Hour Detroit // April 2022

LAW & DIVERSITY

HOW LOCAL FIRMS AND SCHOOLS STACK UP

VOICE OF THE TIGERS

DAN DICKERSON CELEBRATES A MILESTONE

RESTAURANT REVIEW

WEST VILLAGE’S METROPOLITAN BAR & KITCHEN

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City Guide 2022

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HOUR D E T R O I T

VOLUME THIRTY ONE | ISSUE FOUR PUBLISHER: John Balardo EDITORIAL EDITOR: Kate Walsh SENIOR EDITOR & DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR: Emma Klug NEWS & FEATURES EDITOR: Steve Friess ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Rachael Thomas, Ashley Winn COPY EDITOR: Olivia Sedlacek EDITORIAL INTERN: Brianna Blackshire CONTRIBUTORS: George Bulanda, Jim McFarlin, Paris Giles, Dorothy Hernandez, Ryan Patrick Hooper, Lindsay Kalter, Jenn McKee, Aleanna Siacon, Megan Swoyer, Mark Spezia DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Lindsay Richards ART DIRECTOR: Keagan Coop CONTRIBUTORS: Jimmy Goldfingers, James Heimer, Kailey Howell, Rachel Idzerda, Sal Rodriguez, Rebecca Simonov, Hayden Stinebaugh SALES ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Jason Hosko PUBLISHING AND SALES COORDINATOR: Kristin Mingo ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Cynthia Barnhart, Regan Blissett, Karli Brown, Lisa LaBelle, Maya Gossett, Donna Kassab, Mary Pantely & Associates OUTREACH SPECIALISTS: Paige Fritts, Alice Zimmer WEB DIGITAL DIRECTOR: Nick Britsky DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Matthew Cappo DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS: Luanne Lim, Kevin Pell, Bart Woinski DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR: Travis Cleveland VIDEO PRODUCER: Ken Bowery VIDEO EDITOR: Taylor Lutz IT IT DIRECTOR: Jeremy Leland PRODUCTION PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Jenine Rhoades SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTISTS: Stephanie Daniel, Robert Gorczyca ADVERTISING COORDINATOR: Erica Soroka GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Jim Bibart, Colin McKinney PRS GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Alexa Dyer CIRCULATION DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT: Michelle VanArman CIRCULATION MANAGER: Riley Meyers CIRCULATION COORDINATORS: Barbie Baldwin, David Benvenuto, Elise Coyle, Cathy Krajenke, Rachel Moulden MARKETING & EVENTS MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER: Jodie Svagr MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATORS: Kelsey Cocke, Drake Lambright MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS LEAD: Asia Jones MARKETING & EVENTS INTERNS: Mackenzie Livernois, Asia Yandan MARKETING RESEARCH MARKETING RESEARCH MANAGER: Ana Potter MARKETING RESEARCH ASSISTANT: Alexandra Thompson MARKETING RESEARCH COORDINATOR: Georgia Iden 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, Estefano Lopez DISTRIBUTION: Target Distribution, Troy 575 0 N E W K I N G D R I V E , T R OY, M I 4 8 0 9 8 T E L E P H O N E : 2 4 8 - 6 9 1 - 1 8 0 0 FA X : 2 4 8 - 6 9 1 - 4 5 3 1 E M A I L : E D I T O R I A L @ H O U R D E T R O I T.C O M O N T H E W E B : H O U R D E T R O I T.C O M To sell Hour Detroit magazine or for subscription inquiries: 248-588-1851

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04.22

CONTENTS ISSUE THREE HUNDRED ONE

32 City Guide:

Bucket List Our roundup of what every metro Detroiter must do in their lifetime. It’s a long list — there are 188 places — so you’d better start planning.

48 To Represent

While Representing

32

From law students to attorneys to judges, Michigan’s legal world is still dominated by white men. Here’s why it matters to everyone and who’s trying to change that.

This year’s City Guide: Bucket List includes iconic places, newer venues, and top picks from experts and influencers of the local food, drink, music, arts, and recreation scenes.

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04.22

CONTENTS ISSUE THREE HUNDRED ONE

Up Front Agenda

ONLINE THERAPY 18 IS CLICKING

The pandemic reshaped addiction treatment options and sent one Ann Arbor health startup soaring.

66 CULTURE CALENDAR

The recently rechristened Detroit Opera shows off its fresh new direction in La Bohème. Plus, MW Gallery’s latest exhibit explores our methods of escapism.

OBJECT LESSON 19

A college student from Clarkston is among the world’s top Tetris masters.

67 BOOK REVIEW: STUCK IN THE MIDDLE

MADE IN MICHIGAN: 20 CHRIS WILSON

An Ann Arbor novelist offers an honest and relatable depiction of middle age.

Now a Smithsonian director, this Detroit native is a master of fun and theatrical learning.

68 DETROIT TO BROADWAY

ONE DOOR OPENS 21

Detroiters are making their mark on Broadway, elevating the homegrown theater scene along the way.

A post-COVID silver lining could spell golden opportunity for workers with disabilities.

HEAR HIM ROAR 22

Dan Dickerson reflects on 20 years calling the Tigers’ playby-play in the gigantic shadow of mentor Ernie Harwell.

24/Seven MI STYLE: 26 DON DUDLEY

This footwear exec is making strides in the sneaker industry — and maintaining his own collection of cool kicks.

IN BLOOM 27

Detroit Flower Wall creates floral installations to elevate local events and businesses.

Food&Drink

27

72 THE HOUSE OF HAN

Local muralist Mike Han has mastered the art of turning setbacks into success.

73 ONE-STOP SHOP

A bodega-style market meets neighborhood restaurant with Metropolitan Variety Store and Bar & Kitchen.

73

76 BUILD A BETTER BLT

A sandwich that truly stacks up calls for only the very best local ingredients.

77 GAME PLAN

Here are the best spots to pregame and after-party on the Tigers’ home opener.

SPRING STYLE REPORT 28

The latest local fashions carry influences ranging from Motor City history to 1930s Parisian art to groovy tropical escapes.

12 E D I TO R’ S L E T T E R

I NEED MY SPACE: 30 WALL POWER

An interior designer‘s living room doubles as a gallery of conversation starters.

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04.22 From Our Readers

E D I T O R’ S L E T T E R

Anyone who lives in Michigan knows that spring doesn’t start in March.

And it has nothing to do with the weather. It starts in April, when the Tigers’ season kicks off in full swing.

Up until just hours before we went to press, we were waiting to hear when spring would begin. Major League Baseball and the players had still not agreed on a labor deal. But then, 99 days after the lockout was imposed, a deal was struck, and we, along with millions of other baseball fans, gave a huge sigh of relief. It was much better than the groundhog not seeing his shadow.

Whether the Tigers started in April or not, we knew fans would still want to read about them. So, on page 22, you’ll find an interview with Dan Dickerson, who, believe it or not, has been the voice of the Tigers on WJR-AM for 20 years. And on page 77, you’ll find our curated list of great places to dine and drink near Comerica Park, on the home opener.

Speaking of Comerica Park, the home of the Tigers is one of the 120-plus places profiled in Hour Detroit’s 2022 City Guide. This annual feature has taken many forms over the years. The most recent include 2020’s and 2021’s pandemic-influenced City Guides — the outdoors City Guide and the “City Guide: World Tour Edition,” respectively. Now, exactly a year after vaccines became available to nearly everyone who wanted one, we are returning to the basics. Our “City Guide: Bucket List” features not only the iconic places that every Detroiter should visit in their lifetime, but also newer venues and personal favorites from local experts and influencers in the food, drink, music, arts, and recreation scenes.

This spring, as we celebrate our return to normal in Detroit, we at Hour Detroit are not oblivious to the world around us. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainians who have been displaced and murdered, and with our local Ukrainian American communities. To find out how you can help, contact the Ukrainian-American Crisis Response Committee of Michigan (uacrisisresponse.org), whose mission is to donate funds directly to Ukraine, organize rallies, spread awareness, and more.

Wishing you and yours a peaceful and healthy spring.

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

“I don’t know how anyone can become desensitized to this (‘If School Shootings Are So Routine, Why Did Oxford Linger in the National News?’ February). Frankly, that’s how complacency becomes acceptable and silence is acceptance. We have to do better.”

—@blonde_hair_everywhere, Instagram “I have learned so much from Jamon Jordan over the years (‘Historian Jamon Jordan Is on a Mission to Tell the Stories of All Detroiters,’ February). … Jamon, whether in the audience or on the panel, shares stories and history in a way that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, yet so necessary to hear. I appreciate Jamon being named historian for Detroit.”

—Emily T Gail, hourdetroit.com “This restaurant is one of my favorites (‘Olin Bar & Kitchen Offers a Well-Balanced, Mediterranean-Influenced Menu,’ February).”

—@red.ozone, Instagram “I watched her every move at the Olympics (‘Metro Detroit Native Sheila YoungOchowicz on the Olympics & Winning Gold,’ February).

She made this northern Michigan girl so proud.”

—Jacquelyn K. Lockman, Facebook “This is dreamy (‘A Look Inside a Highland Township Couple’s Dream Kitchen,’ February)!”

—@erikaproctorphotography, Instagram

Hourdetroit.com Digital Extra

Easter is on April 17 this year.

Head to hourdetroit.com for our roundup of eateries around metro Detroit that will be serving brunch and dinner for the holiday.

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

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EDITOR BRAD ZIEGLER

3/10/22 4:19 PM

Join us for our 18th annual Detroit Design Awards in summer 2022.

DETROIT DESIGN AWARDS Presented by DOBI Real Estate

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WE ASKED SIX METRO DETROITERS to experience our “City Guide: Bucket List” — and the art team went along for the ride. Alongside photographer Hayden Stinebaugh and videographer Ken Bowery, we truly got to be flies on the wall, as we watched the group of intrepid locals check off items on the list. (We barely scratched the surface!) After three days of shooting, we were proud to say we documented 16 places on the list. From rock climbing to playing a game of pool to having a hot debate about Coneys, many laughs were had and memories made.

—Lindsay Richards, Creative Director We’d love to see the photographs you take while using our list as a guide to exploring the city. Be sure to tag us on social media using #CityGuide2022. @hourdetroit

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04.22

CONTRIBUTORS

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Jimmy Goldfingers PHOTOGRAPHED DON DUDLEY FOR MI STYLE (PAGE 26) “My aunt ran a day camp; she used to take a group of kids to Tigers games every year. I loved being in that environment — the hot dogs, peanuts, and bus rides — there were moments I can’t forget.” James Johnson, aka Jimmy Goldfingers, is a Detroit-native photographer. Born and raised on the west side, he has been working in photography for eight years.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TIGERS MEMORY?

3

4 Aleanna Siacon WROTE “TO REPRESENT WHILE REPRESENTING” (PAGE 48)

6

5

“I grew up in Warren and loved visiting the local library with my dad. I won a reading contest, and one of the prizes was getting to meet the Tigers’ mascot, Paws. Paws still reminds me of happy memories with my dad.” A third-year law student at Wayne State University Law School, Aleanna Siacon is set to graduate this May. Upon passing the Michigan bar exam, Siacon will join Bloomfield Hills law firm Plunkett Cooney. Before pivoting to law, Siacon honed her writing skills in several newsrooms and contributed to the Detroit Free Press, USA Today, Inc., the Detroit Metro Times, the Democrat & Chronicle (Rochester, New York), and more.

Kailey Howell PHOTOGRAPHS AND SOURCES RECIPES FOR RESTAURANT LISTINGS (PAGE 88)

 1. Joe Abrash, LaPorcshia Winfield, Paige Reid, Brent Kutcher, and photographer Hayden Stinebaugh at The Old Miami 2. LaPorcshia being photographed by Hayden at Cliff Bell’s 3. Brent eating lunch at Polish Village Cafe 4. Paige and LaPorcshia at the Fisher Building 5. LaPorcshia and Ryan Sirian at the Lexus Velodrome 6. Ryan and Asia Jones sitting with owner Larry Mongo at Cafe D’Mongo’s

CONTRIBUTORS COURTESY OF CONTRIBUTORS

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“We’re a big baseball family; my dad coached my brother and me all throughout school. My favorite Tigers memory is going with them both to the June 2, 2010, game against the Cleveland Indians.

I’ll never forget the intensity of that game; it was Armando Galarraga’s near-perfect game. There’s a photo of us all in a row, staring at the field with our mouths wide open, taken when the [safe at first] call was made! To this day, we still talk about that game and how lucky we were to have seen it.” Kailey Howell is a metro Detroit-based photographer who specializes in wedding, music, lifestyle, and food and drink photography. She worked as a studio portrait photographer at Focal Point Studio of Photography prior to earning her degree in journalism from Wayne State University.

APRIL 2022

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04.22 NEWS, NOTES, AND PERSONALITIES

Up Front H E A LT H p. 18

S P ORT S

20 YEARS OF TIGER TALES

This season, assuming there is one, will mark two decades since announcer Dan Dickerson took over for Ernie Harwell

O B J E C T L E S S O N p.19 MADE IN M I C H I G A N p.2 0 E M P L OY M E N T p. 21 S P O RT S p.2 2

p. 22

TIGERS COURTESY OF DETROIT TIGERS/ALLISON FARRAND

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APRIL 2022

17

3/9/22 11:52 AM

Up Front

HEALTH

Online Therapy Is Clicking The value of Ann Arbor startup Workit Health booms to $500M as the pandemic reshapes addiction treatment options

BY LINDSAY KALTER

METRO DETROIT NATIVE Lisa McLaughlin attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in the San Francisco area in 2009, working to maintain sobriety after her days in the Detroit underground club scene left her with addictions to overcome. Sitting knee-to-knee with her was a fellow University of Michigan alum, Robin McIntosh, who was fighting alcoholism and an eating disorder.

Six years later, the two found themselves looking for a solution to the same problem: How could they help improve access to substance use treatment, something that had long taken place in depressing, dimly lit church basements?

The answer to that question has made them millionaires. The company they founded, Workit Health, provides online addiction treatment services in 13 states and, per an October 2021 round of venture capital funding, is valued at $500 million.

That puts Workit, based in Ann Arbor, halfway to “unicorn” status, the entrepreneurship world’s term for a $1 billion startup. Only two Ann Arbor companies have hit that status, cybersecurity firm Duo and supply chain software giant Llamasoft.

“In 2016, we were two women bootstrapping, trying to raise venture capital,” McLaughlin says.

“We just don’t fit the mold most investors are used to — kids from Ivy Leagues wearing hoodies. We weren’t the next Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg.”

McLaughlin and McIntosh were also proposing a concept that, at the time, seemed unlikely to succeed. Using telemedicine for mental health services, especially addiction, had long been a regulatory nightmare; a 2008 federal law required in-person evaluations from doctors issuing prescriptions for controlled substances. What’s more,

(From top) U-M grads Lisa McLaughlin and Robin McIntosh’s company Workit Health is on its way to unicorn status.

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many health insurers refused to cover telemedical sessions related to mental health.

Then, in early 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration loosened those restrictions in anticipation of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, medications to help with withdrawal, like Suboxone and naltrexone, could be prescribed more easily.

At the same time, the stress and isolation of the pandemic sent substance use disorders skyrocketing and, given the necessity of social distancing and lockdowns, forced both patients and practitioners to turn to virtual communications. By June 2020, 13 percent of Americans had started using or increased use of substances, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program found an 18 percent increase in overdoses in the pandemic’s early months. In December 2020, the American Medical Association reported that more than 40 U.S. states had seen increases in opioid-related deaths.

With the pandemic forcing the closure of many rehabilitation centers, telehealth became the most practical option for people in substance use recovery. As a result, insurers began covering online therapy sessions.

“The pandemic has exacerbated something that’s endemic to the addiction space,” says McIntosh, who graduated from U-M with degrees in creative writing and economics. “We already had such a deep access problem, and then most treatment centers shuttered. The main reason people don’t get help or get better is lack of affordability and lack of access, and that has changed some.”

All this led to an explosion of demand for Workit, which bills health insurers or Medicaid, bringing in $4,200 per client per year, depending on treatment plan and length as well as insurance coverage.

Membership was already rising in late 2019, but the March 2020 start of the pandemic in the U.S. sent the service into overdrive. The company has seen 400 percent growth for two years running, McIntosh says, with 7,000 patients now registered on the platform. Workit Health employs a team of more than 120 licensed behavioral health counselors and professional care coaches. Counselors only provide therapy within the state they’re licensed in.

Digital treatment programs like Workit are now essential, says Dr. Lewei (Allison) Lin, a Michigan Medicine psychiatry professor. Many people in recovery face transportation problems or avoid going for help because they feel ashamed or embarrassed.

“We’ve done research involving lengthy interviews with patients on perceptions of telehealth, and not having to physically walk through those doors is an advantage,” Lin says. “COVID isn’t something anyone would’ve asked for, but it’s really changed the way we deliver health care.”

Listen Here Name: The Detroit History Podcast Who: Tim Kiska, a communications professor at the University of Michigan Dearborn What’s good about it: Kiska’s made-forradio voice tells the great stories of the city — from those of Hank Greenberg and Vernors to a postWorld War II influx of Japanese Americans and the construction of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel — in wellproduced episodes of less than 25 minutes.

Starter episodes: “Lottie the Body, the Burlesque Queen of Detroit” (July 2020), “The 1957 NFL Champion Detroit Lions” (March 2019).

Website: detroithistory podcast.com

HEALTH COURTESY OF WORKIT HEALTH PODCAST COURTESY OF THE DETROIT HISTORY PODCAST

3/9/22 11:51 AM

Up Front

What am I looking at?

This is a screenshot of 20-year-old Jacob Huff’s personal best and the second-highest score by anyone ever at the classic computer game Tetris — 1,864,920 — taken from YouTube, where he posted the nearly 16-minute session in December. It shows a score of 264,920, but that’s because of a quirk that only allows the game to record 1,600,000 points before it starts over. The original game, invented in 1984 by a Soviet programmer, actually couldn’t go any higher than 999,999, but a modification made in part to accomodate competitive Tetris events now allows it to do so.

Wait, competitive Tetris? Srsly?

Yup. For more than a decade, there’s been a Classic Tetris World Championship, typically in Portland, Oregon, except over the past couple of years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Huff, a computer programming student at Oakland Community College, finished second in 2021 to win $1,500 and third in 2020 to win $750.

The top prize is $3,000, plus all-important bragging rights and a pretty sweet, appropriately modularlooking trophy. The rest of the year, there are smaller tournaments, and people like Huff, who have become significant figures in the community, routinely livestream their play via an app called Twitch.

This is the same Tetris I played in college back in the ’90s?

Yes — and no. The game’s the same in that players still must angle randomly falling four-block figures to clear lines and avoid stacking them to the top of the screen. But there are a few differences for the hardcore competitors. First, they usually start at level 19 to skip over the slow, boring early levels and get to the

OBJECT LESSON

BLOCK HEADS A college student from Clarkston is among the world’s top Tetris masters — and yes, that’s a thing

BY STEVE FRIESS

pace that gets your heart rate up. And the system of choice for competitive Tetris is the old Nintendo Entertainment System with the narrow, gray controllers, played on what is now known as a “CRT” — aka a cathode ray tube television set, aka those fat old boxes most people haven’t used since the last millennium.

(Modern flat-screen TVs tend to have a lag that fouls up the rhythm of the game.) Oh, and elite competitors like Huff have new techniques of play that explain why they’ve been able to set new standards.

TETRIS COURTESY OF YOUTUBE/HUFFULUFUGUS

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Uhh, there’s a new “technique” for directing falling blocks?

Two, actually! Huff’s style is known as “rolling,” in which the controller is held upside down and pressed against your leg above the knee, several buttons pressed at once. The other technique is known as “hypertapping,” in which the players bang at the controller at an insane pace.

It’s really hard to describe, so maybe search these terms on YouTube and watch someone actually putting them into practice.

This seems a little silly.

Oh yeah? Well, media outlets no less highfalutin than The New Yorker and The New York Times have written long pieces about this odd sidelight of esports, the burgeoning world of competitive video game play. There’s even a 2011 documentary, Ecstasy of Order, that chronicles the first international competition.

At the time, the players were mainly Generation Xers indulging in a certain nostalgia. But later in the decade, the new breed of young Tetris play-style innovators, including Huff, came along to blast through old records and turn it into something new.

So, is this a career choice?

No. Huff, interviewed via Zoom from his room at Las Vegas’ Excalibur resort, where he was staying in late February for a competition in which he won $500, laughed at that question.

He’s earned a few thousand dollars — and the bemused admiration of his friends — over his years in Tetris’ upper echelons, but such events are opportunities to meet in-person with folks he interacts with on Twitch and another app called Discord, where an active competitive Tetris group basically forms consensus for the game on what is “legal.” They’re the gang that decided the modification that created the ability for an unlimited score is kosher. “We’re all friends,” Huff says. “Most everyone who plays this game is friends with or talks to each other.”

How big a world is this?

Not so big. Huff, who goes by the online handle Huffulufugus, had just over 600 followers on his Twitch channel and fewer than 4,000 YouTube views on his stunning 1.8 millionpoint session as of early March. By contrast, there are several video games so competitive and lucrative — think Fortnite — that players have become millionaires.

In fact, Huff admits that one of the appeals of competitive Tetris for him is that it’s not as wildly popular.

“That’s probably why I do this — because it’s easier to become one of the elite players,” he says.

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Up Front

Ford in Dearborn. Now sharing his life on the East Coast are his wife, Elizabeth, who is deputy director of fundraising at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, and their two children.

Wilson chatted with Hour Detroit about his illustrious career, the historic figures he’s come to know, and why it took him so long to see Hamilton.

We’ll get to your career, but first, do you remember any particular episodes of your mom’s show, Science Is Everywhere, that you were on?

Well, I was 4, so I couldn’t do much, but there was one episode about the moon and outer space, related to the NASA launches. They had me running around a construction zone they were pretending was a moonscape. So I picked up rocks and looked at them.

And what did your father do?

MADE IN MICHIGAN

A LIGHT IN THE MUSEUM

Smithsonian director Chris Wilson tells of his path from Detroit to D.C., his moments with Rosa Parks and Michelle Obama, and why Lin-Manuel Miranda ghosted him

BY STEVE FR I ES S ILLUSTRATION BY RACHE L I D ZER DA

LOOKING BACK, IT MAKES SENSE that Detroit-born Christopher Wilson would go on to help revolutionize the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., by injecting its programming with theater and immersive experiences intended to engage modern audiences. After all, his mother, Joanne Wilson, did much the same in the late 1960s and early 1970s as host of an after-school Detroit Public Television show called Science Is Everywhere, in which she, too, labored to make some of the dry material taught in classrooms more interesting and accessible.

Wilson, 54, born on Detroit’s west side and a graduate of the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University, is now both the director of experience design and the director of the African American History Program at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Before moving on to D.C., he spent almost two decades at The Henry

He was a supervisor at the Detroit Parks and Recreation Department. He actually gave Tommy Hearns his first job cleaning up around the gym where the boxers went. He became a family friend and would come by our house all the time. But before that, my dad was really trying to get hockey programs set up for inner city kids. He got an outdoor rink built at Northwestern Recreation Center with money appropriated from the Coleman Young administration. There was a big dedication ceremony where my granddad skated a lap and then I, as a 5-year-old, skated a lap.

You considered becoming a doctor. How did you end up a museum historian instead?

My freshman year at University of Michigan, I was on the track team and taking a lot of hard math and science classes, but it got to be too much for me. My second year, my counselor suggested I take something easier, so I took some art history classes, and I really enjoyed that. [Wilson eventually switched his majors to English and history.] And then, my father suggested I work a summer job at the Henry Ford Museum. He thought I’d enjoy working on the new CO N T I N U E D O N PAG E 1 00

SCIENCE MITTEN

Intriguing findings from researchers across Michigan

By Steve Friess STAVING OFF DEMENTIA: Addressing mental health disorders earlier in life could be an important way to avert neurodegenerative diseases later, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, Duke University, and the University of Auckland.

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The analysis focused on a three-decade observation of some 1.7 million New Zealanders and was published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. The lead author, U-M psychologist Leah Richmond-Rakerd, says it’s unclear what exactly connects mental disorders and dementia, but knowing there is a link may prompt doctors to encourage patients with such disorders to engage in healthy behaviors that reduce dementia risk, such as exercise.

EXPLAINING MEMORY: Wayne State University scientists say they’ve figured out how the brain creates enduring memories, a puzzle that has baffled neuroscientists for decades. Their work, published in the journal Current Biology, identified evidence that interactions between the medial temporal lobe and the prefrontal cortex are responsible for the formation of lasting memories.

“Findings suggest that

the development of memory is rooted in the development of the brain’s ability to multitask,” says Wayne State psychologist Noa Ofen, a lead author.

“This tells us something fundamental about how memory becomes what it is.”

HOORAY FOR NANOFOAM PADDING: More flexible padding for football helmets, tested in labs at Michigan State University, can offer players greater protection

FINDINGS SUGGEST THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEMORY IS ROOTED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRAIN’S ABILITY TO MULTITASK.

against concussions and brain injuries, according to a study published in the journal Matter.

The material, reusable liquid nanofoam, has been shown to be more resilient and effective than the standard foam pads currently in use, says MSU engineer Weiyi Lu, the lead author. “The nanofoam was able to mitigate continuous multiple impacts without damage; the results were identical from test one through test 10,” Lu says.

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3/9/22 11:57 AM

Up Front

DETROIT DIGITS

EMPLOYMENT

1

The national rank of Michigan in SmartAsset.com’s “Best States for Higher Education” ratings for 2022, based on undergraduate graduation rate, average net price, student-to-faculty ratio, 20-year return on investment, and instate attendance rate.

Michigan, which was in seventh place in 2021, edged out former No. 1 Virginia, putting us way, way ahead of bitter rival Ohio, which landed in a tie for 34th with Arkansas and Missouri.

$1.7M

The amount raised in donations for the victims of the November 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School. The money will be distributed by the National Compassion Fund, a nonprofit that also handled donations accrued for victims of school massacres in Parkland, Florida, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

$41.68M

The minimum salary to be paid to University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh in the coming five years, per a renegotiated contract that followed the Wolverines winning the 2021 Big Ten championship, beating Ohio State, and participating in the College Football Playoff. Harbaugh, who had taken a pay cut after the disastrous 2020 season, will once again be among the highest-paid coaches in college football.

ICONS THE NOUN PROJECT

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One Door Opens

A post-COVID silver lining might mean a golden opportunity for workers with disabilities

BY ASHLEY WINN | ILLUSTRATION BY JAMES HEIMER

AT THE ONSET OF the COVID-19 pandemic, amid perhaps the best employment economy in U.S. history, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities sat above 80 percent. The economic crash that accompanied the pandemic, of course, only made things worse.

Now, however, comes the “Great Resignation,” the post-lockdown era that took hold last summer in which millions of able-bodied Americans quit jobs they didn’t like. It’s a vexation for employers struggling to staff their businesses and customers seeking services — but a big opportunity for many people with disabilities.

By late last year, the Institute on Disability put labor force participation for people with disabilities 3 percentage points ahead of where it stood prepandemic, making it the highest rate of employment ever recorded for the population.

Many business owners who had not previously considered employees with disabilities are now willing to offer the necessary accommodations, says Venita King, southeast division director for Michigan Rehabilitation Services, a division of the state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity that provides training and employment services to the approximately 1.3 million Michiganders living with disabilities.

Since the pandemic’s onset, MRS has ramped up its “business spotlights” — recruitment sessions in which companies appeal directly to MRS clients.

While the organization has always worked with businesses, King says, she and her team have typically been the ones to seek out these collaborations. “Now, we have businesses coming to us, asking to be spotlighted. We’ve taken advantage of that opportunity.” Recent spotlights have included American House, Belle Tire, Cisco, Comerica, and Alta Equipment.

For Rochester-based nonprofit Dutton Farm, which provides workforce development programs and employment assistance for local people with disabilities, the results have been similar. Heading into the pandemic, the organization had 16 clients placed with employers across the region. By the time lockdowns were fully rolled out, that number had dropped to six. Over the past year, however, Dutton has more than bounced back, currently boasting 36 placements.

Chief Programming Officer Lisa Friedrich emphasizes the impact these positions have on the employees, pointing to one of Dutton Farm’s most recent placements. The client, who is over 40, had never worked a paying job until he was placed with

 To many, worker shortages and other pandemic side effects are the subjects of ire, but for those with disabilities, they may spell opportunity.

a manufacturing company. “It has changed his life,” Friedrich says. “He’s so thrilled to go to work 20 hours a week.” Even those clients who work just two to four hours per week relish the chance to engage with and contribute to their communities. “They also say they love the paycheck — don’t we all?”

The increased need Dutton Farm has seen among local businesses has opened doors not only for current clients but also for the nonprofit at large, which has partnered with several new employers — and expanded into other industries — in the last few months alone. “Our goal by the end of the year is to have 60 placements,” she says. “It’s a substantial growth, but we believe we can do it.”

Worker shortages aren’t the only pandemic side effect facilitating inclusive employment. Prior to the remote-work boom, many employers refused to consider work-from-home arrangements. Part of its legacy is extending new professional opportunities to people with epilepsy, vision impairments, and other conditions that restrict their ability to commute.

“We’ve seen customers really embrace this,” says King, who believes the popularization of remote work will give people with disabilities access to high-demand, high-paying careers in fields like computer information and technology.

All this adds up to a surprising silver lining of this devastating pandemic. “We’re viewing the resulting employment landscape in a positive way,” King says. “Certainly, high levels of poverty and discrimination still exist, but quite frankly, I think individuals with disabilities have a lot of opportunities right now.”

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3/9/22 11:55 AM

Up Front

VETERAN TIGERS FANS, you are not going to believe this. Are you sitting down? If so, and you’re in your car, turn up the radio. This year marks the 20th season Dan Dickerson has served as radio play-by-play voice for your hometown baseball team. Can it possibly be that long?

“I say ‘my 20th year since Ernie retired,’” Dickerson clarifies, deferring to the late, legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell, soundtrack of our boys of summer for 42 seasons. In Harwell’s final years behind the mic, Dickerson was hired to call the middle three innings; upon Ernie’s retirement, he slid into the big chair. “I call it ‘lead play-by-play guy.’ Some people say ‘the voice of the Tigers.’ That always sounds a little pretentious to me, but it’s fine.”

Dickerson’s style is anything but pretentious, says Stan Fracker, the Tigers’ director of broadcasting and in-game entertainment: “He manages to resonate with fans while describing accurately what’s happening on the field. The delivery is efficient; it’s elegant. When the moment is big, he rises to the occasion.”

While Harwell’s legacy may forever permeate the franchise — the Comerica Park press box is officially the Ernie Harwell Media Center — Dickerson will be forever grateful for his mentor’s advice early on, when he was first learning the ropes of calling baseball. When the Tigers hired Dickerson, he was known regionally for his work calling Detroit Lions and University of Michigan football broadcasts for WJR-AM. “I had done zero baseball play-by-play,” he recalls. When he first met Harwell in the booth in Lakeland, Florida, where the Tigers play spring training, the elder man told him, “Just remember to get what’s in front of you right. Does the listener have a clear understanding of what happened? Everything else is just style.”

SPORTS

Two Decades of Roaring About the Tigers Dan Dickerson reflects on 20 years calling the play-by-play in the gigantic shadow of mentor Ernie Harwell

BY JIM McFARLIN

good call for both teams,” he says. “He would appreciate a good play, a big hit by the other side. I am the Tigers announcer, but I don’t want to be a ‘homer’ saying every call is against our team.”

One part of the job that Harwell never had to contend with is the advent of social media, which Dickerson says provides a direct and sometimes difficult stream of public feedback. “I’m a big old baby,” he laughs. “People are very complimentary, but I’ll get that one tweet that burrows into my brain and I’ll remember it for three days.”

Dickerson’s biggest fans, adult children Rachel and Justin and wife Lori Anne, a journalism professor at Michigan State University, serve as reality checks.

You might think it draining to cover a team that suffered 114 losses just three seasons ago, but Dickerson points out that the Tigers were in the World Series as recently as 2012. Not even the Yankees can say that. “There are times I leave it on my sleeve, like when they lose on a walk-off [hit],” he admits, “but I still love coming to the ballpark.”

After acquiring a shortstop and catcher who are former All-Stars, signing a left-handed starter to join a talented young pitching staff, and watching a core of exciting players mature around Miguel Cabrera, Detroit may surprise some people this season, including Dickerson.

After all, this is, according to the Chinese calendar, the Year of the Tiger.

Dan The Man Dickerson at the mic on the ballfield at Comerica last season emceeing one of thousands of Tigers events in his 20-year career with the team.

“He manages to resonate with fans while describing accurately what’s happening on the field. The delivery is efficient; it’s elegant.”

—STAN FRACKER

Raised in Birmingham and Rochester, Dickerson, 63, grew up a Tigers fan, seeing his first game in Tiger Stadium at age 9. “I realize how rare it is to call games for the team you grew up watching,” he says. “It’s pretty cool.”

But how does one separate booster from broadcaster? “The thing you learn, especially if you grow up listening to Ernie Harwell, is to give a

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DAN DICKERSON COURTESY OF DETROIT TIGERS/ALLISON FARRAND

3/10/22 4:21 PM

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3/10/22 11:19 AM

The

Seen

A monthly feature highlighting events, promotions, and opportunities of interest to Hour Detroit readers.

The Inn at St. John’s Employee Directed Charity Awards Photographs by Christine M.J. Hathaway

Award Winners

Br. Tien Dinh, Br. Gary Wegner, and Theresa Sidney

Mark Pulte, Kayti Stanley, and Kevin Doyle

Jill Engel, Ryan Kathrens, and Ian Flemng

KIDS Gala 7th Annual Fundraising Event Photographs by Christine M.J. Hathaway

JoAnn Hermes, Erinn O’Connor, and Megan Lovas

Boswell and Ann Duke

David C. McKnight, Tracy and Jim Truhan, and Jim Dunn

Deena Centofanti and Jay Towers

Inaugural Charity Dinner benefitting “Make-A-Dream” Photographs by Christine M.J. Hathaway

Thomas and Sarah Kowal, Jamie Fabbri, and Kristin Patrona

Antonia Lisi, Brian Granader, and Trisha Latinis

Dr. James and Trisha Latinis

Lynne and Christ Backos, and Matthew and Kara McNamara

The Apap Group Real Estate Office Grand Opening Photographs by Lindsay Schweikert

Steve Eick

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Maureen Apap, Jack Apap, Bridget Apap, John Apap, Mary Clare Apap, Gail Disner, Betsy Laboe, and Kathy Remski

Houston Sanders

Scott Gold, Marie Bellissimo, Houston Sanders, Mazey Wofford, and Jack Roumieh

3/10/22 10:51 AM

04.22 MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE IN METRO DETROIT

24/Seven MI S TY LE

ALL IN STRIDE

Don Dudley, a marketing director for Foot Locker, is doing big things in the sneaker industry — and maintaining a collection of his own cool kicks p. 26

Air These A Ma 1x n a d r nd Jo e Sail a Maniér shoes are

dy Burgun fresh pair of e n o t s ley’s ju in Dud sneaks rotation. robust

M I ST Y L E p. 26 D E S I G N p. 27 FA S H I O N p. 28 I N E E D M Y S PAC E p. 30

SNEAKERS JIMMY GOLDFINGERS

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“My personal style is minimal sneakerhead. I always start with sneakers, and I build my outfit up from there.”

—DON DUDLEY

central region marketing director for Foot Locker, overseeing content creation, in-store activations, and community engagement for the company’s Detroit, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas markets.

For Dudley, it’s about more than just selling cool kicks; it’s about empowering and educating the people who wear them. He helped launch Foot Locker’s Sneaker School, a mentorship boot camp that introduces folks to jobs and professionals within the retail, design, and marketing industries.

On his own, Dudley’s started two projects with fellow Detroit creative Darryl Blanding: Wins Brand, an apparel and accessory line with a message of celebrating wins big and small, and Clean Sneaker Care, a sneaker cleaning service based in the small-business incubator Ponyride.

Here, Dudley talks his own sneaker collection, local brands and creatives he has his eye on, and more.  Dudley poses at the Xhibition retail store in downtown Detroit, wearing the camoprint Michigan Chore Coat from Carhartt WIP, cargo pants from Banana Republic, and the Yeezy Desert Boot Season 7 in Oil.

MI STYLE

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Foot Locker regional marketing director Don Dudley is making strides in the footwear industry while uplifting creatives in Detroit and beyond

BY RACHAE L TH OMAS P HOT O BY J IMM Y GOLD FI NG ER S

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DON DUDLEY CAN TRACE his affinity for sneakers back to middle school, when he’d spend time looking at “Air Jordan History of Flight,” an interactive feature on the then-Jumpman 23 website that shared the history of the Air Jordan brand and the inspirations behind the iconic sneakers.

That’s when, the west-side Detroit native and Cass Tech alum says, he became fascinated with the idea of storytelling through design. Now, at 30 years old, Dudley resides in Chicago and serves as the

My personal style is … Minimal sneakerhead. I always start with sneakers, and I build my outfit up from there. I like to blend a high-end streetwear piece with local brands, because it’s not what you wear — it’s how you wear it. And I’m also really big on quality and fit; it’s not always [about] buying the most hype brand or the most expensive brand but more about what I’m going to be comfortable in. Sneaker roll call: I would say I probably own around 100 pairs. For people who are real sneaker collectors, that’s a super small number. But for me, I love a collection where I can see my rotation. My favorite pair is my [Air Jordan 6 Retro in Black Varsity Red].

This pair came out in 2010. It’s my favorite sneaker because it’s one of the shoes that got me into collecting sneakers. My favorite local brands: I look at Distinct Life; Rick and Yolanda [Williams] have a really cool brand, and just seeing their collaboration over the years with larger brands and how they’ve brought that to the city has been cool. Carhartt is a quality brand that’s become like a staple of workwear and a staple of fashion. And Corner Store Goods — as a brand, their designs are creative and unique to Detroit culture. Local creatives on my radar: @adsterphotos [Adi Muhtarevic] is doing amazing work in the city and beyond. @ghettokidscam [Cameron Warren] — young dude. I’ve worked with him a couple times. He has a brand, Ghetto Kids, and is a really talented creative. @completd [Dante Rionda] has been putting out some dope work. And @aa_dawg [Aaron Dawson]. I enjoy his brand, Plant Economy, and his recent installation, Room to Grow Experience [a selfie museum at Somerset Collection]. On community: Every day, I say “Community, not competition.” It’s like my daily mantra.

Keep up with Dudley on Instagram at @staylaced_don.

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3/9/22 11:56 AM

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DESIGN

In Bloom Experiential design company Detroit Flower Wall creates floral backdrops, signage, and more, to elevate events and businesses

BY RACHAEL THOMAS PHOTO BY SAL RODRIGUEZ

presence — since the right picture-perfect setup can make a company go viral on Instagram, TikTok, or another social medium — is key for Carlton. It’s also her goal to help local Black-owned businesses gain that traffic and cultivate engaging experiences, since these companies historically start off with less capital than their white-owned counterparts, and 57 percent of Black-owned companies across the country were FLOWERS CAN ENHANCE any space, considered “at risk” or “distressed” even before sure. But for Larissa Carlton, co-founder of design the pandemic. “What is important to me, being a company Detroit Flower Wall, it’s about more than designer of spaces, is to create aesthetically pleasing depositing bunches of bouquets around a space marketing,” Carlton says. “Everyone’s showing where — it’s about helping clients achieve the events of they’re eating; everyone’s showing what they’re doing. their dreams and improving a business’s customer … So, my goal is to help businesses in the Detroit area experience, through the power of interior design. allow their space to market itself on these platforms Founded by Carlton and her brother, Terrell, and allow the community to come inside their in 2018, Detroit Flower Wall specializes in luxury businesses based off the look and aesthetic.” flower wall installations and signage for events and businesses. From decor for birthdays, baby showers, Prior to co-founding Detroit Flower Wall, Carlton seminars, and weddings to vinyl installations and would create props and decor for luncheons, logos for beauty studios, clothing stores, and other parties, and women’s empowerment events as a companies, the Detroit Flower Wall team — a tightside hustle, while working full-time as a recreational knit seven-person crew consisting of Carlton and her therapist. The Ypsilanti native never imagined brother, who assists with client consultations and leaving her career in the health industry and building, along with their mother, their cousins, and turning her event props gig into a full-time job — some friends — can do it all. let alone a six-figure business — but Detroit Flower Wall has served more than 200 clients “I look forward to the opportunity to  across metro Detroit and Ohio, including create the space for individuals and young A family affair business owners to shine,” Carlton says.

Larissa Carlton (left) The Lip Bar, For the Love of Sugar, the and her brother, Detroit Athletic Club, Saks Fifth Avenue, Real and silk flowers are used to adorn Terrell Carlton and Grammy Award-winning gospel singer the lavish walls, which take around three (right), pose by two and native Detroiter Karen Clark Sheard. weeks to build and can stand as tall as 8 of their luxe floral wall creations. feet high and 16 feet wide. Clients can take “The goal has transformed from just their space to the next level with custom putting up flower walls into really allowing neon, acrylic, and wooden signs, as well as props interior design to become a big part of Detroit, as a like arches, swings, and even a Champagne wall.

Black designer,” Carlton says. “We really look forward Detroit Flower Wall’s offerings are available to to the opportunity to connect with local business purchase and customize or to rent. owners and do even more big events in Detroit.”

Creating installations that attract potential Learn more about Detroit Flower Wall at customers to a business and amplify its digital detroitflowerwall.com.

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FASHION

Spring/Summer 2022 Report: Detroit Edition Influences ranging from Motor City history to 1930s Parisian art to groovy tropical escapes color the latest collections from designers with local ties

BY RACHAEL THOMAS

A.POTTS COLLECTION

Aaron Potts, a Detroit-born, New York-based designer, creates versatile pieces influenced by modern art, native dress, and workwear for his unisex label. He aims to tell “a story of earthbound angels, lightness, movement, and joy” with his spring/summer 2022 menswear collection, whose neutral blues, browns, and whites are expertly justaposed with with pops of reds, oranges, and pinks. Ruffled tops and skirts, boxy jackets and dresses, and layers of fringe can be seen throughout the looks, creating playful volume.

Tie-front aprons are a nod to Ethiopian weaving traditions (the Hamar and Bana tribes of Ethiopia were two of Potts’ inspirations for the collection).

DEVIATE

 A.Potts Collection’s spring/summer 2022 range is inspired by the Hamar and Bana tribes of Ethiopia, the 1991 film Daughter of the Dust, the Great Migration, and Afromericana.

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ANNA SUI

Now in her fifth decade designing, Detroit native Anna Sui is known for whimsical styles that are often reflective of contemporary cultural phenomena. For her spring/summer 2022 ready-to-wear show, presented during New York Fashion Week last September, the New York-based designer transported attendees to a tropical getaway with the Another Day in Paradise collection. It features looks inspired by Sui’s own ideal holiday. Printed dresses, jackets, graphic tees, and shorts bloom with a variety of tropical florals, while hand-crocheted cardigans, skirts, bikinis, vests, and bags round out the collection. The rainbow color palette progresses from bright pinks and oranges to deep blues and purples.

The upscale, beachy looks are complemented by chunky round-framed sunglasses, straw hats, floral chokers, and gingham socks.

Sisters Kelsey and Cassidy Tucker of Detroitbased unisex label Deviate produced a dreamy spring/summer 2022 collection bearing influences from the city’s automotive history. The brand unveiled its Impalpable as a Dream collection last fall, within the graffiti-lined walls of Recycle Here, in Detroit — a backdrop befitting of the collection’s theme. The Tuckers aimed to present a visual interpretation of the concepts of dreams and time, as well as the limbic system (a part of the brain that processes and regulates emotions, memories, and learning). To this effect, clock imagery and obscure graphics were plastered on waffle-knit shirts, crewnecks, and an oversized hoodie with drmatically elongated sleeves.

Utilitarian chore coats, duster jackets, and a custom tool belt, meanwhile, are remeniscent of vintage assembly-line workwear. The collection is bathed in a color palette inspired by Motown album covers and the murals that adorn the city.

A.POTTS COLLECTION GREGORY WIKSTROM

3/9/22 12:00 PM

24/Seven

 Abstract floral prints in bright colors are the stars of Hope for Flowers’ spring 2022 ready-towear collection.

Tracy Reese has made a name for herself designing womenswear with unique prints and bold colorways.

HOPE FOR FLOWERS

In the course of her four-decade fashion career, Tracy Reese has made a name for herself designing womenswear with unique prints and bold colorways. She started her sustainable label Hope for Flowers in 2019, after moving from New York back to her native Detroit. Bright floral prints abound in the spring 2022 ready-to-wear collection, in keeping with both the brand’s and Reese’s own signature flair for daring colors and patterns.

Breezy, open-back dresses; tops with puffed sleeves; and shorts serve as ideal canvases. Other equally fun options include a leopard-print top and dress, striped wide-leg pants, and tie-dyed ensembles. The collection exudes childlike joy, a quality the brand played into with photography showing models riding scooters in Voigt Park, in Detroit’s BostonEdison neighborhood, and at the playground at New Center’s Pat Lane Park.

KEVAN HALL

Kevan Hall, a Detroit-born, Los Angeles-based designer, is best known for his couture designs and for revamping luxury brand Halston, while serving as its creative director, at the turn of the century. For his spring/summer 2022 ready-to-wear collection, Brushstrokes, Hall calls upon the fashion, art, and interior design of 1930s Paris. The collection is inspired by French artist and fashion illustrator Christian Bérard’s signature painting style, with nods to Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti and interior designer Jean-Michel Frank.

Ensembles featuring the trompe l’oeil technique (a style of painting that creates the illusion of a real object or scene) made their way down the runway during New York Fashion Week last fall. The brushstroke effect can be seen on a blazer, a jacket, pants, and a gown. Floral prints, tweed dresses, and sequined looks in shades of coral, alabaster, and fuchsia reflect Hall’s classic design aesthetic.

ISAIAH HEMMINGWAY

Since moving from his native Detroit to New York in the early aughts, designer Isaiah Hemmingway has become known for his bespoke suits and custom footwear. For his resort 2022 collection, Hemmingway marries business with leisure to create what he calls “bleisure.” Relaxed shirts with hidden plackets and fashioned from a cashmere blend, as well as sports coats and trousers with ribbed hemming, make for fitted yet casual looks. And Hemmingway is not afraid of color; royal blue, kelly green, and orchid, with occaisional pops of red and orange, make up the color palette, offset by neutral tans, grays, and blacks.

Hemmingway presented this collection last October, at the Detroit Maison Black runway show, which featured six Detroit-born designers (including Potts and Hall) and served as a kickoff to Maison Black, a New York-based online marketplace for accessible luxury fashion by Black designers.

HOPE FOR FLOWERS CHRISTON MARIE ISAIAH HEMMINGWAY OLUWASEYE OLUSA

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 For his resort 2022 collection, Isaiah Hemmingway presented his “bleisure” looks — suits and relaxed shirts in bright colors and netural tones — at the Maison Black runway show in Detroit, last fall.

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Favorite pieces A lucky-13 black-cat piece (1) and an “Enter” sign (2), both by her brother, Jordan Kabalka, who now lives in Alabama. “I am drawn to dark, creepy illustrations, so these are very much up my alley.” 

I’m watching you A wallpaper sample from Maharam displays an eyeball pattern (3). Founded in 1902, Maharam is a leading creator of textiles for commercial and residential interiors. 

More items You’ll also see a cheerful floral work by Hollis Callas (4) and a print of a hand sketch of a triangular structure by Detroit’s Jeremy Johnson (5). A work featuring a contemplative woman with vibrant red lips (6), by German-born illustrator Hanna Barczyk, also gets a spot on the wall. Meanwhile, a bright, botanical illustration by Sewzinski (7) pulls several colors together. 

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“Don’t be afraid of things that you feel don’t go together.”

—CAITLIN ROWLEY

I NEED MY SPACE

WALL POWER After a decade collecting art, this designer transformed her Midtown apartment’s living room into a gallery of conversation starters

BY ME GAN SWOYE R PHOT O BY H AYDE N STINE BAUGH

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“I ALWAYS WANTED TO move to the city, my entire life,” says interior designer Caitlin Rowley, who grew up in Fenton. As a student at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies, Rowley commuted from her hometown for a couple of years, before fulfilling her city dream and moving to Detroit’s Boston-Edison neighborhood, then to a few other spots in Detroit and Royal Oak. Now she’s happily living in Midtown Detroit with her cat, Ozzy, in the 15-unit Keyes building, which features four floors of restored apartments, replete with original window casings and trim, plaster walls, old hardware, antiquated radiators, historic doors and doorknobs, and other vintage touches.

The pièce de résistance in Rowley’s home is her eclectic living room gallery wall, which has a window between two wall-art collections. It features works by artists near and far, amid an arrangement of accents and furnishings that’s both creative and inviting.

That’s no surprise, as Rowley is an interior designer at Ellwood Interiors in Birmingham.

The art lover says the apartment’s design goes with her style. “I mix a lot of different eras of furniture and that gives it this unique charm, and most of my stuff is neutral, so the walls of art give the space the color.” She’s been collecting art in the way of originals and prints for about 10 years. “I get my art as gifts, from traveling, or from discovering an artist on social media,” she says. “My home is a story — a timeline — of me.”

 Surfers and whales and snakes, oh my!

“My print of surfers,

by Leah Reena Goren (8), came from a print shop in California. The whales (9) are Northwest art and were purchased at the Seattle Art Museum. A snake print by Colour Poems (10) was a gift from a friend; I have a snake tattoo.”

Hot and cold Sandra Poliakov created the “Sun Salutation” (11) and “Calm Woman” (12) art works.

 Pop culture “I have a [copy of a] print by Keith Haring (13). He is one of my favorite artists from that time period, so it was a thoughtful gift. I like his style (which is characterized by the repetition of stylized shapes in bright, vibrant colors and outlined in black).”

Tips of the trade “Don’t be afraid of things that you feel don’t go together,” the designer says.

“Mix photography in with the abstract.

Mix prints, canvases, and different types of frames.”

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Bucket List Photos by Hayden Stinebaugh

188 things every metro detroiter should do in their lifetime

t a r u o H Happldy Miami O

City Guide 2022

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Y! A D T A GRE

by Hour Detroit contributors and staff — with panelists of local influencers

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Meet the locals we asked to experience our bucket list

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ARTS

By Ryan Patrick Hooper

Panelists’ Picks

by world-renowned architects and sculptors. Bloomfield Hills: cranbrook.edu

See cinema from around the globe in the gorgeous Detroit Film Theatre The films screening at the Detroit Film Theatre (located inside the Detroit Institute of Arts) are films you won’t be able to see on the big screen anywhere else in the area. Under the curatorship of longtime Director Elliot Wilhelm, it’s perhaps the greatest cinematic treasure in the city for casual viewers and cinephiles alike. Detroit: dia.org

Visit the Heidelberg Project

Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum Detroit

Spend the day at Cranbrook, a local treasure and a National Historic Landmark It’s tough to measure the cultural influence of the Cranbrook Educational Community, home to the Cranbrook Academy of Art, the Cranbrook Art Museum, the Cranbrook Institute of Science, and much more. The museum hosts genre-bending exhibitions on the regular, and the nature paths that wind through the 319-acre campus are dotted with works

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It’s not what it used to be, but there’s no denying the decadeslong impact and international awareness that the Heidelberg Project has brought to Detroit’s art scene.

The project site, where empty houses and land have been turned into sprawling art installations, remains a vital must-see for locals or out-of-town visitors. They won’t forget the experience.

Detroit: heidelberg.org

Go to the Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum to see a completely unique piece of Detroit’s art installation scene Speaking of vast architectural spaces turned into artwork, the Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum eats up an

Tylonn Sawyer, acclaimed Detroit painter and educator “N’Namdi Center is one of the preeminent art galleries in the Midwest. George and Igzegbi N’Namdi curate a feast for the eyes and soul. On any given day, you may see classic works hanging from [the late] Robert Colescott, Allie McGhee, and the late Gilda Snowden to a new generation of artists such as Dr. Anita Bates, Jocelyn Rainey, and yours truly.

Another spot is M Contemporary in Ferndale, a spot I visit and patronize often. The owner and operator, Melannie Chard, has gathered an impressive roster of artists and consistently puts on some of the best exhibitions around.”

Angela Wisniewski, owner of Coup D'état, a women’s lifestyle boutique in Detroit “One of my favorite artistic Detroit events is by far the Detroit Hair Wars, founded and produced by David Humphries (better known as ‘Hump the Grinder’). From what started as an underground ‘beauty battle’ for Black stylists showing their skills in nightclubs to a full-on traveling show complete with sponsors, choreography, and DJ sets, Hair Wars has become an acclaimed visual phenomenon.

There’s nothing like it, honestly.

The hairstyles are true works of art, and the stylists are artists offering an incredible glance into a beautiful culture.”

entire city block. It uses materials like iron, rock, mirrors, and wood as a way to connect Black Detroiters with their African heritage through art. The artist behind the project — Olayami Dabls — has been a visual storyteller for decades.

His creative career was honored this year when he became the latest Kresge Eminent Artist — one of the most prestigious arts awards in the country.

Detroit: mbad.org

Down the road, the Motown Museum transforms itself into something even grander The planned $50-million expansion of the Motown Museum will no doubt make the museum more interactive, more accessible and more state-of-the-art.

We’ve got to wait till the end of the summer to enjoy these changes (it is currently closed for renovations), but it will be well worth the wait to see the next chapter in this legacy museum that represents the signature sound of the city. Detroit: motownmuseum.org

Do it in a day — the Wright Museum, the DIA, the Historical Museum If bouncing around cultural institutions is what you’d consider the perfect day, you can do it within a matter of blocks with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Institute of Arts (which could include a visit to the aforementioned Detroit Film Theatre), and the Detroit Historical Museum.

Park the car, grab lunch in between stops at Ima (a delicious ramen spot) just down the street, and soak up the city’s cultural corridor in one visit.

Detroit: thewright.org, dia.org, detroit historical.org

Learn about the artistic and cultural legacy of one of the largest demographics in metro Detroit at the Arab American National Museum Now that it’s reopened to the public, add the Arab American National Museum to your list. It’s the first museum in the U.S. to focus on the contributions of Arab Americans, complementing its core galleries with rotating exhibitions.

Dearborn: arabamerican museum.org

Tour the murals of Eastern Market Detroit’s art scene has blossomed over the past decade in part thanks to the bevy of street art that’s decked out neighborhoods like Eastern Market, which likely has the largest concentration of murals in metro Detroit. There are plenty of online maps available for you to plot out a route and also identify the names of the artists whose work you’re viewing. Detroit: easternmarket.org

Get raunchy at one of the largest collections of erotic art at Detroit’s Dirty Show Sure, you’ve already missed this year’s Dirty Show, but this is a bucket list, and you have to have this erotic art show on that list.

There’s more nuance than you think — and it’s also raunchier than you think, so consider

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that when planning who you are going with. The Dirty Show features plenty of local artists you are likely not familiar with but also brings in national artists and burlesque performers. Detroit: dirtydetroit.com

See locally produced theater at Detroit Public Theatre’s new venue Detroit’s theater scene is criminally underrated. Detroit Public Theatre is changing that — quickly. One of its originally commissioned plays, Birthday Candles, has already made its way to Broadway. And while we likely won’t see the new venue and bar until later this fall, it’s a must-do when the company finally opens the doors to its new theater in the Cass Corridor. Detroit: detroitpublictheatre.org

Spend the day at The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village to see one of the most unique museums, grounds in the United States Maybe you haven’t been since you were a kid. Maybe you haven’t had a chance to take your kids. The Henry Ford is like no other museum in the country, highlighting the ways our lives have been shaped by technology and innovation.

Greenfield Village does much the same and offers a variety of themed events around the holidays, including Halloween programming that has become an annual tradition for many metro Detroiters.

(Make extra time for the bounty of incredible Arabic food that surrounds the

campus.) Dearborn: thehenryford.org

Visit the Fisher Building to see ‘Detroit’s largest art object’ It’s called this because of its superb design, mosaics, and painted ceilings, plus the sheer amount of materials (marble, brass, and bronze) that went into this art deco masterpiece. The Fisher Building is the vision of architect Albert Kahn, who was commissioned by the Fisher automotive family to build “the most beautiful building in the world.”

While tours of this building are currently unavailable, there’s more info than ever scattered around the building to help guide you. Detroit: fisherbuilding.city

Tour the art deco decadence of the Guardian Building downtown Much like the Fisher Building, the Guardian Building is a one-ofa-kind art deco gem in downtown Detroit.

Luckily for us, the lobbies to both buildings are open to the public.

Bring your camera —

the architectural views are stunning. Detroit: guardianbuilding.com

It’s a heavy but important visit at the Zekelman Holocaust Center Located in Farmington Hills, the Zekelman Holocaust Center is far from just that place you visited in high school to learn about the Holocaust. Its core galleries, alongside its rotating exhibitions, shed new light on old issues, often reminding patrons that the work this museum does in preserving a cultural memory is more important today than ever. Farmington Hills: holocaustcenter.org Ryan Patrick Hooper writes Hour Detroit’s Culture Calendar. He is the host of CultureShift on 101.9 WDET, Detroit’s NPR station (weekdays from noon to 2 p.m.).

Having fun while admiring the beauty of the Fisher Building

N E W & N O TA B L E

it’s certainly the place to see the next wave of local and national talent before they become household names.

Hamtramck: planetant. com/theindependent

When we talk about “new and notable” in this section, it’s important to note that venues, museums, and galleries don’t pop up as quickly as restaurants or bars, so we’ve aimed for places that have opened in the past five to seven years.

The Independent Comedy Club It may not always be seen through this lens, but stand-up comedy is a performing art and belongs in the arts section. The Independent Comedy Club is a tiny, 60-ish seat venue that matches the energy and vibe of a comedy club in New York City. You won’t recognize many of the names booked (just take a risk, OK?), but

Reyes Finn Gallery When Reyes Finn brought its contemporary art gallery from Birmingham to Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood in 2019, it represented a cultural changing of the guard — out of the suburbs and into the city. With the move, Reyes Finn has brought artists like

Maya Stovall and James Benjamin Franklin to a thriving art scene that’s yet to reach its ceiling.

Detroit: reyesfinn.com BLKOUT Walls The long-running Murals in the Market street art festival in Eastern Market showed the power of largescale murals to attract thousands and beautify a neighborhood. Detroit artist Sydney G. James has taken this model and brought it to the North End neighborhood, enlisting a diverse array of queer and minority artists to turn the walls into canvases (and attracting investment along the way). Detroit: blkoutwalls.com

Playground Detroit Playground Detroit is part gallery, part incubator. It’s given grants, platforms, and wall space to myriad Detroit artists — Bre’Ann White, Gisela McDaniel, Patrick Ethen, Bakpak Durden. That’s created an impact that goes beyond the exhibitions it hosts, ultimately supporting a creative community that continues to transform not only the gallery’s space on Gratiot Avenue but Detroit’s art world itself. Detroit: playgrounddetroit.com Norwest Gallery of Art It’s a relief to see a gallery as strong as Norwest outside of the

city’s central cultural corridor (or what we traditionally think of as the cultural center of the city around Midtown and the Detroit Institute of Arts). Like at Playground, you’ll find a bevy of emerging and established talents here thanks to owner and curator Asia Hamilton (who is a talented artist in her own right), including past shows with sculptor Austen Brantley and clever group exhibitions with themes like flowers and online dating. Detroit: norwestgallery.com

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Drinks

By Dorothy Hernandez

Sip in the lap of luxury at Bad Luck Bar This downtown hot spot may give off airs of pretension and exclusivity with its $200 cocktail, The Admiral (which was $80 when it opened a few years ago), and hard-to-find alley location, but when it comes to experimental and creative drinks you won’t find elsewhere, Bad Luck Bar is unparalleled.

In addition to offering unique cocktails, the little touches that come with the drinks, like Guilt Chocolates, make a night at Bad Luck Bar feel extra special. Detroit: badluckbar.com

serving up some of the best soul food for decades. Belly up to the piano-shaped bar for a signature cocktail named after your favorite musician, from Billie Holiday to Miles Davis. Detroit: find them on Facebook

Drinks at Cafe D’Mongo’s

Grab a drink and maybe spot a celeb at,Cafe D’Mongo’s To see and be seen, Cafe D’Mongo’s Speakeasy is the place.

You never know who you will spot at this laid-back and chill bar, whether it’s a local chef or famous actors (Ryan Gosling was a customer during his 2013 stay filming How to Catch a Monster). As legendary

as the bar itself is the owner, Larry Mongo, whose larger-than-life personality has made him a local celebrity.

For the ultimate Cafe D’Mongo’s experience, get The Detroit Brown (Crown Royal and Vernors ginger ale).

Detroit: facebook.com/ cafedmongo

Savor the sweet life at Candy Bar Candy may be dandy and liquor may be quicker, so why not have the best of both worlds? With its glam, posh decor and drinks like the Bubble Rum (extra dry rum, bubble

gum syrup, and lemon sherbet), Candy Bar is the adult (and very pink and red) version of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, full of pure imagination. Detroit: candybardetroit.com

Try the Witching Hour at the Ghostbar inside The Whitney The Whitney is an institution in Detroit, the place for special occasions and a throwback to restaurants of the past.

But it’s also an excellent place to grab a drink in one of Detroit’s most iconic buildings. Try the Ghostbar’s signature

Raise a glass of locally made beer at Kuhnhenn Brewing Co. The profile of Michigan’s craft beer scene has skyrocketed in recent years, but Kuhnhenn has been cranking out well-made beers, wine, and mead since before it was trendy. Beers like DRIPA, a doublerice India pale ale, and Loonie Kuhnie, a pale ale, helped them build a loyal following of beer fans. This pub is the perfect spot for leisurely Sunday beers.

Warren and Clinton Twp.: kbrewery.com

Dance and drink on the patio at Motor City Wine

Eat, drink, and listen to jazz at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge Touted as the world’s oldest jazz club, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge is an art deco jewel on the famed Avenue of Fashion on the northwest side of the city. It has been playing host to worldclass musicians and

idor Taking it easy at Old Mia mi in Cass Corr

N E W & N O TA B L E Dragonfly From the same team behind Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, this casual drinking spot in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction is in the same building as sister restaurant Freya. With an emphasis on low/ nonalcoholic

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Witching Hour Martini, a mix of Valentine White Blossom Vodka, limoncello, Chambord, and lemon. Detroit: thewhitney.com/ghostbar

drinks, such as the Heart So White with coconut water, strawberry, lavender, and Bitterlekker, Dragonfly shows the same creativity and care when crafting cocktails with and without booze. Detroit: facebook.com/ dragonflydetroit

A wine shop/bar, Motor City Wine is the brainchild of husbandand-wife team David and Melissa ArminParcells, who founded the no-frills wine shop when they couldn’t find the wine they wanted more than a decade ago. Originally located atop Grand Trunk Pub downtown, it’s now a fixture of Corktown’s drinking scene and has one of the city’s best patios for sipping wine from the carefully curated selection.

Live music adds to the ambience free of any wine snobbery or pretension. Detroit: motorcitywine.com Madam at the Daxton Hotel This swanky new restaurant in Birmingham is also a go-to spot for live music and expertly prepared classic and signature cocktails like The Madam, an upscale take on the margarita.

This is not your

average hotel bar. Birmingham: daxtonhotel.com/ food-drink Shelby Detroit Located in a restored bank vault in downtown Detroit’s financial district, Shelby offers a drink menu that matches the ambience and

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Relax on the beloved patio at The Old Miami This Cass Corridor staple is a must-visit for its lush and expansive patio alone. A classic dive bar in the most endearing sense of the word, The Old Miami is a popular hangout for checking out live music, shooting a game of pool, and drinking beers with your best friends. Detroit: oldmiami.business.site

Admire the art of cocktails at The Oakland A classic speakeasy with plush seating and dark lighting, The Oakland Art Novelty Co. marked its 10th year in business last year, no small feat when the local craft cocktail scene has become even more crowded in the past decade. It gives off swanky vibes, but at its core it’s a friendly neighborhood lounge offering well-crafted cocktails as well as one of the region’s best American whiskey and artisan mezcal selections. Ferndale: theoaklandferndale.com

Go to Detroit’s oldest party at Nancy Whiskey Established more than 100 years ago, Nancy Whiskey, a North Corktown community fixture, is one of the city’s oldest bars. It’s the place to be on the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day when the parade winds vibe: old meets new. Libations like the Express Lane (a mix between a Manhattan and a vanilla latte) typify the “classic cocktails with a modern twist” approach. Detroit: shelbydetroit.com Spot Lite Detroit The Islandview

through the streets of Corktown, but it’s also a mainstay any day of the year for its solid bar food and drinks and laid-back vibes.

Detroit: 313-962-4247

Belly up to the (raw) bar at The Sardine Room While it has an excellent seafoodcentric bill of fare, the drinks are equally as impressive, making The Sardine Room a go-to spot for those looking for a wellmade cocktail and perhaps a bite or two from the raw bar.

The cocktail offerings emphasize twists on the classics, like a Spiced Old Fashioned, and there’s also an approachable wine and beer list. Plymouth: thesardineroom.com

Trust your mixologist at The Sugar House Opened more than 10 years ago in Corktown, this craft cocktail spot has cemented its status as a drinking destination in Detroit with expertly prepared drinks and an intimate atmosphere. The Sugar House’s extensive menu features a wide range of classic and craft cocktails, from Manhattans to margaritas, but for the ultimate experience, simply tell the bartender what you’re in the mood for.

Chances are they’ll bring you a cocktail you never thought you

multidisciplinary space has an industrial, utilitarian aesthetic, fitting for the coffee house/record shop/bar and lounge/art gallery/ neighborhood hangout. By day, guests can sip on Cairo Coffee while plugging away on laptops and then

needed but now can’t live without. Detroit: sugarhousedetroit.com

Meet friends over beers at Urbanrest Brewing Co. With so many craft brewery options in Michigan, there is no shortage of local beer, but this neighborhoodfocused brewery serves up some of the best (in 2018, head brewer Zach Typinski was named Cicerone of the Year in Hour Detroit’s Best of Detroit list). In the summer, Urbanrest’s large patio is one of the top spots to enjoy the great outdoors over a pint or two.

There’s also a rotating schedule of food trucks and pop-ups.

For boozy soft-serve ice cream, head to the downtown Ferndale outpost.

Ferndale (two locations): urbanrest.com

Panelists’ Picks

Mickey Lyons, cocktail expert “If you haven’t experienced a wild night out at Menjo’s [Entertainment Complex], you’re missing out on a Detroit rite of passage. It’s one of the country’s oldest gay bars and serves as a storehouse of Palmer Park’s gayborhood history.

[For something new], Jeremy and Amy Duncan took more than a dozen years to open Henrietta Haus [in Hamtramck], their bijou of a coffee shop and bar, and the love shows. From the impeccably restored enamel tables to the High Victorian backbar to the meticulously chosen beer and wine selection, HenriettaHaus epitomizes the new neighborhood bar done right.”

Get into the (local) spirit at Valentine Valentine Distilling Co., which has a commitment to producing high-quality spirits, was established in 2007 before the proliferation of local craft distilleries.

Over the years, it has nabbed numerous awards for its handcrafted vodka, gin, bourbon, and whiskey, using Michiganmade materials and ingredients.

The tasting room in downtown Ferndale makes it easy to go

stay for happy hour. After hours, it turns into a dance party. Detroit: spotlitedetroit.com Supergeil Inspired by the buzzy food scene in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district, this Corktown restaurant and bar from the owner

of Two James Spirits has quickly become a staple in the neighborhood.

Drinks like Garden Party (horseradishinfused Old Cockney gin with tomato, carrot, and fermented rice) pair well with the flavorful doner. Detroit: supergeildetroit.com

Amy Haimerl, author of Bar\ Heart, a newsletter featuring weekly cocktails “At Castalia Cocktails, mad scientist Kevin Peterson puts his Ph.D. and culinary degree to use creating cocktailand-scent pairings.

Plus, he’s always doing something for science, like creating cannabis infusions with a whipped cream dispenser. Detroit City Distillery is my spot for serious drinking thanks to its mad crazy concoctions from distiller Steve Orzechowski.

Finally, Jaz’min Weaver at Frame creates genius cocktail pairings for the rotating chefs who pop-up there.

No small feat when a week could take her from Pakistani flavors to oldschool steakhouse.”

Ah, the choices at Nancy Whiskey ...

straight to the source for classic cocktails like a good old dirty martini. Ferndale: valentinedistilling.com

Enjoy drinks and music at Willis Show Bar Formerly a jazz club in the mid-1900s before getting shut down by the city three decades later for drugs and prostitution, this stylish and sophisticated Midtown speakeasy with a touch of oldschool glamour was

revived in 2018.

Today, Willis Show Bar combines live entertainment and killer craft cocktails, making it a go-to for a classy night out. Detroit: willisshowbar.com Dorothy Hernandez is Hour Detroit’s food and drink editor. Her work on food and lifestyle has been published in CNN Travel, Midwest Living, Eater, NPR, and other national and local publications.

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Food

By Dorothy Hernandez

Eat pizza

Square pizza with a light and crispy crust with charred edges topped with generous amounts of sauce and cheese is a beloved Detroit food. It all started with Gus Guerra, who created the signature pie at Buddy’s in the 1940s before striking out on his own with Cloverleaf Pizza in Eastpointe a few years later. For authentic thin crust Neapolitan pies, go to Supino Pizzeria (which has two locations in Detroit) and Tomatoes Apizza.

Various locations: buddyspizza.com, tomatoesapizza.com; Eastpointe: cloverleafpizza.com; Detroit: supinopizzeria.com

Enjoy a taste of the Middle East in metro Detroit Dearborn is home to some of the best Middle Eastern restaurants around.

Al Ameer became Michigan’s first restaurant to receive the James Beard America’s Classics Award, which honors restaurants for their “timeless appeal” and quality food that “reflects the character of their communities.” On the

other side of town, the upscale Phoenicia in Birmingham has also garnered national praise, known for its classic Lebanese fare reimagined with a more refined approach. Detroit: alameerrestaurant.com; Birmingham: phoenicia birmingham.com

Duking it out at Lafayette and American Coney Island

That’s a wrap: Where to get good shawarma When it comes to the craveable combination of roasted meat, pickles, pita, and garlic sauce, Bucharest Grill, in Detroit and Royal Oak, is a perennial favorite. In Dearborn, Tuhama’s, Hamido, and Rafic’s Falafel are just a few of several places to get an authentic and delicious wrap.

Detroit and Royal

Oak: bucharestgrill. com; Dearborn: hamidorestaurant.com, raficsfalafel.net; find Tahama’s on Facebook

Start your day in Ferndale Brunch and breakfast spots abound in fabulous Ferndale — from grab-andgo options to sitdown comfort food.

Established in 1921, the family-owned New York Bagel has

set the standard to which all other bagels aspire. Toast is another Ferndale institution and also operates a location in Birmingham.

It serves creative breakfast dishes like bacon fried rice, Toast Benny, and Banana Brulee. Ferndale: newyorkbagel-detroit. com, eatattoast.com

Feast on Italian In 1968, Giovanni’s pizza parlor was born, but

Francesa Cannarsa Truant had bigger plans. She transformed the restaurant into Giovanni’s Ristorante (named after her father), turning it into a gourmet destination serving Italian cuisine with old world-charm that attracted the likes of Frank Sinatra.

Opened in 2018, SheWolf Pastificio & Bar specializes in contemporary Romaninspired cuisine, but it also embraces tradition with pasta made in-house. Detroit: giovannisristorante.com, shewolfdetroit.com

Go beyond Chinese takeout White-tablecloth Hong Hua in Farmington Hills offers a refined dining experience with dishes like Peking duck and walleye flamed tableside. In Sterling Heights, Trizest serves expertly prepared dishes like stir-fried cumin lamb and mouth-numbing mapo tofu. Farmington Hills: honghuafinedining. com; Sterling Heights: trizest.com

Choose your Coney There are few debates fiercer than Team Lafayette Coney Island vs. Team American Coney Island, which are located right next to each other in downtown

N E W & N O TA B L E Baobab Fare The wife-andhusband team of Nadia Nijimbere and Hamissi Mamba have brought the flavors and culture of their native Burundi to New Center. Since settling in Detroit after fleeing their home country, they

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have firmly planted themselves in the community and look to pay it forward by being a safe space for immigrants and native Detroiters alike. Detroit: baobabfare.com Feast This fromscratch, chefdriven restaurant

in Chesterfield Township offers elevated comfort food favorites like lobster mac and steak frites in a romantic atmosphere.

Take a seat at the chef’s table for multicourse tasting menus with optional drink

pairings. Chesterfield Township: feast michigan.com Freya The newest restaurant on East Grand Boulevard from proprietor Sandy Levine and chef Doug Hewitt has created quite the buzz for its tasting-menu-

only format that draws on the seasons and nods to Scandinavia.

The exquisite fare ranges from the omnivorous “I Eat Anything” menu to pescatarian and vegan menus.

Detroit: freya detroit.com

Maré Mediterranean This seafood-centric Mediterranean restaurant is Birmingham’s latest hot spot. With its elegant and sophisticated ambiance and well-crafted dishes like saltbaked whole fish, linguine frutti di mare, and a top-

notch Greek salad made to perfection, it’s a go-to for when you want to impress.

Birmingham: mare mediterranean.com Sylvan Table Located in a revitalized 300-year-old barn in Sylvan Lake, Sylvan Table’s rus-

tic-meets-modern atmosphere is unparalleled. It’s not just your generic farm-to-table place: Kale, beets, lettuces, and more come from the on-site farm for the restaurant’s salads, flatbreads, and other dishes. Sylvan Lake: sylvantable.com

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Detroit. Figure out where your loyalties lie by taking the sideby-side Coney Island taste test as suggested

by Coney Detroit authors Joe Grimm and Katherine Yung.

Flip a coin, go to one, order one Coney in the classic formulation.

Get up and repeat at the other. Detroit: find Lafayette on Facebook, americanconeyisland.com

Dine at award-winning restaurants In recent years, a new generation of chefs has helped raise Detroit’s restaurant profile on a national scale.

In Hazel Park, chef James Rigato’s Mabel Gray is a love letter to Michigan food, with a constantly evolving menu that ranges from comfort food to refined and composed dishes like crispy sea bream and dry-aged Wagyu. Sharing a similar dedication to fresh, local flavor and Michigan farmers is Selden Standard in Midtown, where chef Andy Hollyday and his team create thoughtful New American dishes inspired by the seasons.

Hazel Park: mabelgray kitchen.com; Detroit: seldenstandard.com

Take a number at these delis The local food scene lost an icon when Greg Mudge passed away last year, but his legacy lives on at Mudgie’s Deli, the Corktown storefront he founded serving highquality sandwiches.

Opened in 1962, Stage Deli in West Bloomfield is still the place for a top-notch corned beef sandwich and matzo ball soup. Zingerman’s Deli is where it all began for the Ann Arbor food empire built on the core idea of offering only the highest-

Panelists’ Picks

Ryan McGlynn and Caroline Fernandez, creators of the food blog Peanut Butter and Bacon “City Ramen in Royal Oak is easily our favorite noodle shop in all of metro Detroit. Sushi Coup delivers fresh poke bowls and the best wings in Oakland County.

Metropolitan Bar & Kitchen in Detroit’s West Village: Our first few trips there have left us impressed and yearning for more.”

Kiki Louya, Top Chef Portland contestant and executive director of Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation “Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips has been serving the best fish, chips, and American staples on Detroit’s westside since 1950. The fresh cod flown in daily, then battered and fried to perfection, really gives this Brightmoor eatery its staying power.”

J.R. Martinez (right), co-founder of @MotorCity Munchers (pictured with co-founder Julian Giacona) “Roma Bakery’s margherita pizza is one of my favorite slices in metro Detroit and rivals the best New Yorkstyle pizzas in Michigan. Mumma Maria’s House invites you to their home in Detroit’s West Village to enjoy delicious home-cooked Italian food. A new favorite is the Lobster Pitstop food truck [with] delicious lobsters flown in from Maine.”

quality ingredients and well-made food.

Detroit: mudgiesdeli. com; West Bloomfield: stagedeli.com; Ann Arbor: zingermansdeli.com

Get surf and turf in Clawson Founded in 1958, the venerable Clawson Steak House has been a fixture in the community, specializing in premier cuts like prime rib and the signature 30-ounce porterhouse. A newer Clawson institution is Noble Fish, regarded as one of the top spots in metro Detroit for fresh and pristine sushi. The attached grocery store is also well stocked. Clawson: clawsonsteakhouse.com, noblefish.com

Go for the seafood, the steaks, and the view As we wrote in our Restaurant of the Year profile in 2012, Joe Muer was a Detroit touchstone, a place where marriages were proposed and business deals were made. After being reborn more than 10 years ago, it continues that tradition of being a place to celebrate life’s biggest moments with impeccable food and service. Joe Muer Seafood Detroit’s riverfront location at the Renaissance Center is the one to go to for the views.

Detroit and Bloomfield Hills: joemuer.com

churches, and restaurants, like Polish Village Cafe and Polonia. People tend to pledge their allegiance to one or the other, but both offer authentic and traditional Polish favorites. Hamtramck: polonia-restaurant.net, polishvillagecafe.us

Get your just desserts This category is so broad it could be a feature. But for this purpose, we are going with just two items: ice cream and pie.

Founded in 1958 as a neighborhood ice cream parlor and soda fountain, Ray’s Ice Cream in Royal Oak still has that oldfashioned charm, plus 50-something flavors. Pair it with a pie from West Village’s Sister Pie, where they handmake the pies daily using Michigan ingredients. Royal Oak: raysicecream.com; Detroit: sisterpie.com

Hail the burger kings A burger is not hard to find in metro Detroit, from no-frills diners to

SUPINO’S PIZZA WAS DELICIO

US!

upscale restaurants, but there are a few that stand out. In Royal Oak, Redcoat Tavern is famous for its burger, a halfpounder with tomato, lettuce, and special sauce. Dearborn’s Taystee’s Burgers, located in a gas station, has people lining up for its creative patties. For classic sliders, it’s Hunter House Hamburgers in Birmingham, hands down. Royal Oak: redcoat-tavern. com; Dearborn: taysteesburger. com; Birmingham:

hunterhouse hamburgers.com

Visit any of the Union Joints restaurants Curt Catallo and Ann Stevenson’s restaurant empire began in 1995 with Union Joints and its legendary mac and cheese. Since then, they have opened more than a dozen unique restaurant concepts from Vinsetta Garage to Union Assembly, including Mom’s Spaghetti with Eminem. All have that “wow” factor.

Various locations: unionjoints.com

Find authentic Polish food in Hamtramck Lured by the promise of auto jobs at the Dodge Main factory, Polish immigrants started settling in Hamtramck in the early 1900s. While many have moved, the Polish community’s impact on Hamtramck is still apparent today in the city’s businesses,

Always room for a meal at Polish Village Cafe in Hamtramck

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Music

By Ryan Patrick Hooper

Catch a low-key jazz set at Cliff Bell’s Cliff Bell’s was the first place I went to see live music once the pandemic relented.

I almost cried while watching Detroit jazz legend Wendell Harrison perform on stage. It reminded me how powerful a place like Cliff Bell’s can be. Here, you can see touring and local musicians (emphasis on the local — the Detroit jazz scenes, new and old, are largely programmed through this joint). Each Thursday evening, jazz musicians kick off a three-night run. It’s slow. It’s intimate. It’s often experimental.

It’s a must for any selfrespecting Detroiter.

Detroit: cliffbells.com

Trip to Third Man Records — such a cool place!

Embrace the good ol’ days at the newly rechristened Pine Knob You’re not here to discover something new. You’re here to see Tears for Fears one night, Matchbox Twenty the next. If you’re over 40 and grew up in metro Detroit, you have memories here. If you have kids, they are ready to experience their first show from the hillside of Pine Knob. Clarkston: 313 presents.com/venue/ pine-knob-music-theatre

Live life loud at PJ’s Lager House This Corktown staple is slowly gaining a wider reputation for its food — which includes one of the

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best brunches in the city — than for its live music. (It’s tough to book bands during a pandemic.) If you’re catching a live show at PJ’s Lager House, it’s likely a local artist you haven’t heard before or an outof-town touring act you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the region. Detroit: pjslagerhouse.com

Hit the cycle at the Majestic The cycle? Bowling a game at the oldest (though updated) bowling alley in North America, seeing a show at the Majestic Theatre (its lobby’s massive new bar, news of which was drowned out by the pandemic, is fantastic) or the Magic Stick upstairs, and then blurry-eyeing your way to Sgt. Pepperoni’s for a hot slice of pizza. Bonus points for stopping by on a Monday, when you’ll catch a bingo night that’s mostly a stand-up comedy showcase and one of the best ways you could start your week. Detroit: majesticdetroit.com

Visit Outer Limits to see what happens when a bar becomes a record label, recording studio, and live music venue There’s a real community built around Outer Limits Lounge in Hamtramck, but that doesn’t mean outsiders ain’t welcome. This bar boasts a great indoor music venue (that hosts some of the best live sound engineers around), as well as a backyard with an outdoor stage that’s an absolute riot in the summer. Rotating events, such as a recurring punk rock and vintage flea market

Panelists’ Picks

Joe Gall, Detroit photographer (@ Camera_Jesus on Instagram) “The Fox Theatre should be listed as a wonder of the world. Everyone should try and experience a show there at least once in their lifetime.

One of my best memories was while photographing a sold-out Big Sean show and feeling the entire upper balcony bouncing up and down with the energy of the crowd.”

Melody Baetens, restaurant critic and entertainment reporter for The Detroit News “I love the music at the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival. There’s always at least one band on the lineup — the Paybacks, the Detroit Cobras, Shadow Show — that I’m super excited to see.

Also, it’s free to attend, the beers are cheap, and the food is fantastic.”

Dan McGowan, owner and promoter at The Crofoot Presents “You have to see a show at the Detroit Opera House — especially one of the latest shows, with Yuval Sharon as artistic director.

The restaging of Bliss in the defunct Michigan Theatre parking garage was absolutely incredible. It was an immersive performance art piece that replayed three minutes of The Marriage of Figaro with the same cast and same orchestra without pause for 12 hours. It was riveting.”

called Fleatroit, ensure there’s always a reason to stop in and clock a cold one. Show off your insider knowledge by casually telling friends, “Oh yeah, they actually record bands upstairs and release records by local musicians. You can buy them behind the bar.” Hamtramck: outerlimitslounge.com

Discover the best of Detroit’s new alternative scene at UFO Factory While the crowd at PJ’s skews a bit older, UFO Factory is undoubtedly the cool, hip, “oh, we’re wearing that again?” spot. Still, the joint has a truly welcoming atmosphere, regardless of your age or wardrobe. The upstairs “cloud bar” deck overlooking Corktown is one of the best hot-summer-night spots in the city. Detroit: ufofactory.com

See what classical music has to offer the city at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra If you haven’t experienced live classical music before, the 100-plus-yearold Orchestra Hall is the spot. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra has made it more accessible than ever to give it a shot (it’s OK if you’ve never been before or you think it might not be your thing), including offering cheaper tickets on weekdays and for matinees.

Detroit: dso.org

See how the sausage (read: vinyl) is made and catch a show at Jack White’s Third Man Records This has to be one of the best-designed retail spots in Detroit.

Third Man Records is part record store,

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part Jack White merchandise shop.

It’s also an intimate music venue that imparts a feeling of watching a great touring act in your buddy’s basement (the feel of it, not the sound of it, thank God). And the view of records actively being pressed in the back is sure to impress you, as well as your out-oftown friends. Detroit: thirdmanstore.com

Give Movement a try — even if it’s not your bag I know, I know. The idea of a day rave sounds absurd. But here’s the deal. Movement, an electronic music festival, is one of the largest in the world dedicated to this type of music, and, set in downtown Detroit, it’s right in your backyard.

At the very least, the people-watching is incredible. If you’re not so sure, buy a singleday ticket, just so you can say, “I did it — yeah, it was great.” You won’t regret it. Detroit: movementfestival.com

Visit the ever-popular Dally in the Alley for a dose of old-school Cass Corridor spirit Before the pandemic, the popularity of Dally in the Alley — a free, communityproduced festival that takes place each postLabor Day weekend — was at an all-time high. Like, completely packed, with tents and crowds of people winding between apartment buildings and throughout the streets of Cass Corridor. In fact, it’s probably approaching some terrible tipping point, so get there early if you want to catch the vibe (think: local music, cheap beer, and excellent

MAKING MUSIC AT CLIFF

people-watching).

Detroit: facebook.com/ dallyinthealley

Experience global music and culture right here in the city at Concert of Colors Like the aforementioned live music festivals, Concert of Colors should return to a live, in-person format this year (fingers crossed). When it does, it will stretch across multiple venues in the city’s cultural corridor, from the Detroit Institute of Arts to Orchestra Hall, where the Detroit Symphony Orchestra performs. It’s

a global affair, consistently bringing in talent from around the world that would otherwise be unlikely to stop in Detroit. Detroit: concertofcolors.com

See live music against the stunning backdrop of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Rivera Court I’ve had the pleasure of seeing First Nations musician Jeremy Dutcher and Detroit jazz prodigy Marcus Elliot perform in the DIA’s Rivera Court, whose walls are lined with murals by famed artist Diego Rivera.

There’s nothing like enjoying incredible art, while surrounded by incredible art.

Detroit: dia.org/events

Kick off the fall season at Detroit Jazz Festival After two years of virtual programming, it’s likely this event will finally reopen in-person, spanning multiple stages in downtown Detroit. The Detroit Jazz Festival is where some of the best local musicianship lives and your chance to see living legends of the jazz genre — completely free of

BELL'S

charge. Jazz is good for the soul, even if you can’t make sense of the notes quite yet.

Trust me. Detroit: detroitjazzfest.org

Venture to Ann Arbor to admire Albert Kahn’s sonically perfect music venue It’s under the radar for the uninitiated, but Hill Auditorium on the University of Michigan campus is one of the greatest concert halls in the world. The acoustics are impeccable.

It’s also immensely diverse. You can see a traditional Mexican

ballet here. You can see Wilco here. You can see an orchestra or a live play here.

Whatever you see, you won’t regret it. Ann Arbor: smtd.umich.edu/ about/facilities/hillauditorium

Catch the summer breeze off the Detroit River at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre Much like the Dally in the Alley festival, the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre feels like Detroit. You can literally see the Detroit River behind the performers. It’s also interesting to watch the venue spread its wings musically to incorporate everything from Maxwell and Trombone Shorty to indie rock stalwart Lord Huron, all of whom will grace the stage this spring and summer. Detroit: thearetha.com

N E W & N O TA B L E else has a Theo Parrish residency?). Its combo of bar/ coffee shop/ record store/ art gallery/ live music venue takes it over the top.

Detroit: spotlitedetroit.com

When we talk about “new and notable” in this section, it’s important to note that venues, museums, and galleries don’t pop up as quickly as restaurants or bars. So, we aimed for places that opened within the past five to seven years.

Spot Lite Detroit It almost doesn’t feel fair. Spot Lite opened barely a year ago, but it’s already established itself as the de facto home for live electronic music. It’s designed to feel like a place you’d fall in love with in Montreal, Berlin, New York — but the programming is distinctly Detroit (who

Willis Show Bar This small-but-mighty cocktail lounge has emerged as the perfect date spot and intimate live space to see singers, songwriters, and jazz groups — even as DJs with regular nights and

residencies are beginning to gobble up the calendar.

Detroit: willisshowbar.com Paramita Sound The journey of this tinyrecord-shop-that-could has been a long and strange one, but it has finally reached a moment of clarity with its record shop-meets-wine bar in downtown Detroit. A very small bar makes it tough to grab a seat, but if you do, you’ll have one of the best in the city with a killer soundtrack of music discovery to boot. Detroit: paramitasound.com

Sanctuary Detroit This one is for the punks! Even though the Sanctuary Detroit is starting to book acts outside of the metal and punk variety. It’s also a great spot for up-andcoming local talent, like Ally Evenson on June 25. She’ll be joined by more local talent, including Jacob Sigman and Trauna. Hamtramck: sanctuarydetroit.com Marble Bar This is where we tap on the sign at the top and say, “New music venues

don’t pop up overnight, so quit grilling us on the opening dates.” Since opening in 2015, Marble Bar has become a major hub for Detroit’s thriving electronic music scene, where Waajeed, Shigeto, Tammy Lakkis, and nightlife architects Haute to Death feel at home, having played multiple sets there. In the summer, the builtout backyard is the place to be, for those in the late-night crowd.

Detroit: facebook.com/ marblebardetroit

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recreation

By Mark Spezia

Catch games at Comerica Park and Ford Field There is no such thing as a bad seat at 41,255-capacity Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, and most come with a nice view of downtown Detroit. (Tip: Sections 147-151 are prime home run territory.) Come early to take photos with the 15-foot-high tiger statue at the front gates and the statue of six all-time Tigers greats along the left centerfield wall. You can also ride the 50-foot Ferris wheel with carts shaped like baseballs and the carousel, which features 30 hand-painted tigers.

For those headed to Ford Field across the street, the fun begins at 10:30 a.m., when the pregame party kicks off at Pride Plaza. It features beverage tents,

music, food trucks, and interactive fan games.

Then, at 11 a.m., the Detroit Lions Power Hour begins, offering giveaways, food and drink specials, chalk talk and autographs with the players, and meet-and-greets with the team cheerleaders.

Detroit: mlb.com/tigers; fordfield.com

Watch the Wolverines at The Big House Michigan Stadium is called The Big House for good reason. A seating capacity of 107,601 makes it the largest stadium in the Western Hemisphere and third largest in the world. Grab yourself a ticket and find out why Fox Sports analyst

Joel Klatt called last season’s face-off against Ohio State “the best atmosphere that [he] had ever been a part of in college football.” Ann Arbor: mgoblue.com

Enjoy endless outdoor fun at Kensington Metropark Springtime means

it’s time to head back to Kensington Metropark’s 4,500 acres, where you can bike, swim, camp, boat, kayak, paddleboard, ride horses, and hike 7 miles of trails. It also has an 18-hole golf course, a 27-hole disc golf course, two beaches (one of which features a pair of 240-

foot water slides and a sizable spray park), a farm center, and multiple playgrounds.

Those folks into winter sports never stopped going; it’s an ideal spot for cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and sledding. Milford: metroparks.com

Experience Campus Martius Park Named one of the 10 Best Public Squares

by USA Today last year, the 2.5-acre park features an urban beach in summer and an outdoor skating

Reaching new heights at Dyno Detroit

N E W & N O TA B L E Dyno Detroit Detroit’s first indoor rockclimbing gym opened in Eastern Market in April 2021. About 12,000 square feet of the facility is dedicated to rope climbing, in the form of 75 different routes.

In the rest of the space, you’ll find

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a fitness center, a yoga studio, and 4,700 square feet of bouldering space for thrill seekers who want to go ropeless above thick pads. Detroit: dynodetroit.com iFly Detroit Don a flight suit and helmet, undergo a quick

training session, and take flight with an instructor at this indoor skydiving center. The winds generated by the facility’s stateof-the-art wind tunnels can reach speeds of 150 miles per hour. Novi: iflyworld.com/ detroit

Hawthorne Ridge Park’s BMX Track Perfect for both BMX and mountain bikers, the paved pump track allows cyclists to move forward through a series of up-anddown motions.

Hawthorne also has a naturalsurface bike park that is loaded

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rink in winter. The beach, which is composed of 400,000 pounds of sand, may lack a body of water, but it comes pre-stocked with chairs, umbrellas, and even sand toys.

Campus Martius Park also boasts the Woodward Fountain and the Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. Tip: If you want to skate under the Christmas tree, visit after the New Year’s holiday, when it’s less crowded.

The tree stays up until just before Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Detroit: downtowndetroit parks.com

Check out a cider mill A visit to one of metro Detroit’s legendary cider mills is a must-do activity every fall. Here are four of the greats: Yates Cider Mill, which installed its first cider press in 1876 and is home to a scenic river walk; Franklin Cider Mill, which opened as a grist mill in 1837 and started producing cider circa 1918; Blake’s Cider Mill, which has expanded to two locations and now has an on-site tasting room, a large children’s play area, and more; and Westview Orchards, which has been owned by the same family since 1813 and began producing cider in the 1940s. (It also features a winery and regularly

with obstacles like elevated ramps, wood berms, and oversized cones.

Westland: waynecounty.com/ departments/ publicservices/ parks/hawthorneridge.aspx Putting Edge A far cry from the standard miniature

hosts awesome events.) Rochester Hills: yatescidermill. com; Bloomfield Hills: franklincidermill.com; Armada: blakefarms. com; Washington: westvieworchards.com

Cycle the Lexus Velodrome track Experience Olympicstyle track cycling on the Lexus Velodrome’s onetenth of a mile oval with 50-degree banking. The facility provides bikes, clipin cycling shoes, and helmets, along with coaching to help get riders safely around the track. A racing program and camps are also offered.

Detroit: lexus velodrome.com

Encounter lions, tigers, and lights at the Detroit Zoo Home to more than 230 species of animals, the Detroit Zoo is Michigan’s most popular paid attraction, drawing more than 1.3 million visitors annually. Mustdo activities include visiting the Arctic Ring of Life, one of North America’s largest polar bear habitats, and attending annual events, such as the Zoo Boo and Wild Lights. New this year is a 7-acre children’s experience, stretching from the zoo’s barnyard to its Buddy’s Pizza location, that integrates play spaces

golf experience, Putting Edge’s entire indoor, 18hole course glows in the dark, as does its arcade.

Golfers encounter a dazzling array of images and sounds throughout the course. These include ocean life, lush rain forests, a jungle, a flower

with several animal habitats and features an expanded prairie dog home. The Polk Penguin Conservation Center, which has been closed for repairs since 2019, has also recently reopened. Royal Oak: detroitzoo.org

Catch air at Ann Arbor Skatepark The 20,000-squarefoot facility at Ann Arbor Skatepark is a skateboarder’s dream. The concrete structure’s various features, which include bowls and street runs, accomodate various skating styles and experiences. Best of all: It’s free to use. Ann Arbor: a2skatepark.org

Kayak the waters of the Detroit River and Belle Isle Paddlers will take in a unique mix of urban and natural attractions along the banks of the Detroit River. Float around Belle Isle’s peaceful canals, or venture into one of its three inland lakes. Lake Okonoka contains several small islands to explore.

More advanced kayakers can circle Belle Isle or paddle out to the island and back from the mainland.

Detroit River Sports and Riverside Kayak both offer guided tours. Detroit: detroitriversports.com; riversidekayak.com

garden, knights in glowing armor, and a fire-breathing dragon. Novi: puttingedge.com/ novi Legacy 925 So much to do under one roof!

The Urban Air Adventure Park alone features a trampoline area, an

arcade, dodgeball, a playground, a climbing wall, and a ropes course.

There are also gokarts (K1 Speed), escape rooms (Ideal Escape Rooms), and an axe-throwing range (Axe Social). Oxford: thelegacy925.com

Panelists’ Picks

Chiara C. Clayton, communications specialist for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy “I love the access to the water the Detroit Riverwalk offers and its big, beautiful space for bike riding, meeting up with friends, or attending fun events. The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre is a major part of summer in Detroit.

“Little Caesars Arena is the best place to see a sporting event or concert and make a night of it. There are so many other fun things to do in the surrounding area, both before and after games.

“Belle Isle is a great place to go to ride a bike, hang out on the beach, have a picnic, or just sit by the water. And cruising the main strip never gets old.”

Brad Smyth, owner of Detroit Outdoor Adventures “One of my favorite places to fish is Lake St. Clair Metropark. There are two fishing piers that extend out into Lake St. Clair and are great spots for muskie, smallmouth bass, and walleye.

“At the Detroit River, anglers can target walleye or white bass, but with nearly 65 species living in the river, you never know what you might catch.

“Then there’s Clinton River Park North. The Clinton River is home to multiple species of fish, including suckers, which spawn in the spring, and the sought-after steelhead. You can hike the trails along the river to multiple access sites or launch a kayak.”

Taking a spill at Campus Martius Park

Play a round at Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club

Experience Midway Sports and Entertainment

Those teeing up at the 27-hole Shepherd’s Hollow might feel as though they are at one of the state’s legendary northern courses. Tall pines line most of the holes, and elevated tee boxes and greens can be found throughout the course’s sprawling 350 acres. Golf Digest even included Shepherd’s in its ranking of the nation’s top 45 public golf courses. Clarkston: shepherdshollow.com

This sprawling complex has been providing family fun for six decades and features go-karts, minigolf, a driving range, batting cages, rock-wall climbing, spinning bumper cars, and Euro bungee jumping. A high-speed go-kart track will open at Midway Sports and Entertainment in May, complete with tight turns, a bridge crossing, and swift straightaways. Taylor: midwayfun.com APRIL 2022

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Shopping

By Paris Giles

Hike Independence Oaks County Park A 14-mile network of trails winds through the 1,286-acre park, which is ablaze with vibrant color in the fall. At Independence Oaks, you’ll find nine individual trails that range in length from 0.3 to 3 miles and intersect frequently, affording hikers many options. Tip: On the west of Crooked Lake, the Springlake and Ted Gray trails and a portion of Lakeshore Loop meet to form a combined 3-mile loop. Clarkston: michigantrailmaps. com/member-detail/ independence-oakscounty-park/

Camp at the Lower Peninsula’s largest state park At nearly 21,000 acres, Waterloo Recreation Area is more than 9,000 acres larger than any other Lower Peninsula state park and offers nearly every kind of camping imaginable.

The park offers extensive recreation opportunities, including 50 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use; a beach; 11 fishing lakes;

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eight boat launches; and a riding stable.

Chelsea: dnr.state.mi.us/ parksandtrails

Take flight at Tree Runner Adventure Park The largest aerial adventure park in the Midwest delivers at the West Bloomfield Township location of Tree Runner Adventure Park, with 14 above-ground courses of varying degrees of difficulty, 45 zip lines, and more than 250 aerial obstacles.

Beginner courses are 10 to 15 feet off the ground, while expert courses are 30 to 40 feet above ground and require a higher level of fitness.

Night ziplining is also offered. Riders must be at least 6 years old and weigh between 60 and 265 pounds. Rochester and West Bloomfield Township: treerunner westbloomfield.com

Cool off in Brighton and West Bloomfield Brighton Recreation Area’s Jump Island, Michigan’s first outdoor inflatable water park when it opened in 2016, features slides, a rock wall, a blast pad, an

inflatable iceberg, a trampoline, and a smaller Splash Island inflatable structure for younger children.

At over 5,500 square feet, Lily Pad Springs splash pad in West Bloomfield is the largest in Michigan and boasts more than 50 play features, four water slides, and a huge water bucket that dumps 55 gallons on those standing below. Brighton: jumpislandmi.com West Bloomfield: wbparks.org/ lilypadsprings Mark Spezia is lifelong backpacker and general outdoors enthusiast.

In addition to Hour Detroit, his work has appeared in ESPNW and the Detroit Free Press, among other publications.

MODELING THE HANDMADE BEAUTIES AT PEWABIC POTTERY

Velodrome is so much fun!

Dress to impress at The Peacock Room

Update your wardrobe at Bird Bee

With two locations in Detroit, this glittery boutique should be top of your list if you’re determined to turn heads at that special event. The Peacock Room has it all, from vintage and vintage-inspired dresses, accessories, and jewelry to home decor and cheeky knickknacks.

Detroit: facebook.com/ peacockroom

This shop, located on the edge of downtown Detroit’s Capitol Park, is a must-visit for stylish, on-trend women’s clothing and accessories and gifts. Shop denim, athleisure, dresses, shoes, candles, and even pillowcases at Bird Bee’s brick-andmortar or online — all “for the expressive and edgy soul.” Detroit: shopbirdbee.com

Unearth hidden gems at Odd Fellows Antiques Spend an afternoon traipsing through a 100-year-old historic building in Berkley and sifting through two floors of vintage furniture, decor, artwork, and more.

Each booth at Odd Fellows Antiques is jam-packed with oneof-a-kind treasures — from the charming to the bizarre — courtesy of 50

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different dealers.

Berkley: oddfellows antiques.com

Discover ceramics at Pewabic Pottery Shop handcrafted tiles, vases, ornaments, bowls, and more at this Detroit nonprofit, founded in 1903. Keep an eye out for its signature iridescent tiles (featured on buildings around the city). Bonus: Pewabic Pottery is also a ceramic arts education center, so you can sign up for a hands-on workshop and learn how to mold clay or glaze tiles.

Detroit: pewabic.org

Cop a new pair at Burn Rubber Sneakerheads wide and far flock to Burn Rubber, a downtown Royal Oak sneaker boutique stocked with all the beloved brands: Nike, Adidas, Puma, Reebok, Converse, and more.

Shop the classics, the hottest new releases, streetwear, and accessories — and play a couple of arcade games while you’re there. Shop in store or online; download the store’s app to stay up on the latest exclusive releases. Royal Oak: burnrubbersneakers.com

Get glammed up at The Lip Bar Browse lip color,

bronzers, eyeshadow palettes, brushes, and everything else you need for a polished beauty look at The Lip Bar, founded and owned by women of color. Get to know this homegrown vegan and cruelty-free brand that went from a rejection on Shark Tank to having its products grace the shelves of major retailers across the country, including Target and Meijer.

Detroit: thelipbar.com

Grab a timeless piece at Shinola The company that brought watch manufacturing back to the United States 10 years ago has been a worldwide brand for some time now, selling not only watches but also jewelry, eyewear, candles, and leather goods like bags, belts, and wallets — all manufactured in Detroit. Shinola’s flagship location on Canfield Street in Midtown even features a coffee shop and a furniture showroom.

Various locations: shinola.com

Found a book lover's paradise at John K. King Used and Rare Books

Shop till you drop at Somerset Collection Spend a day exploring more than 180 retailers, from your beloved household names across fashion, home decor, food, and tech to high-end luxury brands. It's no wonder French

fashion house Hermès chose Somerset Collection for its first Michigan location, which opened last year. Troy: thesomerset collection.com

Breathe new life into old fashions at vintage clothing shops If you’re looking for a standout item or want to scratch that shopping itch without

spending a ton, visit one of metro Detroit’s many thrift or vintage shops, like Lost and Found Vintage in Royal Oak, which stocks two floors of

N E W & N O TA B L E Coup D’etat Shop stylish but eclectic womenswear and accessories, plus jewelry, books, skin care, and even candlesticks at this Detroit boutique that opened in November 2019. Detroit: shop coupdetat.com

BYOC Co. This zero-waste store in Ann Arbor aims to reduce consumption of single-use containers by inviting visitors to “Bring Your Own Container" to fill up with household cleaners and personal care products. Also shop other eco-friendly

items like reusable “paper” towels. Ann Arbor: byocco.com Mongers’ Provisions Offering meats, cheeses, specialty chocolates, charcuterie, jams, and more, this shop has garnered attention in Midtown Detroit, and it recently opened a

second location in Berkley. Psst: The Wagyu pastrami is otherworldly! Detroit and Berkley: mongers provisions.com

& Kirk. Grab your prescription and schedule a one-onone consultation.

Detroit: spectacle societydetroit.com

Spectacle Society This optical boutique supports independent eyewear designers and brands, including Bevel, Nine, and Kirk

Busted Bra Shop This shop — offering custom-fitted bras sizes A-O, plus other intimates and swimwear — has been

a Detroit staple since 2013 but now has five locations, including its flagship store in the historic JeffersonChalmers business district. Detroit, Rochester Hills, Ann Arbor: bustedbrashop.com

garments spanning several decades. Also of note are The Lowry Estate in Farmington (fashions from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s), Old Soul Vintage in Detroit (handpicked items “that tell a story”), and Rat Queen Vintage in Hamtramck (which specializes in “creepy, weird shit and pretty things”). Royal Oak: lostandfoundvintage.com; Farmington: thelowry estate.com; Detroit: shopoldsoulvintage.com; Hamtramck: facebook. com/ratqueenvintage APRIL 2022

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Explore the suburbs in these downtown shopping districts We heart downtown Detroit, but there are plenty of spots to see and be seen outside of the city.

Walk the charming streets of downtown Birmingham and stop into its shops for fashionable womenswear, menswear, and children’s clothing — and catch a movie at one of the two theater complexes.

Downtown Rochester has more than 400 shops, restaurants, and businesses and is surrounded by parks, trails, and water — plus it has

a great holiday lights show. Over on the east side, downtown Grosse Pointe Park boasts many charming boutiques and independent shops along Kercheval Avenue, including the 70-year-old familyowned hardware store Pointe Hardware & Lumber (featured in the Clint Eastwood film Gran Torino).

Birmingham: allin birmingham.com; Rochester: downtown rochestermi.com; Grosse Pointe Park: grossepointepark.org

Detroit. The shop, which is located just east of downtown Detroit, offers styles ranging from crisp suits and sport coats to soft knits and well-fitting denim.

For your wedding day or other formal occasion — or in case you just feel like adding something special to your wardrobe — schedule a consultation to get fitted for a made-tomeasure custom suit. Detroit: tailoreddetroit.com

Get a custom suit at Tailored Detroit

Grab a good read from an independent bookstore

Peruse slick menswear at Tailored

Savor that new-book smell by with a copy of

that new release or a childhood favorite from one of the several local bookstores. Along with selling paperbacks and hardcovers, Source Booksellers in Midtown Detroit also regularly hosts community discussions and events.

Also visit Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Pages Bookshop and John K. King Used & Rare Books in Detroit or Ferndale, or, for comic books, Vault of Midnight, with locations in Detroit and Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor: literati.com; Detroit: pagesbkshop. com, Detroit, Ferndale: johnkingbooksdetroit. com; Ann Arbor, Detroit: vaultofmidnight.com

Panelists’ Picks

Marv Neal, fashion and editorial stylist “The husbandand-wife team — Anthony ‘Koolaid’ Temple and Melody Temple — that own Royal Oak clothing brand AYV x Fresher work as a unit, offering his and hers streetwear options and accessories.

“Cream Blends is another Royal Oak husband-andwife team. Their body oils, butters, scrubs, and creams are to live for.

“When I was a teenager, and into my early 20s, we would shop at Simply Casual to express our fashion flair, and in 2022, I’m still rocking these clothes.

They’re legendary!”

Aki Choklat, chair of fashion design at the College for Creative Studies “I always go into the Carhartt flagship to look for basics.

I love oversized sweaters and basic tees. Also, every time I go to Europe, beforehand, I stock up on gifts, since my friends and family over there love it.

“Atelier_Det is an appointment-only spot for carefully selected menswear vintage pieces: truly unique workwear and Americana, often with a Detroit theme. The brand is the brainchild of fashion designer Darren Barrowcliff.

MEETING UP FOR A SHOPPING DAY IN MIDTOWN.

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“B_KS@ is the only place to buy up-to-date fashion magazines and other publications.

Ruben Cardenas, the owner, is a passionate magazine and fashion enthusiast, making this Siren Hotel bookstore a must for any fashion lover.”

Brighten up your space with new home goods If you’re looking for Detroit-themed, Michigan-made goods (or a variety of other treasures), you would be hard-pressed to find two better places than City Bird and Nest in Cass Corridor of Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood. Or head to Clawson and visit Leon & Lulu, where you’ll find decor, gifts, and furniture. You can also chat with in-store consultants for design help or even just a second opinion. Detroit: citybirddetroit.com; Clawson: leonandlulu.com

Select fresh produce and more at these farmers markets Spend a Saturday morning walking the sheds at the historic Eastern Market in Detroit, shopping the fruits, veggies, and more, courtesy of Michigan producers.

Or, visit the slew of local vendor booths showcasing everything from jewelry to artisan soaps. Farther north, the Royal Oak Farmers Market is another community mainstay, offering produce, meats, cheeses, and more on Saturdays; on Sundays the space is home to the Royal Oak Flea Market. Detroit: easternmarket.org; Royal Oak: romi.gov Paris Giles has been a writer and editor for 10 years, taking a special interest in art, culture, and fashion. When she’s not working, it’s not unusual to find her shopping for vintage earrings and other knickknacks. She is a former editor at BLAC Detroit Magazine.

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Bucket List City Guide 2022

Keep it. do it. Track it.

Arts

0 The Henry Ford

Food

0 Polonia

0 Arab American

0 The Independent

0 Al Ameer

0 Rafic’s Falafel

0 Zekelman

0 American

0 Ray’s Ice

0 Baobab Fare

0 Redcoat

National Museum

0 Blkout Walls 0 Charles H. Wright

Museum of African American History

Holocaust Center

Coney Island

Drinks

0 Bucharest Grill

0 Comedy Club

0 Bad Luck Bar

0 Buddy’s

0 Cranbrook

0 Baker’s Keyboard

0 City Ramen

Educational Community

0 Dabls Mbad

African Bead Museum

0 Detroit Film

Theatre

0 Detroit Hair Wars 0 Detroit Historical

Museum

0 Detroit Institute

of Arts

0 Detroit Public

Theatre

0 Detroit

Symphony Orchestra

0 Eastern Market 0 Fisher Building 0 Greenfield

Lounge

0 Cafe D’Mongo’s

Speakeasy

0 Candy Bar 0 Castalia Cocktails 0 Detroit City

Distillery

0 Dragonfly 0 Frame Detroit 0 Ghostbar 0 Henrietta Haus 0 Kuhnhenn

Brewing Co.

0 Madam at

The Daxton

0 Menjo’s

Entertainment Complex

Village

0 Motor City Wine

0 Guardian

0 Nancy Whiskey

Building

0 Heidelberg

0 Shelby Detroit

0 Clawson

Steak House

0 Cloverleaf Pizza 0 Feast 0 Freya 0 Giovanni’s

Ristorante

Cream

Tavern

0 Roma’s Bakery 0 Scotty

Simpson’s Fish & Chips

0 Selden Standard 0 SheWolf

Pastificio & Bar

0 Sister Pie 0 Stage Deli 0 Supino Pizzeria

0 Hamido

0 Sushi Coup

0 Hong Hua

0 Sylvan Table

0 Hunter House

0 Taystee’s

0 Joe Muer’s

0 Toast

Hamburgers Seafood

0 Lafayette Coney

Island

0 Lobster Pitstop 0 Mabel Gray 0 Maré

Mediterranean

0 Metropolitan Bar

& Kitchen

Burgers

0 Tomatoes

Apizza

0 Trizest 0 Tuhama’s 0 Union Assembly 0 Union Joints 0 Vinsetta Garage 0 Zingerman’s Deli

0 Spot Lite Detroit

0 Mom’s Spaghetti

0 M Contemporary

0 Supergeil

0 Mudgie’s Deli

Music

0 Motown Museum

0 The Oakland

0 Mumma Maria’s

0 Aretha Franklin

0 N’Namdi Center

0 The Old Miami

0 Norwest

0 The Sardine Room

0 New York Bagel

0 Cliff Bell’s

0 Noble Fish

0 Concert of

Project

Gallery of Art

0 Playground

Detroit

0 Reyes Finn Gallery 0 The Dirty Show

0 The Sugar House 0 Urbanrest

Brewing Co.

0 Valentine

Distilling Co.

House

0 Phoenicia 0 Polish

Village Cafe

Amphitheatre

Colors

0 Detroit Opera

0 Frankiln

0 Downtown

0 Hamtramck

0 Hawthorne Ridge

0 Downtown

0 iFly Detroit

0 Downtown

House

Labor Day Festival

0 Hill Auditorium 0 Marble Bar 0 Movement 0 Outer Limits

Lounge

0 Paramita Sound

0 Independence

Oaks County Park

0 Kensington

Metropark

0 Lake St. Clair

Metropark

0 Legacy 925

0 PJ’s Lager House

0 Lily Pad Springs

0 Rivera Court

0 Little Caesars

at the Detroit Institute of Arts

0 Sanctuary

Detroit

0 Spot Lite Detroit 0 The Fox Theatre 0 The Majestic 0 Third Man

Records

0 UFO Factory 0 Willis Show Bar

Recreation 0 Belle Isle 0 Blake’s Cider Mill

0 Detroit Jazz

0 Brighton

Recreation Area's Jump Island

0 Campus

Martius Park

0 Clinton River

Park North

0 Comerica Park 0 Detroit River 0 Detroit River

Sports

Arena

0 Michigan

Stadium

0 Midway

Sports and Entertainment

Rochester

Grosse Pointe Park

0 Eastern Market 0 John K. King

Used & Rare Books

0 Leon & Lulu 0 Literati

Bookstore

0 Lost and Found

Vintage

0 Mongers’

Provisions

0 Odd Fellows

Antiques

0 Old Soul Vintage 0 Pages Bookshop

0 Riverside Kayak

0 Pewabic Pottery

0 Shepherd’s

0 Rat Queen

0 TreeRunner

0 Royal Oak

Hollow Golf Club

Adventure Park

0 Waterloo

Recreation Area

0 Westview

Orchards

0 Yates Cider Mill

Shopping 0 Atelier_Det: 0 AYV x Fresher 0 B_KS@ 0 Bird Bee 0 BOYC Co. 0 Burn Rubber 0 Busted Bra Shop 0 Carhartt

0 Detroit Zoo

0 City Bird

0 Ford Field

Birmingham

0 Putting Edge

0 Detroit Riverwalk

0 Dyno Detroit

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Park’s BMX Track

0 Pine Knob

0 Dally in the Alley

Festival

Cider Mill

Vintage

Farmers Market & Flea Market

0 Shinola 0 Simply Casual 0 Somerset

Collection

0 Source

Booksellers

0 Spectacle

Society

0 Tailored Detroit 0 The Lip Bar 0 The Lowry Estate 0 The Peacock

Room

0 Vault of Midnight

and Nest

0 Coup D'etat 0 Cream Blends

3/11/22 1:20 PM

From law students to attorneys to judges, Michigan's legal world is still dominated by white men.

Here's why it matters to everyone and who's trying to change that.

To Represent While

By Aleanna Siacon photos by matt lavere

Representing 48

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During orientation, before the start of my first year at Wayne State University Law School, I could see what I was up against. I surveyed my 100-plus classmates and realized I was one of just two Asian women, along with few other people of color. On the drive home, I convinced myself that I was going to prove a point with my presence — lawyers can look like me.

 Legal pioneer Victoria Roberts, a senior U.S. District Court judge, in 1998 became the first Black woman to serve on the federal bench in Michigan. She’s also the only Black woman to serve as president of the State Bar.

What I had come face-to-face with was a sobering truth about America’s legal system: It remains, despite decades of lip service to the virtues of diversity and inclusion, overwhelmingly white and male. As anyone who has ever seen Sam Bernstein ads during Jeopardy! or spotted one of the many billboards for lawyers that line I-94 knows, the law is often a family business.

This places budding lawyers from diverse backgrounds — my parents are both nurses who emigrated from the Philippines — in a challenging position from the start.

The American Bar Association (ABA) estimates that, as of 2020, only 37 percent of active lawyers in the U.S. were women, 5 percent were Black, 5 percent were Hispanic, and 2 percent were Asian — and these percentages have remained roughly the same over the past decade. State Bar of Michigan 2021 demographics closely mirror the ABA’s nationwide data, with some notable deviations: Michigan counted Arab Americans, who comprised 2.4 percent of attorneys, and only 1.8 percent of lawyers in the state identified as Hispanic or Latino. Women, at least according to Michigan’s law schools, now dominate some classes of law students.

U.S. District Court Judge Victoria Roberts, the only Black woman to have served as president of the State Bar of Michigan, says progress is slow.

The statistics “are abysmal and disappointing, particularly since so much energy and resources have been devoted for decades to growing the ranks of minorities in the legal profession,” she admits.

Why does it matter? As MSNBC legal analyst Kimberly Atkins Stohr, a Michigan native and Wayne State alum, told Hour Detroit earlier this year, “The people in the legal profession — judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys — are the folks through whom the system of justice is administered. If they don’t have an understanding and a background of the real, lived

experience of most Americans, then the justice system is skewed against those who have that lived experience. That makes a big difference.”

Encouraging and helping people of color to become lawyers also has an outsized impact on their families and communities. “They grew up, especially a lot of my older family members, in a time where it was very rare to see a Black professional of any type,” says Aaron Burrell, cochair of the diversity and inclusion committee at the Detroit-headquartered firm Dickinson Wright, which has nearly 500 attorneys. Of those, 30 percent are women and 8 percent are “diverse,” by which the firm means they are members of racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity minorities. “In our community, there’s some degree of distrust relative to the justice system. It was good for my family that I was going to take this leap of faith.”

There are many ABA initiatives afoot to change this equation, including national scholarship opportunities and a directory of pipeline programs. ABA President Reginald Turner Jr., a Detroit lawyer and only the 144-year-old group’s fourth Black leader, says, “We all like to envision a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion is just completely available for anyone and everyone, but I don’t think we’ve reached that goal. There’s still much more to do.”

Where many law students belonging to historically underrepresented populations are the first in their families to pursue this profession, it can feel like starting a high stakes race an entire leg behind. The hurdles begin, Roberts says, even before law school, “with a disparate educational system that ill prepares students of color to compete at the college level, let alone law school.

Many minority children are never exposed to the notion of law school and do not consider it as a career option. Law school is largely unaffordable to those not in the middle class or higher.”

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 Mikaela Armstead made several demands as president of the Black Law Students Association at Wayne State University amid the Black LIves Matter protests of summer 2020.

Arnulfo Caballero, president of the Latino Law Society at Michigan State University, hopes “one day our small but proud community turns into a large and proud one.” 

Jelani Jefferson Exum, the first Black dean at University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She’s determined to diversify the school’s student population. 

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T H E B R O C H U R E S and websites of Michigan’s law schools boast a diverse array of students smiling back at you. But the reality is far from picture perfect.

The facts: The student bodies of the law schools at Michigan State University, the University of Detroit Mercy, and Wayne State are all more than 80 percent white, according to disclosures made to the ABA. Only two have substantially improved their diversity over the past decade — the University of Michigan, where students of color comprise 32 percent of J.D. candidates, and Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where that figure is nearly 39 percent. Both have improved diversity within their student bodies by about 10 percentage points. Wayne Law increased its percentage by around 3 points, while Detroit Mercy Law stayed close to steady.

MSU, meanwhile, went the opposite direction, falling 5 percentage points in the same span.

In 2021, the school appointed as its dean Linda Greene, the first Black person in this role, as a sign of their commitment to improving, spokesperson Kelly Kussmaul says. “MSU has committed to significant new scholarship funding in support of students whose backgrounds have demonstrated perseverance, whose past work has supported diverse communities, and who seek to practice law on behalf of underrepresented clients,” she says.

Detroit Mercy Law also installed its first Black dean, Jelani Jefferson Exum, last year. She says she has every intention of enhancing studentbody diversity — and says that, since Detroit Mercy is a private law school, she has tools to do so. “We are able to do some things that public institutions can’t do. In our admissions process, we can look at race as a part of a person’s application.”

That’s where it all gets tricky. In 2006, Michigan voters passed Proposal 2, which resulted in an amendment to the state constitution that bans public universities from giving preferential treatment in admissions to applicants based on race, ethnicity, gender, or national origin.

That the University of Michigan Law School improved its diversity makes it an intriguing case study in both the problem and the solution. U-M Law is among the most well-regarded schools in the nation, a quality that attracts high-achieving applicants of all backgrounds.

U-M uses that advantage, says senior assistant dean Sarah Zearfoss, to attract applicants from across the country and around the world.

Bolstered by its status and relationships, the law school has organically increased its share of historically underrepresented attendees.

“We work on building and maintaining relationships with minority-serving institutions,

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like [historically Black colleges and universities] or the Pre-Law Summer Institute at the University of New Mexico, which hosts Native American students,” she says, offering some examples of outreach efforts. Notably, Michigan residents comprised only 24 percent of U-M Law’s fall 2021 entering class.

Meanwhile, state bar data indicate that roughly 69 percent of Michigan attorneys graduated from one of the state’s four other law schools, with the largest chunk coming out of Wayne Law. Yet, Wayne Law, MSU College of Law, and Detroit Mercy Law have fallen short of U-M’s metrics.

In several cases, in-state law schools have tried to break down barriers of entry by offering full-tuition scholarships to, as in the case of Wayne Law, applicants who went to HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, or Detroit public schools. Also, Detroit Mercy Law offers deferred admission to historically underrepresented applicants who may need additional preparation or academic support before their first year.

It’s still a struggle, though, and one that some schools are only recently working in earnest to address. In 2020, Wayne State hired its first assistant director of student engagement and culture to focus on these issues, 2016 alumna Tiye Greene. Greene noted that when she was a student, conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion were confined to multicultural student organizations and certain professors. “To effect these changes, to keep diversity a priority, it requires some number of uncomfortable conversations,” Greene says.

The major driver of these conversations: the students. The Black Law Students Association at Wayne State, led by then-President Mikaela Armstead, made several demands following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

These included better course offerings and other training around issues of race, culture, and social movements. Wayne State responded with a new social-movement lawyering course and the formation of both the Black Law Alumni Council and an Anti-Racism Working Group.

In many ways, law students are the boots on the ground. They know firsthand that the systemic inequities do not dissolve the moment an institution launches diversity initiatives.

Achieving tangible diversification requires going beyond meetings, statements, or “periods of reflection” following racial atrocities in the news.

Where law schools have faltered, students have added impactful everyday acts of inclusion to their overflowing to-do lists. Student leaders at Wayne State — including myself, as president of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association — offer first-year students study tips and course outlines. We run practice internship interviews, review application materials, spread

the word about scholarships and pipeline programs, and organize panel discussions.

WSU’s Black Law Students Association now runs a program in which middle schoolers from Detroit’s David Ellis Academy tour the law school and participate in a debate. And in March at WSU Law, I launched Lawyers Look Like Me, a multiracial and multiethnic student alliance to advocate for better representation.

“It’s frustrating sometimes, as a Black law

student or minority law student in general, feeling like you have to be the one to create the change you want to see,” says Armstead, a Detroit native and the first in her family to attend law school. “I wish and I hope that we create a space where we don’t feel like we have to be a certain kind of way.”

This also rings true for Arnulfo Caballero, president of the Latino Law Society at MSU Law. Caballero was raised by a single mom in

Rachel Myung, a partner at the Detroitbased law firm Honigman, says female minority attorneys struggle doubly to fit in. 

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a Texas border town and earned a scholarship to MSU Law. Now, he’s paying it forward with a mentorship program. “My goal before I graduate is to leave behind a model of leadership that can be followed and improved upon, … and I hope that one day our small but proud community turns into a large and proud one,” he says.

I N 1 9 9 8 , when U.S. District Court Judge

Roberts was confirmed to the federal bench, she quickly noticed that only minority judges hired minority law clerks. When she asked her white colleagues why, she learned they didn’t receive applications from non-white candidates or couldn’t find anyone who was qualified. From there, the Wolverine Bar Association (WBA), a professional group for Black lawyers, of which Roberts was once president, launched the Judicial Externship Program, in which as many as 17 first- and second-year law students of color work for judges over the summer to get hands-on, practical experience.

It wasn’t the first time Roberts had stepped in to help aspiring attorneys of color find their places in the profession. In 1988, during her tenure as president of the WBA, she launched the Summer Clerkship Program, in which about 15 law students of color per year are placed at large local law firms or corporations for the summer.

Roughly 80 percent of the program’s participants later receive postgraduation jobs with large Detroit area firms, she says.

Similar placement programs now exist across the U.S., but the WBA’s summer programs remain an instrumental local pipeline. The application and interview processes for both programs are rigorous, but they have helped many law students get their start — including me. After taking on two boardrooms full of attorney interviewers, I landed both a summer associate position in the Bloomfield Hills office of Plunkett Cooney, which has nine other offices and around 140 attorneys, and an internship at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

The summer that followed was invaluable. I had never stepped foot into a law firm before, but once I did, I found dedicated mentors who gave me challenges and guided me through them. I worked with detail-oriented judicial clerks who further honed my skills. My experiences through the WBA ultimately led to a job offer at Plunkett Cooney, where I will be an associate attorney this summer upon passing the bar exam.

Still, the number of students who can take advantage of these opportunities is relatively small, and Detroit, despite being among the nation’s Blackest big cities, remains near the bottom — ranked 25th of 36 legal markets in the percentage of lawyers of color employed by law

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 Reginald Pacis of Butzel Long, a national law firm with Michigan offices, provided the author encouragement at a key moment.

firms, according to the National Association for Law Placement’s 2021 survey. Women made up 29 percent of Detroit-area law firm partners — and while 6.8 percent of partners who are people of color, just 2.5 percent are women.

While by no means the only available career pathway, the efforts of the Detroit area’s largest law firms, which typically employ more than 100 attorneys, speak to the challenges facing the legal industry’s push for diversity. They remain mostly white spaces.

other regional law schools with significant minority populations. It also contributes to the WBA’s programs. Plunkett Cooney is working toward attaining Mansfield Rule Certification, which is given to law firms that consider at least 30 percent women, lawyers of color, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership roles. Seven other firms with Michigan offices are also working on this certification for midsize firms, and at least nine large law firms with Michigan offices are applying for or already

Detroit, despite being among the nation’s Blackest big cities, remains near the bottom — ranked 25th of 36 legal markets in the percentage of lawyers of color employed by law firms.

My own firm, Plunkett Cooney, is starting work to change that. In 2018, CEO Thomas Vincent appointed Laurel McGiffert to be the firm’s first director of diversity and inclusion. Under McGiffert, the firm recruits summer associates through on-campus interviews at HBCUs and

have this distinction.

“We believe that it’s going to help us move the needle, and it involves the whole firm,” McGiffert says. “Thirty percent is not a magical number, but … if you increase your pool of diverse candidates that you consider, you will end up

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increasing your diversification.”

McGiffert says diversity efforts have become good for business: “Our clients are demanding that, in order for us to keep their business, we must diversify our firm in general and, more specifically, the client teams that we present. Now everybody understands that it’s not just a matter of thriving, … but it’s a matter of surviving.”

Burrell, the diversity committee chair at Dickinson Wright, insists that the firm is “not playing around” — citing several prominent attorneys of color who have practiced there, including W. Anthony Jenkins, a former Michigan Bar president, and Dennis Archer, the former Detroit mayor.

Michelle Crockett, who in 2008 became the first Black female partner at the Detroit-based firm Miller Canfield, left the firm in 2013 because she was frustrated by the slow pace of progress and retention issues. But she returned the next year after being persuaded that leadership was taking sincere steps toward real change. The firm became the first in Michigan to earn the Mansfield Rule diversity certification.

“What I have really learned along the way is you have to be patient with people,” says Crockett, now chief diversity officer and deputy

executive officer. “You have to bring people along with you, and that’s sort of what’s happened at our firm. People now see the benefits.”

That doesn’t make living up to diversity goals easy. A GPA below 3.0 can knock law students out of contention for spots at large law firms like hers, which means “all of the firms are competing for the same small number of qualified students of color,” Crockett says.

Rachel Myung, a partner at Honigman, a Detroit-based firm with more than 300 attorneys, explains that retention is harder than hiring and recruiting. What really hurts women and minorities, she says, is their hesitance to speak up when they feel discounted.

“We don’t feel like we can say that something is wrong because we’re trying so hard to assimilate,” says Myung, whose parents immigrated to the U.S. from South Korea when she was a child. “I’m not in the locker room with the boys; I’m not going on these golf outings or maybe these other lunches and happy hours. …

What needs to happen more for other women and minorities is people in power coming down and saying, ‘Hey, what’s going on?’ I think that takes courage on both sides.”

Perhaps the most potent way to counter that

is with mentorship programs, says Abril Valdes Siewert, president-elect of the Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan. “[I want to] make it so that we’re a phone-call-away resource for law students,” she says. “Find people like me. Find groups like [ours] to be able to be yourself and ask those questions that you feel vulnerable or embarrassed by.”

This is precisely what helped me settle in at Wayne Law. In my first year, I googled “Filipino attorney in Michigan” and coldemailed Reginald Pacis, a shareholder at Butzel Long, a 100-plus attorney law firm with offices in Michigan, New York, and Washington, D.C. We had lunch a couple of weeks later, which included a pep talk over chicken adobo and advice on navigating exams. He also acknowledged his own struggles in law school.

That was the first time I ever sat in front of an attorney who looked like me, and it meant so much to see what I could be. At the end of the meal, Pacis asked me to promise to pay the experience forward and continue to pass advice on to other law students. And I did, because interactions such as this take mere moments, but they have the potential to inspire confidence and change career trajectories.

Judge Roberts, posing on the bench in her courtroom at the Levin U.S. Courthouse in downtown Detroit, launched several programs to help minority attorneys get high-profile experience. 

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PARENTS’ GUIDE TO

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COLLEGE

Inside | Essay: A Parent’s “Course” to Helping Their Student Find the Right College

Parents’ Guide to

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PARENTS’ GUIDE TO

COLLEGE

PARENTS’ GUIDE TO COLLEGE PARENTS SHOULD GUIDE, ENCOURAGE AND OFFER POSITIVE SUPPORT IN HELPING THEIR CHILD MAKE THIS IMPORTANT DECISION

By Terry Jacoby

D

eciding on what college or university to attend

can be a daunting, challenging and even stressful decision for a young student because there really is no right or wrong answer. And there is no magical algorithm or secret formula to determine which school is “perfect.”

There is only the “best” answer at the time of the decision, and getting there is rarely an easy ride, especially with your parents sitting in the passenger seat trying to take a hold of the wheel.

The No. 1 rule for parents in helping decide where their child should go to college is to HELP them decide – not make the decision for them. Yes, even if you are paying the bill, it’s their decision and their future so they have earned the right to make the right choice.

There are many factors students will use in this decision, and even those will be different for each student. For example, some may want a warmer climate; while others want to stay close to home. Some want a big campus where they can go to the packed football games on Saturday afternoons; while others prefer a small, more intimate setting.

In a recent survey, 80 percent of students pointed to a half dozen reasons behind their final decision: affordability, desired program, career outcomes, reputation/academic quality, value and proximity to home. Other factors include sense of community on campus, flexibility of schedule, realworld experience in curriculum and a feeling they would fit in – never underestimate the feeling aspect.

Michigan is home to some of the most amazing and distinguished colleges, universities and schools of higher learning in the world. And that includes many schools outside of Ann Arbor and East Lansing.

In a recent survey, 80 percent of students pointed to a half dozen reasons behind their final decision: affordability, desired program, career outcomes, reputation/academic quality, value and proximity to home.

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Students who know exactly where their passion is and what they want to do in terms of a career, sometimes have an advantage when selecting a school. For example, art and design is a popular and growing field and includes everything from photography and visual arts to interior design and product design and much more. Students interested in this field are more inclined to consider a school that is known for these areas of study such as the Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University.

College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit also has been a highly successful and rewarding option for students interested in the arts since the school was founded in 1906.

CCS has distinguished itself as one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the world and enrolls more than 1,400 students pursuing Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees.

Is your child undecided on what they want to do or what they want to study? A great option close to home would be the ever-expanding Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.

EMU offers more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and graduate school.

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PARENTS’ GUIDE TO

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COLLEGE There also are plenty of smaller school options that offer bigtime advantages and options right here in Michigan.

Davenport University in Grand Rapids, with an enrollment less than 6,000, provides a unique approach to education by offering students a career-centered curriculum that helps empower them with real-world experience.

And Rochester University in Rochester Hills, with an enrollment just over 1,000, recently introduced seven new degree programs: Digital Marketing, Financial Planning, Human Resource Management, Health Care Management, Neuroscience, Public Administration, and Sports Management—E-sports and Gaming Administration.

When helping to decide on a major or what field/career to pursue, some long-term research can be beneficial – and this is where a parent can get involved without stepping on any toes. The key is providing information that will be useful and can be factored into the equation such as career opportunities, pay scale, job growth and potential, even locations where these type of jobs can be found.

Once your college-bound student has defined their passion and field of interest, help them better define their goals by showing them data on what they can expect in the job market and earning potential with that degree.

Questions to ask include: what are the most common occupations within an undergraduate major; what percentage of graduates are working in fields directly related to their college major; what percentage of individuals with a particular major are employed full-time, employed part-time, unemployed, or not seeking employment; and how do career paths and earnings shift, within a college major, when age and gender are taken into account?

Oftentimes, students will decide on a double-major – a great way to help reach into other areas of interest and expand your skill set. Double majors that go together include accounting & finance; marketing & communications; law & accounting; computer information systems & marketing/accounting; and economics & political science – just to name a few. Finding the right college degrees that go together could be beneficial down the road.

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According to the Brookings Institute, college graduates enjoy greater earning power—on average, about $600,000 more in lifetime earnings—than workers with only a high school education. However, not all college experiences are equal, as graduates of some majors earn significantly more than graduates of others. Typically, “students who have majored in quantitative fields (i.e., STEM) tend to enter more lucrative industries and earn more than students who have studied the arts or humanities,” says Brookings Institute.

One area parents are invaluable in is knowing and understanding their child’s strengths, weaknesses, and concerns. Parents know what their student likes and dislikes about high school — and that probably won’t change over the next four years.

Parents should encourage their teen to do some soul searching before making a list of colleges. Ask them what they like about high school and what they don’t like. For example, do they enjoy classes because of their relationships with their teachers? If so, look for smaller schools that tout faculty mentoring.

Most colleges today focus on student success by supporting the whole student. They provide a variety of activities, resources, and facilities for students, such as academic support services, access to fitness centers, a variety of clubs and athletics, and career centers, to name just a few. Also, as careers, professions, and technologies have changed, so have the types of courses and programs offered, and the ways in which they’re offered (such as having online classes).

It’s important for parents and their prospective student to determine what their “must haves” are, to help with their decision-making.

Parents shouldn’t stress about finding the so-called perfect college because, in truth, there is no perfect college — but hopefully there are a few colleges that appear to be a good fit for your child. Be a guide for your child, but understand that the ultimate decision is theirs — and make sure they know that by being a good, supportive passenger and keeping your hand off the steering wheel.

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REWRITE WHAT HISTORY WILL BE.

TRANSFORMATIVE INNOVATION. THAT’S TRUE. EMU.

Look at our heroes. We celebrate moonshot moments. But some of our heroes’ biggest accomplishments we may never know. They are the things that never happened. Such as an accident that was prevented because a cyber attack on an autonomous vehicle was blocked. Technology and innovation are creating new kinds of heroes right now at the Eastern Michigan University GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology.

gameabove.emich.edu OUR PARTNERS COMMITTED TO BUILDING PROGRESS THROUGH POTENTIAL

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PARENTS’ GUIDE TO

COLLEGE

F

ive “subjects” parents need to take when helping their son or daughter choose the best college or university for their interests, goals, and personality.

Introduction to Economics This subject is No. 1 or 2 on any list — and takes into account more than just the cost of tuition. There are many expenses to consider when choosing a college. Room and board. Gas and food expenses for those who are going to commute. The cost of living off campus (it’s safe to say that Columbia University in NYC is going to cost a little more than Albion). Perhaps the biggest cost of all is the bill you or your child will be left with after graduation.

Applied Statistics When researching a college, look up statistics that can help support the claims schools of higher education like to make. For example: Claim — Schoolcraft is highly rated by graduates; Stats — Approximately 95 percent of their graduates recommend the school. Claim — Lawrence Tech is highly ranked in all aspects of technological fields; Stats — The school’s return on investment is No. 1 in southeast Michigan, and in the top 3 percent nationwide.

Geography Theory Do you want your son or daughter coming home every weekend with a basket full of laundry? Do you want them home for dinner every night and commuting to school? Where your child’s college or university is located in relation to home is a very important factor, and something that should be near the top of the “consider this” list. A strong, independent, self-motivated child will do well at UCLA or Florida State, but one who’s more reserved, shy, or dependent might do better closer to home.

Health Sciences Even during this challenging time of COVID, make your college visits. Every university has social distancing protocols — wear a mask, social distance — but go and visit the campuses. Lawrence Technological University and other colleges offer virtual visits, virtual tours, and even opportunities to attend classes online, but there’s nothing like stepping onto a college campus to really experience that school.

Psych 101 Don’t dismiss the emotional, or “feeling,” side of a decision. A lot of high school students give this answer as to why they picked a certain college: “It just felt like home to me.” There’s a certain feeling one gets when they step on a campus or meet someone from the school or talk to a few students at the college — and sometimes all these add up to a feeling of “Yeah, this is where I want to spend my next four years.”

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SEVEN NEW DEGREES Seven New Ways to Rise.

RochesterU.edu

Rochester University 800 W. Avon Road • Rochester Hills, MI 48307 Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 248-218-2000, rochesteru.edu

SEVEN NEW WAYS TO RISE AT ROCHESTER UNIVERSITY. Rochester University prepares students for professional and personal success in God’s world—and that includes offering some of the most innovative, in-demand degree programs available anywhere!

Rochester University is introducing seven new degree programs: Digital Marketing, Financial Planning, Human Resource Management, Health Care Management, Neuroscience, Public Administration, and Sports Management—E-sports and Gaming Administration.

Developed in partnership with major employers, other universities, top academics, and leading technology companies like Google, Forever Labs, Unity, and others, these new degree programs create opportunities for students to learn online with students from other universities as well as in on-campus classes. These collaborative majors enable students to learn from leading national experts while enjoying the supportive campus community and spiritually grounded environment Rochester University provides. They’re seven new ways that Rochester University empowers students to make the most of their personal, professional, and spiritual potential. And all incoming freshmen are eligible for the RU Pledge loan repayment assistance program to help students pursue their dreams without worries about debt—one more way RU students can Rise Together, Stand Apart. ■

Year founded: 1959 // Current enrollment: 1,114 // Student-faculty ratio: 11:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 5 degrees, 27 majors // Number of master’s degrees offered: 1 // Number of doctoral degrees offered: n/a // In-state tuition: $26,735 (20222023) // Out-of-state tuition: $26,735 (2022-2023) // Percentage of students on financial aid: 96% // Affiliated colleges/satellite campuses: Satellite campuses at Macomb Community College and Mott Community College.

THE STATS

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PARENTS’ GUIDE TO

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Baker College

COLLEGE

1500 University Drive • Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 855-487-7888, baker.edu

Baker College is laser-focused on one mission: Helping students to secure a rewarding and lasting career. Baker is a regionally accredited, private, non-profit institution offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. They’re proud to be one of the most affordable four-year institutions in the state, offering millions in scholarships for students each year.

Baker aligns its programs with the highgrowth industries of today and beyond.

Fields of study include nursing and other health sciences, business, computer science and information technology, psychology, criminal justice, and more.

They also offer specialized programs through their affiliates, The Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan and the Culinary Institute of Michigan. Students gain practical knowledge and expertise through a combination of classroom instruction, extended reality (XR) learning experiences, and extracurricular opportunities.

Baker College’s footprint stretches across Michigan with five campus locations.

Construction on a new Royal Oak campus, slated to open in the fall of 2022, is nearing completion. Safe and affordable housing options are available at select campuses.

They also offer a variety of 100-percent online degree programs. Whether oncampus or online, students enjoy deep, meaningful engagement with faculty and students, alongside a diverse collection of student life options. ■

Year founded: 1911 // Current enrollment: 6,028 // Student-faculty ratio: 8:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 49 // Number of master’s degrees offered: 13 // Number of doctoral degrees offered: 2 // Subject matter expertise: Nursing and health sciences, business, information technology, education, social science, auto/diesel, and culinary. // In-state tuition: $10,160 // Out-of-state tuition: $10,160 // Percentage of students on financial aid: 84% // Top three awards/recognitions: Ranked “Best Private College in Michigan,” by Intelligent.com, February 2022. “America’s Best Online Learning Schools 2022” by Newsweek, November 2021. Faurecia North America Diversity & Inclusion Pacesetter Award, December 2021. // Affiliated colleges/satellite campuses: Baker College of Auburn Hills, Baker College of Cadillac, Baker College of Jackson, Baker College of Muskegon, Baker College of Owosso, Baker College of Royal Oak, Baker College Online, Baker College Center for Graduate Studies, Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan, Culinary Institute of Michigan – Port Huron, Culinary Institute of Michigan – Muskegon.

THE STATS

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PARENTS’ GUIDE TO

Eastern Michigan University

COLLEGE

900 Oakwood Street • Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 734-487-1849, emich.edu

Eastern Michigan University is among the most diverse public universities in Michigan, with a strategic focus on equity and inclusion in its core mission. Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 15,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences, and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and graduate school. In 2021, EMU was ranked by U.S. News and World Report in the category of social mobility. The ranking reflects Eastern’s core value of being a welcoming institution of opportunity.

Eastern Michigan University has been named a “Best in the Midwest” university

by The Princeton Review for 19 consecutive years. EMU offers the resources of a large research university—including world-class academic facilities, over $13 million in annual research funding, and NCAA Division 1 athletics—while also benefiting from student-centered faculty, one-on-one mentoring, and a supportive community of teachers and scholars. ■

Year founded: 1849 // Current enrollment: 15,370 // Student-faculty ratio: 13.85 : 1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 200+ // Number of master’s degrees offered: 150+ // Number of doctoral degrees offered: 7 // Subject matter expertise: Programs are delivered through Eastern Michigan University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. // In-state tuition: $6975 Flat Block Tuition Rate for 12-16 credit hours // Out-of-state tuition: $6975 Flat Block Tuition Rate for 12-16 credit hours // Percentage of students on financial aid: 85% // Top three awards/recognitions: Ranked a “Best in the Midwest” university by The Princeton Review for 19 consecutive years. Ranked among the top universities in the U.S. in the category of social mobility – U.S.News & World Report. Ranked the top “Military and Veteran Friendly” university in Michigan and 3rd highest in the nation.

THE STATS

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PARENTS’ GUIDE TO

COLLEGE

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College for Creative Studies 201 East Kirby • Detroit, MI 48202 Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 313-664-7425, collegeforcreativestudies.edu

For more than a century, the College for Creative Studies (CCS) has distinguished itself as one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the world. Located in the heart of Detroit’s innovation district our veritable force of talent and resources is unrivaled. CCS is a world-class institution that educates artists and designers to be leaders in the creative professions. Private and fully accredited, the college enrolls more than 1,400 students pursuing Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees.

At CCS, students have the opportunity to participate in experiential learning and collaborations with industry in the classroom, providing opportunities to gain practical skills through hands-on experiences with faculty, peers, industry and community partners.

Since 2011, 1075 companies have visited CCS to engage with students and recruit talent.

As graduates, CCS alumni are changing the world by applying the skills they’ve learned to the pressing problems of our times. From documenting history in the making to helping keep front-line workers safe, our alumni reenvision and redefine what it means to be creatives in the 21st century. ■ Year founded: 1906 // Current enrollment: 1493 // Student-faculty ratio: 10:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts in 13 majors // Number of master’s degrees offered: Master of Arts in 6 programs and Master of Fine Arts in 5 programs // Number of doctoral degrees offered: n/a // Subject matter expertise: Art and Design, Sustainable Design, Design for Climate Action, Fashion Design Transportation Design, Product Design, User Experience, Advertising, Film & Photography, Interior Design & Color & Materials, Craft and Material Studies, Fine Arts, Printmaking and Sculpture, Illustration, Communication Design, Art Education, Animation, Video Game Design, Concept Design, Motion Design. // In-state tuition: Undergraduate: $48,030 per year; Graduate: $50,160 per year // Out-of-state tuition: Undergraduate: $48,030; Graduate: $50,160 // Percentage of students on financial aid: 98% // Top three awards/ recognitions: U.S. News & World Report Best Grad Schools. Wall Street Journal Best U.S. College’s List. Payscale Top Earning Alumni.

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Discover the world at a place that feels like home.

70%

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“At K, I found an amazing community—great friends and professors I could talk to. With the K-Plan, I was able to take a poetry class, study Ancient Greek and play in the jazz band, even as a STEM student.

The world is yours to explore here.”

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More in Four. More in a Lifetime.®

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PRODUCING REAL RESULTS AND CAREER-LONG EARNINGS 95% of our graduates receive career opportunities or gain entrance into graduate programs. A study by Georgetown University ranked us in the top 15% of universities in the U.S. for career-long earning.

Learn how you can start building your future virtually and in person by calling 313-993-1245 or visit udmercy.edu/admission.

udmercy.edu admissions@udmercy.edu 4001 W. McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221-3038

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• Specialized programs in business and STEM related fields • Degree completion options for working adults and military service members • Graduate programs, both in-person and online learning • Doctorate program for executives, consultants and educators

northwood.edu • 800.622.9000

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Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University 17 Fountain St. NW • Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 616-451-2787, kcad.edu

At Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, the future is yours for the making.

KCAD offers all the advantages of a conservatory college of art and design — creative immersion, expert faculty, and personalized instruction — without sacrificing the vital support systems and educational value of a state university.

From its roots as a talent pipeline for West Michigan’s furniture industry, KCAD has grown in harmony with a region dominated by innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking. Its accessible urban campus in the heart of Grand Rapids’ vibrant creative community and thriving design industry is the perfect environment for transforming your passion for making things into in-demand 21st century skills and dynamic career opportunities.

Spark your future at kcad.edu/next. ■

Year founded: 1928 // Current enrollment: 562 // Student-faculty ratio: 11:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 15 // Number of master’s degrees offered: 5 // Number of doctoral degrees offered: n/a // Subject matter expertise: Digital Art and Design, Product Design, Fashion Studies, Photography, Interior Design, Architecture, Visual Arts, Art History. // In-state tuition: $23,078 // Out-of-state tuition: $23,078 // Percentage of students on financial aid: 90% // Top three awards/recognitions: KCAD is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The interior design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. The Master of Architecture Program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

THE STATS

Davenport University 6191 Kraft Ave. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 800-686-1600, davenport.edu/go

A career-centered curriculum and real-world experience are what students can expect at Davenport University. For more than 150 years, Davenport has stood apart from other universities because of its unrelenting focus on ensuring its graduates rise to the top of the job market. Its unique approach to education offers students a career-centered curriculum and empowers them with real-world experience.

Davenport’s academic programs meet today’s demands and anticipate tomorrow’s needs. They’re so confident in their curriculum, they offer several career guarantees, ensuring students earn a position in their field or the opportunity to come back and earn a graduate degree at no cost. Davenport’s innovative approach and commitment to quality will help you get where the world is going — and arrive ahead of the pack. ■ Year founded: 1867 // Current enrollment: 5,421 // Student-faculty ratio: 13:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 37 // Number of master’s degrees offered: 23 // Number of doctoral degrees offered: 0 // Subject matter expertise: Business, technology, health and urban education // In-state tuition: $26,020 // Out-of-state tuition: $26,020 // Percentage of students who receive financial aid: 96% // Top three awards/recognitions: Davenport was voted the No. 1 safest campus in Michigan and among the top safest universities in the country by YourLocalSecurity.com, partner of SafeStreets — an ADT Authorized Provider. The NCAA has named Davenport among the top 10 universities in the country for student-athlete academic performance, ranking them sixth in the national Division II 2020-21 season. Davenport was named the 2020 Michigan Performance Excellence Award recipient

by Michigan Performance Excellence (MIPEx) and is a finalist in the national 2021 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program, the highest U.S. award for organizational performance excellence. A national winner had not yet been announced at time of publication. // Davenport University is an active member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II (DII). Davenport University has 22 NCAA-sponsored sports, with more than 850 student-athletes enrolled annually. // Affiliated colleges/satellite campuses: Detroit: Wayne Community College, Warren Campus, Midtown Campus. Grand Rapids: W.A. Lettinga Campus. Holland Campus. Kalamazoo Community College. Lansing Campus. Midland: Great Lakes Bay Campus. Traverse City: Northwestern Michigan College. // THE STATS

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04.22 ARTS, CULTURE, AND OTHER THINGS TO DO

Agenda C U LT U R E CA L E N DA R p. 66 B O O K R EV I EW p.6 7 T H E AT E R p. 68

THEATER

BROADWAY BOUND Detroiters are making their mark on the Great White Way, elevating the homegrown theater scene along the way p. 68

THEATER COURTESY OF WOOLLY MAMMOTH THEATRE CO./MARC J. FRANKLIN

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Agenda

APRIL 2022

Culture Calendar

 Jack White’s first of two albums with releases slated for this year — along with two hometown shows — lands this month.

Our carefully curated guide to the month in arts and entertainment

BY RYA N PATRICK HOOPE R

 Experience La Bohème in reverse order at the Detroit Opera House April 2, 6, and 10.

PERFORMING ARTS

A new name and a new show for Michigan Opera Theatre The Michigan Opera Theatre company will now be known as the Detroit Opera, marking a new era for one of the state’s most storied and respected cultural institutions. It’s also under relatively new artistic director Yuval Sharon. The name change will be celebrated with performances of Puccini’s opus La Bohème, on April 2, 6, and 10, at the Detroit Opera House. In a twist, this classic will be presented in reverse — a first for this work. Get tickets at detroitopera.org

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READING LIST

A guide to the city’s collection of Albert Kahn architecture The art deco decadence of the Fisher Building.

The stately opulence of the former General Motors headquarters.

These are some of the well-known masterpieces of architect Albert Kahn, who is often referred to as “Detroit’s architect,” for the vast number of buildings he designed in the city (some estimates put that total at more than 800 structures, from factories to banks and skyscrapers). In architecture buff and photographer Dale Carlson’s new book, Kahn’s Detroit: A Field Guide to Albert Kahn Designs of the Metro Area, he lays out a detailed self-guided tour of 301

commercial and residential buildings that Kahn designed in metro Detroit. This is a musthave for design lovers looking to dig even deeper into Kahn’s legacy throughout the Motor City and beyond.

Find it at local bookstores, including Pure Detroit in the Fisher Building, puredetroit.com, and on amazon.com

pieces across mediums of all sorts. It also introduced a new exhibition, Whatever Gets You Through the Night, which is on display and free to the public through Aug. 20.

Under the curatorial direction of Stephanie James, the exhibit explores how people find

relief amid life’s daily barrage of challenges and features work from Carrie Mae Weems, Whitfield Lovell, Adrian Piper, and others. Make a day trip of it by consulting our guide to Flint, and learn more about MW Gallery from my past reporting, both of which are available on hourdetroit.com. Visit m-wc.org for additional information.

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

VISUAL ARTS

Worth the drive: Another stunner of a show at Flint’s MW Gallery

I’ll never stop screaming from the rooftops that the MW Gallery in Flint is one of the best cultural institutions in the entire state. It’s home to the Mott-Warsh Collection, one of the largest private collections of African American art in the country, spanning more than 800 contemporary

On My Playlist Jack White in town It’s a fine time to add Jack White to the playlist, as he preps to release two albums — Fear of the Dawn (out April 8) and Entering Heaven Alive (out July 22). He’s also scheduled a pair of hometown shows at Detroit’s Masonic Temple Theatre to kick off his massive world tour on April 8 and 9. So far, the singles have shown us two sides of Jack — his sweet, sensitive, and bluesy side (“Love Is Selfish”) and his turned-up-to-11 side (“Fear of the Dawn”). If you’re not feeling the new tracks, don’t sweat it. His Detroit shows are always legendary and loud, pulling together the favorites you know and love while delivering something special and new for the local audience. themasonic.com

 Whitfield Lovell’s “Untitled, 2003, Graphite on paper with playing card” is part of MW Gallery’s latest exhibit.

LA BOHÈME COURTESY OF DETROIT OPERA JACK WHITE COURTESY OF JACK WHITE WHITFIELD LOVELL COURTESY OF DC MOORE GALLERY, NY

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BOOK REVIEW

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE

Ann Arbor novelist Camille Pagán’s latest book addresses the importance of boundaries, while offering an honest and relateble depiction of middle age

 In Camille Pagán’s latest novel, the protagonist juggles caregiving and a struggling marriage — plus the potential rekindling of an old flame.

BY JENN McKEE

LAINE FRANCIS IS the middle sister of three.

She’s fast approaching middle age and desperately wants a baby. Yet, she feels pulled to care for her ailing mother (and is understandably wary of trying to do both simultaneously).

In addition, Laine’s marriage is coming apart because the death of her beloved dog (and longtime child stand-in) has made her impatient regarding her husband Josh’s baby ambivalence.

But when Laine travels from her home in Ann Arbor to her old stomping grounds in Brooklyn — both to get some space and to assess her mother’s condition at close range — she runs into her childhood best friend, Ben, with whom she’s been out of contact for 16 years.

Why? Because when things between them took a brief romantic turn after college, Ben accused Laine of rejecting him because her possibly racist mom repeatedly discouraged her from pursuing a relationship with him.

If this sounds like a novel with a lot of moving parts, well … it is. But then, “a lot” pretty much sums up what most of us face in middle age. We inevitably question the decisions we’ve made, feel that we’re suddenly “on the clock” in our own lives, and experience loss.

Even so, there’s a sense in Everything Must Go that not every story strand gets its due. After initially being excited and intrigued by the premise of a white character examining a beloved parent’s (and by extension her own) racial blind spots, I felt disappointed when this potentially rich, complicated dynamic was largely glossed over.

And as any self-respecting rom-com fan has surely sniffed out, the book’s love triangle asks whether Laine should stay with her nice-but-not-babyjonesing husband or opt for the best friend romance she shut down before it even began years earlier.

This storyline ultimately feels undercooked too.

Weirdly, the threatened divorce doesn’t seem to stir up all that much pain or anger in either spouse.

(I know there are amicable divorces out there, but Josh and Laine act almost absurdly mature about this transition out of their 14-year marriage.) And BOOK, CAMILLE PAGÁN COURTESY OF KATHLEEN CARTER COMMUNICATIONS

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If this sounds like a novel with a lot of moving parts, well … it is.

regarding Ben, the idea that he and Laine might simply pick up where they left off, without the changes or experiences they’ve gone through in the interim throwing a wrench in the works, ends up feeling too much like a narrative shortcut.

What Everything Must Go gets right, though, is the family dynamics between Laine and her sisters, the terror of witnessing the mental decline of an aging parent who prizes independence above all else, and how hard it is for a people pleaser to start pushing back and establish boundaries.

For as the middle child, Laine is the family’s go-to peacemaker, and because both of her sisters already have children, Laine’s the obvious choice to leave her career as a home organizer behind and step in to keep an eye on their mother, Sally, who’s started occasionally wandering to the nearby bodega in her nightgown.

But in a moment of clarity, Laine realizes that, while she’s willing to help, she’s not willing to become her mother’s full-time caregiver, saying: “I had a feeling that made me sound like a monster — or at least it would to my sisters, who were counting on me to lighten their load.” Laine nonetheless commits to her decision, adding, “I was going to have to find a way to deal with whatever fallout came with it.”

Yet one of Pagán’s strengths as a fiction writer (she also penned Life and Other Near-Death Experiences and other novels) is serving up prose that moves, and she also offers up some arresting imagery. In one moment, when Josh has followed Laine to Brooklyn to help with Sally, Pagán writes, “He’d taken his suitcase inside. But instead of scrolling on his phone or working on his computer, he was just … sitting there. It was like seeing a horse lying down in the middle of the field: you knew they slept that way from time to time, but you still couldn’t help but wonder if they’d fallen and couldn’t get up.”

As the pandemic stumbles endlessly on, this manifestation of helplessness is one we can all feel in our bones.

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 Daniel Pearce and Claire Karpin in the Detroit production of Birthday Candles.

THEATER

From Detroit to Broadway Detroiters are making their mark on Broadway, elevating the homegrown theater scene along the way

BY RYAN PATRICK HOOPER

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NOAH HAIDLE WASN’ T SURE his play Birthday Candles would survive the pandemic and make its way back to Broadway.

The playwright was just two weeks into rehearsals back in March 2020. A major star was attached to play the lead role. Debra Messing would play Ernestine Ashworth, whom Birthday Candles follows from her 17th birthday to her last, traversing five generations and a cast of characters that come and go along the way.

The play asks a big question: What makes your life meaningful?

“A lot of people will say family. It’s the people who love you and the people you love,” Haidle says. “Beyond that, who gives a shit? It all comes and goes.”

And “go” it did. On the afternoon of March 12, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that Broadway would be temporarily shut down, beginning at 5 p.m. The lights went down for what would end up being over a year. Everything Birthday Candles — the scripts, the sets, the hope of seeing a stage again — was boxed up and stored away while everyone awaited a grand “return to normal.”

“It really didn’t look like it was going to happen,” Haidle says. “It kept getting kicked on down the road.”

Now, Haidle says it’s a surreal feeling to be in rehearsals for his Broadway debut more than four years after the show premiered in Detroit.

Birthday Candles, starring Debra Messing, opened at American Airlines Theatre in New York in March and will run through May 29.

“We’re doing the same play, but the world and all of us are all quite different,” Haidle says.

Going from Detroit to Broadway “is an unprecedented and unrepeatable journey,” he adds. “And then, bookending the beginning and end of a pandemic is the craziest production history I’ve ever heard of.”

BIRTHDAY CANDLES COURTESY OF DETROIT PUBLIC THEATRE

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Agenda

 (L to R) Daniel Pearce, Hallie Bard, Michael Brian Odgen, Dani Cohchrane, and Claire Karpin in the Detroit production of Birthday Candles.

(L to R) James Jackson Jr., Jason Veasey, John-Michael Lyles, Jaquel Spivey, L. Morgan Lee, and John-Andrew Morrison in a preBroadway production of A Strange Loop, in Washington, D.C. 

Even in a world where the pandemic has removed all punch from the word “unprecedented,” Haidle’s remark rings true.

It’s a rarity for an original play performed for an audience of about 1,000 people, in a regional theater in Detroit, to find its way to the bright lights of Broadway — with no stops in between.

Back in 2018, the Detroit Public Theatre (DPT) first commissioned and brought to life Birthday Candles, written by Haidle, who originally hails from Grand Rapids and studied at Princeton University and The Juilliard School.

DPT had high hopes for the play — its firstever commission — but co-founder and producing artistic director Courtney Burkett says she and her colleages never imagined it would put the Detroit Public Theatre on the national map the way it has.

A portion of Haidle’s playwright royalties will go back into the coffers of DPT, which is currently in the midst of a capital campaign, as it prepares to open its own theater space at 3960 Third Ave. (formerly, DPT has staged productions inside the Robert A. & Maggie Allesee Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center). The new space is scheduled to open to the public this September.

“It’s huge for our organization,” Burkett says.

“It’s huge for our city in a lot of ways. It’s also huge for the theater industry and the pipelines that are created to get to Broadway in the first place.”

That Detroit-to-Broadway pipeline seems wider than ever this year, as Detroiters make their mark in the industry and uniquely local stories find their way to the NYC marquee.

This theater season, Detroit’s own Dominique Morisseau became the first Black woman to see two of her compositions run simultaneously on Broadway. Her play Skeleton Crew, set in a Detroit auto plant, ran alongside her Temptations musical Ain’t Too Proud (see the touring version at the Detroit Opera House this August).

“That’s the power of theater. It can reach across the bow, grab you, and make you see yourself in others.”

BIRTHDAY CANDLES COURTESY OF DETROIT PUBLIC THEATRE A STRANGE LOOP COURTESY OF WOOLY MAMMOTH THEATRE CO./MARC J. FRANKLIN

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The Tony-nominated playwright and MacArthur fellow has another play, Confederates, running off-Broadway through April 10, at the Signature Theatre.

Morisseau currently serves as the executive artistic producer at DPT, which has staged a handful of her plays since its inception.

Making his Broadway debut this month is Michael R. Jackson, whose Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, A Strange Loop, opens at the Lyceum, on April 6, for previews.

When Jackson took home the Pulitzer Prize in 2020, it was a groundbreaking win — the first musical to earn a Pulitzer without reaching Broadway and the first created by a Black playwright to ever receive the honor.

—MICHAEL R. JACKSON “It’s wild when I think back on where I began with it, and for it to be going to Broadway, … I would not have believed you. It wasn’t on my radar — not even a dream,” says Jackson, who grew the musical from a monologue he wrote almost 20 years ago.

A Strange Loop is a critically acclaimed meta-musical that puts the spotlight on the character Usher — a young, Black, gay theater writer struggling with his job while trying to write a musical about a young, Black gay theater writer struggling with this job while trying to write … and so on, until ultimately, the audience finds itself in a witty and funny strange loop.

“The show is not autobiographical; I always say it’s self-referential,” says Jackson, who drew from personal experiences and his upbringing in a “multiclass, predominately Black” Detroit helped inform his writing, “but it’s a real mix of fact and fiction.”

And while it is a universal narrative, rather than a uniquely Detroit story, Jackson, alongside Haidle, Morisseau, DPT, and others, is helping to bring a diverse new set of voices to Broadway — voices that have been, in some way, shaped by the Motor City experience.

“That’s the power of theater. It can reach across the bow, grab you, and make you see yourself in others,” Jackson says. “It has radicalized me to realize that.”

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FIND IT HERE

Acclaimed for its exquisite design and advanced technology, the Monogram Professional Range is redefining luxury appliances one detail at a time.

Elevate Everything.

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3/8/22 10:30 AM

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

Food&Drink G R E AT TA ST E p. 72 R EV I EW p.7 3 R E TA I L p. 76 F I E L D T R I P p. 77

R ETAI L

THE ABCs OF BLTs In honor of National BLT Month, use the best ingredients you can find to make a version that truly stacks up p. 76

BLT REBECCA SIMONOV

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Mike Han is pictured in front of his artwork at Townhouse Detroit, one of his go-to spots around town for killer food and drinks. He’s a fan of the revamped menu, which includes a dry-aged burger with hand-cut french fries (left, bottom) and squash with lemon tahini, rose harissa, and seeds (left, top). 

GREAT TASTE

Welcome to The House of Han Detroit-based Korean American artist Mike Han has made an art of turning setbacks into success

BY DOROTHY HE RNANDE Z | PHOT OS BY R EBECCA SI MONOV

FOR MIKE HAN, the road to becoming an in-demand artist whose work can be seen across the metro area, from the Shinola Hotel in Detroit to the Daxton Hotel in Birmingham, wasn’t a linear path.

While living in Connecticut during grade school, the Ann Arbor-born Han frequently visited

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New York City to check out artist Keith Haring’s Pop Shop.

Haring’s work would end up being a clear influence on Han’s own striking black-andwhite artwork, which combines modern design and Korean calligraphy.

Han also appreciated sushi at a young age. “I ate the weird stuff,” he

says. “The nigiri, the sashimi, the hand rolls.

My parents and grandparents had no idea what I was ordering.”

In college, Han got a job as a server at a Korean-Japanese restaurant, and it wasn’t long until he was making it instead of serving it. His talent for sushi took him all around the country,

before he returned to Detroit in 2019, to become chef and owner of sustainable sushi spot Pursue, at Fort Street Galley.

His contract with the food hall ended due to low sales, but from this came an opportunity to reopen Pursue in Ann Arbor. It was a month away from opening when the pandemic hit. Han, who had been working a chef gig at another restaurant, lost his job, and his cash flow dried up.

While working as a chef for the past 12 years or so, he’d occasionally get a job painting a mural, through word of mouth.

One of his biggest and earliest pieces was one he did for Detroit interior designer Patrick Thompson.

In November 2020, he received an unexpected commission from clients who had seen that mural at Thompson’s office, and the work paid for his December rent.

Since then, his art career has taken off. His mural for TO CHECK OUT MORE OF HAN’S ART WORK, VISIT HIS WEBSITE, THEHOUSEOFHAN.COM.

international art competition Art Prize is set to appear in a Netflix film called Block Party, his work has been featured by outlets like BBC News, and he has raised more than $10,000 for Stop Asian Hate through the Siren Hotel’s artist residency program.

This month, he has two exhibitions. The opening receptions for The House of Han: From A to D will take place in Ann Arbor and Detroit simultaneously. The show is a diptych, Han says, connecting analog and digital artwork presented in the city where he was born and the city he calls home.

As his art career flourishes, he says he’s fairly certain he won’t be involved in the daily grind of running a restaurant. But he remains involved in the industry from an art standpoint by creating works for places like the Daxton Hotel.

“They acquired one of my pieces, and they did a dish inspired by it,” he says. “But I’ve also eaten at Madam [inside the hotel] and it’s amazing. They do a great job with New American.”

Where art and food meet

Here’s a sampling of spots where you can see Han’s art and eat good food at the same time Date night: Han is a fan of Townhouse Detroit’s (above) revamped menu and elevated approach to New American food.

In particular, there’s a bigeye tuna and crispy rice dish of which, he admits, he was initially skeptical (“crispy rice was in fashion, at least to me, like 10-15 years ago,” he says).

But he was surprised at how good it was. townhousedetroit.com Drinks: One of Han’s go-to spots for drinks is Batch Brewing Co. In September, he painted a large mural in the parking lot and hosted an event called To New Heights that celebrated Korean food, art, and dance. He recently painted another mural inside the Corktown brewery. batchbrewing company.com Dinners with family or friends: For Lunar New Year, Han unveiled a sound sculpture he created with Leon Speakers, at New Seoul Plaza in Southfield.

Before the project, he says, he was already a fan of Daebak, a Korean BBQ restaurant, and Myomee, a dessert cafe that serves bingsu, a shaved ice dessert. newseoulplaza.com

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Food&Drink

 The Roasted Cauliflower with salsa negra, plantain relish, and cilantro.

R E STAU R A N T R E V I E W

One-Stop Destination Metropolitan Variety Store and Bar & Kitchen brings a bodega-style market along with a neighborhood restaurant and bar to West Village

BY D OROTH Y H ER NA ND EZ | PH O T OS BY H AY D EN STI NEBAUG H

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The beverage program is innovative and creative, and that approach extends to zero-proof cocktails like the refreshing and peppery Flowers for Agnes: rooibus tea, schezuan, cranberry, orgeat, lime, herbal tea, and fruit. 

THERE WERE ABOUT T WO spoonfuls of Chili Butter Cabbage left when my husband and I picked up our forks like two duelers crossing swords to fight over who would get to polish it off.

The fact that we were battling each other for the last bites in the bowl, which already offered a bold amount of the cruciferous vegetable, resembling more an entree-sized portion than a side dish, is all you need to know about how flavorful the food is at Metropolitan Bar & Kitchen.

The humble cabbage is elevated to new heights here, sliced into strips and cooked like al dente pasta, then molded into a mountain laced with fennel, miso, and chili. The finishing touch is a snowcap of Parmesan cheese. It’s just one of the many delightful surprises we experienced at the new West Village restaurant/market hybrid.

Chef Brendon Edwards is a veteran of Detroit’s restaurant scene, and a revelation like a showstopping bowl of cabbage is the type of audacious and delicious food I have come to expect from him over the years. When he was at Standby in 2016, he had a dish of sturgeon wrapped in chicken skin that I still dream about to this day — and that still makes me wonder why everything isn’t wrapped up in chicken skin.

Edwards; Ashley Price (former alcohol buyer at Holiday Market); and Detroit Rising Development and its leads, Jonathan Hartzell and Rick Stanza, partnered up to form Metropolitan Variety Store as well as Metropolitan Bar & Kitchen. Price told me in November that the genesis of Metropolitan came out of a conversation he had with Hartzell in 2019 about opening a high-end spirits store in the city.

The brainstorming evolved to include the concept of a restaurant/cocktail bar/specialty store. When the former Craft Work space on the ground floor of the Parkstone Apartments became available, the idea found its home.

Metropolitan is carved up into three distinct spaces. When you walk in, there is a bar where

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 The dining room’s modern-meetsvintage look is inviting, with the closeness of the tables fostering a convivial dinner party atmosphere.

The fact that we were battling each other for the last bites in the bowl ... is all you need to know about how flavorful the food is at Metropolitan Bar & Kitchen.

guest bartenders and pop-up chefs will set up shop.

On one of the nights we visited, it was industry night (Mondays are typically when chefs and restaurant workers have the day off) and we were greeted with a dangerously easy-to-sip mezcal punch. To the left is the bodega, and to the right is the dining room.

The dining room has preserved a lot of the charming wooden features from the space’s former lives, such as the shelves and bar, with the addition of royal blue banquettes and matching studded chairs. The modern-meets-vintage look is inviting, like stepping into the living room of your welltraveled auntie, with the closeness of the tables fostering a convivial dinner party atmosphere.

The California Mexican menu — organized into Snacks, Vegetable, Meat and Fish, and Dessert — is thoughtfully constructed, driven by the seasons, what’s available from Michigan producers, and the creative whims of Edwards. Edwards builds on Latin flavors with chili peppers, cilantro, lime, and other familiar ingredients and executes them in

refreshing ways. Every bite reveals something new, a nuance that you didn’t notice before.

We arrived on a Saturday during happy hour, another pleasant surprise since happy hours are typically during the week. For starters, we tried the maduros tostadas with Oaxaca cheese and the Detroit Double Cheeseburger. The tostadas were another example of how a humble ingredient like a plantain can be the star of the show. Chunks of plantain had a crispy shell covering a creamy and sweet interior, complemented by pops of pickled Fresno pepper and fresh watermelon radish. In a burger-loving town like Detroit, it’s not hard to find a burger, but Metropolitan’s version, with beef from West Village neighbor Marrow, ranks right up there with the city’s best.

The vegetables section of the menu goes from smallest to largest. In addition to the revelatory cabbage, we also tried the roasted cauliflower, served with a smoky, rich cumin-forward salsa negra-plantain relish.

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The Detroit Double Cheeseburger features pasture-raised beef from another West Village community staple, Marrow. It’s a juicier, more flavorful version of an option that rhymes with Fig Pack. 

 Before Metropolitan took over 8047 Agnes St., the space was once home to an apothecary and then two beloved neighborhood restaurants: Harlequin Cafe from 1983 to 2006 and Craft Work from 2013 to 2020..

On the entree side, we tried the carne asada and the hibachi grilled pork collar, both dishes using cuts that are not often used but are seriously underrated. The carne asada is a triangular 10-ounce picanha steak, known as the rump cap or sirloin cap. The flavorful cut, so tender it was like cutting into butter, was paired with a tangy tomatillo escabeche of pickled vegetables and a silky soubise (a creamy sauce usually made with onions) bursting with corn flavor. The pork collar was painted with a not-too-sour-and-not-too-sweet tamarind glaze and topped with an apple slaw.

There were also bits of tamarind in the rice to complement the pork, a thoughtful touch that tied everything together.

The cocktails, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, are created with the same care as the food. The Por Favor Y De Nada is a happy confluence of flavors.

Reminiscent of a margarita but more savory, the Por Favor Y De Nada is smoky, spicy, and refreshing, with notes of green pepper. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, like it would taste like a dreaded green juice, but it does. The Until Summer Returns is light and refreshing, with butterfly tea-infused vodka and sake, indeed the type of drink to sip when you’re dreaming of long summer nights on a patio.

The zero-proof cocktails provide excellent alternatives for those who enjoy drinks without the booze. The Flowers for Agnes — with rooibos

tea, cranberry, orgeat, lime, and herbal tea — is balanced and complex. Boozy drinks oftentimes are such a focal point of the dining experience, and Metropolitan takes care to serve those who imbibe and those who abstain.

The space itself has a storied and rich past.

The Parkstone Apartments, which was built in the 1920s, was once home to an apothecary.

In 1983, brothers Mindy and Balbir Ahluwalia opened the beloved bistro Harlequin Café, which was a neighborhood fixture for 20 years. The space became home to Craft Work, another neighborhood-oriented restaurant in 2013 (it closed in 2020). The 4,000-square-foot restaurant was

METROPOLITAN VARIETY STORE AND BAR & KITCHEN 8047 AGNES ST., DETROIT D THURSDAY-MONDAY METROPOLITANVARIETY.COM

renovated, and many of the charming features were restored, such as the original terrazzo floors and the 1950s apothecary bar and cabinetry.

In 2022, West Village is home to a lot of established spots like The Red Hook and Sister Pie, with new restaurants like YumVillage and Gabriel Hall coming in. Just like how the Harlequin was part of a wave of restaurants making the neighborhood a destination, Metropolitan is finding its place in West Village and filling a need for another place to gather.

On one of the nights we went to Metropolitan, we saw a couple of friends we hadn’t seen in a while and had the chance to chat. We then got to talking to a pair of diners seated next to us, enjoying each other’s company on a Monday night out in Detroit.

As my husband and I left and bade goodbye to our new friends, we reflected on how much we missed those types of connections in these turbulent times.

The Harlequin Café and Craft Work were neighborhood staples, and Metropolitan Variety Store and Bar & Kitchen is soon to follow in those restaurants’ footsteps.

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April

Nationis a BLT l Month!

RETAIL

Build a Better BLT

With only bacon, lettuce, tomato, and bread, this sandwich may seem deceptively simple, but it is key to use the very best ingredients one can find

BY D O RO T H Y H ERNA N D EZ PH O T O BY REB ECCA S IMO N OV

Avalon’s Motown Multigrain

Made with half whole wheat and half white flour, this hearty bread provides a stable base on which to construct a well-balanced BLT. The mix of seeds and grains provides more texture and crunch. $5.25 for a small loaf, at 422 W. Willis St., Detroit; for more locations and retailers visit avalonbreads.net

Farm Field Table’s Bacon

With its focus on local sourcing and sustainably raised animals, craft butcher Farm Field Table makes a dry-cured Michigan heritage bacon packed with flavor. For a sweet-meets-savory flavor, brush on a little maple syrup a few minutes before it’s done cooking in the oven. $14 for a 16-oz. package, at 1030 Woodward Heights Blvd., Ferndale; for more locations visit farmfieldtable.com

Planted Detroit’s Romaine Lettuce

At its Islandview vertical farm, Planted Detroit grows fresh greens yearround, including crisp and crunchy lettuce that’s perfect for BLTs. $8, go to planteddetroit.com for online orders and retailers

Plum Market’s Heirloom Tomatoes

During the summer, it’s not hard to find juicy, ripe tomatoes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good BLT in the offseason. Just make sure to look for plump tomatoes, ideally ripened on the vine.

This time of year, meaty heirloom varieties are a good substitute for when you can’t pick a tomato straight from your garden. $3.64 each, at 3675 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Twp.; for more locations go to plummarket.com

Level Up

Add these ingredients to kick it up a notch Planted Detroit’s Arugula Microgreens: These microgreens provide a spicy counterpoint to the crisp, fresh romaine. $4, visit planteddetroit.com for retailers and online orders Grazing Fields’ Eggs: A sunny-side up egg from Grazing Fields will add creaminess and sauciness to your sandwich. $6.50 per dozen, at Folk Detroit, 1701 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; folkdetroit.com Gus & Grey Co.’s Fig and Lemon Marmalade: With fruity sweetness from the fig and acidity from the lemon confit, this sophisticated preserve will round out the flavors in your BLT. $12 for a 10-oz. jar, visit gusandgrey.com for retailers and online orders

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Shuttle/Walking Distance The Detroiter Bar This good old-fashioned sports bar has stood the test of time while staying relevant to legions of sports fans looking for a laid-back place to party ahead of the game (the bar offers shuttles on game days and recently expanded the patio). The bar’s Greektown location influences the menu, which offers many Greek-inspired dishes like the Saganaki Sausage, which combines the best of both worlds, with flaming cheese and sausage in one dish. However, those in the know get The Detroiter House Special: the burger (ham, bacon, and Swiss and American cheeses) with fries and a mug of beer. 655 Beaubien Blvd., facebook.com/thedetroiterbar

FIELD TRIP

GAME PLAN

 Cheer on the Tigers at Comerica Park and/or at these nearby bars and pubs.

The Tigers’ home opener is an unofficial holiday in Detroit — here are the best spots to pregame and after-party

The Old Shillelagh Another Greektown institution, The Old Shillelagh is less than half a mile from the ballpark and serves a mix of classic Irish and pub fare, plus a solid selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as vegan chicken fingers and shepherd’s pie. There are around 30 beers on tap and 20 different bottled beers to choose from, plus a rotating selection of Michigan craft beer. There’s a DJ and dancing every Friday, so after the game, celebrate (or let off some steam) on the dance floor and rooftop deck. 349 Monroe St.; oldshillelagh.com Harry’s Detroit Harry’s upper deck plays host to one of the biggest opening day parties in town. The menu offers more than your standard pub grub, with dishes like lamb kafta flatbread, shrimp tacos, and more. It’s just a little under a mile, if you opt to walk off your lunch and beer, but there are also shuttles to take you to the park. 2482 Clifford St.; harrysdetroit.com

BY DOROTHY HERNANDEZ

A Stone’s Throw from Comerica Park Detroit Beer Co. Opened in September 2003 in the historic Hartz Building, Detroit Beer Co. is a short walk from Comerica Park, making it a popular pre- and post-Tigers game destination. The eclectic menu features everything from soft-shell crab tacos to jambalaya and pairs well with the rotating lineup of fresh house brews. 1529 Broadway; detroitbeerco.com The District Detroit The Tigers’ home is part of the Ilitch family’s 50-block entertainment district, which also includes several new restaurants offering everything from Cuban-inspired fare to Mom’s Spaghetti. Union Assembly, the newest restaurant from restaurateurs Curt Catallo and Ann Stevenson’s Union Joints restaurant group, boasts a three-season terrace overlooking Woodward Avenue and the ballpark. For a change of pace from the usual burger and fries, Frita Batidos specializes in Cubanstyle fritas, with beef, chorizo, fish, and vegan options, topped with fries. Emimem’s famous lyric about getting nervous before a rap battle may not sound appetizing, but it inspired the restaurant Mom’s Spaghetti, which offers pretty much that. districtdetroit.com Elwood Bar and Grill For more than 60 years, this historic art moderne diner sat at the intersection of Elizabeth and Woodward, until it was relocated to make way for Comerica Park. Now steps outside the ballpark’s gates, it’s a popular spot before, during, and after the game, to grab a beer and a burger. It’s fully reopening this year, after getting a refreshed look that maintains its iconic cream and blue facade and historic charm. 300 E. Adams; elwoodgrill.com Cliff Bell’s After the game, grab a cocktail and catch some live music at this restored art deco gem just a short walk away from the park. Named for the former speakeasy operator John Clifford Bell, who opened the spot after Prohibition was repealed, the club was revitalized in 2006, after decades of sitting dormant, and is quickly becoming one of the city’s top spots for a night on the town. Last spring, the club debuted a new menu, a mix of brasserie fare and elevated comfort food (think steak frites and mac and cheese). Craft cocktails like The Violet Sky (Scapegrace Black Gin, creme de violette, maraschino liqueur, and lemon) typify Cliff Bell’s classic-meets-modern approach. 2030 Park Ave.; cliffbells.com

TIGERS ISTOCK/WELLESENTERPRISES BEER COURTESY OF MCSHANE’S IRISH PUB

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Opening Day Party Start celebrating early at the Detroit Home Opener Festival, just steps from the ballpark The festivities — including the Tigers and Pistons' official DJs; bands and live entertainment; and food and beer — kick off at 9 a.m. on opening day at the Madison Avenue Festival Grounds.

Proceeds will benefit Angel’s Share, an organization that serves and supports the hospitality community.

440 W. Madison Ave.; detroithomeopener.com

 At McShane’s Irish Pub, there’s much more than beer on tap.

McShane’s Irish Pub Tiger Stadium may be gone, but fans continue the Corktown revelry at McShane’s Irish Pub, often via a free shuttle to and from the team’s current digs. The menu’s hearty fare ranges from Irish favorites like Irish whiskey steak and shepherd’s pie to more Emerald Isle-inspired fare like Irish egg rolls (stuffed with cabbage, potato, scallions, and corned beef). McShane’s also boasts one of the most extensive collections of Irish whiskeys around. 1460 Michigan Ave.; mcshanespub.com Nemo’s One block east of the former Tiger Stadium, Nemo’s is a classic sports/dive bar, cherished for more than 50 years, not just by Tigers fans, but by any Detroit fanbase looking for a spot to grab a burger and a beer. The bar is beloved for the Nemo’s Famous Burger: ground round cooked to order, with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and your choice of American or Swiss cheese. 1384 Michigan Ave.; nemosdetroit.com

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Restaurant Guide Wayne

drinks and such dishes as Avocado Toast, Kimchi Patatas Bravas, and the Babo Burger. 15 E. Kirby St., Ste. 115, Detroit; 313-974-6159. B,L,D daily.

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.

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.

COVID-19 UPDATE Many establishments are following safety protocols.

Please call the numbers listed here to verify hours and space availability.

Antonio’s Cucina Italiana $$ ITALIAN • The Rugieros have impressed restaurant guests for decades with authentic cuisine. Signature dishes include Gnocchi Rita and Chicken Antonio.

There’s a full bar and a very extensive wine list. 2220 N. Canton Center Road, Canton; 734-981-9800.

26356 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights; 313-278-6000.

37646 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-9944000. L,D daily.

Apparatus Room $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • The Foundation Hotel’s restaurant, the Apparatus Room, once housed the Detroit Fire Department headquarters. The cooking of chef Thomas Lents, who earned two Michelin stars while at Chicago’s Sixteen, is refined and highly skilled. A separate Chef’s Table restaurant offers a pricey but delicious option. 250 W. Larned St., Detroit; 313-800-5600. D Wed.-Sun. Atwater in the Park $ GERMAN • At this casual spot, traditional Germanstyle beer is the beverage of choice. Chef Chris Franz’ noteworthy menu is compatible with such additions as a platter of local bratwurst and other sausages teamed with sauerkraut, plus Bavarian soft pretzels and pierogi.

1175 Lakepointe St., Grosse Pointe Park; 313-344-5104.

L,D daily.

Avalon Café and Bakery $$ ORGANIC BAKERY • The bakery’s mini-empire includes a café on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Its bread is also the basis for dishes such as Avocado Toast with tahini, thinly curled cucumbers, lime, and chili flakes. Vegetarian fare includes a grilled veggie sandwich with portobello mushrooms, zucchini, and goat cheese. Meatier highlights include a turkey and gouda sandwich, and BLTA with cider house bacon. 1049 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-285-8006. B,L daily.

Babo $ NEW AMERICAN • This café settled into the Midtown Park Shelton building in July 2019, serving elevated comfort food made from local, small-batch producers.

The self-described gourmet diner offers espresso

E N T R É E P R I C ES

$ Affordable (less than $12)

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; 313-788-7208; L Wed.-Sat. D Tue.-Sun. Besa $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • This modern fine-dining eatery takes its name from Albania — where the owners trace their heritage — and means “pledge of honor.”

Choose from starters such as roasted olives, fried calamari, and double-cut lamb chops. 600 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-315-3000. D Mon.-Sat.

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

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; 313-8828560. D daily.

Café Nini $$$ ITALIAN • This intimate spot offers well-prepared food that includes eight appetizers, more than a dozen pasta dishes, and 16 main plates, notable among which are tournedos di vitello — medallions of veal filet in a fresh mushroom sauce. The wine list is impressive as well. 98 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313308-3120. D daily.

Cantoro Italian Market and Trattoria $$ ITALIAN • A restaurant inside the market serves great traditional Italian food. Do not miss the tagliatelle alla Bolognese: wide pasta with a meat sauce made of ground veal, beef, sausage, and pancetta. A delicious Italian feast you can conveniently pick up on your way home. 15550 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth; 734-4201100. L,D Tues.-Sat., L Sun. Capers $$ STEAKHOUSE • This is the type of place longtime Detroit natives describe like an old friend. On Gratiot Avenue between Seven and Eight Mile roads, this place has been packing them in for nearly 40 years. There’s a massive a la carte menu, with items such as barbecue babyback ribs and potato skins, but the main draw is steak by the ounce, at market price. 14726 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-527-2100. L,D daily.

Caucus Club $$$ TRADITIONAL AMERICAN • The reborn spot emphasizes service and a traditional steak and seafood theme, with such tasty signature dishes as wood-grilled ribs, seared scallops, and steaks.150 W. Congress, Detroit; 313-965-4970. D daily.

Bobcat Bonnie’s $ GASTROPUB • The menu is eclectic, with fried goat cheese, fish tacos, Buddha bowls, and a barbecue bacon meatloaf. The weekend brunch with a Bloody Mary bar and all the classics is a hit. See bobcatbonnies. com for locations and hours.

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.

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.

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails $$ NEW AMERICAN • While the menu rotates based on the season, its offerings always highlight the freshest local ingredients. Creatively prepared dishes range from cold starters to hearty entrees. But the Twice Cooked Egg is not to be missed. 15 E. Kirby St., Detroit; 313-8183915. D Tue.-Sun.

$$ Moderate ($13 to $20)

$$$ Expensive ($21 to $30)

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

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Chili Mustard Onions $ VEGAN • This is Detroit’s only Coney Island with a vegan menu. Choose from traditional favorites including the Coney Dog, Southwest Nachos, and chili fries, complete with owner Pete LaCombe’s secret vegan “cheeze” sauce. 3411 Brush St., Detroit; 313-462-4949. L Wed.-Sat. 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.

Common Pub $ GASTROPUB • Fans of Atlas Global Bistro, which shuttered in 2013, should be happy to learn that some of the principals may be found at this spot in the Belcrest Apartments. The well-edited menu includes duck fried chicken and a burger. 5440 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-2858849. L Tue.-Sat. Coriander Kitchen and Farm $$ GASTROPUB • At this Jefferson Chalmers eatery, guests can rent fire pits and roast housemade marshmallows to make s’mores, or sip mugs of Hot Buttered Rum. By day, grab a picnic table and dip hunks of grilled flatbread into creamy fish dip made with smoked white fish and lake trout and seasoned with herbs from the farm. 14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit; 313-822-4434. D Fri.-Sun. Cork & Gabel $$$ 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 daily.

Cuisine $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • Cuisine offers a romantic, white-linen experience with the level of food, service, and ambience one might describe as timeless rather than trendy. Examples of the expertly prepared fare include the Thai snapper as well as the sea Scallops, featuring corn risotto, creamed leeks, and citrus butter.

670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit; 313-872-5110. D Tue.-Sun. (Note: not wheelchair accessible.)

Dakota Inn Rathskeller $ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • The sausages are the kind that snap when you cut them. The combo plate features one bratwurst and one knack-wurst, served with hot German potato salad and sauerkraut. And yes, sing along with the schnitzelbank song. 17324 John R St., Detroit; 313-867-9722. D Thu.-Sat. Detroit Club $$$$ FRENCH-AMERICAN • The formerly shuttered Detroit Club was magnificently restored before reopening in 2018 — and now, the public is invited. It now operates as a boutique hotel, serving a light breakfast and full lunch and dinner. The old dining room, known as the Grille Room, looks very much as it did more than three decades ago. The food is excellent, as is the service. 712 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-3383222. D Wed.-Sat. Detroit Shipping Company $ FUSION • This bi-level destination, created out of shipping containers, offers a variety of food options ranging

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breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, or carry-out. 400 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-965-4600. 29244 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; 248-351-2925. 23722 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-498-3000. L,D (downtown), B, L,D Southfield and St. Clair Shores. BR at all three.

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; 313-3665600. L,D Tue.-Sun.

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.

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 

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

L,D daily.

2010

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

FEATURED Eatori Market $-$$ SPECIALTY GROCERY • This stylish spot overlooks downtown’s Capitol Park. The menu has steamed mussels with leeks, garlic, and toasted crostini. International flourishes abound with truffle aioli for the burger.

1215 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-395-3030. L,D daily.

El Asador Steakhouse $$ MEXICAN • A concentrated cuisine with little modern flairs that also stays faithful to traditional Mexican cooking. Don’t miss the Camarones en Salsa de Langosta: breaded shrimp stuffed with cheese, fried to a golden dark brown, and topped with a lobster cream sauce. It’s a delicious dinner spot you don’t want to miss and an unassuming Latin-American find in Detroit’s Springwells Village. 1312 Springwells St., Detroit; 313-297-2360. L,D Tue.-Sun. El Barzon $ MEXICAN-ITALIAN • Norberto Garita prepares Italian and Mexican cuisines alongside his wife, Silvia Rosario Garita. Authentic Mexican entrees include enchiladas with a homemade green sauce made with tomatillo, jalapeños, and roasted poblano pepper, while the Italian influence takes the form of spaghetti carbonara and zuppa di pesce (seafood soup). 3710 Junction Ave., Detroit; 313-894-2070. D Tue.-Sun. Evie’s Tamales $$ MEXICAN • This Mexicantown restaurant makes some of the best tamales around. Pork or chicken is jacketed with sturdy masa, a dough of ground corn, and then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed. Eat in or order a dozen for later. 3454 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-843-5056. B,L daily.

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café $$ NEW ORLEANIAN • Enjoy classic New Orleans dishes, such as jambalaya and fried catfish beignets. Come for

Cliff Bell’s

EUROPEANINSPIRED This restored art deco hot spot 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. $$

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.-Sun. Grand Trunk Pub $ NEW AMERICAN • Breads from Avalon Bakery and meats from Eastern Market anchor the hearty fare, which pairs well with a selection of Michigan beers.

Staples include a reuben with Poet Stout Kraut and the Ghettoblaster beer-battered fish and chips.

612 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-3043.; BR, L, D, Fri.-Sun. The Greek $ GREEK • Plaka Café was a presence on Monroe Avenue for years, and now its space is in the hands of the founders’ children. Notable dishes include spinach pie, lamb chops, and New York strip steak. 535 Monroe Ave., Detroit; 313-209-6667. L,D daily.

Green Dot Stables $ NEW AMERICAN • The menu of sliders — with 20-plus eclectic bun toppings, including Cuban, Korean, and “mystery meat” — packs in fans. Local beers are spotlighted along with Chicken Paprikas soup, a nod to the neighborhood’s Hungarian origins. 2200 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-962-5588. L,D daily.

H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

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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.

Grey Ghost $$ NEW AMERICAN • The cuisine at this Brush Park hotspot isn’t easily defined, but the results are original and well-prepared — for example, the duck breast with cheese grits and fried shallots and pork tenderloin with gruyere spaetzle and dill pickle mojo. 47 Watson St., Detroit; 313-262-6534. D daily. BR Sun. Highlands $$$ 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. Ivy Kitchen and Cocktails $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This Black-owned restaurant was founded by Nya Marshall to bring fine dining to the East Jefferson Corridor where she grew up. The spot serves New American fare with international influences in a modern, elevated space bathed in neutral tones. The Mezcal Wings with pickled jalapeño and cilantro bring a Mexican kick, while dishes like the Shrimp Linguine Pomodoro contribute European flavors. 9215 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-332-0607; L Fri.-Sat., D Wed.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2012

Joe Muer Seafood $$$$ SEAFOOD • This reborn Detroit legend is stellar for a romantic evening or a quiet business lunch or dinner. Located on the main floor of the GMRenCen, it has sweeping views of the Detroit River and a menu that walks the line between old-time favorites and hipper Asian-influenced seafood, sushi and raw bar.

There’s also a Bloomfield Hills location. There are reminders of the past as well: white-bean stew, smoked fish spread, creamed spinach, and stewed tomatoes. A true Detroit classic. 400 Renaissance Center, Ste. 1404, Detroit; 313-567-6837. L, D daily, BR Sun. 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248792-9609. L,D daily.

Johnny Noodle King $ JAPANESE-INSPIRED • This noodle shop offers bowls topped with pork belly, confit chicken, and tofu as well as seaweed salad and gyoza. There are several fusion bowls as well like the Southwest topped with shredded chicken and housemade crema. 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-309-7946. L,D daily.

Jolly Pumpkin $$ BREWERY • Jolly Pumpkin’s brews rule the offerings, along with other Northern United Brewing Co. beverages, such as North Peak and Jolly Pumpkin artisan ales.

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Karl’s $$ AMERICAN • The luncheonette is part two of the Siren Hotel’s partnership with chef Kate Williams.

Inspired by the East Side bakery of the same name that Williams’ great-great grandparents once owned, the menu features diner staples. 1509 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-855-2757. B,L,D daily.

FEATURED

Ima

JAPANESE INSPIRED Japanese-inspired fare with a Midwest emphasis.

Ima tacos trade the traditional shell for a slice of jicama-stuffed spicy shrimp, roasted tofu, or garlic chicken.

Appetizers include edamame, dumplings, and clams. 2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-5025959. 4870 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-883-9788.

32203 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248781-0131. L&D Daily $

Karl’s Cabin $$ AMERICAN • Dishes from their currently rotating drive-through menu such as pan-seared walleye and beef tenderloin tips with Cajun spice and gravy surpass typical roadhouse food. 6005 Gotfredson Road, Plymouth; 734-455-8450. L,D daily.

The Kitchen by Cooking with Que $$ VEGAN • This eatery created by Detroit-based cooking blogger Quiana Broden serves lunches of smoothies, salads, and sandwiches. Broden also often offers live cooking demonstrations. 6529 Woodward Ave., Ste. A, Detroit; 313-462-4184. L Tue.-Sat., D Fri. Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles $ SOUTHERN COMFORT • Several recipes, including a signature thin waffle, are family-owned at ex-NFL player Ron Bartell’s spot. Think comfort food kicked up a notch: fried catfish, salmon croquettes, shrimp and grits, and biscuits. Drink the Kool-Aid, too. 19345 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-861-0229. B,L,D Tue.-Sat., B,L Sun. La Dolce Vita $$$ ITALIAN • Traditional Italian cuisine is key at this Palmer Park hideaway. Recommended is the lake perch in white wine sauce, the veal scaloppine with artichokes, and the lasagna. 17546 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313865-0331. D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun. La Lanterna $$ ITALIAN • The founder of Da Edoardo, the first Edoardo Barbieri, started it all in 1956 with a restaurant called La Lanterna. Now his grandchildren have revived it.

Although the white and red pizzas — like Margherita, Liguria, and Da Edorado — dominate, there’s more, including a number of elegant pastas like the Lasagna Alla Bolognese. 1224 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-9628821. L Wed.-Sun. Le Culture Cafe $$ SOUL • Eastern Market’s Le Culture Cafe is bridging fine-dining with comfort food. Start with the Maryland crab cakes, then the Mamba Chicken Pasta or the Catfish Po-Boy. 1452 Brush St., Detroit; 313-285-8137. L Sun., D Fri.-Sun. London Chop House $$ STEAKHOUSE • The kitchen turns out classics like oysters Rockefeller, French onion soup, and sautéed perch. This is the place to come when you need to satisfy a craving for steak in elegant surroundings with hospitable service. 155 W. Congress St., Detroit; 313962-0277. L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. Leila $$$ LEBANESE • The restaurant from the proprietors of Birmingham’s Phoenicia is named after the owner’s mother — just one facet of the establishment that pays homage to family traditions and heritage. The menu includes various Lebanese dishes, from falafel to Leila’s Bolognese, featuring spaghetti, pine nut, and basil. Other menu items include sujuk — a spicy Armenian sausage — and tabbouleh made of pars-

ley, 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 Sat.-Sun., D Thu.-Sun. Lumen Detroit $$ NEW AMERICAN • A contemporary American menu and a Victor Saroki setting make the restaurant overlooking downtown’s Beacon Park one of the best of recent entrants onto the scene. Appetizers such as freshly made pretzels prelude main courses such as salmon with chimichurri herb sauce. 1903 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-626-5005. L Fri.-Sun., D. Wed.-Sun. Mario’s $$$ ITALIAN • This Midtown Detroit classic dates to 1948.

Linen-covered tables, framed paintings on wood-paneled walls, expert waiters clad in black tie, and tableside preparation survive here. Italian dinners always begin with an antipasto tray and continue through soup, salad, pasta, and entree. 4222 Second Ave., Detroit; 313832-1616. L,D daily.

Marrow $$ NEW AMERICAN • This West Village restaurant and butcher shop hybrid is an ode to meat, especially unusual cuts. Diners must walk through the butcher shop, bypassing cases of pastrami and sausage, before entering the restaurant. Offerings from a sample tasting menu include Roasted Bone Marrow and Lamb Kefta. 8044 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; 313-652-0200. D Thu.-Sun. Maty’s African Cuisine $$ WEST AFRICAN • A small storefront in the Detroit Old Redford neighborhood is decidedly Senegalese. Fataya, a deep-fried pastry with savory fillings, are reminiscent of an empanada. The star of the show is the whole chicken with yassa. 21611 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313472-5885. L,D daily.

M Cantina $ MEXICAN • Nuevo Latino street food is the premise at this surprising spot where everything from the tortilla chips to the salsas are made in-house in the open kitchen. Juices are freshly squeezed and the menu of tortas, tacos, tapas, and salads from the kitchen of Heidi and Junior Merino from Hawaii and Mexico is distinctive. 13214 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-3999117. L,D Tue.-Sun. Mercury Burger & Bar $ BURGERS • This Corktown joint seats 70 around the zinc-covered bar set with Mercury (Liberty) dimes. The burger is available in a variety of iterations, such as Southwest Detroit with a chorizo slider, jalapeno, Müenster cheese, tortilla strips, and avocado. 2163 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-964-5000. L,D daily.

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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.

Mootz Pizzeria & Bar $$ ITALIAN-AMERICAN • Bruno DiFabio, a six-time World Pizza Games champ, rejects the label New York-style for his fare. “It’s authentic New York pizza,” he says. In a hurry? Grab a slice from Side Hustle, Mootz’s by-theslice counter next door. 1230 Library St., Detroit; 313243-1230. L Fri.-Sun., D Mon-Thu. Motor City Brewing Works $ BREWERY • Just 15 mostly nontraditional pizzas on excellent, chewy crust, and the option to build your own pie with various toppings. Plus, salads from locally grown greens to accompany the house-brewed beers.

470 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 19350 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-832-2700. L,D daily.

Mudgie’s Deli $ DELI • Seats are often filled in search of the House Smoked Pastrami Reuben or the Brooklyn (beef brisket, bacon, and beer cheese). The dinner menu features meat and cheese boards as well as build-your-own sandwich options. It’s a delicious place for a meal any time. 1413 Brooklyn St., Detroit; 313-961-2000. L,D Mon.-Sat., BR Sun. Nico & Vali $$ ITALIAN • This eatery offers favorites with unexpected twists. The artichokes and chilies appetizer boasts battered and fried artichokes with Fresno and jalapeno peppers, tossed with fresh basil in white wine. Popular choices include the Whitefish Filet. It’s a classic Italian spot with an update that’s worth a visit. 744 Wing St., Plymouth; 734-207-7880. L Thu.-Sat., D Tue.-Sun. Norma G’s $ CARIBBEAN • Lester Gouvia, the Trinidadian chef who brought us the famed food truck, opened a fullservice restaurant under the same name. Stop in for a plate of Chicken Pelau: a tasty blend of rice, diced chicken, squash, peppers, and golden-brown baked chicken. 14628 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-2902938. D Tue.-Sat. Olin MEDITERRANEAN • A taste of the Mediterranean in Michigan. Starters like the potatoes and artichokes “bravas” with harissa and black garlic aioli and paellas are inspired by Spain but showcase Olin’s unique spin on these iconic dishes. 25 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-774-1190. D Tues.-Sat. BR Sun. Ottava Via $$ 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

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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.

cheese to be spread on paper-thin crostini. 1400 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-5500. L,D daily.

Pao Detroit $$$ FUSION • Visit this upscale Pan-Asian fusion restaurant for Asian-themed cocktails and dishes, such as creamy rock shrimp, charred octopus, filet mignon, and orange sesame salmon. Based in the former Michigan Oriental Theater, the interior combines new and old.

114 W. Adams Ave., Ste. 200, Detroit; 313-816-0000. L Sun., D Wed.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Portofino $ 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.

2018

Parc $$$ NEW AMERICAN • Excellent food, exceptional service, and a crisp and formal but distinctly unstuffy atmosphere set this Campus Martius gem apart. Appetizer highlights include a bright and fresh tuna tartare and wood-roasted oysters. Creamy roasted garlic butter and lemon add a zippy touch to the roasted oysters.

Main courses are exceptional, including an interesting blend of Italian food, wood-grilled whole fish, and organic Scottish salmon. There’s also a large selection of dryaged gourmet steaks, wood-grilled and served tableside. The wine selection is impressive and caters to a diverse set of price ranges and wine drinkers, so you won’t be disappointed with any bottle here. 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-922-7272. L,D daily. BR Sat.-Sun. Park Grill $$ MEDITERRANEAN • Mediterranean fare gets a Balkan spin. The menu offers tasting plates, pita-wrapped sandwiches, and salads, as well as entrees including chicken and beef shawarma, beef and pork kafta, lemon-pepper pork tenderloin, and lamb chops. Service is friendly and informal. 15102 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Park; 313-264-1997. L,D daily.

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 daily except Tue. when it’s L only.

PizzaPlex $ ITALIAN • This pizza isn’t just authentic, it’s certified. PizzaPlex earned the title of Vera Pizza Napoletana, or real Neapolitan pizza, from Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana in Naples. Try the Margherita. Topped with mozzarella, basil, and EVOO, there’s nothing like a classic. 4458 Vernor Highway, Detroit; 313-757-4992. L Sun., D Wed.-Sun. Polish Village Café $ POLISH • The “Polish plate” includes stuffed cabbage, pierogi, kielbasa, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes and

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

FEATURED

Monarch Club

NEW AMERICAN At the 14th floor of the revamped Element Detroit Hotel located at the Metropolitan is the Monarch Club. It’s one of the most recent rooftop bars to open in metro Detroit and serves a variety of delicious small plates along with classic cocktails.

33 John R St., Detroit; 313-306-2380. L Sun., D Mon.-Thurs. $$$

2019

Prime + Proper $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • Downtown Detroit dining gets a major shot of glamour with this over-the-top steak and seafood emporium on the corner of Griswold and State streets. Although red meat, from prime dry-aged Tomahawk ribeye to Wagyu strip is the focus — and yes, there’s a burger made with a dry-aged butcher’s blend — oysters, king crab, and caviar are not far behind. An elegant white and gold setting backgrounds it all. The niceties are maintained by an impeccably dressed staff. 1145 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-636-3100. D Tue-Sun., BR Sun. Prism $$$ NEW AMERICAN • Greektown Casino-Hotel’s renamed eatery is located off the main casino. The menu features local ingredients, steaks, and fresh seafood. 555 E. Lafayette St., Detroit; 313-309-2499. D Wed.-Sun. Rattlesnake Club $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • This restaurant on the river remains one of the most appealing spots in town. The casually elegant space offers a range of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Dishes that typify its style include seared diver sea scallops, an 8-ounce filet, and a 16-ounce porterhouse. 300 River Place, Detroit; 313567-4400. L,D Tue.-Sat. Red Dunn Kitchen $$ NEW AMERICAN • The Trumbull and Porter hotel’s spiffy restaurant is an ambitious undertaking, offering three meals a day. Chef Jay Gundy’s style is best experienced at dinner, with a la carte offerings such as foie gras-stuffed quail, smoked and marinated salmon collars, braised lamb leg, and bacon-wrapped duck breast with polenta. 1331 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; 313-887-9477.

B,L,D daily.

Red Smoke Barbeque $$ BARBEQUE • At Red Smoke, hickory and applewoodsmoked ribs, pulled pork, apple-smoked, all-natural chicken, and an array of classic sides are served out of one of the most attractive two-story buildings that are still standing on Monroe Street. 573 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-962-2100. L,D daily.

Rocky’s of Northville $$ NEW AMERICAN • Menu includes shrimp cocktail, salmon pate, and broiled Great Lakes whitefish. Also look for chipotle honey-glazed salmon. 41122 W. Seven Mile Road, Northville; 248-349-4434. L Mon.-Fri. Roman Village $ ITALIAN • The Rugiero family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1964. They’ve launched three additional Antonio’s Cucina Italiana locations.

Roman Village is the original and features their signature gnocchi Rita. 9924 Dix Ave., Dearborn; 313-8422100. L,D daily.

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Rose’s Fine Food $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • The menu is straightforward, based mainly on fresh ingredients and fromscratch preparation. Breakfast eaters can choose from a variety of egg dishes, such as the ESD (egg sandwich of the day). For lunch, there’s a selection of creative sandwiches. 10551 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-8222729. L Mon, Wed-Sun.

end 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 Thurs.-Sun. Seva Detroit $$ VEGETARIAN • Seva offers such dishes as black bean and sweet potato quesadillas, gluten-free options, and colorful stir-fries — some vegan as well as vegetarian.

There’s also a full bar as well as a juice bar. 2541 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-662-1111. 66 E. Forest Ave., Detroit; 313-974-6661. L,D Mon.-Sat.

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2016

Selden Standard $$$ NEW AMERICAN • What sets Selden Standard apart is that it is moving Detroit into a new era in which upper-

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2020

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar $$$ ITALIAN • Chef Anthony Lombardo takes fresh and housemade to a new level with this Midtown restaurant that serves only dinner from a menu inspired by Italian cooking specific to Rome. Milling all of his own flour for his pastas, breads, and polenta in house, Lombardo, well known as the former executive chef at Bacco, serves a selection of simple but elegant regional Italian dishes. 438 Selden St., Detroit; 313315-3992. L Wed. Thu., & Sun., D Wed.-Sun. Slows Bar BQ $$ BARBEQUE • The brick-and-wood original in Corktown gained a following for its pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. They expanded with a “to go” spot in Midtown, as well. This is a true Detroit classic in every sense of the term. Corktown location: 2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-9828. D Wed.-Sun. Slows To Go in Midtown: 4107 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-309-7560.

L,D Wed.-Sun.

FEATURED

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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; 313-8552864. D Mon.-Sat. $$

Smith & Co. $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This Cass Corridor bar and restaurant is housed in the old Smith Welding Supply & Equipment Company building — hence cement ceilings and exposed brick that evoke an industrial vibe. The menu features small plates, sandwiches, and entrees such as Mushroom Toast; Braised Lamb Shank; the Fried Chicken Bowl with sweet sesame sauce and kimchi; and the Smith Burger, soy-ginger marinated and topped with a fried egg. Beverage options include craft beer, wine, and fresh takes on classic cocktails. 644 Selden St, Detroit; 313-974-7100. D daily, B,L,&D Sun. Standby $$ NEW AMERICAN • The libation menu — categorized by spirit — is longer than the food menu, but both food and drinks are equally emphasized. The fare ranges from small plates of marinated olives and tamari eggs to entrees such as grilled lamb kebabs and the house cheeseburger. 225 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-241-5719. D Thu.-Sun. Not wheelchair accessible.

Supino Pizzeria $$ ITALIAN • Relax with one of the town’s best thin-crust pizzas — they come in more than a dozen variations, with or without red sauce. A few dishes from the La Rondinella menu made the list as well, such as paninis, salads, and small plates such as polpette and three delicious salads. Beer, wine, and cocktails add to the appeal. 2457 Russell St., Detroit; 313-567-7879; 6519 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-314-7400. L,D Tue.-Sun. Sweet Soul Bistro $ SOUL FOOD • The large menu includes homages to Detroit musicians, from Stevie Wonder Wonderful Wings to Aretha Franklin Catfish Bites. Also notable are the crab cakes. In the evening, the bistro transforms

into a club. 13741 W. McNichols Road, Detroit; 313- 8627685. L,D daily.

Tap at MGM Grand $ SPORTS BAR • More than 40 HD flatscreen TVs for sports fans, plus sports memorabilia. The menu features comfort food and pub classics: burgers, wings, and house nachos. Pizza and more upscale entrees are also available, as are more than 50 beers. Bring your family and friends for a very entertaining night on the town. 1777 Third St., Detroit; 313-465-1234. D daily.

Traffic Jam & Snug $ GASTROPUB • Michigan’s first officially designated brewpub is fresh and eccentric. Though limited, the menu is diverse, with options like chicken and basil egg rolls for a starter, black bean burrito, roasted and shaved spiced lamb, and deep fried fillets 511 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-831-9470. L Sat.-Sun., D Fri.-Sun. Trattoria Serventi $$ ITALIAN • The brick pizza oven turns out an array of thin-crust pizzas and there’s an interesting daytime menu that offers a real bargain. In the evening, such dishes as Scallopini Style veal, and Gnocchi alla Palmina, recalling chef Aldo Ottaviani — who was instrumental in setting up the original Andiamo menu — typify the style. 20930 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods; 313-8869933. L,D daily.

Urban Ramen $$ JAPANESE-INSPIRED • Urban Ramen serves bowls of steaming broth filled with house-made, springy ramen noodles topped with fixings like bamboo, egg, pork chashu, and sesame seeds. The menu also includes poke, salads, and sides such as garlic edamame and Japanese fried chicken. 4206 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-285-9869. L,D Mon.-Sun. Vertical Detroit $$$ WINE BAR • This wine-centric restaurant puts the focus on pairing Chef Alex Knezevic’s innovative cuisine with owners James and Rémy Lutfy’s nationally recognized wine program. The menu emphasizes locally sourced protein, seafood, and produce. A must-try for any wine enthusiast. 1538 Centre St., Detroit; 313-7329463. D Wed.-Sat. Not wheelchair accessible.

Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine $$ CUBAN • An evening at this lively spot is more than just Cuban and Spanish dining. Appetizers and tapas include the outstanding Tapa de la Casa, pork leg marinated in mojo; a Spanish chorizo and fresh mushrooms concoction with garlic lemon sauce; and empanadas, a Cuban turnover filled with ground beef or chicken. 1250 Library St., Detroit; 313-962-8800. L,D daily.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits $ SANDWICH/DELI • This Eastern Market classic has been run by the Vivio family for more than 40 years.

Sandwiches and burgers are mainstays, but diners also appreciate the steamed mussels. 2460 Market St., Detroit; 313-393-1711. L,D Mon.-Fri., BR,L,D Sat.,L Sun. The Whitney $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • The historic 1890s mansion is still going strong. The menu is typified by classic beef Wellington, wrapped in spinach, prosciutto, and pastry; and pan-roasted Scottish salmon. Tableside cooking, by reservation only, is an optional feature. Don’t forget The Katherine McGregor Dessert Parlor for a sweet treat.4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-5700. D Thu.-Sun and high tea Sat.-Sun. Wine Dotte Bistro $$ WINE BAR • This interesting wine bar and restaurant

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RECIPE

FENTON WINERY & BREWERY ’S

CHEESY ALE SOUP

Adding a well-balanced brew brings depth of flavor to this soup.

R ECI P E F ROM F E NT ON W INE RY & BREW E RY P H O T O BY K AILEY HOW E LL

Yield: Approx. 12 servings

Ingredients:

1/2 cup carrots 1/2 cup celery 1 cup onion 2 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. garlic, chopped 2 Tbsp. flour 12 oz. Fenton Winery & Brewery Ignescent Amber Ale (can sub mildly hopped Amber available near you) 16 oz. vegetable broth or stock 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/2 Tbsp. dry mustard 1 Tbsp. sugar 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp. paprika 16 oz. heavy cream 3 cups cheddar, grated 3 cups smoked Gouda, grated

Directions:

Roughly chop the carrots, celery, and onion, and blend until smooth. Melt the butter in a large saucepan, over medium heat, and cook the pureed vegetables for 5 minutes.

Add chopped garlic and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Slowly add flour while whisking constantly and cook for another 3 minutes. Add Amber Ale, vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, sugar, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Whisk until fully incorporated. Add heavy cream and return the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts bubbling, add cheddar and Gouda, whisking constantly until fully melted. The soup should have an overall smooth overall consistency. Serve with BLTs for dipping, or enjoy solo, sprinkled with cheese and pretzel bits for added texture.

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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.

legs, porcini-dusted day boat sea scallops, and cioppino (seafood stew). 330 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248584-3499 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; 313962-7711. D Mon.-Sat., BR Sun.

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

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

Oakland 168 Crab & Karaoke $$ PAN-ASIAN • Don’t judge by 168 Crab & Karaoke’s unassuming strip mall location. It’s a unique experience that meshes food, karaoke, and pop party culture into a one-stop destination. The dining room offers dishes blurring the lines. Standouts include stir-fried snow pea leaves with garlic and stir-fried udon. The traditional Korean noodle dish chap chae is a strong option. 32415 John R Road, Madison Heights; 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 $$$ JAPANESE-INSPIRED • Heading the kitchen is Lloyd Roberts, who has trained in the kitchens of celebrity chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Nobu Matsuhisa. Here, soy truffle broth is ladled over pork dumplings reminiscent of coin purses, and miniature tacos are filled with lobster, tuna, or vegetable pickings. 325 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham.

D daily, L Mon.-Fri. Andiamo Restaurants $$ ITALIAN • Steak and Italian pasta are the focus, but dessert is also impeccable. The more casual but as just delicious spots are known as Trattorias. See website for hours and locations; andiamoitalia.com Anita’s Kitchen $ LEBANESE • With pita pizzas and lamb chops, the Lebanese food here is some of the best around. And there’s vegetarian and gluten-free fare, too. Healthy, nutritious, and delicious. See website for locations; anitaskitchen.com Assaggi Bistro $$$ ITALIAN • Seasonal offers encompassing rustic Italian, country French, and authentic Lebanese are all created in the open kitchen. Standouts include Moroccan duck

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2005

Beans & Cornbread $$ SOUL • Upscale soul food is the premise at Beans & Cornbread: fried chicken, salmon croquettes, catfish, and a gravy-smothered pork chop. Tempura-battered fried shrimp comes with a choice of cocktail or spicy BBQ sauce, and there’s a notable Louisiana-style gumbo to boot. 29508 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; 248208-1680. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat.-Sun. BR Sun. Bella Piatti $$ ITALIAN • The location right across from the Townsend Hotel has inspired a number of visiting celebrities, professional athletes, and film crews who stay there to check out the Italian fare at this restaurant. The menu of such dishes as Gemelli pasta with fresh tomato sauce, salmon baked with spinach, kalamata olives, white wine, and tomatoes, and tagliatelle Bolognese stands on its own. It’s one of our true favorites in the area in terms of Italian restaurants. 167 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-494-7110. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat. Beverly Hills Grill $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This Beverly Hills institution has built a loyal following over the years with its California vibe and dawn-to-dark schedule. These days they’re serving only dinner but still features the fresh and innovative fare that put it on the map. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills; 248-642-2355. D daily.

Bi Bim Bab $$ KOREAN • Though sushi and a small selection of Japanese entrees share the bill here, it’s Korean food at center stage — on barbecue grills, on which meat and seafood are grilled to order. Or come for the restaurant’s namesake. 43155 Main St., Novi; 248-3486800. L,D daily.

Bigalora: Wood Fired Cucina $$ ITALIAN • The pizza concept from chef Luciano Del Signore, a four-time James Beard Award nominee, features small plates, fresh pastas, wood-roasted meats, and a range of distinctive Neopolitan pizzas. See website for locations; bigalora.com Bistro Joe’s $$$ GLOBAL • Part of Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market, Bistro Joe’s is in a mezzanine overlooking the open kitchen and market. There is an eclectic list of dishes like Spicy Tuna “tacushi,” steamed mussels, and tasty flatbread pizzas. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-5940984. L,D Tue.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2003

Café Cortina $$$ ITALIAN • Selections include prosciutto di Parma stuffed with greens and mozzarella; squid sautéed with fresh pomodori; gnocchi with porcini mush-

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rooms; and meaty prawns finished with lemon, white wine, and herbs. For dessert, try the crepes 30715 W. 10 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-474-3033. L,D Mon.-Fri., D Sat.

the real draw is the counter-side gourmet and pasta specials. Offerings include Veal Marsala and Chicken Milano 25920 Greenfield Road, Oak Park; 248-9684060. L,D Mon-Sat.

Café ML $$ NEW AMERICAN • Café ML is contemporary in décor and its “globally inspired food.” Such dishes as short rib steamed buns, Chinese chicken salad, Singapore street noodles, and Korean fried chicken share the menu with burgers, steak frites, and fresh seafood.

Garage door-style windows open onto the patio on warm days. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township; 248-642-4000. D daily.

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 daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

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 Mon.-Sat., D Sun. Casa Pernoi $$$$ ITALIAN • Three months after its grand opening, what once was a multi-hyphenate concept, blending French, Asian, and Italian cuisine, soon defaulted simply to a cuisine most familiar to chef Luciano DelSignore: Italian. Housemade pastas rolled by hand, chicken parmesan, and a meaty branzino typify the menu. A cannoli cake layers sweet ricotta atop a spongy cake and a base of dark chocolate reminiscent of a Nestle Crunch Bar. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham; 248-940-0000 Como’s $$ NEW AMERICAN • This Ferndale favorite reopened in May 2019 under the ownership of Peas & Carrots Hospitality with a trendier, fresher look. The warm, homey feel is still intact, but it’s ditched the old menu for — among other things — chef Zack Sklar’s square, deep-dish, Detroit-style pizza that’s leavened from a sourdough starter as opposed to commercial yeast.

22812 Woodward Ave., Unit 100., Ferndale; 248-6774439. L,D daily.

Crispelli’s Bakery Pizzeria $ ITALIAN-INSPIRED • This hybrid offers artisanal pizzas from a brick oven, salads, paninis, and soups. A bakery offers crusty breads, desserts, and meals to go. Two patios add to the appeal. See website for locations; crispellis.com Culantro $$ PERUVIAN • Native Peruvian Betty Shuell brings a taste of her home to Ferndale. The casual, homey, seat-yourself establishment is named after an herb that is often used in traditional Peruvian cooking. An especially notable dish is the Pollo a la Brasa, marinated chicken served with French fries, rice, and a variety of dipping sauces. 22939 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-632-1055. L,D daily.

Diamond’s Steak & Seafood $$$ STEAKHOUSE • This Howell restaurant is the perfect location for ribeye, fresh gulf shrimp, or a classic cheeseburger. Plus, weekends boast a buffet-style brunch. 101 W. Grand River Ave., Howell; 517-5485500. D daily.

Eddie’s Gourmet $$ NEW AMERICAN • Chef Eddie Hanna’s gourmet diner is a simple concept that works to perfection.

The menu offers standard selection of breakfast items, burgers, sandwiches, and lunch specials, but

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar TRADITIONAL You can buy your cigar and smoke it, too. Plus, there are dry-aged steaks, pan-roasted sea bass, seasonal East Coast oysters, and lamb chops, among other options. A full bar boasts a large selection of whiskey, scotch, and bourbon — and plenty of wine.

116 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham; 248-6474555. L Mon.-Sat. D daily. $$$

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2002

Hong Hua $ CHINESE • One of the best area restaurants dedicated to Asian food offers some rare delicacies — shark’s fin and bird’s nest soups, fresh abalone — as well as more customary items. One signature dish is stir-fried yellow grouper fillet with vegetables. 27925 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills; 248-489-2280. L,D daily.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • This plush modern steakhouse offers dry-aged prime and Kobe-style wagyu beef in a fun, clubby setting. An extensive wine list accompanies the restaurant menu that also features platters of chilled fresh seafood. 201 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-594-4369. D daily. 17107 Haggerty Road, Northville Twp.; 248-679-0007. D Tue.-Sat. 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.

2009

Forest $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • The menu is brief but designed to let the kitchen assemble sharp flavors from various farm and market ingredients. Try the delightful pastas, like the Bolognese and the agnolotti, as well as the understated Farm Egg. 735 Forest Ave., Birmingham; 248-258-9400. D Mon.-Sat. BR Sat.

FEATURED

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.

Garage Grill & Fuel Bar $$ NEW AMERICAN • The car-themed rooms of a former 1940s gas station are as fresh and appealing as the dishes themselves. The kitchen serves up a variety of seafood starters and “full-size sedan” entrees, as well as pizzas. 202 W. Main St., Northville, 248-9243367. L,D nightly, BR Sat.-Sun. Gran Castor $$ LATIN STREET • From the duo behind hit spots like Vinsetta Garage and Union Woodshop comes this vibrant Latin-American café and restaurant.Diners can choose to sit behind one of the two bars, a cozy café, or in the 245-seat dining room all decked in colorful textiles. At Gran Castor, the dining room is equally as decadent as the food and drinks served. Grab a $5 margarita between 4 p.m.-6 p.m. daily. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy; 248-278-7777. D Mon-Sun. 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 Maine-caught lobster, Maryland Blue Crab, and more.. 1 Peabody St., Birmingham; 248-671-1714.

B,L,D daily.

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

J-Bird Smoked Meats $$ BARBEQUE • Offering wood-smoked meats served with the traditional sides of cornbread, buttermilk slaw, and mac and cheese, popular dishes include the Three Meat Sampler and JBird Gumbo, as well as St. Louis Ribs and old-fashioned JBurgers. If you love meat, this is your place. 1978 Cass Lake Road, Keego Harbor; 248-681-2124. D daily. BR Sat.-Sun. Kaizen Ramen $ JAPANESE • A downtown Royal Oak space with exposed ductwork, orange booths, and a lively, floorto-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. B,L,D Tue.-Sat., L,D Sun. Lelli’s Inn ITALIAN • Dinners begin with an antipasto tray,

$$

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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.

the bar gets equal time with the kitchen. The popMexican menu — which includes guacamole, nachos, and the titular tacos — is backed up with an array of tequilas. 312 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-545-1940.

L & D daily.

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 $$ BARBEQUE • The heart of this joint’s authentic barbecue is the dry-rubbed meat smoker, which can smoke up to 800 pounds of meat at a time. Choices such as pork ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, burnt ends, and chicken are served atop butcher paper on metal trays for the true experience. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak; 248-584-4227. L,D daily. BR Sun. Luxe Bar & Grill $$ NEW AMERICAN • The simple menu at this Grosse Pointe Farms joint offers burgers on brioche buns and interesting salads and sides, as well as entrees typified by wild-caught salmon, prime filet, and Greekstyle lamb chops. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-792-6051. 115 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-924-5459. L,D daily.

Mabel Gray $$$ NEW AMERICAN • Chef James Rigato produces some masterful dishes on this tiny menu, which does not miss a beat. The menu includes a multi-course tasting option, as well as a daily listing of changing items that never disappoint. It’s a fine dining experience that is certainly worth a visit. 23825 John R Road, Hazel Park; 248-398-4300. D Tue.-Sat. Mad Hatter Bistro, Bar & Tea Room $$ ECLECTIC AMERICAN • The whimsical setting inspired by Alice in Wonderland welcomes far more than the tea-sipping set with burgers and sandwiches, rabbit Porchetta, truffle risotto bites, and baked brie with pistachio, honey, and pomegranate. There are also pastries, of course. 185 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-540-0000. L,D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Tea by reservation. Lower level not wheelchair accessible.

Market North End $$ AMERICAN • Joe and Kristin Bongiovanni opened this eatery just across the street from the family’s existing restaurants, Salvatore Scallopini and Luxe Bar & Grill. It represents a younger, more casual alternative to the cult-favorite classics, with a serious kitchen that offers traditional American dishes as well as hints of global influences. 474 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-712-4953. L,D daily.

The Meeting House $$ ECLECTIC AMERICAN • This eclectic American menu includes Gulf Shrimp Gratin, steak frites remarkably close to those at Paris bistros, and a housemade soft pretzel with roasted jalapeno-goat cheese dip. Or, try the beef short rib with shawarma spices, pistachio basmati, and pickled vegetables.

301 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-759-4825. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Mesa Tacos And Tequila $ MEXICAN-AMERICAN • The two-story setting includes balcony seating in a big, open room where

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2008

Mon Jin Lau $$ ASIAN-FUSION • Explore such dishes as Singapore noodles, combining chicken, shrimp, chilies, and curry with angel-hair pasta; Mongolian beef; or seared scallops with lemongrass-basil Thai curry sauce. The patio opens up and the dining room transforms into a dance floor for weekly events. 1515 E. Maple Road, Troy; 248-689-2332. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

FEATURED

Loui’s Pizza

ITALIAN Sure, you can now get a Michigan craft beer, but not much else has changed. And that’s a good thing.

Parties dine on square pizzas with crisp crust that’s faintly charred around the edges.

Hailed by food critics and Detroiters alike as arguably one of the most classic Detroit-style pizzas in the city — so it’s well worth a trip.

23141 Dequindre Road, Hazel Park; 248-5471711. L, D Wed.-Sun. $

The Morrie $$ NEW AMERICAN • Music and munchies can be a great combination when served in the right proportions. Such offerings as the smoked chicken wings, smoked apple burnt ends and Detroit style pizza, as well as the requisite burger and steak, appeal to a wide demographic. The rock’n’roll-themed eatery also brought its much-loved American dishes and cocktails to Birmingham in 2019. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-216-1112. D daily. 260 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-940-3260. L,D Mon.-Fri., B,L,D Sat.Sun. BR Sat.-Sun. Oak City Grille $ NEW AMERICAN • This downtown Royal Oak spot bridges the gap between bar food and upscale dining.

Order a dressed-up sandwich or burger, or elevate your dining experience with an 8-ounce filet mignon or lamb chops. The friendly price range makes anything possible. 212 W. Sixth St., Royal Oak; 248-5560947. D daily.

Ocean Prime $$$$ SEAFOOD • An upper-end steak-and-fish place and a popular business lunch site. The menu features naturally harvested fresh fish and prime aged beef. Don’t miss the chocolate peanut butter pie or the carrot cake. A tried-and-true metro Detroit spot. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy; 248-458-0500. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

One-Eyed Betty’s $$ ECLECTIC AMERICAN • Picnic-style tables and blackboards lettered with scores of brew choices add a beer-hall sensibility to this popular spot. The kitchen delivers New Orleans-themed dishes such as Chicken Tchoupitoulas with tasso ham and bearnaise sauce, as well as a mouth-watering bacon burger.

Weekend brunch features delicious housemade doughnuts. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale; 248-808-6633.

D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Otus Supply $ NEW AMERICAN • This Ferndale stunner has delightful food, superb service, and one wild look. The menu offers main courses and shared plates, as well as pizza and sandwiches. Can’t-miss: The housemade Bolognese with ground lamb and Italian sausage.

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

D Mon.-Sat. O.W.L. $ MEXICAN-AMERICAN • This Royal Oak spot offers 24 hours of sustenance. Step up to the counter and order from the letterboard menu before grabbing a stool at the counter or along the window ledge. Dishes here include such diner musts as eggs, sausage and potato hash, burgers, and chicken wings as well as tacos and nachos served from the open kitchen.

27302 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-808-6244.

B, L,D daily.

Phoenicia $$$ LEBANESE • This long-standing upscale Lebanese eatery has clean, contemporary lines that complement the French door-style windows. Don’t miss the morel mushrooms or roasted garlic cloves with tomato and basil as an appetizer. The menu expands to unexpected items such as baby back ribs and single-serving-sized local whitefish. 588 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-644-3122. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

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

D Tue.-Sun. 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 daily.

Public House $$ NEW AMERICAN/VEGAN • This Ferndale spot reopened under new ownership and with a refreshed look in late 2021. Standout selections include its burgers, sharable plates like barbecued carrots, and craft cocktails and mocktails. It also features a special vegan menu and carries plenty of gluten-free options. 241 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-850-7420. L,D Mon.Fri, B,L,D Sat.-Sun. 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; 248-268-4310. L,D daily.

Redcoat Tavern $ BURGERS • The half-pound choice beef hamburger is always atop the list of local favorites. But a low-fat, high-flavor Piedmontese beef one is tastier than the original. This is the place for your burger craving.

31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-549-0300.

6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248-865-0500. L,D Mon.-Sat. Rochester Chop House $$ NEW AMERICAN • Two restaurants in one; Kabin Kruser’s and the Chop House. There’s a throwback roadhouse-style feeling about the Chop House, which has a menu divided between red meat and fresh fish and seafood. Signature dishes include calamari, Maryland jumbo lump crabcakes, and a large selec-

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Toast, A Breakfast & Lunch Joint $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • It’s fun, it’s breezy, and the food at Toast, A Breakfast & Lunch Joint is very, very good. The house specialty smothered burrito has plenty of fans, as does huevos rancheros: fried eggs upon corn tortillas, pintos, and cheese. Toast, a Neighborhood Joint, the spinoff of the Ferndale original has a more elaborate setting pairing ’50s retro with sleek contemporary in a pair of rooms. The new menu features twists to comfort food. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-398-0444. L daily, B Sat.-Sun. 203 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-258-6278.

B,L Mon.-Sat., B,L Sun.

tion of aged steaks, rack of lamb, and steak/seafood combinations. 306 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-6512266. L Mon.-Fri., 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; 248-652-4500. D daily.

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

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

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

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.

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Ronin

JAPANESE The sushi menu, ranging from spicy tuna rolls to yellowtail and salmon eggs and well beyond, is augmented by a concise menu of cooked fare. Front windows open onto the sidewalk, making the cocktail lounge open-air during the warm months.

326 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-5460888. D 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,D daily, L Mon.-Fri. Townhouse $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This popular Birmingham spot for comforting New American dishes has several exceptional offerings on its menu, such as the specialty 10 ounces of 28-day dry-aged beef hamburger on brioche. 180 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-792-5241. L,D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313723-1000. L,D Mon.-Sun. BR Sun. Union Woodshop $$ BARBEQUE • Part of the ever-growing Union Joints restaurant group, this is a self-described wood-fired joint, where pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and beef brisket come from the smoker, and Neapolitan-style crispcrusted pizzas from the wood-burning oven. And definitely check out the mac and cheese. There’s also a delicious kid’s menu for any youngsters in your party.

18 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-625-5660. D Mon.-Fri., L,D Sat.-Sun. Vinsetta Garage $$ NEW AMERICAN • This restaurant, which is housed in a vintage car-repair shop, offers well-prepared comfort-food classics such as burgers served on pretzel buns, macaroni and cheese, the Chef Bowl with spaghetti and tomato basil sauce, pizzas, and brown sugar-glazed salmon. A restaurant that pays true homage to the city of Detroit. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley; 248-548-7711. L,D daily.

Voyager $$ SEAFOOD • Fresh seafood with emphasis on oysters is the premise in this hard-to-find location. The space entails convivially close quarters for such dishes as peel-n’-eat shrimp, chili crab spaghetti and grilled swordfish. The premium bar offers short but notable lists of beer and wine as well as craft cocktails. 600 Vester St., Ferndale; 248-658-4999. D Tue.-Sat.

Macomb Butter Run Saloon $ GASTROPUB • Solid American fare that’s beyond bar food (although their burgers are certainly noteworthy). There’s escargot, perch, steaks, and a huge whiskey selection — 900 at last count. 27626 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-675-2115. L,D daily.

Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar ITALIAN • Da Francesco’s has been around for

$$

more than 15 years, but its massive new facility is packing in the crowds offering an upbeat modern twist to traditional Italian dining. 49521 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-7544. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat., L,D Sun. Detroit Fish House $$ SEAFOOD • This restaurant feels like a true coastal eatery, serving an extensive menu of fresh fish and seafood in a well-designed setting. Choose from a wide variety of fresh fish and meaty seafood, ranging from salmon to Lake Superior whitefish. 51195 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Charter Township; 586-7395400. L,D Mon.-Sat., D Sun. Gaudino’s $$ ITALIAN • The trend toward combining a food market with a restaurant has a good example at this spot. It offers imported pastas and sauces, plus a butcher counter with sausages and a wine assortment. The menu offers pasta and pizza, salads, and entrees, including a Chicken Milanese.

27919 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-879-6764.

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

Steakhouse 22 $$ STEAKHOUSE • The late Nick Andreopoulos once spent time as a “broiler man” at London Chop House.

His family stays true to those roots at this American steakhouse with a casual, neighborhood feel. They offer an array of well-prepared angus steaks, plus seafood and pasta dishes. With the sizable lunch and portions offered at Steakhouse 22, good luck saving room for dessert! 48900 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-3900. L,D daily.

H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

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Testa Barra $$ ITALIAN • The newest spot from talented chef and restaurateur Jeffrey Baldwin and his wife, RoseMarie, offers modern Italian fare in a lively, upbeat setting.

Pastas are made in-house. 48824 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb Township; 586-434-0100. D nightly D Tue.Sun. dessert! 48900 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-3900. L,D daily.

Twisted Rooster $$ SPORTS BAR • This “Michigan-centric” chain (Chesterfield Township, Grand Rapids, and Belleville) has takes on classics, with mac & cheese variations and steaks with “zip” sauce. 45225 Marketplace Blvd., Chesterfield; 586-949-1470. L,D daily.

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; 586773-3279. L,D daily.

Washtenaw Bellflower $$$ NEW AMERICAN • A restaurant housed in a former exchange of the Michigan Bell Telephone Company, Bellflower answers Ypsilanti’s call for fine dining with an adventurous flair. Boudin sausage with roasted okra, baked oysters, and ginger ale or Coca-Colaroasted beets showed up on early menus as chef Dan Klenotic’s way of straddling the line of creole tradition and an imaginative style that is entirely his own. 209 Pearl St., Ypsilanti. L,D Mon.-Sat., L Sun. Black Pearl $$ SEAFOOD • This seafood and martini bar is especially popular during patio season. But step inside for a host of craft cocktails, then stay for dinner. A seafooddominated 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 $$ CREATIVE AMERICAN • Come to this swanky jazz club for the music, which includes headliners such as the Grammy-nominated Ravi Coltrane Quartet, but stay for Chef Louis Goral’s delicious food. Try the crispy foie gras PB&J with Marcona almonds and strawberry jam. There is also a delicious Sunday brunch with decadent orange blossom beignets and strawberry pancakes. 314 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734372-3200. D Wed.-Sat., BR Sun. The Blue Nile $$ ETHIOPIAN • The real treat of the meal at this quaint Ferndale restaurant is that it’s scooped up with a spongy bread called injera, and all the lentils, often seasoned with an Ethiopian spice mixture known as Berber, and vegetables are equally delicious. 221 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-9984746. D Tue.-Sun.545 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-547-6699. D daily.

Cardamom $$ INDIAN • Check out the Hyderabadi Biryani —chicken, goat, and vegetable dishes, in which the rice is first

cooked then baked. All the Indian favorites are available at Cardamom, such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh, and warm, fluffy, made-fresh garlic naan. It’s the ideal spot for when you’re craving the classics. 1739 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-6622877. L,D Tue.-Sun.

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 Common Grill $$ SEAFOOD • Owner and chef Craig Common’s skilled work has drawn the attention of the now shuttered Gourmet magazine and the James Beard House — as well as the Purple Rose Theatre crowd. This mainstay is best known for fresh oysters and seafood, but all the fare at The Common Grill is expertly prepared. A tried-and-true foodie destination with a range of desserts, including coconut cream pie, lemon pudding cake, and cherry cobbler. 112 S. Main St.,Chelsea; 734475-0470. L,D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun.

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; 734-669-3310. B,L,D daily.

Vinology $$$ ECLECTIC • Natural brick walls blended with darkwood booths and tables lend warmth to the dining room at Vinology, while tall ceilings contribute to the restaurant’s spacious feel. The menu draws on assorted cuisines to produce dishes such as Campeche Flautas, Argentinian Deep Dish Pizza, and lamb chops with chimichurri. As implied by the name of the venue, the wine list here is incredible.

Try a bottle off of its New or Old World Cellared Collection. 110 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-9841.

L Mon.-Fri. D daily.

KouZina Greek Steet Food $ GREEK • The Greek “street food” at this Ann Arbor spot comes in lamb and beef, and chicken. Try the lentil soup for a delicious lunch or go for something more filling like falafel. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this excellent spot. 332 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734997-5155. L,D daily.

Mani Osteria & Bar $$ ITALIAN • This popular casual restaurant infuses freshness with lower prices than most osterias in the area. It’s a well-rounded blend of modern, eclectic Italian with classic standbys. The pizzas are hot, fresh and perfectly executed to suit your tastes. 341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-769-6700. L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.Sun., BR Sun.

Yotsuba Japanese Restaurant & Bar $$ JAPANESE • The semi-circular sushi bar is the center of this restaurant. Sushi chef Bobby Suzuki has a loyal following for his precise nigiri rolls. There are also tatami rooms and conventional seating. 7365 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248737-8282. 2222 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor; 734-9715168. L,D daily.

Miss Kim $$ KOREAN • This spinoff from the Zingerman’s mini empire comes courtesy of chef Ji Hye Kim and is a goto spot for healthy Asian eats. Kim often incorporates ancient Korean culinary traditions, such as rice syrup and plum extracts, into her dishes. Standouts here include the Korean fried chicken and Street-Style Tteokbokki — just to name a few of them. 415 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-275-0099. L,D Tue.-Sun.

FEATURED Paesano $$ ITALIAN • With a friendly waitstaff and decked in vibrant colors, this lively restaurant is not to be missed. The innovative menu changes seasonally.

Must-tries have included the pasta carbonara, featuring shrimp, duck bacon, and Italian greens, as well as beet and ricotta gnocchi with brown butter. 3411 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-971-0484. L,D daily.

Seva Ann Arbor $$ VEGAN • Seva offers such dishes as black bean and sweet potato quesadillas, gluten-free options, and colorful stir-fries — some vegan as well as vegetarian.

There’s also a full bar as well as a juice bar serving creamy smoothies and dense shakes, fresh-squeezed juices, and craft mocktails. Choose from one of the most extensive vegetarian menus in the Detroit area.

2541 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-662-1111. L,D daily.

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.

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 panseared salmon and sous vide pork shank. 52969 Van

Zingerman’s Delicatessen $ SANDWICH/DELI • Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a household name for Michiganians, and a must-try staple in Ann Arbor. The temptations at Zingerman’s are endless: fresh breads and a menu of filling sandwiches, olive oils and housemade balsamic vinegars, chilies, and mustards. 422 Detroit St., Ann Arbor; 734663-3354. B,L,D daily.

Zingerman’s Roadhouse $$$ CLASSIC COMFORT • This eatery celebrates American food from various cities. From fresh Maryland crab cakes to the delicious delicacies of New Orleans, every last bite of the country is represented here. The buttermilk biscuits are beyondthis-world. 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-6633663. B,L,D daily.

Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-9916104. L,D Mon.-Sat. $$

Slurping Turtle $ JAPANESE • This fun, casual Ann Arbor restaurant,

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School Name



City

Website

Grades

Phone Number

Student / Teacher Ratio

Tuition Range

Academy of the Sacred Heart

Bloomfield Hills

ashmi.org

Infant to 12 - girls; Infant to 8 - boys

248-646-8900

12 to 1

$18,410 - $22,370

Archdiocese of Detroit Office for Catholic Schools

Detroit

aodschools.org

Pre-K to 12

313-237-5800

Varies

Varies

Bishop Foley High School

Madison Heights

bishopfoley.org

Grade 9 to 12

248-585-1210

17 to 1

$10,800

Bloomfield Christian School

Bloomfield Hills

bloomfieldchristian.com

K to 12

248-499-7800

12 to 1

$6,565 - $11,210

Bright Horizons at Farmington Hills

Farmington Hills

brighthorizons.com/farmingtonhills

Infant to Pre-K

248-538-5374

Varies

Varies

Bright Horizons at Midtown Detroit

Detroit

brighthorizons.com/midtowndetroit

Infant to Pre-K

313-871-2100

Varies

Varies

Bright Horizons at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Oakland

Pontiac

brighthorizons.com/stjoe

Infant to Pre-K

248-858-6667

Varies

Varies

Brookfield Academy - Livonia Campus

Livonia

brookfieldacademy.net

Toddlers to Grade 5

734-464-2789

Varies

Brookfield Academy - Rochester Hills Campus

Rochester Hills

brookfieldacademy.net

Toddlers to Grade 5

248-375-1700

Varies

$8,500 - $19,000

Brookfield Academy - Troy Campus

Troy

brookfieldacademy.net

Toddlers to Grade 5

248-689-9565

Varies

$8,500 - $19,000

Brookfield Academy - West Bloomfield Campus

West Bloomfield

brookfieldacademy.net

Pre-K to Grade 5

248-626-6665

Varies

$8,500 - $19,000

Brother Rice High School

Bloomfield Hills

brrice.edu

Grade 9 to 12 - all boys

248-833-2000

15 to 1

$13,750

Email brookfield.livonia@brighthorizons.com

Cranbrook Schools

Bloomfield Hills

schools.cranbrook.edu

Pre-K to 12

248-645-3610

Varies

$13,300 - $49,100

De La Salle Collegiate

Warren

delasallehs.com

Grade 9 to 12 - all boys

586-778-2207

15 to 1

$13,700

Dearborn Heights Montessori Center

Dearborn Heights

dhmontessori.org

Pre-K to 8

313-359-3000

Varies

Call for tuition

Detroit Country Day School

Beverly Hills

dcds.edu

Pre-K to 12

248-646-7717

Varies

$10,980 - $32,200

Detroit Diesel - UAW Child Development Center

Detroit

brighthorizons.com/detroitdiesel

Infant to Pre-K

313-592-5437

Varies

Varies

Detroit Waldorf School

Detroit

detroitwaldorf.org

Pre-K to 8

313-822-0300

10 to 1

$7,725 - $14,150

Eton Academy

Birmingham

etonacademy.org

Grade 1 to 12

248-642-1150

10 to 1

$28,075 - $30,150

Everest Collegiate High School and Academy

Clarkston

everestcatholic.org

Pre-K to Grade 12

248-241-9012

Varies

$5,510 - $14,450

Frankel Jewish Academy

West Bloomfield

frankelja.org

Grade 9 to 12

248-592-5263

9 to 1

$26,210

Gesu Catholic Elementary School

Detroit

gesuschool.udmercy.edu

Pre-K to 8

313-863-4677

20 to 1

$4,500 - $4,600

Greenhills School

Ann Arbor

greenhillsschool.org

Grade 6 to 12

734-769-4010

8 to 1

$26,270 - $26,880

gpacademy.org

Montessori Pre-K to K Grade 1-8

313-886-1221

10 to 1 12 to 1

$8,200 - $22,790

The Grosse Pointe Academy

Grosse Pointe Farms

Holy Family Regional School - North

Rochester

holyfam.org

Y5 to 3

248-656-1234

Varies

$7,200 - $8,700

Holy Family Regional School - South

Rochester Hills

holyfam.org

Grade 4 to 8

248-299-3798

Varies

$7,200 - $8,700

Holy Name Catholic School

Birmingham

school.hnchurch.org

Pre-K to 8

248-644-2722

15 to 1

$3,365 - $7,625

Japhet School

Clawson

japhetschool.org

Pre-K to 8

248-585-9150

18 to 1

$6,100 - $12,950

Little Oaks Child Development Center

Pontiac

brighthorizons.com/littleoaks

Infant to Pre-K

248-858-2080

Varies

Varies

Loyola High School

Detroit

loyolahsdetroit.org

Grade 9 to 12

313-861-2407

8 to 1

$4,300



Marian High School

Bloomfield Hills

marian-hs.org

Grade 9 to 12 - all girls

248-502-3033

20 to 1

$14,535



Mercy High School

Farmington Hills

mhsmi.org

Grade 9 to 12 - all girls

248-476-8020

17 to 1

$14,550

Most Holy Trinity School

Detroit

mhtdetroit.org

Pre-K to 8

313-961-8855

16 to 1

Call for tuition

MSU Gifted and Talented Education

East Lansing

gifted.msu.edu

Grade 6 to 12

517-432-2129

17 to 1

$1,500 - $1,950



Notre Dame Lower School

Pontiac

ndpma.org

Pre-K to 5

248-373-1061

Varies

$13,000



Notre Dame Middle School

Pontiac

ndpma.org

Grade 6 to 8

248-373-1061

Varies

$16,700



Notre Dame Preparatory School

Pontiac

ndpma.org

Grade 9 to 12

248-373-1061

Varies

$18,700

Oakland Christian School

Auburn Hills

oaklandchristian.com

Pre-K to 12

248-373-2700

Varies

Call for tuition

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory

Orchard Lake

stmarysprep.com

Grade 9 to 12

248-392-9280

15 to 1

$14,100-$33,950

Regina High School

Warren

reginahs.com

Grade 9 to 12

586-585-0500

17 to 1

$12,410



The Roeper School - Lower School

Bloomfield Hills

roeper.org

Pre-K to 5

248-203-7300

9 to 1

$4,850 - $26,450



The Roeper School - Middle & Upper School

Birmingham

roeper.org

Grade 6 to 12

248-203-7300

12 to 1

$28,900 - $31,350

Shrine Catholic Grade School

Royal Oak

shrineschools.com

Pre-K to 6

248-541-4622

Varies

$5,450 - $6,650

Shrine Catholic High School and Academy

Royal Oak

shrineschools.com

Grade 7 to 12

248-549-2925

Varies

$10,450 - $11,950

Southfield Christian Schools

Southfield

southfieldchristian.org

Pre-K to 12

248-357-3660

Varies

$4,500 - $10,700

St. Catherine of Siena Academy

Wixom

saintcatherineacademy.org

Grade 9 to 12 - all girls

248-946-4848

13 to 1

$11,450

St. Hugo of the Hills

Bloomfield Hills

sthugo.k12.mi.us

K to 8

248-642-6131

17 to 1

$4,495 - $6,450

St. Regis Catholic School

Bloomfield Hills

stregis.org

Pre-K to 8

248-724-3377

18 to 1

$3,700 - $7,700

Steppingstone School for Gifted Education

Farmington Hills

steppingstoneschool.org

K to 8

248-957-8200

10 to 1

$15,000 - $18,850

University Liggett School

Grosse Pointe Woods

uls.org

Pre-K to 12

313-884-4444

8 to 1

$8,240 - $30,840





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3/11/22 11:42 AM

GRACE CENTERS OF HOPE | WOMEN HELPING WOMEN Grace Centers of Hope celebrates

NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF MICHIGAN | KIDNEY BALL

its 80th anniversary with the annual Women Helping Women Luncheon and Fashion Show.

Please join us on Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, 600 East University Drive. This fabulous event will showcase the hottest spring fashion trends from several designer collections.

Attendees are set to enjoy a silent auction, raffles, delicious gourmet meal, incredible fashion show featuring professional models as well as women and children who participate in GCH programs. Testimonies will be shared by individuals who were given a chance to renew their lives once addressing destructive patterns of abuse, addiction, and homelessness. All proceeds benefit the Women’s Center, which provides comprehensive resources (case manager, clean/safe living environment, faith-based plans, healthy food, and more) to residents.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact special events coordinator April Melik via email, amelik@gracecentersofhope.org or phone, 248-334-2187. Tickets are $110 per person and can be purchased by visiting gracecentersofhope.org.

For those of you who have

NEW DAY FOUNDATION | HAPPY HOUR FOR HOPE

POPE FRANCIS CENTER | BUILDING BRIDGES GALA

New Day Foundation invites you

Please join Pope Francis Center

to join our Happy Hour for Hope on Thursday, April 28. Wine Social, 135 South Broadway St., in downtown Lake Orion will host the festivities from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please come enjoy beer, cocktails, and wine over hearty appetizers as well as live entertainment from a patio with scenic views of Children’s Park/Paint Creek to support Michigan families who face cancer.

Our mission as a Rochester Hills nonprofit organization is to provide emotional care and financial assistance for families impacted by the diagnosis of cancer. We are a leader within the cancer support community, partnering with 50-plus hospitals across Michigan to help those hit hardest by this disease. Programs are intended to have a positive impact on treatment outcomes and survivorship. Tickets are $65 each and may be bought online or at the door based on availability. To purchase sponsorships and tickets, visit foundationforfamilies.org.

TURNING POINT | STEPPING OUT WITH THE STARS Turning Point, an agency whose mission

is to empower domestic and sexual violence survivors through comprehensive resources/services, will host its sixth annual Stepping Out with the Stars fundraiser on Friday, April 29. This event will be held in partnership with Arthur Murray Dance Studio (Sterling Heights) at The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The evening’s festivities commence at 6 p.m. WDIV news anchor Evrod Cassimy is returning as the emcee. We thank our presenting sponsor, Huntington Bank. Tickets must be purchased in advance due to limited availability. Tickets are $100 per person or $900 for a table of 10 guests, which includes an open premium bar, dinner, dancing, raffles, and live silent auction.

For more information, please visit turningpointmacomb.org/event/sowts.

missed it, the Kidney Ball is back!

Often called the most fun black-tie event in metro Detroit, this 2022 soiree will rock the city once again on Saturday, April 2. Please join us at the MotorCity Casino Hotel from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. The evening features an open bar, dinner, live and silent auctions, as well as entertainment provided

by FiftyAmpFuse. Guests also will enjoy beer/wine tastings and dancing.

This signature fundraiser hosts hundreds of area business, healthcare, and philanthropic leaders who support the organization’s many programs, services, etc. for preventing kidney disease. Furthermore, it helps over 1 million Michigan residents living with the disease. Major sponsors include Michigan Medicine, Meijer, Artichoke Garlic Foundation, CareDX, Fresenius Kidney Care, General RV Center, Henry Ford Transplant Institute, Molson Coors, MotorCity Casino, Natera, and VTC Insurance Group. Tickets are $350 each. For more information and ticket orders, call 800-482-1455 or visit nkfm.org/kidneyball.

for the 2022 Building Bridges Gala on Friday, April 29, as we celebrate progress toward a Detroit that is free of chronic homelessness. This in-person event, held at Huntington Place on Detroit’s beautiful riverfront, will include a cocktail reception, dinner, live musical entertainment, and afterglow dancing. Our program, a blend of real-time/taped performances, honoree spotlights, and mission moments from the center, will also be broadcasted to at-home attendees. Individuals being honored this year are Dr. Asha Shajahan (Beaumont Health physician and medical director, Oakland University associate professor) and Vinnie Johnson (founder, chairman, and CEO of Piston Group). The evening presenters are Chuck Gaidica (Emmy Award winner and television host at Local 4) and Fr. Tim McCabe, S.J. (executive director of the Pope Francis Center).

All proceeds from the annual silent auction and paddle raise empower our most vulnerable neighbors to achieve a brighter tomorrow. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit popefranciscenter.org/gala.

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

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

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Gem Theatre | 333 Madison Street, Detroit April 5 | 8:30 - 10:30 AM

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Michele Wildman Senior Vice President for Community Development, MEDC

Todd Sachse Chief Executive Officer, Sachse Construction

Eric B. Larson CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership

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CO NTIN U ED FROM PAGE 20

historic working farm at Greenfield Village. He was right. First, I worked a sawmill there, then I started working at the Firestone Farm and loved it. I got to drive draft horses and shear sheep and plow the fields. It beat working at Bob Evans.

You stayed at The Henry Ford for 18 years.

What changed in that period?

Well, it was during the mid- to late ’80s that a lot of museums began rethinking the extent to which they dealt in nostalgia for a version of America that never really existed and had little in common with actual academic history. Henry Ford had always been really experiential, but it became more interested in connecting those experiences to actual historical learning and imparting to visitors a more complex view of the past.

How did you get the job at the Smithsonian?

I held a number of jobs at The Henry Ford, working as a program leader for the agriculture as well as the Black history programs. I felt I had gotten as far as I could go, and I came across an opening for head of the African American culture program at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. One thing that gave me a leg up was my background in experiential theater and other living-history programs at Greenfield Village and The Henry Ford. The director at the Smithsonian wanted to go in that direction. A lot of the experience of the museum was looking at objects behind glass and reading labels. They really wanted to change that, and I had the background to help do that.

Congress approved the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian around that time. Was there a tug-of-war over which Smithsonian artifacts would go where?

Well, it was 10 long years before the museum opened. There wasn’t a building at first, so we used some of the money allocated for the African American Museum to enact programming at the National Museum of American History. The [new museum’s] director, Lonnie Bunch, wanted people to know that the African American Museum existed, even though it didn’t have a building. The first program under the name of the new museum was called We Shall Overcome, which commemorated the 40th anniversary of the voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery. That was also my first big theatrical experience at the Smithsonian.

Theatrical experience?

Yes. With this one, I decided to do a performance that told the story. It was a living documentary that told the story of the march. We did it in an area we call Flag Hall. Everybody came in, we sang the songs, introduced some of the characters, and so

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forth. That was just very different from anything they’d ever really done at the Smithsonian.

You wrote, directed, and performed in that. Did you know you’d be good at it?

I thought I could do it. I took playwriting classes at Michigan. I was also a frustrated actor in high school. I would watch the plays at University of Detroit Jesuit. I could never be in them because I was an athlete and I was always at track practice. I would just daydream as I was running the stairs that I could be in a play, but I never was, so I decided to put myself in one at The Henry Ford. By the time I left there, we were doing major shows. We did one on the history of baseball called Play Ball that was a vaudeville-style show, and we had Ernie Harwell do the preshow recordings. At the Smithsonian, we started doing these shows, and a lot of times celebrities would come. We actually did a program with Lin-Manuel Miranda, but that’s a whole other story.

Tell it!

Well, it was right at the time that Hamilton was moving to Broadway, and I didn’t really know much about it. He offered me tickets, and I just said, “Hey, I gotta check my schedule,” and blew him off a little bit. And then, when I realized what Hamilton was becoming, I said, “Well, you know, I’ll be happy to take those tickets.” And he said, “Yeah, call me when I get back to New York.” I put him in his car — and he never answered the phone again. He got back to New York, the show blew up, and he forgot I existed.

I resisted seeing the show for two years because I should have, could have, seen the original cast. I was salty about the whole thing for a while. That was because I was stupid.

When does a news event become historic enough to be of interest to the Smithsonian?

I’m not a curator and don’t have much involvement in collecting physical artifacts, but we are always collecting. A colleague of mine went to the National Mall on Jan. 6 to go through the garbage and collect signs and weapons and other things left from the attack on the Capitol. Thankfully, that’s not the kind of thing I have to deal with very much.

Do you go into storage to see things that aren’t on display for fun?

Sure! That is one of the great things about being at two of the world’s biggest history museums with world-class collections. At The Henry Ford, until Ford’s contract with the government went to GM, we used to get all the presidential limousines. The Kennedy cars are there, and I remember the day that the car that Reagan took shelter in while Hinckley was shooting at him came in. We got to touch it and go all through it. And even more so at the Smithsonian. We have George Washington’s

christening blanket. Some of my favorite objects are the pumps that Juanita Williams, the wife of one of the Selma march organizers, wore while marching 40 miles to Montgomery. They were new when she started, and they’re all ground down.

Any other good celebrity stories?

That’s one of the cool things about being at the Smithsonian — you never know who’s going to be there. President Obama’s daughters came to one performance and liked it, and the next thing you know, I get a letter from Michelle Obama asking if we would come perform it at the White House! That doesn’t happen in Detroit.

Did you perform for the president?

No, we just did that program for visitors to the White House. We didn’t do it in the West Wing. I was hoping and waiting for that.

In your Twitter feed, you drop phrases like “the Rosa Parks I knew.” Is it wild to you that you know some of these people?

Oh, it’s huge. I got to meet Rosa Parks when I gave her a tour at Greenfield Village in 1992. One of the first programs I did at the Smithsonian in 2004 was a discussion on a PBS film called February One about the 1960 Woolworth’s lunch-counter sit-in in Greensboro, North Carolina. Through that, I got to meet Joe McNeil and Frank McCain — two of the four who started the sit-ins. Frank has passed away, but Joe still lives in New York, and I call him often. I think about knowing people like that. I couldn’t be happier about it.

There’s a debate right now over “critical race theory” — the notion that modern race relations were shaped by historical racism — and conservative efforts to prevent its teaching in public schools. Has this controversy infiltrated museums?

So far, not really. But there have always been controversies over the ways history is defined and presented. I’ll give an example. The Civil War Remembrance program at The Henry Ford evolved from an older program, which I remember going to as a kid, called the Muzzle Loaders Festival. It was a day where the museum was taken over by Civil War reenactors, and it was really about the guns and the accoutrements from the Civil War and the Revolutionary War. Well, The Henry Ford announced it wouldn’t be putting on that program this year, and if you look on Facebook, a lot of the audience is saying, “Oh, they’re just going to cancel history now,” and such. And I’m thinking, “They’re not canceling history. They’re just not doing history by having people dress up and play-act the Civil War.” But a lot of times, the public wants its museums to teach about the past in a way that allows them to feel comfortable.

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1937

LED BY A STELLAR LINEUP OF Charlie Gehringer, Hank Greenberg, Mickey Cochrane, Billy Rogell, and rookie Rudy York, the 1937 Detroit Tigers were a formidable force. In fact, for a few seasons in the 1930s, the Tigers were on fire, nabbing the American League pennant in 1934 and winning the World Series in 1935. Taking in the action on opening day, April 20, 1937, are young fans William and Josephine Ford, flanked by their parents, Edsel and Eleanor Ford, at what was then known as Navin Field. The family had reason to smile — the Tigers edged Cleveland, 4-3, that day. Edsel and Eleanor were pillars of the city’s automotive and cultural world. He was the only child of Henry and Clara Ford, was a sterling automotive designer, and served as president of Ford Motor Co. from 1919 until his death in 1943. Eleanor (nee Clay) was the niece of retailing giant J.L. Hudson. Both Edsel and Eleanor were avid art collectors and generous philanthropists.

Eleanor died in 1976 and left an endowment so that the Cotswold-style Grosse Pointe Shores home she and her husband built in the 1920s would be open to the public. The Tigers ended the 1937 season in second place in the American League, behind the New York Yankees. That year was significant for the Tigers in two other respects. On May 25, catcher-manager Mickey Cochrane was hit in the head by a ball from the unfortunately named Yankee pitcher Bump Hadley. The injury nearly killed Cochrane, and his playing career was over. Also, 1937 marked the last year the stadium would be called Navin Field. At the start of the 1938 season, the Tigers’ home was rechristened Briggs Stadium, after owner Walter O. Briggs. That appellation would last until 1961, when it became Tiger Stadium. —George Bulanda

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