear the album in its entirety, including standout tracks like “Gettin’ in the Way” and “A Long Walk,” when Scott performs at the Fox Theatre this month. $49.75+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

 Theo Parrish’s Detroit Forward is all you need to get educated on the current electronic scene.

Camp Walden offers a traditional camp experience with sporting activities and overnight trips to Lake Michigan.

HAPPY CAMPERS

These nine overnight and day camps will have your kids begging to leave home this summer

BY LAUREN WETHINGTON

ARTS & COLLEGE PREP COLLEGE FOR CREATIVE STUDIES' PRECOLLEGE SUMMER EXPERIENCE

High school students interested in pursuing a career in the arts can build their portfolios and prepare for college admissions by attending this summer program at Detroit’s own College for Creative Studies. Enrollees are invited to stay on campus and get to know faculty and industry professionals as they tackle the ambitious three-week experience.

Even better, they’ll earn three college credits upon completion of their program,

which gives them a strong portfolio and confidence, says Jane Stewart, director of precollege and continuing studies at CCS.

“At most high schools, there are two or three creative kids in every grade. Imagine having 150 creative young people hanging out in one place,” Stewart says. “They have a ball, and they’re with their people.”

Available are nine specially tailored concentrations, including content creation and design, digital film and photography, illustration, streetwear fashion design, and transportation design. Scholarships are available.

College for Creative Studies, Detroit; 313-664-7400; collegeforcreativestudies.edu

IDYLLIC OVERNIGHTS CAMP WALDEN

This overnight camp in Cheboygan sits on 90 acres of unspoiled northern Michigan beauty along Long Lake. Campers leave phones, tablets, and social media at home as they embark on a summer spent building friendships and learning new skills. Walden’s camper choice program encourages campers to create their own schedule and choose their own activities from an almost endless list of options, including water sports, horseback riding, sports, archery, yoga, animal care, gardening, arts and crafts, and performing arts.

Campers also have the opportunity to take overnight trips to standout northern

campers to turn their own unique interests and ideas into camper-led activities. As a result, more than 20 percent of the camp’s activities are planned and led by campers, including scavenger hunts, stargazing nights, and personal meditation sessions.

Camp Lookout offers one- and two-week sessions for kids ages 7 through 13. For older teens, the camp’s Teen Leadership Cojourn offers a 20-day outdoor retreat through its Crystalaire Adventures in Traverse City.

Camp Lookout, Frankfort; 231-299-0005; lookoutsummer.com

THE GREAT OUTDOORS HAYO-WENT-HA CAMPS

Unique wilderness adventure programs for boys and girls are divided by gender, age group, and area of interest at this overnight camp in northern Michigan. HayoWent-Ha’s boys’ camp lies on Torch Lake, while its girls’ camp sits on Arbutus Lake both a short drive from Traverse City.

For younger campers, programs take place largely at Hayo-Went-Ha’s own facilities, where enrollees spend days swimming, sailing, zip-lining, climbing, hiking, and learning basic outdoor skills to prepare for the camp’s more adventurous programs. But even the youngest campers will spend at least one night in the wilderness at the Hammock Forest — an openair campsite just a short hike from the main lodge.

Michigan destinations, including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Mackinac Island, and Tahquamenon Falls.

Camp Walden offers two-, three-, four-, five-, and sevenweek sessions beginning in late June for campers ages 7 through 16. Campers lodge in one of 32 cabins, each equipped with electricity, heat, and its own bathroom and shower facilities.

Camp Walden, Cheboygan; 248-225-1256; campwaldenmi.com

TEEN LEADERSHIP CAMP LOOKOUT

Situated between Lake Michigan and Lower Herring Lake in Frankfort, this overnight camp encourages

worked as a camp counselor during the 2022 season.

For campers of high school age, Hayo-Went-Ha’s offerings are composed mainly of exciting off-site experiences. Its Navigator program allows campers to spend two days learning sailing skills on Torch Lake before sending them on a 10-day sailing expedition to the Canadian North Channel. Meanwhile, campers in the Explorer program spend 14 days navigating Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario.

Hayo-Went-Ha’s most exciting offering may be its Alaska program, which is open to boys and girls who have completed 10th or 11th grade. Campers will fly to Juneau, Alaska, for a three-week trip full of hiking, kayaking, whale-watching, mountaineering, glacier climbing, and camping under the stars in one of the country’s most pristine natural settings.

Camp Hayo-Went-Ha for Boys, Central Lake; 231-5445915. Camp Hayo-Went-Ha for Girls, Traverse City; 231946-8589. hayowentha.org

JEWISH CULTURE TAMARACK CAMPS

Programs become more adventurous with each subsequent age group. Boys who have completed fifth grade can enroll in the Frontiersmen program, during which they’ll spend three days hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, two nights sleeping in a backcountry tent, and three days on South Manitou Island. For girls who have finished sixth grade, the Bushwhacker program offers a seven-day backpacking trip at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where they learn survival skills like cooking preserved food and purifying their own drinking water.

“There is nothing like being in the woods, surrounded by your best friends, challenging yourself and growing together,” says Emma Macaluso, who

For more than 100 years, Tamarack Camps has been providing Jewish families a home away from home for their children. Its most popular offering is Camp Maas, a 24-day session for kids grades two through nine set on two private lakes in Ortonville. Campers will enjoy all their favorite outdoor summer activities (including canoeing, horseback riding, and hiking), along with Israeli dancing and Jewish cultural programming.

Tamarack also offers two special needs inclusion programs: the Yachad Inclusion Program for children in grades two through nine and its Avodah Young Adult Program for teens and 20-somethings.

“Building an inclusive community is one of Tamarack Camps’ core values,” says Carly Weinstock, camp director. “It is important to us that we value and celebrate every person that is part of our community. I want all of our campers and staff to feel welcomed and to welcome each other.”

Tamarack Camps, Bloomfield Hills; 248-6471100; tamarackcamps.com

INCLUSIVITY SKYLINE CAMP & RETREAT CENTER

This Almont-based summer camp offers programs for children and teens of all ages and abilities, including day camps, overnight camps, a “future leaders” academy, and even a family camp that invites Mom, Dad, and siblings along for a weekend of rustic outdoor fun. Kids unplug from devices and social media to enjoy days of playing, crafting, hiking, cooking, berry-picking, and much more.

“Skyline Camp has enriched generations of my family,” says Royal Oak resident David London, who attended with his siblings as a child. “[We] loved every moment, from the campfire sing-alongs to the rustic cabins to the calming forest itself. And when they were old enough, I was overjoyed to send all of my own children to Skyline. It’s a part of me and will forever be a part of my boys as well.”

Camp Skyline’s most unique offerings are its programs designed for adults with developmental disabilities. Skyline’s Camp Sassafras welcomes individuals ages 18-29 years old, while adults over the age of 30 can enroll in Camp Joy. Both programs offer a roughly 1-2 staff-to-camper ratio and needs-based tiered pricing. Enrollees stay overnight in rustic log cabins, providing opportunities for them to bond with fellow campers over crackling bonfires and s’mores. By day, campers enjoy a wide array of traditional indoor and outdoor camp activities,

including therapeutic horseback riding.

Camp Sassafras will run June 18-23, while Camp Joy takes place June 11-16. All applicants are first placed on a wait list while the staff assess the needs of each individual camper in relation to the program’s capacity.

Skyline Camp & Retreat Center, Almont; 810-7988240; campskyline.org

SPORTS DETROIT TIGERS YOUTH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL CAMPS

Youths ages 6 through 14 will learn baseball and softball skills from pros at this intensive five-day day camp. Campers of all skill levels are welcome, from travel players to those who’ve never held a bat. Enrollees are grouped by age and ability and assigned a coach who will remain with the same group for the duration of the week.

Participants will receive an MLB-quality Detroit Tigers uniform and embark on a progressive, science-based training program designed not only to enhance their athletic ability but also to expand their love of the game and create lasting positive memories. Coaches also utilize Blast Motion, a stateof-the-art video analysis device, to record and dissect players’ techniques and offer insight into potential modes of improvement.

Perhaps best of all, on one of the five days, attendees take a VIP trip to Comerica Park, where they perform drills on the field with their coaches and participate in a Q&A with a current member of the Detroit Tigers. “That

 Detroit Tigers Youth Baseball and Softball Camp participants spend a day on the field at Comerica Park.

was really fun,” says Lucas Wagner, age 9, a Tigers fan from New York City who attended the camp in 2022. “I worked on the field the whole day until it was time to come home. I felt really happy that I was meeting a Tiger! Detroit Tigers baseball was one of the best camps I ever did.”

Campers also receive tickets to a Tigers home game as well as a graduation certificate upon completion of the program.

Camp locations are available across southeast Michigan, including in Detroit, Beverly Hills, Northville, Grosse Pointe Woods, Madison Heights, Pontiac, Dearborn, Canton, Warren, Ann Arbor, and Bloomfield Hills.

Tigers Youth Baseball and Softball Camps, various locations; 313-486-4886; mlb.com

EDUCATION STEM CAMPS AT CRANBROOK

This co-ed day camp for students in grades three through seven was developed by the prestigious Edgerton Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Each of eight themed weeks explores different aspects

of the STEM field, including ecology, physics, engineering, critical thinking, space and rocketry, mathematics, manufacturing, chemistry, and biology.

Campers will build and launch rockets, use 3D printers, create underwater remote-operated vehicles, solve natural mysteries, and conduct hands-on experiments. Each day begins with an ice-breaking game and team-building activities, encouraging campers to build new friendships as they explore the scientific world. As a bonus, campers have the opportunity to participate in open swim sessions at Cranbrook’s Williams Natatorium. At the end of each day, campers gather outside to share their day’s experiences with their peers and instructors.

Campers may choose from a full session (eight weeks), a half-session (four weeks), or a partial session (one week). Financial aid is available based on need. Shuttle transportation to Cranbrook’s campus is available to campers from locations in Birmingham, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, and Troy.

Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills; 248-6453000; cranbrook.edu

Campers with the Hayo-Went-Ha boys program stay and play at northern Michigan's scenic Torch Lake.

COLLEGE PREP SUMMER DISCOVERY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

This University of Michigan precollege academic program offers high school students the opportunity to become acquainted with the iconic Ann Arbor campus as they complete specialized courses designed to fit their planned path of study. Available curriculums include culinary arts, business, medicine, criminal justice, forensics, leadership, psychology, and more.

Although the academic programs offered at Summer Discovery are intensive, students also have plenty of opportunities to kick back and enjoy themselves. Trips to the Detroit Zoo, hikes through Nichols Arboretum, outdoor carnivals, visits to the farmers market, and artsand-crafts nights are just a few of the extracurricular activities that campers are invited to enjoy during their off-hours.

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; 516-447-4907; summerdiscovery.com

“There is nothing like being in the woods, surrounded by your best friends, challenging yourself and growing together.”

—EMMA MACALUSO, CAMP COUNSELOR AT HAYO-WENT-HA

ONE FOR THE HER-STORY BOOKS

Take a wild ride with Detroit History Club’s Bailey Sisoy-Moore

YOU KNOW THAT OLD saying, “History is written by the victors”? While it’s worth noting that most of those victors were men, along the way, there were also a lot of cool women — especially here in Detroit.

Just ask Bailey Sisoy-Moore. She will tell you all about them — the brave, the ballsy, and the downright badass — on one of her Wild Women of Detroit bus tours.

Sisoy-Moore is the founder of the Detroit History Club and Detroit History Tours, which conducts excursions on buses, on foot, and even on tall ships. Upon closing out 2022, Detroit History Tours had given nearly 470 tours, held nine events, and attracted its 300,000th guest since its inception seven years ago.

For Sisoy-Moore, who once lived in a former brothel in Highland Park and whose offices occupy what was once a funeral home in Hamtramck, history is a living thing. And it has become her fulltime career.

“You’ve got to have a sense of history to do this job,” says Sisoy-Moore, whose great-grandparents immigrated to Hamtramck from Russia in 1899 and later moved to Detroit’s Warrendale neighborhood. “When you love history, it’s always in your head.”

Sisoy-Moore launched her very first Wild Women of Detroit bus tour in 2014, when the tourcompany gig was a part-time job, with weekend tours only. In 2018, she switched gears, leaving a prestigious position as a model maker at General Motors Co. after nearly 10 years.

Traditionally, Women’s History Month is observed nationally in March, but Sisoy-Moore, 36,

BY ROBIN WATSON

celebrates women’s history year-round. The Wild Women of Detroit bus tours — always led by SisoyMoore herself — spotlight 12 to 15 women. She tells their stories as robustly as tales are usually told about men’s success or notoriety.

Who qualifies as a “wild woman” in this town?

“A woman who, through social, professional, or personal avenues, affected the way Detroit, Highland Park, or Hamtramck exists today,” SisoyMoore says.

Their achievements are often obscured. “Most historians have come across research that refers to a woman only as ‘Mrs. husband’s-last-name,’ hitting a barrier to learning even the first name of a woman heavily involved in charity or philanthropy work,” Sisoy-Moore says. “Women have always been part of the story but are often sidelined to present men as having done it all.”

Consider Esther Gordy Edwards, who is discussed as part of the new 2023 version of the tour. Berry Gordy III was Motown Records’ founder and creative force, but it was his older sister, Esther, whose business acumen, financial stewardship, and organization of the talent kept the company viable.

“Esther’s work at Motown was a huge part of their success,” Sisoy-Moore says. “She made sure the bills got paid and that female artists advocated for themselves.”

Other wild women who will be discussed include Rosa Parks; Ruth Ellis, a Black entrepreneur and LGBTQ rights leader in the 1940s; Helen Thomas, known as the “dean” of the White House press corps; Florence Knoll Bassett, whom The New York Times called the “single most powerful figure

in modern design”; and the first woman to own a Harley Davidson franchise.

Many of the wild women “wedged doors open so that more women could keep coming through,” Sisoy-Moore says.

Among the women who have been featured in the past, and who are important to recognize during Women’s History Month, are Marie Therese Cadillac — the wife of Detroit founder Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac — who handled administrative tasks and helped tend to the medical needs of soldiers and Native Americans; the “cigar girls of Detroit,” who, through their work at 5-cent cigar factories in Southwest Detroit, helped boost the city’s economy; and Helen McGowan, aka the “Motor City Madam,” who “cleaned up the more criminal sides of prostitution by getting rid of illegal drugs and alcohol. She even provided contraceptives and medical care to the women.”

So, is Sisoy-Moore a wild woman?

“You’ve got to be a little bit of a wild woman to be an entrepreneur,” she says. “I hope my actions and abilities leave me remembered fondly in Detroit, but I’ll leave that to the next generation of historians. I just hope they’ll be celebrating me — and that I’m not a cautionary tale.”

Wild Women of Detroit tours take place on select Thursday nights and on select Saturdays, with matinee and evening tours. Private tours are also available for booking any day and time. For tickets or for more information about the tours and Detroit History Club’s women’s history events throughout March, visit detroithistorytours.com.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH



Female cigar-factory workers who marched for fair wages (shown at left) are a subject of Wild Women of Detroit bus tours. The 2023 tour includes discussions about Wayne State University alumna Helen Thomas, who served as United Press InternationaI’s White House bureau chief, pictured above (in dark clothing) next to President Gerald Ford.

HOW TO LOOK AND FEEL OUR BEST IN 2023

Even in 2023, how we look still builds confidence and sends a message. Health and beauty go together – like peanut butter & jelly, Lennon & McCartney, cell phones & teenagers. When you are healthy, vibrant and active, you feel beautiful, confident and alive.

If the last few years have proven anything, it’s that we need to take better care of ourselves – both inside and out. It’s not exactly a secret formula or some great mystery on how to achieve this. It all starts with a healthy diet. Then mix in some exercise, running, walking, stretching, yoga, swimming and Pilates and life will get a lot better.

Sure, it can be confusing. Look at the poor egg. Once eggs were very good for you and then they were very bad for you. Not only are they good for you, but feel free to eat one or two every day to get your protein and vitamin D fix.

We always want to look and feel our best. Some are willing to pay to look their best –and others are willing to pay even more. But in a society that has become less focused on appearance and (thankfully) more open to change and difference, why do we still want to look our best?

Because how we look creates confidence in not only our appearance but our attitude. We want to feel a sense of pride when we look in the mirror and when you see yourself smiling back at you it makes you feel good. And we all want to feel good – even in 2023. 

Q: Who is the best and most qualified person I should trust to take care of my skin?

A: Many people have special events and life moments that they want to look their best for, like weddings, graduation pictures, etc. The most important point to remember is that caring for your skin requires regular maintenance and any changes that we may want to see in our skin take time. First and foremost, seeing a dermatologist for a full-body skin check annually is important. You

will get an assessment of the health of your skin and information on how to best care for your skin type. Your doctor can address issues such as eczema and abnormal growths or spots that may be serious, like skin cancer. For acne, your doctor can determine the best course of treatment to get breakouts under control. The proper skincare regimen and sunscreen daily with SPF30+ to protect your skin is

essential. There are cosmetic treatments that can address the most common concerns and make noticeable changes in your appearance relatively quickly. Photorejuvenation and laser for brown spots, redness and acne; laser resurfacing, chemical peels and microdermabrasion can improve fine lines, wrinkles and scarring, all giving the skin a fresh glow.

Grosse Pointe Dermatology & Cosmetic Center

David S. Balle, M.D.

16815 E. Jefferson Ave., Suite 260

Grosse Pointe, MI 48230

(Inside Beaumont Grosse Pointe Medical Building)

313-886-2600

grossepointedermatology.com

THE ULTIMATE BOOK ABOUT DETROIT’S HISTORY

Explore the latest book from award-winning journalist and DBusiness magazine editor R.J. King. “Detroit: Engine of America” is the real life story of how the city grew, step by step, from a French fort on the riverfront in 1701 to become the world’s largest manufacturing economy in 1900.

For author presentations, call 248-691-1800, Ext. 135

To purchase copies of “Detroit: Engine of America” personally signed by the author, visit DetroitEngineofAmerica.com.

Say Cheese!

BY ROBIN WATSON

PHOTO BY REBECCA SIMONOV

THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY , forgo the corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, colcannon, or boxty — and opt instead for a new way to experience the true taste of Irish terroir: Irish cheese.

“Today’s Irish cheese landscape represents every style of cheese,” says Sean Hartwig, specialty foods manager and head cheesemonger at Zingerman’s Delicatessen in Ann Arbor. “The quality of soil, the climate, and the smaller average size of farms all lend to a valuable and unique expression of farmstead cheese.”

The variety of Irish cheeses readily available here — from moderately priced farmstead selections to pricey, posh, handcrafted artisan cheeses — is at an all-time high, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.

THE IRISH CHEESES

CHEDDARS. “There’s a good range of flavors from mild to sharp,” says Delitta Byrd, manager of Cheese Island at the Holiday Market in Royal Oak. “Anything that’s aged will have a bit of a bite to it.”

Examples: Kerrygold Irish Cheddars; Tipperary farmhouse cheddar; Cahill’s Irish Porter Cheddar, whose marbled interior looks gorgeous on a cheese

TRY IT AT HOME

Artichoke Dip with Dubliner Cheese

INGREDIENTS

12 ounces artichoke hearts, chopped

1 cup mayonnaise

1 small clove garlic, minced

2 tablespoons oregano

2 tablespoons grated onion

2 cups Kerrygold Dubliner cheese, grated

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, and stir to blend well. Spoon the mixture into an 8-inch baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.

Serve with crackers, pita chips, or flatbread.

tray; Cahill’s Whiskey Cheddar; Wexford Irish Cheddars; and Oscar Wilde Aged Irish Cheddar, a tangy, 2-year-old, semi-dry cheese. “It’s a fan favorite,” Byrd says. There’s also Cahill’s Claddagh Bó, a handcrafted, specialty aged cheddar that’s hand-waxed in the colors of the Irish national flag, making it an ideal centerpiece for a St Patrick’s Day cheeseboard.

BLUES. Ireland is known for its cheddars, but be sure to sample its distinctive, delicious blue cheeses produced by the same family in County Tipperary. Cow’s milk-based Cashel Blue “is smoother than so many sharper blues,” Byrd says. Crozier Blue, a creamy sheep’s milk cheese, “stands shoulder-toshoulder with real French Roquefort but has its own unique, buttery, caramelly, earthy liveliness,” says Zingerman’s co-founder Ari Weinzweig.

ARTISAN IRISH CHEESES. Handmade and carefully crafted, these cheeses truly reflect how Irish cheesemakers upped the Hibernian cheese game. Coolea, a Gouda-like cow’s milk cheese, is firm, slightly sweet, and butterscotch-like. Durrus is a washed-rind cow’s milk option that Hartwig calls his favorite Irish cheese. “A slice of Durrus on some buttered brown bread and a pint of Guinness is a good way to go!” he says. Gubbeen is a cow’s milk cheese with floral, nutty, mushroomy, and sometimes powerful flavors. Shepherd’s Store is a semi-firm sheep’s milk Tomme that’s similar to Spanish Manchego or an aged Italian pecorino.

A POPULAR CROSSOVER CHEESE. Similar to cheddar but with notes of parmesan, Kerrygold Dubliner is a hard cow’s milk cheese that Byrd says is one of her top sellers.

PAIRINGS

BEER. For cheddars, “the bright acidity provides a great contrast with the sweeter malty notes of darker beers,” says Tessie Ives-Wilson, an American Cheese Society-certified cheese professional and event planner at Zingerman’s Deli.

“Guinness is a great pairing,” she says. “However, there are a number of stouts and porters from local brewers that pair up great.” Examples include Arbor Brewing Co.’s Faricy’s Dry Stout and Great Lakes

Where to Buy Irish Cheese

HOLIDAY MARKET Royal Oak, 248-541-1414, holiday-market.com

ZINGERMAN’S DELICATESSEN

Ann Arbor, 734-663-3354, zingermansdeli.com

PLUM MARKET

Various locations throughout metro Detroit, plummarket.com

ALDI

Various locations throughout metro Detroit, aldi.us

KROGER

Various locations throughout metro Detroit, kroger.com

MEIJER

Various locations throughout metro Detroit, meijer.com

Brewing Co.’s Edmund Fitzgerald Porter.

Holiday Market’s wine director, Dean Rondy, calls Harp Lager a good match for milder cheddars and suggests pairing Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale with Cahill’s Irish Porter Cheddar for a “darker, smokier characteristic.”

CIDERS. “Look for a dry, crisp, and light cider and pair it up with a creamy cheddar, a wedge of Coolea, or a decadent slice of oozy Gubbeen,” Ives-Wilson advises. “Vander Mill Brut Zero is a Michigan-made option without any added sugar and a nice, light bubble to cut through the richness of the cheeses.”

WHISKEY. “Irish cheeses all pair up great with a good whiskey,” Ives-Wilson says. “If you have a cheese with a little more sweetness, look for a whiskey like the Connemara Peated Irish Single Malt (or grab your favorite Islay malt from Scotland). More savory cheeses pair well with the sweeter malt expressions of Jameson and Redbreast. For a Michigan twist, grab a bottle of Detroit City Distillery’s Homegrown Rye or Arbor Distilling Co.’s Fox River Michigan Whiskey.”

WINE. For cheddars, “focus on something like Shiraz that’s very fruit-forward and has a lot of weight to it or a fruit-forward, full-bodied California Zinfandel,” suggests Rondy, a certified sommelier. For Irish blues, try “Sauternes, a sweet Riesling, or any kind of very sweet dessert-ish wine, including late-harvest ice wine. The sweetness counteracts the tanginess of the cheeses,” he says. Pair a Goudastyle Irish cheese, he adds, with “an off-dry Riesling or a Vouvray with just a touch of sweetness.”

 Cashel Blue is an Irish blue cheese that is smoother than typical sharp blues.

HOUR PICKS

EARLY WEEK EATS

Start your week off right with these culinary gems

BY CARLOS PARISI

MONDAYS OR TUESDAYS have traditionally been the service industry’s night off, but that doesn’t mean you have to cook at home. Here are some of our favorite haunts, as well as tips to find your own go-to spots.

La Palapa del Parian

OPEN DAILY

In Southwest Detroit, a massive trompo (a vertical rotating spit of al-pastor meat) is as attentiongrabbing as a shining beacon of light — even if you’ve already eaten. It’s a signal that a taco spot is legit and must be sampled. At La Palapa — the prep kitchen turned restaurant for El Parian, known to be one of the best and most consistent taco trucks around, especially for al pastor you will find that beacon of savory meat delight. La Palapa has become the go-to restaurant featuring the full taco truck menu with the addition of many other Mexican dining favorites and a full bar. 1633 Lawndale St., Detroit, 313749-7143, facebook.com/ LaPalapaDelParian

Oak & Reel

OPEN THU-MON

Celebrate Monday in style at Hour Detroit’s 2022 Restaurant of the Year. Chef Jared Gadbaw and team consistently present diners with flavorful, stunning dishes alongside impeccable service. Pairing wine with a fish-forward dish or any of their flavorful creations makes the palate dance, so as an added bonus for the Monday diner, they have created “Wine Mondays.” Here, it’s encouraged to enjoy halfoff bottles of wine (under $100) through the end of March. Tip: Follow a chef on social media and you’ll likely be in for some insider knowledge. 2921 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit, 313-2709600; oakandreel.com

Eddie’s Gourmet

OPEN TUE-SAT

Over 20 years, Eddie Hanna has made an unpretentious Oak Park diner into a delicious destination. It’s clear that Eddie’s is in a league of its own when it comes to the quality, flavors, and overall vibe. This diner has everything from breakfast and Coney Island favorites to veal marsala, filet mignon, and whitefish. With a full bar and keno, it’s a unique dining hangout the whole family can enjoy. Also — do yourself a favor and order the Hawaiian chicken bites. Tip: If a trusted friend in the food world says you need to try something, move hell and high water to make it happen. This is one of those things you have to try. 25920 Greenfield Road, Oak Park, 248-968-4060; eddiesgourmetmi.com

Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips

OPEN TUE-SAT

Fish and chips. And not just good fish and chips the best fish and chips. This classic, wood-paneled family-run operation has been a staple of Detroit’s Brightmoor community for over 70 years. A meal at Scotty Simpson’s is a journey through time in which simplicity and hearty flavor share the arena with nostalgia and kind service. Tip: Every time you pass by an older establishment with multiple generations of well-fed patrons pouring in and out, take note and make sure to stop in sometime.

22200 Fenkell Ave., Detroit, 313-533-0950; scottysfishandchips.com

Hamido Restaurant

OPEN DAILY

As many know, Dearborn is home to some of the greatest Middle Eastern cuisine outside of the Middle East. Among a sea of treasures such as Dearborn Meat Market, Al Chabab, and Foul w Fatteh, Hamido is known for its unmatched shawarma sandwiches. If you ask around, you’ll find that Hamido is paramount in the world of Lebanese dining. As a sandwich spot, it hits even harder. 13251 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-0660; hamidorestaurant.com

Saffron De Twah

OPEN FRI-MON

TIP:

While the restaurant is nationally recognized as a dining gem, it’s possible many Detroiters have never experienced Saffron De Twah’s warm hug to the palate. Chef Omar Anani opened this off-the-beatenpath modern Moroccan restaurant several years ago to critical acclaim. Offering affordable, quality dishes bursting with flavor, he immediately rose the bar for Detroit dining, winning over many who may not have considered the city a culinary destination. When you drive through the Gratiot-Grand neighborhood, the aroma alone can lead you to this brilliant, communityfocused establishment and an astonishing meal that’s sure to start your week off with fireworks. 7636 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 586-359-6138; saffrondetwah.com

Le Petit Dejeuner

OPEN THU-MON

Breakfast, brunch, and hearty Southern cuisine with a French twist. This Jefferson Avenue institution of taste has been a favorite for many locals on the weekends, but on Monday, it’s even better because you can enjoy the big portions with a smaller crowd. Once you sample the cuisine, euphoria takes over. Whether it’s the mimosa or the butter, it doesn’t matter. Imagine starting a week off in total bliss, away from the everyday pressures of life. Not sure what place we’re talking about? It’s the one you may have seen en route to Belle Isle; it’s impossible to miss the smiling folks walking out of Le Petit Dejeuner, carrying loads of carryout boxes and exchanging big hugs. 6470 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-725-0257; facebook. com/lepetitbreakfast

Every time you pass by an older establishment with multiple generations of well-fed patrons pouring in and out, take note and make sure to stop in sometime.

 Scotty Simpson’s is the place to go for fish and chips. Harry Barber, pictured with his daughter Rachel, is the fourth owner of the 73-yearold institution.

Yp, Yp, Hooray!

BY

AT FIRST BLUSH , the renovated Victorian space C. King & Co. Cafe occupies reminds me of the restaurant scene in which Michael Corleone offed Sollozzo and his henchman in The Godfather From the faux-tin ceiling and glowing glass wall sconces to staff decked out in leathery aprons and newsboy caps, the look is just so. Keep an eye on any guy getting up to use the facilities, I tell myself. And take a seat against the wall.

As chef Richard Muszynski and I get down to business, the Mafia fantasy fades. He starts letting me in on the real goings-on here. Sure, the place is dripping in noir and history, for starters. English entrepreneur George King first opened this spot as a mercantile store in 1838, just 15 years after Ypsilanti’s founding. Any dueling done here during those days might well have been done with sabers. Now, the most formidable blade on the block may be Muszynski, who’s carved out a remarkably accomplished culinary career.

“At 20, I was making 1,000 canapes a day at the St. Francis [hotel] in San Francisco,” Muszynski recounts, citing priceless apprenticeship experience, as well as French formal culinary school graduation in New York City and a hospitality management degree from Mercyhurst University in Pennsylvania.

From there, it was on to big-time gigs at Def Jam Recordings as a corporate chef and catering privately to cognoscenti — both noteworthy and notorious — whose names we’ve all heard bandied about over years of network news cycles.

From food-eccentric super-celebrities to the highest-profile politicos and their purported

Brick oven-blistered, pictureperfect pies are a feast for the eyes and the palate alike.

The C. King & Co. storefront in 1903.

A welcoming, old-time air pervades each cozy corner of C. King’s dining space.

Culinary Cinderella man Richard Muszynski is making a Michigan comeback with C. King & Co. Cafe.

After a colorful international career, chef and native Detroiter Rich Muszynski is hanging his shingle in Ypsilanti — and the globe’s loss is our gain

ROBERT STEMPKOWSKI | PHOTOS BY CHUK NOWAK

RESTAURANT REPORT

cronies, Muszynski’s cozied up to them in their kitchens and traveled the world as they made moves that made history. Regaling me with such stories (some highly redacted, I suspect), Muszynski also mentions that he had his own chocolate factories in Hawaii and New York. Who knows — maybe this guy once worked for Willy Wonka.

Considering his almost otherworldly resume, I couldn’t help but ask Muszynski why he chose what is essentially a pizza-and-salad menu model for C. King’s. With a wry, indulgent nod, he offers a great answer.

“Once I decided to open a restaurant here, I walked the neighborhood and asked people what they were hungry for,” he says matter-of-factly. “Most mentioned some really good pizza and gowiths, so that’s what I went with.” The words to the wise in that statement simply cannot be overstated for those contemplating a restaurateur’s career or a place to set up shop in the business. Want to find a crowd to feed? Set your eyes and ears to the ground consumers tread. This is old-fashioned foodbusiness savvy, good as ever.

Applying all he’s learned to C. King’s now, Muszynski joins the crew prepping for service, once we finish up. Soon, three samples of their wares come to me as the first customers file in. I’m floored by the charcuterie board. This cornucopia’s centerpiece is venerated prosciutto di Parma, generously hand-carved to be more substantial than the typical paper-thin presentation. Next, I’m grabbed by utterly addictive apricot marmalade smeared on crusty, house-baked bread. For the next few minutes, I go giddy over bites of silky, smoke-kissed cheddar; firm but fresh mozzarella; and assorted accoutrements



Could the “C.” stand for “Cornucopia”? King’s bountiful presentations of cheese and charcuterie might lead one to think so.

The drink menu is old-fashioned in a very good way. Classic spirits become timelessly tasty cocktails in the capable hands of the bar crew.

that include blue ribbon-sized strawberries and grapes, piquant pepperoncini, and olives. After an equally impressive asparagus salad — sparely yet perfectly blanched and bursting with snap, subtle vinegar and balsamic syrup — a mushroom pizza arrives, pretty as a picture. From the bottom up, the architecture is admirable. The platform dough rested and proofed through a three-day process prior to firing — is pillowy, beautifully blistered, and perfectly cooked. Creamed ricotta overlays it, followed by a studding of featured fungi, unctuous charred and chopped bacon, and fresh garlic, all lilygilded with a judicious dew of truffle oil. You think pizza is pizza? Try this pie.

With C. King & Co. Cafe, Muszynski has opened the doors to a restaurant sure to remind us of something. The good ole days, perhaps. But more likely, what we’re really looking for in a new place to go: a good reason to go back.

C. KING & CO. CAFE 101 W. MICHIGAN AVE., YPSILANTI; 734-510-9871; CKINGCAFE.COM ; DINNER DAILY

“Once I decided to open a restaurant here, I walked the neighborhood and asked people what they were hungry for. Most mentioned some really good pizza and go-withs, so that’s what I went with.”

—CHEF RICHARD MUSZYNSKI

 Fish has uses far beyond the dinner plate, such as in the cod liver capsules pictured below.

ONE CHILLY MORNING last September, chef Doug Hewitt of Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails welcomed guests to the restaurant for appetizers of fish — belly, eggs, and liver — adding harmony to a silky golden curry, warm fish patties, and more. A bit odd (but tasty) for an early breakfast, yet decidedly perfect for the launch of “100% Whitefish,” an exciting new initiative that is sweeping the Great Lakes region.

For local chefs like Hewitt, sustainable sourcing and “head-to-tail” butchery is nothing new. Better product utilization creates less waste and has a positive impact on every restaurant’s bottom line. But this “trash to cash” philosophy, as Hewitt affectionately calls it, has the potential to do so much more. In Michigan, where whitefish accounts for 91 percent of all commercial fishing revenue, it could also mean more jobs.

The 100% Whitefish campaign, announced last fall, is led by the Chicago-based organization Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers to promote more sustainable uses of Great Lakes whitefish. Prior to the initiative, only fillets, which account for 40 percent of all whitefish, were considered commercially viable, leaving the rest for pulverized feed — or worse yet, landfills. But researchers have found new uses for fish skin and collagen. These new products could lead to new manufacturing opportunities across the region, taking Michigan’s $4 million fishing economy to new heights.

“The 100% Whitefish initiative can help bring new products, jobs, and revenue opportunities to our local communities,” says Dan Eichinger, director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “It also represents a more sustainable use of one of Michigan’s iconic natural resources — lake whitefish — while growing our blue economy in a way that can maximize the commercial return while respecting the management, health, and recreational needs of the fishery.”

THE WHOLE FISH AND NOTHING BUT THE FISH

A new sustainable-practices initiative promises big gains for the fishing industry, as well as consumers, in the Great Lakes region

BY KIKI LOUYA

Many of these new products were on display at Chartreuse, where Eichinger and other partnering members shared their enthusiasm for the project. Among them were cod liver oil, dehydrated codskin rolls for dogs, marine collagen powders, and even cod-skin wallets, all perfectly packaged and ready for retail. But perhaps most impressive was the jump in value. In Iceland, for example, where this program originated, researchers managed to boost utilization to over 90 percent. As a result, the value of each Icelandic cod rose from $12 to $3,500.

“Iceland has proven the ‘100% Fish’ concept, and we are now creating similar successes around the world,” says Thor Sigfusson, founder and chair of the Iceland Ocean Cluster, another partner organization in attendance at the announcement. “Initial testing on lake whitefish has shown many different high-value products that could be made from materials that are today either thrown away or processed for very low value. Great Lakes whitefish can be our next success story.”

In fact, according to David Naftzger, director of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers, this is only the beginning. With so many other species of fish in the Great Lakes, this initiative could easily expand into a more allencompassing “100% Fish” concept. “100% Fish can help create more value and benefits from lake trout, walleye, yellow perch, and other species in our region,” says Naftzger, who was also present. “This is just the tip of the iceberg, and we look forward to the work to come.”

For many Detroit diners, whitefish is already an enjoyable part of living in our region, and supporting local fisheries is a welcome bonus. This is especially true at popular seafood restaurants like Joe Muer, where whitefish is a bestseller. “Whitefish has been a staple on Joe Muer’s menu for decades,” says chef James Oppat, spokesperson for the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group, which operates Joe Muer’s metro Detroit locations. But whitefish for Muer is not only wild-caught; it is also sourced directly from Indigenous fishermen, who honor head-to-tail hunting techniques as tribal tradition.

“It ensures sustainability, eliminates all byproduct catch, and lowers emissions and the carbon footprint commonly found with other commercial fishing,” Oppat says. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the role of tribal communities also holds special significance for the proprietors of 100% Whitefish. As a result, the initiative has partnered with the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and other Great Lakes tribal leaders to protect these traditions — and our shared resources — for a more sustainable future.

Only several months in, the true impact of the 100% Whitefish mission remains to be seen. But its influence on human health and the environment alike could make it a model for the U.S. food system as a whole. Plus, growing Michigan’s fishing industry — and the state’s small-business community — makes the initiative that much sweeter.

To learn more about the “100% Whitefish” initiative, visit gsgp.org.

DRINKS

Head of the Class

Annette May, the first female certified cicerone in the U.S., is fulfilling students’ dreams and educating the next generation of brewers

BY MICKEY LYONS | PHOTO BY CHUK NOWAK

IT’S 4 P.M. on a Tuesday afternoon, and I’m sipping an award-winning Kölsch in a community college lounge. Next to me, Annette May lifts her hefeweizen up to let the fluorescent light filter through it, revealing a golden haze. She tucks her nose deep into the half-full glass, takes a good sniff, and considers what she’s sensing. “Good bit of banana, a little bit of cloves,” she says. “Nicely done.”

May is the first female certified cicerone in the U.S. and a faculty member at Schoolcraft College. Today she’s checking out the first pour of the beer her students made for their 200-level brewing and distillation technology course. The college’s seven-course certificate covers a broad overview of the skills required to be a successful craft beer entrepreneur in an increasingly crowded market. In Schoolcraft’s program and at Midtown Detroit’s Nain Rouge Brewery, seasoned professionals give eager students a crash course in what it takes to go from an enthusiastic homebrewer to a large-scale producer of consistent brews.

The traditional approach to learning the craft of brewing has, for many centuries, been an apprenticeship model. Newcomers work closely for months or even years with an experienced brewer, learning each step of the process while honing their senses and technical skills. Now, schools like Schoolcraft and Eastern Michigan University work with brewers and offer stand-alone certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees in all things beer. These programs are a modern blend of handson, on-site apprenticeship and rigorous coursework in chemistry, biology, operations management, packaging, and marketing.

importance of these exacting standards. Brewing is often a long slog followed by a flurry of activity. Then, he says, “If we did everything right, we let the yeast do the rest of the magic.”

A good brewer, May tells me, combines technical knowledge and passion. “It’s very much something that people do for the love of it,” she says, because “there’s no real money to be made in brewing” at the small-scale local level. It’s a hot, sweaty, “wet, dirty job,” according to May, and it sometimes requires brutally physical work.

Award Winner

In the 2022 U.S. Open College Beer Championship, Schoolcraft College’s brewing and distillation technology program won two gold medals and one silver medal for specific brews and tied for second overall in the competition. In the U.S. Open Beer Championship, the program won a silver medal in the Altbier category. For more, go to schoolcraft.edu/tag/beer.

David Hale, brewmaster and production manager at Nain Rouge, was part of an early cohort to experience this type of blended instructional program at the University of California Davis’ renowned program in the mid-’90s. When he first started, he says, he was affronted by the sheer amount of time he and his fellow apprentices spent mopping muck off the floor. Now though, he sees the

Despite the challenges, the program at Schoolcraft certifies about a halfdozen students a year, from the occasional student right out of high school to industry professionals looking to advance their careers to older adults who are considering opening a brewery after retiring.

Both Hale and May see a steady stream of students interested in learning the tools of the trade. They’re also thrilled to see some diversity finally manifesting in an industry suffering from an extreme lack of it. Only 1 percent of craft breweries in the U.S. are Black-owned, and Black workers account for only 4 percent of staff. And although 23.7 percent of craft breweries

have partial female ownership, only 2.9 percent are entirely women-owned. The overwhelmingly white, male industry is making strides to become more representative of beer drinkers in the U.S., and both Schoolcraft’s program and Nain Rouge’s focus on helping women and minorities claim the spaces they were denied in the early years of the craft beer renaissance.

For Hale, the future of the industry is right in the front yard of his Midtown brewery. Nain Rouge is pioneering a partnership with EMU’s four-year fermentation science program to give students from the Midtown neighborhood a chance to break into the industry. The pilot program offers jobs, training, and education to Detroiters interested in careers in craft brewing. So far, Hale says, “One of the great things about the program is, if you think you want to be a brewer, before you drop everything your day job and your career — this is a great opportunity to see what it’s really like.”

Though it’s hot, sweaty, technically challenging, and creatively demanding, there’s no shortage of enthusiasts looking to try their hand at the business of craft brewing. The Kölsch brewed by Schoolcraft students won a silver medal in the prestigious 2018 World Beer Cup, and that’s enough to prove to me the value of education.

As the first American woman to become a certified cicerone, Annette May is an expert in knowing, selecting, and serving a vast array of brews.

Restaurant Guide

Wayne

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.

Andiamo $$

ITALIAN • Over the past three decades, Joe Vicari has established several Andiamo restaurants in metro Detroit, all inspired by the late master chef Aldo Ottaviani’s philosophy of seasonal, fromscratch cooking. The menus differ slightly at the different locations, but the constant is the fresh, housemade pastas — handcrafted by the trinity of “pasta ladies,” Anna, Tanya, and Angelina, who have carried on the tradition. The downtown Detroit location offers a breathtaking view of the Detroit River, while the Livonia location offers a comfortable and casual vibe. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit; 313567-6700. D Mon.-Fri., L,D Sat.-Sun. 38703 Seven Mile Road, Livonia; 734-953-3200. D Mon.-Sun.

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; 248-994-4000. L,D daily.

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. 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

FEATURED

Bobcat Bonnie’s

GASTROPUB

The menu is eclectic, featuring fried goat cheese, fish tacos, Buddha bowls, and a barbecue bacon meatloaf — plus, plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, The weekend brunch, complete with a bloody mary bar and all the classics, is a big hit. See bobcatbonnies.com for locations and hours.

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 Tue.-Sat. B,L Sun.

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.

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.

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; 313-7887208; 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.

Bohemia $$$

NEW AMERICAN • The former member’s only lounge in this restored Romanesque Revival in downtown

RESOURCE

Detroit is now a posh restaurant open to the public (the downstairs bar is also open to the public). The stunning dining room reflects the club’s history while staying fresh and modern with local art on the walls and an Instagrammable seating area in the middle of the dining room with plush couches and trees lined with lights. The food is upscale but approachable such as the Nashville Fried Chicken and the lobster fettucini, which is worth every indulgent bite. 712 Cass Ave., Detroit, 313338-3222. D Wed.-Sat..

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.

Bronze Door $$$$

NEW AMERICAN • One of the newest restaurants under the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group brand (in partnership with Tony Soave of Soave Enterprises) revives the well-known name of a Grosse Pointe staple from the mid1900s. In the 1960s and 1970s, 123 Kercheval Ave. was home to the Bronze Door, which closed to make way for The Hill Seafood and Chop House. In 2021, it was born again as the Bronze Door, offering classic bistro fare like steak frites and house specialties such as Potato Pillows and Shrimp (butter fondue, sage, cracked pepper, pecorino Romano, and truffle). 123 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-886-8101. D Mon.-Sat.

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 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; 313-882-8560. 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 Tue-Sat.

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 featuring ground veal, beef, sausage, and pancetta. It makes for a delicious Italian feast you can conveniently pick up on your way home. 15550 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth; 734-420-1100. 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 Wed.-Sun.

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; 313-818-3915. D Tue.-Sat.

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 Thurs.-Sat. BR Sun.

Cork & Gabel $$$

EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • 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 pan-seared 7-oz. chicken breast, sauteed wild mushroom blend, wild rice, seasonal grilled vegetables, cooked in a Lombardo Ambra Sweet Marsala wine sauce. Simply delicious! 2415 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2261. D Thu-Sat. BR Sat. B,L 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 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 collard 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; 313-366-5600. L,D Tue.-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.

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  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.

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 $

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 Mon.-Sat.

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.

Flowers of Vietnam $$

VIETNAMESE Chef and owner George Azar transformed a former Coney Island into an industrial-cool 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.

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.

Ford’s Garage $$

FEATURED 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 halfpound of grilled black Angus beef, aged sharp cheddar, applewood-smoked bacon, and bourbon barbecue sauce. Other appealing dishes include shrimp mac and cheese and chicken wings. 21367 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-7523673. L,D daily.

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.

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.

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.-Mon.

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

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, Thu.-Sun.

The Greek $ GREEK • Plaka Café was a presence on Monroe Avenue for years, and now its space is in the hands of the

If you recall the J.L. Hudson Thanksgiving Day Parade, visiting the Children’s Zoo at Belle Isle, taking in a flick at downtown’s Madison Theatre, scarfing down a hot-fudge sundae at Sanders, rocking out at the Grande Ballroom, or cheering on the Red Wings at Olympia Stadium, The Way It Was, Part 2 will elicit warm memories of Detroit. This book’s vivid photos and evocative text will take you on a nostalgic journey into the city’s past.

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.

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. L,D Wed.-Mon. 4870 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-8839788. 32203 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248-7810131. L,D daily.

Ima Izakaya $$

JAPANESE-INSPIRED Chef Michael Ransom has slowly and steadily built up his local chain of noodle shops over the past few years, and his latest one takes it up a notch with the izakaya concept, the Japanese equivalent to a pub. In addition to the staple noodles and soups that put Ransom on the map, the menu also includes grilled skewers from the robata grill such as Kawahagi Trigger Fish Jerky and Mini Kurobuta Pork Sausages. There’s also a tantalizing selection of cocktails and mocktails, sake, beer, and wine to make it a true izakaya experience. 2100 Michigan Ave., Detroit, 313-306-9485. L and D Wed.-Mon.

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.-Sun., D Wed.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Joe Muer Seafood

2012

$$$$

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. 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-792-9609. 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. beverages, 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 $$

FEATURED Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles

SOUTHERN COMFORT

Several recipes, including a signature thin waffle, are familyowned 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; 313-8610229. B,L,D Tue.-Sat., B,L Sun.

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 Wed.-Sun.

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. B,L,D, Wed.-Sat.

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,D Tue.-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. 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 Mixed Grill that offers a little bit of everything with shish kebab, tawook, and kafta. Other menu items include Kibbeh Niyee — fresh lamb, cracked wheat, and spice — 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.

Lovers Only $

BURGERS • The star at Lovers Only, located in downtown Detroit’s Capitol Park, is pasture-raised 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.

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,D Tue.-Sat.

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. L,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; 313-399-9117. 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.

Metropolitan Bar and Kitchen $$

LATIN The business brings a bodega-style market along with a neighborhood restaurant and bar to West Village. The menu highlights local and seasonal ingredients in dishes like the Buffalo Chicken salad with local greens and housemade blue cheese dressing and the Eggplant Sliders. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit; 313-4475418. L Wed.-Sat. D Fri.-Sat.

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 features 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 Wed.-Sat.

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. B Tue.Sat. L Mon.-Sat.

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.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2022

Oak & Reel

$$

FEATURED

Norma G’s

CARIBBEAN

Lester Gouvia, the Trinidadian chef who brought us the famed food truck, opened a full-service 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; 313-290-2938.

D Tue.-Sat.

SEAFOOD • Despite a global pandemic threatening to derail his longtime dream, chef Jared Gadbaw brought his vision of a seafood-focused Italian restaurant to life in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood in fall 2020. Oak & Reel’s resilience in the face of extreme adversity and its commitment to the vision of bringing diners impeccable dishes showcasing the freshest seafood, all presented with welcoming and knowledgeable service, is the reason we’re naming Oak & Reel Hour Detroit’s Restaurant of the Year. The menu is seasonal and changes frequently. But in general, the crudos are pristine, the pastas are impeccable, and the seafood dishes are all well balanced and expertly prepared to accentuate the freshness and quality of the fish and shellfish. 2921 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-2709600. D Thu.-Mon.

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.

Ottava Via $$

ITALIAN • Chef Ariel Millan sends out great thin-crusted pizzas as well as interesting small plates typified by 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 Tue.-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, woodgrilled whole fish, and organic Scottish salmon. There’s also a large selection of dry-aged 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

James Beard Semifinalists Announced

Twelve metro Detroit chefs and restaurants are in the running for the 2023

James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards

OUTSTANDING RESTAURATEUR

Sandy Levine, Freya and Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, Detroit, and The Oakland, Ferndale

OUTSTANDING CHEF

Hajime Sato, Sozai, Clawson

EMERGING CHEF

Amado Lopez, Casa Amado Taqueria, Berkley

OUTSTANDING BAKERY

Good Cakes and Bakes, Detroit

OUTSTANDING WINE AND OTHER BEVERAGES PROGRAM

Spencer, Ann Arbor

BEST CHEF: GREAT LAKES*

Omar Anani, Saffron De Twah, Detroit

Norberto Garita, El Barzon Restaurante, Detroit

Andy Hollyday, Selden Standard, Detroit

Ji Hye Kim, Miss Kim, Ann Arbor Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, Baobab Fare, Detroit Michael Ransom, Ima Izakaya, Detroit

*The Great Lakes category includes chefs from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.

James Beard Award finalists will be announced March 29. Winners will be honored on June 5 at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago.

RESTAURANT LISTINGS 03.23

friendly and informal. 15102 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Park; 313-264-1997. L,D daily.

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; 586-772-3200. 558 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-9646800. L,D Tue-Sun.

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 Wed.-Mon.

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. D Thu.-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.

Portofino $

RECIPE BOHEMIA’S BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

Ingredients

2 ounces Valentine Distilling Co.’s Valentine vodka

3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

3/4 ounce simple syrup

1 medium or 2 small strawberries

5 3-inch sprigs tarragon

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle strawberries and tarragon. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, vodka, and ice. Shake well.

2. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel and a sprig of tarragon.

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  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 aren’t far behind. An elegant white and gold setting backgrounds it all. 1145 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-636-3100. D Mon.-Sun., BR Sat.-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.

Rattlesnake Club

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. It 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; 313887-9477. B,L,D daily except on Fri., which is B,L.

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 Tue.-Sat. D Sun.

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 from-scratch preparation. Breakfast eaters can choose from a variety of egg dishes, such as the Eggs and Cheese (soft scrambled eggs, herbs, and aioli). For lunch, there’s a selection of creative sandwiches. 10551 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-822-2729. B,L,D Mon-Sat. B,L. 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.

The Sardine Room $$$

SEAFOOD • A seafood restaurant and raw bar, The Sardine Room is fresh, fun, and energetic, with a clean-line 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 Tue.-Sat.

Savant $$$

$$$$

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,

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

PHOTO BY REBECCA SIMONOV

BOHEMIA 100 S. MAIN ST., ROYAL OAK 248-368-2883; EATATBOHEMIA.COM

Salad, Calamari, and — for vegan diners — Ratatouille Confit. 51 W. Forest Ave., Detroit; 248-766-8071. D Fri.-Sat.

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 

Selden Standard

2016

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • What sets Selden Standard apart is that it is moving Detroit into a new era in which upperend dining with starched linen and tuxedoed waiters doesn’t hold much interest anymore. Chef Andy Hollyday, a multiple James Beard semifinalist, does farm-totable 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 Wed.-Sun.

Seva Detroit

FEATURED Sweet Soul Bistro

SOUL FOOD

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 Wed.-Sun. Not wheelchair accessible.

The Statler $$$$

FRENCH • A taste of Paris in downtown Detroit. This French-American bistro from the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group takes its name from the former historic Statler Hotel, which is now home to not only the bistro but also City Club Apartments. Classic French fare (with some modern twists) such as potted foie gras mousse; Henri Maire escargots (wild Burgundy snails, garlic butter fondue, parsley, Pernod, and profiteroles); and bouillabaisse provence (seafood stew with shrimp, scallops, lobster, mussels, saffron broth, croustade, and rouille) typify the menu. The large, year-round open-air outdoor patio offers stunning panoramic views of the Detroit skyline and Grand Circus Park. There’s also a neighborhood market where customers can grab groceries and gourmet packaged meals on the go. 313 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-463-7111. D Mon.-Sat., BR Sun.

Supino Pizzeria $$

Japanese fried chicken. 4206 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-285-9869. L,D Mon.-Sun.

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. 3601 Twelve Mile Road, Warren; 586-576-0495. L,D daily.

The Whitney $$$$

$$

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.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar

2020

$$$

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; 313-315-3992. D Tue.-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; 313-9629828. L,D daily. Slows To Go in Midtown: 4107 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-309-7560. L,D Wed.-Sun.

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; 313-6381695. D Wed.-Sun.

Standby

$$

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; 313862-7685. L,D daily.

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. L,D Wed.-Sun.; 6519 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-314-7400. L,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.

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, the delight of moving from one superb bite to the next. 2520 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-855-2864. D Tue.-Sat.

Townhouse $$$

NEW AMERICAN • The downtown hotspot in 2021 underwent an aesthetic overhaul of the space and menu designed to elevate the spot’s signature comfort food fare. Staples, like the burger and fries, remain on the menu, but there are also fine-dining-inspired additions, like the caviar-topped crispy potato dish and the A5 wagyu with garlic, shallot rings, and grilled chicory. 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-723-1000. L, D Mon.-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; 313-886-9933. D Wed.-Mon.

Urban Ramen $$

JAPANESE-INSPIRED

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 Wed.-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 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; 313-962-7711. D Tue.-Sun.

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; 313-334-6099. L,D Mon.-Sat.

Oakland

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. As the name suggests, seafood is the main attraction here, specifically the seafood boils, which come with your choice of seafood (crab, clams, lobster, etc.), with sauce and corn and potatoes. 32415 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248-616-0168. D daily.

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 $$$

NEW AMERICAN

• The libation menu — categorized by spirit — is longer than the food menu, but both food and

• Urban Ramen serves bowls of steaming broth filled with house-made, 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-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; 248-540-900. L,D daily.

Andiamo $$

ITALIAN • Over the past three decades, Joe Vicari has established several Andiamo restaurants in metro Detroit, all inspired by the late master chef Aldo Ottaviani’s philosophy of seasonal, from-scratch cooking. The menus differ slightly at the different locations, but the constant is the fresh, housemade pastas — handcrafted by the trinity of “pasta ladies,” Anna, Tanya, and Angelina, who have carried on the tradition. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield; 248-865-9300. L,D Mon.Fri., D Sat.-Sun.

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 Wed.-Sat.

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 Tue.-Fri. D Tue.-Sat.

Bar Verona $$

ITALIAN • Modernized, made-from-scratch Italian favorites curated by Chef Salvatore Borgia as well as fresh craft cocktails fill the menu at this stylish eatery. Homemade pastas, such as Giuseppe’s and Spaghetti al Basilico, and specialty pizzas, including The Verona and the Truffle Mushroom, as well as a selection of steaks and seafood dishes typify the contemporary approach to fresh and uncomplicated Italian cuisine. 500 Loop Road, Commerce Charter Township; 248387-5400. D daily.

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. D Tue.-Sat.

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 Mon.-Sat.

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

Birmingham Pub $$$

GASTROPUB • This stylish yet casual gastropub from the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group took over the former Triple Nickel space. True to its name, the restaurant’s bill of fare features pub classics taken up a notch, such as Alaskan cod butter roasted with everything-bagel crust and filet mignon with Parmesan truffle fries and zip sauce. There are also TVs at the bar so you won’t miss a minute of the game. 555 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-885-8108. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat.-Sun.

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.

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 Sun., D Tue.-Sun.

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 wellappointed private dining rooms. 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy; 248-649-5300. L,D daily.

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. D Tue.-Sat.

Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar $$$ TRADITIONAL • You can buy your cigar and smoke it too. Plus, enjoy 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,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; 248-677-4439. L,D daily.

Cornbread Restaurant & Bar $$

SOUL • In 1997, Patrick Coleman melded his experience in fine dining with his grandma’s southern roots to create Beans & Cornbread Soulful Bistro. It racked up accolades and fans over the years, including Stevie Wonder and Thomas (Hitman) Hearns. Cornbread is the sequel to Beans and Cornbread, continuing the tradition of soul food with an upscale twist. Classics like catfish and a gravy-smothered pork chop endure. 29852 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; 248-208-1680. L,D Thu.-Tue.

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 $$

FEATURED 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.

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 Tue.-Sat.

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.

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 Wed.-Sat., B,L,D Sun

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

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 Tue.-Sat.

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.-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. D Wed.-Sun., 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 Wed.-Mon.

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 Tue.-Sun.

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.

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.

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. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Joe Muer $$$$

SEAFOOD The Bloomfield Hills location of the iconic restaurant continues the tradition of excellent food, service, and ambiance. The menu emphasizes classic fresh fish and “Muer Traditions” such as Dover sole and Great Lakes Yellow Belly Perch. There’s also a raw and sushi bar as well as premium steaks. And make sure to save room for dessert, because the coconut cake is not to be missed. A piano bar adds to the ambience. 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-792-9609. D daily.

Kaizen Ramen $

RESTAURANT LISTINGS 03.23

thing. Parties dine on square pizzas with crisp crust, faintly charred around the edges. Hailed by food critics and Detroiters alike as one of the city’s most classic Detroit style pizzas, it’s well worth a trip. 23141 Dequindre Road, Hazel Park; 248-547-1711. L,D Thu.-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 $$$

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 casual and comfortable 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; 248-6711714. D Tue.-Sun., B,L Sat.-Sun.

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 — Japanese-style 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.

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. D Tue.-Sat.

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

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. B,L Thu.-Sun., D Fri.-Sat. Tea by reservation. Lower level not wheelchair accessible.

Mare Mediterranean $$$$

SEAFOOD • Inspired by restaurants in Sicily where the catch of the day is the basis of dinner, this sophisticated restaurant from Nino Cutraro and his partner offers the freshest seafood flown in from the Mediterranean several times a week. You select the type of fish you want from the market in front of the open kitchen and how you want it prepared (acqua pazza, salt baked, grilled, or pan fried). It’s then served tableside in glorious fashion. Not to be missed are the Mare Tower and moussaka. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. 115 Willits St., Birmingham; 248-940-5525. D Tue.-Sat.

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 pop-Mexican 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.

$

Mon Jin Lau $$

ASIAN-FUSION • Explore such dishes as Singapore noodles, combining chicken, shrimp, chilies, and curry

RESTAURANT LISTINGS 03.23

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 dance floor for weekly events. 1515 E. Maple Road, Troy; 248-689-2332. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2008

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; 248808-6633. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

O.W.L. $

MEXICAN-AMERICAN • This Royal Oak spot offers sustenance for the early birds to the night owls. 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.

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. There’s also a concert venue called The Parliament Room. 345 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-291-6160. D Tue.-Sat.

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 singleserving-sized local whitefish. 588 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-644-3122. L Mon.-Fri., D daily., BR Sun.

Pinky’s Rooftop $$ ECLECTIC AMERICAN • With its second-floor view of downtown Royal Oak, Pinky’s Rooftop is a go-to spot for a night on the town. The name hearkens back to a Detroit restaurant and speakeasy on the east side that was called Pinky’s Boulevard Club (and the fact that everything is pink). The playful and eclectic menu offers a taste of a little bit of everything, from Kasseri Saganaki to Red Chile Beef Taco. It’s part of the Adam Merkel Restaurants group, which includes Howell hot spots The Silver Pig, Cello Italian, and Diamond’s Steak & Seafood. 100 S. Main St. Rear, Royal Oak, 248-268-2885. D Tues.-Sun. 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.

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 Tue.-Sun.

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; 248-733-4905. D daily., BR Sat.-Sun.

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 Fri.-Wed

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

RECIPE

YUM VILLAGE’S AFRO JAMAICAN OXTAILS

PHOTO BY REBECCA SIMONOV

Ingredients

5 pounds oxtail

Distilled white vinegar

8 cups diced red onion

4 cups diced bell peppers

1/2 cup garlic, minced

1 cup house curry (available at Yum Village)

1 cup jerk sauce

1 cup agave syrup

1/4 cup dried rosemary

1/4 cup dried thyme

2 28-ounce cans diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon Cameroon pepper (available online or at any African market)

1/2 cup Vegeta seasoning

8 cups water

1/2 cup curry powder

1 cup vegetable oil, plus more for searing Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Wash the oxtails and place in a large container. Cover with white vinegar and soak for at least 15 minutes, up to 3 hours before cooking. Remove from vinegar.

2. In a large pot, warm a few tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat. Being careful not to overcrowd the pot, sear the oxtails in batches until all pieces are nicely browned.

3. Add 1 cup of vegetable oil and all remaining ingredients to the pot and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper, and then reduce the heat to low.

4. Braise for 3 to 4 hours, until the oxtail is very tender.

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 Mon.-Sat.

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 vinaigrette. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham; 248-594-4200. L Mon.-Fri., D daily, BR Sat.-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; 248677-3232. D Tues.-Sat.

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.

Sylvan Table $$$

NEW AMERICAN With a working farm on the 5-acre property, Sylvan Table isn’t just talking the farm-totable talk. The restored 300-year-old barn feels grand and vast when you step into the stunning space, but it is homey, welcoming, and inviting. The menu changes often to reflect what’s growing but some of the staples include the trout — seasoned with herb oil, salt, and pepper, cooked over a wood-fired grill, and served whole — and Chicken Under a Brick, which is cooked to charred perfection. 1819 Inverness St., Sylvan Lake, 248-369-3360. D Mon.-Sun. Br. Sat.-Sun.

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,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. 203 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-258-6278. B,L daily.

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 Mon.-Fri., L,D Tue.-Sat.

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; 313-723-1000. D daily.

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 Tue.-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.

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.

Macomb

Andiamo $$

ITALIAN • Over the past three decades, Joe Vicari has established several Andiamo restaurants in metro Detroit, all inspired by the late master chef Aldo Ottaviani’s philosophy of seasonal, from-scratch cooking. Menus differ slightly between locations, but the constant is fresh, housemade pastas — handcrafted by the trinity of “pasta ladies,” Anna, Tanya, and Angelina, who have carried on the tradition. The Warren location is the flagship that started it all. 7096 14 Mile Road, Warren; 586-268-3200. L,D Mon.Fri., D Sat.-Sun.

Barleycorn’s Public House $$

FEATURED 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.

GASTROPUB • This casual spot offers a wide-ranging cocktail menu, craft beers, and elevated pub fare (try the Southerner, a buttermilk-soaked fried chicken, or the fish and chips). Located near Emagine theater, it’s an ideal spot to grab a burger and drinks before or after a movie. 50985 Hayes Road, Shelby Township; 586-271-8700. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat.-Sun.

Bar Verona $$

ITALIAN Scratch-made Italian favorites as well as fresh craft cocktails fill the menu at this stylish eatery. Homemade pastas, such as Giuseppe’s and Spaghetti al Basilico, and specialty pizzas, including The Verona and the Truffle Mushroom, as well as a selection of steaks and seafood dishes typify the modernized approach to fresh and uncomplicated Italian cuisine. 59145 Van Dyke Ave., Washington; 586-4730700. 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 by offering traditional Italian dining with an upbeat modern twist. 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, thanks to an extensive menu of fresh fish and seafood that ranges from salmon to Lake Superior whitefish — all served in a well-designed setting. 51195 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Charter Township; 586-739-5400. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

Gaudino’s $$ ITALIAN • The trending market-restaurant combo 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; 586879-6764. L,D Tue.-Sat

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.

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 Tue.Sun., 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.

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; 586-532-9669. L,D Tue.-Sat.

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 Tue.-Sun.

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

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.

Washtenaw

Bellflower $$$

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 Tue.-Sat.

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 Thu.-Sun.

Cardamom $$

FEATURED 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.

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

The Common Grill $$

SEAFOOD • Founded by Chef Craig Common, whose skilled work drew the attention of the now shuttered Gourmet magazine and the James Beard House, this mainstay was acquired in 2022 by Peas & Carrots Hospitality. Chefs Zack Sklar and Josh Humphrey most of the beloved restaurant’s menu, such as the expertly prepared oysters and seafood dishes as well as the coconut cream pie. 112 S. Main St., Chelsea; 734-475-0470. L,D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun.

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 Tue.-Sun.

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 Fri.-Sun., D Wed.-Sun.

based counterpart the Korean fried tofu. 415 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, 734-275-0099. L and D Wed.-Mon.

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 Mon.-Sat.

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.

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 Tue.-Sun.

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 $$$

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 CocaCola-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.

Miss Kim $$

KOREAN This spinoff from the Zingerman’s mini empire comes courtesy of chef Ji Hye Kim, a James Beard semifinalist. Kim meticulously researches Korean culinary traditions and recipes to create her unique blend of modern Korean food highlighting Michigan vegetables, from housemade kimchi to the tteokbokki (rice cakes). Some of the restaurant’s standouts include a craveable Korean fried chicken and its plant-

CLASSIC COMFORT This eatery celebrates the food of various American cities, from fresh Maryland crab cakes to the delicacies of New Orleans. The buttermilk biscuits are beyond-this-world. 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-663-3663. B,L,D daily.

BLUES IN THE NIGHT

Feb. 15 - March 12

Check box office for times

Meadow Brook Theatre

378 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester Hills mbtheatre.com

Using music from great artists such as Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, and Harold Arlen, this musical tells of the sweet, sexy, and sorrowful experiences three women have with the lying, cheating snake of a man who wrongs them. The soul of the blues wails out full and strong with songs such as “I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues,” “When a Woman Loves a Man,” and “I’ve Got a Date with a Dream” that are sure to bring down the house.

MBT rating: upper middle school & up.

ROLE MODEL CELEBRATION

March 8, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The Henry Ford 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn alternativesforgirls.org/events/2023role-model-celebration

Join us and celebrate International Women’s Day with Alternatives for Girls!

In 1987, AFG began as a community effort to support girls and young women in southwest Detroit. Local residents, clergy, and business leaders came together out of concern about the alarming increases in drug use, homelessness, sex work, and street activity. This group of citizens wanted to do something, and they did just that. They changed the trajectory of the lives of so many who felt lost, alone, and afraid — and, with that, created a place we know now as Alternatives for Girls.

Today, AFG remains true to its mission as it empowers at-risk girls and young women to thrive after experiencing trauma from homelessness, violence, and exploitation in Detroit and its surrounding communities.

The celebration will include an opportunity to bid on various auction items while making an impact.

2023 AHA DETROIT GO RED FOR WOMEN

March 10, 10 a.m.

The Henry Ford Suburban Collection Showplace 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi heart.org/DetroitGoRed

It's the 19th Annual American Heart Association Detroit Go Red for Women Experience! Join us as we raise vital funds against heart disease and stroke among women to take action against towards a heart healthy life. Your support means hope, healing and more time with loved ones while fighting heart disease and stroke.

IN THE SPIRITS OF INFERTILITY

March 4, 6 p.m.

Zerbo’s Bistro

3000 E. West Maple Road Commerce Charter Township eventbrite.com/e/in-the-spirits-ofinfertility-tickets-481894638837

Join us for a night of fun and support the infertility community at the same time! At the beautiful Zerbo’s Bistro in Commerce Township, Chosen Infertility Group’s second annual affair will comprise live music by Sam Van Wagoner, silent auctions showcasing some of Hour’s “Best of Detroit,” small plates, and signature cocktails along with mixology demonstrations by Two James Spirits. Attendees will receive cocktail recipes and a custom engraved glass to enjoy their cocktails at home!

All proceeds go toward helping to fund the Chosen Grant, which helps individuals and families afford infertility treatment

HARRY TOWNSEND’S LAST STAND

March 22 - April 16

Check box office for times

Meadow Brook Theatre

378 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester Hills mbtheatre.com

Sometimes it’s harder to like someone than it is to love them. Meet Harry Townsend, an incurable romantic and irascible charmer whose sharp mind and dry wit are at the center of this new play. As his prodigal son Alan returns home, the visit raises the complexities of their relationship, placing father and son at odds. Harry Townsend’s Last Stand is a must-see new play about the inescapable ups and downs of family.

*Michigan premiere. MBT rating: high school & up.

GRACE CENTERS OF HOPE WOMEN HELPING WOMEN LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW

April 22, 10 a.m.

Royal Park Hotel

600 E. University Drive, Rochester gracecentersofhope.org

Please join us as we celebrate the 25th annual Women Helping Women Luncheon & Fashion Show at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester on Saturday, April 22! The afternoon will be filled with raffles, a silent auction, a gourmet lunch, and the Fashion Show, featuring the latest trends from Somerset Collection, making it our premier event. Most importantly, you will hear testimonies from and meet some of our women who have gotten their life back and found success at Grace Centers of Hope.

All proceeds from the event will go toward supporting our Women’s Program. Please consider partnering with us for this event to help give hope to the many women impacted by homelessness, abuse, and addiction.

“Fashionably Early” tickets will be available for purchase beginning in January! To purchase tickets, please visit gracecentersofhope.org or contact April Melik at 248-334-2187 ext. 1140.

ALONG THE SILK ROAD: THE MUSIC OF THE LEVANT

March 4, 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Ford Community & Performing Arts Center

15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn araborchestra.org

The National Arab Orchestra and Maestro Michael Ibrahim perform with singers Nai Barghouti and Mohannad Mshallah as they present: Along the Silk Road: The Music of the Levant, a program that celebrates the vibrant melodies of the Levant.

44TH ANNUAL SALUTE TO DISTINGUISHED WARRIORS DINNER

March 23, 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center 400 Renaissance Drive West, Detroit deturbanleague.org/sdw-detail

The 2023 Distinguished Warriors celebration will be held at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center starting with a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. The dinner and program will begin at 6:30 p.m. We are pleased to share that our 2023 Distinguished Warriors honorees are: the Hon. Brenda Lawrence, retired United States congresswoman; Shirley Stancato, vice chair of the Wayne State University board of governors and retired president and CEO of New Detroit Inc.; David Hecker, president and CEO of the American Federation of Teachers Michigan; Rory Gamble, retired UAW president; and Monica L. Martinez, posthumously, former senior vice president of national community affairs for Comerica Bank.

TC BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS, PRESENTED BY HORIZON BANK

March 2, 8:30 a.m.

MSU Management Education Center 811 W. Square Lake Road, Troy

troychamber.com/chamber-events/

The Troy Chamber of Commerce is excited to once again host the TC Business Excellence Awards, presented by Horizon Bank, for 2023. This event has been virtual in previous years but will be in person this year at the MSU Management Education Center.

The TC Business Excellence Awards give the Troy business community the opportunity to nominate an individual or company that they feel has made a notable impact on the business community in 2022. A wide variety of categories are featured to recognize achievements in every facet of the workplace.

Nominated individuals or businesses must be a Troy Chamber member, but anyone can vote. The recipients of the 2023 TC Business Excellence Awards will be announced on Thursday, March 2, at the MSU Management Education Center.

Hall & Hunter’s Cindy Kahn’s Holiday Party

Buying Beverly Hills Preview Event - The Agency Hall & Hunter

Poise Wealth Ribbon Cutting

George Law’s Private Concert with Morris Day and the Time

Photographs by Lindsay Schweikert

Photographs by Christine M.J. Hathaway

Photographs by Kevin Bean

Brian Dimmer, Elaina Ryder, and Emily Kahn

Barb Miller, Shondell Patterson, Amy Ordona, Elaina Ryder, Honey Torres, Elaine Wolf, and Sloan Wolf

Alejandra Martinez, Paul Kadesch, Michael Williams, Amy Fraser-Goletz, and Jason Goletz

Anthony and Sierra DiMaggio

Cindy Kahn and Cheryl Linden

Courtney Monigold, Meredith Colburn, Jeff Barker, Cindy Kahn, Sara Lipnitz, and Colleen McGough

Celina Geronimo and Drew Bensonson

Hilda and Sharkey Haddad, Maggie and Derrick George

Jill and Mitchell Milan

Dennis Wolf, Ryan Wolf, Brad Wolf, and Kathy Wolf

Drew Bensonson, Lana Saleh-Saad, Amy Fraser-Goletz, Paul Kadesch

Marlon and Kiran Benson

Tim Smith and Mari Wink

Ryan Wolf, Elaine Wolf, Honey Torres, and Sloan Wolf

Linda Hatfield, Rachel Devries, and Jen Harban

Rick Merliini, Sabrina Twyman, and Marino Merlini

Photographs by Doug Elbinger

Diamond Jubilee Fashion & Awards Gala

AS PART OF ITS 75TH anniversary celebration, Fashion Group International of Detroit threw the 2023 Diamond Jubilee Fashion & Awards Gala at the Flagstar Strand Theatre in Pontiac. This black-tie event featured strolling appetizers, a cash bar, live mannequins, and a “parade of decades.” The highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony, which recognized local accessory designers, stylists, models, and other fashion industry professionals for their work.

1. Vince Saracino, Cyndi-Lou Carson

2. Jared Barraco, Ashley Harris, Rachelle and Steve Willnus

3. Hala Besmar, Fares Ksebati and Cinderella Ksebati

4. Michael Martinez, Rick Winn, R.C. Caylan, Francisco Martinez, Carlos Martinez 5. Sherry

Kassab, Asima Khan, Amal Hadid 6. Peggy Barry Bartz, Carla Da Silva 7. Scott Franklin, Jennifer McMahan

8. Geta Berishaj, Terrill Fountain

9. Anita Dumo, Elizabeth Kincaid

10. Emily Stieber, Dale and Rodney Malone 11. Kelly Dunlap, Sherlyn Fox, Atheer Istifan

12. Rachna Chandra, Vienna Gurbani

01.06.2023

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KEVIN BEAN

12.10.2022

57th Annual Guild Gala

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KEVIN BEAN

THE URBAN LEAGUE OF DETROIT and Southeastern Michigan held its annual Guild Gala at the Westin Southfield. The event celebrated area youth who have demonstrated positive efforts and behaviors by presenting them with the organization’s “Do the Right Thing” award. Attendees helped support Urban League’s Project Ready College Club and other Workforce Career Development Center programs.

2. Dorothy Cocroft, Patrice Simpson

3. Gregory McPherson, Joyce Parks, Andrea S. Hall, Barbara Arbuckle, Cheri Oliver, Delores Flagg 4. Derrell Grant Sr., Derrell Grant Jr., Irice Ellis

5. Landen Kendrick, Larry Moore

6. Bailey Tennyson, Elexa Riggins, Brittany and Anastasia Skinner

7. Irene and Khloe Simon, Marie Shoulders, Eric Stewart 8. Dr. M. Roy Wilson, N. Charles Anderson 9. Delores Flagg, Cheri Oliver, Sandy Brown, Barbara Arbuckle, Andrea S. Hall, Joyce Parks 10. Edward and Tamika Lindsey

11. Ayana Thomas, Derrell Grant Jr., Mario Deboes, Monica Thompson

12. Jerome Record Jr., Maria Holmes, Darralyn Griffin, Eric Woody, Judy Alhamisi, Craig D’Agostini, Brittney and DaRell Snedacar 13. Liz Lengyel, Devonte and Heather McClung, Tyler Westfall, Curneak Brown, Jacqueline Humphreys, Amanda Bilancio

01.28.2023

Kids Gala 8th Annual Charity Event

PHOTOS BY KEVIN BEAN

THIS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER was held at The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham to support the efforts of the David C. McKnight Foundation, which provides celebrations for children who experience life-altering disabilities or illness. Guests at the event enjoyed gourmet cuisine, live entertainment by Jared Sykes, a silent auction, 52card raffles for extravagant prizes that included a lease on a new Cadillac, and more.

1. Alexandra Idziak, Johanna Lidgren

2. Andrew and Carolyn Sadler, Jared Sykes

3. Dawn March, Kirk Dahring 4. Viktor Vulaj, Linda Nikprelaj

5. Jesse Goodman, Dorothy Kinnunen, Glenn Snively, Sandra Hughes O’Brien

6. Guilherme and Barbara Oliveira, Tanya and Steve Atanasovski

7. Nadine Langley, Peg Godi, Colleen Dewitt

8. Deena Centofanti, Jay Towers 9. David McKnight, Jim Dunn

10. Sindy and Dave Klonke 11. Jennifer and Chris Dewey

12. Melinda Balian, Christa Potter

13. Kimberly Britt, Chris Holmes, Suzy Hahn

Robotic Precision Therapy Clinic

Duringhis teen years, Ben Blankenship played many different sports including basketball, football, rugby, and soccer. Consequently, he dealt with several sporting injuries. While seeking treatment for his injuries, Blankenship discovered an emerging therapy called Robotic Precision Therapy (RPT) — and it changed the course of his life.

“A family member who lived out-of-state told me about a new therapy in their area that used a robotic arm to lengthen muscle tissue,” Blankenship says. “After years of being in pain and trying many different therapies and medications with no success, I was ready to give up. In just one RPT session, my back and shoulder pain were completely gone.”

RPT uses a robotic arm to administer gentle pressure to a specific muscle to relieve pain and restore range of motion. Blankenship discovered that not only did this therapy eliminate his pain, but it significantly improved his athletic performance. Recognizing the revolutionary implications of RPT therapy, Blankenship decided to make it his career to bring life-changing Robotic Precision Therapy to his home state of Michigan. Today, the Robotic Precision Therapy Clinic in Troy has helped thousands of people improve their mobility and reduce pain.

“Living in pain affects every part of a person’s life,” Blankenship says. “Clients often come to the

RPT Clinic having tried countless other remedies without any relief. It’s so rewarding to see them be more mobile, happier, and back to the activities they love — and, in some cases, even be able to avoid surgery.”

The Robotic Precision Therapy Clinic is home to five RX2600 Therapeutic Robot machines. RPT therapists determine the muscle group causing a client’s pain, and then the robotic arm administers gentle pressure in set intervals to those specific muscles.

When muscles are shortened by repetitive motion, injury, or accident, it puts pressure on the surrounding bone structure and nerves, resulting in pain. The pressure exerted by the robotic arm works to lengthen the muscle back to its original state, reducing or even eliminating pain.

One of the RPT Clinic’s early clients was Julie Pulte. Pulte didn’t think she would be able to avoid hip surgery after years of constant pain. “I could barely walk,” she says. “After three RPT visits, I was fully mobile! I canceled my hip surgery and have been playing golf and tennis pain-free ever since.”

The robotic arm used by the therapist is more precise and accurate than performing the therapy by hand. With the RX2600 Therapeutic Robot, the amount of pressure is controlled, the precision of the placement is consistent, and the amount of

gentle pressure applied is measured. Blankenship has also patented several innovative improvements to the technology, like gentle heat and vibration to make RPT even more effective.

RPT can help with many issues, including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, migraines, carpal tunnel, TMJ, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, and other muscular issues. It has also been successful in aiding the mobility issues faced by those suffering from multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy.

RPT is a complement to traditional physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, and other therapies. For those who have plateaued in physical therapy, RPT can help get to the areas physical therapy cannot reach. Often, after RPT, a client’s remaining physical therapy sessions are much more productive.

Robotic Precision Therapy could help you live a life with less muscular pain and increased mobility. To find out more or to schedule an appointment, visit rptclinic.com or call 855-629-2805.

Robotic Precision Therapy Clinic

3250 W. Big Beaver Road, Ste. 426 Troy, MI 48084 855-629-2805

rptclinic.com

SOMETIMES SHARING a space with another tenant just isn’t easy.

For their first four seasons after moving from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Detroit in 1957, the Pistons played their local games at Olympia Stadium at Grand River and McGraw, home of the Detroit Red Wings.

Pictured above is the contest between Detroit and the Cincinnati Royals played on Halloween night 1958 (with Olympia Stadium’s hockey boards still in place and the flooring placed atop the ice). A sparse crowd of 2,652 fans watches the Pistons’ Dick McGuire drive to the basket while teammates (from left to right) Walter Dukes (number 23), partially hidden Earl Lloyd, George Yardley (12), and Gene Shue (21) anticipate another two points. The Pistons beat the Royals 120-113.

Eight years earlier to the day, Lloyd became the first Black player to compete in the NBA. In the previous, inaugural season in Detroit, Yardley — a future Hall of Famer — became the first player to score 2,000 points in a season.

In a 2007 interview, Gene Shue did not fondly recall playing at Olympia. “There were so many delays during the game because the floor was slippery from the ice below. I didn’t like playing there because it was a large building with small crowds and you were always freezing your butt off.”

Using an ice rink as a basketball arena came with other challenges. On March 12, 1960, the Pistons were forced to play a playoff game against the Minneapolis Lakers at Grosse Pointe South High School because Olympia was scheduled to host the Ice Capades.

The Pistons soon moved to the newly built Cobo Arena for the ’61-62 season, where they played until 1978, before leaving for the suburbs and competing for 10 seasons at the cavernous Pontiac Silverdome. Finally, the Pistons built their own home, The Palace of Auburn Hills, and won their first of three NBA Finals in the inaugural ’88-89 season.

The team returned to the city of Detroit in 2017 and once again became co-tenants with the Wings at Little Caesars Arena, a far cry from their first shared digs 60 years earlier. —Bill Dow