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08.26

CONTENTS ISSUE THREE HUNDRED FIFTY THREE

UP F R O N T 18

A G E N DA

Profile

Bruce Campbell reflects on his roots and his latest project.

Music

A local group preserves Detroit’s sonic history.

12 can’t-miss shows, exhibits, and performances.

102

Books

MI Style

Artist Sabrina Nelson on dressing for her heart and soul.

Beauty

FOOD &DR I N K

109

106

108

Drinks

Local bars and breweries that welcome pups.

109

Dining News

New and soon-to-open restaurants and bars, plus upcoming events.

Design

This lakeside home in Lenawee County offers cottage vibes.

E V E RY ISSUE

101 12 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

Shopping List

A spread of gourmet snacks and wine from around the state.

The metro Detroit native changing minds with scent.

Travel

Five bookstores to explore on Michigan’s southwest coast.

How a Detroit Lions fan found the strength to battle addiction.

Anniversary

Looking back at 60 years of Meadow Brook Theatre.

Interesting finds from metro Detroit universities.

2 4/SE V E N

Essay

Ryan Patrick Hooper talks up the Detroit Jazz Festival.

100

Study Breaks

Listings

Editor’s Letter

112

Restaurant Guide

130

Midnight Hour

136

The Way It Was

Dossin Great Lakes Museum, 1959

BRUCE CAMPBELL MIKE DITZ/ERNIE & EMMA SABRINA MOORE SAL RODRIGUEZ FOOD COURTESY OF ANGELO’S FINE ITALIAN JOE LOVANO COURTESY OF DETROIT JAZZ FESTIVAL

08.26

E D I T O R ’S L E T T E R

Food has been a staple of Hour Detroit’s content since the very beginning, but our Best New Restaurants feature didn’t make its debut until 2022. This popular feature is published biannually so that we have enough time to make an informed decision about the top 10 fine-dining restaurants. You can read all about those restaurants, along with several casual eateries, beginning on page 40. And on this page, I present a Q&A with the feature’s writers: food critic Serena Maria Daniels, senior editor Jack Thomas, and assistant editor Will Reaume. Besides the research, what’s your favorite part of food writing? JT: I like getting to know the people. So much goes into creating a great restaurant: creativity, cultural expression, athleticism, elbow grease, long hours, late nights. It’s a tough industry, but there’s a lot of reward for those who truly love it. SD: Every story is an opportunity to learn about someone else’s traditions, sure, but it’s also led me on a path of my own self-discovery. Through reporting, I’ve been able to reconnect with parts of my Mexican identity that I didn’t get to fully experience growing up. For any restaurant review, we look for exceptional food, ambiance, and service. Are they equal? WR: Good food can almost always make up for poor service, but rarely does good service make up for bad food. JT: Ambiance is great, but it only gets you so far. A restaurant might go viral because of an influencer video that shows how cool a place looks, but ultimately, if the food’s not great, people will catch on pretty quickly and feel duped. What sets Detroit’s dining scene apart from that of other cities? SD: Detroit’s dining scene is shaped by the many chefs, restaurateurs, and activists who are invested in the city’s future. They’re building businesses with their own money, in their own neighborhoods, and for the communities that have supported Detroit through its hardest years. That shows up in everything from thoughtful Motown-themed playlists, affordable tasting menus, and a genuine commitment to making every Detroiter feel welcome. WR: Our pool of homegrown chefs. In other cities, like Chicago or New York, the best restaurants are largely helmed by transplants from around the world. It feels like the chefs here have a stronger connection to the region and a more vested interest in seeing Detroit’s dining scene grow, since many of them were born and raised here. There is less competition and more collaboration, which is a major benefit to both Detroit diners and restaurant owners. Are chefs preparing for visits from Michelin inspectors for the guide book’s upcoming Great Lakes edition? JT: To sum up what I’ve heard from the chefs, the best restaurants don’t need to do anything special to prepare; they deliver a consistent experience to everyone coming in, which is what the anonymous inspectors are trying to gauge. K ATE WALSH, EDIT OR KWALSH@ HOUR-M EDIA.COM

14 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

VOLUME THIRTY-ONE / ISSUE EIGHT GROUP PUBLISHER: Jason Hosko EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Kate Walsh DIGITAL EDITOR: Erica Banas SENIOR EDITOR: Jack Thomas ASSISTANT EDITOR: Will Reaume COPY EDITOR: Morgan Brown CONTRIBUTORS: Julie Bonner Williams, Bill Dow, Serena Maria Daniels, Paris Giles, Ryan Patrick Hooper, Jenn McKee, Mickey Lyons, Megan Swoyer, Lauren Wethington EDITORIAL INTERN: Isidora Purrier DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Lindsay Richards ART DIRECTOR: Steven Prokuda JR. ART DIRECTOR: Sabrina Seldon CONTRIBUTORS: Sal Rodriguez, Jacob Lewkow, Heather Gatley, Rebecca Simonov ADVERTISING MEDIA ADVISORS: Samantha Alessandri, Cynthia Barnhart, Hannah Brown, Karli Brown, Sarah Cavanaugh, Cathleen Francois, Donna Kassab, Lisa LaBelle, Danielle Smith-Elliott, Mary Pantely & Associates PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER: Crystal Nelson ACCOUNT MANAGER: Elizabeth Kowalik GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joe Salafia SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGING EDITOR: Olivia Sedlacek IT DIRECTOR OF IT: Jeremy Leland DIGITAL DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY: Travis Fletcher DIGITAL STRATEGY SPECIALIST: Alessandra Taranta DIGITAL STRATEGY INTERN: Evan Daniels DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Matt Cappo SR. DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST: Luanne Lim DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST: Brian Paul CIRCULATION CIRCULATION MANAGER: Riley Meyers CIRCULATION COORDINATORS: David Benvenuto, Cathy Krajenke, Rachel Moulden, Michele Wold MARKETING & EVENTS MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER: Regan Wright WEDDINGS ACCOUNT MANAGER: Karen Wilkie MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR: Puja Trivedi MARKETING & EVENTS ASSISTANT: Lachlan O’Neill EMAIL MARKETING COORDINATOR: Mitch Ackerman MARKETING & EVENTS INTERNS: Leah Berletich, Lily Krut, Brooke Klein MARKETING RESEARCH MARKETING RESEARCH DIRECTOR: Sofia Shevin MARKETING RESEARCH COORDINATOR: Kristin Bestrom MARKETING RESEARCH SALES COORDINATOR: Alexandra Thompson MARKETING RESEARCH SALES COORDINATOR: Theresa Lowery MARKETING RESEARCH ASSISTANT: Abby Galanty PRS GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kendra Okamoto MARKETING RESEARCH INTERNS: Isabella Gentry, Marissa Mills, Olivia Gill, Ally Metry BUSINESS CEO: Stefan Wanczyk PRESIDENT: John Balardo COO: Edward Peabody DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS: Kathie Gorecki MEDIA ASSOCIATE: Ariana Biondo SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE: Andrew Kotzian ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATES: Jenna Glod, Austin Schmelzle 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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UP FRONT  P. 1 8 Actor, writer, director, and Royal Oak native Bruce Campbell discusses his newest film.

P R O F I L E p. 18

BRUCE CAMPBELL MATT DOYLE PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

/ M U S I C p. 20

/ ST U DY B R E A K S p. 21

AUGUST 2026

News, Notes, and Personalities

/ B O O K S p. 22

AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

UP FRONT

PROFILE

BRUCE CAMPBELL’S ‘SUNRISE STORY’ BY MORGAN BROWN

The actor and filmmaker reflects on his Michigan roots and his most personal project yet  Ernie & Emma was shot at 27 locations across southern Oregon, including a pearpacking facility that represents an industry in decline.

ctor, writer, and filmmaker Bruce Campbell describes his latest project as “a Disney movie with drugs, alcohol, swearing, and implied infidelity.” But to anyone who has dealt with grief, Ernie & Emma — a film entirely scripted, directed, produced, and funded by Campbell and his wife, Ida Gearon — means much more. The film follows Ernie Tyler, a pear salesman grieving the death of his wife, Emma. She’s left him a set of letters instructing him to scatter her ashes across locations tied to their relationship. On a journey both comedic and poignant, Ernie comes to terms with loss, reconciles with the past, and finds a way forward.

18 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

Campbell refers to Ernie & Emma as “a sunrise story,” noting, “It’s not the sunniest beginning, but hopefully by the end of it, we’re gonna root for the old f—er.” He warns of a shift from his past projects: “No blood, no shotguns, no one-liners.” But at 68 years old, Campbell feels drawn to deeper subjects. He’s faced loss, plus plenty of ups and downs in his 35-year marriage, and wanted to tell a story that his audience could connect with. Ernie may be the role he’s related to most — even for an actor who’s played himself. His storyline draws on an inescapable reputation; characters address him as “the

pear guy,” and his corny commercials haunt him — a reference to Campbell’s own career. “I know what it’s like to be labeled,” he says. “This guy’s the pear guy. I’m the Evil Dead guy. It’ll be on my tombstone.” In his original concept, Ernie represented Campbell’s father, a “Detroit Mad Man” of the 1950s through ’70s who was fired after losing a major account. The dying pear industry parallels the auto industry, which Campbell watched decline in his youth. Though his father’s career took a hit, Campbell remembers his childhood in Royal Oak as “idyllic” and “as stable as you could get.” He and his two older brothers were “free-range kids,” traipsing through the woods, fishing, ice skating, tobogganing on a neighbor’s property — even smashing into trees face-first. Now living in Oregon, he still visits Michigan often and feels connected to the place where his career took root. He took to acting after seeing his father, a member of St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild of Cranbrook, in a play. “He had a singing routine, and he was dancing with women who weren’t my mother,” he recalls. “I was like, ‘This is weird,’ but I remember being really fascinated.” While attending Groves High School, Campbell befriended future filmmaker Sam Raimi. Their friend group shot dozens of movies on Super 8 mm film — from Three Stooges-style comedy to war, Westerns, and murder mysteries. “We probably avoided a lot of drugs and police activity because we were making movies,” Campbell says. MOVIE STILL MIKE DITZ/ERNIE & EMMA

UP FRONT



Sam Raimi, sets — Gearon was a costume After a grueling process in which Rob Tapert, and designer for Campbell’s film Campbell describes working 18 Campbell attend Mindwarp — they felt “in sync” hours for a single shot — filming The Evil Dead's premiere at the throughout production, mellowed for stretches only to run out of Redford Theatre. further by the lack of studio money, waiting a few months, and pressure. starting again — Raimi’s horror  Campbell cofilm The Evil Dead, starring Self-producing allowed them to produced Ernie Campbell as Ash Williams, focus on the best decisions for the & Emma with his premiered at Detroit’s Redford film — and themselves. When wife, Ida Gearon. Theatre in 1981. Campbell pitched filming in They hoped only for the movie to Detroit, Gearon asked, “Wouldn’t break even. Little did they know it would beyou like to sleep in your own bed?” From then on, Ernie & Emma was an Oregon story. come a hit franchise still releasing titles today. Since then, Campbell has built a reputation In 27 days, the crew visited 27 locations, as a “B-movie” star, best known for the from an abandoned pear-packing facility to subsequent Evil Dead films and TV series, the Bigfoot trap in the Rogue River-Siskiyou along with cult classics such as Bubba Ho-Tep, National Forest. Campbell modeled Clint Maniac Cop, and Crimewave, a Detroit-made Eastwood’s directing style: efficient takes film that he famously considers a disaster. and short days. He’s cameoed in big-name productions — Over years in the film industry, Campbell including Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy — witnessed “money wasted, hours and hours headlined TV shows, voice acted, and down the toilet.” His experiences led him to authored New York Times bestsellers. lament the relationship between artists and Ernie & Emma marks Campbell’s first studios. Filmmakers can’t complain when directorial effort since My Name Is Bruce they’re not supplying the money, he notes, (2007), and he didn’t forget those who helped but creative freedom suffers when studios him along the way. “I rounded up everyone I hold the reins. knew from a decade past to work on this In complete control of Ernie & Emma, movie,” he says, including several MichiganCampbell takes a humble approach. “If this born members of the Evil Dead crew. goes down in flames, I’m the guy who lit it,” And of course, Campbell’s wife not only he says. co-produced the film but “put out fires every Off set, Campbell’s humility extends to day,” keeping operations running smoothly. everyday life. “When you come out of “We got along the best that we’ve ever gotten Hollywood, you’re nobody, man,” he says. along,” Campbell says. Both familiar with film He shares a story of a neighbor who, having REDFORD THEATRE COURTESY OF BRUCE CAMPBELL PORTRAIT MIKE DITZ/ERNIE & EMMA

heard that Campbell had once played a cowboy, was skeptical of whether he could ride a horse, urging him to prove himself by helping run 100 head of cattle up the road. “I passed his phony actor test,” Campbell jokes. “That’s the kind of stuff that keeps you very centered.” He even downplays his “treatable, not curable” cancer diagnosis, which he announced in March. “My cancer’s no more important than any other cancer,” he says. “I’m gonna continue doing what I’m doing. And I’ve gotten so much free publicity; if I’d have known that, I would have gotten cancer a long time ago. … Obviously people have been very delightful.” Though Campbell plans to prioritize treatment this summer, he remains committed to sharing his most personal project to date. On June 5, Ernie & Emma made its Detroit debut at the Redford Theatre, nearly 45 years after The Evil Dead’s premiere there. The marquee read, “Welcome home Bruce,” and the audience provided an equally warm reception. They roared with laughter at every joke, and love for the actor radiated throughout the packed theater — with friends and family (including Raimi) in attendance alongside devoted fans. During Campbell’s live Q&A post-screening, one audience member called it “the best film I’ve ever seen,” for which Campbell passed him a $5 bill. Starting in September, Campbell will make 20 such stops at Alamo Drafthouse theaters across the U.S. As for future projects, he doesn’t rule out returning home. “Michigan’s just a real place,” he says. “I’d love to come back and make a movie.” AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

UP FRONT

MUSIC

SOUND SAVERS

BY MARTIN SLAGTER

For more than a decade, the Detroit Sound Conservancy has been dedicated to preserving and cataloging the Motor City’s music history

20 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

etroit is a city with a pioneering musical spirit and a history that goes beyond the signature sound of Motown, from jazz to funk to techno. One organization that has worked to preserve that history got its start outside a building at 5021 Tireman Avenue. It was there that in 2011, a group of Detroit music advocates met with a mission to preserve the Blue Bird Inn — a birthplace of bebop jazz in the 1940s and a working-class hearth for the Black community before Motown. A year later, the group officially became the Detroit Sound Conservancy. Since then, the organization has worked to ensure that buildings like the Blue Bird Inn — which the group is rehabilitating — remain intact, along with the historic documents and stories behind Detroit’s sonic innovation. For instance, the organization helped secure historic designation for the landmark United Sound Systems Recording Studio, where Parliament-Funkadelic, Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker, and others laid down tracks. The group also

helped restore the sound system for Club Heaven, the foremost Black LGBTQ-friendly dance music club in Detroit in the 1980s. “The magic of this music and culture is that it is world-changing and monumental and also totally commonplace and what everybody experiences together,” says Jonah Raduns-Silverstein, DSC’s director of operations. “The [DSC] sort of comes out of that spirit and that lack of resources and lack of intention and lack of institutionality. This organization exists to preserve and advocate for Detroit music history.” In 2014, the DSC was gifted Graystone International Jazz Museum owner James Jenkins’s extensive collections archiving the historic Graystone Ballroom, where thousands would cram in to see acts like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and McKinney’s Cotton Pickers back in the 1940s. The following year, the DSC and a group of volunteers — led by founder and then-executive director Carleton Gholz — gathered materials from the ballroom’s promotional posters to its windows, which were stored in downtown Detroit’s PHOTO WALTER WASACZ, COURTESY OF DETROIT SOUND CONSERVANCY

UP FRONT

Study Breaks Book Tower and a local warehouse. The acquisition marked the beginning of the conservancy’s effort to salvage pieces of Detroit’s music history. The historic WGPR 107.5 FM building, home of Michigan’s first Black-owned FM radio station, now houses the archives. The DSC’s staff of three works to organize stacks of boxes filled with photos, flyers advertising Detroit techno raves, news clippings, and master tapes of everything from the Evil Dead score to artists like Glen Campbell, Burt Bacharach, Isaac Hayes, Styx, Quincy Jones, and Cab Calloway recorded by legendary United Sound recording engineer Ed Wolfrum. The conservancy has also added oral histories to its list of archival

transformation of the Blue Bird Inn, which the organization aquired in 2019 with the help of a Kresge Foundation grant. The DSC plans to rehabilitate it into a music venue, gathering space, and home of Detroit’s only music archive. After fixing the venue’s roof and foundation, the DSC plans to rebuild and reinstall the stage, Raduns-Silverstein says. The nonprofit hopes to take occupancy in the renovated Bluebird Inn sometime in 2026. Work continues on a new two-story addition to the back of the building, which will hold the DSC’s archives. The DSC has also purchased eight adjacent lots along Beechwood Street that it plans to develop into a park to accommodate future performances, RadunsSilverstein says.

 Posing outside of the Blue Bird Inn in 2012, from left: A. Nzere Kwabena, Brendan Gillen, LaVell Williams, Dave Toorongian, Denise Dalphond, Leo B. Early, Carleton Gholz, and Scott Kwasny.

PHOTO MARTIN SLAGTER

By Erica Banas

Why Women Feel More Pain Nearly 50 million Americans experience chronic pain, with women impacted for a longer duration than men. Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that this links back to sex hormones, specifically testosterone. A study led by MSU associate professor of physiology Geoffroy Laumet found that monocytes, a type of hormone-regulated immune cell, release molecules that stop pain, and they are more active in those with higher levels of testosterone (the primary sex hormone in men).

Mobility Help for Patients

 DSC director and director of collections Michelle Jahra McKinney holds up a scrapbook from the DSC archives, currently housed in Detroit’s WGPR 107.5 FM building.

responsibilities over the years, documenting the stories of artists like Don Was and topics like women in jazz. “I think what we have come to realize is this work necessitates working with people and artists and creators while they are still with us,” Raduns-Silverstein says. Established on four pillars — placekeeping, preservation, education, and celebration — the conservancy has worked to keep alive some of Detroit’s most treasured locales for music innovation. That includes United Sound Systems, where the nonprofit’s years of advocacy ensured that the studio remained standing amid the potential threat of construction along I-94. The DSC’s largest looming project is its

Intriguing findings from researchers at metro Detroit universities

Housing its collections in a venue that once hosted artists like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Elvin Jones is special to DSC director and director of collections Michelle Jahra McKinney, who believes the updated Blue Bird space will attract a new generation of music enthusiasts. “That’s where a lot of culture, a lot of mentorship, a lot of transfer of the passing of the torch happened in that little neighborhood place,” Jahra McKinney says. “I just love the idea of a front porch where we could have gatherings, and the children could just sit right up under the jazz musicians while they’re playing.” Read more about DSC’s fundraising efforts for the restoration of the Blue Bird Inn at detroitsound.org/give/bird.

Researchers from Wayne State University have determined that backward walking exercises can help with movement for those with multiple sclerosis. In the study, MS patients participated in an eight-week backward walking program. WSU’s research team, led by Dr. Nora Fritz, found that the training improved patients’ overall mobility and balance, which helps reduce the risk of falling. “The results of this pilot trial indicated that backward walking training led to measurable improvements in postural stability and gait speed in a majority of those participating in the study,” says Fritz. “This suggests that backward walking may trigger positive physical adaptations.”

Creating a Playbook for Bird Flu The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a University of Michigan project a $2 million grant to help determine a plan to fight the spread of bird flu among livestock. Bird flu outbreaks have led to major disruptions in food supply chains, resulting in major financial losses in the poultry farming industry and a limited supply of eggs, thus increasing prices. Project lead Herek Clack, U-M associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, says the USDA and the agricultural industry “want a playbook — science-based guidelines — for how to operate under the threat of bird flu.”

AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

UP FRONT

 Along with football, Joel Walkowski likes shooting hoops. He founded an annual basketball tournament in Brooklyn that supports organ donation.

hen authors finally finish writing their all-consuming book, they often feel a sense of emptiness or grief. But Dearborn native Joel Walkowski — whose sports-themed addiction memoir, Honolulu Blues: How Loving a Losing Football Team Created a Winning Man, came out on July 14 — experienced something far more aligned with the longtime Lions fandom. “I got hit by a bus,” he says. Walkowski — who works at General Motors and splits his time between Dearborn and Brooklyn, NY — spent years doing stand-up comedy, so I thought he might have been joking. He was not. “I was laid up all last autumn,” Walkowski says. “The sun got in the bus driver’s eyes. He passed me on my bike in the same lane [in Brooklyn], and I messed up my left arm pretty bad.” But when we talk in April, Walkowski is healed and gearing up for tons of bookpromotion events around Michigan. You might wonder, how did he come to write an unconventional, often darkly funny book that connects his drug and alcohol

2 2 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

BOOKS

GRIT Kicks Habits BY JENN MCKEE

Watching the Detroit Lions helped a longtime fan come back from addiction

addiction struggles with the Detroit Lions’ (mis)fortunes? “It felt like an extension of myself,” Walkowski says. “There was a happy accident where my getting serious about my sobriety happened to overlap with the beginning of the Dan Campbell era, where it was easy to draw parallels like, ‘Oh, we’re going to do things a little differently now,’ and then a lot of the changes took [place].” Walkowski grew up with an alcoholic, autistic father who moved the family to a

high-end neighborhood shortly before he lost his job and fell into a debilitating depression. Meanwhile, Walkowski, after being prescribed Adderall at age 7, became convinced early on that he needed chemical substances to perform at his best. But one way that he could consistently bond with his father involved watching and rooting for the Lions. “If I can take Detroit Lions football — one of the most miserable, heartwrenching things — and get a lot of positives out of it, I think anyone’s relationship with what they love … can be used in a similar fashion,” he says. Of course, for the purpose of writing Honolulu, Walkowski rewatched Lions games that many fans would just as soon forget, journaling at the same time. A high point involved revisiting the greatness of Barry Sanders, but much later, the Matt Millen era (2001-2008) coincided with Walkowski’s rock bottom. “I drank myself to death, and it almost perfectly overlaps with going 0-16,” Walkowski says. “Having that sort of addiction problem so widely announced to the world felt like the Lions’ [public humiliation].” Writing the book not only provided a healthy, welcome distraction for Walkowski during hard times, but it also helped heal old wounds and cultivate greater familial closeness. Reading drafts aloud to his playwright mother “felt like such a beautiful, full-circle moment.” He also shared his handwritten journal entries with his father, who loved them. In fact, when Walkowski’s father was nearing death, he pressed his son to go to the 2024 NFC championship game in person and report back. (The 49ers beat the Lions 34-31.) “The way things went out with him taking a downturn as the team seemed to finally turn the corner and then the final disappointment there — it just felt like it was all meant to be,” Walkowski says.

PHOTO CLAY RODRIGUEZ BOOK COURTESY OF SIMON & SCHUSTER/BENBELLA

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

Dul Landscape Architecture Office Opening Party Photographs by Lindsay Schweickert

Donna Jackson

Nate Higley, Brendan Britt, Matt Bayer, Tim Shoemaker, Patrick Funke, Donna Jackson, Michael Jacobs and Rawan Al-Zayadi

Rawan Al-Zayadi and Brooks Funke

Tim Shoemaker and Patrick Funke

Stahls Motors & Music Experience: Barrels and Barn Finds Photographs by Kevin Bean

Ann Marie Kasperowicz and Chloe Gieraga

Fred Orsick, Scott MacLeod and Bryan Debacker

Jen and Glenn Franklin

Jeff Stumb, Charlie Bauer, Wayne Carini, Lynn and Lew LaPaugh and Lori Powe

Royal Oak Smiles Free Dental Day Photographs by Lindsay Schweickert

Dr. Tejal Soni DDS, Dr. Dolores Baran DDS and KiKi

Emma Kawala, Dr. Dolores Baran DDS and Natalie Rogan

Kelsey Kelsey and Emma Kawala

Nancy O’Leary, Laurie Maisano, Dr. Dolores Baran DDS and Kelly Mezuk

You Fai Lai and Nancy Lai

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 P. X X text to go here. Imi, te quatius. Dis intis quam reheniste que nemporrum nosanis et, suntem qui ut quaspedis

AUGUST 2026

Making the Most of Life in Metro Detroit

 P. 2 7 A Birmingham native co-created this clean fragrance line inspired by aromatherapy.

M I ST Y L E p. 26 / B E AU T Y p. 27

PHOTO LIBBY GRAY

/ E Y E O N D E S I G N p. 28

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My fashion mantra is … When dressing is a sport, that is art and medicine.

If fashion is a sport … The sport is you competing with yourself. MI STYLE

Fashion is art because … I like to

The ART of Dressing

paint myself first.

Fashion is medicine because … I’m not just dressing my body. I’m dressing my heart. I’m dressing my head. I’m dressing my third eye and my soul. I’m putting on armor; it’s spiritual armor.

BY PA R I S G I L E S

PHOTO BY SAL RODRIGUEZ

How my art converges with the way I dress: I’m

One of Detroit’s most influential artists, Sabrina Nelson, rocks forwardlooking fits at 58

thinking about [my art] series She Carries. I want to make a dress with many pockets that hold many things. We carry so much. I’m just thinking that’s an intersection between art, installation, makers, craft, and also fashion.

Detroit is infused into my wardrobe because … I like the

 Pictured in her Detroit home, Sabrina Nelson wears a 1950s cotton quilted housecoat/hostess robe from Detroitbased Phantom Lady Vintage (Etsy handle: PhantomLadyShop).

hen Sabrina Nelson and I meet, I tell her that when I pitched an article on her for Hour Detroit’s MI Style series, I likened her look to Erykah Badu’s. “You know, I’m older [than Badu], so her style is like mine,” she says with a lighthearted chuckle. Befitting for someone whose life is enveloped in and infused with art, Nelson’s style is purposeful and communicative. Her grandmother — well traveled and sharply dressed — was one of the first to introduce

2 6 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

her to the power of presentation. She’d make the children clothes; Nelson would use the scraps to make her own paper dolls. A lifelong artist who has rich relationships with the Detroit Institute of Arts and the College for Creative Studies, Nelson cites her traveling exhibition Frontline Prophet: James Baldwin as a recent career high point. Having stopped in five cities, including Paris, it explored the writer and civil rights icon's legacy through paintings, projections, and more.

way I wrap myself, but I also like when people ask, “Where are you from?” when I’m not home. There is a certain thing here when you grow up a certain way. And maybe it was a part of the middle class, or maybe it was a part of that industrial, blue-collar family. If they worked hard to give us the things we have, I want to do the best that I can to represent them very well, and that means wrapping it nice.

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 Cerato has released three fragrances: Peace Root, Sweet Venus, and Vibrant Field. Inset: Cerato co-founders (from left) Libby Gray and Stephanie Diamond.

BEAUTY

Setting the Mood BY WILL REAUME

A Birmingham native is on a mission to change how you feel with her mood-based fragrance brand

PHOTOS LIBBY GRAY

hat if something as simple as a fragrance had the power to change the way you feel? Libby Gray hopes to answer that question with her brand, Cerato Fragrances. Gray, a graduate of Seaholm High School, co-founded the brand with her longtime college friend Stephanie Diamond in February 2025. Cerato is named after a flower traditionally used in tinctures meant to awaken feelings of inner strength. “The whole idea behind the brand is that we want people to tune into themselves and trust their intuition,” Gray says. When creating a scent, Gray and Diamond build its profile around the emotions they want to evoke. “Stephanie and I work collaboratively on everything, but we start with a mood that we want to tune into,” Gray explains. “Each one is designed to enhance or shift a mood, so they’re based on aromatherapeutic principles.” Inspired by her time in New York’s fashion scene — and her seven years working in The Estée Lauder Companies’ creative department — Gray wanted to introduce a narrative element to the fragrance world. In addition to her role as co-founder, Gray also serves as Cerato’s photographer, shooting exclusively on film. “I wanted it to feel almost like a magazine in certain ways and have a visual language that felt really intimate,” Gray says. “It was a big part of building Cerato because we wanted people to feel something when they look at our brand.” Unlike many other fragrance brands, Cerato is committed to using clean ingredients, free of harmful toxins and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. So far, Cerato has released three distinct fragrances in travel-sized roller ball applicators, available through the brand’s website. The genderneutral scents range from sandalwood and vanilla to more energizing combinations like bergamot and citrus. If you want to form your own profile, Gray recommends layering multiple scents to fit the occasion. “It’s a beautiful way to create something of your own, and we encourage it,” Gray says.

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24/SEVEN Snap to it: The walk-out lower area has a kitchen, family room, and dining nook (one of Birch’s favorite home elements), as well as a banquette that showcases the designer’s signature must-have — a snappy, navy-andwhite-striped, upholstered, built-in bench with beadboard appeal. “Stripes are very nautical,” Birch says. She made a point to avoid overdoing the beadboard’s look. “We mixed it with other types of wood around the house, and we don’t have everything going vertically or horizontally.”

ears ago, a man and his business partner purchased an old lakeside home at an auction. The two eventually had the home torn down and split the property into two lots, about three-quarters of an acre each. The man and his wife, whose families have owned Michigan cottages since the 1920s, waited several years before building their dream home on the idyllic Devils Lake — the largest lake in Lenawee County, with a maximum depth of 63 feet. Interior designer Tiffany Birch embraced the opportunity to work with the couple, as she grew up on the same lake, where she spent many fun-filled days at her family’s cottage. “I got to know them well when the husband hired me to do interior design work for the Devils Lake Yacht Club,” says Birch, who runs Ann Arbor-based Birch Design Associates. She partnered with architect Greg Richard of Illinois-based Remington Architecture on both the yacht club and the home. They set out to create a living space where the couple’s three grown daughters could gather and make memories with their families and pets. They achieved that goal with a near10,000-square-foot, shaker-style home with modern farmhouse details. It’s especially popular in the summer, thanks to its four decks and sleeping porch. Here, Birch shares her recommendations and insights on durable materials that can handle wet shoes and swimsuits while looking as fresh as a dive in the lake.

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All hands on deck: EYE ON DESIGN

MAKING MEMORIES BY MEGAN SWOYER PHOTOS BY JEFF GARLAND

A waterfront Lenawee County dream home checks all the boxes

Birch went with synthetic, low-maintenance flooring for the deck (Trex) and luxury vinyl plank flooring for the interior, both of which can handle water, water, and more water.

Jump in!: The lower area features a charming room where family and friends can keep bathing suits and sunbathing essentials. A large sign reads, “Go Jump in the Lake!”

24/SEVEN Barn again: Many of the ceilings utilize old barn beams. “A barn fell at their farmhouse, and the homeowner had that wood cut, hewn, and stained,” Birch says. “We’ve also incorporated a console table, located in the great room, which was made from that wood.”

Painterly pop: The porch ceiling is painted in Waterscape by Sherwin-Williams, which is very close to haint blue — a pale shade of blue-green that mimics sky and water tones. The hue, thought to ward off ghosts or evil spirits, traditionally colors porch ceilings in the South and is frequently found on Mackinac Island homes.

Porch panache: The main-floor porch is a popular spot, where comfortable, weatherproof furnishings from Arhaus and custom pillows by Schumacher (Michigan Design Center) invite one to stay awhile and soak up the waterfront views. The family loves Mackinac and wanted the home to feel “Mackinac-ish,” with a white wood shake exterior (Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams), wooden garage doors, and custom rails. Fab fabrics: “Most of the fabrics are indoor-outdoor, so no one has to worry about getting water on, say, the sofas, which have performance fabrics,” Birch says. Creation station: What’s a dream home without a space to create? The first-floor craft room has “a desk, seating, and extra-deep drawers that pull out of a custom-built island to hold a lot of the wife’s sewing projects,” Birch notes. There’s also an organized area for wrapping gifts — a practical spot to prepare for birthdays and other celebrations.

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Sunday, August 16 ★ 12-4 PM Eastern Market Shed #5

★ BEST BITE COMPETITORS Anna's House • Basil Indian Bistro • Brown Iron Brewhouse • Cafe Cortina • La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar • That Guy From Italy • Sapporo Hibachi Steakhouse And Sushi • Zingerman's Roadhouse • Zo's Good Burger

★ BEVERAGE VENDORS Milagro Tequila • Hendrick’s Gin • Reyka Vodka • Tullamore D.E.W. • Modelo • Corona • Corona Sun Brew • Two James Spirits • Stumblebum Beer & Taphouse • Tito's Handmade Vodka • Blake's Beverage Company • Off Hours Spirits • Carbliss ★ MARKETPLACE VENDORS

Allow Nourishment • Art by Hannah Elaine • Buff City Soap • Country Smoke House • Downriver Chip Co. • Grand Traverse Pie Co. • HueVine Wellness + MedSpa • Leaf Home and Bath • LeafFilter Gutter Protection • LilyRose VC Bakery • Mucky Duck Kitchen • Nothing Bundt Cakes • Rivertown Market - Meijer • Syd’s Gone Nuts

FOOD ★ DRINKS ★ MUsic ★ Friends

★

★ ★

★

★ ★

★ ★ ★ GRE

With over $12,000 in prizes on the line, this is your chance to support your favorite chef and help crown the champion. At the end of the event, we'll reveal who takes home the title of Best Bite Champion, plus the Grand Prize!

★

Get ready to taste your way to the top! Hour Detroit's GrillFest is back with the Best Bite Competition, where you decide which grilled bite deserves the gold. Each participating restaurant serves up a bite-sized sample featuring a grilled element — and it's up to you to vote for your favorite.

★

YOU BE THE JUDGE!

★ F I ERCE COM

PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY More info DetroitGrillFest.com

-Thank You to our Sponsors!-

Benefiting: COTS Detroit

Best Bite Competition Sunday, August 16 ★ Eastern Market

Anna’s House

Brown Iron Brewhouse

General Manager Jake Corie

Chef Jesse Johnson

Anna’s House is bringing its fan-favorite Billion Dollar Bacon to Hour Detroit’s GrillFest 2026. Known for creative and inclusive breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings, Anna’s House elevates classic comfort food with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Its Billion Dollar Bacon features thick-cut bacon coated in a sweet-and-spicy espresso rub, creating a savory indulgence that has become a guest favorite across its 14 Michigan locations. This signature bacon has earned a devoted following, with guests returning time and again for its unforgettable sweet-and-spicy flavor.

HHH

Brown Iron is a family-owned and -operated smokehouse serving scratch-made favorites, slow-smoked meats, and plenty of gluten-free options. At the Washington Township location, you’ll find the heart of Brown Iron’s smokehouse tradition, while the Royal Oak location puts a bold Tex-Mex twist on the signature menu — offering unique eats without sacrificing the flavors guests love.

HHH

Breakfast/American

Burnt Ends and Ribs

445 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 1, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 annashouseus.com

30955 Woodward Ave., Unit 510, Royal Oak, MI 48073 browniron.com

Basil Indian Bistro

La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar

Chef Hema M. Patel

Chef-Owner Zharko Palushaj

Award-winning chef Hema M. Patel, owner of Basil Indian Bistro, transforms cherished family traditions into refined Indian cuisine. At GrillFest, she will present Deewani Angaari Haandi, a flame-grilled paneer and seasonal vegetables enveloped in a velvety charred garlic-tomato gravy, finished with fresh cilantro and cream, and served over aromatic jeera basmati rice. Inspired by childhood lessons, Hema brings generations of culinary heritage, artistry, and heartfelt hospitality to every dish she creates.

Restaurateur and chef Zharko Palushaj opened La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar in the heart of downtown Birmingham in 2015. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, La Strada offers a traditional Italian dining experience. The menu features classic favorites like fresh pasta; handmade sauces; aged cheeses; salumi; and a variety of seafood, meats, and poultry. Guests can also enjoy homemade desserts and authentic Italian gelato.

HHH

Indian

Italian

32621 Northwestern Highway, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 basilindianbistro.com

243 E. Merrill St., Birmingham, MI 48009 lastradaitaliankitchen.com

Best Bite Competition Sunday, August 16 ★ Eastern Market

Sapporo Hibachi Steakhouse

That Guy from Italy

Chef Aoki

Chef Giuseppe “Pino” Mesiano

From teppanyaki entertainment to Japanese fusion, Chef Aoki aims to win over a diverse audience with his many talents. Sapporo Livonia will be grilling samples of hibachi steak, chicken, and shrimp for all attendees of Hour Detroit’s GrillFest. It is the team’s commitment to quality that sets it apart from the rest and makes Sapporo a true diamond in the rough. Please join in celebrating life’s most important events at Sapporo.

HHH

Chef Pino and his team at That Guy from Italy bring an authentic taste of Italy to metro Detroit, handcrafting wood-fired pizza with imported Italian ingredients and centuries-old technique. This experiential catering company transforms private gatherings into unforgettable culinary moments, pairing artisan craftsmanship with Old World charm and warm Italian hospitality. The secret weapon: a custom-built Valoriani oven from Tuscany — you have to see it in person. One bite, and you’ll understand the obsession.

HHH

Japanese

Artisanal Italian

32030 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI 48150 sapporolivonia.com

2574 Airport Road, Waterford Township, MI 48329 thatguyfromitaly.com

Zingerman’s Roadhouse

Zo’s Good Burger

Chef Bob Bennett

Chef Moe Fadlallah

Located in Ann Arbor, Zingerman’s Roadhouse is dedicated to bringing really good American food to the community. Since 2003, the team has worked hard to create a truly unique food culture, transforming high-quality ingredients into traditional, full-flavored dishes. By studying American foodways, Chef Bob Bennett and his team create tried-and-true recipes that keep people coming back, including really good pit-smoked barbecue, buttermilk fried chicken, award-winning mac and cheese, and regional classics!

HHH

Zo’s Good Burger is a Michigan-born burger brand serving fresh, neverfrozen halal beef, hand-breaded chicken, and bold flavors made from scratch. Known for combining premium ingredients with approachable comfort food, Zo’s has built a loyal following through quality, creativity, and genuine hospitality. With multiple locations and continued expansion, Zo’s is redefining the modern burger experience, one great meal at a time.

HHH

American Barbecue

Burgers

2501 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 zingermansroadhouse.com

14311 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126 zosgoodburger.com

A FIELD GUIDE TO

Traverse City Fine Dining What a long weekend of morels, ramps, pea shoots, and blue-corn corn dogs reveals about the forces in the Cherry Capital reshaping northern Michigan’s food scene

By Serena Maria Daniels

T R AV

ERSE

C IT Y

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P H OTO

TKTK

UP UNTIL MAY, I’d only ever heard about morels from chefs who spoke about them with the kind of excitement once reserved for clandestine Detroit loft parties. Maybe they knew somebody who knew somebody. Maybe they foraged the morels themselves. Either way, the mushrooms remained oddly elusive to me for more than a decade of eating and reporting my way across metro Detroit. That changed at Trattoria Stella, the influential Traverse City restaurant housed within the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. As my server walked me through the menu, casually rattling off specials, she paused at one dish: “We’ve got a wonderful plate of morels tonight.” To her, it was another seasonal special. To me, it was a Michigan rite of passage: baby’s first morels. Minutes later, a plate arrived piled with morels sautéed in garlic butter and minced ramp tops, served alongside grilled house-made tigelle. Their honeycomblike caps trapped garlic butter in every crevice, and each bite delivered a concentrated burst of spring. Encountering morels for the first time felt like an introduction to northern Michigan itself. When I told the server I’d never tried them before, she responded with the knowing confidence of someone initiating a newcomer into a local obsession. Indeed, I was a newcomer. For years, I’d been hearing about a growing number of chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals who had traded the glamour and prestige of cities like Detroit, Chicago, and New York for restaurant life in northern Michigan. I’d visited Traverse City before but only in passing. Having grown up on the West Coast, I’d never quite understood the pull of “Up North” life that seems almost universal among Michiganders. But again and again, members of the restaurant industry described the same appeal: natural beauty, agricultural abundance, a tight-knit food community, and the rare opportunity to forge meaningful relationships with other chefs whose cooking is informed by what’s growing in or near their own backyards. ILLUSTRATIONS PHOTO TKTK (ALL PAGES) CREATED USING CHATGPT AND REFERENCE PHOTOGRAPHY

MOREL Morchella esculenta

RAMP Allium tricoccum

PEA SHOOTS Pisum sativum

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The Great Chef Migration Among the pioneers who helped shape the region’s modern dining identity is Amanda Danielson, co-owner and sommelier at Trattoria Stella. Danielson grew up in Detroit before moving to Traverse City in 1999. Five years later, she, executive chef Myles Anton, and Paul Danielson opened Trattoria Stella, known for sourcing ingredients from northern Michigan farms. Stella established a style of dining that celebrated local farms and seasonal ingredients long before “farm to table” became a ubiquitous marketing phrase. Between 2010 and 2015, Anton was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for best chef in the Great Lakes region five times, drawing national attention to a dining scene that was still flying under the radar. Danielson says momentum has been growing for years, and there’s now a “renaissance of Detroit people coming up and really recognizing Traverse City as a great place to settle down and create their business and work their magic.” Several years after Stella’s opening, chefs Eric Patterson and Jennifer Blakeslee moved to Traverse City from Las Vegas. Blakeslee,

AMANDA DANIELSON

Co-Owner/Sommelier, Trattoria Stella

JENNIFER BLAKESLEE & ERIC PATTERSON

Chef-Owners, The Cooks' House

MYLES ANTON

Chef, Trattoria Stella

who grew up in

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northern Michigan, suggested returning home when she and Patterson began to discuss opening their own restaurant. The area’s farms, wineries, and access to fresh, local ingredients appealed to the pair, as did the chance to help define a dining scene still finding its footing. In 2008, they built The Cooks’ House, transforming their vision into an intimate tasting-menu experience served inside a converted home. The restaurant became one of northern Michigan’s defining dining destinations, hosting visiting chefs from all over the country. Last year, the chef duo earned a James Beard Award nomination for best chef in the Great Lakes region, a nod to their role in shaping the region’s culinary identity. Together, restaurants like Stella and The Cooks’ House helped lay the groundwork for a new generation of chefs who increasingly see northern Michigan not as a retreat from the food world but as a place to build a different one. Longtime Detroit chefs Sarah Welch and Cameron Rolka are among the latest to bring their talents to Traverse City, contributing to the region’s newest culinary chapter with the opening of Umbo in mid-May, just ahead of the unofficial start of summer. Previously, Welch spent years making

SARAH WELCH & CA

Chef-Owners, Umbo

A Visit to Umbo

Marrow into a fixture of Detroit dining. Rolka, meanwhile, made a name for himself with Mink, the intimate Corktown oyster bar launched in 2019. Umbo’s menu leans heavily toward seafood, with oysters, tinned fish, and Great Lakesinspired dishes sharing space with ingredients sourced from nearby farms. The beverage program is equally ambitious: an all-Michigan wine list assembled by the couple and opening general manager Jessie Nigl, a Detroit hospitality veteran whose résumé includes Midtown’s award-winning Vecino.

To catch a glimpse of the couple’s plans for Umbo, I made the trip over on Mother’s Day weekend. The team was co-hosting a ramp festival with The Foxglove Farm, a wedding venue about a 30-minute drive north of downtown Traverse City. The Foxglove Farm sits on the eastern side of the Leelanau Peninsula between Suttons Bay and Northport, where rolling farmland meets the turquoise waters of Grand Traverse Bay. By the time we arrived, everyone had gotten to work unpacking supplies and ingredients. I ducked away for a bit to explore more of Foxglove’s sprawling, 140-acre property. The morning was overcast and cool, the kind of day in Michigan that never quite commits to warming up. At the bottom of a hill stood the farm’s immaculately restored century-old barn and event spaces, tucked into a wooded clearing. From there, I followed a winding path bordered by fields of winter rye and

MERON ROLKA

cherry orchards on one side and the distant blue expanse of the Grand Traverse Bay on the other. When I emerged from my walk, guests were lined up, and the Umbo crew had assembled a functioning outdoor kitchen line. “We’re used to the catering clown show,” Welch joked as she moved between trays and bubbling stock pots. That clown show involved months of pop-ups, collaborations, and catering events that helped Welch and Rolka introduce themselves to northern Michigan before opening Umbo. When I had run into Welch in Detroit a year earlier, she told me she wanted her hands on as many aspects of running a restaurant as possible. And there she was, serving freshly shucked oysters dressed with mignonette made from ramps picked a few yards away beside a historic Leelanau County barn. By midday, ramps had taken over the property. They surfaced in ranch dressing, AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

atop hot dogs, alongside oysters, and folded into butter and pesto. Guests wandered the grounds clutching ramp-laced snacks while small groups followed co-owner Glenn Barnes into the woods, returning with paper bags bulging with freshly foraged bundles. Not the kind of scene you’re likely to see in the big city. For Rolka, the advantages of proximity are especially evident when it comes to sourcing ingredients. At Umbo, chefs form direct relationships with producers operating at a scale that’s difficult to sustain in larger food cities like Detroit, where distance often places another layer between chefs and food growers. “It allows us to get that one-off thing from a small [vendor] who’s never going to sell more than 12 pigs a year," Rolka says. At one point, Nigl, who was busy taking orders inside the little hut, called out to me. “You should interview her,” she said, her eyes pointing to a red-haired woman standing nearby with her daughter. It was Danielson. The same Amanda Danielson whose restaurant I’d visited the evening before. I laughed.

Exploring Other Eateries

Less than 24 hours before my visit to Umbo, I had arrived alone with little more than a loose reporting plan and the feeling that if I simply showed up, the story might reveal itself.

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I arrived on a Friday, and after dropping my bags at the Delamar, a waterfront hotel perched along west Grand Traverse Bay, I headed out in search of lunch. I found myself at Raduno, a daytime Italian restaurant and market stocked with fresh pasta and imported goods. The chicken Alfredo was so rich and comforting that it nearly derailed the rest of my food reporting plans. It didn’t take long to realize how much of Traverse City’s dining scene fits within a surprisingly compact footprint. The Cooks’ House sits just off Front Street across from The Little Fleet, a rotating campus of food trucks. Umbo is a few doors down. A short stroll away, Water Bearer pours coffee and matcha inside the Warehouse MKT development, its interior awash in the same blue-green hues that make northern Michigan’s shoreline feel almost tropical. Nearby, Charles and Reid — where Faygo bottles and Motor City memorabilia cover the shelves — serves Detroit-style pizza squares convincing enough to win over even die-hard Detroiters. And Bubbie’s Bagels, where I custom-ordered a whitefish salad sandwich piled with ramp schmear and pea shoots, was worth the mile-long walk from my hotel. I made it a point to touch base with the Umbo crew as soon as I settled in. Inside, curved marble counters wrapped around an open kitchen, while wine bottles lined dark walnut shelves beneath a canopy of trailing plants. As we settled into conversation, the geography of Traverse City’s dining scene revealed itself as a man entered the restaurant to return a set of oyster forks he had borrowed from the couple for an event. I had no idea who he was until someone introduced him: It was Eric Patterson of The Cooks’ House. In Detroit, chefs collaborate. They know and support one another. But geography has a way of scattering even the closest communities. Restaurants are separated by miles, freeways, neighborhoods, class divides, and long-standing racial boundaries. But in Traverse City, one of the state’s most celebrated chefs could quite literally walk

DY ELLIOTT

EMILY STEWART & AN

Chef-owners, Modern Bird

down the street to borrow kitchen utensils from another pair of lauded chefs from downstate and return them a few days later — easy peasy. Farther west on Front Street is Modern Bird, helmed by chefs Andy Elliott and Emily Stewart. Before relocating to Traverse City, Elliott ran the kitchen at the now-closed Chicago seafood favorite GT Fish & Oyster, while Stewart served as chef and head baker at Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits. In 2018, they left the Windy City behind, seeking an opportunity to build something of their own. The couple spent three summers selling pastries at the Traverse City Farmers Market and hosting pop-ups around town. When they finally opened Modern Bird in 2022, they embraced what Elliott describes as “finecasual” dining: seasonal cooking rooted in northern Michigan ingredients but filtered through a lighthearted Midwestern lens.

A Fresh Take

One night during my visit, the fine-casual philosophy arrived in the form of the humble corn dog. What landed on the table bore little resemblance to the foot-long versions I’m more accustomed to seeing at, say, the carnie section of the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival. Crowned with microgreens, draped in creamy mustard, and punctuated with bits of apple, it felt both playful and deeply considered. Beneath its indigo batter made with southwest Michigan-grown blue corn was a breakfast sausage instead of a hot dog — a small but brilliant swap that transformed a familiar Midwestern comfort food into a creation entirely its own.

I was still thinking about it days later. Not because it was elaborate. Quite the opposite. Like the morels at Trattoria Stella, the ramps at Foxglove Farm, and the pea shoots that seemed to appear everywhere else, it reflected a recurring theme of the weekend: chefs crafting menus around local produce. When I arrived in Traverse City, I wanted to understand what was pulling so many chefs in the same direction. As I made myself comfortable on my return flight to DTW, the answer seemed surprisingly simple. I had stumbled into a tightly woven culinary ecosystem, where farmers, winemakers, chefs, and restaurateurs orbit the same few blocks and regularly cross paths in ways that feel almost impossible in larger cities. AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

BEST NEW BY SERENA MARIA DANIELS, WILL REAUME, AND JACK THOMAS

RESTAURANTS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACOB LEWKOW P H O T O A S S I S TA N T : N I C H O L A S J A M O R A

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Wilder’s BIRMINGHAM

From top, clockwise: house wedge salad, dry-aged bone-in ribeye with zip sauce, fried burrata, dirty martini, dover sole au meunière, roasted mushrooms. Inset: executive chef Brandon Goerlich.

TO SAY THAT WILDER’S is personal to owner Samy Eid would be an understatement. Opened in January 2025, the Birmingham steakhouse is named after Eid’s firstborn son, Wilder. While the name may add to Eid’s connection to the space, restaurants have always been a family affair for him. As the son of the late-great restaurateur Sameer Eid, Samy started working as a parking lot attendant at his father’s restaurant, Phoenicia, when he was just 11 years old. Eventually, he dove headfirst into the business and started Chickpea Hospitality Group in 2015 with the purchase of Forest Grill. Having been raised amid restaurant culture, his lifelong passion for hospitality shines brightly at Wilder’s. The 65-seat restaurant pays homage to the heyday of Midwest supper clubs with its woody interior, dark green color scheme, and cozy booths. Eid describes Wilder’s as “a big-city restaurant,” inspired by his travels to Thomas Keller’s Surf Club in Florida and 4 Charles Prime Rib in New York’s West Village. Wilder’s cocktail offerings are central to its cosmopolitan appeal. Martinis occupy a prominent space, with six options to choose from, including a classic gin freezer martini.

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Other classic cocktails include the boulevardier and Manhattan alongside dirty vodkas and boozy vespers. The diverse menu ranges from Dover sole served with brown butter to spaghetti chitarra and a well-stocked raw bar. Still, the prime steaks remain the driving force behind Wilder’s, specifically the large, dry-aged cuts. The menu is superb from top to bottom, yet the level of hospitality on display remains one of the restaurant’s most sterling qualities. The waitstaff, dressed in ties and sport coats, are knowledgeable and welcoming. Custom-made cocktail napkins, monogrammed with the Wilder’s elephant logo, await drinks at the table. It’s details like those that help Wilder’s stand out in an industry largely dominated by corporate chains. “There’s something to be said about the sole proprietor,” Eid says. “I feel like a lot of the time, this sector gets gobbled up by the ‘big boys,’ so it’s nice to give somebody something that’s a little more thoughtful.” Wilder’s charm lies in its ability to provide the same family restaurant-style service that diners have come to expect from the Eids while still offering guests an experience that could hold its own in a bustling metropolis. 458 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-771-0900; wildersbirmingham.com — By Will Reaume

or years, Rose’s Fine Food occupied a singular place in Detroit’s dining culture, helping to define the city’s modern brunch scene. But the restaurant’s newly reopened chapter seems less interested in revisiting the past than in allowing chef and owner Molly Mitchell to fully settle into her voice, using the flavors and traditions of the region’s Polish American diaspora as a foundation for seasonal Midwestern ingredients. Rose’s Fine Food closed in 2023. In the years that followed, Mitchell stepped away from the demands of daily restaurant service, working at the Downtown Boxing Gym and writing about diners on Substack. Still, she found herself returning to the empty property often. Eventually, the restaurant’s pull became impossible to ignore. “I just realized how much I love that space,” Mitchell said in a 2025 interview. She decided to reopen in late summer 2025, this time simply as Rose’s. She returned with a clearer sense of purpose, drawing on ideas she had previously explored through Poppies, an unrealized restaurant concept she had hoped to launch before the pandemic. While the bones of Rose’s remain familiar, the dining room now exudes a distinctive, homey personality, like a well-loved Detroit flat layered with old woodwork, mismatched

Left: chef-owner Molly Mitchell. Top: brined cucumbers. Bottom: surówka z buraczków (salad with carrots, beets, pear, and honey thyme vinaigrette).

vintage furniture, untamed floral arrangements softening every corner of the room, and candles melting down into strange wax formations across an open counter. The menu changes frequently based on what’s available from local farms and producers, giving each visit a sense of spontaneity. A dill-layered pickle plate sets the tone, showcasing the bright, vibrant flavors that run throughout the meal. Mitchell isn’t married to old-school constructs of what Polish food “should” look like. Instead, she often improvises. Navy beans arrive swimming in a garlic- and thyme-scented bath of olive oil. A cucumber salad packed with fresh herbs, fennel, and crème fraîche that could fit in seamlessly at a family gathering in Hamtramck. A burger, served on thickcut sourdough with melted cheese and pickled onions, is at home among the more overt references to Polish cooking. Even cocktails, like a tomato horseradish martini with enough heat to clear the sinuses, echo the kitchen’s affection for preservation, acidity, and seasonal flavors. For Rose’s second act, Mitchell honors the traditions that shaped her as a cook, but she approaches them with curiosity rather than reverence. What emerges is a restaurant that feels both rooted in Detroit and unmistakably personal, offering a compelling vision of what a beloved neighborhood institution can become when it grows up. 10551 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-3320404; rosesdetroit.com —Serena Maria Daniels

ROSE’S DETROIT

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FRANKLI N Oyster Bar and Eatery

The

Left: rhubarb brown butter tart. Other dishes, clockwise from top: lobster rolls, cheeseburger, seafood platter, Pemaquid mussels, dill Caesar salad, clams linguine. Below: Executive chef Nick Geftos.

OAKLAND COUNTY’S suburbs may be a far

cry from the “quaint little villages here and there” along the Atlantic, but Franklin’s main drag is pretty charming as far as local villages go. That’s where retired Rocket Companies CEO-turned-restaurateur Jay Farner and his partners at Ronin Capital Partners saw potential in an 1848 carriage house, most recently occupied by The Franklin Grill. The restaurant’s transformation into The Franklin Oyster Bar and Eatery, an East Coast-style oyster bar, was inspired in part by Franklin’s 19th-century settlers from New England, who feasted on oysters shipped in by train and steamboat. The update also channels Charleston, South Carolina (where Farner owns a vacation home), and its many charming restaurants near the ocean that occupy converted old houses. Co-owner Nicole Vallianatos oversaw the interior design, which subtly transports diners with its stormy blues, dark wood furniture, and a mix of wallpapers, paintings, and historic photos that evoke maritime life. Executive chef Nick Geftos (previously of Birmingham’s Tallulah and Detroit’s BESA) assembled an impressive team for which he has no shortage of praise, including pastry

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FRANKLIN

chef Tanya Bowers, general manager Robert Cook, assistant general manager Taylor Cramer, and chef de cuisine David Coon. The raw bar offers a rotating selection of eight different oysters. Just as terroir influences the taste of wine, each oyster species has its own merroir, unique marine aquatic conditions that affect its flavor profile. “We don’t discriminate; we love all the oysters,” Geftos says. At The Franklin, selections represent the East and West coasts, and more niche varieties come from places

like the pristine waters of New Zealand. While there’s room for diners to branch out, there are also plenty of familiar comforts. In fact, the two most popular orders are the cheeseburger and fish and chips. But The Franklin even elevates traditional bar night go-tos. The cheeseburger features a bun baked from scratch in-house, a patty made of ground Wagyu from West Michigan’s Stonefall Farm, and a melty topping of horseradish cheddar and grilled onions. The fish and chips started as a special before popular demand drove it to menu status. Instead of cod, The Franklin serves Icelandic haddock with Savoy cabbage coleslaw and ultra-crispy twice-fried potatoes. Geftos’s philosophy is simple: “I don’t need something nobody’s ever heard of or seen before. I just need something that tastes incredible.” 32760 Franklin Road, Franklin; 248-7714747; thefranklinmi.com — By Jack Thomas

oday, Little Liberia is a bustling restaurant on the corner of East Warren and Kensington Avenue in Detroit. But Michigan’s first Liberian restaurant began as a source of much-needed extra cash when chef Ameneh Marhaba started it as a pop-up in 2016. As the breadwinner for her eight younger siblings, she worked seven days a week while taking college classes. At various bars and restaurants, Marhaba — who was born in Liberia and raised between there and Lebanon — introduced Detroiters to the staples she grew up eating: cassava leaves simmered in palm oil; dry rice cooked in a sauce with fragrant onions, peppers, and spices. In 2022 — the same year she earned her bachelor’s in criminal justice — she competed in various challenges against more than 100 contestants in the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest. That July, she was crowned the winner, earning a $100,000 grand prize and a package of pro bono support and counsel. “I was fighting to bring Little Liberia to the city because I wanted to share my culture, and I wanted to share something new and different with the city,” Marhaba says. Little Liberia’s menu pays tribute to West Africa’s most beloved dishes, like the rich, deeply flavorful groundnut stew. One of the most popular orders is also one of the most decadent. The roasted goat shank is rubbed with a blend of 12 different spices that caramelize atop a bed of onions.

The goat cooks low and slow in a simmering broth for six hours until it’s fall-off-thebone tender. The final cut is served with the diner’s choice of dry or jollof rice and sweet plantains. Marhaba aims to bring the authentic flavors to a broader audience with plenty of vegan options and a menu that is more than 90% gluten free. When we speak on the phone in June, Marhaba is recovering from surgery after an unexpected health emergency put her out of work — less than a month after the grand opening celebration. Her team has been manning the kitchen in her absence, and she plans to return in July. “I had to remind myself so many times … you could be the first person to do something,” she says. “I'm grateful for the people who kept pushing me throughout this … and just believed in me enough for me to say I know I cannot give up on this.” 16530 E. Warren Ave., Unit A, Detroit; 313-348-1561; littleliberia.com — By Jack Thomas

Lit le Liberia DETROIT

Clockwise from top: Liberian Girl cocktail, roasted garlic shrimp, Bassa Blue cocktail, fried fish with jollof rice, plantains, and roasted vegetables. Inset: Chef-owner Ameneh Marhaba. AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

BEST NEW BARS

A look at some of the best new entries onto Detroit’s already stellar bar scene By Mickey Lyons

Bar Chenin

 The “little wine bar that could” has made an outsize impact on the drinks scene, not just in Detroit but nationally as the sole Michigan finalist for the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. Chenin is cozy, intimate, frequently raucous, and anything but stuffy. The wine list looks effortless, but just like the space, it’s skillfully designed to pack a heck of a punch.

Roar Brewing Company

A true community hub, Roar Brewing is veteran owned and the city’s first Blackowned brewery. The Selden Street establishment celebrates neighborhood block parties, festivals, and all things Detroit, especially our sports teams. And while the beer is undeniably great (the amber lager and raspberry wheat are summer staples), it’s the brewery’s casual, approachable vibe that makes it a perfect stop for craft beer newbies and regulars alike.

Father Forgive Me

 Detroit’s Little Village is a bucolic oasis in the midst of the city. Inside the Shepherd, a magnificent former church complex, Father Forgive Me offers an art-forward cocktail experience like no other around. A light bites menu balances out the inventive and impeccably crafted drinks. The small-producer wine list is evidence of the bar team’s overall intentionality.

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Dirty Shake 

With nearly two summers under its belt, Midtown’s Dirty Shake scoffs at the idea of a sophomore slump. Casual, energetic, and just plain fun, Dirty Shake is the perfect spot for summertime. The decor gives strong “your cool cousin’s garage” vibes, and the drinks — like the frozen Pineapple Dole Whip cocktail — are equally cheeky. The expansive deck makes for prime Cass Corridor people-watching.

Cannons

The softest of months-long openings led up to an official grand opening in June for Cannons Bar on the Detroit-Grosse Pointe border. Owner Zak Pashak’s devotion to soccer, Detroit music, and the perfect pint of Guinness gives Cannons a lived-in feel. Supporter scarves for soccer teams around the globe jostle for space with warm wood antiques, making Cannons the kind of neighborhood bar every neighborhood wishes it had.

Saksey’s 

Tongue firmly tucked in cheek, the decor and drinks at Saksey’s scream “grandpa’s basement.” That’s 100% intentional. A love letter from Dan Gilbert to the Detroit of the 1970s, this underground spot is packed with wood on wood on velour on wood. Saksey’s serves some of the best drinks I’ve had in the city: The mini martini trio offers just enough to wet your whistle for more to come, like the Gilded Wallbanger or Dirty Snow Cone.

Pine Hall 

It’s hard to imagine improving the classic Negroni, but the team behind acclaimed restaurateur Danny Meyer’s Pine Hall has done it in spades. The Desert Island Negroni layers in tropical flavors with coconut and orange oils. The rest of the drink menu can best be described as Michigan in a glass, including the Heat Wave and Cool Front — riffs on margaritas made with Detroit ingredients — and a cherry-spiked whiskey sour. And the views from the top of Hudson’s Detroit? Some of the best Detroiters have ever seen. BAR CHENIN COURTESY OF BAR CHENIN, DIRTY SHAKE MARK KURLYANDCHIK/BOOTH ONE CREATIVE, SAKSEYS EE BERGER, PINE HALL CHRISTINA STOEVER, FATHER FORGIVE ME NICK HAGEN

MICHIGANDERS have had a soft spot for

Sunda New Asian since its flagship location opened in Chicago nearly two decades ago. “A lot of people in Detroit became our best customers and friends,” says owner Billy Dec. After years of hearing requests for a local outpost, he finally brought the concept to District Detroit in March. Dec wears many hats — television personality, actor, entrepreneur — but Sunda is rooted in a more personal story. As a Filipino American raised in Chicago, Dec spent years traveling between the U.S. and the Philippines, developing a deeper appreciation for the cultures and culinary traditions that shaped his family. Those experiences continue to inform Sunda’s broader approach, which draws inspiration from Japan, China, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia rather than any single national cuisine.

Clockwise from top: chicken inasal, ube espresso martini, miso bronzed black cod, Sunda Sundae.

Sunda NewAsian DETROIT

The 6,000-square-foot dining room reflects the same spirit of cultural exchange. Each Sunda location (including those in Nashville and Tampa) takes on a different personality. The Detroit restaurant leans into Japanese design influences. Shelving lined with bottles of sake stretches toward the ceiling, powder pink cherry blossoms glow above the bar, and Japanese-inspired landscape prints hang against botanical-patterned walls. Above the sushi station, a shimmering canopy composed of thousands of Capiz shells sourced from the Philippines catches the light pouring in through retractable floor-to-ceiling windows. Culinary director Mike Morales, a Pampanga-born chef who has been with Sunda since its earliest days in Chicago, brings Dec’s vision to life in the kitchen alongside Tokyo native and head sushi chef Ise Matsunobu. Filipino heritage appears most clearly in Sunda’s version of a Kamayan feast, a dining tradition in which banana leaves cover tables packed with rice, meats, seafood, vegetables, and sauces intended to be shared communally

and eaten by hand. Sunda miniaturizes the experience into a feast for four. The spread arrives loaded with adobo pork belly, crispy pata, chicken inasal, garlic shrimp, lumpia, jasmine rice, and an assortment of sauces. The rest of the menu moves comfortably between regions. The restaurant’s signature oxtail pot stickers transform a familiar dumpling into a considerably richer and more indulgent bite, their slow-braised filling and caramelized onion jus lending the dish the depth of a long-simmered stew. Crispy rice topped with Wagyu balances richness and crunch, with the crackling rice providing a nice counterpoint to buttery beef and lingering chile heat. Like Dec himself, Sunda resists simple categorization. The result is a restaurant that treats Southeast Asian cuisine not as a collection of borders but as a network of overlapping histories, influences, and traditions. 33 W. Columbia St., Detroit; 313-462-4847; sundanewasian.com/detroit — By Serena Maria Daniels AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

Medusa

DETROIT

n June, Anthony Lombardo treated himself to a new set of wheels. No, not a sports car, but an electric scooter that’s ideal for zipping back and forth between his two restaurants: the highly acclaimed SheWolf, which opened in 2018, and his second restaurant, Medusa, which opened in January. Both located on Selden Street, the restaurants sit about a football field and a half apart. The two-time James Beard semifinalist brought along several longtime team members from SheWolf to Medusa: executive chef Scott Overall, sommelier Javen Servo, and beverage director Brandon Page. While SheWolf serves a forward-looking approach to Roman cuisine, Medusa is a contemporary Sicilian restaurant. “With Medusa, you should be able to pick it up, drop it in the middle of Palermo or Catania, and it’s a successful restaurant in Sicily, not just in Detroit,” says Lombardo, whose father’s side of the family hails from Trapani on the island’s west side. Refreshing spritzes pay homage to Sicily’s beach culture, as does the vibrant interior by Patrick Thompson Design. Popular on the streets of Palermo, panelle are warm fritters made from chickpea flour. Medusa prepares panelle with olive oil aioli, Sicilian curry, and Michigan honey blended with Southern Italian Calabrian chilies. It’s a delicious and contemporary take on a centuries-old dish.

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In 1861, the newly formed Kingdom of Italy annexed Sicily, but the island’s cultural roots extend much deeper. Sicily existed under Greek, Roman, Arabic, and Norman rule in various periods, and as Medusa’s menu notes, “all left their culinary legacy.” Pastas — like the rich yet rustic anellini con broccoli — share the menu with Sicilian couscous, an ultra-fine and fluffy delicacy that first made its way to Trapani from Africa under Arab rule. Made in house, the couscous mingles with flavors of the sea in the Trapanese couscous di pesce, soaking in a savory bath of lobster broth with shrimp, scallops, and mussels. An analogy may be drawn between Lombardo’s scooter zipping down Selden Street and a vespa navigating the streets of Trapani, but in actuality, the scooter represents the man’s dedication to his craft and his insatiable desire to reinvest in it. 644 Selden St., Detroit; 313-798-3498; medusa-detroit.com — By Jack Thomas

Top left: chef-proprietor Anthony Lombardo and executive chef Scott Overall. Top right: Pesce spada (swordfish). Bottom, clockwise from top right: sfincione, mussels bianco, branzino, pesce spada, insalata di mare, spiedini (lamb belly skewers).

BAR GABI

H A Z E L PA R K

GABRIEL AND GABRIELA Botezan knew that opening their first restaurant was a big deal — but they didn’t expect it to be international news. Last October, Libertatea, one of Romania’s top dailies, ran a story about Bar Gabi’s opening in Hazel Park. It spoke of “a small town in the state of Michigan” where “two Romanians have managed to take our traditional cuisine beyond borders and transform it into a modern and refined experience.” The article was a pleasant surprise for the husband-and-wife team, who previously worked together at two metro Detroit Italian mainstays: Adelina and Bacco. Nothing about Bar Gabi is arbitrary; it reflects the couple’s propensity for the finest of details. Gabriel describes a distinct noise that pasta makes when it’s perfectly cooked; Gabriela’s focaccia dough also makes a particular sound when it reaches ideal elasticity.

“We [prepare food by] working with our hands and using our senses,” Gabriela says. Gabriel spent a long time sourcing the perfect pork, a staple of Romanian cuisine. “The pork in Romania is sweeter, and it’s not as big as it is here,” he says. “The flavor is totally different.” Fortunately, he found a Berkshire hybrid from a farm in Iowa that met his standards. Bar Gabi’s summer menu features two incredible pork dishes. The first, ceafa de porc (pork neck), features a delectable steak cut seared to perfection and served with crisp cabbage slaw, mini yukon gold potatoes, and garlic sauce. Then there’s the costite de porc (pork loin) — smoked, slow-braised baby back ribs coated in barbecue sauce — that takes a week to prepare. The couple’s propensity for details extends into other areas. For example, their professionally curated playlist of Romanian music aligns with the restaurant’s moody atmosphere. They

also appointed beverage director Kenneth Laatz to lead the bar. Like Gabriel and Gabriela, Laatz is an auteur of his craft; even the two-ingredient gin and tonic features tonic made in-house. Being so meticulous, Gabriel admits that his biggest challenge was stepping out of the kitchen: “I had to learn how to trust other people to cook my food.” The Botezans feel fortunate to have maintained the same team that helped them open in October, and they’re grateful to the community for embracing their unique brand of modernized Romanian staples and Italian fare. 23839 John R Road, Hazel Park; 248-6294160; bargabi.com — By Jack Thomas Dishes, clockwise from top center: ceafa de pork, Gabriela’s focaccia, mititei, saramura de peste (sea bass), rigatoni, “Vaca Moo” steak, salata de vara, hand-cut fries. Inset, from left: chef-owners Gabriela and Gabriel Botezan.

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OSTREA

DETROIT

FOR DECADES, the London Chop House stood uncontested as the zenith of fine dining in Detroit. But much like the rest of downtown, it fell on hard times and closed in 1991. That was until 2012, when the Gatzaros family, owners of the Murphy-Telegraph Building, reopened the famed restaurant with RJ Scherer as executive chef. When Ostrea opened in January 2025, it served as a fresh start, free from the weight of nostalgia. Scherer saw the space as a juxtaposition to the London Chop House and approached the Gatzaros family with a question: “If we do steaks and red wine downstairs, what if we did champagne and oysters upstairs?” While the restaurant, named for the Latin translation of “oysters,” presents a separate concept from its legendary downstairs neighbor, the level of service and quality remains consistent. “I didn’t want [Ostrea] to be perceived as a step down or a relaxed version of anything

From top: oysters with cucumber and Chardonnay mignonette, Hawaiian ahi tuna, Spanish octopus. Right: lobster poached with flavorful aromatics like thyme, onion, celery, bay leaves, lemon, and cherry tomatoes.

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Dishes from top, clockwise: caviar with blini and crème fraîche, ahi tuna, Chilean sea bass, oysters, crispy broccolini, Spanish octopus. Inset: executive chef RJ Scherer.

London Chop House does,” Scherer says, adding that the restaurant has “its own standards and has that same kind of feel and hospitality.” Ostrea’s menu is decidedly seafoodforward, with a special emphasis on oysters. The selection changes daily, but diners can generally expect to choose from three varieties ranging in salinity, minerality, and size, which Scherer recommends mixing and matching.

BESTNEW CASUAL EATERIES Cafés and counter-service spots that excel By Serena Maria Daniels and Jack Thomas

Amelia Street Pizza Co. 

Don’t be fooled, though — Ostrea still manages to boast a diverse array of landbased fare. Two prime steaks, one of which is dry aged, are available alongside two cuts of Waygu beef from Rosewood Ranches in Texas. The well-rounded, versatile menu makes Ostrea an ideal option for business dinners, special occasion outings, and afterwork drinks — Ostrea’s bar offers one of the city’s most robust happy hours. Just over a year after its opening, Ostrea gives the impression that it has always been part of the city. From the 9-foot-tall mermaid perched out front to the wellexecuted steps of service, everything about the space feels timeless. And while it may be tough for lesser restaurants to step out of the shadow of an icon like the London Chop House, Ostrea does so with ease. In many ways, Ostrea represents Detroit today: contemporary and polished, but behind the revitalized façade, the essence of the city’s past is at the forefront. 536 Shelby St., Detroit; 313-403-2111; ostreadetroit.com — By Will Reaume

Just when it seemed that pizza had peaked in metro Detroit, a new player entered the scene. Chef Matt Arb makes ultra-crispy, New York-style thin crusts with 72-hour cold sourdough ferment, using a biga with both commercial and wild yeast. A signature “halfmoon” pecorino shave on top adds to the pizza’s flavor and looks. The menu is simple: one cheese pizza, one pepperoni, one rotating special, cheese bread, quarter-pound chocolate chip cookies, and soft drinks. Backed by Mabel Gray’s James Rigato, the new pizzeria occupies a one-ofa-kind space in the local pie world. 951 E. 9 Mile Road, Hazel Park; @ameliastpizzaco on Instagram —Jack Thomas

Cafe Origins

James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Young has bounced around quite a bit since leaving Zingerman’s Roadhouse in 2017, but he seems to have found his speed after quietly opening Cafe Origins in downtown Birmingham in early 2025. The beautifully calligraphed chalkboard menu feels like a throwback to the simpler days of cafés. Over morning coffee or tea, enjoy a house-baked sweet, savory hand pie, or delectable omelet. Lunch and dinner center on soups, fresh salads, and sandwiches on lightly buttered baguettes. 163 W. Maple Road, Birmingham; originsbirmingham.com —JT

Fred’s

From Fred Lelcaj, who co-owns Pocket Change upstairs with his brother Kris, Fred’s brings a polished all-day café to Eastern Market. Conveniently situated for visitors to grab a coffee before browsing the market or sit down for a leisurely lunch afterward, the bright, welcoming space shines with dishes like the tuna melt or barbacoa sandwich, both served on crusty Zingerman’s sourdough. Fred’s offers the kind of thoughtful, unfussy food that makes it easy to become a regular. 1454 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; fredsdetroit.com —Serena Maria Daniels

Tall Trees Cafe

Detroit-area hospitality veteran Mike Finsilver turns sandwiches into an art form at Tall Trees Cafe, a tiny Ferndale shop next to Secret Bakery. Try the spicy mortadella layered with bomba calabrese and preserved lemon buttermilk-dressed lettuce. Or go for a rotating special, like a Philadelphia roast pork sandwich stacked with roasted pork shoulder, braised rapini, aged provolone, and Calabrian chiles, all stuffed into a sesame semolina hoagie. Seasonal soups and local ingredients round out one of metro Detroit’s most exciting new lunch spots. 817 Livernois, Ferndale; talltreesferndale.com —SMD

PIZZA MARK KURLYANDCHIK/BOOTH ONE CREATIVE

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or chef Eddie Vargas, Tacos Wuey serves as a platform for exploration. Inside the cozy Vernor Highway restaurant — opened in summer 2025 — his cooking draws connections between regional Mexican traditions, family influences, and the flavors that shaped him growing up. “A lot of the stuff that I make is inspired from when I used to live down [in Los Angeles] as a kid,” Vargas says, recalling trips to taquerias with his father and elotes from neighborhood street vendors. Now, he owns one of Detroit’s most exciting new restaurants, where experimentation never comes at the expense of the memories that inspired it. Vargas, whose family traces its roots to Jalisco, incorporates guajillo-braised beef into griddled tacos sealed with molten cheese, platters served with consommé, crispy egg rolls, and even bowls of ramen. Servers greet guests with a basket of chicharrones de harina — airy fried wheat pinwheels — and a mild salsa. The appetizer offers a playful alternative to the standard basket of tortilla chips while signaling Vargas’s interest in elevating the everyday foods many Mexican diners grew up eating. The same spirit influences the tacos. Alongside the restaurant’s signature birria, diners may encounter crispy Baja-style shrimp tacos layered with crunchy cabbage, pico de gallo, and mayo; tacos al pastor that sub out pork off the trompo for meaty hunks of smoky cauliflower brightened with slivers of pineapple; or the Otro Nivel, a play-

ful take on a chophouse surf and turf platter, with shaved sirloin, shrimp, Detroit-style zip sauce, and huitlacoche. The menu may wander freely, but it never feels directionless. Vargas’s house-made salsa macha, threaded throughout the menu, functions like a signature ingredient, adding smoky depth and chile heat to everything from tacos to wings. A rotating trio of table salsas may include a creamy avocado salsa one day and a hibiscus- or leek-laced creation the next. Varying in heat and flavor, they encourage diners to experiment, mixing and matching combinations. Even as the restaurant has become one of southwest Detroit’s busiest new arrivals, it still carries the energy of an ongoing project, with Vargas constantly refining dishes and introducing new ideas. Tacos Wuey feels confident without becoming rigid, leaving room for both tradition and surprise. 3970 Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-406-4767; @tacoswueydetroit on Instagram — By Serena Maria Daniels

TacosWuey DETROIT

From top, clockwise: gobernador taco, cazuela de mariscos, molcajete taquero, chef-owner Eddie Vargas.

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ECHELON Kitchen and Bar ANN ARBOR

From left: Carrot cocktail, grilled octopus, executive chef Joseph VanWagner, kanpachi crudo.

WHEN NEXT Hospitality founder Doug Zeif

first pitched the idea of opening Echelon Kitchen and Bar, chef Joseph VanWagner hesitated. Newly sober, VanWagner planned to leave Ann Arbor and continue cooking elsewhere. But a few conversations later, Zeif won him over with a vision for a restaurant that paid homage to Michigan’s local agriculture. “There was a missed opportunity in Michigan with all of the amazing food that’s produced here,” VanWagner says. “To find a group that was personally invested in that made this a no-brainer.” After a brief stint as a food truck, Echelon Kitchen and Bar opened as a brick-and-mortar restaurant in February 2025. Now a managing partner as well as executive chef, VanWagner and his team have already attracted national attention, earning a 2026 James Beard semifinalist nod for best new restaurant and a Wine Spectator 2026 Award of Excellence. At Echelon, local produce takes center stage. The restaurant works closely with nearby purveyors like Argus Farm Stop in

Ann Arbor, which sources produce exclusively from Michigan farms. Wood-fired cooking plays a key role in Echelon’s approach, as does VanWagner’s childhood along Lake Michigan’s coast in South Haven, where he developed a strong connection to the land. For VanWagner, it was crucial to include an à la carte menu to ensure the food he feels so connected to was "accessible to as many people as possible," VanWagner says. "We're a neighborhood restaurant, so having a fun and exciting à la carte menu rooted in Michigan was really important to us." While Echelon’s ingredients are local, its elevated presentation is imported from VanWagner’s experience cooking in some of the county’s best restaurants, such as Chicago’s Alinea and Blackbird and New York’s Daniel. VanWagner’s star-studded pedigree comes through most clearly in the tasting menus. Echelon offers multiple: a seven-course option in the dining room (with a five-course menu available on Wednesdays and Thursdays) and a nine-course chef’s

counter experience. Pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan versions are also available. Each menu begins with a canapé, a first bite — like the cheese- and crème fraîche-filled pie tee featured on a recent summer menu — that welcomes diners into the space and sets the tone for the meal to come. It’s a small touch, but one that helps separate good restaurants from Michelin-star ones. That seems to be the overarching theme of Echelon: lots of small details executed well. Echelon shows that inspired cooking exists here in Michigan. Just look around — the ingredients are right in your backyard. 200 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-469-3799; echelonkitchenandbar.com — By Will Reaume AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

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2026

FIND THE FACES OF: Advanced Aesthetics ...................................................... 55 Aesthetic Surgery ............................................................ 56 An Exquisite Caterer with Farm-to-Home Flavors .......57 Award-Winning Assisted Living ..................................... 58 Award-Winning Landscape Architecture ..................... 59 Beautiful Landscaping ....................................................60 Breakfast Destinations Across Michigan......................61 Bringing Brands to Life ................................................... 62 Cannabis............................................................................ 63 Chef Source’s 27-Year Journey ......................................64 Coffee................................................................................. 65 Comfort and Care ............................................................ 66 Compassionate Dentistry .............................................. 67 Curated Event Catering...................................................68 Dermatology ..................................................................... 69 Detroit’s Best Smiles ....................................................... 70 Excellence in Facial and Aesthetic Surgery .................. 71 Eyelid Surgery................................................................... 72 Family and Hospitality..................................................... 73 Fine Jewelry .......................................................................74 Generational Wealth Tax Planning .................................75 Healthy Legs ..................................................................... 76 Hope ....................................................................................77 Inspired Interiors and Artisanal Honey ........................ 78 Lingerie .............................................................................. 79 KeyBank Commercial Banking Michigan.....................80 Loving Your Smile ............................................................ 82 Michigan Luxury Real Estate ......................................... 83 Middle Eastern Pastry .....................................................84 Modern Mortgage Lending ............................................ 85 Michigan’s #1 Realtor ...................................................... 86 Nonprofit Fundraising ..................................................... 87 Northern Michigan Real Estate ..................................... 88 Ophthalmic and Facial Plastic Surgery ........................ 89 Private Wealth Management..........................................90 Real Estate Excellence .....................................................91 Restoration ....................................................................... 92 Redefining Luxury ............................................................ 93 Senior Living ..................................................................... 94 The Sensory Dining Experience .................................... 95 Trust and Estate Planning .............................................. 96 54

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ADVANCED AESTHETICS DR. SHELBY ZARE — ZARE COSMETIC SURGERY 1 20 E. UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE B, ROCHESTER, MI 48307 | ZARECOSMETICSURGERY.COM Founded in 2024, Zare Cosmetic Surgery, led by Dr. Shelby Zare, has earned a reputation as a leader in personalized care, technical expertise, and aesthetic artistry. Dr. Zare specializes in body contouring procedures, including drainless tummy tucks as well as breast augmentations and revisions. The practice also offers an extensive range of advanced nonsurgical treatments, from injectables and chemical peels to microneedling and laser skin resurfacing. Offering comprehensive services for men and women, Zare Cosmetic Surgery is expanding to meet customer demand and

enhance its holistic approach to patient care. In 2027, the cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medical spa, based in Rochester, will open a second location in Grosse Pointe, enabling the team to perform surgeries on-site and broaden access to its services. In addition to Dr. Ehssan Zare, the practice’s medical director, the team includes two registered nurses, a licensed esthetician, and a practice manager. Joining the team in fall 2026, a nurse practitioner will round out the services offered, leading and expanding the practice’s functional wellness program. 55

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AESTHETIC SURGERY DR. MUNE GOWDA 26850 PROVIDENCE PARKWAY, SUITE 125, NOVI, MI 48374 | 3270 WEST BIG BEAVER, SUITE 415, TROY, MI 48084 | GOWDAMD.COM Dr. Mune Gowda, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon recognized for delivering refined, natural-looking results rooted in artistry and precision. A leader in deep-plane facelift technique, he restores youthful structure by lifting the face’s deeper layers, producing results that move and age naturally. Increasingly, patients are turning to a neck lift as a transformative procedure in its own right. “A good neck lift is the new facelift,” Dr. Gowda says, noting how powerfully rejuvenating a refined neckline can be. He’s equally regarded for preservation rhinoplasty,

using piezoelectric instrumentation to reshape the nose with greater precision, less trauma, and faster recovery. Dr. Gowda offers a full spectrum of surgical care, including body contouring, breast augmentation, and eyelid surgery, alongside nonsurgical options such as laser resurfacing, dermal fillers, and Botox. With offices in Novi and Troy, he finds that patients return again and again for his meticulous hand, individualized approach, and ability to bring out their best, most natural self.

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AN EXQUISITE CATERER WITH FARM-TO-HOME FLAVORS MI CORPORATE CAFES 39533 WOODWARD AVE., SUITE 110, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304 | 248-647-4140 | MICORPORATECAFES.COM Founded by Sam Alhumaidan, an internationally trained chef with more than 24 years of culinary expertise, MI Corporate Cafes has become a premier catering and hospitality company serving events of up to 2,000 guests. Since joining as general manager in 2020, Kathy Reinhold has played a key role in the company’s

growth through networking, community engagement, creative catering initiatives, film industry partnerships, wedding services, and special-event planning, helping expand the company’s reach and generate new business opportunities throughout the community.

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AWARD-WINNING ASSISTED LIVING ANTHONY AND SHEANA WALDBURG — HEAVENLY COMFORT AFC 19103 WOODMONT ST., HARPER WOODS, MI 48225 | 313-307-0002 | HEAVENLYCOMFORTAFC.COM Anthony and Sheana Waldburg are the founders and entrepreneurial forces behind Heavenly Comfort AFC, a collection of intimate, home-like adult foster care residences serving the Detroit metropolitan area, with five locations across Harper Woods, Detroit, and Southfield. Since 2012, Anthony and his wife, Sheana, have remained deeply involved in daily operations, providing high-quality housing and mental health services for adults who require supervision, personal care, or physical and emotional support. Their mission is simple yet profound: deliver dignified, compassionate care in an environment that truly feels like home. 58

Under Anthony’s leadership, Heavenly Comfort AFC emphasizes smaller homes, one-on-one attention, and a person-centered approach that encourages residents to take pride in themselves and their surroundings. Named Hour Detroit’s Best of Senior Care award winner for assisted living, Heavenly Comfort reflects the Waldburgs’ commitment to ongoing staff training, proactive behavioral support, and a culture of respect that is helping reshape what quality care looks like for some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.

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AWARD-WINNING LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DUL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 74 W. LONG LAKE ROAD, SUITE 104, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304 | 248-644-3410 | DULDESIGN.COM For more than 40 years, Dul Landscape Architecture has created exceptional residential and commercial outdoor environments that blend timeless design with purposeful functionality. Guided by a philosophy that every landscape should reflect the architecture, the site, and the people who experience it, the firm begins each project by listening carefully to understand each client’s vision and goals. The team’s thoughtful planning, creative problem-solving, and expertise in site engineering, materials, and emerging technologies result in seamless outdoor spaces that are

both beautiful and enduring. Following founder Michael J. Dul’s retirement, Partners Patrick Funke and Tim Shoemaker now lead the award-winning firm, building upon its legacy while continuing its commitment to innovative design and exceptional client service. In 2026, Dul Landscape Architecture’s commitment to design excellence was recognized with an extraordinary six firstplace honors at the Detroit Design Awards, further reinforcing the firm’s reputation as one of Michigan’s premier landscape architecture practices. 59

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BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPING FINELINE LANDSCAPE 7934 NEWARK ROAD, IMLAY CITY, MI 48444 | 810-790-7015 | FINELINELANDSCAPING.COM With years of trusted experience, FineLine Landscape has become the go-to expert for transforming outdoor spaces across residential and commercial properties. Known for precision, creativity, and reliability, its team specializes in hardscape design and installation — including brick paver patios, walkways, firepits, and retaining walls — as well as custom features like raised beds and outdoor seating areas. They also provide vibrant seasonal plantings, sod installation, tree trimming, French drains, and detailed 3D renderings and videos. Whether

enhancing curb appeal or creating a backyard oasis, FineLine turns outdoor visions into reality with expert craftsmanship and customerfocused service. From restoring brick pavers to planting Green Velvet boxwoods and flowering bushes, no detail is overlooked. Located in Imlay City and proudly serving southeast Michigan, FineLine Landscape delivers beauty that lasts through every season. Call 810-790-7015 to schedule a design consultation and bring your landscape dreams to life.

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BREAKFAST DESTINATIONS ACROSS MICHIGAN ANNA’S HOUSE 616-365-2285 | MARKETING@ANNASHOUSEUS.COM | ANNASHOUSEUS.COM As Anna’s House prepares to open its 14th location in Grand Blanc, Michigan, the company continues to demonstrate that growth can be both strategic and community focused. Known for transforming existing spaces into vibrant gathering places, Anna’s House has expanded across Michigan while maintaining its commitment to exceptional hospitality, inclusive menu offerings, and neighborhood engagement. Each new location is carefully selected and designed to meet the needs of the surrounding

community, creating jobs and welcoming spaces for guests of all dietary lifestyles. The Grand Blanc restaurant represents the next chapter in the company’s thoughtful expansion, bringing its award-winning breakfast, brunch, and lunch experience to a growing region. Through steady growth and a people-first approach, Anna’s House continues to build lasting connections throughout Michigan while staying true to the values that have fueled its success.

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BRINGING BRANDS TO LIFE FASTSIGNS — ALLEN CHIKA 33322 WOODWARD AVE., BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 | 248-642-9911 | FASTSIGNS.COM/BIRMINGHAM-MI With more than 20 years of experience in the sign and visual communications industry, Allen Chika helps businesses stand out through effective visual branding. Before becoming a FASTSIGNS owner, he developed hands-on expertise in sign fabrication and installation, creating large-scale signage projects throughout metro Detroit. Allen brought that expertise to FASTSIGNS, helping transform it into a comprehensive visual communications resource capable of supporting everything from architectural signage and channel 62

letters to vehicle graphics, branded environments, and marketing solutions. As the owner of multiple FASTSIGNS locations, Allen has helped thousands of businesses strengthen their brands, increase visibility, and create memorable first impressions. Known for his involved leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service, he takes pride in forming lasting client relationships. Allen believes that signage is more than a product — it is a powerful tool for storytelling, credibility, and community connection.

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CANNABIS JACOB PETERSMARK — UNITED GREEN CONNECTIONS AUBURN HILLS, MI 48326 | 947-886-2427 | THEUNITEDGREEN.COM When Jacob Petersmark graduated from Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business in 2018, he entered the emerging cannabis industry with a vision to build something meaningful. Partnering with his father, Craig Petersmark, he co-founded The United Green, a staffing firm dedicated exclusively to the cannabis sector. The company quickly became one of the Midwest’s leading cannabis recruiting firms. Building on those trusted industry relationships, Jacob and Craig launched United Green Connections, a wholesale cannabis brokerage that connects licensed buyers and sellers throughout the market.

Today, UGC is approaching $100 million in facilitated transactions. Jacob takes a people-first approach that has established him as a respected leader in the cannabis community. “Jacob is truly a blessing to our team,” Craig says. “He always puts the client first, builds trust, and thinks long-term in an industry that is constantly changing.” By focusing on relationships instead of transactions, Jacob continues to strengthen Michigan’s cannabis industry while building a legacy rooted in trust, service, and sustainable growth. 63

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CHEF SOURCE’S 27-YEAR JOURNEY CHEF SOURCE 5492 RESEARCH DRIVE, CANTON, MI 48188 | 734-480-2030 | CHEF-SOURCE.COM Chef Source began in 1999 when founder Roger Kreager launched the company from his living room with a mission to provide chefs and food-service professionals with high-quality specialty ingredients. By working closely with culinary professionals throughout Michigan, the family-owned business quickly grew, opening its first warehouse in Livonia in 2002 and expanding into a larger facility in 2005. Today, Chef Source serves restaurants, hotels, clubs, and foodservice operators across the Midwest with an extensive portfolio of specialty food products. 64

A major milestone came in 2018 when Chef Source formed a distribution partnership with Carmela Foods, another family-owned and Michigan-based specialty food distributor. The partnership combined the strengths of both companies, giving customers access to a broader range of products while expanding distribution coverage throughout the region. Built on shared values of quality, service, and strong customer relationships, the collaboration continues to support growth and culinary innovation across the Midwest. Photo by Emily Sell for Honeylight.

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COFFEE SAMALE NOOR AND AMAL ALMAFLAHI — FIRST LIGHT ROASTERS 37055 INDUSTRIAL ROAD, LIVONIA, MI 48150 | FIRSTLIGHTROASTERS.COM Before dawn in a Somali courtyard, Samale Noor’s grandmother roasted beans carried down from the Cal Madow mountains, a scent Samale would chase for the rest of his life. Amal Almaflahi’s family came from Yemen, where the world first brewed coffee. When the two married, two ancient coffee heritages met in a single cup, and a roastery was born of their love. Today, their Livonia home is Michigan’s largest Black-owned coffee roastery, with capacity to roast 1,500

pounds a day. Their First Light Roasters label brings exceptional coffee to cafés and grocers, while their premium Detroit Halite line, named for the salt mined deep beneath the city, showcases Africa’s most coveted beans: Kenya AA SL28, Rwanda Gitwe Bourbon, and Ethiopia Grade 1, roasted in small batches and shipped within 48 hours. Their dream is simple: to bring a piece of Africa to the Midwest, one extraordinary cup at a time.

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COMFORT AND CARE HOSPICE OF MICHIGAN — A MEMBER OF NORTHSTAR CARE COMMUNITY 3011 W. GRAND BLVD., #301, DETROIT, MI 48202 | 888-247-5701 | HOM.ORG For more than 40 years, Hospice of Michigan, a member of the NorthStar Care Community, has helped patients and families navigate some of life’s most important moments with compassion, expertise, and personalized care. As Michigan’s largest not-for-profit hospice provider, Hospice of Michigan serves communities across the state, delivering hospice, palliative, pediatric, and grief support services wherever patients call home. Its interdisciplinary teams focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life, helping individuals live each day as fully and meaningfully as possible. Beyond expert 66

medical care, Hospice of Michigan provides emotional, spiritual, and caregiver support tailored to each patient’s unique needs and wishes. Regardless of age, diagnosis, or financial circumstances, the organization remains committed to ensuring that every person receives the care and compassion they deserve when it matters most. Executive Leadership Team of NorthStar Care Community: Patrick Miller, Lee Ann Myers, Patricia McDaniel, Krista Newman, Marcie Hillary, Dr. Tom O’Neil, Eric Kaplan, Jamie Cockerel

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COMPASSIONATE DENTISTRY DR. AMANDA M. SHEEHAN — OAKLAND FAMILY DENTAL 4626 W. WALTON BLVD., WATERFORD, MI 48329 | 248-674-0384 | OAKLANDFAMILYDENTAL.COM Dr. Amanda M. Sheehan is known for combining clinical excellence with heart. At Oakland Family Dental, she has built a practice grounded in compassion, innovation, and personalized care. With nearly 15 years of experience, she offers a full range of services — from dental implants, Invisalign, and cosmetic dentistry to advanced

oral surgery and sedation. Her calm, confident approach has helped even the most anxious patients feel at ease. Dr. Sheehan and her all-woman team are passionate about restoring not just smiles but quality of life. Patients walk in with uncertainty and walk out with confidence — that’s the Oakland Family Dental difference.

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CURATED EVENT CATERING SKOSH CATERING 126 FERLAND ST., WALLED LAKE, MI 48390 | 248-313-9245 | INFO@SKOSHCATERING.COM | SKOSHCATERING.COM The word “skosh” means “a small amount; a little.” It’s often used in the kitchen as a loose form of measurement. A bit more salt. A dash of pepper. A touch more garlic. A dollop of sour cream. It represents cooking from the heart, a passion for the product you’re creating, and the desire to perfect it — even if all it needs is just a skosh. Meet the husband-and-wife team behind Skosh Catering: executive chef Kenny Carlisle and director of catering Rachel Carlisle.

As a market leader and industry trendsetter in off-premises catered events, Skosh roots its philosophy in its mission to create innovative culinary experiences for clients and guests, provide peace of mind, and exceed all expectations. Through a synthesis of cutting-edge menus, superior logistics, and unmatched service, Skosh Catering successfully executes notable events across metro Detroit. Photo credit: Derek Cookson Photography

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DERMATOLOGY DR. CHETHANA GOTTAM — ART OF DERMATOLOGY 28903 WOODWARD AVE., BERKLEY, MI 48072 | THEARTOFDERM.COM Your overall skin health and beauty can be trusted to Dr. Chethana Gottam and her team of expert providers at Art of Dermatology. Dr. Gottam’s meticulous approach and commitment to exceptional care have earned Art of Dermatology a reputation for being a bestin-class dermatology practice serving all your medical and cosmetic skin care needs. A multiyear Hour Detroit Top Doc honoree, Dr. Gottam serves as medical director at Art of Dermatology, overseeing a highly reputable team of

medical providers, injectors, and aestheticians equipped to provide you with the latest in dermatological care. With nearly two decades of experience in treating patients of all ages, Dr. Gottam and her team provide the most cutting-edge combinations of medical and aesthetic treatments for the skin. Their personalized approach is unparalleled. With state-of-the-art facilities serving multiple locations in metro Detroit, Art of Dermatology is your trusted partner in the health and beauty of your skin.

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DETROIT’S BEST SMILES HAVENS ORTHODONTICS EIGHT LOCATIONS IN METRO DETROIT | HAVENSORTHODONTICS.COM Fourteen years ago, brothers Drs. Aaron and David Havens founded Havens Orthodontics with a simple belief: A confident smile can change a life. What began as a single practice with just eight employees has grown into one of metro Detroit’s leading orthodontic offices. Along the way, the team has expanded to include Drs. Nick Ancona, Tom Paron, and Kelly Fenn, bringing exceptional orthodontic care to more families across the region. As lifelong metro Detroiters, the Havens brothers have always 70

believed that confidence can shape a person’s future. That belief continues to guide their commitment to creating beautiful smiles, meaningful careers, and stronger communities. Havens Orthodontics proudly invests in local communities and provides life-changing donated treatment to children in need because every child deserves the confidence to smile proudly. Today, Havens Orthodontics remains dedicated to helping families build brighter futures — one smile at a time.

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EXCELLENCE IN FACIAL AND AESTHETIC SURGERY CARLOS A. RAMIREZ, M.D., DDS, FACS — RAMIREZ SURGICAL ARTS 28295 SCHOENHERR ROAD, STE. B., WARREN, MI 48088 | 586-281-5615 | RAMIREZSURGICALARTS.COM Carlos A. Ramirez, M.D., DDS, FACS, is a board-certified maxillofacial head and neck surgeon and founder of Ramirez Surgical Arts, serving metro Detroit with advanced reconstructive, head and neck, and aesthetic surgery. Fellowship-trained in cancer management, robotic surgery, and microvascular reconstruction, Dr. Ramirez combines surgical precision with an artistic approach to deliver exceptional, natural-looking results. His expertise includes facial reconstruction, treatment of benign and malignant tumors, facial rejuvenation, injectables, hair restoration,

and personalized aesthetic procedures. Every treatment plan is thoughtfully designed to enhance patients’ natural features while honoring their individuality. Known for his compassionate, patient-first philosophy, Dr. Ramirez believes exceptional outcomes begin with trust, personalized care, and meticulous attention to detail. His commitment to excellence has earned him recognition as a multiple-time Hour Detroit Top Doc and respected lecturer, establishing Ramirez Surgical Arts as a destination where innovation, artistry, and outstanding patient care come together. 71

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EYELID SURGERY CONSULTANTS IN OPHTHALMIC & FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY, PC 29201 TELEGRAPH ROAD, SUITE 324, SOUTHFIELD, MI 48034 | 248-357-5100 | EYELIDPROS.COM The physicians at Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery — Geoffrey Gladstone, Evan Black, Francesca Nesi-Eloff, Dianne Schlachter, Robert Beaulieu, Shravani Mikkilineni, and physician assistant Lindsay El-Awadi — are proud to be known as the “Eyelid Experts.” Representing the gold standard in eye plastic surgery, these doctors have developed and improved techniques to provide the results patients seek when it comes to plastic surgery in the delicate areas around the

eyes and forehead. Their advanced training, together with the personal care and attention provided to patients, is obvious from your first visit. Outstanding results, faster healing, long-lasting benefits, and happy patients are what the team strives to achieve. They offer upper and lower eyelid surgery and the removal of eyelid “bags.” State-of-theart endoscopic brow and forehead-lift procedures accomplish the rejuvenation many patients can’t get from eyelid surgery alone. When you choose the Eyelid Experts, you’ll “see” the difference!

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FAMILY AND HOSPITALITY THE GREAT DANE PUB — MIKE AND LISA DIMMER 112 S. MAIN ST., ROYAL OAK, MI 48067 | 248-919-6330 | THEGREATDANEPUB.COM When Mike and Lisa Dimmer opened the Great Dane Pub in Royal Oak, their goal was simple: to create the kind of place where people feel comfortable gathering with friends, family, and neighbors over great food and drinks. As parents of six children — Lilly, Dane, Violet, Dahlia, Poppy, and Daisy — the Dimmers understand the importance of connection, celebration, and making people feel welcome. Those values have shaped

both their family life and the atmosphere they’ve worked to build at the Great Dane Pub. Today, guests will find a warm neighborhood pub known for its hospitality, comforting food, and friendly service. Whether you’re planning a date night or family dinner, watching the big game, or meeting friends after work, Mike and Lisa believe the best restaurants bring people together and leave them looking forward to their next visit.

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FINE JEWELRY COOPER & BINKLEY JEWELERS — MARK AND BARB BINKLEY 105 W. MAIN ST., BRIGHTON, MI 48116 | 810-227-2221 | BARB@COOPERBINKLEYJEWELERS.COM | COOPERANDBINKLEYJEWELERS.COM Sharing in the most meaningful moments of a person’s life is a role that Mark and Barb Binkley take very seriously. At Cooper & Binkley Jewelers in downtown Brighton, they ensure that every customer is happy, whether they are refurbishing a treasured heirloom or shopping for an engagement ring. The family-owned jewelry store traces its roots to 1949, when Marshall Cooper opened Cooper’s Jewelry. In 1971, the Binkley family bought the store. Mark worked there in high school, eventually owning and operating the shop alongside his wife, Barb. Deeply rooted in 74

community, the couple have served on many civic and charitable boards and committees. As the jewelry industry constantly changes, customers appreciate Cooper & Binkley’s expertise and innovation, including a design-yourown-ring app that has expanded the jeweler’s reach far beyond its Main Street location. With its blend of tradition, expert craftsmanship, and hometown values, the store remains a cherished destination for generations of jewelry lovers.

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GENERATIONAL WEALTH TAX PLANNING JESSICA DADAS-SCHULZE — SCHULZE LAW PLLC 41000 WOODWARD AVE., SUITE 350 EAST, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304 | 248-206-8636 | SCHULZE-LAWFIRM.COM Jessica Dadas-Schulze brings a tax-first approach to estate and business planning. As a tax attorney with a background in public accounting, she begins with the tax code rather than the standard forms, mapping the tax consequences first and then designing trust, estate, and business strategies built to hold up over time. That tax-first discipline anchors a full-picture family practice that includes entity formation, succession planning, asset protection, probate, trust administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and complex

trust matters for business owners and high-net-worth families. Since founding her women-owned firm in 2013, Jessica has delivered results that reflect that depth, including obtaining a $600,000 IRS refund and securing more than $88 million in federal contracts for clients. A business owner, single mother, and breast cancer survivor, Jessica understands how personal legacy is and helps families preserve theirs with clarity and confidence. She is committed to “Protecting Your Family & Preserving Your Legacy.”

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HEALTHY LEGS HUGH PABARUE, M.D., DABVLM — METRO VEIN CENTERS ST. CLAIR SHORES AND MACOMB, MI | 586-684-1714 | METROVEINCENTERS.COM As summer arrives and shorts, skirts, and dresses make their seasonal debut, many people become more aware of the appearance of their legs. While visible spider veins and bulging varicose veins may seem like a cosmetic concern, they can be an early warning sign of an underlying vein disorder affecting circulation and overall leg health. According to Dr. Hugh Pabarue, vein disease is far more common than many realize and often goes undiagnosed. Symptoms such as aching, swelling, heaviness, cramping, fatigue, and restless 76

legs are often linked to venous insufficiency, a condition in which damaged vein valves prevent blood from flowing efficiently back to the heart. Left untreated, the symptoms can progressively worsen, impacting long-term vascular health and quality of life. Fortunately, treating vein disease no longer requires major surgery. Metro Vein Centers offers advanced, minimally invasive procedures to improve circulation, relieve symptoms, and restore the health and appearance of your legs, helping you feel more comfortable and confident all year long.

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HOPE DR. ASHLEY CASEY — LIBERTY HOUSE RECOVERY CENTER 810-208-0266 | LIBERTYHOUSERECOVERYCENTER.COM Liberty House Recovery Center (LHRC), located on 34 acres of serene Michigan beauty, treats addiction and mental health. Its mission is to promote clinical excellence through evidencebased practices that exceed industry benchmarks, striving to optimize treatment outcomes with the most advanced treatment modalities available today. The results of the team’s efforts can be seen firsthand in the success stories of LHRC’s robust alumni network.

LHRC is family-owned and operates independently from any corporation. “This allows our team to stay true to the mission of treating each person as a whole being, rather than a diagnosis,” says Dr. Ashley Casey, co-founder and program director. LHRC’s expert clinicians pride themselves on a truly personalized approach to treatment that works to address each client’s unique needs and concerns. This translates into a robust and individualized approach to set you and your loved ones up for success.

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INSPIRED INTERIORS AND ARTISANAL HONEY SABRINA RASO VAUGHAN — SR DESIGN 248-249-1910 | SABRINARASODESIGN.COM Creativity takes many forms, and for Sabrina Raso Vaughn, it flourishes through both beautifully designed spaces and the art of beekeeping. As an accomplished interior designer, she is known for transforming homes into sophisticated, welcoming environments that refl ect the personalities and lifestyles of her clients. Her thoughtful approach blends timeless design, functionality, and attention to detail, creating spaces that are both elegant and livable. Beyond design, she has cultivated a unique passion for

beekeeping, producing small-batch honey that celebrates nature’s craftsmanship. What began as a personal interest has blossomed into an extension of her creative spirit, connecting beauty, sustainability, and community. Whether she is selecting the perfect finishes for a home or sharing the fruits of her hives, she approaches every endeavor with enthusiasm and authenticity. Her work refl ects a simple philosophy: Thoughtful design and natural beauty have the power to enrich everyday life.

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LINGERIE HARP’S LINGERIE 265 S. OLD WOODWARD AVE., BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 | 248-642-2555 | HARPS-LINGERIE.COM For 79 years, Harp’s Lingerie has helped women look and feel their best through expert fittings, exceptional lingerie, and personalized service. Founded by Betty Harp in 1947, the store was built on the belief that what you wear underneath is just as important as your clothes themselves. Today, Betty’s legacy lives on through her daughter-in-law Patricia Hardy and great-granddaughter Jacqueline Hamill. Together with Harp’s expert fitting team, many of whom learned

from Betty herself, they continue the tradition that has inspired customer loyalty for nearly eight decades. Harp’s specializes in hard-to-fit sizes, carrying band sizes 32-54 and cup sizes AA-N, with intimate apparel for everyday wear, bridal occasions, and special events. Still family-owned and proudly female-led, Harp’s remains dedicated to helping every customer leave feeling beautiful, confident, and truly special.

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KEYBANK COMMERCIAL BANKING MICHIGAN KEYBANK 4000 TOWN CENTER, SUITE 1260, SOUTHFIELD, MI 48075 | 248-204-6550 | KEY.COM/COMMERCIAL Local bankers, national resources. Put the expertise of KeyBank, a bank that knows Michigan, to work for your middle-market business. Led by David Mannarino, KeyBank’s team will get to know your business in detail to suggest valuable ideas and approaches — from innovative fintech and cash management tools to extensive capital markets support and fraud protection — that can evolve with your needs.

See how thoughtful, industry-informed advice; strong relationships; and access to capital can help your middle-market business achieve its goals. Visit key.com/commercial. Banking products and services are offered by KeyBank National Association. All credit, loan, and leasing products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval terms, conditions, and availability and are subject to change.

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LOVING YOUR SMILE SIMONY DENTAL GROUP 41700 HAYES ROAD, SUITE D, CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI 48038 | 586-263-9300 | DRSIMONY.COM In southeast Michigan, patients are discovering what it means to receive white-glove dental care. Led by Dr. Michael Simony and Dr. Marco Simony, Simony Dental Group has built a reputation for exceptional aesthetic and implant dentistry, pairing meticulous aesthetics with lasting function in a family atmosphere of refined comfort. “I finally found a practice that treats my whole smile like it matters,” one longtime patient shared, echoing sentiments heard throughout the office. The practice has welcomed Dr. Nawrooz Putris, whose skill 82

and warmth have made her a patient favorite. “Dr. Putris took the time to explain everything — I’ve never felt more confident in a dental chair,” another patient noted. From orthodontics to full-mouth implant reconstruction, Simony Dental Group offers a rare, elevated blend of precision, artistry, and personal attention. Patients consistently praise the team’s honesty, comfort-focused approach, and discerning eye — proof that luxury dentistry and genuine care go hand in hand.

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MICHIGAN LUXURY REAL ESTATE TUSHAR VAKHARIYA & RENEE LOSSIA ACHO — TVA + RLA | KW DOMAIN 210 S. OLD WOODWARD AVE., SUITE 200, BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 | 248-786-7790 | TUSHAR@TVARLA.COM | RENEE@TVARLA.COM Tushar Vakhariya and Renee Lossia Acho have redefined luxury real estate in Michigan through a results-driven partnership that combines over 40 years of expertise. As the powerhouse team behind TVA + RLA, they’ve built a reputation for delivering unmatched value to their clients through exclusive access to listings, a vast network of qualified buyers, and a proven ability to sell 35% of their listings off-market at record-breaking prices. Their approach is precise, leveraging hyperlocal data, elevated

marketing, and a deep understanding of buyer behavior. Every move matters, and Vakhariya and Lossia Acho consistently deliver clarity, confidence, and results to their clients. Backed by a best-in-class team, Tushar and Renee lead every engagement with a hands-on approach and unwavering attention to detail. This collaborative model allows TVA + RLA to deliver an elevated experience that sets the benchmark for luxury real estate in Michigan.

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MIDDLE EASTERN PASTRY SHATILA BAKERY 14300 W. WARREN AVE., DEARBORN, MI 48126 | 313-582-1952 | SHOP.SHATILA.COM Shatila Bakery was founded in 1979 by Riad Shatila, who immigrated from Beirut, Lebanon. His goal was to provide the most authentic “taste of home” with his products using the highest-quality ingredients. With a lot of hard work and dedication, he was able to expand his business from a small

retail shop to a globally known brand. After a long battle with cancer, Riad unfortunately passed away in 2013. His wife, Zeinat, alongside his three daughters, Nada, Tania, and Batoul, are continuing his legacy and expanding the brand with the same passion and commitment to quality.

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MODERN MORTGAGE LENDING ANDI NUMAN — SWIFT HOME LOANS 805 E. MAPLE ROAD, BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 | 833-697-9438 | SWIFTHOMELOANS.COM At Swift Home Loans, Andi Numan is redefining the mortgage experience through speed, transparency, and personalized service. Founded in Birmingham, Michigan, Swift Home Loans has grown into one of the largest mortgage brokerages in the state while remaining deeply committed to the local community it calls home. Since entering the mortgage industry in 2012, Andi has built his company around a simple philosophy: educate clients, communicate constantly, and deliver the best possible outcome. From first-time

homebuyers to seasoned investors, every client is guided through the lending process with clarity and confidence. Swift Home Loans also invests heavily in proprietary technology that gives clients real-time visibility into their loan progress, helping to simplify what can often feel like a stressful process. By combining modern technology with hands-on service, Andi and his team continue to set a new standard for mortgage lending in Michigan and across the country.

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MICHIGAN’S #1 REALTOR® KATHY BROOCK & CO., MAX BROOCK REALTORS 275 S. OLD WOODWARD AVE., BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 | 248-318-4504 | KATHY@MAXBROOCKHOMES.COM | KATHYBROOCK.COM Kathy Broock has built her career on a simple principle: putting people first. Alongside associate broker Helen Reasoner, she has spent decades proving that real estate is about much more than buying and selling homes. She takes pride in serving as a valued resource for clients as they navigate important decisions and life transitions. One of the highest compliments she consistently receives is “After working with you, now I understand why you’re No. 1 in the industry.”

It is an honor to earn that level of trust and a responsibility Kathy never takes lightly. She is committed to providing every client with the care, guidance, and dedication they deserve. For Kathy, success has never been measured by transactions alone, but by the people she has had the privilege of helping along the way. Her greatest gift is her genuine passion for connecting with people while always putting her clients’ interests first. Kathy Broock (right) and Helen Reasoner (left).

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NONPROFIT FUNDRAISING NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF MICHIGAN 1169 OAK VALLEY DRIVE, ANN ARBOR, MI 48108 | 734-222-9800 | NKFM.ORG When looking for passionate, driven people to lead the “most fun charity event in metro Detroit,” the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) ended up with the best. The three chairmen for the 2026 Kidney Ball are Patrick A. Rugiero of Roman Village Restaurant Group; John Magee, M.D., of the University of Michigan Transplant Center; and Loren Venegas of Ideal Group. They each embody what it means to care about their community.

Whether through work with patients, community leadership, or a personal connection to kidney disease, they commit significant time, energy, and dedication to raising funds for the programs and services of the NKFM. The NKFM is a leading nonprofit dedicated to kidney health and is ranked in the top 1% of charities in the country. Its chairpeople truly live the NKFM’s mission to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it.

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NORTHERN MICHIGAN REAL ESTATE PATRICK LEAVY — KIDD & LEAVY REAL ESTATE 325 E. LAKE ST., PETOSKEY, MI 49770 | 231-838-6700 | PATLEAVY.COM For more than 27 years, Pat Leavy has helped northern Michigan families turn dreams into lasting memories. His passion and unwavering commitment to clients earned him recognition as Michigan’s No. 1 real estate agent in 2023 and 2025, with nearly $200 million in sales each year. Leavy’s personal approach sets him apart. He introduces clients to the region’s very best, from secluded waterfront estates and historic cottages to hidden gems and exclusive, off-market opportunities. To Leavy, owning a home Up North means more than acquiring property — it’s about 88

embracing a lifestyle rich in natural beauty, community, and tradition. Whether buying or selling in Petoskey, Bay Harbor, Walloon Lake, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, or surrounding communities, clients rely on Leavy’s experience, market expertise, and proven results. His reputation for exceptional service, strong negotiation skills, and unmatched local insight have made him one of the most respected names in Michigan real estate. Connect with Leavy today and discover the true essence of northern Michigan living.

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OPHTHALMIC AND FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY DR. GEOFFREY J. GLADSTONE — CONSULTANTS IN OPHTHALMIC & FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY, PC 29201 TELEGRAPH ROAD, SUITE 324, SOUTHFIELD, MI 48034 | 248-357-5100 | EYELIDPROS.COM For more than four decades, multiyear Top Doc Dr. Geoffrey Gladstone has been recognized as one of Michigan’s leading authorities in ophthalmic and facial plastic surgery. A board-certified ophthalmologist, Fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, he is renowned for his expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery, facial rejuvenation, and endoscopic eyebrow and forehead lifting. He is among the first surgeons in Michigan to perform endoscopic forehead surgery. Dr. Gladstone has also pioneered advances in

cosmetic upper and lower eyelid surgery and has lectured extensively throughout the United States and internationally. A published author and respected educator, he serves as a professor of ophthalmology at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine while directing an international ophthalmic and facial plastic surgery fellowship. Patients throughout Michigan trust Dr. Gladstone to deliver natural-looking, transformative results with exceptional skill, innovation, and compassionate care. 89

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PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT JORDAN ROSENBERG AND DANNY ROSENBERG — ROSENBERG WEALTH ADVISORS 248-325-5500 | TEAM@RWEALTHADVISORS.COM | RWEALTHADVISORS.COM Financial planning isn’t simply about managing investments. It’s about creating the clarity to make thoughtful decisions over a lifetime. Rosenberg Wealth Advisors, based in downtown Birmingham, was founded with this principle in mind and continues to build off a legacy spanning nearly 45 years. Today, through the leadership of brothers Jordan and Danny Rosenberg, clients experience something different than at other wealth management firms. “Anyone can buy a stock or a bond,”

Jordan says. “I think we do a fantastic job on that front, but our client experience is what differentiates us. We go deep in our discovery process and continue to uncover important information throughout the entire time horizon.” Whether preparing for retirement, navigating the sale of their business, managing sudden wealth, or creating a legacy for future generations, Rosenberg Wealth clients have peace of mind knowing their trusted partner is there to guide the road ahead.

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REAL ESTATE EXCELLENCE CINDY KAHN & EMILY KAHN — THE AGENCY BIRMINGHAM 442 S. OLD WOODWARD AVE., BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 | 248-568-7309 | 248-568-0569 | CINDYKAHN.COM CINDY@CINDYKAHN.COM | EMILY@CINDYKAHN.COM For over two decades, Cindy Kahn has been a prominent figure in the real estate industry, specializing in southeast Michigan’s finest residential properties. Her daughter, Emily Kahn, joined the business five years ago, bringing a fresh approach and her own successful business acumen. Cindy’s success is built on her extensive network of fellow agents, area professionals, and valuable referrals. She is known for her unwavering work ethic,

tenacity, and local expertise, and clients highly appreciate her commitment to serving buyers and sellers at every level, not just luxury properties. This commitment has earned her the prestigious title of The Agency Birmingham’s Top Producer for 10 consecutive years (2016-2025), placing her in the top 1% of Realtors nationwide. Emily shares in this dedication to clients, ensuring a seamless continuation of their legacy of excellence.

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RESTORATION ELLEN A. JANETZKE, M.D., PC 60 W. BIG BEAVER ROAD, SUITE 100, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304 | 248-220-6760 | DRELLEN.COM With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Ellen, a highly skilled and reputable plastic surgeon, specializes in breast surgeries such as breast augmentations, breast lifts, and breast reductions. Women who want to improve their figure post-pregnancy often come to Dr. Ellen for a Mommy Makeover — a customized series of surgical techniques addressing the abdominal area and the breasts. Tummy tucks and liposuction appeal to both women

and men who want an aesthetically pleasing body shape. Before any cosmetic procedure, Dr. Ellen and her experienced team will thoroughly educate you on every aspect of the surgery to ensure you are fully prepared for your journey. “I’m a true believer in patient education and exceptional outcomes,” Dr. Ellen says. “I want my patients to know as much as possible about the procedure, recovery, and expectations.”

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REDEFINING LUXURY RENEE JADAN — Z REAL ESTATE EXPERTS POWERED BY EXP REALTY 248-840-7550 | RENEE@SOLDBYMARKZ.COM | INSTAGRAM.COM/RENEEJADANLUXURYREALTOR | FACEBOOK.COM/RENEEJADAN Renee Jadan is a luxury real estate agent with Z Real Estate Experts powered by eXp Realty, serving metro Detroit. With over 25 years of experience in sales, service, and leadership, she has built a reputation for delivering exceptional results while putting people first. Since launching her real estate career in 2021, Renee has helped over 200 families and has surpassed $80 million in career sales volume. She has been recognized among the Top 100 Realtors in Michigan, named an Hour Detroit Real Estate All-Star, and featured

on the cover of Real Producers Magazine, as well as earning eXp Luxury Certification. Known for her signature brand, Redefining Luxury, Renee believes luxury is not defined by a price point — it’s defined by the experience. She has built her business on a foundation of exceptional service, strong relationships, and a genuine passion for helping people. Her clients trust her not only for her market expertise and negotiation skills but for her care, honesty, and dedication.

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SENIOR LIVING FOX RUN 41000 13 MILE ROAD, NOVI, MI 48377 | 1-800-504-7318 | FOXRUNNOVI.COM Fox Run delivers vibrant and elevated senior living. Stylishly designed one- and two-bedroom residences offer luxury finishes like quartz countertops. Fox Run’s dedicated Custom Interiors department can assist you in creating the home of your dreams with customized paint, flooring, and more. The community offers its residents five restaurants with exquisite and unique dining experiences and a wealth of amenities, such as a theater, a fitness and aquatics center,

and outdoor pickleball courts. The community is of great financial value, offering one convenient monthly service package that covers all utilities, property taxes, and maintenance in and around your home. Enjoy easy access to services like an on-site medical center and multiple levels of care, should your needs ever change. Learn more today and get your free brochure. Call 1-800-504-7318 or visit foxrunnovi.com.

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THE SENSORY DINING EXPERIENCE M CANTINA — EXECUTIVE CHEF JUNIOR MERINO 13214 MICHIGAN AVE., DEARBORN, MI 48126 | 313-399-9117 | MCANTINA.COM Executive chef Junior Merino is a globally recognized culinary innovator, award-winning mixologist, and pioneering force behind modern mixology. Internationally known as “The Liquid Chef,” he transformed the beverage industry by merging culinary artistry with cocktail creation, setting new standards for hospitality worldwide. Raised in a multicultural culinary environment, Merino developed a passion for flavor innovation early in life. By age 15, he had progressed from baker and line cook to bartender and beverage manager, earning a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and gaining

admission to the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Guild. His awardwinning cocktail, Coming Up Roses, launched a career that would influence the industry. Since founding The Liquid Chef Inc., Merino has created acclaimed beverage programs for leading international luxury brands. He has collaborated with Oprah Winfrey, Justin Timberlake, and Lenny Kravitz and even served President Bill Clinton. Today, as executive chef of M Cantina, he continues to redefine culinary excellence and innovation. 95

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TRUST AND ESTATE PLANNING NANCY NIHEM AND LAURA BROWNFIELD — PLUNKETT COONEY 63 KERCHEVAL AVE., SUITE 200, GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MI 48236 | 313-887-0207 38505 WOODWARD AVE., SUITE 100, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304 | 248-901-4000 | PLUNKETTCOONEY.COM Whether you reside on the east or west side of Detroit, Plunkett Cooney’s Trusts & Estates practice group has you covered. Laura Brownfield leads the practice from our firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, while Nancy Nihem oversees the group at our Grosse Pointe location. Alongside their dedicated team, they will develop a comprehensive plan that accomplishes your personal, estate, and related planning goals.

Our attorneys design strategies to preserve and transfer wealth, minimize tax exposure, and honor each client’s unique values. As a full-service law firm, we assist clients with estate and tax planning, philanthropy, business succession, and trust and estate administration, ensuring that every facet of a client’s legacy is thoughtfully addressed. Regardless of your circumstances, contact Laura or Nancy to provide security and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

 P. X X text to go here. Imi, te quatius. Dis intis quam rehenistem que nemporrum nosanis et, suntem qui ut quaspedis  P. 9 8 See comedian (and Grand Ole Opry member) Henry Cho in Ann Arbor this month.

AUGUST 2026

Arts, Culture, and Recreation

EV E N T S p. 98 / E S S AY p. 99 / A N N I V E R S A RY p. 100 / T R AV E L p. 102

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIVE NATION

AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

AGENDA  TLC and SaltN-Pepa will perform at Pine Knob on Aug. 23.

Hull, and jazz musician and producer Don Was will also perform. $35+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston; 313presents.com

AUG. 23 TLC and Salt-N-Pepa: The trailblazing, Grammy Award-winning R&B artists behind throwback chart-toppers like “No Scrubs,” “Waterfalls,” and “Push It” will share the stage when their "It’s Iconic" tour stops at Pine Knob Music Theatre. Hip-hop girl group En Vogue will kick off the show. $48+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston; 313presents.com EVENTS

Don’t-Miss Events

ART

AUG. 1-2

BY LAUREN WETHINGTON

Save the dates for these shows, films, and performances this August AUG. 19

MUSIC

AUG. 8 Howard Jones: The influential British synth-popper will be joined by ’80s contemporaries Wang Chung (“Everybody Have Fun Tonight”), The English Beat (“Mirror in the Bathroom”), and Modern English (“I Melt with You”) for a feel-good celebration of all things new wave. British radio personality Richard Blade will host the event, which features full sets by each band. $35+. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, Rochester; 313presents.com

AUG. 15 Bryan Adams: The Grammy Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter will promote his 2025 album, Roll with the Punches, when he arrives at Little Caesars Arena this month with support from rock ’n’ roll power couple Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Best known for timeless radio hits like “Summer of ’69” and “Heaven,” Adams has sold more than 100 million records over the course of his 50-year career. $66+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com

9 8 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

Kindred the Family Soul: Husband-andwife R&B artists Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon perform together in this Philadelphia-based neo-soul outfit. They’ll promote their latest album, Grand Life, at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre this month. $26+. Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, Detroit; ticketmaster.com

AUG. 22 Outlaw Music Festival: Country legend Willie Nelson headlines this folk and blues music bash at Pine Knob Music Theatre. Nelson’s son — singer-songwriter Lukas Nelson — North Carolina folk-rockers The Avett Brothers, singer-songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr., bluegrass artist Sierra

Belle Isle Art Fair: Browse paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and glass from local and national artists at this juried art fair on Detroit’s scenic Belle Isle. Enjoy hands-on activities for both kids and adults, art installations, food trucks, and more. No cost with a Michigan Recreation Passport. Belle Isle, Detroit; belleisleartfair.com

AUG. 8-OCT. 11 Karyn Olivier: Bend, Break, Mend: Trinidad-born,Brooklyn-raised artist Karyn Olivier confronts themes of historical erasure and social justice through sculptural arrangements of found and transformed materials. This exhibit combines Olivier’s recent works with a newly commissioned installation that invites viewers to question the omissions and distortions present in widely

accepted historical narratives. $12 general admission. Museum of Contemporary ArtDetroit, Detroit; mocadetroit.org

THROUGH AUG. 23 Mickalene Thomas: Beneath the Moonlight: Recognized for her distinctive, richly layered, and rhinestone-adorned depictions of Black women, the acclaimed visual artist pivoted to focus on men for this entirely new exhibition at the Shepherd. Thomas worked with a diverse range of models — including transgender and nonbinary men — to create the images, which seek to challenge mainstream representations of Black masculinity by making space for vulnerability and sensuality. No cost. The Shepherd, Detroit; lscgallery.com

THROUGH AUG. 30 Zina Saro-Wiwa: Table Manners: Challenge assumptions about identity, culture, and power at this audiovisual installation by artist Zina Saro-Wiwa, which features eight videos of individuals from Nigeria’s Niger Delta eating meals influenced by the region’s landscapes. Visitors are encouraged to bring food and drinks into the gallery to dine alongside their on-screen companions — an experience Saro-Wiwa hopes will offer a moment of connection, reflection, and solidarity. No cost. University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbor; umich.edu COMEDY

AUG. 14 Henry Cho: Best known for his clean language and heaps of Southern charm, this Korean American stand-up star got his start on ’80s and ’90s variety shows like The Arsenio Hall Show, Bob Hope’s Young

Comedians special, and MTV’s 1/2 Hour Comedy Hour. Cho was recently appointed a member of the Grand Ole Opry, where he has performed more than 100 times — he is the first comedian to receive membership since 1973. $53+. Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor; ticketmaster.com

FILM

AUG. 21 Little Shop of Horrors 40th Anniversary Screening: Actress Ellen Greene hosts a special screening of the cult-classic horror-comedy film just in time to kick off spooky season. Directed by Frank Oz, the 1986 film follows dorky florist Seymour (Rick Moranis) and his co-worker Audrey (Greene) as they contend with a mysterious plant that craves human flesh. The screening features an exclusive meet-andgreet, signed film memorabilia, and plenty of photo opportunities. $55+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; atgtickets.com THEATER

AUG. 12-16 2026 Michigan Playwrights Festival: A cornerstone of Theatre Nova’s mission to platform emerging voices, the Michigan Playwrights Festival showcases five original, full-length plays by Michigan-based playwrights. Each work will be presented as a professionally acted and directed stage reading, followed by a conversational feedback session that invites audience members to participate in the creative process. $10+. Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor; theatrenova.org

HOWARD JONES DAN CAIRNS BRYAN ADAMS JAMBASE KARYN OLIVIER RYAN COLLERD ELLEN GREENE AXS

AGENDA

 The world’s largest free jazz festival returns to Hart Plaza Sept. 4-7.

t’s not cheap to keep a music festival free. It is, however, important that we’ve got access to arts, culture, and music, the mediums we use to process the world around us. In our current landscape, it’s more critical than ever. And keeping arts accessible is exactly what the Detroit Jazz Festival has done for decades. The largest no-cost jazz fest in the world is held right here in our backyard. It costs about $5 million per year to keep the Detroit Jazz Festival free and open to the public. That’s according to longtime festival president and artistic director Chris Collins, an accomplished musician himself. It’s an impressive feat considering the average concert ticket price is up 50% since 2019, having ballooned from $91 to $136 in 2024, according to a report from Goldman Sachs. And that’s just the average. Even nosebleed seats for major global superstars’ tours could cost you more than $500 for, well, not much.

 Grammy-winning saxophonist Joe Lovano is the festival’s 2026 artist-in-residence.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DETROIT JAZZ FESTIVAL

E S SAY

Saving the Best Fest for Last B Y RYA N PAT R I C K H O O P E R

Why you shouldn’t miss the Detroit Jazz Festival For general admission or VIP festival tickets, go ahead and double those numbers. So there’s a lot of power and purpose in keeping the Detroit Jazz Festival accessible to all at no cost. (But if you do want to splurge on VIP accommodations and frontrow seating, the event offers one of the best packages of any local festival around.) Once a sprawling downtown affair, this year’s Jazz Fest will be buttoned up to Hart Plaza alone. It’s a slimmer, more compact footprint for patrons but will still boast nearly 50 acts throughout Labor Day weekend. My list of top acts to watch this year includes Blue Note rising star Gabrielle Cavassa, a vocalist who will please the jazz purists. It’s always a treat to see pianist Vijay Iyer and his trio, one of the most technically proficient performers on the bill. Watching his fingers move across the keys with such precision is a show in its own right. And of course, there’s the artist-inresidence, who acts as the festival’s top billing and performs multiple sets across

three days (each with its own theme and different musicians). This year’s artist-in-residence is Joe Lovano, a living legend of a saxophonist with Midwest roots (born and raised in Cleveland). Early in his career, he played clubs in Detroit with Dr. Lonnie Liston Smith. Today, he’s one of the few who can truly channel giants of the genre like John Coltrane, whom Lovano will honor with a performance celebrating his centennial. “Detroit is always a fantastic feeling to play here, man,” Lovano told me earlier this year. “It’s a great audience. These are people that are really hip to what’s happening on the scene.” We’re a great audience because we can be an audience together — for free — at the Detroit Jazz Festival, where everyone is welcome. And there’s no price tag you can put on that. Ryan Patrick Hooper is the host of In the Groove on 101.9 WDET Detroit Public Radio (weekdays from noon to 3 p.m.). AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

AGENDA

 Featuring songs by Elvis, All Shook Up ran from Jan. 7-Feb. 1 this year.

or 60 years, Meadow Brook Theatre has stood as a local landmark for arts and culture. The sprawling late midcentury modern building is tucked into Oakland University’s campus in Rochester Hills. Billed as “Michigan’s Answer to Broadway,” the theater has weathered decades of change. Its story begins in 1966 with John Fernald, the former head of London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Fernald relocated to Michigan to establish a professional resident theater company on OU’s grounds. The theater staged its first

Role Call A look at some of the many performers who have graced Meadow Brook’s stage and how you might know them By Kate Walsh

Dan Amboyer This metro Detroiter and Interlochen Arts Academy alum played Prince William in William & Catherine: A Royal Romance. Jane Badler Badler played Diana, the evil reptilian Visitor, on the sci-fi television series V.

10 0 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

A N N I V E R SA RY

60 Years STRONG

BY ISIDORA PURRIER

Michigan’s largest nonprofit producing professional theater continues to evolve with its audience

Dirk Benedict Benedict appeared as Faceman on The A-Team and Starbuck on Battlestar Galactica. Deanna Dunagan Dunagan won a Tony Award for best actress in a play for her portrayal of Violet Weston in August: Osage County.

Robert Englund Known for playing Freddy Krueger in the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, Englund also appeared on the sci-fi series V and Stranger Things. Raúl Esparza This four-time Tony nominee returns to Broadway as the lead in Galileo this fall. He also played ADA Rafael Barba on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

production, Bertolt Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle, in January 1967. Now, it’s preparing to celebrate its 60th season as Michigan’s largest nonprofit theater dedicated to producing professional plays and musicals. Over those six decades, theater as an art form has changed drastically. Yet according to Meadow Brook’s artistic director Travis W. Walter, its goal has remained the same: connecting with people. “Theater itself is always trying to reach new audiences,” Walter says. “More so than theater changing, the audience changes.” As audiences have evolved, theaters have adapted. For instance, Walter points to the widespread use of microphones in production and the switch to season lineups with a broader variety of shows as strategies for keeping the audience’s attention. Whereas theatergoers once leaned forward, hanging onto every line, audiences today — with entertainment perpetually at their fingertips — come with different expectations. “We all just sit back and say, ‘Bring it to me,” Walter says. For years, there have been discussions about traditional art forms such as theater fading away in favor of faster-paced mediums, from blockbuster movies and ondemand streaming services to the endless scroll of social media. Walter disagrees.

 William Hurt starred in a 1976 production of Man and Superman at Meadow Brook Theatre.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MEADOW BROOK THEATRE

AGENDA

The Show Goes On!

Here’s what Meadow Brook Theatre has planned for the rest of its 2026-27 season: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (Oct. 7-Nov. 1) A Christmas Carol (Nov. 20-Dec. 24) Curtains (Jan. 13-Feb. 7) Polishing Shakespeare (Feb. 17-March 14) Death Takes a Holiday (March 24-April 18)  From left: Stephen Blackwell and Timothy C. Goodwin star in the theater’s 2025 production of Catch Me If You Can.

Rolling Thunder: A Rock Journey (April 28-May 23)

 From top: Marcia Wallace, Eddie Mekka, Cindy Williams, and Robert Englund all performed at Meadow Brook Theatre.

You Can’t Take It with You (June 2-27)

“People have been saying theater is dying for hundreds of years, and yet we are still here,” he says. Rather than disappearing, theater continues to adapt. To keep up, Meadow Brook Theatre has built seasons that offer something for everyone. Comedies, dramas, and musicals share the stage, often challenging assumptions about what theater can be. For Walter, surprising the audience is among theater’s greatest strengths. One of Meadow Brook Theatre’s greatest points of pride is that it is truly Michigan made. The theater creates sets, costumes,

Polly Holliday Holliday played wise-cracking waitress Flo on the TV series Alice and received a Tony nomination for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Jayne Houdyshell The Oakland University alumna and five-time Tony nominee won a Tony for best featured actor in a play for her performance in The Humans. She also played Judge Ruth

Linden on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. William Hurt Five years before he won an Oscar for best actor for his role in Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Hurt starred in Man and Superman at Meadow Brook. The actor went on to win a Tony and receive three more Academy Award nominations.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MEADOW BROOK THEATRE

and productions in-house rather than shipping them in from elsewhere. Walter emphasizes his strong commitment to Michigan artistry. “I love working with Michigan artists and creating all of this from the ground up so that people can see that there’s really great art here in southeast Michigan,” he says. Beginning this fall, the theater’s upcoming season will put local talent on full display. Featuring a mix of classics, contemporary works, and musicals, the lineup reflects the variety that has helped sustain the theater. “I hope they’re ready,” Walter says. For audiences, his hope is simple: “Try something new, try something old, and truly learn what it means to be alive. I want them to open their hearts and feel something unexpected.”

 Attending a performance of A Christmas Carol at Meadow Brook has been a metro Detroit tradition for nearly half a century. This will be its 44th season.

Celia Keenan-Bolger The Detroit native won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird opposite Jeff Daniels. In 2025, she received the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for her dedication to advocacy work through the arts. Eddie Mekka Mekka played Carmine Ragusa on Laverne & Shirley.

Freda Payne This Grammy-nominated Detroit native sang the 1970 hit “Band of Gold,” written by Motown’s Holland-Dozier-Holland, and appeared on Broadway in Hallelujah, Baby! Esau Pritchett The Saginaw native and OU alumnus played Mr. David on the Fox drama Prodigal Son and performed in Thoughts of a Colored Man on Broadway.

Marcia Wallace Wallace played receptionist Carol Kester on The Bob Newhart Show and won an Emmy for her voice-over performance as Edna Krabappel on The Simpsons. Terri White This Broadway belter appeared in the original cast of Barnum and the revival of Finian’s Rainbow.

Cindy Williams Known for her roles as Shirley Feeney on Laverne & Shirley and as Ron Howard’s character’s girlfriend in American Graffiti, Williams was on Meadow Brook Theatre’s board of directors from 2017 until her passing in 2023. She is now a board member emeritus.

AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

101

AGENDA

GRAND H AV E N

GRAND RAPIDS

The Book Cellar, 8 North Seventh St. Voted the “People’s Choice” Grand Haven bookstore six times, The Book Cellar is beloved in this lakeshore town. Mike O’Brien, co-owner with his wife, Amy, creates a “you’re one of us” feeling in this shop of used, rare, and autographed books, where about 1,000 books come in daily. O’Brien reads one book a day and listens to two or three more each week, so he’s a great source for book suggestions. Owner’s go-to coffee shop: Aldea Coffee on Washington Ave. Read there or head down to the beach. Owner’s recommended read: The Dorians by Nick Cutter, a unique take on Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Schuler Books, 2660 28th St. SE Schuler Books has been a local favorite since husband-and-wife team Bill and Cecile Fehsenfeld launched the business in 1982. The store boasts a spacious venue and a tremendous selection of new and used books, children’s books, and giftware. “We have a lot of customers who make an afternoon of Schuler Books,” says marketing manager Elizabeth Bosscher. Manager’s go-to coffee shop: The in-store Chapbook Café, serving an array of coffees, teas, and more, with ample seating for reading and sipping. Manager’s recommended read: A Cute Little Murder by Molly Harper, a cozy mystery in which characters investigate a hotel’s secret — only to find a new case to solve.

S T. J O S E P H

Forever Books, 312 State St. Forever Books is within walking distance of Lake Bluff Park, called “the bluff” by locals. The view of Lake Michigan from the bluff’s swinging bench makes for a scenic reading moment. The store sells new books, with a wide selection of both adult and children’s titles. “We have a wonderful table for beach reads,” says owner Robin Allen. “Summer reading is, I think, different than year-round.” Owner’s go-to coffee shop: Forte Coffee at 2045 Niles Road for something to imbibe while reading a new book. Owner’s recommended reads: The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett, a 600-plus-page novel that Allen calls “worth every page,” and Historic Shipwrecks and Rescues on Lake Michigan by Michael Passwater.

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S AU G AT U C K

T R AV E L

The Road to SUMMER READING

BY JULIE BONNER WILLIAMS I L LU ST R AT I O N BY H E AT H E R GAT L E Y

Michigan’s southwest coast has much to offer for a late-summer getaway. If you’re heading that way for some beach time or small-town charm, here are five indie bookstores worth visiting.

The Book Nook, 242 Butler St. Though this cozy spot offers new releases, it specializes in used books for both adults and children and provides a space to breathe away from Saugatuck’s bustling sidewalks. “I want people to come into the bookstore, have a personalized experience, and leave thinking, ‘That was a really cool shop!’” says owner Cheryl Whitfield. Owner’s go-to coffee shop: Uncommon Coffee Roasters on Hoffman Street, her favorite place to sip and read. Owner’s recommended reads: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, for its great message about kindness, and The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, an “amazing” book Whitfield read in one day.

S O U T H H AV E N

Hello Books, 330 Kalamazoo St. This lakeshore bookstore carries used and rare books, and owners Janice Headley and Joe Puleo share a love for the eclectic. “We get unique voices that are new to West Michigan,” Headley says. “We’re trying to bring in diverse voices and always looking for international authors.” Owners’ go-to coffee shop: The Flying Saucer Coffee on Phoenix Street. Grab an iced chai latte, find a new favorite book, and relax on the benches overlooking the beach. Owners’ recommended reads: Puleo picks A Confederacy of Dunces; Headley suggests “anything by Grady Hendrix,” whose books she calls “fun reads.”

Lakeview Hills Resort

ESTATE WELLNESS RETREAT RETREAT PACKAGES The Reset Package

2 Days/1 Night (Overnight Stay in Deluxe Room)

Includes:

Food/Dining Includes:

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- 18 Holes of Golf with Cart - Massage or Facial Treatment - Take Home “Estate Grown Basket

$799/Couple | $425/Person

The Recharge Package 3 Days/2 Nights (Overnight Stay in a Suite) Food/Dining Includes:

- Daily Farm to Table Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner/Walk to Garden and pick own herbs and vegetables

$1900/Couple | $975/Person

The Escape Luxury Package 3 Days/2 Nights (Overnight Stay in a Suite) Food/Dining Includes:

- Organic, Farm To Table Breakfast and Lunch/Walk to gardens and pick own herbs and vegetables - Farm to Table Dinner in Emilio’s Prime Steakhouse

$2900/Couple | $1476/Person

Farm to Table Dining

Vineyard Experiences

Includes: - 18 Holes of Golf with Cart - 2 Massage or Facial Treatments - Wine Tasting Experience - Cooking Demo with the Chef Experience in the Kitchen - Take Home “Estate Grown Basket”

Includes: - 36 Holes of Golf experience in the north and south with Cart - Couples/VIP Massage treatments - Sommelier Led Wine Pairing Dinner in Virginia’s Table 1928 - Take Home “Estate Grown Basket”

Golf & Leisure

LAKEVIEW HILLS GOLF & WEDDING RESORT 6560 PECK RD, LEXINGTON, MI 48450 | 810.359.7333 | WWW.LAKEVIEWHILLS.COM

Curated Experiences

FOOD & DRINK AUGUST 2026

An Epicurean’s Guide to the Region’s Dining Scene

 P. 1 0 6 The perfect spread made entirely of Michigan products.

S H O P P I N G L I ST p. 106 / D R I N K S p. 108 / D I N I N G N EWS p. 109

CHARCUTERIE REBECCA SIMONOV

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FOOD & DRINK

Baguette, Crispelli’s (Royal Oak); Wildflower Honey Mustard, American Spoon (Petoskey)

SHOPPING LIST

Graze Local BY JACK THOMAS

PHOTOS AND STYLING BY REBECCA SIMONOV

Michigan-made gourmet snacks

on’t knock our snack scene. Michigan is filled with producers creating world-class bites while thinking locally. Take Leelanau Cheese in Suttons Bay, which uses local milk and lets its cheeses develop in a naturally cooled aging cave, emulating an ancient process that originated in Europe. Then there’s Great Lakes Tinned Fish in Grand Rapids, which sources exclusively from the Great Lakes and has committed to using 100% of each fish it processes. For your viewing pleasure, here’s a charcuterie spread composed entirely of Michigan-made products.

10 6 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

2024 Arcturos Sauvignon Blanc, Black Star Farms (Traverse City); Garlic Stuffed Olives, Olive Cart (St. Joseph, South Haven); Smoked Whitefish, Great Lakes Tinned Fish (Grand Rapids)

FOOD & DRINK

Pimento Cheese Spread, Zingerman’s (Ann Arbor); Classic Dill Pickles, McClure’s (Detroit)

Prosciutto, Louise Earl Butcher (Grand Rapids); Soppressata, Jake’s Country Meats (Cassopolis); Aged Raclette, Leelanau Cheese (Sutton’s Bay)

Blueberry Lavender Jam, Gus and Grey (Detroit); Plainish Sourdough Crackers, Share Crackers (Detroit) AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

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FOOD & DRINK

ä Mack is partial to bar naps, his owner Mickey Lyons says.

DRINKS

A Loyal DRINKING Buddy BY M I C K E Y LYO N S

Bring your dog along to share in the summer joy

ar dogs are some of my favorite dogs. Once upon a time, we were graced with Jameson from Temple Bar, Stanley from Donovan’s, and Dearborn Brewing’s Calypso the Brewery Dog. Purebred or pure mutt, they’re a rare breed these days. My dog Mack was raised in a bar. Every Saturday I can manage, I take him up to our favorite local Hamtramck watering hole, where he lollops along the bar rail, greeting his honorary aunties and uncles — especially his auntie Katie, the bartender. Another bartender, Mikey, proudly inscribed Mack’s growth chart from 12 weeks to two years in Sharpie on the green, wood-paneled walls. The bar is his happy place, where my extrovert of a golden retriever can greet every person who comes through the door, then fall asleep right in the middle of the floor. Finding the right bar for your dog may take some work, though, since Michigan has strict laws regulating non-service dogs in restaurants. Pets are not allowed inside bars and restaurants that serve food, and patio restrictions vary by city ordinance. Still, there are plenty of outdoor spots to grab a quick sip with the pups during the dog days of summer. Here are just a few. Note: Please make sure your dog is well behaved, on a leash, and vaccinated. Also, before venturing over, check with the venue to make sure pups are still welcome. PHOTOS MICKEY LYONS

 Mack enjoys a visit to Barkside Detroit, a dog park and bar.

Barkside

Detroit and Southfield

I call this the “country club,” and Mack absolutely adores it. On a sunny afternoon, there’s truly nothing better than gabbing with friends while sipping a spritz and watching a dozen or more dogs romp around together. The Congregation Detroit

This former church turned community hub hosts regular gatherings for the Boston-Edison neighborhood and for those like me who trek in for

coffee, tea, wine, and cocktails on the expansive grounds. I’m an especial fan of the summer farmers markets and the addition of The Rectory, a pizza spot next door. Stadt Garten Detroit

Ordering a glass of Grüner from the walk-up window and wittering away on a sunny afternoon with a dog at my feet just feels so elegantly European, and this wine bar in a renovated Victorian home at Second and Alexandrine fits the bill.

Mootz and Side Hustle Detroit

Another killer Detroit pizza spot, Mootz, added a welcome extension with Side Hustle Lounge next door. Both have patios that welcome wellbehaved pups. Mootz’s patio is heated and covered, too, in case the fractious Michigan weather acts up. Ferndale Project Ferndale

What I love about this brewery space is … well, the space.

Ferndale Project’s massive, wide-open patio is made for bigger groups to relax on a sunny afternoon. It’s an ideal gathering place for families and dogs. Atwater in the Park Grosse Pointe Park

Atwater’s exterior is perfect for pups. The Bier Garten at this former church turned brewpub is so spacious and charming; it’s like stepping into another time. Lush greenery and seasonal flowers on the picnic tables lend an antiquated vibe to a summer pint. AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

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 From left: chefs Jared Gadbaw and Cory Barberio plan to bring Angelo's Fine Italian to Grosse Pointe this fall. D I N I N G N E WS

What’s Cooking? BY JACK THOMAS

New and soon-to-open restaurants, plus events this month  Angelo’s Fine Italian to open in Grosse Pointe Two culinary forces in Detroit’s modern Italian dining scene are coming together to start a new restaurant in the heart of Grosse Pointe. Jared Gadbaw, chef-owner of Oak and Reel, and Cory Barberio, longtime chef at San Morello in the Shinola Hotel, will open Angelo’s Fine Italian early this fall. The menu will feature “time-honored” Italian American classics, according to a June announcement. Pastas will be made fresh in house daily, and other selections will include baked clams, mortadella skewers, eggplant Parmesan, and an oven-roasted chicken. The restaurant will occupy the former City Kitchen space on Kercheval. 16844 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe; angelosfineitalian.com

 Eggplant Parmesan from Angelo’s

Cardoon comes to Sylvan Lake From the owners of farm-to-table restaurant Sylvan Table comes a new, more casual concept that opened on June 16. The European-style establishment is many things simultaneously: a café, deli, bakery, and provisions emporium. Husband-and-wife team Nicole and Tim Ryan own the restaurant, and executive chef Scott Martinelli — Sylvan Table’s opening sous chef — heads the kitchen. Open from morning to evening daily, Cardoon offers coffee, Italian sandwiches, fresh pasta, pizza, baked breads, house-cured charcuterie, and pastries like Viennoiserie and Swedish cardamom buns. Plus, house-made sausages make for delicious handhelds like porchetta schiacciata, a Danish-style hot dog. 2190 Orchard Lake Road, Sylvan Lake; cardoon-mi.com

Agnes to open in Detroit’s West Village The team behind one of Detroit’s most critically acclaimed restaurants, Selden Standard, is opening a new eatery in Detroit’s West Village. Its partners will include Selden Standard owners Evan Hansen and Andy Hollyday — a five-time James Beard semifinalist who earned a best chef, Great Lakes nomination in 2023 — as well as Selden Standard general manager Paul Fradeneck and Takoi chef Alex Jull. Agnes will occupy the space that housed the Metropolitan Bar and Kitchen, which closed last September. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit; follow @agnesdetroit on Instagram for updates

Food and Drink Events Aug. 8 Royal Oak Margarita Fest Choose from more than 100 margaritas, tequilas, and mezcals to sample. Plus, enjoy tacos and live music from Cosmic Groove. Rick Pink and K9 Charities are set to host the event. Royal Oak Farmers Market; buy tickets on eventbrite.com

Aug. 16 Hour Detroit’s GrillFest From noon to 4 p.m., enjoy food and drink samples, live music, a kid zone, and cornhole. Cast your vote in the Best Bite Competition to award gold, silver, and bronze medals to local chefs. Tickets support COTS Detroit. Eastern Market Shed 5; buy tickets at hourdetroit.com/ grillfest

Aug. 19-23 Traverse City Food and Wine A festival celebrating northern Michigan’s bounty and vineyards returns to Traverse City this month. Traverse City Food and Wine will host tastings and tours. Attendees can sample bites and sips from some of Michigan’s top talents, plus celebs like Food Network star Andrew Zimmern. Various locations in Traverse City; buy tickets and view a full list of events and culinary talent at traversecity.com/ food-wine

ANGELO’S FINE ITALIAN COURTESY OF ANGELO’S FINE ITALIAN TRAVERSE CITY FOOD AND WINE TWO TWISTED TREES PHOTOGRAPHY

Aug. 27 Ann Arbor Local Food Festival Learn more about sustainable food and support local farmers, food makers, and organizations at this free public festival from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music, food trucks, chef demonstrations, games, and more. Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market; a2gov.org

 Traverse City Food and Wine returns Aug. 19-23.

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MODERN FLAVORS, HISTORIC CHARM.

Experience contemporary culinary excellence served in Detroit’s most distinctive dining room.

712 CASS AVENUE DETROIT, MI 48226

(313) 338-3222

Photo Credit: @metro.detroiter

DINNER HOURS WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY: 5PM - 10PM | FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 5PM - 11PM

RESERVE YOUR TABLE

Your Comprehensive Resource for Dining Out in Metro Detroit

AUGUST 2026

R E S TA U R A N T G U I D E

Detroit

Adelina $$$ ITALIAN • This relative newcomer to downtown Detroit features traditional Italian eats in a modern atmosphere, with house-made pasta and starters like focaccia, octopus, sausage and peppers, and a roasted Wagyu meatball. Entrées include lamb chops with house-made tzatziki, veal Parmesan, and branzino served with tricolor potatoes, salsa verde, and a tomato-based Livornese sauce. 1040 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-246-8811. D Tue.-Sun. Amore da Roma $$ ITALIAN • Once the longest-operating Italian restaurant in Detroit, Roma Café was transformed into this Eastern Market staple by chef Guy Pelino in 2017. The menu features favorites like fried calamari, baked lasagna, and house-made paglia and fieno — a traditional pasta dish made with spinach and egg noodles. 3401 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313-831-5940. L,D Tue.-Sat. Alpino $$$ ALPINE •Taking inspiration from the Alps, this Corktown restaurant serves fondues, Swiss potato pancakes, stuffed pasta, and Wiener schnitzel. Enjoy your meal with wines from Italy, Slovenia, or Germany. The historic building has been repurposed and is now inspired by European countryside farmhouses, lending a cozy interior to the Alpine-inspired menu. 1426 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-524-0888. D daily, BR Sun. Andiamo $$ ITALIAN • Centered on a commitment to quality, from-scratch cooking, Joe Vicari has turned his culinary approach into a local restaurant dynasty. Each location has a slightly unique menu, but they all feature fresh, house-made pastas. Dishes like the frutti di mare — a shellfish-forward seafood stew — and braised short ribs round out the menu. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit; 313-567-6700. D Mon.-Fri., L,D Sat.-Sun. 38703 Seven Mile Road, Livonia; 734-953-3200. D daily. Apparatus Room $$$ NEW AMERICAN • Located in the former Detroit Fire Department headquarters, the Apparatus Room at the Foundation Hotel once stored fire trucks and other lifesaving equipment. These days, you’ll find elevated fare made with local, seasonal ingredients. For starters, try the crispy pork belly or the heritage sourdough served with whipped butter and sea salt. As an entrée, the Michigan pork chop packs a savory punch, with farro, kale, and a sorghum jus. 250 W. Larned St., Detroit; 313800-5600. B,L,D Mon.-Fri., BR,D Sat.-Sun. Avalon Café and Bakery $ ORGANIC BAKERY • What originally started as a small bakery specializing in organic breads has evolved into multiple cafés serving up artisan baked goods. Avalon’s Woodward location offers a variety of breakfast items, such as the egg and cheese sandwich served on 313 bread. It also boasts a selection of muffins, with favorites like blackberry walnut and chocolate espresso. 1049 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-285-8006. B,L daily.

E N T R É E P R I C ES

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Babo $ NEW AMERICAN • Nestled into a cozy space in Midtown Detroit, this all-day diner carries both breakfast and lunch fare. For a morning meal, try the chorizo breakfast tacos, which come with all the fixings. The Korean beef cheesesteak or buffalo chicken sandwich will handle any midday cravings. 15 E. Kirby St., Ste. 115, Detroit; 313-974-6159. BR,L daily. Baker’s Keyboard Lounge $$ SOUL FOOD • This iconic jazz lounge offers up live music alongside good eats. Work your way through fried chicken, corn muffins, collard greens, and sweet potato pie while listening to live jazz music. 20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-345-6300. D Mon.-Fri. Baobab Fare $$ EAST AFRICAN • This New Center eatery, founded by Burundian refugees Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, opened its doors in 2021. Choose from East African dishes like ugali — a traditional corn flour swallow served with an okra stew. The beverage menu is complete with a selection of fresh juices, coffees, and teas to complement any meal. For a sweet bite, try the coconut cream with mango coulis and fresh mango chunks. 6568 Woodward Ave., Ste. 100, Detroit; 313-265-3093. L,D Tues.-Sun. Bar Chenin $$$ WINE BAR • In the far corner of The Siren Hotel sits Detroit’s smallest wine bar. With only 10 seats and limited standing room, the bar’s cozy atmosphere pairs well with its rotating selection of natural wines and homestyle dishes. Enjoy a house-made assortment of ice creams, including unique flavors like Negroni, olive oil, and Underberg. For something savory, try the sourdough focaccia pizza or deli-style sandwiches. 1509 Broadway St., Ste. A-1, Detroit; 313-277-4736 (Siren Hotel). D Thu.-Mon. Bar Pigalle $$$ FRENCH • In Brush Park, once known as Little Paris, you’ll find a haven for modern, French-inspired cuisine. Classic dishes like oysters and steak tartare share a space with heartier bites, like the striped bass and cassoulet. If you sit at the bar, try the pub-style burger that comes blanketed in melty cheese and can be ordered with one or two patties. 2915 John R Road, Detroit; 313-497-9200. D daily. Barda $$$$ ARGENTINIAN • Inspired by cuisine from chef Javier Bardauil’s home country of Argentina, this Core City staple emphasizes live-fire cooking and raw bites. The beets, thin-cut and formed into a rose, are dusted with raspberry powder. Beef takes center stage, with multiple cuts to choose from. Save room for the broken pavlova, a sweet and savory combination made with strawberries, citrus mousse, and salmon roe. 4842 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-952-5182. D Wed.-Sun.

$ Affordable (less than $12)

$$ Moderate ($13 to $20)

Basan $$$$ JAPANESE FUSION • Just around the corner from Little Caesars Arena, you’ll find small bites and meat skewers prepared over a robata grill. Larger dishes are available, such as ramen-rub chicken wings or a fried chicken sandwich served on milk bread. It’s known for its inventive cocktails, with highlights including Then There Was One, made with rum and pandan, and Pear Pressure, made with shiso and mint gin. 2703 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-481-2703. D daily. Besa $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • The culture and cuisine of the northern Mediterranean are on full display at this modern fine-dining establishment. Try the tiropita to start — Besa’s take on the Greek pastry served with hot honey, sesame, and thyme. Taste the fruits of the Adriatic Sea with scallops accompanied by bacon, scallions, and mashed potatoes. 600 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-315-3000. D Mon.-Sat. Bohemia $$$ NEW AMERICAN • The former members-only lounge in this restored Romanesque Revival in downtown Detroit is now a posh restaurant open to the public. (The downstairs bar is also open to the public.) The stunning dining room reflects the club’s history while staying fresh and modern, with local art on the walls and an Instagrammable seating area in the middle of the dining room, featuring plush couches and trees lined with lights. The food is upscale but approachable, including the Nashville fried chicken and the lobster fettucini, which is worth every indulgent bite. 712 Cass Ave., Detroit, 313-338-3222. D Wed.-Sat. Cadieux Café $$ BELGIAN • This institution was like a slice of home for early Belgian immigrants. The former speakeasy serves up four varieties of mussels and a wide range of hearty dishes such as Belgian rabbit, but there are also classic sandwiches. 4300 Cadieux Road, Detroit; 313-882-8560. D daily. Caucus Club $$$$ TRADITIONAL AMERICAN • Founded in 1952 as a sister restaurant to London Chop House, Caucus Club is where Barbra Streisand famously launched her singing career. This steakhouse has all the classics, from oysters Rockefeller to steak tartare, and, of course, a selection of prime-cut steaks, aged in a Himalayan salt-lined aging room. 150 W. Congress, Detroit; 313-965-4970. D daily. Central Kitchen & Bar $$ CREATIVE COMFORT • The space facing Campus Martius is done up in gray and white under industrial light fixtures. Crowd-pleasers include buttermilk fried chicken, filet and frites, burgers, and salads. 660 Woodward Ave., Ste. 4A, Detroit; 313-963-9000. D Thu.-Sat., BR Sat.-Sun.

$$$ Expensive ($21 to $50)

$$$$ Very Expensive (more than $50)

AUGUST 2026

RESTAURANT GUIDE 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 entrées. But the Twice Cooked Egg is not to be missed. 15 E. Kirby St., Detroit; 313-818-3915. D Tue.-Sat.

Detroit Shipping Company $ VARIOUS • This bi-level destination created out of shipping containers offers a variety of food options ranging from the Caribbean-fusion dishes at Coop to Thai fare from Bangkok 96 and more. 474 Peterboro St., Detroit; 313-462-4973. L Sat.Sun., D Tue.-Sun.

Cibo $$$ ITALIAN-INSPIRED • Cibo offers a “social dining” experience with shared plates, craft cocktails, and theatrical presentations. On the menu: pizzas, steaks, chops, seafood, and plenty of veggies. It’s located inside the Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown, an Albert Kahn-designed building that once housed the original WWJ radio station. 600 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-338-3529. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Detroit Soul $ SOUL FOOD • A hidden gem on the city’s east side, Detroit Soul serves its namesake with a healthy twist. Owners Sam Van Buren and Jerome Brown draw from the recipes of their grandparents, who relocated to Detroit from Alabama in the 1940s. The turkey and collard greens are savory standouts, and yams are a sweet treat. This is the kind of place that every soul-food lover must visit. 2900 E. Eight Mile Road, Detroit; 313-366-5600. 14300 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-9266305. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Cliff Bell’s $$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • This restored Art Deco hot spot offers small plates such as oysters with cava granita and potato croquettes. Entrées range from savory seared diver scallops to a 16-ounce grilled pork chop. Jazz prevails on the bandstand. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-961-2543. D Wed.-Sun.

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 daily.

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 fat-fried chicken and a burger. 5440 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-285-8849. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat., BR Sun.

Eatori Market $$ SPECIALTY GROCERY • This stylish spot overlooks downtown’s Capitol Park. The menu includes 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.

Coriander Kitchen and Farm $$ GASTROPUB • At this Jefferson Chalmers eatery, guests can rent firepits and roast house-made marshmallows for s’mores or sip mugs of hot buttered rum. By day, grab a picnic table and enjoy creamy smoked lake trout whitefish dip, seasoned with herbs and paired with pickles and crackers. 14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit; 313-338-9466. D Tue.-Fri., D Sat., BR Sun.

El Asador Steakhouse $$ MEXICAN • The concentrated cuisine with little modern flairs 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 an unassuming Latin American find in Detroit’s Springwells Village. 1312 Springwells St., Detroit; 313-297-2360. L,D Tue.-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-ounce chicken breast, sautéed wild mushroom blend, wild rice, and seasonal grilled vegetables, cooked in a Lombardo Ambra Sweet Marsala wine sauce. Simply delicious! 2415 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2261. D Wed.-Sat., BR Sat., B,L Sun.

El Barzon $$$ MEXICAN-ITALIAN • Norberto Garita prepares Italian and Mexican cuisine alongside his wife, Silvia Rosario Garita. Authentic Mexican entrées include enchiladas with a homemade green sauce made with tomatillo, jalapeño, 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.

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 Alaskan halibut, as well as sea scallops featuring lemon risotto, corn, almonds, citrus butter, and beet dust. 670 Lothrop Road, Detroit; 313-872-5110. D Wed.Sat. (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 knackwurst, 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.

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Evie’s Tamales $$ MEXICAN • This Mexicantown restaurant makes some of the best tamales around. Pork or chicken is jacketed with sturdy masa, a dough of ground corn, then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed. Eat in or order a dozen for later. 3454 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-843-5056. B,L Mon.-Sat. Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café $$ NEW ORLEANIAN • Enjoy New Orleans classics like gumbo and jambalaya or something more eclectic like jalapeño pepper jack cheese, flamed tableside and served with grilled pita bread. Try the deep-fried alligator bites or catfish beignets. Check the restaurant’s calendar for live music to accompany your meal. 400 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-965-4600. fishbonesusa.com for more locations.

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; 313554-2085. D Thu.-Sun. Folk $ NEW AMERICAN • Folk is 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, quiches, and sandwiches — all beautifully plated and nutritious. Infused milks and frothy lattes are sought after, too. 1701 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; 313742-2672. B,L daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2024

Freya $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • Freya provides elegant, elevated dining served inside a warm and inviting space in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction district. Chef de cuisine Cole Lauri’s fixed-price dinners — which change daily and are available in five or nine courses — invite guests to tap into a world of flavors and sensations. There are also cocktail pairings and dishes that accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian diets. Co-run by 2023 James Beard semifinalist Sandy Levine, Freya made The New York Times’s list of the 50 best restaurants in 2022. 2929 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-351-5544. D Tue.-Sat. Fusion Flare Kitchen & Cocktails $ NEW AMERICAN/SOUL • Burgers and wings share the menu with classic Southern staples like catfish, yams, and greens on Detroit’s west side. Try the delectable shrimp plate starter — it can be ordered deep-fried, New Orleans-style (with Cajun seasoning), or sautéed in a scampi sauce with garlic butter and wine. 16801 Plymouth Road, Detroit; 313653-3700. L,D Wed.-Sun. Giovanni’s Ristorante $$$ ITALIAN • This old-school Italian restaurant offers housemade pastas, including outstanding lasagna. Elaborate veal and seafood dishes and desserts like key lime cheesecake tiramisu round out the delicious menu. 330 Oakwood Blvd., Detroit; 313-841-0122. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat. Golden Fleece $$ GREEK • Spend a night dining in Greektown’s longest-standing restaurant, starting with a flaming saganaki and a joyous “opa!” Then, peruse the menu containing various Balkan comfort foods like chicken gyros, spinach pie, and french fries sprinkled with feta and oregano. 525 Monroe St., Detroit; 313962-7093. L,D daily. 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 DeWall, 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 daily.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

AUGUST 2026

Grand Trunk Pub $ NEW AMERICAN • Meats from Eastern Market and delicious breads 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. L,D, Tue.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun. The Greek $ GREEK • The place to find modern Greek food, The Greek has all the favorites, from spanakopita to moussaka and gyros. Enjoy it all while sipping a strawberry shortcake martini or a spicy mule. 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 alongside chicken paprikas soup, a nod to the neighborhood’s Hungarian origins. 2200 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-962-5588. L,D daily. Grey Ghost $$ NEW AMERICAN • The cuisine at this Brush Park hot spot isn’t easily defined, but the results are original and well prepared — for example, pork tenderloin with romesco, peri peri, and wild rice or yellowfin tuna with kimchi, edamame, and sweet soy. 47 Watson St., Detroit; 313-262-6534. D daily. Highlands $$$$ STEAKHOUSE/NEW AMERICAN • On the top two floors of the Renaissance Center, Highlands is the concept of chef-owner Shawn McClain, a James Beard awardee and Iron Chef winner. Besides boasting one of the city’s most breathtaking views, the steakhouse’s offerings include three-course dinners with optional sommelier wine pairings. Its High Bar features an impressive selection of beers and spirits, plus elevated bar bites like the Hearth Burger. 400 Renaissance Center, Floors 71 and 72, Detroit; 313-877-9090. D Mon.-Sat. Hiroki-San $$$$ JAPANESE • Venture to the basement of the historic Book Tower building to enter Hiroki-San’s shoji-lined, mood-lit dining room. The menu includes an optional sake pairing and cocktails like the Genmaicha-Hai, a green tea-infused highball with lemon juice, honey, apricot, and seltzer. On the food side, enjoy small plates like the sweet and savory tako-age (deep-fried octopus), robatayaki and yakitori offerings, Wagyu steaks, and noodles. Sushi and sashimi can be ordered à la carte or as a “chef’s choice” platter. The wasabi is real. 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-597-8344. 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, plus lunchtime sandwiches and salads. 1241 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-237-1000. 17101 Haggerty Road, Northville; 248-308-3793. B,L daily. Iggy’s Eggies $ AMERICAN • Jammy-yolk egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and more are on the menu at Iggy’s Eggies’ walk-up window. You can also get smashburgers and fresh-cut fries at Iggy’s. Take your breakfast or lunch to a table at nearby Capitol Park for a true downtown experience. 34 West Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-986-1174. B,L daily.

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Ima $ JAPANESE-INSPIRED • This ramen hot spot has three locations and a Midwest emphasis. Ima’s tacos trade the traditional shell for a slice of jicama, stuffed with spicy shrimp, roasted tofu, or garlic chicken. Appetizers include edamame, dumplings, and clams. 4870 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-883-9788. 32203 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248781-0131. L,D daily. Ima Izakaya $$ JAPANESE-INSPIRED • Chef Michael Ransom has slowly and steadily built up his local chain of noodle shops over the past few years, and his latest one takes it up a notch with the izakaya concept, the Japanese equivalent of a pub. In addition to the staple noodles and soups that put Ransom on the map, the menu also includes grilled skewers from the robata grill, such as kawahagi trigger fish jerky and mini kurobuta pork sausages. There’s also a tantalizing selection of cocktails and mocktails, sake, beer, and wine to make it a true izakaya experience. 2100 Michigan Ave., Detroit, 313-306-9485. L,D daily. Ivy Kitchen and Cocktails $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This Black-owned restaurant was founded by Nya Marshall to bring fine dining to the East Jefferson Corridor where she grew up. The spot serves New American fare with international influences in a modern, elevated space bathed in neutral tones. The mezcal wings with pickled jalapeño and cilantro bring a Mexican kick, while dishes like the creamy Cajun pasta contribute New Orleans flavors. 9215 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-332-0607. L Fri.Sun., D daily. Jacoby’s $$ GERMAN • Detroit’s oldest biergarten, Jacoby’s has been serving beer and traditional German fare since the late 1800s. Pick from more than 100 beers on the rotating drink menu: everything from German pilsners and hefeweizens to Irish stouts and craft brews. The food menu honors the restaurant’s roots with favorites like house-made potato pancakes, schnitzel, and German-style meatballs. 624 Brush St., Detroit; 313-962-7067. L,D daily.

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: smoked fish spread, creamed spinach, and stewed tomatoes. It’s a true Detroit classic. 400 Renaissance Center, Ste. 1404, Detroit; 313-567-6837. 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-792-9609. L,D daily. Johnny Noodle King $ JAPANESE-INSPIRED • This noodle shop offers bowls topped with pork belly, confit chicken, and tofu, as well as seaweed salad and gyoza. There are also several fusion bowls like the Southwest verde, a green chili chicken broth topped with chicken thigh confit, cilantro, corn, and hot peppers. 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-309-7946. L,D daily.

The Kitchen by Cooking with Que $$ VEGAN • This eatery created by Detroit-based cooking blogger Quiana Broden serves lunches of smoothies, salads, and sandwiches. Broden also often offers live cooking demonstrations. 6529 Woodward Ave., Ste. A, Detroit; 313-462-4184. L,D Fri.-Sun. Private events only Mon.-Thur. Ladder 4 Wine Bar $$$ WINE BAR • This southwest Detroit wine bar occupies a former 1910 firehouse, offering a daily wine list and seasonal European-inspired bites made with local ingredients — some grown in its backyard garden. Though its owners prefer not to call it a restaurant, it made Bon Appétit’s “24 Best New Restaurants” and The New York Times’s “50 Places in the United States That We’re Most Excited About Right Now” — both in 2023. 3396 Vinewood St., Detroit; 313-638-1601. D Wed.-Sun. La Dolce Vita $$$ ITALIAN • Traditional Italian cuisine is key at this Palmer Park hideaway. Recommended is the bronzino in lemon caper cream sauce, the veal scaloppine with artichokes, and the lasagna. 17546 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-865-0331. D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun. La Lanterna $$ 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 are more, including a number of elegant pastas like the lasagna alla Bolognese. 1224 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-962-8821. L,D Tue.-Sun. London Chop House $$ STEAKHOUSE • The kitchen turns out classics like oysters Rockefeller, French onion soup, and sautéed loup de mer with scallops. This is the place to come when you need to satisfy a craving for steak in elegant surroundings with hospitable service. 155 W. Congress St., Detroit; 313-962-0277. D Mon.-Sat. Leila $$$ LEBANESE • The restaurant from the proprietors of Birmingham’s Phoenicia is named after the owner’s mother — just one facet of the establishment that pays homage to family traditions and heritage. The menu includes various Lebanese dishes, from falafel to Leila’s Mixed Grill, which offers a little bit of everything with shish kebab, tawook, and kafta. Other menu items include kibbeh niyee — fresh lamb, cracked wheat, and spices — and tabbouleh made of parsley, cracked wheat, and spices. The beer and wine lists offer plenty of options to accompany any meal. 1245 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-816-8100. D daily. Leña $$$$ SPANISH-INSPIRED • At this restaurant located in Brush Park, just about every dish on the menu touches the kitchen’s central hearth at some point during its preparation. The menu riffs on Basque pinchos and Catalan tapas, plus a fine selection of Spanish wines and gin and tonics. James Beard-honored pastry chef Lena Sareini’s desserts are divine. 2720 Brush St., Detroit; 313-262-6082. D Wed.-Mon. Le Suprême $$$ FRENCH • This Paris-inspired brasserie pays homage to the City of Light with its 1920s-inspired decor on the historic Book Tower’s ground floor. There are pastis, absinthe, France-themed cocktails, and more than 300 wines. Standout dishes include escargots, honey-roasted duck breast, and trout amandine. 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-597-7734. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

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AUGUST 2026

RESTAURANT GUIDE Lumen Detroit $$ NEW AMERICAN • A contemporary American menu and a Victor Saroki setting make this restaurant overlooking downtown’s Beacon Park one of the best recent entrants onto the scene. Appetizers such as freshly made pretzels prelude main courses like the maple Dijon salmon. 1903 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-626-5005. L Fri.-Sun., D. Wed.-Sun. Mad Nice $$$ ITALIAN • There’s no shortage of coastal vibes and modern Italian cuisine at this swanky Midtown spot. The wood-fired pizzas come with a pair of golden scissors for guests to cut their own slices. Choose from a range of pastas, entrées, and family-style dishes to enjoy in the vibrant space. Dessert options like the signature homemade vanilla bean gelato and peanut butter budino pair well with a specialty latte or signature cocktail. 4120 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-558-8000. D daily, BR,L Wed.-Sun. Mario’s $$$ ITALIAN • This Midtown Detroit classic dates back to 1948. Linen-covered tables, framed paintings on wood-paneled walls, expert waiters clad in black tie, and tableside preparation survive here. Italian dinners always begin with an antipasto tray and continue with soup, salad, pasta, and entrées. 4222 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-832-1616. L,D daily. Marrow in the Market $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • This two-story Eastern Market restaurant features two unique bars in addition to a butcher shop with specialty cuts and artisan creations. Each dining space has its own menu, but standouts include grilled walleye, the Marrow smashburger, roasted bone marrow, and a porchetta sandwich. 2442 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313624-1537. L,D Wed.-Sun., BR Sat., Sun. Maty’s African Cuisine $$ WEST AFRICAN • A small storefront in the Detroit Old Redford neighborhood is decidedly Senegalese. Fataya, deep-fried pastries with savory fillings, are reminiscent of empanadas. The star of the show is the whole chicken with yassa. 21611 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-472-5885. L,D Tue.-Sun. Medusa $$$ ITALIAN • A few short blocks from chef Anthony Lombardo’s SheWolf Pastificio & Bar is his latest project, Medusa, centered on Sicilian cuisine. The seafood-heavy menu and amaro-forward cocktail program look to honor the island’s culinary history. 644 Selden St., Detroit. D Thu.- Sun. Mercury Burger & Bar $ BURGERS • This Corktown joint seats 70 around the zinc-covered bar set with Mercury (Liberty) dimes. The burger is available in a variety of iterations, such as Southwest Detroit with a chorizo slider, jalapeño, Muenster cheese, tortilla strips, and avocado. 2163 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-964-5000. L,D daily. Michigan & Trumbull $$ ITALIAN-AMERICAN • Not your traditional carryout joint, Michigan & Trumbull features square pies with Detroit-inspired names, such as Packard Pepperoni and Woodward White. 1331 Holden St., Detroit; 313-637-4992. L,D Wed-Sun. Mi Lindo San Blas $$$ MEXICAN • Heaping platters of seafood such as shrimp, octopus, and scallops tell the story at this spot that brings

118 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

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. Mink $$$$ SEAFOOD • This raw bar with sustainably sourced seafood like oysters and caviar offers an immersive dining experience. The five-course chef’s tasting menu changes once a month and offers several appetizers and main meals with optional beverage parings. While indoor high-top bar seating is reserved for the chef’s tasting menu, Mink also offers firstcome, first-served patio seating for walk-in diners. 1701 Trumbull, Detroit; 313-351-0771. D Thu.-Sun. The Monarch Club $$$ NEW AMERICAN • On 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 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 Lounge, Mootz’s by-the-slice counter next door. 1230 Library St., Detroit; 313-243-1230. L Fri.-Sun., L, D daily. Mudgie’s Deli $ DELI • Sandwich lovers fill the seats for 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 great place for a delicious meal any time. 1413 Brooklyn St., Detroit; 313-961-2000. B Tue.-Sat., L Tue.-Wed., L,D Thu.-Sat.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2022

Oak & Reel $$ SEAFOOD • Despite a global pandemic threatening to derail his longtime dream, chef Jared Gadbaw brought his vision of a seafood-focused Italian restaurant to life in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood in fall 2020. Oak & Reel’s resilience in the face of extreme adversity and its commitment to the vision of bringing diners impeccable dishes showcasing the freshest seafood, all presented with welcoming and knowledgeable service, is the reason Oak & Reel was named Hour Detroit’s Restaurant of the Year. The menu is seasonal and changes frequently. But in general, the crudos are pristine, the pastas are impeccable, and the seafood dishes are all well balanced and expertly prepared to accentuate the freshness and quality of the fish and shellfish. 2921 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-2709600. D Thu.-Mon. The Old Shillelagh $$ IRISH PUB • Since 1975, patrons have flocked to this downtown staple in search of an authentic Irish pub experience. Pick from a wide selection of draft brews and craft cocktails while you watch your favorite Detroit sports team or enjoy live music. In addition to the classic bar fare, like nachos and boneless wings, a full plant-based menu is available with many of those same favorites offered in a vegetarian-friendly form. 349 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-964-0007. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Olin $$$ MEDITERRANEAN • Enjoy small plates such as beef tartare, wild mushroom pâté, or potatoes bravas. Try large plates like pumpkin gnocchi, chicken Milanese, or shrimp cavatelli with chorizo and Calabrian chili. End the meal with Santa’s milk and cookies, a plate of assorted cookies with whole or chocolate milk. 25 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-774-1190. D Tues.-Sat., BR Sun. Ostrea $$$ SEAFOOD • Located a floor above the iconic London Chop House and by the same ownership, Ostrea offers refined seafood in a modern, casual environment with cocktails, beer, and champagne. Indulge in a wide selection of raw oysters or the Maine-style lobster roll with celery salt mayonnaise, stuffed inside a brioche bun grilled with Old Bay-infused butter. Choice entrées include the grilled swordfish, served as an acqua pazza over crispy fingerling potatoes. 536 Shelby St., Detroit; 313-403-2111. D Mon.-Sat. Ottava Via $$ ITALIAN • Chef Ariel Millan sends out great thin-crust pizzas, as well as interesting small plates typified by bruschetta, calamari, roasted garlic, and whipped goat cheese to spread on paper-thin crostini. 1400 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-5500. L,D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2018

Parc $$$ NEW AMERICAN • Excellent food, exceptional service, and a crisp and formal but distinctly unstuffy atmosphere set this Campus Martius gem apart. Appetizer highlights include a bright and fresh tuna tartare and charred burrata. Main courses include an interesting blend of Italian food, woodgrilled steaks, and a red chile short rib. There’s also a large selection of dry-aged gourmet steaks. 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-922-7272. L,D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Pegasus Taverna $$ GREEK • The cry of “opa!” resounds in St. Clair Shores at the second edition of the longstanding Greektown restaurant. It 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; 313-964-6800. L,D TueSun (Detroit); L Sun., D Tue.-Sun. (St. Clair Shores) The Peterboro $$ ASIAN FUSION • A contemporary take on American-Chinese fare gives new life to the cuisine with robustly spiced dishes, including an “absurdly delicious” cheeseburger spring roll and a take on almond boneless chicken. 420 Peterboro St., Detroit; 313-833-1111. D Mon.-Sat. Pho Lucky $ VIETNAMESE • This charming Midtown Vietnamese spot serves authentic fare emphasizing pho. Bowls of spicy broth with noodles, round steak, and meatballs come in several variations. Other noteworthy dishes include summer rolls and crisp spring rolls. Look for Asian beers and robust Vietnamese coffee. 3111 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-338-3895. L,D Wed.-Mon. Puma $$ SOUTH AMERICAN • Walk on into the casual cousin of chef Javier Bardauil’s Barda. Puma features traditional, approachable Argentine and South American eats prepared on the open-fire grill. Standouts include the hearty choripán (chorizo and chimichurri on a baguette), a selection of ceviches, and empanadas, plus refreshing cocktails. Live DJs are a regular source of entertainment. 4725 16th St., Detroit; 313-819-6804. D Thu.-Sun.

RESTAURANT GUIDE RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2019

Prime + Proper $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • The star of the show at this glamorous downtown restaurant is the selection of dry-aged, rare steaks, but the towering seafood displays and raw bar creations are close seconds. Another standout is the P+P Louie, a salad made with blue crab, butter Bibb lettuce, tomato, asparagus, and avocado. Don’t sleep on the sides, like the mac and cheese or the wood-fired broccoli. The highlight of the dessert menu is peanut butter pavé — a rich, layered cake that pairs well with port wines. 1145 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-636-3100. D daily. Prism $$$ 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. Sakazuki $$ JAPANESE • This street-level pub in Detroit’s Book Tower offers drinks inspired by Japanese anime, pop culture, and city life, with karaoke on Wednesdays. The food menu features a Wagyu dog, a burger, sandwiches, ramen, and the ekiben bento box: a boxed lunch traditionally sold at train stations across Japan. Choice cocktails include the Sailor Moon — Roku gin, lemon juice, sakura (cherry blossom), and lychee. 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-597-8344. D Tue.-Sat. Saksey’s $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This intimate cocktail lounge is a throwback to the original space, owned by Dan Gilbert’s father, Sam Gilbert, in the 1960s and ’70s. Try a miniature martini, like the savory Dill Turf Club, or build your own three-Teeny ’Tini flight. In addition to craft cocktails, find shareable bites, like the caviar and Bugles, and the bar burger — Saksey’s take on a Royale with cheese. 1550 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-546-1500; D Tue.-Sat. San Morello $$$ ITALIAN • This gem in the Shinola Hotel serves pizzas, pastas, and wood-fired dishes that draw inspiration from the coastal towns of Southern Italy and Sicily. The menu is handcrafted by James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini. 1400 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-209-4700. B,L,D daily. SavannahBlue $$ SOUL FOOD • Dine on upscale soul food like red snapper and shrimp and grits. Shareables include catfish fritters and a Georgian hummus that substitutes black-eyed peas for chickpeas. There’s also a great bar. 1431 Times Square, Detroit; 313-926-0783. D Tue.-Sat. 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. Cash only. 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 lighter menu includes a fried green tomato BLT and fried chicken sandwiches, accompanying drinks that were popular more than a few years back. 42 Watson St., Detroit; 313-315-3077. L Sat.-Sun., D daily.

Sexy Steak $$$$ ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE • This extravagantly decorated eatery occupies downtown Detroit’s castlelike Grand Army of the Republic Building. Its steaks, which you can choose from the Himalayan salt-lined display case, are cooked to order and finished with clarified butter, zip-style sauce, rosemary, and a garlic bulb. 1942 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-4031000. D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2016

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Sweet Soul Bistro $ SOUL FOOD • The large menu includes homages to Detroit musicians, from Stevie Wonder Wonderful Wings to Aretha Franklin Fierce Catfish Bites. Also notable are the crab cakes. In the evening, the bistro transforms into a club. 13741 W. McNichols Road, Detroit; 313- 862-7685. L,D daily. Takoi $$ THAI • Thai-Laotian fare might seem out of place in Corktown, but virtually everything on the menu has distinction. There’s a depth, concentration, and balance between heat and coolness, the range of spices, the delight of moving from one superb bite to the next. 2520 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-855-2864. D Tue.-Sat. Tap at MGM Grand $ SPORTS BAR • Tap has 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 entrées 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. B,L,D daily.

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; 313-315-3992. D Tue.-Sun.

Townhouse $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This downtown hot spot is known for its luxe aesthetics and elevated comfort foods. The menu is multicultural, offering dishes ranging from sushi and pastrami wontons to tom yum roasted chicken and pork chop Milanese. Its signature dessert, the Michigan cherry, features a morello cherry mousse and almond cake served in the shape of two realistic-looking cherries. 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313723-1000. D daily, BR,L Wed.-Sun.

Sindbad’s Restaurant and Marina $$ SEAFOOD • Sitting by the Detroit River, this long-lasting establishment prides itself on serving some of the best perch, pickerel, shrimp, and scallops in Detroit, along with its signature clam chowder. 100 St. Clair St., Detroit; 313-822-8000. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Vecino $$$$ MEXICAN • The Midtown eatery offers a luxurious way to experience the regional foods served in Oaxaca and Mexico City. It is the first restaurant in the state to feature in-house nixtamalization — a 3,000-year-old process used to turn corn into workable masa. Its unique offerings include mezcal cocktails, tuna tostada, half red snapper, and broccolini in green mole. 4100 Third Ave., Detroit; 313-500-1615. D Tue.-Sun.

Slows Bar BQ $$ BARBECUE • The brick-and-wood original in Corktown gained a following for its pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. It expanded with a “to go” spot in Midtown. This is a true Detroit classic in every sense of the term. Corktown location: 2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-9828. L,D daily. Slows To Go in Midtown: 4107 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-309-7560. L,D Tue.-Sun. Standby $$ NEW AMERICAN • In a place where cocktails are king, there’s no shortage of food options. The fare — overseen by celebrity chef partner Matty Matheson — ranges from small plates of marinated olives and fried deviled eggs to entrées such as Thai pork skewers and the house cheeseburger. 225 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-241-5719. D Wed.-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. Plus, try small plates like polpette and three delicious salads. Beer, wine, and cocktails add to the appeal. 2457 Russell St., Detroit; 313-567-7879. L,D Wed.-Sun. 6519 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-314-7400. L,D Mon.-Sat.

Vesper Books and Wine $$ WINE BAR • Nestled in a refurbished bank building in Core City, this half bar and half bookstore offers biodynamic wines by the glass or bottle along with small bites. Visitors can browse a diverse selection of cookbooks while sipping on both Old and New World wines. In addition to wine, the bar’s namesake, a vesper martini, is on the menu, along with various beers, ciders, and nonalcoholic alternatives. 5001 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-716-1708. L,D Wed.-Sun. Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine $$ CUBAN • An evening at this lively spot is more than just Cuban and Spanish dining. Appetizers and tapas include the outstanding tapa de la casa, pork leg marinated in mojo; a Spanish chorizo and fresh mushrooms concoction with garlic lemon sauce; and empanadas, a Cuban turnover filled with ground beef or chicken. 1250 Library St., Detroit; 313-962-8800. L,D daily. Whatcha Wanna Eat Food Hall $ FOOD COURT • Whatcha Wanna Eat is said to be the first Black-owned food hall in Detroit and aims to provide a platform to first-time restaurateurs in the city (producing tasty results for diners). Its seven restaurants feature a range of cuisine, including burgers, wings, tacos, hibachi bowls, and pit-style barbecue. 10635 W. McNichols Road, Detroit. L,D Tue.-Sun.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE 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 a seared Verlasso salmon fillet. 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 Tue.-Sun. and high tea Sat.

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 Involtini di Pollo “Da Edoardo”: prosciutto, spinach, and Parmigiano Reggiano-filled chicken breast sautéed in a sherry wine sauce and topped with fresh mushrooms. The wine list is impressive as well. 98 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-308-3120. D Tue.-Sun.

Wright & Co. $$$ NEW AMERICAN • The collaboration between Marc Djozlija and executive chef Kyle Schutte gives life to the second-floor space in the Wright-Kay Building. Small plates such as wild caught walu, Michigan mushroom pâté, and grilled sea scallops are the focus. The menu highlights seasonal dishes with a composed shared plates concept. 1500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-962-7711. D Tue.-Sat.

Cantoro Italian Market and Trattoria $$ ITALIAN • A restaurant inside the market serves great traditional Italian food. Do not miss the tagliatelle alla Bolognese: wide pasta with a meat sauce featuring ground veal, beef, sausage, and pancetta. It makes for a delicious Italian feast you can conveniently pick up on your way home. 15550 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth; 734-420-1100. L,D Tues.-Sat., L Sun.

Yum Village $ AFRO-CARIBBEAN • The former food truck opened a full-service restaurant in the North End in 2019. The space is bright and fun with wooden tables, mismatched chairs, and a colorful, geometric paint job. And the food is just as bold. The restaurant serves up piquant dishes like lemon pepper jerk chicken. 6500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-334-6099. L,D Mon.-Sat.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Wayne County

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 half a 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.

Al Ameer $$ LEBANESE • This halal restaurant is a recipient of the prestigious James Beard America’s Classics Award. The Al Ameer platter is perfect for sharing: chicken shawarma, meat shawarma, tawook kabob, and two kafta served with hummus and salad. See website for locations: alameerrestaurant.com. L,D daily. Antonio’s Cucina Italiana $$ 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; 734981-9800. 26356 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights; 313-278-6000. L,D daily. Atwater in the Park $ GERMAN • At this casual spot, traditional German-style beer is the beverage of choice. Chef Chris Franz’s noteworthy menu is compatible with such additions as the Atwater Brat and other sausages teamed with sauerkraut, plus Bavarian soft pretzels. 1175 Lakepointe St., Grosse Pointe Park; 313344-5104. L,D daily. Brome Modern Eatery $$ BURGERS • This healthy spin on a classic serves never-frozen, grass-fed, antibiotic-free, organic burgers. There are 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 daily. Bucharest Grill $ MEDITERRANEAN-AMERICAN • This bustling casual sandwich shop, now with six locations, is a cult favorite for its fresh Mediterranean fare, with notably the best chicken shawarma wrap sandwiches in town. We’re serious. See bucharestgrill.com for locations and hours.

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Lucy & the Wolf $$ ITALIAN • This pizzeria offers a selection of drinks, salads, and wood-fired, hand-tossed pizza. The pizza menu is split between red sauces made with San Marzano tomatoes and white sauces made of whipped ricotta and Parmesan. Try classics like a margherita or Old World pepperoni pizza or sample the Honey Badger, with an enticing combo of Italian sausage, caramelized onions, and spicy honey. 102 E. Main St., Northville; 248-308-3057. D Tue.-Sat. M Cantina $ MEXICAN • This menu of tapas, tacos, and tortas features unique Nuevo Latino flavors curated by chef Junior Merino to represent his birthplace in Mexico. Be sure to try one of the signature craft cocktails, such as the Aviation SD with Roku gin, blueberries, bergamot, rosemary, and violet liqueur, or try a specialty nonalcoholic cocktail. 13214 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-399-9117. L,D daily.

2010

Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe $$$ GASTROPUB • This jazz club features top guest musicians and an American bistro menu in a traditional interior. Starters include oysters by the half- or full-dozen and lump crab cakes. Main entrées include a beef short rib. 97 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-882-5299. L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.-Sat.

Hungarian Rhapsody $$ HUNGARIAN • This restaurant offers traditional Hungarian food like beef goulash and hortobágyi palacsinta, a type of meat-filled crepe. Or try the párizsi, a sautéed and breaded chicken dish. 14315 Northline Road, Southgate; 734-283-9622. L,D Tue.-Sun. Karl’s Cabin $$ AMERICAN • Dishes from the currently rotating drivethrough menu, such as pan-seared walleye and pierogi and sausage, surpass typical roadhouse food. 6005 Gotfredson Road, Plymouth; 734-455-8450. L,D daily. The Ledger $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • Located in the former United Savings Bank building, this fine-dining restaurant features a seasonal, from-scratch menu and festive cocktails. For starters, try roasted Brussels sprout chips tossed in katsu or, for a real spectacle, the focaccia served with a candle made from tallow. Lobster rolls, Wagyu steaks, and Alaskan halibut round out the menu — plus photogenic desserts like the Ledger Cake with hazelnut mousse, salted caramel, and honey peanut praline. 306 S. Main St., Plymouth; 734-984-0020. D Tue.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun. Lola’s Taco Bar $$ MEXICAN-INSPIRED • This fast-casual Mexican restaurant serves up tacos, burritos, bowls, and more with an emphasis on hospitality. The al pastor and steak tacos are cooked on a vertical spit, while the shrimp tacos are tempura fried and dressed with chipotle lime sauce, cilantro lime slaw, and onion. Margaritas on tap and light beers are available for refreshing drink options. 20195 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods; 313-332-0471. L,D daily.

Nico & Vali $$ ITALIAN • This eatery offers favorites with unexpected twists. The artichokes and chilies appetizer boasts battered and fried artichokes with Fresno and jalapeño peppers, tossed with fresh basil in white wine. Popular choices include the whitefish filet. It’s a classic Italian spot with an update that’s worth a visit. 744 Wing St., Plymouth; 734-207-7880. L Thu.-Sat., D Tue.-Sun. Park Grill $$ MEDITERRANEAN • Mediterranean fare gets a Balkan spin. The menu offers tasting plates, pita-wrapped sandwiches, and salads, as well as entrées such as 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. Polish Village Café $ POLISH • Enjoy the warm comfort foods of Poland in this restaurant’s cozy atmosphere. The menu includes classics such as pierogi, pan-fried kielbasa, and dill pickle soup. Or try a bit of everything with the Polish Plate, which includes stuffed cabbage, pierogi, kielbasa, and sauerkraut. Finish off the meal with nalesniki, the Polish version of crepes. 2990 Yemans St., Hamtramck; 313-874-5726. L,D daily. (Not wheelchair accessible) Polonia $$ POLISH • In the heart of Hamtramck, this authentic Polish eatery is where Anthony Bourdain sampled a variety of classic dishes on his visit to Detroit. Diners will find favorites like dill pickle soup, potato pancakes, and city chicken. Or try the combination plate, which comes with stuffed cabbage, sausage, dumplings, mashed potatoes, and sauerkraut. 2934 Yemans St., Hamtramck. L,D daily. Rocky’s of Northville $$ NEW AMERICAN • The menu includes shrimp cocktail, smoked whitefish pâté, and broiled Great Lakes whitefish. Also try the chipotle honey-glazed salmon. 41122 W. Seven Mile Road, Northville; 248-349-4434. L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.-Sun. Roman Village $$ ITALIAN • The Rugiero family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1964. They’ve launched three additional Antonio’s Cucina Italiana locations. Roman Village is the original and features the signature Gnocchi Rita. 9924 Dix Ave., Dearborn; 313-842-2100. L,D daily.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE Sana’a $ YEMENI • This authentic Yemeni restaurant is a hidden gem. Try the lamb haneeth: slow-roasted, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks marinated in an array of traditional spices, served on a bed of orange and yellow basmati rice with a side of zahawig (spicy red salsa). 13277 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-427-8424. L,D daily. The Sardine Room $$$ SEAFOOD • A seafood restaurant and raw bar, The Sardine Room is fresh, fun, and energetic, with clean-line decor and a menu full of surprises. Worthwhile is a grouper sandwich that’s available seared or blackened. 340 S. Main St., Plymouth; 734-416-0261. D daily, BR Sat-Sun. Vivio’s Food & Spirits $ SANDWICH/DELI • This Eastern Market classic has been run by the Vivio family for more than 40 years. Sandwiches and burgers are mainstays, but diners also appreciate the steamed mussels. 3601 12 Mile Road, Warren; 586-576-0495. L,D daily. Yemen Café $ YEMENI • A nearly all-hours destination and a Hamtramck essential, Yemen Café offers traditional Yemeni dishes like saltah, a comforting soup with ground beef, rice, eggs, and vegetables. Popular items include the fahsah (lamb stew) and a range of ghallaba entrées, plus Middle Eastern/Mediterranean staples like shawarma, kebab, fattoush, and tabbouleh. 8740 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck. B,L,D daily.

Oakland County 168 Crab & Karaoke $$ PAN-ASIAN • Don’t judge by 168 Crab & Karaoke’s unassuming strip mall location. It’s a unique experience that meshes food, karaoke, and pop party culture into a one-stop destination. As the name suggests, seafood is the main attraction, specifically the seafood boils, which come with your choice of seafood (crab, clams, lobster, etc.) and sauce, corn, and potatoes. 32415 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248-616-0168. D daily. 220 Merrill $$$ NEW AMERICAN • Located in the old Detroit Edison offices, this restaurant features contemporary American cuisine. You’ll find classics such as shrimp cocktail and Caesar salad alongside miso-roasted sea bass and chicken Parmigiana. 220 Merrill St., Birmingham; 248-646-2220. L,D daily.

Anita’s Kitchen $ LEBANESE • With pita pizzas and lamb chops, the Lebanese food at Anita’s Kitchen is some of the best around. And there’s vegetarian and gluten-free fare, too. It’s healthy, nutritious, and delicious. See website for locations: anitaskitchen.com. Antonio’s Cucina Italiana $$ ITALIAN • The Rugieros have impressed restaurant guests for decades with authentic cuisine. Signature dishes include Gnocchi Rita and Chicken Antonio. There’s a full bar and a very extensive wine list. 37646 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-994-4000. L,D Tue.-Sun. At Anano’s $$ GEORGIAN • At Anano’s celebrates the largely obscure cuisine of Georgia, a small country on the border of Europe and West Asia. Georgian staples like mtsvadi, a flame-grilled shish kebab, combine the flavors of both continents. Well known for its khachapuri, a type of cheese-filled pastry, At Anano’s offers the dish two ways. Other favorites, like traditional, Georgian-style salad and chicken dressed in a rich walnut sauce, represent the best the country’s cuisine has to offer. 29410 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills. L,D Tue., Thu.-Sun. Aurora Italiana $$$$ ITALIAN • This restaurant offers a sophisticated and modern take on Italian dining. Fresh pasta lays the groundwork for the rigatoni al Bosco: tenderloin tips, wild mushroom, and truffle demi-glace tossed in cream sauce. Other delectables include sausage and peppers, steak, and seafood. 6199 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248-782-3000. D daily. Aurora on the Lake $$$$ ITALIAN • Located along Union Lake, this spin-off of West Bloomfield’s Aurora Italiana serves Italian fine dining in the space once occupied by It’s a Matter of Taste. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township; 248-360-6650. D daily. Bar Gabi $$ ROMANIAN • Romanian-born chefs Gabriel and Gabriela Botezan’s Hazel Park restaurant combines Old World technique with New World flavors, serving traditional Transylvanian dishes like mititei — a skinless sausage served with mustard and toast. Other bites include a bone-in tomahawk schnitzel and house-made braised short rib rigatoni. 23839 John R Road, Hazel Park; 249-629-4160. D Wed.-Sun.

Adachi $$$ JAPANESE-INSPIRED • Housed in downtown Birmingham’s historic Victorian Peabody Mansion, chef Eppie Connolly’s globally influenced cuisine stands out. Find a range of small and large plates, craft cocktails, and a full sushi bar offering sashimi and nigiri imported from Japan. 325 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-540-5900. L,D daily.

Bella Piatti $$ ITALIAN • The location right across from the Townsend Hotel has inspired a number of visiting celebrities, professional athletes, and film crews who stay there to check out this restaurant’s Italian fare. 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. 167 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-494-7110. D Tue.-Sat.

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

Beppé $$$ NEW AMERICAN/ITALIAN • This neighborhood eatery has a little something for everyone — from bar staples like burgers to refined dishes like lamb belly, steak tartare, or caponata made with roasted eggplant, olives, trumpet mushrooms, Calabrian chiles, thyme vinaigrette, Manchego cheese, and bread. The drinks program features refreshing spritzes and a rotating selection of über-drinkable Italian wines. 703 N. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-607-7030. L,D Sat.-Sun, D Tue.-Fri.

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The Beverly $$$ NEW AMERICAN • From the owner of Bar Pigalle, this new-American eatery features a menu of steaks, seafood, and charcuterie boards. Much like the food, the drink menu focuses on using simple, high-quality ingredients to create perfectly balanced flavors. Find unique takes on classic cocktails like daiquiris, margaritas, and Manhattans. 3180 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley. L,D Tue.-Fri., BR,L,D Sat., Sun. Beverly Hills Grill $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This Beverly Hills institution has built a loyal following over the years with its California vibe and dawnto-dark schedule. It’s still serving crowd favorites like the BHG Burger and classic eggs Benedict. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills; 248-642-2355. B,L,D Tue.-Sat., B,L Sun. Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina $$ ITALIAN • The pizza concept from chef Luciano DelSignore, a four-time James Beard Award nominee, features small plates, fresh pastas, wood-roasted meats, and a range of distinctive Neapolitan pizzas. See website for locations: bigalora.com. Birmingham Pub $$$ GASTROPUB • This stylish yet casual gastropub from the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group took over the former Triple Nickel space. True to its name, the restaurant’s bill of fare features pub classics taken up a notch, such as fish and chips served with jalapeño hush puppies and filet mignon with Parmesan truffle fries and zip sauce. 555 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-885-8108. L Tue.-Fri., BR Sat.-Sun. Bistro Joe’s $$$ GLOBAL • Part of Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market, Bistro Joe’s is in a mezzanine overlooking the open kitchen and market. There is an eclectic list of dishes like spicy tuna “tacushi,” P.E.I. pesto mussels, and tasty flatbread pizzas. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-594-0984. D Tue.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2003

Café Cortina $$$ ITALIAN • For 50 years, Café Cortina has been serving refined Italian cuisine in Farmington Hills. The family-owned restaurant is known for its handmade pastas and seasonal dishes inspired by an on-site garden. Don’t miss the signature millefoglie for dessert. 30715 W. 10 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-474-3033. L Sun., D Tue.-Sun. Café ML $$ NEW AMERICAN • Café ML is contemporary in its decor and “globally inspired food.” Such dishes as short rib steamed buns, Chinese chicken salad, Singapore street noodles, and Korean fried chicken share the menu with burgers, steak frites, and fresh seafood. Garage door-style windows open onto the patio on warm days. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township; 248-642-4000. D daily. Capital Grille $$$ STEAKHOUSE • Hand-cut, dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood dishes are the stars at Capital Grille. The restaurant’s outstanding wine list features more than 350 labels. The setting is appropriate for both business lunches and social events and includes well-appointed private dining rooms. 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy; 248-649-5300. L,D daily.

RESTAURANT GUIDE Casa Pernoi $$$ ITALIAN • Three months after its grand opening, what once was a multi-hyphenate concept, blending French, Asian, and Italian cuisine, soon defaulted simply to a cuisine most familiar to chef Luciano DelSignore: Italian. House-made pastas rolled by hand and a meaty branzino typify the menu. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham; 248-940-0000. D Tue.-Sat. Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar $$$ TRADITIONAL • You can buy your cigar and smoke it, too. Plus, enjoy dry-aged steaks, pan-roasted sea bass, and lamb chops, among other options. A full bar boasts a large selection of whiskey, scotch, and bourbon — and plenty of wine. 116 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham; 248-647-4555. L,D daily. Clarkston Union $ NEW AMERICAN • Perhaps best known for its iconic Union Mac and Cheese (Vermont sharp cheddar and mild Pinconning cheeses with layers of penne rigate and a crispy breadcrumb crust), the downtown Clarkston staple lauded by Guy Fieri has been a longtime purveyor of American comfort foods. Located in an 1840s-era church, the restaurant provides much of its seating on pews. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-620-6100. L,D daily, B Sun. Como’s $$ NEW AMERICAN • This Ferndale favorite reopened in May 2019 under the ownership of Peas & Carrots Hospitality with a trendier, fresher look. The warm, homey feel is still intact, but it’s ditched the old menu for — among other things — chef Zack Sklar’s square, deep-dish, Detroit-style pizza that’s leavened from a sourdough starter as opposed to commercial yeast. 22812 Woodward Ave., Unit 100, Ferndale; 248-6774439. L,D daily. Cornbread Restaurant & Bar $$ SOUL FOOD • In 1997, Patrick Coleman melded his experience in fine dining with his grandma’s Southern roots to create Beans & Cornbread Soulful Bistro. It racked up accolades and fans over the years, including Stevie Wonder and Thomas “Hitman” Hearns. Cornbread is the sequel to Beans and Cornbread, continuing the tradition of soul food with an upscale twist. Classics like catfish and a gravy-smothered pork chop endure. 29852 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; 248-208-1680. L,D Thu.-Tue. Crispelli’s Bakery & Pizzeria $ ITALIAN-INSPIRED • This hybrid offers artisanal pizzas from a brick oven, salads, paninis, and soups. The bakery offers crusty breads, desserts, and meals to go. The Berkley location’s patio adds to the appeal. See website for locations: crispellis.com. Culantro $$ PERUVIAN • Native Peruvian Betty Shuell brings a taste of her home to Ferndale. The casual, homey, seat-yourself establishment is named after an herb that is often used in traditional Peruvian cooking. An especially notable dish is the pollo a la brasa, marinated chicken served with french fries, rice, and a variety of dipping sauces. 22939 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-632-1055. L,D daily. D’Marcos Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar $$$ ITALIAN • Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, this family-owned establishment is known for its extensive wine list, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, and house-made pasta dishes like the beef tenderloin linguine with beef tenderloin tips, spin-

ach, mushroom cream sauce, and Parmesan. It’s also connected to The Backdoor, a speakeasy-style taco and tequila bar. 401 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-759-4951. L,D Tue.-Sat.

the country’s top seafood destinations. You’ll find dishes like Maine-caught lobster, Maryland blue crab, and more. 1 Peabody St., Birmingham; 248-671-1714. D Tue.-Sun., B,L Sat.-Sun.

Eddie’s Gourmet $$ NEW AMERICAN • Chef Eddie Hanna’s gourmet diner is a simple concept that works to perfection. The menu offers a standard selection of breakfast items, burgers, sandwiches, and lunch specials, but the real draw is the counter-side gourmet and pasta specials. Offerings include veal Marsala and chicken Milano. 25920 Greenfield Road, Oak Park; 248-9684060. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Honcho $ LATIN FUSION • From the owners of Vinsetta Garage and Union Woodshop, this restaurant can be described as “Latin food that speaks with an Asian accent.” Menu items include a chicken burrito fried and tossed in a soy fish sauce and Korean pork tacos, featuring Woodshop pulled pork tossed in Korean barbecue sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds and Malay radish slaw. 3 E. Church St., Clarkston; 248-707-3793. L,D daily.

Elie’s Mediterranean Bar & Grill $$ LEBANESE • The lamb and chicken shawarma, shish kafta, kibbee neyee, and other Lebanese dishes are emphasized by the decor, including photomurals of old Beirut and strings of blue beads cascading from the ceiling. It’s a fun place to frequent for a quick lunch or a night out with friends. 263 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-647-2420. L,D Mon.-Sat. The Fed $$ GASTROPUB • The Fed is an attractive restaurant with great food and a delightfully refreshing atmosphere. The menu crosses boundaries, with shareables like Spanish octopus and wild mushroom flatbread. Plus, the bright and airy bohemian-chic interior is highly Instagrammable. 15 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-297-5833. D Tue.-Sat., B,L,D Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2009

Forest $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • The menu is brief but designed to let the kitchen assemble sharp flavors from various farm and market ingredients. Try the delightful pastas, like the Bolognese and the agnolotti, as well as the understated Farm Egg. 735 Forest Ave., Birmingham; 248-258-9400. D Tue.-Sat. The Fly Trap $ ECLECTIC AMERICAN • This “finer diner” typifies trendy Ferndale with its tin ceiling, red-topped tables, and counter with swivel stools. It offers sandwiches, salads, pastas, and omelets. 22950 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-399-5150. B,L Tue.-Sat. The Franklin $$$ SEAFOOD • Located in a historic 19th-century home, this upscale establishment specializes in oysters, offering a daily selection of East and West Coast options. If you’re not in the mood for mollusks, other seafaring options include the fish and chips, made with Icelandic haddock, and the Loch Duart salmon. For dessert, leave room for the pistachio profiterole — a sweet and nutty final bite. 32760 Franklin Road, Franklin; 248771-4747. D, Tues.-Sun. Garage Grill & Fuel Bar $$ NEW AMERICAN • The car-themed rooms of a former 1940s gas station are as fresh and appealing as the dishes themselves. The kitchen serves up a variety of seafood starters and “full-size sedan” entrées, as well as pizzas. 202 W. Main St., Northville; 248-924-3367. D Wed.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun. Hazel’s $$ 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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2002

Hong Hua $ CHINESE • One of the best restaurants dedicated to Asian food in the area offers some rare delicacies as well as more customary items. One signature dish is King of the Sea: lobster chunks, scallops, and grouper with greens in a garlic sauce. 27925 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills; 248-4892280. L,D Tue.-Sun. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • This plush, modern steakhouse offers dryaged prime and Kobe-style Wagyu beef in a fun, clubby setting. An extensive wine list accompanies the restaurant menu, which also features platters of chilled fresh seafood. 201 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-594-4369. D daily. 17107 Haggerty Road, Northville Twp.; 248-679-0007. D Tue.-Sun. Imperial $ MEXICAN-INSPIRED • This menu features an impressive selection of tacos, from grilled chorizo sausage to chili lime grilled chicken. Plant-based pork and seitan options are available for non-meat eaters. Or order ahead for DIY taco sets for an at-home taco bar. 22828 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248850-8060. L,D daily. J-Bird Smoked Meats $$ BARBECUE • Wood-smoked meats served with the traditional sides of cornbread, buttermilk slaw, and mac and cheese are on the menu at this meat lovers’ mecca. Other popular dishes include the Three Meat Sampler and JBird Gumbo, as well as St. Louis ribs and old-fashioned JBurgers. 1978 Cass Lake Road, Keego Harbor; 248-681-2124. L,D Mon.-Sun. Joe Muer $$$$ SEAFOOD • The Bloomfield Hills location of the iconic restaurant has a menu that emphasizes classic fresh fish and “Muer Traditions,” such as Dover sole and Great Lakes yellow-belly perch. There’s also a raw and sushi bar as well as premium steaks. 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-792-9609. D daily. KouZina Greek Street Food $ GREEK • The Greek “street food” at this Royal Oak spot comes in lamb, beef, and chicken. Try the lentil soup for a delicious lunch or go for something more filling like the gyro bowl. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this excellent eatery. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-629-6500. L,D daily. Lao Pot $$$ CHINESE • In 2019, the owners of the 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

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RESTAURANT GUIDE 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.

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.

La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar $$$ ITALIAN • A slice of European elegance offers an impeccable menu of Italian dishes and wines. Delicious fresh pastas, pizzas, antipasti, and more are proudly served and very tasty. 243 E. Merrill St., Birmingham; 248-480-0492. D Tue.-Sat.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Lelli’s Inn $$ ITALIAN • Dinners begin with an antipasto tray, creamy minestrone, salad, a side dish of spaghetti, and then — nine times out of 10 — a filet mignon with zip sauce. 885 N. Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills; 248-373-4440. L,D daily. Lincoln Yard/Little Yard $$ NEW AMERICAN • From Union Joints, the oven-centric restaurant features a rotisserie, a smoker, and a wood-fired oven used to bake pizzas. The menu’s centerpiece is the Main Builds option, which includes your choice of protein (rotisserie chicken, rotisserie cauliflower, smoked beef short ribs, or smoked pork tenderloin) with a sauce and two sides, such as roasted carrots, smashed potatoes, or mac and cheese. There are also salads and handhelds — and, of course, the classic Union Mac. 2159 E. Lincoln St., Birmingham; 248-653-5353. B,L,D daily. Loccino Italian Grill $$ ITALIAN • Loccino is a “family-friendly” yet upscale Italian restaurant. Choose from fresh seafood, steak, and chicken dishes, plus traditional pastas, pizzas, salads, and more. It’s a great place for special occasions or a delicious workday lunch spot. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy; 248-813-0700. L Mon.-Fri., D daily Loui’s Pizza $ ITALIAN • Sure, you can now get a Michigan craft beer, but not much else has changed. And that’s a good thing. Parties dine on square pizzas with crisp crust, faintly charred around the edges. Hailed by food critics and Detroiters alike as one of the city’s most classic Detroit-style pizzas, it’s well worth a trip. 23141 Dequindre Road, Hazel Park; 248-547-1711. L,D Wed.-Sun. Luisa’s Artisanal Street Food $ ITALIAN STREET FOOD • The small restaurant offers a unique mishmash of influences — all with the grab-and-go convenience of “street food.” Standouts include the smoky mole chili, made with roasted chile peppers, green bell peppers, black beans, braised steak, and mozzarella. Plus, the slushies are to die for. 22851 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248677-3331. L,D Fri.-Wed. Luxe Bar & Grill $$ NEW AMERICAN • The simple menu at this Grosse Pointe Farms joint offers burgers on brioche buns, interesting salads and sides, and entrées typified by wild-caught salmon, prime fillets, and Greek-style lamb chops. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-792-6051. 115 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-924-5459. L,D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2025

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 multicourse tasting option, as well

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2023

Madam $$$ NEW AMERICAN • Since opening in 2021, Madam has carved its niche with its global take on farm-to-table cuisine, taking diners on a tour from Michigan to Asia to Europe. Staples from chef de cuisine Clifton Booth include mushroom dumplings, Spanish octopus, steak frites, and pasta dishes. 298 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-283-4200. B,D daily, L Mon.-Fri., BR Sat.-Sun. Market North End $$ 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 classics, with a serious kitchen that offers traditional American dishes and 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 steak frites remarkably close to those offered at Paris bistros and a house-made soft pretzel with roasted jalapeño goat cheese dip. 301 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-7594825. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Mesa Tacos and Tequila $ MEXICAN-AMERICAN • The two-story setting includes balcony seating in a big, open room where the bar gets equal time with the kitchen. The pop-Mexican menu — which includes guacamole, nachos, and the titular tacos — is backed up with an array of tequilas. 312 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248545-1940. L,D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2008

Mon Jin Lau $$ ASIAN-FUSION • Explore such dishes as Singapore noodles, combining chicken, shrimp, chilies, and curry with angel-hair pasta; Mongolian beef; or seared scallops with lemongrass-basil Thai curry sauce. The patio opens up and the dining room transforms into a dance floor for weekly events. 1515 E. Maple Road, Troy; 248-689-2332. D daily. Noble Fish $ JAPANESE • For more than 40 years, this laid-back sushi spot has been serving traditional rolls, nigiri, and entrées like the chirashi bowl inside a downtown Clawson Japanese market. Grab a tray and enjoy reasonably priced bites like its signature Noble Roll, made with grilled salmon skin, smelt roe, oshinko, egg, cucumber, and mayo. 45 E. 14 Mile Road, Clawson; 248-585-2314. B,L,D daily. Noori Pocha $ KOREAN • This retro Korean gastropub in Clawson will transport you to ’80s Seoul with its unmatchable aesthetic. The meal begins with complimentary tteokbokki, a rice cake cooked in a spicy red broth. From there, you can choose from a fine selection of imported beers and bang-for-your-buck entrées like the shareable buldak: spicy chicken and cheese served with jumeok-bap (rice balls with seaweed). 1 S. Main St., Clawson; 248-850-7512. D Tue.-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; 248-556-0947. D Tue.-Sun. Oak Parker $$ NEW AMERICAN • This lively neighborhood bar features thoughtful cocktails with a forward-looking food menu to match. Its smashburgers are the perfect answer to a cold pint. You can also kick it up a notch with Hungarian sausage, schnitzel, or pastrami — the latter stuffed in deli-style sandwiches and deep-fried chimichangas or mixed into pastrami hash for weekend brunch. 13621 W. 11 Mile Road; B Sat.-Sun., L,D daily. Ocean Prime $$$$ SEAFOOD • At this upper-end steak and fish place and popular business lunch site, the menu features naturally harvested fresh fish and prime aged beef. Don’t miss the chocolate peanut butter pie or the carrot cake at this tried-and-true metro Detroit spot. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy; 248-458-0500. L Mon.-Fri., D daily. One-Eyed Betty’s $$ 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 béarnaise sauce, as well as a mouthwatering bacon burger. Weekend brunch features delicious house-made doughnuts. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale; 248-808-6633. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. O.W.L. $ MEXICAN-AMERICAN • This Royal Oak spot offers sustenance for the early birds and the night owls. Step up to the counter and order from the letterboard menu before grabbing a stool at the counter or along the window ledge. Dishes here include 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 $$$ LEBANESE • This long-standing upscale eatery has clean, contemporary lines that complement the French door-style windows. Don’t miss the portabella mushrooms or roasted garlic cloves with tomato and basil as an appetizer. The menu expands to unexpected items such as baby back ribs and single serving-sized local whitefish. 588 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-644-3122. L Mon.-Fri., D daily. Pop’s For Italian $$ 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. 280 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-268-4806. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Prime29 Steakhouse $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • The 29-day aged prime beef, including the 24-ounce tomahawk bone-in ribeye, still stars here. There’s also Chilean sea bass and black pearl salmon. The service is notable, as is the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. 6545 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield; 248-737-7463. D Tue.-Sun.

RESTAURANT GUIDE Quán Ngon Vietnamese Bistro $ VIETNAMESE • This gem of a bistro in a handsome space adds to the local Vietnamese offerings. Dishes such as chả giò (elegant little eggrolls), bun bo nuong chả giò (grilled beef with eggroll, vermicelli, mixed greens, plus sweet-and-sour sauce), and bánh mì are made with fresh ingredients. 30701 Dequindre Road, Madison Heights; 248-268-4310. L,D Fri.-Wed.

Sambong $ KOREAN • Known for its signature naengmyeon (a Korean cold noodle dish), Sambong is a fully self-service restaurant with unique offerings like complimentary broth. Besides the naengmyeon (which features house-made noodles), additional standouts include japchae, bulgogi, bibimbap, and donkatsu. 5389 Crooks Road, Troy; 248-731-7859. L,D Wed.-Mon.

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.

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 is the saltimbocca alla Romana: veal scaloppini sautéed in white wine. Silver Spoon offers truly delicious food for any kind of outing. 543 N. Main St., Rochester; 248-652-4500. D Mon.-Sat.

RH Rooftop Restaurant $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • Located on the top floor of RH Detroit, The Gallery in Birmingham, the American and Mediterranean-themed restaurant offers a wide array of chilled seafood, caviar, and steak. Sit among the live olive trees while enjoying the 14-ounce charred, Australian Wagyu ribeye or enjoy one of 16 specialty cocktails. 300 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-614-6984. L,D Mon.-Fri., BR,L,D Sat.-Sun. The Rind $$$ WINE BAR • Attached to Mongers’ Provisions in Berkley, The Rind serves signature cocktails from its full bar and offers wines by the glass, with a selection of more than 150 bottles to choose from. In addition to snacks that pair well with wine, like marcona almonds, tinned razor clams, and (naturally) cheese and charcuterie, there’s heartier fare like a flatiron steak and littleneck clams. 3125 12 Mile Road, Berkley; 248-468-4487. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Social Kitchen & Bar $$$ NEW AMERICAN • The energetic Birmingham spot allows guests a view of the kitchen action. It has a creative and varied menu typified by fried chicken sandwiches, crispy Brussels sprouts, and salmon with braised lentils, crispy kale, and a mustard vinaigrette. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham; 248594-4200. L Mon.-Fri., D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Streetside Seafood $$ SEAFOOD • The restaurant has a pared-down seasonal menu of fresh fish and seafood. There are always two soups: a bisque and a chowder. Favorites include the oysters and bouillabaisse. It’s a delicious restaurant for all palates to enjoy and feel comfortable in. 273 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-645-9123. L Thu.-Fri., D daily.

Rochester Chop House $$ NEW AMERICAN • Enjoy 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 crab cakes, and a large selection of aged steaks, rack of lamb, and steak/seafood combinations. 306 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-651-2266. L Mon.-Fri., D daily

Sylvan Table $$$ NEW AMERICAN • With a working farm on the 5-acre property, Sylvan Table isn’t just talking the farm-to-table talk. The restored 300-year-old barn feels grand and vast when you step into the stunning space, but it is homey, welcoming, and inviting. The menu changes often to reflect what’s growing, but some of the staples include the trout — seasoned with herb oil, salt, and pepper, cooked over a wood-fired grill, and served whole — and Chicken Under a Brick, which is cooked to charred perfection. 1819 Inverness St., Sylvan Lake, 248369-3360. D Mon.-Sun.

Ronin $$ JAPANESE • The sushi menu, ranging from spicy tuna rolls to yellowtail and salmon eggs and well beyond, is augmented by a concise menu of cooked fare. Front windows open onto the sidewalk, making the cocktail lounge open-air during the warm months. 326 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-546-0888. D daily.

Take Sushi $$ JAPANESE • Crisp salads, sashimi, sushi, oversize bowls of soba or udon noodles, and all the familiar — and some not-so-familiar — entrées combine to make this spot special. The exceptionally warm service is unforgettable. 1366 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 248-652-7800. L,D Tue.-Sat., D Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2026

Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • Once the location of 100-year-old Rudy’s Market, this version of Rudy’s pays homage to the historic shop in the best way possible — by serving up high-quality food. Classics meet inventive cuisine here, with shrimp cocktail, burrata, and Hokkaido scallops available as appetizers. Chops and steaks are the highlight, with prime-quality fillets, ribeyes, and Australian lamb chops on the menu. After dinner, try the peach cornbread cobbler, an inventive take on a staple dessert. 9 S. Main St., Village of Clarkston; D Tue.-Sun.

Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro $$ WINE BAR • Understated decor and a pared-down menu of seasonal dishes make this spot a Birmingham classic. The kitchen turns out dishes like lamb-belly ragù with housemade pasta and whole branzino with charred zucchini and romesco. Wine is served by the glass, 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. Located in the former Clawson movie theater next door to the shop, the eatery serves small, simple plates, including vegetarian and vegan options, plus local beverage selections. Patrons can even take home the colorful,

quirky chairs or tables, as most of the furniture at Three Cats Restaurant is available for purchase. 116 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson; 248-288-4858. L,D Tue.-Fri., B,L,D Sat.-Sun. TigerLily $$ JAPANESE • With an eclectic ambiance and extensive Japanese menu, TigerLily satisfies taste buds with sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and hot dishes like the yaki udon or Japanese street corn. 231 W. Nine Mile Road, Ste. A, Ferndale; 248-7334905. D daily. Toast $$ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • It’s fun, it’s breezy, and the food is very good. Try the huevos rancheros: fried eggs upon corn tortillas, pintos, and cheese. Other favorites like the Trashy Hashy — a hash loaded with sausage and smothered with gravy — and the chicken and waffles can be found at both locations. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-398-0444. 203 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-258-6278. B,L daily. Toasted Oak $$$ BRASSERIE • The menu revolves around the charcuterie sold in the market next door and a list of hot grill items. In 2019, the restaurant earned a Wine Spectator magazine award for its outstanding wine program. 27790 Novi Road, Novi; 248-277-6000. B Mon.-Fri., L,D Tue.-Sat., BR Sat.-Sun. Townhouse $$$ NEW AMERICAN • There’s never a bad time to eat at Townhouse. With extensive brunch, lunch, and dinner options, this popular downtown Birmingham spot is an all-day affair. The dry-aged burger, topped with glazed onions and white cheddar and served on a brioche bun, is a crowd favorite. For brunch, try the chicken and waffles. For a sweet bite, order the vegan chocolate chip cookies. 180 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-792-5241. BR,L,D daily. Union Woodshop $$ BARBECUE • Part of the Union Joints restaurant group, this is a self-described wood-fired joint, where pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and beef brisket come from the smoker alongside Neapolitan-style crisp-crusted pizzas from the wood-burning oven. And definitely check out the mac and cheese. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-625-5660. D Mon.-Sun. Vinsetta Garage $$ NEW AMERICAN • This restaurant, which is housed in a vintage car-repair shop, offers well-prepared comfort food classics such as burgers, macaroni and cheese, pizzas, and brown sugar-glazed salmon. The restaurant pays true homage to the city of Detroit. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley; 248-5487711. L,D daily. Voyager $$ SEAFOOD • Fresh seafood with an emphasis on oysters is the premise in this hard-to-find location. The space entails convivially close quarters for such dishes as peel-’n’-eat shrimp, yellowfin tuna tartare, and halibut fish and chips. The premium bar offers short but notable lists of beer and wine as well as craft cocktails. 600 Vester St., Ferndale; 248-658-4999. D Tue.-Sat. Wilder’s $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • You’ll find all the staples at this homage to the heyday of the American steakhouse. Choose from six martini options to accompany a first course of shrimp cocktail or beef tartare. Prime-cut steaks are the star of the menu, with dry-aged options available for a funkier flavor

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profile. Don’t forget the sides, with classic offerings like the creamed spinach, potato puree, and green beans almondine on hand. 458 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-7710900. D daily.

Macomb County Andiamo $$ ITALIAN • Over the past three decades, Joe Vicari has established several Andiamo restaurants in metro Detroit, all inspired by the late master chef Aldo Ottaviani’s philosophy of seasonal, from-scratch cooking. Between locations, the constant is fresh, house-made pastas handcrafted by the trinity of “pasta ladies” — Anna, Tanya, and Angelina — who have carried on the tradition. 7096 14 Mile Road, Warren; 586-2683200. L,D Mon.-Fri., D Sat.-Sun. Bar Verona $$ ITALIAN • Modernized, made-from-scratch Italian favorites curated by chef Lindsey Connelly, as well as fresh craft cocktails, fill the menu at this stylish eatery. Homemade pastas, such as Giuseppe’s, as well as a selection of steaks and seafood dishes typify the contemporary approach to fresh, uncomplicated Italian cuisine. 59145 Van Dyke Ave., Washington; 586-473-0700. D daily. Blake’s Tasting Room $$ NEW AMERICAN • Enjoy a variety of house-made hard ciders from one of the top-producing hard cider brands in the U.S., plus bar-food staples with a twist. It’s steps away from family-friendly seasonal activities at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill. 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; 586-7845343. L,D daily. Butter Run Saloon $ GASTROPUB • The solid American fare is beyond bar food (although the burgers are certainly noteworthy). There are escargots, perch, steaks, and a huge whiskey selection — more than a thousand at last count. 27626 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-675-2115. B, L,D daily. Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar $$ ITALIAN • Founded by Italian immigrant Francesco Belcastro in 1990, Da Francesco’s has been run by family ever since. The restaurant offers up homey Italian dishes such as the rigatoni Mamma’s pasta and Steak Da Francesco, a prime New York steak chargrilled with olive oil, garlic, and oregano. 49521 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-7544. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat., L,D Sun. Detroit Fish House $$ SEAFOOD • This restaurant feels like a true coastal eatery, thanks to an extensive menu of fresh fish and seafood that ranges from salmon to Lake Superior whitefish — all served in a well-designed setting. 51195 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Charter Township; 586-739-5400. L Mon.-Fri., D daily. Gaudino’s $$ ITALIAN • The trending market-restaurant combo has a good example at this spot. It offers imported pastas and sauces, plus a butcher counter with sausages and a wine assortment. The menu offers pasta and pizza, salads, and entrées, including bistecca di gancio, a sliced hanger steak with crispy Brussels sprouts and house bistro sauce. 27919 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-879-6764. L,D Tue.-Sat.

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Host Utica $$ VARIOUS • With a rotating cast of culinarians that shifts every few months, Host Utica is a great place to constantly try something new — and get a first taste of concepts from up-and-coming chefs. The dining room has a full-service cocktail bar as well as brunch and dinner service, plus coffee and pastries. The building regularly holds culinary events and is home to a coworking office space. 7759 Auburn Road, Utica; 586-488-0134. D Tue.-Sat., BR daily.

Testa Barra $$$ ITALIAN • Owned and run by chefs Mike and Gabriella Baldwin (of Food Network fame), Testa Barra is notable for its freshly made pasta dishes and favorites like Connie’s Lamb Shank, a fall-off-the-bone chop topped with red wine braise, stewed vegetables, polenta, and Asiago cheese. Its wine program is renowned, and the restaurant features 14 on-staff sommeliers to guide you through the list. 48824 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb; 586-434-0100. D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun.

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

Vivio’s II Food & Spirits $ SANDWICH/DELI • The second location of this Eastern Market classic shares some of the same menu but has its own unique offerings as well. Mainstays like the pub-style mussels and Bloody Mary menu carry over, but you’ll also find a focus on burgers and handheld bites. 3601 12 Mile Road, Warren; 586-576-0495. L,D daily.

J. Baldwin’s Restaurant $$$ NEW AMERICAN • The menu showcases chef Jeff Baldwin’s contemporary American food: award-winning stone-fired pizza, boom-boom shrimp, burgers, and salads. The desserts include chocolate bumpy cake and spiced carrot cake. 16981 18 Mile Road, Clinton Township; 586-416-3500. L,D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun. Khom Fai THAI • This Macomb staple serves a modernized take on Thai food, seasoned with what they call “a dash of good ol’ Southern hospitality.” Sip a specialty cocktail, start with small plates like satay skewers, Rangoon, or sesame yellowfin tuna, and enjoy entrées like drunken noodles, red curry, or Khom Fai’s signature fried chicken. 48856 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb; 586-247-7773. L Tues., Sun., D Tues.-Sat.

Waves $$ SEAFOOD • Seafood covers most of the menu at this Nautical Mile favorite. It’s a tough task choosing between such popular appetizers as coconut shrimp, crispy grouper nuggets, and plump steamed mussels. Entrées include al dente pastas and protein options such as lamb chops and New York strip steak, plus lump crab cakes and beer-battered cod. 24223 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-773-3840. L,D daily. Youngblood Vineyard $$ WINERY • Sitting on 25 acres of wine grapes, this winery offers year-round wine tasting with a menu that includes grilled bruschetta with tomato and mozzarella, artisan pizza, a harvest salad, and charcuterie boards. More than a dozen wines are offered by the bottle, glass, or 2-ounce pour as part of a flight. 61829 Ray Center Road, Ray Twp.; 586-770-5220. D Thu.-Sun.

Washtenaw County

Luigi’s Original Restaurant $$ ITALIAN • Family-owned since 1953, Luigi’s menu offers a sizeable number of options, including filet mignon, handBellflower $$ tossed pizzas, and pastas. Finish the meal with traditional NEW AMERICAN • A restaurant housed in a former exchange Italian desserts such as tiramisu or cannoli. 36691 Jefferson Ave., Harrison Township; 586-468-7711. D Wed.-Sun. of the Michigan Bell Telephone Company, Bellflower answers Ypsilanti’s call for fine dining with an adventurous flair. Boudin Mr. Paul’s Chophouse $$$ sausage with roasted okra and ginger ale- or Coca Cola-roasted STEAKHOUSE • This bastion of red meat and classic dishes beets showed up on early menus as chef Dan Klenotic’s way of is still going strong. Try old-school tableside presentations straddling the line of creole tradition and an imaginative style that such as Chateaubriand and Caesar salad. There’s also a solid is entirely his own. He was recognized as a James Beard semifinalist in 2024. 209 Pearl St., Ypsilanti. D Mon. L,D Tue-Sat., L Sun. selection of fresh seafood and pasta. The founding family still runs the place and emphasizes great hospitality and a good Black Pearl $$ time. 29850 Groesbeck Hwy., Roseville; 586-777-7770. L,D SEAFOOD • This place is especially popular during patio season. Mon.-Fri., D Sat. But step inside for a host of craft cocktails, then stay for dinner. Sherwood Brewing Co. $ A seafood-dominated menu includes a notable misoyaki salmon GASTROPUB • Quality local ingredients raise Sherwood’s dish. Non-seafood options include the eponymous burger and fare to well above “elevated pub grub.” Some notable choices filet mignon. 302 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-0400. D daily. include the hand-stretched pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and Blue LLama Jazz Club $$ spicy buffalo mac. 45689 Hayes Road, Shelby Township; 586CREATIVE AMERICAN • This elegant destination for live 532-9669. L,D Tue.-Sat. music and dining offers gorgeous, skillfully balanced dishes Steakhouse 22 $$ designed by a fresh team of chefs. The menu brings the spirit STEAKHOUSE • The late Nick Andreopoulos once spent and flavors of American jazz meccas like Harlem and New time as a “broiler man” at London Chop House. His family Orleans, along with flavors from Barbados and Puerto Rico, stays true to those roots at this American steakhouse with a through an Afro-Caribbean lens. 314 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; casual, neighborhood feel. It offers an array of well-prepared 734-372-3200. D Wed.-Sat. Angus steaks, plus seafood and pasta dishes. With the The Blue Nile $$ sizable lunch and portions offered at Steakhouse 22, good ETHIOPIAN • The real treat at this quaint restaurant is injera, luck saving room for dessert! 48900 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby a spongy bread used to scoop the meal, eaten with your Township; 586-731-3900. L,D Tue.-Sun.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

AUGUST 2026

hands in traditional style. The lentil dishes, often seasoned with an Ethiopian spice mixture called berbere, and the vegetables are equally delicious. 221 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-998-4746. D Tue.-Sun. 545 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-547-6699. D Thu.-Sun. Cardamom $$ INDIAN • Check out the Hyderabadi biryani — a chicken, goat, or vegetable dish in which the rice is first cooked, then baked. All the Indian favorites are available at Cardamom, such as chicken tikka masala, lamb rogan josh, and warm, fluffy, fresh-made garlic naan. It’s the ideal spot for when you’re craving the classics. 1739 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-662-2877. D Wed.-Sun. The Common Grill $$ SEAFOOD • Founded by chef Craig Common, whose skilled work drew the attention of the now-shuttered Gourmet magazine and the James Beard House, this mainstay was acquired in 2022 by Peas & Carrots Hospitality. Chefs Zack Sklar and Josh Humphrey kept most of the beloved restaurant’s menu, such as the expertly prepared oysters and seafood dishes, as well as the coconut cream pie. 112 S. Main St., Chelsea; 734-475-0470. L,D Tue.-Sun., BR Sat-Sun. Dixboro House $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • Much like the restaurant’s ambience, the cuisine at Dixboro House is both refined and relaxed. Chef Garrett Lipar’s menu hosts rotating seasonal, from-scratch dishes that highlight local ingredients — pizzas, salads, seafood, and steaks served in a rustic barn that once housed The Lord Fox, an iconic restaurant in Ann Arbor’s historic Dixboro neighborhood. 5400 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-6693310. L,D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. The Earle $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • Inspired by French and Italian cuisine, the Ann Arbor staple opened in 1977 as a jazz club. Today, you’ll find an extensive menu filled with everything from linguine with shrimp to French staples like the beef bourguignon. The dessert menu will leave you with plenty to choose from, featuring house-made favorites like chocolate Chambord mousse and frozen hazelnut souffle. 121 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-994-0211; D Tues.-Sun. Echelon Kitchen & Bar $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • Placing an emphasis on wood-fired cooking and local produce, this downtown Ann Arbor restaurant offers à la carte dining in addition to a seven-course chef’s tasting menu. The vegetable-forward menu elevates simple ingredients into complex dishes filled with flavor. Enjoy the kanpachi crudo or the stone fruit and chicory salad to start, with something for both vegans and omnivores to savor. Entrées include hazelnut-apricot risotto with scallops and beef shank torchietti with smoked almond cream and grilled scallion conserva. 200 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. D Wed.-Sun. The Gandy Dancer $$$$ SEAFOOD • At the Gandy Dancer, located in a historic Ann Arbor train station, guests can still be found celebrating as trains pass by. Known for its seafood, the restaurant features staples like creamy lobster bisque, applejack sea bass, and oven-roasted lobster tail. For meat-centric options, try the duck, served with a Grand Marnier demi-glace, or the prime-cut 14-ounce New York strip. 401 Depot St., Ann Arbor; 734-769-0592. L,D daily.

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Jolly Pumpkin $$ BREWERY • Jolly Pumpkin’s brews rule the offerings, along with other Northern United Brewing Co. beverages, such as North Peak and Jolly Pumpkin artisan ales. Pizzas with creative toppings abound. 311 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734913-2730. L,D daily. Ma Lou’s $ CHICKEN • This is Ypsi’s destination for all things fried chicken — try it as a plate, in the form of wings, or in the chicken and waffles, with classic Southern sides like collard greens, potato salad, and coleslaw. Ma Lou’s shines especially in its ability to craft the perfect sandwich, made with your choice of chicken or tofu. 15 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-905-7994. L,D Tue.-Sat. Mani Osteria & Bar $$ 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 taste. 341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-7696700. L,D Tue.-Sun. Miss Kim $$ KOREAN • James Beard semifinalist Chef Ji Hye Kim‘s unique blend of modern Korean food highlights Michigan vegetables, from house-made kimchi to the tteokbokki (rice cakes). Standouts include a craveable Korean fried chicken and its plant-based counterpart, Korean fried tofu. 415 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-275-0099. L,D Wed.-Mon. Palio $$ ITALIAN • Named for the historic horse race that takes place in Siena, Italy, this downtown spot has been serving up traditional Italian food since 1991. Here you’ll find favorites like the rigatoni bolognese and zuppa pomodoro — a creamy tomato soup made with leeks, fennel, and white wine. Save room for the espresso chocolate cake for an after-dinner treat. 347 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-212-1089. D daily. Peridot $$$$ VIETNAMESE-INSPIRED • This downtown Ann Arbor eatery offers both small plates and cocktails that incorporate ingredients like tamarind, Thai basil, Vietnamese cinnamon, and cilantro. On the ever-changing menu, standouts have included ketchup fried rice and the savory kampachi and prosciutto. 118 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-773-3097. D Mon.-Sat. Seva $$ VEGAN • Seva offers such dishes as black bean and sweet potato quesadillas, gluten-free options, and colorful stir-fries — some vegan as well as vegetarian. There’s also a full bar, as well as a juice bar serving creamy smoothies and dense shakes, fresh-squeezed juices, and craft mocktails. Choose from one of the most extensive vegetarian menus in the Detroit area. 2541 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-662-1111. L,D Mon.-Sat. Shalimar $$ INDIAN • Offering North Indian, Tandoori, and Mughlai dishes, Shalimar is suitable for carnivores and herbivores alike. Standouts include the lamb tikka masala, 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.

Slurping Turtle $ JAPANESE • This fun, casual Ann Arbor restaurant, owned by celebrity chef Takashi Yagihashi, offers plenty of shareable dishes, such as hamachi nachos and duck fat-fried chicken. But the star at Slurping Turtle are the noodles (Yagihashi’s “soul food”), which are made in-house daily on a machine imported from Japan. 608 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-8876868. L,D daily. Spencer $ WINE BAR • The food at this small but mighty spot is bright, fresh, and often surprising. The brief and very French menu changes frequently and is always imaginative. Previous dishes have included chicken liver mousse with violet mustard and grilled bread, as well as orange duck confit with North African spices. 113 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734369-3979. D Thu.-Sun. (By reservation only) Tabe $$ ASIAN FUSION • This upscale spot in downtown Ann Arbor has three floors, each with its own dining experience and menu. The first floor offers an expansive selection of Asian cuisine, while the second floor hosts the only omakase experience in Ann Arbor. Here you’ll also find an extensive selection of Japanese whiskeys and sakes, as well as craft cocktails and specialty teas. 209 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-987-1688. L,D Thu.-Sun., D Mon.-Wed. Tomukun $ KOREAN • Featuring a Korean noodle bar and Korean barbecue side by side, the downtown Ann Arbor eatery is a destination for ramen, udon, and pho, plus traditional rice dishes like bibimbap. You can also order grill-it-yourself meals like short ribs, pork belly, and marinated chicken. 505 E. Liberty St., Suites 100-200, Ann Arbor; 734-9958668 (Tomukun Noodle Bar); 734-369-2602 (Tomukun Korean BBQ). L,D daily. Yotsuba Japanese Restaurant & Bar $$ JAPANESE • The semi-circular sushi bar is the center of this restaurant. Sushi chef Bobby Suzuki has a loyal following for his precise nigiri rolls. There are also tatami rooms and conventional seating. 7365 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248-737-8282. 2222 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor; 734-971-5168. L,D Tue.-Sun. Zingerman’s Roadhouse $$$ CLASSIC COMFORT • This eatery celebrates food from around the U.S., from the New Mexico black bean and hominy burger to the delicacies of New Orleans. The buttermilk biscuits are out of this world. 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-663-3663. B,L,D daily.

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MIDNIGHT HOUR 1

04.25.26

On the Wings of Angels Gala

P H O T O S BY L I N D S AY S C H W E I C K E R T

O N T H E W I N G S O F A N G E L S , a nonprofit that provides services for those impacted by domestic abuse, held its third annual fundraising gala at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester on April 25. Attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, open bar, dessert, and a program presented by several inspiring speakers. The event also featured a silent auction, a DJ, and dancing. Visit otwoa.org to learn how to support the organization’s empowering work.

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1. Jim and Debbie Lombardo 2. Sarah Brunet, Christie Evey 3. Awni Fakhoury, Marci and Wassim Mahfouz 4. Millie McReynolds, Linda Chavis, Pam McLoughlin 5. Dr. Christina Haemmerle, Gary Cannon, Yorg Kerasiotis, Louie Lee, DJ Myint, Brian Recker, Jojo and Paul Dries, Michell Clark 6. Penelope Hale, Kathleen Cetlinski 7. Brian Haemmerle, Dr. Christina Haemmerle 8. On the Wings of Angels’ founder Jojo and husband Paul Dries 9. Brooke Allen, Dorothy Barrera-Weil 10. Jaclyn Jackson, Lauren and Chris Adams 11. Marisa Morello, Christie Delly, Holly Thomas, Raquel Delly 12. Stephanie Hands, Jenna and Mara Sankari 13. Jeffrey Lance Abood, Karen Akouri, Anthony Oraha, M.D.

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MIDNIGHT HOUR 3

7 05.15.26

Breakthrough T1D Detroit Promise Ball P H O T O S B Y C H R I S T I N E M . J. H AT H AWAY

B R E A K T H R O U G H T 1 D ’ S annual Detroit Promise Ball returned this year with a masquerade theme. Held at Michigan Central in Detroit on May 15, the black-tie event featured a plated dinner, desserts, a live auction, a performance from the Urban Art Orchestra, and a program highlighting the organization’s efforts to help those living with Type 1 diabetes. To learn more about Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), visit breakthrought1d.org.

1. Alexandra and Mark Scott 2. Bill O’Dell, Laura Veit 3. Calvin and Sarah Ford, Edsel and Cynthia Ford, Anne and Albert Ford 4. Jill Geisendorfer, Sarah Alcala 5. Dr. Amy Tobin, Dr. George Grunberger 6. Alcala family 7. Kevin and Renee Lynch 8. Pete Joelson, Brett Roberts, Jeff Weber 9. Alissa Thompson, Stephanie Olsen 10. Richard and Traci Rickert 11. Barb and John Hubbard 12. Paulina and Dr. Shereaf Walid

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MIDNIGHT HOUR 1

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05.15.26

2026 Hats Off Luncheon and Hat Crawl Afterparty PHOTOS BY KEVIN BEAN

T H E S U I T E D R E A M S P R O J E C T held its Hats Off Luncheon and Hat Crawl Afterparty on May 15 at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. Guests wore sophisticated florals and statement hats to the gourmet lunch, with raffles including jewelry, lifestyle items, and experiential packages. Guests also heard from families who have benefited from the organization’s work designing and renovating bedrooms for children facing serious illnesses. Following the luncheon, guests participated in the Hat Crawl Afterparty, hosted by 220 Merrill and the Elia Group. To learn more about the Suite Dreams Project, visit suitedreamsproject.org.

1. Kathy Broock, Helen Reasoner 2. Roberta Meloche, Rebecca Nowak, Mitch Jacobs, Paula Phaneuf 3. Vicki Celani, Gail Van Cleave, Joann Gordan, Una Jackman, Diana Howard, Jan Hoge, Sue Conway 4. Sophie Konkal, Ruth Casper, Cynthia Barnhart 5. Patty Murray, Joseph Tiano 6. Karen Stylianou, Tricia Young, Filis Madhavan, Denise Keeler, Trisha Latinis 7. Jenny Senior, Victoria McAuliffe, Melissa Gessner, Gena Conti 8. Lisa Nagorski, Caryl Johnson, Ann Marasco 9. Emily Pierce, Jaime Vitale, Kristal Morang 10. Nerissa Morris, Vania Cunha, Lisa Smoots 11. Laurie McAuliffe, Jill Carlson, Patty Sweeney, Bonnie Foley 12. Marla Feldman, Licia Price, Chris Webb

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MIDNIGHT HOUR 2

05.16.26

Schaap Center Grand Opening Gala P H O T O S B Y C H R I S T I N E M . J. H AT H AWAY

ON MAY 16, metro Detroiters got a taste of the region’s newest cultural center at the grand opening gala for the A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Center for the Performing Arts and the Richard and Jane Manoogian Art Gallery in Grosse Pointe Park. Held at the 49,000-square-foot center, the gala featured an opening reception and a slate of performances from the Grosse Pointe Theatre, the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, and the Detroit Opera. Following the performances, guests enjoyed an afterglow and a behind-the-scenes tour of the venue. For more information on the Schaap Center, including upcoming performances, visit schaapcenter.org.

1. Paul Schaap, James Anderson 2. Jane and Richard Manoogian 3. Tim and Mary Jo Reinman, Mario Simone 4. Mike and Erin Roberts 5. Bob and Pam Montgomery 6. Stephanie Butler, Jennifer Parnell, Elise Hindelang 7. Denise Abrash, Jim Hayes 8. Jameel and Diallo Smith 9. Linda Forte, Tyrone Davenport 10. Dan and Connie Blake 11. Mary Ann and Bob Bury 12. Nick Marinello, Mary Magyari AU G U ST 2 0 2 6

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MIDNIGHT HOUR 1

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UCANCERVIVE’s 2026 Evening for the Cure

P H O T O S BY L I N D S AY S C H W E I C K E R T

U C A N C E R V I V E hosted its 2026 Evening for the Cure on June 5 at Michigan Central Station in Detroit. Guests were encouraged to dress in flowing silhouettes, soft metallics, and celestial touches to match the evening’s ethereal theme. The event raised funds for local cancer research grants. Previous grant recipients include the Karmanos Cancer Institute, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and Henry Ford Health System. To learn more about the organization’s efforts, visit ucancervive.com. 1. Kevin Ginsburg, M.D., Linda Filipczak 2. Graham Garrison, Alyssa Herrera, Cameron Koegel, Elissa White, Blake Genrich, Tre Liston 3. Savanna Mintari, Kelley LaFontaine, Carol Peters, Audrey Ryskamp, Casey Yancho, Q Riddle 4. Dennis Chow, Paula Rosneck 5. Barron Hinsperger, Kelley LaFontaine 6. Heather Roeser, Sue Welker, Ann-Marie Hiner, Dawn Horner, Shaina Schindler, Yvonne Wiedemann 7. Brody Parker, Summar Elia, Molly Winget, Kevin Stewart 8. Boris and Valerie Pasche, M.D., Kevin Ginsburg, M.D., Anthony Shields, M.D., Ph.D. 9. George and Robin Neuss 10. James Jordan, Alex Mintari, Viktor Vulaj 11. Campbell Dean, Alexanndra Knoblock, Wendi and Ryan LaFontaine 12. Kyla Ratliff, Lauren Whitney, Christine Bertram, Dana Betram

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Charity Calendar THE TROY TRAFFIC JAM

GROSSE POINTE GATHERING

August 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

September 16, 6 to 9 p.m.

troyhistoricvillage.org/troy-traffic-jam

corewellhealth.org/foundation/southeast/events/grossepointe-gathering

The Troy Traffic Jam returns for its 18th year with more than 300 show cars, as well as automotive art, robotics demonstrations, and family-friendly activities celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The event features classic, high-performance, and historic vehicles, along with the Gallagher Tech Talk Series highlighting automotive engineers, designers, and racing legends. Guests can also enjoy music, food, and the Pedal Power 200 race while supporting educational programs at Troy Historic Village.

The third annual Grosse Pointe Gathering will be held at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms. The fundraising event benefits heart, vascular, and breast care initiatives at the Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital. The evening will feature a cocktail reception, strolling dinner, and live entertainment.

EVENT IDEAS *Need a venue that's versatile & can handle these types of events! Outdoor Patio Party Game Show Cooking Class Casino Night Chopped Challenge (Cook off between teams) Black Tie Dinner Mixology Masterclass Wine & Food Pairing Experience Speakeasy Night Dessert Decorating

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1959 F O R 6 6 Y E A R S , the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle has captivated visitors with stories of the Great Lakes and Detroit’s important role in maritime history. The city paid for half of the $250,000 museum, while the Dossin family generously gifted $125,000 and their famous championship hydroplane Miss Pepsi (the first to ever top 100 mph), displayed next to the museum’s entrance since 1963. Over the years, the Dossin family has provided significant funds to support renovations and improvements to the museum. Pictured above from right to left at the May 20, 1959, groundbreaking are George W. Stark, president of the Detroit Historical Museum; Robert M. Dossin, representing his father, food and soft drink distributor Roy L. Dossin; and Detroit City Council president Mary V. Beck. They are sharing the museum model with Sidonie Y. Dossin, 11, Douglas P. Dossin, 5, and Pamela Knighton, 5. The Dossin wasn’t the city’s first maritime museum. It replaced the Museum of Great Lakes History, which resided aboard the landed wood schooner J.T. Wing, the last commercial

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sailing ship on the Great Lakes. Captain Joseph E. Johnston, a retired ocean shipmaster who led the effort to create the museum, served as its curator. That museum closed in 1956 due to the J.T. Wing’s deteriorating condition, which later led the commission to demolish the ship. On July 24, 1960, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum opened at the J.T. Wing’s former site. Mrs. Roy L. Dossin used a bottle containing water from all five Great Lakes to christen the museum, accompanying a blessing by the Rev. Elmer B. Usher, the rector at Mariners’ Church. Operated today by the Detroit Historical Society, the museum offers a variety of changing exhibits, lectures, and other programs. There are also several permanent exhibits, including the restored, elegant Gothic Room from the SS City of Detroit III, the pilot house from the SS William Clay Ford, the bow anchor from the legendary ship the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, the Richard and Jane Manoogian Ship Model Showcase, and the Built by the River display that explores the link between the city and the Detroit River. —Bill Dow PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WALTER P. REUTHER LIBRARY, ARCHIVES OF LABOR AND URBAN AFFAIRS, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY (THE DETROIT NEWS COLLECTION)

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