Hour Detroit | December 2025 by Hour Media

CURATED MOOD BOARDS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

onEyethe Prize

MAYOR MIKE DUGGAN IS KNOWN FOR BEATING THE ODDS. THIS TIME THE STAKES ARE HIGHER.

Bridal Celebrations connects couples with the area’s best wedding professionals, interactive demos, and the latest trends. Get inspired and have fun while attending these unforgettable events. Plus, brides can enter to win prizes including a wedding dress in the 10 Gown Giveaway!

January 18, 2026 • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM 600 E University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307

February 22, 2026 • 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM 2000 Brush Street, Detroit, MI 48226

Surgery is a big step - and we’re here to make it easier. At Trinity Health, we create a care plan just for you. Our surgeons use robotic instruments to perform surgery with greater precision. That means smaller incisions, less pain, and faster healing. Smaller scars can also help you feel more confident after surgery. From heart care and joint replacement to cancer care, women’s health and general surgery, we’re leading the way in Michigan with care designed for you.

Is robotic surgery right for you? TrinityHealthMi.org/Robotics

27 Gift Guide

Tailor-made mood boards for every personality type — featuring products found at local stores — make gift giving easy.

36 Mike Duggan

The 75th mayor of the city of Detroit reflects on his past 12 years in office and the path ahead as he takes on his biggest challenge yet.

Luxury Beauty Advent Calendar, $495; Ginger Biscuit Cologne, $170; Jo Malone at Somerset Collection, Troy, jomalone. com. Marc Jacobs The Nano Tote Bag Charm, $125; Marc Jacobs The Coin Purse Charm Case, $150; Neiman Marcus at Somerset Collection, Troy, neimanmarcus.com. Fazeek Jewel Coupes, $140, set of 2; Dubie Tecno Boot, $498; Coup D’état, Detroit, shopcoupdetat.com. Sparkling Wine, $24, Granor Farm, Three Oaks, granorfarm. com. Wavy Silk Scarf, $150, Play It Crazy, Detroit, playitcrazy.com. Pocket Organizer, $480; Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter 2025-26 Runway; Backstage at Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter 202526 Runway; Set Design at Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter 2025-26 Runway; Louis Vuitton at Somerset Collection, Troy, louisvuitton.com. Kira Turnlock Flocked Shoulder Bag, $495, Tory Burch at Somerset Collection, Troy, toryburch. com. Background/inspiration: Maestro Wallpaper, only available to the trade, Schumacher at Michigan Design Center, Troy, schumacher.com. Gucci’s Cruise 2026 Runway; Backstage at Gucci’s Cruise 2026 Runway; Gucci, area Gucci stores, gucci.com. Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, fourseasons.com. Le Mas Candille Hotel, Paris, mascandille.com.

Up Front

DEVELOPMENT

A look at the projects that changed Detroit’s landscape in 2025.

BOOKS

From fiction to fantasy: 12 releases from Michigan authors.

AWARDS

Introducing the recipient of our first Nurse of the Year Award.

ANNIVERSARY

The gifts of Christmas past: Popular presents from different generations.

24/Seven

DESIGN

An interior designer’s kitchen is the perfect Hanukkah celebration spot.

HOLIDAY

Eco-friendly ways to spruce up your home for the holidays.

PROFILE

Military fatigues to high fashion: The story of this Detroit-born designer.

FASHION

The best looks from one of Detroit’s premier black-tie galas.

ESSAY

The year in review, one ticket stub at a time.

EVENTS

25 events to put you in the holiday spirit.

FILM

A local filmmaker investigates the Michigan Murders.

LOCAL TRAVEL

Cities across the Mitten are hosting holiday and winter celebrations all season long.

HOUR PICKS

The best breakfast sandwiches metro Detroit has to offer.

PROFILE

The family putting Michigan pie on the map.

DRINKS

Here’s to the bar trends that defined metro Detroit this year.

RESTAURANT LISTINGS

EMPOWERING DREAMS THROUGH EDUCATION

Make a gift to the Greatest Needs Fund by Dec. 31, 2025, and your donation will be matched dollar-fordollar — up to $150,000 — thanks to the Wilkie Family Challenge Match.

Together, we’re transforming lives.

The Schoolcraft College Foundation is committed to removing barriers and opening doors for students through:

• Scholarships that fuel academic success

• Support for transformative programs that shape futures

• Emergency assistance for food insecurity and urgent needs

• K–12 enrichment through programs like Kids on Campus summer camp

• Wrap-around services including learning support, mental health care, lab fees, books, childcare, transportation and more — ensuring every student has what they need to thrive. Join us in building a stronger, more vibrant community — one student at a time.

EDITOR’S LETTER

It’s not often that history is made when we are closing an issue, but it happened this month.

On Nov. 4 at 9:12 p.m., the Associated Press declared Mary Sheffield the winner of Detroit’s mayoral race, which will make her the first woman and the first millennial to hold this position.

It’s not as though her win came as a surprise — the Detroit City Council president handily won the primary back in August — but stranger things have happened in elections. One thing we did know for certain when planning this issue was that December would be Mike Duggan’s last month in office. You can read writer Steve Friess’s interview with Detroit’s exiting mayor, with photography by Brad Ziegler, on page 36.

Another given this month is that there will be gifts to buy and an Hour Detroit Gift Guide to peruse. This year’s mood-board theme reminds me of the gift guides that I saw in New York Magazine when I moved to NYC after college. They helped me discover the city: the products were so cool and unique, I just had to go to the stores to at least see them. Kudos to Creative Director Lindsay Richards, stylist/writer Giuseppa Nadrowski, and photographer Rebecca Simonov for creating this gorgeous and festive layout.

Lastly, what would a December issue be without a Year in Review? Here are our top 12 articles and social media posts of 2025, excluding our very popular “Things to Do in Metro Detroit” article, which is updated weekly.

VOLUME THIRTY | ISSUE TWELVE

PUBLISHER: Jason Hosko

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Kate Walsh

DIGITAL EDITOR: Erica Banas

COPY EDITOR: Olivia Sedlacek

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Jack Thomas

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Will Reaume

CONTRIBUTORS: Karen Buscemi, Bill Dow, Lisa Enos, Steve Friess, Natalia Holtzman, Ryan Patrick Hooper, Mickey Lyons, Jenn McKee, Giuseppa Nadrowski, Danny Palumbo, Megan Swoyer, Lauren Wethington

EDITORIAL INTERN: Sarah Wasielewski

DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Lindsay Richards

SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTIST: Stephanie Daniel

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR: Steven Prokuda

CONTRIBUTORS: Giuseppa Nadrowski, Chuk Nowak, Sal Rodriguez, Josh Scott, Jason Seiler, Rebecca Simonov, Brad Ziegler

ADVERTISING

MEDIA ADVISORS: Samantha Alessandri, Cynthia Barnhart, Hannah Brown, Karli Brown, Sarah Cavanaugh, Cathleen Francois, Donna Kassab, Lisa LaBelle, Mary Pantely & Associates PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION MANAGER: Crystal Nelson

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Alessandra Taranta

ACCOUNT MANAGER: Elizabeth Kowalik

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joe Salafia

SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR: Emily Doran IT

IT DIRECTOR: Jeremy Leland DIGITAL

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY: Travis Fletcher

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 MANAG ER: Regan Wright

WEDDINGS ACCOUNT MANAGER: Karen Wilkie

MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR: Puja Trivedi

MARKETING & EVENTS ASSISTANT: Kayla Yucha

MARKETING & EVENTS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Connor Cooper

MARKETING RESEARCH

MARKETING RESEARCH DIRECTOR: Sofia Shevin

MARKETING RESEARCH COORDINATOR: Kristin Bestrom

MARKETING RESEARCH SALES COORDINATOR: Alexandra Thompson

MARKETING RESEARCH SALES ASSISTANT: Theresa Lowery

PRS GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kendra Okamoto

MARKETING RESEARCH INTERNS: Rachel Randazzo, Keerthana Reddy, Gwen Zych

BUSINESS

CEO: Stefan Wanczyk

PRESIDENT: John Balardo

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS: Kathie Gorecki

MEDIA ASSOCIATE: Lachlan O’Neill

SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE: Andrew Kotzian

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATES: Jenna Glod, Austin Schmelzle

DISTRIBUTION: Target Distribution, Troy

5750 NEW KING DRIVE, TROY, MI 48098

TELEPHONE: 248-691-1800 FAX: 248-691-4531

EMAIL: EDITORIAL@HOURDETROIT.COM

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

BOYD Detroit Event

Hour Detroit’s Grillfest presented by Flood Law

Photographs by Kevin Bean

Sugah Please Brunch Bar Anniversary Event

Dr.Ellens Speakeasy Beauty Event

Photographs by Patrick Gloria

Chef Brittanie Davis and Larry Crocket Will Wright, Nicole Branson, Barney Sullivan, Wendy Ringo and Tim Brown

Tamika Reeves, Gabrielle King and Lynise Barbee

Clarence Gayles, Vickie Thomas, Wendy Ringo, Shanetha Moore and Darnell Blackburn

Dave and Lisa Goyette, Cindy and John Ball

HOUR Grilfest

Jenny Olivia and Chelsea Chapman

Tony Contri and Paige Ryterski

Dr. Heydens and Cynthia Whitney Dr. Heydens and Dr. Ellen Janetzke

Sherry Pagels

Jane Bishop and Christina Vrabel

Photographs by Bill Pagels

BOYD Beauty Team

Dr. Candace Kimpson

Enjoli Sizemore and Shayla Loveless

Teresa Vettese and Monica Kelly

Photographs by Kevin Bean

A look back at Detroit’s changing cityscape in 2025 p. 12

Up Front

DEVELOPMENT

Detroit’s Evolving Landscape

A new addition to the city’s skyline, a luxury hotel at a historic venue, and a new home for a beloved band shell are just some of the development projects that helped transform the city in 2025

BY WILL REAUME

 Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park and Southwest Greenway

Located on the Detroit riverfront, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park opened to the public Oct. 25 after three years of construction. Named after the late Detroit native and founder of the Buffalo Bills, the park is the latest effort to transform the riverfront into a multi-use recreational space. The 22-acre park features a large water garden, two indoor sports facilities, and multiple animalthemed playgrounds. It will be connected to Michigan Central Station by the Southwest Greenway, a half-mile-long bike path. The trail is also home to the Yard Graffiti Museum, an outdoor gallery dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of this underground art form. Open since 2023, the greenway now has completed beginning and end points for visitors to explore and appreciate the city’s progress. The Southwest Greenway is a key part of the more expansive 27.5-mile Joe Louis Greenway, which will extend biking and walking trails to Highland Park, Dearborn, and Hamtramck.



Palmer Park Bandshell

Originally opened in 1938 on the Michigan State Fairgrounds campus at Eight Mile and Woodward, the historic band shell hosted legendary acts like Duke Ellington, Marvin Gaye, and Johnny Cash. When the fairgrounds were sold to developers in 2020, it seemed certain the band shell would be demolished. But broad public support and federal funding allowed the theater to be moved to the northwest section of Palmer Park (near Seven Mile and Woodward), where it was rebuilt and updated before reopening in August. The band shell’s iconic white arches were reconstructed based on the original design using salvaged materials. The opening ceremony honored the stage’s roots with a jazz concert featuring Detroit acts like Marcus Elliot, Charles and Gwen Scales, and Marion Hayden. The band shell will continue to host music performances open to the public, in addition to being available for rent.



Hudson’s Detroit

Once the focal point of the Detroit skyline, the former J.L Hudson’s building was the tallest shopping center in the world until 1961. But after its demolition in 1998, the block it occupied remained vacant until construction began on the multi-use Hudson’s Detroit complex in 2017. With its shimmering glass facade and staggered towers, Hudson’s Detroit is the second tallest building in Michigan, topping out at a lofty 685 feet. It’s separated into two distinct buildings, one a 49-story hotel and residence and the other a 14-story retail, office, and event center. The Hudson’s Detroit midrise recently welcomed its first retail tenants, Alo Yoga and Tecovas, and will also be home to the General Motors headquarters (the company announced it would be leaving the GM Renaissance Center by the end of 2025). Occupying the entire second and third floors as well as the first-floor lobby, The Department is a stateof-the-art meeting space and event facility. Here you’ll also find a modern rendition of the famous J.L. Hudson’s Maurice salad, made in The Department’s 10,000-squarefoot kitchen.

Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park and Southwest Greenway

Hudson’s Detroit

Palmer Park Bandshell

Connected to the Albert Kahn-designed Bonstelle Theatre, the AC Hotel had big architectural shoes to fill. The 10-story, 154-room hotel opened to guests in midJanuary, joined in April by attached bar The Conservatory. The hotel is part of Marriott’s AC Hotel brand, embracing European styles and minimalist designs, while the bar focuses on gin-centered cocktails and tapas-style bites.

Construction began on the Midtown property in 2023, with work being done to restore the 115-year-old Bonstelle Theatre back to working order as well.



Chandler Park Fieldhouse

After more than a decade of planning and construction, the newest addition to Chandler Park is now open. The 130,000-square-foot Chandler Park Fieldhouse is Detroit’s first air dome sports complex and includes a turf field, a multisport court, fitness areas, and a track. The $13.9 million federally funded field house opened its doors Aug. 20, providing Detroit’s east-side community with sports and recreation programming year-round. Membership is required to access the field house; yearly adult memberships start at $25 for Detroit residents and $45 for nonresidents.



Orchard Village Housing

Born out of a collaboration between northwest Detroit grassroots organization Detroit Blight Busters and CHN Housing Partners, Orchard Village brings affordable housing to the Old Redford area. The development converted nine previously vacant lots into a 48-unit complex designed to encourage families to settle in the neighborhood. With rent prices starting at $525 per month, all units feature a spacious two-bedroom layout, in-unit laundry, and central AC. The $16 million investment in Orchard Village is a part of the latest push to revitalize the area, with recent plans made for a Sunflower Arts Center to be built on Grand River Avenue.

 AC Hotel at the Bonstelle and The Conservatory

Chandler Park Fieldhouse

Orchard Village Apartments

AC Hotel at the Bonstelle and The Conservatory

BOOKS

The Gift of a Good Read

Treat the bibliophiles on your list with a new work from a Michigan author. There are many to choose from!

BY JENN MCKEE

For the Memoir Addict:

Amanda Uhle’s Destroy This House recounts the Ann Arbor journalist and nonfiction writer’s bizarre, whirlwind childhood with her striving fashion designer (and hoarder) mother and her wheeler-dealer father, who vacillated between poverty and wealth, virtue and mendacity, reality and dreams.

Ann Arbor author Michelle Yang’s Phoenix Girl chronicles the author’s move, with her family, from an ethnic Chinese enclave in South Korea to the United States and the mental health struggles Michelle contends with before finally being diagnosed with bipolar disorder as a young adult.



For the History Buff: Huron High School and University of Michigan graduate John U. Bacon’s The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald is being hailed as the definitive account of this storied disaster, drawing on interviews with families, friends, and former crewmates of those lost with the ship 50 years ago.

U-M professor Scott Ellsworth wrote Midnight on the Potomac: The Last Year of the Civil War, the Lincoln Assassination, and the Rebirth of America, which offers new insights on this critical period, including a Confederate plot to burn down New York City and John Wilkes Booth’s affiliation with agents of the Confederate Secret Service.

For the Literary Fiction Reader:

Michigan resident Angela Shupe’s In the Light of the Sun is the tale of two sisters in wartime: Caramina, in the Philippines, who dreams of becoming an opera singer like her sister but must flee to the jungle with her family for safety, and Rosa, in Florence, whose scheduled opera debut comes as Mussolini tightens his grip on Italy.

Bear County, Michigan is a short-story collection by Whitmore Lake-based former crime reporter (now investigative journalist) John Counts, who built a few of these tales, about down-ontheir-luck souls living in a fictional county Up North, around incidents he heard about while sitting in courtrooms.



For the Feel-Good Fiction Fan: Ann Arbor-based Cary Gitter’s Cammy Sitting Shiva is about an adrift almost 30-year-old who must return to her small New Jersey hometown to mourn her father, face her difficult mother, and reconcile her past with her present.

The Page Turner is the latest from Saugatuck/Douglas-based author Wade Rouse — who writes novels under his grandmother’s name Viola Shipman — about a young romance writer who makes a discovery that could throw her literary elitist family into chaos.

Mitch Albom’s Twice tells the story of Alfie Logan, who has the magical power to undo any moment and live it again, with one caveat: He must live with the consequences of his second try, no matter what. When he turns his attention to his love life, Alfie has to make a tough choice.



For the Literary YA Bookworm:

I Killed the King by Rebecca Mix (of Royal Oak) and Andrea Hannah (of Novi), is a locked-room whodunit/fantasy mashup. After a decade of war, two kingdoms make peace. But during a celebratory all-night masquerade, the castle briefly goes dark. When the lights come back on, a king is dead.

Sisters in the Wind is the latest by southwest Michigan author Angeline Boulley (whose debut, Firekeeper’s Daughter, was a hit bestseller). Sisters offers a new mystery, wherein a foster teen named Lucy aims to claim her newly discovered Ojibwe heritage on her own terms.



For the Home Cook:

The longtime co-owner of Novi’s Diamond Jim Brady’s Bistro Bar Mary Brady released Looking Back, Cooking Forward, which features a collection of personal stories, plus more than 60 favorite recipes — some of which, over the years, made it onto her popular restaurant menus.

The greater good is our greatest goal.

Congratulations to our nurse finalists honored by HOUR Detroit!

Thank you for your dedication to making health care better for our patients, their loved ones and our care teams.



Nurse of the Year: DAWN STONE

Henry Ford Health – Henry Ford at Home

What do you enjoy most about your work in home health care?

How is it different from working in a hospital? I tell people it’s like I get paid to go visit my friends all week, because you develop such a strong relationship with these people. It’s so different than the hospital setting where you see so many people and they’re in and out really fast. Some of these patients will be under my care for years, so you really get to know them and understand them.

What allows you to be so effective in your work providing palliative care? I think the biggest thing with palliative care is not being afraid to talk about the reality of life and death. None of us are getting out of here alive. People want to talk about death, and they’re already thinking about it. Patients will tell me that they were only doing cancer treatment because of their families, and so I’m going to sit down with them and talk to their families about this. My loyalty lies with the patient, and I just want them to get what they want. They need somebody to be in their corner and advocate for them.

INTRODUCING the NURSE of the YEAR

Hour Detroit continues our tradition of honoring top health care professionals in metro Detroit with an award just for nurses

BY WILL REAUME

ON OCT. 23, during Hour Detroit’s third annual Excellence in Care Soirée, we celebrated the local health care professionals featured on our Top Doctors, Top Dentists, and Top Chiropractors lists — and inducted one outstanding individual from each of these fields into our Hall of Fame.

This year’s sold-out event, however, had a special addition. We concluded the evening by recognizing the 20 finalists for our inaugural Nurse of the Year Award — nominated by their direct supervisors and selected by a panel of judges comprising

deans from local nursing schools — and announcing the winner: Dawn Stone of Henry Ford Health.

With nearly 40 years of nursing experience, Stone exemplifies what it means to be a top care provider. In her nomination, Kimberly Robinson highlighted how, through Stone’s work in both palliative and advanced home health care, Stone demonstrates the utmost respect and compassion for every patient. These qualities are reflected in tangible results — her 30-day hospital readmission rate is

51% better than the state average, a testament to the direct impact of her patient-centered approach.

As Robinson aptly put it: “When you need a touchdown, you call Jared Goff. When you need perfect home health care, you assign the case to Dawn Stone.”

Before the award ceremony, we reached out to all 20 finalists, asking them to share their paths to nursing, their mentors, their most meaningful memories, and their advice for those considering the profession. Here are some highlights from those interviews.

Nurse of the Year Dawn Stone

“couldn’t believe it” when her name was called at the Excellence in Care Soirée.

The Finalists (in alphabetical order)

Samantha Anderson, Corewell Health Dearborn

When and why did you decide to pursue nursing? I ultimately chose nursing because it allows me to do what matters most to me — helping people. My own experience as a patient showed me the incredible impact nurses have, not just medically/physically, but emotionally as well. I loved the idea of being in a role where I could continue to learn and grow while making a real difference in someone’s life.

Kathleen Bajorek, Corewell Health, William Beaumont University Hospital

What is your favorite memory or moment you’ve experienced as a nurse? My trip to Thailand will always stand out to me. I had the incredible honor of helping run a medical-dental clinic last winter in the northern hills of Thailand. Being able to help some of the most vulnerable people was such a joy. However, the humanitarian in me

loved seeing the people, their culture, and just being immersed in something that wasn’t my own. These people and this place changed me and my view on nursing forever! I am so thrilled and thankful to be able to go back again this coming winter to partner in providing this care.

Kristy Bartlett, DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan

Are you a mentor to anyone? Given my current role as a clinical educator, I have the privilege of mentoring both new nurses as well as aspiring nurses (nursing students) and perhaps some of our experienced nursing staff. I like to think that I help our staff find their confidence, face and overcome challenges, and solidify what it means to put their heart into nursing, especially working in pediatrics.

Michael Burton, Trinity Health Oakland

When and why did you decide to pursue nursing? The choice to pursue nursing was

influenced by my wife, an RN. While she was pursuing her own nursing degree, I was working as a police officer in the Chicago suburbs. I was always fascinated with the topics she was learning and would help her study for exams, be her assessment dummy, and soak up whatever I could. After completing her degree and working on a busy cardiac stepdown unit, my intrigue remained. We made the decision to return home to metro Detroit once our daughter was born, and I started my job hunt. I started with the obvious choice of local police departments. After several interviews, I knew my heart was no longer in police work and I was burned out from my experiences. My wife suggested nursing, and we made the difficult decision for me to pursue a nursing degree. Semester after semester of prerequisites, an accelerated nursing program, mix in the birth of our son, and I was done! I found my spark in nursing. Even after surviving my time in the intensive care unit during a global pandemic, nursing is still my calling.

Tracey Connolly, DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

Could not be reached for an interview.

Tammy Cotey, Corewell Health

Could not be reached for an interview.

For more information about Hour Detroit’s Excellence in Care Awards, the Hall of Fame inductees, and the Top Docs, Top Dentists, and Top Chiropractors lists, go to: hourdetroit.com/ excellence-in-care.

Maria DeBruyne, Corewell Health East Taylor

What is your favorite memory or moment you’ve experienced as a nurse? It’s hard to pick one. One of my favorite memories was helping a patient with a difficult amputation wound gain the confidence to use her wound vac at home. We agreed to FaceTime whenever needed, day or night. After a few midnight sessions, she became confident and proficient. Later, she came to see me in person at the hospital, walking with a big smile, and said, “I am back to work, and I am even driving! My life wouldn’t be this good if weren’t for those late-night video chats with you.” My heart was full. Little did she know, helping her also helped me feel useful during a challenging time in my own life.

Andrea Del Vecchio, Trinity Health

What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a nurse?

Do it. Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers you can choose — even on the toughest days. It challenges you, humbles you, and constantly puts life into perspective. You’ll witness strength, vulnerability, and resilience in ways that change how you see the world. It’s not always easy, but the impact you make and the lives you touch make every moment worth it.

Edith English, Henry Ford Wyandotte

What is your favorite memory or moment you’ve experienced as a nurse? Two years ago, in my very busy emergency room, I helped a new mother with a very personal and private medical condition. Her situation was heightened by the fact that she was exhausted and tearful and hated being away from her newborn. I had the privilege of time (something my team did not have), and I spent over an hour with her and the doctors getting her the help she needed to expedite her discharge home. Before she left, we looked at each other — her crying and me on the verge of tears — and we hugged. I could sense her relief and my pure joy overflow in that hug. To this day, I remember the feeling of making a difference for this new mom.

Jeri

Howard, Henry Ford Health

What is your favorite memory or moment you’ve experienced as a nurse? There are so many. I think the most memorable was seeing a family member 10 years after their loved one died, and they remembered me and thanked me for the care I provided.

Patricia Klassa, Henry Ford Health West Bloomfield Hospital

Are you a mentor to anyone? For the past 13 years, I’ve had the honor of serving as chairperson of the Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking Prevention Committee. My passion has always been to raise awareness on these issues not only among health care providers but also throughout our community. One of the most meaningful parts of this role is the mentorship and support I provide, as I am considered the “abuse nurse” at our hospital. In this role, I often receive calls from colleagues and

patients for advice/resources after disclosing their experiences of IPV or sexual assault. Being a trusted resource in these moments is something I hold close to my heart.

What is something people might be surprised to know about nursing? Many people are surprised by how complex and varied nursing can be. Beyond the bedside, nurses function as critical thinkers, leaders, and advocates. In my own career, I work both in the clinic and as an advanced practice hospitalist in an inpatient setting. That variety allows me to see patients across the spectrum of health and illness, and it underscores how central nursing is to the entire health care system.

LeAnn Lauer, Trinity Health Livingston and Brighton

When and why did you decide to pursue nursing? I’m not sure exact-

ly when I decided to pursue nursing, although the thought occurred to me when my grandmother was suffering from cancer when I was a teenager. I remember the feeling of absolute helplessness because I didn't understand what was happening to her physiologically or what I could do to keep her comfortable during her end-of-life care. Later in life, my father-in-law was shot in the line of duty. Because of the trauma team and ICU nurses who cared for him, he recovered and was able to meet and enjoy many years with his grandchildren. At that time, I realized that if I were going to pursue a career in nursing, it would be in emergency services.

Amanda Mata, New Oakland Family Centers

What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a nurse? Make sure you’re entering nursing for the right reasons. Nursing requires a very special kind of person, someone who is not only knowledgeable but also mentally and emotionally strong, compassionate, and willing to put others before themselves. It is not an easy path, but if your heart is truly in it, the impact you can make is immeasurable. If you truly have what it takes to be a nurse, do it, because the world needs more nurses who lead with purpose, kindness, and resilience.

Sherry McConnell, Corewell Health Farmington Hills/University of Detroit Mercy

When and why did you decide to pursue nursing? I first started thinking seriously about nursing back in high school, when I signed up for a health occupations class. That class introduced me to the basics of patient care, things like taking vital signs, helping people with daily activities, and learning how to listen and really be present for someone who isn’t at their best. It was my first real exposure to what nursing is all about, and I was surprised by how much I loved it. There was something about the combination of science, compassion, and handson care that just clicked for me. I realized that nursing isn’t just a job; it’s an art, and it’s about genuinely connecting with people and making a difference in their lives.

Matthew Mimnaugh, Henry Ford Southfield

When you were a

child, what did you want to do when you grew up? Like most little boys growing up, I was convinced I would grow up to be a cowboy, fantasizing about the various Westerns I watched with my grandfather as a child. To my dismay, I learned that being a cowboy in Michigan was not necessarily a feasible career path. While I do get to live out part of my childhood dream today through having horses, God directed me to my purpose and one of my major sources of joy in the profession of nursing.

Reema Rahal, Henry Ford Health

Do you have a mentor you’d like to acknowledge? I’d like to acknowledge my preceptor Nancy from my first nursing job. She really shaped me as a new nurse. She was patient, encouraging, and showed me what it looks like to balance skill with compassion. I've also been lucky to work alongside so many amazing nurses and physicians, each sharing different knowledge and perspectives. They have all played a part in helping me grow into the nurse that I am today.

Sheryl Smolarek, Karmanos Cancer Institute

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge in this feature? I want to acknowledge every one of the amazing patients whose lives I have had the privilege to be part of in some way. Their strength, resilience, and unique stories continue to inspire me, and with each encounter, they help shape me into not only a better nurse but also a better human being.

Kathryn Thiel, Corewell Health Trenton

Are you a mentor to anyone? I have had the pleasure to mentor Sara Kelly, clinical nurse manager at Corewell Taylor. She was my assistant nurse manager for two years at Corewell Trenton Progressive Care Unit and has grown in her leadership and is now a nurse manager at Taylor. We continue to work closely together and touch base weekly to support one another and bounce ideas off each other. I am extremely proud of the nurse leader she has become.

Ashley Lamb, RegenCen

themed feature three years ago. This Gift Guide featured colorful and “out-of-this-world” products and was on newsstands when the teaser trailer for the hugely popular 2023 movie was released by Warner Bros.

HER PICKS: (Clockwise from top) Crosley Urban Outfitters exclusive velvet Cruiser bluetooth record player, $99, and Beach House 7 LP, $20, at select Urban Outfitters stores; urbanoutfitters.com; Gucci Elias strappy sandal with jeweled lion, $1,250, at Saks Fifth Avenue, Somerset Collection South, Troy; 248-643-9000; saksfifthavenue.com; Shinola The Canfield on-ear headphones, $350, at area Shinola stores and shinola.com; Simply Curated Botanical Collection No. 02 candle, $40, and Happy Habitat blanket, $160, at Thistle & Bess, Ann Arbor; 734-369-6092; thistleandbess.com

Shinola Headphones

2018

Shinola products have been a staple in our Gift Guide since 2013, the year the flagship store opened. In 2018, the Shinola Canfield on-ear headphones were featured with other products for “her.”

iPhone was released, we

Mice in Cigar Box

of the house to wear the items? Enter the Marni pump, billed as “fuzzy slippers” in the caption for this COVIDera Gift Guide. It was the perfect gift for the lady in your life who wanted to spend a comfy yet stylish New Year’s Eve at home.

CDs

1997

Ah, the good old days when you could actually wrap the gift of music. These CDs featured songs by Eartha Kitt, Miles Davis, Beck, and Booker T and the MGs — and could be played in your car.

iPod Socks 2005

In the early aughts, not only could an iPod fit in your pocket, but a fullydressed one could, too! These fuzzy accessories came in colors to match your outfit, protected your screen from scratches, and could “stretch to fit everything from the tiny Nano to the larger models.”

HOLIDAY

Give a gift to Mother Nature by using biodegradable materials for your holiday décor p. 23



Wide-plank white-oak flooring complements the Orley Shabahang runners. The teak stools have arms and include white boucle seats and backs.

I NEED MY SPACE

LOVE & LIGHT

An interior designer’s kitchen is perfect for celebrating Hanukkah with family

BY MEGAN SWOYER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE TIANO

INTERIOR DESIGNER Carrie Long and her husband, Greg Sobol, founder and owner of Tekiah Kosher Spirits, celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah much as she did growing up. “We usually have people over for a couple nights, and then some nights it’s just us. One or two nights we celebrate it big with presents and little prizes like chocolate gelt for dreidel games,” Long says. “We light menorah candles every night and also have traditional food like latkes.”

The couple’s beautiful kitchen space in their West Bloomfield Township home, built in 1936, is often the center of the activities.

Their two sons, ages 5 and 7, help their parents frost Star of Davidshaped cookies. “They get to frost some of their own,” Long says, “and I think they lick the frosting more than eat the cookies!” Long’s assistant, Alycyn Goldberg, joins in on the fun, too, providing a great cookie recipe and baking tips.

Long has always taken the holiday, which this year runs Dec. 1422, seriously and adorns her home with various Judaica. The family moved into their home in 2022, after an astonishing renovation. “This house was borderline condemned, but I had a vision,” Long says. The result is a warm family home with a hint of West Coast style and livable, simple elegance.

Here’s a glimpse of a Long-Sobol Hanukkah gathering and what makes it extra special.



Accent on Judaica:

“I keep our Judaica out year-round.” Long says. “It’s very important to me to have my family see it all the time and have it be part of our everyday lives.”



Easy on the feet: Long chose wide-plank white-oak flooring that complements the Orley Shabahang runners.



Sign of the times: Long and Sobol love original art. A favorite piece in the kitchen is an old street sign from Israel that Long attached to a board. It says “Rehov Eli Cohen.” “Eli Cohen is my favorite Israeli spy,” Long says.



Magical menorah: “We have menorahs displayed throughout the home,” Long says. But one of her favorites is a modern one, shown here on the island, that she discovered at Lori Karbal, a home and gift shop in Birmingham. “Lori is a dear friend of mine. I keep that one in my scullery on display at all times.”



Cool stools: Long found what she calls “the ideal counter stool” at Industry West. “They are teak with arms and with white boucle seats and backs,” she says, noting it was important to find something that fit the aesthetic while being safe for their boys when they were younger.



Kitchen confidential: For Long’s kitchen renovation, she called on DAS Contracting of Macomb, Perspectives Custom Cabinetry of Troy, Granite Source of Michigan in Southfield, and Advance Plumbing and Heating Supply Co. of Walled Lake and Detroit. Her scullery, off the kitchen and not shown, replaces the former kitchen. The current kitchen was a room that “no one knew what to do with,” Long says.

 Confection affection: Rugelach, which is very popular in Israel, is a must for the holiday. Long picks up a batch of the mini-pastries at Plum Market. Star of David cutout cookies (pictured) also sweeten gatherings.

HOLIDAY

Au Naturel

Tips for creating an earthy décor with biodegradable materials and natural accents

BY LISA ENOS

Real Christmas trees: Fresh, sustainably sourced evergreen trees like fir, spruce, or pine, make for a classic, aromatic centerpiece that can be decorated and later recycled or composted.

Beeswax candles: Natural, honeyscented candles made from beeswax, often hand-poured or dipped, provide warm, eco-friendly lighting for mantels or tables without synthetic additives.

Popcorn and cranberries: String airpopped popcorn kernels and fresh cranberries into garlands for trees or mantels, creating edible, colorful, and biodegradable decorations with a rustic charm.

Bows made from cotton or hemp: Simple tied bows from natural fibers like organic cotton ribbon or hemp twine add a soft, textured accent to wreaths, gifts, or branches without plastic.

Real fir or pine greens from a nursery: Fresh cuttings of fir, pine, or spruce boughs from local nurseries can be used for wreaths, swags, or garlands to bring authentic forest scents and greenery indoors.

Pinecones: Collect them from nature to create rustic ornaments, wreaths, or table centerpieces; they can be left natural or lightly dusted with eco-friendly glitter like mica powder.

Dried orange or citrus slices: Dehydrate slices of oranges, lemons, or grapefruits to string into garlands, hang as ornaments, or place in bowls for a fragrant, colorful touch.

Cinnamon sticks: Bundle them with twine for scented ornaments, stirrers, or additions to wreaths, providing a warm, spicy aroma.

Holly branches: Use fresh holly with its red berries for wreaths, mantel displays, or simple bouquets, adding traditional festive color (ensure berries are nontoxic if pets or kids are around).

Mistletoe: Hang fresh bunches for a classic kissing tradition or incorporate into natural wreaths for subtle greenery.

Dried herbs like rosemary or bay leaves: Form them into mini wreaths, garlands, or posies for doors and tables, offering both decoration and herbal scent.

Nuts: Use walnuts, chestnuts, or acorns to create garlands, fill decorative bowls, or hang as ornaments for an earthy, textured touch.

Pomanders (clovestudded oranges): Pierce fresh oranges with cloves in patterns, then let them dry for long-lasting, aromatic spheres to hang or display.

Star anise or cloves: Scatter in bowls, glue to wreaths, or string for ornaments, enhancing décor with their star-shaped beauty and fragrance.

Wooden elements: Carve or slice branches into stars, snowflakes, or simple shapes for ornaments, using sustainably sourced wood like birch or driftwood.

PHOTOS BY STACY FEYER-SALO

PROP STYLING BY ANGELA OCHOA

A Suitable Career Path

Whether he was serving in the Marines or standing in front of a classroom, Montee Holland always knew fashion was in his blood

BY KAREN

I WAS AT Montee Holland’s warehouse in Taylor recently, styling Love Island’s Austin Shepard and Charlie Georgiou for the Season 7 reunion show … really. They needed to look sharp in suits, and I knew Holland’s brand, Tayion Collection, would have the options the network executives were after: impeccable fit and detailing that would translate well on TV. It was my first time visiting the warehouse, where Holland provides appointment-only shopping for his VIP clients. It’s an impressive space filled with a plethora of suiting for men and women, along with tuxedos, outerwear, button-down shirts, ties, and pocket squares. Setting aside the big Michigan fashion designers from the past 30 years (John Varvatos, Anna Sui, etc.), he’s probably the most successful designer currently living in Michigan. He’s had a yearslong partnership with Macy’s in which it sells its own collection of his clothing, while another collection is sold at men’s specialty stores around the country, and then there is his exclusive collection, which can only be purchased through his website. While he 

Montee Holland poses at his Tayion Collection warehouse in Taylor.

Holland began designing custom clothing while he was in the Marines.

didn’t always know that fashion would be his future, it was always in his blood.

When Holland joined the United States Marine Corps in 1987, it was an easy decision to choose this branch of the military as the one where he wanted to serve.

“It’s the most elite fighting force in the world — ‘The Few, the Proud’ — but that uniform is really what got my attention,” Holland says.

A lifelong Detroiter, he was interested in what people were wearing even as a kid.

“When I became an athlete, I would see my coaches coming in from work, and they would have on trench coats, suits and ties, and French cuffs.”

During his nearly three years serving, he made the All-Marine basketball team and was living in Japan and South Korea, where he had plenty of time on weekends to walk the streets and visit shops that patterned and sewed custom clothing. Soon, he was creating his own garments. And it got him noticed.

“I was making suede shoes with gator tops,” he says. “I was making full-length trench coats. I had this really cool wardrobe, and people would say, ‘How do I get that?’”

After the Marines, he received a full-ride scholarship to a college in South Dakota to play basketball. And again, it was the same. “I’m wearing these clothes, and people are asking me, ‘Where’d you get that?’ I started to use my contacts overseas to make things for people. Not making any money — it was a hobby.”

In 1994, he earned a master’s in secondary school administration from Northern State University, moved back to his hometown, and started teaching at Frederick Douglass Academy for Young Men in Detroit. Teaching wasn’t paying him what he wanted, so he moved into sales in 1995, first for Anheuser-Busch and then for Pfizer. While he was finally making money, fashion was still on his mind.

In 2002, he finally got his foot in the fashion world’s door when he attended MAGIC, the fashion trade show in Las Vegas, with a friend, Bob Saboo, who was there to purchase clothing for his store, The City Warehouse in Southfield. Holland’s attire drew a lot of attention and pushed him to give fashion a try.

The next year, he purchased the smallest booth available and chose four friends to model 15 suits from his closet.

During the show, one of his models reported that he had been stopped by Steve Harvey, who loved what he was wearing and wanted to meet Holland.

“No sooner than he said that, [Harvey] was walking down the hall toward me with this whole entourage and cameras.”

At the end of the trade show, Harvey introduced him to the licensing company he was signed with. Once they saw Holland’s stack of orders, they offered to bring him back in six months to see if he could do it again.

Six months later, Harvey and the group from the licensing company did $1.3 million in orders. Holland did $1.1 million.

The licensing company signed him. The first order for Tayion Collection (Tayion is Holland’s middle name) was 5,000 units. The licensing company sold it all.

It was the win Holland needed to quit his sales job in 2004 and focus on fashion.

Still, it wasn’t a simple path. It took another 15 years of trial and error, and a couple of different licensing companies, to get the brand closer to the level he wanted, which included

his brand full time.

acceptance into The Workshop at Macy’s, an accelerator program for leading vendors that includes pop-ups, grants, and insights.

In 2019, the Tayion Collection launched at Macy’s, cementing his fashion-designer legacy. Now, six years later, the brand has hit the milestone of over $10 million in annual sales, “and we expect it to skyrocket from there,” Holland says.

The fashion designer, who is married with one child, gives back by informally providing full-ride college scholarships to inner-city youth, working with high school coaches he knows around the country to identify athletes not highly recruitable and without access to funds. To date, he’s helped 63 athletes.

“I mentor them and help negotiate the scholarships,” Holland says. “With the help of Detroit Public Schools and Horatio Williams Foundation, I even took two buses of kids and parents to a basketball camp in South Dakota and secured about 15 scholarships there. I love it, and I’m passionate about it. That’s my thing.”

The designer worked in sales at Pfizer — where he helped to launch Viagra — before leaving to pursue

 LESLIE WAGNER, of Grosse Pointe:

“I love rose gold, and I love anything with a sparkle. In case somebody needs me to go onstage, I am ready.”

 ARAKA BERNAL, of New York City:

“After I chose my dress, which I bought at a boutique in Manhattan, then I picked up every accessory to match.”

 CHRISTINE ALCANTARA, of Grosse Pointe:

“My outfit is actually from Rent the Runway. I got it last year for a wedding, and I loved it so much, and got so many compliments, I bought it. It’s so comfortable.”

 STACEY BARRETT, of Detroit:

“I like red, it’s red carpet, I felt like the dress was appropriate. I actually bought this bag for Hour’s Best of Detroit party last year.”

 LESLYE ROSENBAUM, of West Bloomfield:

“Lately, people are dressing down, and I grew up loving to get dressed up, and I felt this was a time that I could. I thought, ‘I’m going to a gala in a gold dress.’”

FASHION

A NIGHT at the SYMPHONY

Our favorite looks from one of Detroit’s premier black-tie galas

BY KAREN BUSCEMI

PHOTOS BY LINDSAY SCHWEICKERT

THE DETROIT Symphony Orchestra held its Opening Night Gala on Sept. 27 to kick off the 2025-26 season. The black-tie event featured a concert by the DSO conducted by Music Director Jader Bignamini and featuring renowned tenor Juan Diego Flórez. Afterward, gala supporters were treated to a formal seated dinner. The gala raised over $1 million to support the DSO’s mission to ensure young people have access to music education.

 CHRISTINE FORESTER, of West Bloomfield:

“I’m with Henry Ford Health, which sponsors the gala, and I know that it’s always a special event, so I wanted to do something that had a little glam, and I thought the gold worked for that.”

 BRENDA ROSENBERG, of Bloomfield Hills:

“The jacket is Alexander McQueen, and I made the love necklace. I’m wearing love and peace [on her bracelet].”

 LYNN GANDHI, of West Bloomfield:

“My outfit is from Tibi, and if you don’t follow Tibi, you should. You don’t see everyone wearing it.”

HOMEBODY THE

THE TECHIE

FASHIONISTA THE

FOODIE THE

TRAVELER THE

ENTERTAINER THE

1. THE HOMEBODY, p. 28

Birchwood and Spiced Rum Candle, $22; Hunter’s Moon Bar Soap, $8; Christmas Morning Bar Soap, $8; Cellar Door Bath Supply Co., cellardoorbathsupply.com. Blume

Superfood Latte Blend in Salted Caramel, $25; Blume Superfood Latte Blend in Oak Milk Chai, $25; Maison Louis Marie Hair and Body Mist, $30; Bkind Nail Polish, $15; Formulary 55 Rosehip and Clay Facial Mask, $8; Nest, Detroit, nestdetroit.com. Checker Scarf in Copper/ Ivory, $185; Stripes Throw Blanket in Oatmeal/Ivory, $425; Paris West, pariswest.com. Sapin Scented Oval, $65; Pine Cone Paper Weight, $240; Diptyque Paris at Somerset Collection, Troy, diptyqueparis.com. Detroit

Straight Script City Journal, $22; Solar Eclipse Hair Claw, $26; Pressed Wildflowers Art, $18; City Bird, Detroit, citybirddetroit.com. Design Reimagined by Corey Damen Jenkins, $50; Rizzoli, rizzoliusa.com. Mistletoe Candle, $36; Smoking Rosemary Candle, $36; Cedarwood + Vetiver Soap Disc, $22; Calendula + Jojoba Meal Soap Disc, $22; Rosemary + Mint Soap Disc, $22; Detroit Rose, detroitrose.com. Manasi 7 Botanical Face Oil Armonia, $125; Large Luxe Clawclip, $58; Baserange Mea Beanie, $110; Régime des Fleurs Nitesurf Neroli Eau De Parfum, $285; Coup D’état, Detroit, shopcoupdetat.com Tallow & Honey Balm, $29; Unscented Cloud Cream, $42; Tallow Me Pretty, tallowmepretty.com. Awaken Citrus Deluxe Set (candle not shown), $29; ILERA Apothecary, ileraapothecary.com. Background/inspiration: Set Design at Gucci’s Cruise 2026 Runway; Gucci, area Gucci stores, gucci.com. Various wallpaper at Michigan Design Center, only available to the trade, Troy, schumacher.com.

2. THE TECHIE, p. 29

Apple Watch Hermès Series 11 with Grand H Fin, from $1,999; iPhone 17, from $799; Apple Watch Series 11 in titanium slate, from $699; Apple, area Apple stores, apple.com. Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker, $299, Bang & Olufsen, bang-olufsen.com; Overture Audio Inc., Ann Arbor, overture-audio.com. Ultra Open Earbuds, $299, Bose, bose.com. CS-8 Digital Video Recorder, $199, Camp Snap, campsnapphoto.com; Urban Outfitters at Somerset Collection, Troy Lifestudio Pop Plus Projector, $749, Epson epson.com. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i, price upon request, Lenovo, lenovo.com. Y2K Puzzle, $42, Le Puzz, lepuzz.com. LomoApparat Camera TMR Edition, $129; Knife Drop Pedal, $299; Third Man Records x Shinola Black 41mm Detrola Watch, $450; The Jesus and Mary Chain Psychocandy Vinyl, $24; Third Man Records, Detroit, thirdmanrecords.com Aputure MC RGBWW LED Light and Tripod, price upon request; Project She Wolf Panchromatic B&W 35mm 100 ISO 24EXP Film, price upon request; Sony a6700 Mirrorless Camera Body and Sigma 16–300mm f/3.5–6.7 DC OS Contemporary Lens, price upon request; Woodward Camera, Birmingham, woodwardcamera.com Nintendo Switch 2, $449, Nintendo, nintendo.com. Galaxy Z Flip7, from $1,099.99, Samsung samsung.com. The Mattel Archive Book, $75, Rizzoli, rizzoliusa.com. Background/inspiration: Gucci’s Cruise 2026 Runway, Gucci, area Gucci stores, gucci.com.

3. THE FASHIONISTA, p. 30

Cool Water Pomade, $24, Ace High, Ferndale, acehighco.com. Pearl 3-Row Choker, $975, Balenciaga at Somerset Collection, Troy, balenciaga.com. Pingree Willow Run Wallet, $44, City Bird, Detroit, citybirddetroit.com. Panconesi Ascolto Necklace, $598; Panconesi Blow Up Wrist Cuff, $400; Panconesi Vortice Earrings, Medium, $372; The Nineties X Anna Sui, $80, Coup D’état, Detroit, shopcoupdetat.com. Orphéon Eau De Parfum, $255, Diptique Paris at Somerset Collection, Troy, diptyqueparis.com. Rouge Brillant Silky, $81, Hermés at Somerset Collection, Troy, hermes.com. Caju Mini Leather Bag, $765, Max Mara at Somerset Collection, Troy, maxmara. com. Lanvin Sneakers, $590, Neiman Marcus at Somerset Collection, Troy, neimanmarcus.com. Persol PO0649NE, Total Black Arrow, $545, Nordstrom, area Nordstrom stores, nordstrom.com. Trick, $825; Cleo Bag, $3,350; Prada at Somerset Collection, Troy, prada.com. The Watch: Stories and Savoir Faire by Audemars Piguet, $95, Rizzoli, rizzoliusa. com. Pierced XL Ankle Boot, $625; Pierced Cuff in Gold, $450; Tory Burch at Somerset Collection, Troy, toryburch.com. Circadian Monster 36mm, Gold Bracelet, $1,550, Shinola, area Shinola stores, shinola. com. Men’s loafer, price upon request, Gucci, area Gucci stores, gucci.com. Background/inspiration: Backstage at Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter 202526 Runway; Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter 2025-26 Runway; Set Design at Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/ Winter 2025-26 Runway, Louis Vuitton at Somerset Collection, Troy, louisvuitton.com. Chanel’s Cruise 2026 Runway, Chanel, chanel.com. Gucci’s Cruise 2026 Runway, Gucci, area Gucci stores, gucci.com

4. THE FOODIE, p. 31

Waffle Knit Dish Towel, set of 2, $32; Serving Friends Pot Holder, $16; Turkish Hand Towel, $24; Serving Friends Hands, $40; Woon Vegan Stir Fry Sauce, $12; Coco Chocolatier Chocolate Bar, $10; 4-Inch Stamped Bowls, $6 each; Pili Authentic East African Hot Sauce, $8; Nest, Detroit, nestdetroit.com. Yiayia and Friends Oils, Black Truffle (left), Basil (right), $32.95 each; Miss Can Mackerel Fillets and Miss Can Marinated Mussels, $16.95 each; Pistakio OG Creamy Pistachio Spread, $19.95; Rail & Anchor, Royal Oak, railandanchor.com. Chocolate Winter Collection “Bon Family Recipes,” 12 pieces, $55; Pocococoa, available in 5 flavors, $3.50 each; Bon Bon Bon, area Bon Bon Bon stores, bonbonbon.com. Peach Jam with Brown Sugar, $15.99; Tomato Jam with Red Pepper, $15.99; Cellar Door Artisan Preserves, Grand Rapids, cellardoorpreserves. com. Serving Board, $25; Mushroom Linen Tea Towel, $36; Nice Life Tea Towel, $20; City Bird, Detroit, citybirddetroit.com. Vernor Pots Mugs, set of 2, $175, Coup D’état, Detroit, shopcoupdetat.com. Pulp: A Practical Guide to Cooking with Fruit by Abra Berens, $35, Granor Farm, Three Oaks, granorfarm.com. 14-Piece Seasoned Pretzel/Popcorn Holiday Tin, $50, Pop Daddy Snacks popdaddysnacks.com.

5. THE TRAVELER,

p. 32

SoundLink Micro Portable Speaker (2nd Gen), $129, Bose, bose.com. Canon Powershot V1, price upon request, Woodward Camera, Birmingham, woodwardcamera.com. Wildsam Detroit Field Guide, $20; Lake Michigan Coast Field Guide, $24; Northern Michigan Field Guide, $24; Flask Detroit Map, $54; Michigan Landmark Vinyl Sticker, $3.50; Detroit City Map Insulated Bottle, $37; Michigan Bike Patch, $8; Large Refillable Detroit Map Journal, $124; Postcard, $1.50; Michigan Central Station Sticker, $3.90; City Bird, Detroit, citybirddetroit.com. R.M.S. III Business PL Canvas Suitcase, $16,100, Hermès at Somerset Collection, Troy, hermes.com. Travel Shoe Shine Kit, $22; Nailed to Perfection Skincare and Grooming Kit, $16; Nest, Detroit, nestdetroit. com. Travel Signature Candles Trio, $25, ILERA Apothecary, ileraapothecary.com. 3-Pack Variety Lip Balm (Unscented, Creamsicle, and Peppermint), $30, Tallow Me Pretty, tallowmepretty.com. Bartlett Luggage Tag, $35, Tecovas, Detroit, tecovas.com. Arcanum Travel Fragrance, $40, Sfumato, Detroit, sfumatofragrances.com. K18 Healthy Volume Mini Set, $40, Sephora, area Sephora stores, sephora.com. Ferragamo Backpack, $1,250; YSL Gaby Vanity Bag, $2,300; Neiman Marcus at Somerset Collection, Troy, neimanmarcus.com. Persol PO3384S Sunglasses, $481, Nordstrom, area Nordstrom stores, nordstrom. com. Runwell Watch Pendant Necklace, $450, Shinola, area Shinola stores, shinola.com. Soul of Detroit: Guide to Exceptional Experiences by Margot Guicheteau, $14.95, Jonglez Publishing, jonglezpublishing. com. Fujifilm Instax Mini 99, $234.99, instax.com. Background/inspiration: Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, fourseasons.com. Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/ Winter 2025-26 Runway, Louis Vuitton at Somerset Collection, Troy, louisvuitton.com. Gucci’s Cruise 2026 Runway, Gucci, area Gucci stores, gucci.com.

6. THE ENTERTAINER, p. 33

Weighted Bar Spoon, $19.99; 3-Ingredient Cocktails by Robert Simonson, $18.99; Nightcap Cocktail Book, $16.95; Large Japanese Style Stainless Steel Makoto Jigger, $16.48; Whiskey Trivia Playing Cards, $17; Gold Heavyweight Cocktail Shaker, $49; Nest, Detroit, nestdetroit.com. Contessa White Champagne Glass, $32; Contessa White Wine Glass, $32; Rocket Decanter, $175; Sky Ice Bucket and Tong, $229; Sky Serving Board in Stone, $159; Neiman Marcus at Somerset Collection, Troy, neimanmarcus.com. Cocktail Cherries Soaked in Whiskey, $23.99, Cellar Door Artisan Preserves, Grand Rapids, cellardoorpreserves.com. Dry Gin, $48, Granor Farm, Three Oaks, granorfarm. com. Cocktail Theory by Kevin Peterson, $34.99, Sfumato, Detroit, sfumatofragrances.com. Upper Peninsula Shot Glass, $3, Edgewater Products edgewaterproducts.com. Background/inspiration: Edith Wallpaper, Maestro Wallpaper, available only to the trade, Schumacher at Michigan Design Center, Troy, schumacher.com. La Famiglia Collection for Gucci, Gucci, area Gucci stores, gucci.com.

This page: Dumplings Equal Love: Delicious Recipes from Around the World by Liz Crain, $22.96, Penguin Random House, area Barnes & Nobles stores, bn.com, prh.com Passport Holder, $475, Balenciaga at Somerset Collection, Troy, balenciaga.com.

DUGGAN

DREAMS BIGGER

12 YEARS AGO, HE BEAT THE ODDS AS A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE. DURING HIS FINAL MONTH AS MAYOR, WE ASK: CAN HE DEFY EXPECTATIONS AGAIN IN HIS INDEPENDENT BID FOR GOVERNOR?

By Steve Friess

Photos by Brad Ziegler

On a blistering late June afternoon, with a Sahara-like breeze sweeping through the small white tent erected on a tarmac at Coleman A. Young International Airport, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan looks crisp and cool in his typical attire, a tieless shirt and plaid jacket. He’s in his element, which is to say he is at another of his tenure’s countless groundbreakings to celebrate someone’s impressive investment in the long-moribund metropolis.

This time, it’s $5 million being spent by Avflight, an aviation company, on a new terminal and hangar. It comes two months after MyFlight Tours, which offers helicopter sightseeing jaunts, announced it would build a $4 million national headquarters at the Detroit-owned airfield known colloquially as City Airport.

“This isn’t just a business deal; it’s a declaration of ‘We believe in Detroit, we believe in this airport, and we believe aviation will help build on the remarkable progress Detroit has built through the years of strong leadership and vision,’” says Avflight Vice President of Operations Joe Meszaros in his speech.

When it’s Duggan’s turn at the mic, he notes a $12 million plan to bring an aviation-themed public high school back here and boasts that construction on a new air-traffic control tower will start next year.

 Duggan delivers a speech before the June 6 concert celebrating the reopening of Michigan Central Station alongside Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

— the latest of dozens of developments that revived the city during Duggan’s 12 years in office. “We are building the kind of first-class airport that a recovering city deserves. So I know you’ve been patient, but we are heading the right direction now. It’s going to be one announcement after another.”

He means this about the airport, but with only a few months left in his third and final term, announcements of all sorts are coming fast and furiously. A week later, for example, Duggan is back at a podium to crow that Moody’s raised the city’s credit rating for the 11th consecutive time to Baa1, which means the city is considered a relatively lower-risk investment for institutional investors. “This is what happens when elected leaders set aside us-versus-them politics and work together,” he says.

Such moments — groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, announcements about new investments or city spending — represent the fruition of an unparalleled effort to draw business and industry, to create programs that target

for higher office as an independent after abruptly leaving the Democratic Party that had been his lifelong political home, these moments provide an invaluable stream of positive media attention. He’s already got sky-high approval ratings and name identification in Detroit and its vote-rich suburbs. In a poll of likely primary voters, 84% of Detroiters and 54% of metro Detroiters view him favorably — so he intends to spend the year ahead winning over voters across Michigan who don’t know him yet.

Surprisingly, there are many. A May poll found 68% of voters outside Macomb, Wayne, and Oakland counties have never heard of Duggan. The leading major-party candidates, Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican U.S. Rep. John James, have significantly higher name ID, having already run for statewide office multiple times.

“I thought more people knew the Detroit comeback story,” says Jer Staes, host of the Daily Detroit podcast. “What I’ve realized is, outside of metro Detroit, a lot of people don’t

But it’s the moment when he ties it all back to the seeds he sowed when he took the reins of the city that feels both effortlessly poetic and, inevitably, fated to become footage for an ad for his upcoming campaign for governor. With a flourish slightly muddled by a burst of chaotic noise from a helicopter, which Duggan gamely grins at as proof of the airport’s new life, he points to the southern horizon. “You can see Dan Gilbert’s 47-story building down there,” he says, referring to Hudson’s Detroit — the mixed-use high rise erected on the site of the former J.L. Hudson’s department store

improvements for low-income neighborhoods, to bolster public services that make the city safer, more interesting, and more fun. Detroit, which started Duggan’s term in 2014 in bankruptcy and was synonymous with decay and desperation, is on an upswing.

For the 67-year-old mayor, who is running

have that knowledge or connection with Detroit and Mike Duggan at this point.”

That could work to Duggan’s advantage, though, because they also don’t know him as a lifelong Democrat. It’s not hard to imagine voters in rural Michigan, exhausted by the viciousness of partisan politics but concerned

about economic prosperity, taking a shine to an unassuming, plainspoken independent who rose above racial animus to become the first white mayor of America’s Blackest city since the 1970s — and then taking Detroit from bankruptcy to prosperity by persuading billionaires to bring back infrastructure and jobs.

So, too, could testimonials from folks like Detroit City Council member Scott Benson on the tarmac at City Airport. In 2017, Duggan’s staff told me for a New York Times report that the administration believed the city might benefit from shutting down the airport and selling it off to manufacturers to build factories. Benson, who represents the airport’s area, argued at the time for its revival. After that Times piece, he says, he heard from an unhappy Duggan who didn’t like their disagreement aired in the national media. “He had a thinner skin than I thought,” Benson says.

Yet Duggan also kept an open mind when the City Council commissioned a study that found keen interest from aviators with private planes, shipping firms, and sightseeing tour operators in a revitalized airfield. The mayor and Benson struck a compromise in which they persuaded the Federal Aviation Administration to allow the closure of one runway so that 60 acres could be released for manufacturing. The city then set about investing millions in the facility.

“I’ve been able to benefit from his acumen when it comes to dealmaking by bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars of investment into my district and thousands of new jobs into my district as a direct result of our relationship and my willingness to support his vision of

growth for the city of Detroit,” Benson says. “Because it’s really up to having someone like the mayor who can go get the resources. Councilman Scott Benson can say it all day long, but it’s up to someone like Mayor Duggan.”

Benson, a Democrat, stopped short of endorsing Duggan for governor, sloughing off the question because he says he’s focused on his current reelection campaign. But the fact that Benson didn’t dismiss the prospect outright suggests Duggan may have a chance to land endorsements from Democratic officeholders.

“I do see a more difficult path for him than certainly a Democrat or even a Republican to the governorship, but he’s the mayor of Detroit,” says Jessica Taylor of The Cook Political Report, which rates the 2026 gubernatorial race a tossup. “When I’m looking at these races nationally, we see voters increasingly frustrated with both parties. Michigan is really an interesting test to me. Can he win? I think it’s one of the most fascinating, if not the most fascinating, governor’s races in the country.”

MIKE DUGGAN has always been more fascinating than he seems. He doesn’t electrify; he doesn’t throw many big rhetorical bombs; he often seems grumpy or nonplussed when talking to journalists.

He has a sheen of normality and common-man charm that overlays a record of real-world achievement that reflects his status as one of the savviest operators of his generation. Duggan, who got his law degree at the University of Michigan in 1983, began a career of public service in 1986 — as Wayne

County’s assistant corporation counsel — that quickly escalated. The following year, he became deputy county executive under political mastermind Edward McNamara, a role he remained in until he was elected in 2000 as Wayne County prosecutor.

 Running for his first mayoral term, Mike Duggan marches in Corktown for the September 2013 Labor Day parade.

In 2004, when Duggan became president and CEO of the Detroit Medical Center, the nonprofit eight-hospital system had lost $500 million in the prior six years. Duggan had earned a reputation as a turnaround specialist after having saved the SMART bus system from collapse in the 1990s by reorganizing its budget and routes, renegotiating its union contracts, and successfully pushing a millage in the 1995 election. Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, hailed his hire by saying, “If anyone can fix the DMC, Mike Duggan can.”

He did. Applying similar budget and negotiation tactics, he willed DMC to six straight years of profitability and then negotiated its sale to for-profit Vanguard Health Systems in 2010 with a guarantee the company would invest $850 million in renovations and upgrades. That deal drew some heat — allegations about kickbacks to doctors by Vanguard led to a federal probe and $30 million settlement — but Duggan shrugged off the issues as “minor technical violations.”

Duggan’s DMC record became a calling card. Voters turned to him in 2013, disappointed in the city’s recent string of corrupt and ineffective mayors and the city’s spiraling financial descent. He was asked countless times in that campaign and the dozen years since how a white guy from Livonia could earn so many Black votes; he just shames the reporters who bring it up. “People in this city got past it almost a year ago, as people got to know me and we started to relate as individuals,” he told the Associated Press in 2013.

Locally, Duggan’s record as Detroit mayor is well known. Just in case, though, he’s ready to rattle off the firehose of data he’ll recite for at least the next 14 months. You can hear him fine-tuning and distilling the coming stump speech in real time during his sit-down interview with Hour Detroit in a private room at the

Capital One Café near City Hall in April.

“So you want to talk about Detroit’s record?” he asks me, winding up for delivery.

“Unemployment has been cut in half. The crime rate is as low as it’s been in 60 years. We’ve got plant after plant coming into the city and locating here because we are the easiest city in the country to site and build something. … Detroit hadn’t had a new auto plant in 20 years when we landed Flex-N-Gate. We landed Lear, and we landed a 4,000-employee Jeep plant, and we got [General Motors’] Factory Zero to double in size. We got Bill Ford to invest in the train station, and we got Dan Gilbert to build on the Hudson’s site, and we got the Roxbury Group to renovate Lee Plaza, and we got Henry Ford to put $2 billion into its hospital system.”

He takes a breath, then concludes: “There is a pattern through all of those things, which is, if we had gotten any one of those things, it would have been a big deal. The fact is that because we built partnerships, all of those people have contributed to Detroit’s recovery.”

Fact-check: All of those claims are true.

There is, however, an alternate theory about Detroit’s success in which Dan Gilbert, the Rocket Mortgage co-founder, is the real catalyst. After all, he moved the mortgage behemoth then known as Quicken Loans back to Detroit and began buying up and restoring classic buildings years before Duggan became mayor. Would the city be where it is now without Gilbert? “No,” Duggan says. “No question. Dan sped it up. Bill Ford sped it up. Chris Ilitch sped it up. But Dan sped it up more than anybody.”

Who, then, deserves the credit? “I don’t care,” he says. “Not my concern.”

Except, of course, it is. Without the Detroit comeback story, he doesn’t get outlandish approval polls. He might not even get reelected twice.

And he doesn’t start out running for governor as an independent in a three-way race with a remarkable 21.5% of the vote.

THE CONVENTIONAL

wisdom from the day Duggan announced his gubernatorial bid in a five-minute YouTube video released last December was that his independent run

would most harm the Democratic nominee and could hand Lansing back to the GOP.

Yet as with most things related to Duggan’s political life, there have been surprises. The poll, taken by the Detroit Regional Chamber, that determined Duggan had 21.5% of the vote found he drew evenly from both Democratic and Republican voters — a sign that there could be broad interest in a third choice. “I don’t think you can say with certainty that he helps one party or the other, because for as unpopular as the Democratic brand is right now, it’s not as though the Republican brand is super popular,” says Adrian Hemond, CEO of Grassroots Midwest and a veteran Democratic strategist. “It’s just less unpopular than the Democratic brand right now.”

That’s the bet Duggan made in his opening video, a masterstroke in triangulation. He wove into his Detroit comeback story some notes intended to satisfy both sides of the political spectrum. To reaffirm his progressive bona fides, he talks about how he “fought hard for civil rights, reproductive rights, and rights for our LGBTQ community.” But then he brags about not just opposing the “defund the police” movement but hiring 300 new cops and giving them $10,000 raises. In a bit about improving school performance, he says it’s important to respect the “voice of parents in their children’s education,” a seemingly innocuous and obvious goal but also a dog whistle

by Republican candidates.

“What would happen if we upended the system and gave Michigan voters a new choice?” Duggan asks in last year’s announcement video. “I’m not running to be the Democratic governor or the Republican governor. I’m running to be your governor.”

There’s evidence he might be onto something. His midsummer campaign finance report showed he’d raised the most money from direct donors of any gubernatorial candidate. What’s more, in August, Duggan unveiled a list of more than 200 “Michigan leaders” who are endorsing him for governor, a diverse and bipartisan collection that includes dozens of current and former mayors, state legislators, and university regents, and university regents, plus one previous member of Congress — former Republican Dave Trott.

So far, Republicans have said little about Duggan; the Michigan GOP and the Republican Governors Association didn’t respond to Hour Detroit’s requests to discuss him. Scott Greenlee, a consultant who worked in 2020 on now-Rep. Lisa McClain’s first campaign, says he believes an independent could win in Michigan — but probably not the mayor. This is, after all, the state that has switched off parties in the governorship every 8 years for more than three decades and gave 19.3% of its vote to Ross Perot in the 1992 presidential race.

Still, Duggan “has a very real challenge in

At a July 2016 press conference, Duggan speaks in front of the 10,000th house demolished under the Detroit Demolition Program, a blight removal project that began shortly after he took office in 2014.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF DETROIT GOV.

defining himself because he’s known as a lifelong Democrat,” Greenlee says. Republicans will remind voters of that and, also, work to undermine his narrative as Detroit’s savior.

Former Gov. Rick Snyder and the GOP legislature, Greenlee insists, deserve that credit.

“People will try and rewrite history on that at this point, but those of us that were around understand it wasn’t a unilateral effort and that the state, led by Rick Snyder, did more than any individual mayor did.”

As for the Democrats? They’re apoplectic. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel vivisects the mayor, who, as he notes, stumped for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election only weeks before she lost and he gave up on the party.

“We would call him a disloyal Democrat,” Hertel says. “The mayor has very thin skin and he realized he couldn’t win the Democratic primary, and so this is a matter of convenience.” Democratic state Rep. Jason Morgan of Ann Arbor, a party vice chair, calls the mayor’s reasons for going independent “dishonest because he has claimed to be a Democrat for all of his professional political career so far.” And the Democratic Governors Association, which paid for anti-Duggan billboards along northbound I-75 during the Mackinac Policy Conference in May as well as a series of digital ads, provides a cheat sheet of recent failed attempts by independents in Oregon and Kansas to win governorships to prove Duggan’s lack of viability.

His 21.5% draw, then, is what Hertel predicts will be Duggan’s “high-water mark.” When Democrats fully unload their attacks on him — that he’s too cozy with big business, that he’s made nice with conservative bogeyman Elon Musk on social media, that he let some areas of Detroit fester in ruins, that he was a crony of convicted former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick — his support will sink, they say. A preview came with those billboards, including one that read: “Michigan doesn’t need a corrupt mayor as governor.”

Taylor, The Cook Political Report analyst, sees ways Duggan can defy the fates of those failed independent candidates. In Oregon and Kansas, the candidates were both state senators elected to their jobs by fewer people than Duggan. “Duggan represents the largest area

“

“I’M NOT RUNNING TO BE THE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR OR THE REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR. I’M RUNNING TO BE YOUR GOVERNOR .”

—MIKE DUGGAN

in the state, so he has a larger base of built-in voters,” she says. “I mean, you can’t win on Detroit alone. Certainly it helps, but he’s going to have to broaden his appeal.”

Meanwhile, Duggan’s response to every attack is to deflect its substance and instead use it to say this is the sort of negative, divisive politics he’s running to defeat. “The more time I spent in Lansing, the more I realized transformation was impossible within the partisan model, in which the primary defining characteristic of Republicans is they hate Democrats, and the primary defining characteristics of Democrats is they hate Republicans,” he says. “All you have to do is watch the TV ads last fall. 90% of the ads were to demonize the other side. ‘Vote for me because the other side is worse.’”

As for his abrupt departure from the Democratic Party after trying to help Harris win the White House, Duggan says the outcome “confirmed what I thought, which is the Democratic Party has completely lost the confidence of working-class voters in this country. So I thought maybe there’s a chance to do two things. One is change the direction of the state, but maybe change the direction of politics to show the partisans that they don’t own the voters.”

Of course, politics can be, like crime, a combination of motive and opportunity. Had Harris won Michigan and the White House, Duggan might still see the party as a viable vehicle for progress on the issues he cares about.

Duggan, unsurprisingly, is typically uninterested in such speculation. “I don’t know. That’s not what happened,” he huffs. “This is where we are. This is what happened.”

DUGGAN HAS good reason to believe he can pull off a miracle — he’s done the politically impossible before. In 2013, after a judge threw him off the Democratic primary

ballot because he hadn’t been registered to vote in Detroit long enough to be eligible, he mounted a write-in campaign. He got 52% of the vote that way, a feat that continues to be studied and emulated today.

“He’s had one of the more unusual political trajectories in modern Michigan political history, right?” asks Hemond, who says he followed the Duggan write-in playbook to get Kurt Heise elected to Plymouth Township supervisor in 2016. “This is a white guy who moved to Detroit from Livonia to run for mayor, ran as a write-in, and won. He’s obviously a super talented politician to be able to achieve something like that, both in terms of his individual skills as a politician but also his ability to organize a political operation.”

The technical aspects of winning as a writein, Hemond says, speak to someone who really knows how to run a complex operation. “You need a really sophisticated messaging effort that is going to get people to remember each of the discrete steps that you need them to do in order for their write-in ballot to be counted: how you spell the candidate’s name, the fact that you have to fill in the oval next to the name that you wrote in, all of it. … And you really have to invest in conversations with voters.”

And Duggan has another big advantage: unemployment. Come January, he won’t have a day job. He’ll have more than 10 months to crisscross the state improving his name identification and retelling the Detroit turnaround story. And for the first eight months of 2026, while the Republican and Democratic candidates will duke it out for their party’s nominations, he’ll have the field to himself.

“When I tell that story, it’s a very powerful story everywhere,” Duggan says. “I actually don’t talk about Republicans and Democrats at all. I just say, ‘Here’s what I think we need for the state. Tell me why 8-year-olds reading is a partisan issue. Forty-three states have figured out how to teach 8-year-olds better than we have. Michigan is a climate where you’re putting principals and teachers in an impossible situation and you’ve got legislators who know nothing about the classroom passing standards that are causing our schools to continue to decline in performance.’ I talk about those things. I don’t spend a lot of time talking about party.”

Staes says it’s easy to imagine the mayor’s

common-man affect and antipartisan mantra appealing to both rural and working-class voters: “Duggan resonates really well with blue-collar groups. He is perceived as a guy who gets things done. And there have been a lot of projects in Detroit that have hired a lot of union workers, so he’s done well by them. And also, when he was at DMC, I have heard people talk about how he fought for workers; he did a lot of stuff in the trenches for employees that people have not forgotten.”

THERE ARE a lot of stats that reflect the city’s success during Duggan’s mayoralty, but

there’s one that he prizes more than any other. Detroit’s demise began with a mass exodus to the suburbs that started in the 1950s and accelerated in the volatile decades to come.

He long set a goal for his tenure that was elusive — until last year. In May of 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Detroit’s population had increased by nearly 2,000 residents in 2023, the first uptick since 1957. This spring, the numbers got even better; Detroit’s population rose by more than 6,700 people in 2024.

After the 2023 population estimate came out, Duggan says, he decided he wouldn’t run for a fourth term as mayor. So, what then? “Is there still something I can do in the public

sector?” he says he asked himself. He turned his attention to the state, which continues to lose population, and saw political gridlock as a key impediment to “changing the direction of this state in a fundamental way.”

He might have run as a Democrat or, perhaps, even ended up in a Cabinet position if Harris had won the presidency. But she didn’t, so this is what he’s doing instead.

One thing he seems surprisingly comfortable with is Detroit’s future. Most transformational leaders kvetch about whether their work will be undone, but Duggan doesn’t. “This city is gonna be fine for years to come,” he says. “I felt like my job here was done.”

LEADERS IN SKIN HEALTH AND AESTHETIC EXCELLENCE

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Whether you’re looking to address persistent skin issues, reverse the signs of aging, or make aesthetic changes that enhance your conﬁdence, you want to choose a top-tier provider who o ers cutting-edge treatments, techniques, and technology. Dermatologists are experts in managing skin health, from treating conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea to providing cosmetic services such as chemical peels, laser treatments, and injectables like Botox and dermal ﬁllers. Their knowledge of skin physiology is unmatched, enabling them to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions

while enhancing your natural beauty safely and e ectively.

Plastic surgeons bring a unique skill set, specializing in surgical and minimally invasive procedures that can reshape, restore, and rejuvenate. From rhinoplasties and facelifts to body contouring and breast augmentation, the precise work performed by these professionals requires a reﬁned aesthetic eye, advanced technical abilities, and a strong commitment to patient safety. Working with the best means your goals are understood and addressed with integrity, using methods tailored to your speciﬁc needs. ■

DISCLAIMER The doctors in this feature were selected by Professional Research Services (PRS), which conducted an online peer-review survey of area physicians in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston counties. Physicians were asked to nominate fellow physicians they deemed the best in their field of practice. Many votes were cast honoring excellence in all fields of medicine. The featured doctors were screened and selected through the verification of licensing and review of any infractions through applicable boards, agencies, and rating services. Physician information listed in this feature was provided by PRS and confirmed by health systems and the nominated physicians. For additional information, visit prscom.com. Hour Detroit was not involved in the screening or selection process.

DERMATOLOGY

A. Edward Abrou, M.D.

Beacon Skin & Surgeries

Rochester Hills

Mariana Atanasovski, M.D.

Modern Dermatology, P.L.L.C. Rochester

Michael S. Borkin, M.D.

Dermatology Associates of Birmingham, P.C.

Birmingham

Ross Brothers, M.D.

Northwest Dermatology Group

Bingham Farms

Christofer N. Buatti, D.O., FAOCD, FAAD, FASMS, CAQ MOHS

Oakland Hills Dermatology

Auburn Hills

Brittany D. Carter-Snell, D.O.

Carter Snell Skin Center

Detroit

Aaron Cetner, M.D., FAAD, FACMS

Associated Dermatologists Novi

Leonard M. Cetner, M.D.

Associated Dermatologists Commerce

Angela Clay, D.O.

South Lyon Dermatology South Lyon

Steven D. Daveluy, M.D.

Wayne Health - Platinum Medical Center Dearborn

Snehal Desai, M.D.

A iliated Troy Dermatologist, P.L.L.C. Troy

Shauna Diggs, M.D.

Cosmetic Dermatology: Shauna Diggs, M.D., P.C. Grosse Pointe

Michael A. Dorman, M.D.

Associated Dermatologists

West Bloomfield

Alexander Ernst, M.D. MHP - Rochester Medical Group Rochester Hills

Sakeena Fatima, M.D. Hamzavi Dermatology Canton

Chethana Gottam, M.D. Art of Dermatology Berkley

Marian Ibrahim, M.D. Premier Medical Bloomfield Hills

Jessica Kado, M.D. Kado Clinic Bloomfield Hills

Darius James Karimipour, M.D., FAAD Karimipour Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery Bloomfield Hills

Holly A. Kerr, M.D.

Henry Ford Medical Center - New Center One Detroit

Leonard Y. Kerwin, M.D.

Associated Dermatologists

West Bloomfield

Ronald D. Kerwin, M.D.

Associated Dermatologists West Bloomfield

Laurie L. Kohen, M.D.

Henry Ford Cancer - Detroit Detroit

Jungho L. Kwon, M.D.

Henry Ford Medical Center - Farmington Rd. West Bloomfield

Alison K. Lee, M.D.

Michigan Medicine - Cutaneous Surgery & Oncology | Rogel Cancer Center

Ann Arbor

Michelle Legacy, D.O., FAOCD, FAAD

Legacy Dermatology Group Waterford

Henry W. Lim, M.D.

Henry Ford Medical Center - New Center One Detroit

Wendy McFalda, D.O.

Clarkston Dermatology Clarkston

Tarana “Tara” Mohammadi, M.D.

West Bloomfield Dermatology and Mohs Surgery West Bloomfield

Karlee Novice, M.D.

Novice Group Dermatology

Bloomfield Hills

David M. Ozog, M.D.

Henry Ford Cancer - Detroit Detroit

Pranita V. Rambhatla, M.D.

Henry Ford Medical Center - New Center One Detroit

Christopher J. Remishofsky, M.D.

Georgetown Dermatologists, P.C.

Sterling Heights

Nadine Shabeeb, M.D.

West Bloomfield Dermatology and Mohs Surgery West Bloomfield

Craig Singer, M.D.

Craig Singer M.D. Dermatology & Cosmetics

Bingham Farms

Robert S. Singer, M.D.

Singer Dermatology

Southfield

Lindsay Sklar, M.D.

West Bloomfield Dermatology and Mohs Surgery

West Bloomfield

Bryan Sofen, M.D.

BASE Dermatology & Mohs Surgery

Royal Oak

German Treyger, D.O.

St. Clair Dermatology Chesterfield

DERMATOLOGY — PEDIATRIC

Marla N. Jahnke, M.D.

Henry Ford Medical Center - Troy Troy

Tor A. Shwayder, M.D., FAAP, FAAD

Henry Ford Medical Center - Troy

Troy

Allison J. Zarbo, M.D

Henry Ford Medical Center - New Center One Detroit

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Dunya M. Atisha, M.D.

Henry Ford Medical Center - Columbus Novi

Mohamad H. Bazzi, M.D.

Bazzi Plastic Surgery Canton Township

Evan H. Black, M.D.

Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery, P.C. Southfield

Charles M. Boyd, M.D. BOYD Beauty Birmingham

Christina Busuito, M.D.

Somerset Plastic Surgery Troy

Michael J. Busuito, M.D.

Somerset Plastic Surgery

Troy

Kongkrit Chaiyasate, M.D.

Center of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery

Royal Oak

Myra N. Danish, M.D.

Dr. Danish Facial Plastic Surgery

Troy

Vigen Darian, M.D.

Henry Ford Medical Center - Columbus Novi

Danielle DeLuca-Pytell, M.D., FACS

Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell, Your Girlfriend the Plastic Surgeon

Troy

Je rey DeSano, D.O.

West Maple Plastic Surgery West Bloomfield

Sarah Elswick, M.D.

Revitalize Plastic Surgery Troy

Maristella S. Evangelista, M.D.

Henry Ford Hospital - K Building Detroit

John M. Felder, M.D.

The Reconstructive Surgeon - John M. Felder, M.D., FACS

Royal Oak

TOP DERMATOLOGISTS & PLASTIC SURGEONS

CONSULTANTS IN OPHTHALMIC & FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

In the world of ophthalmic and facial plastic surgery, the physicians at Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery are consistently recognized for their excellence. This year, Dr. Evan Black was once again honored in the Top Docs issue of Hour Detroit in the specialties of plastic and reconstructive surgery and ophthalmology. The physicians’ consistent recognition reﬂects their skill, their dedication, and the trust they’ve built with their patients over the years.

At Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery, patient care begins with listening, understanding individual needs, and then determining the most e ective and a ordable path forward. The goal is not only to deliver exceptional results but also to ensure a comfortable, supportive experience from start to ﬁnish. A patient from Livonia shared, “Not only did I know that I was in the very best medical hands, but I felt well cared for from beginning to end, and that makes all the di erence.”

The commitment to clinical care and customer service is a hallmark of the practice. Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery is home to an esteemed team of physicians, including Dr. Geo rey J. Gladstone, Dr. Evan H. Black, Dr. Francesca Nesi-Elo , Dr. Dianne M. Schlachter, Dr.

Robert A. Beaulieu, and Dr. Shravani Mikkilineni, as well as physician assistant Lindsay El-Awadi. Serving communities across southeast Michigan and Flint, these doctors maintain a liations with top accredited hospitals, ensuring their patients receive the highest standard of care.

The expert physicians at Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery set the bar with their extensive training, professional a liations, certiﬁcations, leadership positions, and teaching roles. Each physician has received accolades for their contributions to advancing ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Procedures and Services O ered: Cosmetic Procedures: With age comes the natural onset of wrinkles and sagging skin. The practice o ers a range of cosmetic procedures designed to rejuvenate the face, including eyelid and forehead surgeries that lift drooping eyelids, smooth wrinkles, and remove under-eye bags.

Reconstructive Surgery: The practice o ers reconstructive surgery to restore both function and appearance. Services include ptosis repair, eyelid reconstruction, lower eyelid malposition surgery, eyelid skin cancer treatment, tear duct surgery, thyroid eye disease treatment, orbital tumor surgery, and fracture repair.

Nonsurgical Rejuvenation: For those seeking a less invasive approach, the practice provides options like fractional CO2 laser treatments, Botox, and dermal ﬁllers to smooth deep wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin.

With locations in Southﬁeld, Troy, Livonia, Novi, St. Clair Shores, Southgate, and Flint, Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery is easily accessible for patients across metro Detroit and beyond. No matter which doctor a patient sees, they can expect top-tier expertise and personalized care that have made this practice a trusted name in the community. ■

Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery, PC 29201 Telegraph Road, Suite 324 Southﬁeld, MI 48034 800-245-8075 | eyelidpros.com

TOP DERMATOLOGISTS & PLASTIC SURGEONS

Mune Gowda, M.D., FACS

Gowda M.D. & Associates

Novi

Richard Hainer, M.D.

North Oakland Plastic Surgery Rochester

Raymond T. Hajjar, D.O., FACOS

Detroit Plastic Surgery Bingham Farms

Herman P. Houin, M.D.

Henry Ford Hospital - K Building Detroit

Ellen Janetzke, M.D.

Dr. Ellen Janetzke Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Bloomfield Hills

Inad Janineh, D.O.

Janineh Plastic Surgery Rochester Hills

Andrew Lofman, M.D., FACS

Plastic Surgery of Michigan - Andrew Lofman, M.D. Novi

Jenna N. Luker, M.D.

Henry Ford Hospital - K Building Detroit

Christopher R. Lumley, D.O., FACOS

Detroit Plastic Surgery Bingham Farms

Daniel A. Lyons, M.D.

Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery - Arbor Park Ypsilanti

Michael Meininger, M.D.

Meininger Plastic Surgery Bloomfield Hills

Kenneth J. Moquin, M.D.

Henry Ford Hospital - K Building Detroit

Guillermina Nava, M.D.

Wayne Health - DMC Harper Professional Building Detroit

Farid Nossoni, D.O.

Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery - Arbor Park Ypsilanti

Thomas A. Olinger, M.D.

Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery - Arbor Park Ypsilanti

Pravin Puri, M.D.

Somerset Plastic Surgery Troy

Elan Reisin, M.D., FACS

Star Plastic Surgery Novi

Ricky Sayal, D.O.

ENT Specialists - Center for Facial Plastic Surgery Novi

Jesse C Selber, M.D.

Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Royal Oak

Kenneth W. Shaheen, M.D.

Kenneth W Shaheen, M.D. P.C. Troy

Daniel Sherbert, M.D., FACS

West Maple Plastic Surgery West Bloomfield

Aamir Siddiqui, M.D.

Henry Ford Hospital - K Building Detroit

Julio M. Sosa, M.D.

Bloomfield Plastic Surgery West Bloomfield

William A. Stefani, M.D., FACS

Renaissance Plastic Surgery Troy

Rebecca M. Studinger, M.D.

Rebecca M. Studinger, M.D. Novi

Barak Tanzman, D.O., FACOS

Chau Plastic Surgery, P.C. Berkley

Donna G. Tepper, M.D.

Henry Ford Hospital - K Building Detroit

Je rey L. Williams, M.D., FACS

Renaissance Plastic Surgery Troy

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY — PEDIATRIC

Arlene Rozzelle, M.D., FACS, FAAP

Wayne State University School of MedicineChildren’s Hospital of Michigan Detroit

TOP DERMATOLOGISTS & PLASTIC SURGEONS

MUNE GOWDA, M.D., FACS

We all enjoy facing the new year with a fresh perspective. When it comes to enhancing your outlook, sometimes what you need is a fresh look. For decades, Dr. Mune Gowda, FACS, and his team have provided a full range of plastic surgery procedures and cosmetic treatments to patients from around the world. A multiyear Hour Detroit Top Doc, Dr. Gowda is well regarded for both facelifts and rhinoplasty, and he uses advanced techniques like the deep plane facelift, preservation rhinoplasty, and advanced piezo technology for his rhinoplasty procedures.

In his offices in Troy and Novi, Dr. Gowda performs a wide variety of procedures. In addition to rhinoplasty and facelifts, he is an expert in eyelid lifts, tummy tucks, breast augmentation, liposuction, mommy makeovers, Brazilian butt lifts, and many more. With thousands of satisfied patients, it’s easy to understand why he is considered one of Michigan’s most renowned plastic surgeons.

A member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Gowda has trained and educated numerous plastic surgery residents in the Detroit area. A pioneering plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Gowda delivers his patients unparalleled results using his artistic eye and precision skill.

Patients routinely remark on their positive experiences with Dr. Gowda and his office with comments such as “Dr. Mune Gowda is the physician I know and trust when it comes to enhancing my aesthetic appeal.”

Whether performing a small, noninvasive procedure or a complete facelift, tummy tuck, liposuction, or breast augmentation, Dr. Gowda applies his trademark attention to detail, which also ensures results are natural looking and virtually scar-free. Dr. Gowda’s offices also offer noninvasive options like intense pulse light treatments to improve the appearance of sun-damaged and rosacea skin. With these procedures, there is little to no downtime, which many cosmetic surgery patients request. ■

Dr. Mune Gowda

3270 W. Big Beaver, Suite 415 Troy, MI 48084

26850 Providence Parkway, Suite 125 Novi, MI 48374

248-305-8400 | gowdamd.com

TRUSTED ADVISORS

A: You’re not alone — dental fear is one of the most common anxieties, second only to public speaking. For many people, the thought of visiting the dentist can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, advances in sedation dentistry can make your experience relaxed and stress-free.

Modern sedation options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation (a pill), or IV sedation allow you to feel calm and comfortable throughout your appointment.

The key is to choose a dentist who is properly trained in sedation techniques and can recommend the safest, most effective option for your specific needs.

With the right care, even the most anxious patients can enjoy safe, comfortable, and positive dental visits — achieving the healthy, confident smile you deserve.

Oakland Family Dental

Amanda M. Sheehan, DDS

4626 W. Walton Blvd., Waterford, MI 48329 248-674-0384 | oaklandfamilydental.com

DIGGING DEEPER

Catch the Detroit premiere of a local filmmaker’s documentary about the murders of six young women in Washtenaw County in the late ’60s p. 55

ARTS, CULTURE, AND OTHER THINGS TO DO

FILM

ESSAY

ONE LAST LOOK AT 2025

Our resident culture conversationalist reflects on a year of highs, one ticket stub at a time

BY RYAN PATRICK HOOPER

MY COLLECTION of ticket stubs is my memory keeper.

In a year with so much to look back on, they help me keep track of it all. I’ve saved almost all of them since I was a gregarious teenager moshing at punk shows in old houses in bad neighborhoods in Detroit.

Now, it’s mostly operas, Broadway musicals, comedy shows, and concerts — with seats. It’s OK to get older and a little pickier about what qualifies as “quality entertainment.”

In 2025, there were plenty of quality ticket stubs added to the shoebox of keepsakes, even though the biggest event of them all didn’t require a ticket at all.

Detroit Opera’s Rinaldo is one of the best things I’ve seen presented on its stage, an opera in which a sick kid in a hospital turns a daydream into an epic tale of knights, adventure, and love. And there’s no doubt my trip to Stratford, Ontario, for its annual

theater festival was one of my favorite weekends of the year. I’m still buzzing from how damn talented those kids in Annie were and from the company’s dark bikergang rendition of Macbeth.

When it comes to comedy, I spent quite a few nights in stitches at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, one of the most storied comedy clubs in the country right here in our own backyard of Royal Oak. It was Jordan Jensen, however, who was my absolute favorite — a deeply dark streamof-consciousness comic who turns her own family trauma into hilariously relatable humor. I highly recommend her Netflix special, Take Me with You, as one of the best of the year.

For concerts, it was the Masonic Temple Theatre that hosted my favorite shows of the year — because it sounds great, because of the staff there, and because of the bookings they brought in, from hip-hop

duo Clipse (closing out their U.S. tour with a triumphant Detroit date) to former Portishead front woman Beth Gibbons and her incredible band to the tripped-out electronica of Darkside.

But the biggest memory this year wasn’t a ticketed event. It was an invitation to interview Jane Goodall at the Fisher Theatre before she spoke to a sold-out crowd later that night back in September.

The beloved conservationist and ethologist (a specialist who studies animal behavior) was so warm, so charming, so larger-than-life at the age of 91. It was overwhelming to be near someone who had accomplished so much and given so much altruistically to a cause larger than herself.

And she was kind and hilarious, patiently instructing me how to do a “pant hoot,” a form of communication among chimps, which she knew how to imitate quite well after spending decades studying the primates in the wild in Tanzania’s Gombe National Park.

Confession: I was so bad at it that Goodall laughed and waved me off after my second try.

In a time of doubt and worry around the world, Goodall was calm and gracious with her time and suggested others embody the same characteristics.

“Go to your community and what you care about,” Goodall told me during our interview. “Get involved. If you want to make a difference, you can in your community. It’ll make you feel good. It’ll inspire other people.”

Less than a month after we spoke, Goodall died at the age of 91. It became one of the most treasured moments of my journalistic career to spend just a little time with her and to feel that energy she gave to the world up close.

It’s a moment in 2025 that I’ll never forget. And proof that some of the best experiences are ticket-free. But I’m going to keep saving my stubs anyway.

To listen to (and read) my conversation with Jane Goodall, search “Jane Goodall WDET.”

Ryan Patrick Hooper is the host of In the Groove on 101.9 WDET, Detroit’s NPR station (weekdays from noon to 3 p.m.).

Trans-Siberian Orchestra performs at Little Caesars Arena on Dec. 27.

HOLIDAY

25 Can’t-Miss Holiday Events

Fill your calendar with these festive and fun activities BY

LAUREN WETHINGTON

Select dates, Nov. 20-Dec. 24

Wayne County Lightfest: Drive along a magical 5-mile stretch of Hines Park and take in 50 animated themed displays featuring more than 100,000 lights without ever leaving the car. Halfway through the show, guests are invited to stop at Perrin Park, where food trucks, restrooms, and photo ops await. $5+. Hines Park, Westland; waynecountymi.gov

Nov. 21- Dec. 7

Aurora Winter Wizards: Guests of this enchanted forest walk along a milelong outdoor trail that is beautifully decorated with displays featuring more than half a million colorful lights and set to festive seasonal music. Uncover more of the holiday wonder by purchasing a magic wand that awakens extra wonders along the path. Also on-hand: Santa visits, live storytelling, food trucks, and warm holiday beverages. $15+; free for kids under 3. Glenlore Trails, Commerce Township; glenloretrails.com

Nov. 21-Jan 3

Magic of Lights: Pine Knob Music Theatre transforms into an enchanting winter won-

derland for this annual drive-through light display. View vibrant scenes inspired by classic holiday lore, including Twelve Days of Christmas, Santa’s Toyland, and Reindeer Road, before taking a journey through a spectacular 200-foot tunnel of lights. At the Reindeer Rest Stop, families can stretch their legs and explore walk-through displays on foot. $25+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston; 313presents.com

Select dates, Nov. 22-Jan. 4

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo: Millions of LED lights illuminate trees, buildings, and hundreds of animal-inspired sculptures at the Detroit Zoo’s annual holiday celebration. Wander through themed zones — including an enchanted rainforest and a field of lights — and expect pop-up performances, Enjoy Santa encounters, firepits, and seasonal drinks. $24+.

Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak; wildlights.detroitzoo.org

Select dates, Nov. 28-Dec. 23

Holiday Stroll at Canterbury Village: Lake Orion’s historic landmark offers towering Christmas trees, hilarious snowmen, choreographed light shows, holiday characters, professional carolers, and a beautiful nativity scene. The stroll concludes at the C-Pub patio, where guests can cozy up with a hot drink or a snack. $15+. Canterbury Village, Orion Twp.; canterburyvillage.com

Nov. 28-Dec. 30

Holiday Walk and Winter Wonder Lights at

Meadow Brook Hall: By day, Holiday Walk offers visitors a chance to discover the beauty of the historic 110-room mansion in all its yuletide glory, complete with more than 50 glittering Christmas trees and plenty of roaring fireplaces. Come back after sundown for Winter Wonder Lights, where the estate’s sprawling outdoor grounds sparkle with hundreds of lights. $10+. Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester; meadowbrookhall.org

Select dates, Nov. 30-Dec. 21

Home for the Holidays at Ford House: Take in stunning lights and décor as you embark on a 1-mile walk through the historic former residence of Edsel and Eleanor Ford. Wind through decked-out buildings and formal gardens before enjoying a self-guided tour of the main residence's first floor. Be sure to stop for a photo with

Santa Claus at the end. $18+. Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores; fordhouse.org

Dec. 1

Christmas Together: Join Grammy Award-winning gospel artists Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and CeCe Winans for a night of spiritual holiday music. The program will feature acclaimed contemporary carols from all three artists’ solo albums, along with classic hymns like “Joy to the World.” $76+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Dec. 3

Rain: A Beatles

Christmas Tribute: Holiday magic meets Beatlemania in this new spin on the acclaimed Beatles tribute show Rain. Featuring authentic costumes, note-for-note musicianship, and lots of nostalgic holiday cheer, the familyfriendly production brings one of rock history’s most iconic bands to

festive life. $37+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Dec. 3

Pentatonix: The Texasbased acapella vocal quintet will bring their “Christmas in the City” tour to Little Caesars Arena for a night of festive cheer. Known for producing pop-style cover versions of popular holiday songs, the Grammy Award-winning group utilizes vocal harmonies along with scat singing, riffing, vocal percussion, and beatboxing. $53+.

Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com

Select dates, Dec.

4-28

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village: More than 80 acres of Greenfield Village are decked out in twinkling lights, toasty bonfires, and old-fashioned holiday fun for this annual afterhours celebration. Guests are invited to

shop for handmade gifts on Main Street, go for a ride in a historic Model T car, or even grab supper with Santa Claus (reservations are required). Each night ends with a dazzling fireworks display. $30+. Greenfield Village, Dearborn; thehenryford.org

Select dates, Dec.

5-19

Holiday Films at Redford Theatre: The historic cinema will showcase seven festive feature films this month, ranging from time-tested classics (It’s a Wonderful Life; White Christmas) to more contemporary blockbusters (Elf; A Christmas Story). Stop in on Dec. 7 for the eighth annual Holiday Mystery Movie — a Redford Theatre tradition. $5+. Redford Theatre, Detroit; redfordtheatre.com

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo runs from Nov. 22 to Jan. 4.

Dec. 5

A Magical Cirque Christmas: Worldrenowned entertainment troupe Cirque du Soleil is known for jaw-dropping acrobatic stunts that synchronize with immersive visual effects. That formula gets a seasonal spin in A Magical Cirque Christmas a holiday-themed, family-friendly variety show set to seasonal music favorites. $54+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Dec. 7

Nutcracker: Magical Christmas Ballet: The iconic holiday ballet is infused with new choreography, extravagant costumes, and daring acrobatics in this immersive production. Expect an allstar cast of world-class dancers, stunningly colorful sets, and incredibly detailed marionette puppets crafted by legendary builders and puppeteers from around the world. $42+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Dec. 7

Jon McLaughlin & Friends: Home for the Holidays: Pianist and singer-songwriter Jon McLaughlin will bring classic Christmas songs, original holiday material, and even a few friends to The

Ark this month for a magical new holiday tradition. Special guests include American Idol winner Kris Allen, pop-soul songwriter David Davis, and Broadway vocalist Morgan James. $40+. The Ark, Ann Arbor; theark.org

Dec. 8

An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine: Husband-and-wife duo Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist have performed folk music together as Over the Rhine for more than 30

years. Every holiday season, they tour the Midwest to play what they affectionately refer to as their “wintry mix” — a bill of original carols that aims to capture the wide range of emotions many feel during the holiday

season, including joy, wonder, loss, and even sadness. $35. The Ark, Ann Arbor; theark.org

Dec. 9

Aimee Mann & Ted Leo Christmas Show: Alternative singer-songwriter Aimee Mann garnered widespread acclaim (and an Academy Award nomination) for “Save Me,” a standout track from her 1999 soundtrack for Paul Thomas Anderson’s critically acclaimed film Magnolia. She’ll join forces with punk singer and guitarist Ted Leo for her upcoming holiday shows, which will feature a blend of old and new seasonal songs and a lineup of guests that

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis comes to the Fox Theatre Dec. 23

Holiday Stroll takes place at Canterbury Village, Nov. 28-Dec. 23.

includes comedian Paul F. Thompkins, singersongwriter Nellie McKay, and writer Josh Gondelman. $49+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak; royaloakmusictheatre.com

Dec. 9

Jingle Ball: Detroiters who have come to expect star-studded lineups and festive surprises at this annual holiday concert will not be disappointed by this year’s program, which includes Nelly, BigXthaPlug, Conan Gray, Jessie Murph, Shinedown, and Ravyn Lenae, along with a special KPop Demon Hunters sing-along. $57+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com

Dec. 12-14

Home for the Holidays at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Celebrate the festive season with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at this annual pops concert. Packed with beloved holiday songs, the two-hour program is perfect for all ages and even features an appearance by Santa Claus himself. $29+. Orchestra Hall, Detroit; dso.org

Dec. 16-18

Meredith Wilson’s Miracle on 34th Street the Musical: Adapted from the classic holiday film of the same name, this musical production by Meredith Wilson (The Music Man) follows the story of a precocious young girl who encounters the real Santa Claus a New York Macy’s store. Featuring heartwarming themes and joyous music, including the iconic carol “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas,” the show is perfect for the whole family. $49+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Dec. 20-21

Home Alone in Concert:

The beloved holiday film and its iconic soundtrack come to life at this annual performance by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Starring a young Macaulay Culkin as Kevin, Home Alone tells the tale of an 8-yearold boy who is accidentally left at home over the Christmas holiday while his family travels to Paris. Watch the movie on the big screen while the DSO’s talented musicians

perform the John Williams-composed score right in time with the scenes. $59+. Orchestra Hall, Detroit; dso.org

Dec. 21

Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular: Spectacle, showmanship, and holiday cheer combine in this thrilling, high-energy show. Featuring talented illusionists from the U.S., U.K., and Mexico, along with

lots of twists and surprises, this interactive production will keep audience members of all ages on the edge of their seats. $43+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Dec. 23

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis: Celebrating more than 40 years of shows, Mannheim Steamroller founder Chip Davis brings his sprawling neo-

classical music ensemble to Detroit’s Fox Theatre. Known for a sound that combines classical influence with new age inspiration and rock ’n’ roll sounds, the troupe has sold more than 41 million albums worldwide, making it the best-selling Christmas music artist of all time. $43+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Dec. 27

A Night of Holiday Soul: Enjoy a program of soulful seasonal favorites performed by R&B singer-songwriter Will Downing, gospel singer and pianist AverySunshine, and vocalist Leela James. $77+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Dec. 27

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The symphonic rock band made a name for itself with its metal-infused takes on classic Christmas tunes, including “Carol of the Bells” and “O Holy Night.” More of a rock opera than a mere concert, this year’s production features pyrotechnic effects, laser light shows, and a high-energy set list. $55+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com

Penatonix at Little Caesars Arena, Dec.3

Gospel singer and pianist AverySunshine performs at A Night of Holiday Soul at the Fox Theatre on Dec. 27

BETWEEN 1967 and 1969, the bodies of six young women were discovered in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, most of them raped and mutilated. Their deaths — and the subsequent police investigation — are the subject of a new documentary by Ferndale director Andrew Templeton, 1969: Killers, Freaks, and Radicals, which makes its Detroit premiere at The Senate on Dec. 5.

Templeton first learned about the crimes in The Michigan Murders by Edward Keyes, a book he came across by chance at the Ann Arbor District Library. Templeton was struck by several factors associated with the case: To start with, while a young man, John Norman Collins, had been indicted for one of the murders, the rest had gone officially unsolved, though it seemed clear they’d all been performed by the same person — or group of people.

Templeton was also surprised that he hadn’t already heard of the crimes. He remembers running a quick search online: Had a documentary already been made on the subject? Not one that he could find.

“So I, perhaps foolishly at the time, decided to try to start one myself,” Templeton says.

It took him six years to finish the film (his debut, as it happens). The documentary draws on original interviews with law enforcement, elected officials, and an expert in criminology; news footage; and boxes upon boxes of redacted documents Templeton obtained from police by submitting requests under the Freedom of Information Act.

1969 links an account of the murders to a broader tale of social change in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area, which Templeton describes as “a kind of microcosm of the country at large.” As he points out, any

John Norman Collins (now 78) is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder.

As a result, Collins wasn’t seriously considered as a suspect until late in the game. Templeton calls it “hard to believe” that the investigation would’ve played out the same way “had [Collins] been a hippie with long hair and a guitar.”

Collins was 23 and studying to become a teacher when he was arrested; he has spent his life in prison, though he has maintained his innocence. And while the murders attributed to Collins are disturbing enough on their own, the secondary horrors of Templeton’s film have to do with gaps left by the police investigation.

A local filmmaker investigates how the counterculture backlash of the times may have influenced a murder investigation in Ann Arbor

BY NATALIA HOLTZMAN PORTRAIT BY CHUK NOWAK

thorough account of a crime should consider not only the lives and identities of the victims and perpetrator but also “what kind of social norms were affecting the investigation.”

The Washtenaw County sheriff at the time, Doug Harvey (whom Templeton interviewed before his 2023 death), took a negative view of the “hippies” and “freaks” around town. When dead bodies started turning up, Harvey assumed the killer was a member of the counterculture.

In fact, John Norman Collins was the personification of the “all-American boy,” in Templeton’s words: an athlete and frat member; a “square-jawed, muscular motorcycle rider [with] good grades”; “a clean-cut guy” with a “supposedly normal upbringing” — all factors that may have prevented police from clearly assessing the person in front of them. At one point in the film, Harvey even jokes, “I wouldn’t mind my daughter going out with that young man.”

Filmmaker Andrew Templeton learned about the crimes from a 2010 book he happened upon at the library.

Collins’s uncle David Leik was a member of the state police; at least one of Collins’s victims appears to have been murdered in Leik’s basement. How much Leik knew or didn’t know about Collins’s activities is unclear: He claimed not to know anything, but he also had his own reputation to protect. (Leik died in 2019, before Templeton had a chance to interview him.)

Whether police stalled the investigation once it became clear one of their own was involved is also uncertain, since Templeton’s last FOIA request was met with a steep bill he couldn’t pay. That information remains unseen.

“There are certain things the state police haven’t been very forthcoming with,” says Larry Mathewson, an Eastern Michigan University policeman who helped find and charge Collins, in the film. “Maybe it’s time to let loose a little bit and let people know what went on.”

FILM

Charlevoix

BRIDGE DROP

Enjoy a full day of festivities to end the year on a high note, including horsedrawn wagon rides and restaurant specials around downtown Charlevoix. Ring in the new year while watching the illuminated bridge drop at midnight. No cost; Dec. 31; bridgedrop.org

CANDLELIGHT HIKE

Every Friday evening, experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking, or cross-country skiing on a candlelit trail. Routes change every week, and visitors set their own pace as they wander up the 1-mile path at Mount McSauba. No cost; Dec. 19-Feb. 20; visitcharlevoix.com

Frankenmuth

FRANKENMUTH’S SPECTACULAR MUSICAL TREE SHOW

Located at Frankenmuth’s Visitor Center, this 40-foot tree is lit up with 23,000 lights. Multiple times a day, popular Christmas songs play while the lights twinkle in time. Sing or dance along while enjoying the

mas store, selling more than 2 million ornaments and 125,000 light sets a year. But that's not all, the Bronner’s complex is composed of 27 acres and has a lighted Christmas Lane for visitors to walk. Open every day except major holidays; bronners.com

ZEHNDER’S SNOWFEST

Home to one of the top snow and ice sculpting events in North America for the past 33 years, Zehnder's Snowfest allows visitors to watch artists carve ice sculptures all week long. Guests can also enjoy fireworks, a petting zoo, and Zehnder’s famous chicken dinners. No cost; Jan. 29-Feb. 2; zehnders.com

Grand Haven WINTERFEST

Celebrating its 50th year, Winterfest is an extravaganza of winter fun for everyone. Take part in the sled race, with sleds constructed out of cardboard and duct tape. Watch the slopestyle competition, participate in the euchre tournament, or just relax at a pancake breakfast.

sounds of Christmastime. No cost; Nov. 30-Jan 13; frankenmuth.org

BRONNER’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

At 2.2 acres, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is the world’s largest Christ-

LOCAL TRAVEL

WINTER WONDER

Got your snow tires on? Here are 13 can’t-miss events and activities across Michigan that are worth a road trip this season.

BY SARAH WASIELEWSKI

No cost, except breakfast ($14); Jan. 22-25; grand havenwinterfest.org

Grand Rapids

WORLD OF WINTER FESTIVAL



In Charelvoix, New Year's Eve is chill: They watch the bridge drop at midnight.

Billed as the largest winter festival in the U.S., the World of Winter Festival is a celebration of art and culture. Stroll around downtown Grand Rapids to see the art installations, hear live music, or grab a bite to eat. No cost; Jan. 9-March 1; worldofwintergr.com

Holland

KERSTMARKT

Meaning “Christmas market” in Dutch, the Kerstmarkt is an outdoor

European-style market featuring holiday items, delicious food, and artisan demonstrations. Marketgoers can see dogsled demos, listen to carolers and handbell concerts, or catch an appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus. No cost; Nov. 21-Dec. 20; holland.org

Holly

HOLLY DICKENS FESTIVAL

Kicking off with a lighted parade on the first night, the Dickens Festival transforms downtown Holly into the world of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Carriage rides, sledding, and a holiday market are just a few of

 Figure skaters combined fire and ice in a breathtaking show at last year's World of Winter Festival in Grand Rapids..

the attractions. Attendees are encouraged to dress in period costumes. No cost; Nov. 29-Dec. 24; hollydickensfestival.org

Mackinac Island

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR WEEKEND

This annual event centers around the Saturday and Sunday holiday shopping event, but has so much more, including a hayride, a Christmas Tree lighting on Main Street, a prime rib dinner, a performance of Elf the Musical, a live auction, and a bake sale.$20 hayride; $25 dinner. Dec. 5-7; mackinacisland.org

TWILIGHT TURTLE TREK

Beginning at Greany Grove, Twilight Turtle Trek is a lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek for approximately 2 miles through the island’s beautiful winter landscape. Start with a hot chocolate by the bonfire before meandering through some of Michigan’s most breathtaking natural scenery. No cost; Jan. 10; mackinacparks.com

Mackinaw City

COLONIAL CHRISTMAS AT COLONIAL MICHILIMACKINAC

For one day, experience the holiday traditions of the 17th and 18th centuries in Michilimackinac. After being greeted with hot chocolate at the Rowhouse, visitors are free to explore the historic city while walking the lantern-lit paths. Try the coriander cookies at the Merchant’s House, sample comfit while learning how the British celebrated the holidays, or hear a ghost story in the Soldier’s House. $10+; Dec. 13; mackinacparks.com

Traverse City

CHERRYT BALL DROP

Ring in the new year in downtown Traverse City with a giant descending cherry, paying homage to the Cherry Capital, followed by a fireworks display. Guests can also enjoy a Champagne toast, photo booth, and snacks before the cherry drops. $5; Dec. 31; thefestival foundation.org

DINING SCENE

Food & Drink

DRINKS

2025 RECAP

Mickey Lyons looks back at the drinks, bars, and lounges that made this year unique p. 62

Top of the Morning

Metro Detroit is experiencing a breakfast sandwich boom. Here are seven breakfast sandwiches that our critic thinks represent the region well — in order of preference.

BY DANNY PALUMBO

PHOTOS BY REBECCA SIMONOV

The Egg & Cheese

Pita at Mitsos Greek Food and Coffee

I would happily submit Mitsos’s Egg & Cheese

Pita as the Motor City’s official breakfast sandwich.

It’s deceptively simple and yet provides a consistently satisfying breakfast for under $5 — exactly what a sandwich in the morning should be. Mitsos’s sandwich features a fluffy two-egg omelet with melty cheddar cheese wrapped in fresh pita bread that’s baked each morning. The bread is tender, fluffy, light, rippable to the teeth, and almost too hot to touch. The whole thing is pure warmth, with flavors so symmetrical each bite just

Served on a bun, bagel, biscuit, or burrito, there’s no shortage of options at these local breakfast spots.

The Biscuit Sandwich at Forest Bakery

Imagine a simple McDonald’s egg biscuit sandwich made with all the technique and culinary prowess of three bakery wizards, and there you have the Forest biscuit sandwich. The homemade biscuit itself has a golden and rugged exterior that encases the sandwich with ease but is pillowy soft and warm inside. This buttermilk biscuit crumbles but never breaks, making it a perfectly stable vehicle for fillings. The caramelized onions and “Dijonayo” (what it sounds like: Dijon mustard and mayonnaise) augment the golden-yellow scrambled eggs, and the thick, melted American cheese is rendered gooey in such a way that it deliciously coats each ingredient. The sandwich is available only Thursdays and Fridays, but it’s worth planning your mornings around. Cost: $9.50. Ingredients: Buttermilk biscuit, scrambled eggs, Dijonayo, caramelized onions, and melted American cheese.

8140 W. Nine Mile Rd., Oak Park

melts away in your mouth. Try the Egg & Cheese Pita once, and you’ll start to wonder why more places aren’t serving breakfast sandwiches on pita bread. This is the breakfast sandwich I keep coming back to; I’ve had it nearly a dozen times this year.

Cost: $4.25. Ingredients: Pita bread, two-egg omelet, melted cheddar cheese. 2614 Riopelle St., Unit 4, Detroit

The OG Breakfast Sandwich at Q Bakehouse & Market

Q Bakehouse is an Asianowned daytime bakery that specializes in Asian American sweets and baked goods. As such, it’s known to serve a trio of breakfast sandwiches (a rotating special is available on the weekends). I find myself coming back to the incredible OG Breakfast

Sandwich, which allows for plenty of flavor enhancers like fu ru (fermented bean curd) and chile crisp breakfast sauce. The fu ru mayo adds a ton of rich umami, and the Chinese breakfast sausage is subtly sweet and soft. There’s a staggering amount of flavor packed into this single sandwich, and I believe it’s the only Chinese American breakfast sandwich in southeast Michigan to boot. Cost: $9. Ingredients: House-made milk bread bun, Chinese breakfast sausage, white American cheese, scallion ginger fu ru mayo, chile crisp breakfast sauce, egg patty with scallion and cherry tomato. 1608 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor

The Egg and Cheese Sandwich at Norm’s Diner

If you read my recent review of Norm’s, you know I love this sandwich. The secret is in chef Elise Gallant’s spicy pimento cheese, which is infused with her mom’s recipe for spicy pepper jelly. The sandwich is sticky, rich, and every bit as comforting as the restaurant itself. This chunky, two-hander sandwich, which comes stabbed with a frilly toothpick for practical reasons, is well worth the $13. Cost: $13. Ingredients: Scrambled eggs, spicy pimento cheese, and a homemade sausage patty on a toasted English muffin. 8029 Agnes St., Detroit

Biscuit Sandwich at forest Bakery

The Egg Sandie at Alba Alba’s breakfast sandie is perhaps the most decadent breakfast sandwich of all — and the one breakfast sandwich that people always ask me if I’ve tried. By using a soufflé method for the eggs, Alba turns the texture impossibly soft and rich. The brioche bun is both enriched with butter and grilled crispy. Meanwhile, the chile de árbol aioli adds smooth smokiness, and the chives bring a bit of fresh bite. Alba’s Egg Sandie is many Detroiters’ favorite for good reason — it’s executed the same way each and every time, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Cost: $8. Ingredients: Soufflé egg, buttered brioche, cheddar cheese, chile de árbol aioli, fresh chives. 2124 Michigan Ave., Detroit

Over My Egg Body at Bev’s Bagels

There are quite a few different breakfast sandwiches at Bev’s Bagels, and a multitude of customizable options, but I’m partial to the simplicity of the Over My Egg Body, a breakfast bagel sandwich that features a fried egg, Cooper sharp cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Max Sussman specializes in sourdough bagels made with organic flour. The result is something crispy and light but not a gut bomb.

Over My Egg Body at

The Chevapi Breakfast Wrap at The Balkan House

The Balkan House’s breakfast sandwich is inspired by southeastern Europe, where grilled chevapi sausages are a common delicacy. The wrap itself is wound tightly like a proper burrito, and the flatbread encasing the eggs, cheese, chevapi, and onion is crispy from being cooked on a flattop. The chevapi sausages are beefy and juicy, and each bite of the wrap packs a welcome pop of fat. Wonderfully, the breakfast wrap also comes served with a side of ajvar — a sweet-and-sour, brightorange roasted red pepper dip that acts as a flavorful condiment and adequate lubricant for the sandwich. Ajvar is a popular spread in the Balkans and is a striking accent to scrambled eggs. Once you try the combo, it’s hard to go back. Ask for extra.

Cost: $14. Ingredients: Chevapi sausages, red onion, cheddar cheese, scrambled eggs, kajmak and ajvar spread wrapped in an unleavened flatbread. 314 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale

Bev’s uses exceptional ingredients, from the spectacular Cooper sharp cheese that’s tangy and milky to the always wildcaught fish. The real spice of life at Bev’s, however, is getting to choose what style of bagel you want. I usually go with the za’atar, which is herby with oregano and spiked with lemony sumac.

Cost: $8. Ingredients: Choice of bagel, Cooper sharp cheese, fried egg, mayonnaise. 4884 Grand River Ave., Detroit

Chevapi Breakfast Wrap at The Balkan House

Bev’s Bagels

Egg Sandie at Alba

A Fresh Name for the Next Generation of Pie

Thirty years after Achatz Pies was founded, the Armada business is looking toward the future while keeping its family-owned spirit alive

BY WILL REAUME

FOR DAVE ACHATZ, restaurants are in his blood. His parents, Vince and Irene, owned a catering company and restaurant. Dave’s younger brother, Steve, ran Achatz Soup in Marine City until it closed in 2017. His cousin Grant Achatz Sr. owned Achatz Riverview Restaurant in Richmond, where his son, legendary Chicago chef Grant Achatz, got his start as a dishwasher.

Vince and Irene’s Achatz Family Restaurant in Armada was where Dave first met a waitress named Wendy, who started working there as a high schooler. At the restaurant, Wendy quickly discovered her passion for baking. She began working with Dave’s mother and grandmother, who first showed her how to make strawberry shortcake — an Achatz family recipe passed down through generations. Wendy eventually married Dave, taking his last name, and together they owned the restaurant until 1990, when they decided to sell and leave the food industry altogether.

But the industry has a way of pulling people back in. Three years later, the couple started Achatz Pies and began baking in their home kitchen and selling their products at the Armada Flea Market. Even in the early years, Achatz Pies focused on using local ingredients, starting with apples grown on their 10-acre apple orchard.

Since its humble farmhouse beginnings in 1993, Achatz Pies now has nine metro Detroit locations and can be found on Whole Foods shelves around the country. In 2023, the company began rebranding to Pie Collective, a move Wendy feels better encapsulates their connections to local farmers.

“We like Pie Collective because we feel it brings home the idea of us and how closely we work with our farmers,” Wendy says. “Whether it’s the dairy farmers in Mio, or the wheat, apple, and peach farmers on the west side of the state, the idea is to better open it up to more people.”

For now, six of their older stores will keep the Achatz Pies name, while newer locations in Madison Heights, Livonia, and Bloomfield Hills will carry the Pie Collective branding. As for the future of Pie Collective, Wendy and Dave are looking to keep the business in the family, one day handing over the reins to their adult children.

‘I’ve Never Met an Oven I Trusted’

What are your tips for making the perfect pie dough? Time and temperature are most important. Don’t overmix the dough. Use your senses to make sure it has the right look and feel. When you’re mixing, can you still feel the small chunks of fat in the dough, or did you just smash them out? If it’s a hot day and the butter is melting, take a pause and put the bowl in the fridge to let it cool down before continuing. When adding water, just incorporate the ingredients together. It’s not bread, so don’t knead the dough.

Lattice or no lattice for apple pie?

If I’m eating a pie, I prefer just a solid top. You want that nice crust that’s not too thick. When making a lattice pie, people often make the mistake of making the strips too thick, and since they’re weaved together, it’s double the thickness. If you’re going to make a lattice, though, the strips should be about 1/8-inch thick.

Wendy Achatz cofounded Achatz Pies/ Pie Collective with her husband, Dave, out of their Armada home.

Baking tips from Wendy Achatz

How do you know if the bottom of your pie will be soggy?

Sometimes the top looks great and the filling looks good, but the bottom has some oily spots. If the pie is underbaked, you have to start troubleshooting it. Maybe you baked it on the top rack when you should have had it on the middle rack, or maybe there were multiple pies in at the same time, and they cooled the oven down.

How do you achieve a flaky crust?

To get a good flake, you’re going to need lots of fat — the more the better. Lard makes a nice, flaky crust. A mix of half shortening and half butter works, too, because then you’re still getting the nice flavor of the butter. If you’re making a pumpkin or a custard pie, always blind-bake your crust. Bake the crust halfway, fill them, and then finish baking the pie.

How do you achieve an even cook on pies?

A really good tool to use is an oven thermometer. I’ve never met an oven I trusted, and every one of them is different. If you have your oven set to 350 degrees, and you put the pie in when it was at 275 degrees, you’re going to have a problem. Maintaining temperature control is important, and if your oven is preheated to the proper temperature, then that’s a good start.

RECIPE

ACHATZ HANDMADE PIE CO./ PIE COLLECTIVE BY ACHATZ’S

APPLE DUMPLINGS

Ingredients Makes two apple dumplings

Dough

2 cups unbleached flour (Pro tip: Use pastry flour for a flakier crust)

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup shortening or butter

½ cup chilled water (Pro tip: As an alternative, you can use ¼ cup of water and ¼ cup of vodka for a flakier crust)

If you’re short on time, grab a 9-inch premade dough from a Pie Collective near you for a quick and easy option!

Apple Filling

2-3 apples (Pro tip: We recommend Cortland apples, as they hold their shape better in baking, but any baking apple, like Granny Smith, will do)

¼ stick of butter at room temperature

1 tablespoon brown sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Basting Syrup

1 cup white sugar

1 cup water

¼ cup butter

Dash of cinnamon

(Pro tip: Adding a splash of whiskey or rum can add some extra flavor)

Instructions

Prepare Dough: Mix dry ingredients, cut in fat until crumbly, then add cold water and chill for 45-60 minutes.

Prepare Apple Filling:

Mix all filling ingredients in a bowl until combined.

Apple Prep: Use a peeler to peel the skins from apples. Discard skins or set aside for compost.

Core apples with an apple-coring tool or with a paring knife. It’s best to keep apples whole, but it’s OK to slice apples in half as well.

Set aside. Apples may turn slightly brown due to oxidation. This is fine! If you really hate the color change, you can brush your apples with lemon juice, but keep in mind that it can make apples taste slightly sour.

Syrup: Combine ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil for 1 minute, then simmer for 5 minutes until all the sugars have melted. Set aside to cool slightly.

Baking: Preheat oven to 375 F and grease a deep 9-inch pie pan, which will accommodate two dumplings with 1 inch space between them.

Roll out the dough, wrap it around the apple, and place it in the dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven without syrup.

Bake for 25-35 minutes until golden brown. Pull the dumplings out every 10 minutes, slowly pouring ½ cup of syrup. Repeat three times.

Once out of the oven, pour the remaining syrup into the base of your pie pan.

Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Serve with ice cream or pour over heavy cream or half-and-half for a final flourish.

DRINKS

A Final Toast to 2025

A retrospective of the leading bar trends in metro Detroit this year, and what they say about where we are culturally

BY MICKEY LYONS PHOTOS BY REBECCA SIMONOV

HOW, AND I MEAN, how in the absolute world, is it almost 2026 out here? It’s been a whirlwind of a year on the Detroit drinks scene, from star-studded openings to quiet moments at old faithful bars. Back in October, I had the chance to bask in the autumn sunshine with an old friend on the rooftop at Kamper’s in the Book Tower. While sipping gin and tonics, we marveled at how much the drinks landscape — both figuratively and literally, since this particular rooftop bar is only a couple of years old — has changed in just a decade or so.

We agreed that 2025 was a pivotal year in Detroit’s dining and drinking scene. Influential bars like Chartreuse, Jolly Pumpkin, Batch Brewing Co., and Mabel Gray — all of which turned 10 this year — still lead with confidence and continued ingenuity. Newcomers are stepping up to the scene, too, with lauded wine and cocktail bars popping up throughout southeast Michigan.

 An espresso martini from Castalia Cocktails. The bar won a Pinnacle Award before announcing it would close at the end of December.

The national press is starting to recognize Detroit’s unique take on cocktail culture.

Midtown’s Castalia Cocktails received a

Pinnacle Award, which is the cocktail-bar equivalent of the Michelin Guide (before, in late October, the bar announced it would “go out on top” and close permanently New Year’s Eve). Saint John’s Resort’s Wine Grotto and Five Steakhouse, as well as Shinola’s San Morello, earned Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards for their wine programs.

To help me take a look back, I needed some perspective. So I called up Paulina Schemanski, general manager and beverage director of Mabel Gray, Hour Detroit’s 2025 Restaurant of the Year, to compare notes and share thoughts on greatest hits, best drinks, and biggest dreams for next year.

Drinks of the Year

There’s no doubt that the 2025’s Drink of the Year was the espresso martini. With endless twists and local riffs, the drink was everywhere you turned, from the simplest to the fanciest bars in town. This points to a trend toward nostalgia for the ’90s and earlier, before the craft cocktail renaissance brought in 15-ingredient cocktails.

“I think guests want a beverage that is not overly complicated,” Schemanski says. “It’s becoming more desirable to be a regular somewhere.” Instead of barhopping to all the new spots, she says, “I find myself sitting at the Oak Parker often. I love their margaritas. It’s actually really satisfying to know the name of your bartender and to get to know them really well.”

Speaking of margaritas, if there’s a runner-up for the drink of 2025, my money is on that. From Windsor Eats’s margarita tasting menu to the dozens of Southwest Detroit classic margaritas to Flowers of Vietnam’s upscale twist, the plain old margarita got a glow-up last spring and summer.

Return to the Simple Things and Simpler Times

The resurgence of classic, no-frills drinks signals a shift in consumer behavior, as economic and political uncertainty drive folks to revisit old haunts and seek out nostalgic spaces. Don’t get me wrong: There were plenty of chances for drinkers to enjoy caviar martinis at places like

Sexy Steak or The Aladdin Sane, but for every “big night out” bar experience I heard about, it seems there were four or five “local hangout” or “beer and chill” plans for laid-back neighborhood spots.

For me, neighborhood spots like Florian East and HenriettaHaus in Hamtramck, or Dirty Shake and The Lexington in Midtown Detroit, were all about smaller menus but more comfort. For Schemanski, “Bar Chenin comes to mind. They’re a natural, boutiquey wine bar, but then they have a couple of classic cocktails” and nonalcoholic options that lend themselves to casual imbibing.

That includes barware, too. Schemanski and I both noticed a shift to sturdier, more elemental glassware in bars. “I think [it’s] a perfect example of everyone’s approach to wine these days,” Schemanski says. “Leaning into the more utilitarian wine glasses that are thicker and less breakable — less precious — more meant to be communal. You’re not afraid to hold it in your hand, not afraid to clink glasses with someone you just met sitting at the wine bar.”

Old Bars, New Life — Plus New Bars, Old Feels

For both of us, the June purchase of the legendary Dakota Inn Rathskeller by Detroiter Paddy Lynch was further proof that Detroit’s old gathering spaces still have plenty of life left in them. Among other changes Lynch has made, the backyard biergarten was in use again this summer, as was the original basement (rathskeller) portion. “The Dakota Inn,” Schemanski says, “is going to inject some new life into this stretch of John R. It has such a storied past, and they’re doing such a great job honoring that and keeping it alive.”

The same goes for the team behind the revamp of a former church garage on the east side: Father Forgive Me — an intimate wine and cocktail bar on the grounds of The Shepherd at Little Village — is a stunning and creative reuse of the space. Cannons, also on Detroit’s east side in the

former Lost River tiki space, promises a return to 1800s-style drinking with proper Guinness pours and a hearty menu. And despite its being a brand-new buildout, downtown’s Bastille Bar looks like it’s straight out of Grandpa’s basement bar from the ’70s.

Casual Spaces, Wine-Forward Bars

All of this is emblematic of our post-pandemic desire to share spaces that have meaning with friends, to put our dollars into the pockets of people we know and trust, to belong in a community of peers. Says Schemanski: “2025 in our area was a big year for bars pushing a wine-forward agenda, just to be enjoyed on its own and more casually and joyfully.”

2026

As for next year? If 2025 is any indication, 2026 will bring plenty of economic challenges for bar owners, from decreased alcohol consumption to tariff uncertainties. But it will also bring a renewed sense of community and a dedication to cherishing simple shared moments and returning to old-fashioned hospitality.

Bar Chenin’s Heaven or Las Vegas combines milkwashed mezcal with amaretto and strega for a smoky, spiced cocktail.

Restaurant Guide

Wayne

Adelina

$$$$

ITALIAN • Brought downtown by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, Adelina features traditional Italian eats in a modern atmosphere, with made-in-house pasta and starters like focaccia, seared tuna crudo, sausage and peppers, and a roasted Wagyu meatball. Entrées include lamb chops with house made Tzatziki, veal milanese, and salmon with romesco sauce. Stick around for desserts like the zeppole Italian ricotta doughnuts. 1040 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-246-8811. D Tue.-Sun.

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. 12710 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-8185. 27346 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights; 313-565-9600. 6505 N. Canton Center Road, Canton; 734-627-7707. L,D daily.

Amore da Roma $$

ITALIAN • Guy Pelino, Roma Café’s chef, took over the ownership reins of this restaurant on the edge of the Eastern Market. He retained the menu, adding a charcuterie board and updating the wine list, while keeping the character of the old-school restaurant, known for its steaks and pastas. 3401 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313831-5940. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Alpino $$$

ALPINE •This Alps-inspired Corktown eatery quickly became beloved after opening in 2023. The cozy interior evokes cabins and farmhouses from the European countryside. Order beers and wines from all over Europe, plus Alps-inspired cocktails, fondue, wiener schnitzel, raclette, and pastas. 1426 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-524-0888. D daily, BR Sun.

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. The downtown Detroit location offers a breathtaking view of the Detroit River, while the Livonia location offers a comfortable and casual vibe. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit; 313-5676700. D Mon.-Fri., L,D Sat.-Sun. 38703 Seven Mile Road, Livonia; 734-953-3200. 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; 734-981-9800. 26356 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights; 313-278-6000. 37646 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-994-4000. L,D daily. (Farmington Hills location closed Mondays)

Atwater in the Park

$ GERMAN • At this casual spot, traditional German-style beer is the beverage of choice. Chef Chris Franz’ noteworthy menu is compatible with such additions as the Atwater Brat and other sausages teamed with sauerkraut, plus Bavarian soft pretzels. 1175 Lakepointe St., Grosse Pointe Park; 313-344-5104. L,D daily.

Apparatus Room

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN • The Foundation Hotel’s restaurant, the Apparatus Room, once housed the Detroit Fire Department headquarters. Chef Rece Hogerheide’s cooking is refined and highly skilled — he was executive chef of the Daxton Hotel’s restaurant Madam, named 2023 Restaurant of the Year by Hour Detroit. 250 W. Larned St., Detroit; 313-8005600. B,L,D Mon.-Fri., BR,D Sat.-Sun.

Avalon Café and Bakery

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

Babo

NEW AMERICAN • This café settled into the Midtown Park Shelton building in July 2019, serving elevated comfort food made from local, small-batch producers. The self-described gourmet diner offers espresso drinks and such dishes as avocado toast, kimchi patatas bravas, and the Babo Burger. 15 E. Kirby St., Ste. 115, Detroit; 313-3121493. B,L,D Tue.-Sat. B,L Sun.

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge

$$ SOUL FOOD • This iconic lounge features live music, along with beef short ribs with gravy, creamy mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet cornbread muffins. 20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-345-6300. D Mon.-Fri.

Baobab Fare

EAST AFRICAN • With their New Center restaurant, Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere urge diners to

venture into culinary territories they’d otherwise miss, like the Mbuzi starring a goat shank that is slow-roasted until the meat is so tender that it slides off the bone. 6568 Woodward Ave., Ste. 100, Detroit; 313-265-3093. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Bar Chenin

$$$ WINE BAR • In the far corner of the Siren Hotel sits Detroit’s smallest wine bar. With only ten seats and limited standing room, the bar’s cozy atmosphere pairs well with their rotating selection of natural wines and homestyle dishes. Enjoy a house-made assortment of ice creams, offering unique flavors like Negroni, olive oil, and Underberg. Or for something savory, try their sourdough focaccia pizza or delistyle sandwiches. 1509 Broadway St. Suite A-1, Detroit; 313-277-4736 (Siren Hotel). D Thu.-Mon.

Bar Pigalle

$$$

FRENCH • Nestled inside The Carlton Lofts in Brush Park, this restaurant beautifully complements the neighborhood’s former nickname, the Little Paris of the Midwest, by serving French-inspired cuisine, such as the duck confit with agrodolce, grapes, and frisée. 2915 John R Road, Detroit; 313-497-9200. D daily BR Sat.-Sun.

Barda

$$$$ ARGENTINIAN • Barda brings a new cuisine to metro Detroit. True to Argentinian culture, the restaurant celebrates traditional meat dishes. For starters, Carne y Hueso, meaning Flesh and Bone, features a mold of finely chopped beef tartare topped with spicy horseradish alongside a dense bone filled to the brim with buttery marrow. Tira de Asado, a classic Argentinian short rib dish, arrives on a plate in a coriander-pepper crust. And inch-thick slices of rare Bife, or strip loin steak, lie on a bed of melted butter infused with chimichurri. 4842 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313- 952-5182; barda-detroit. com. D Thu.-Sun.

Basan

$$$$ ASIAN-INSPIRED • Named for the Japanese folkloric bird, Basan features a fluid rotation of zestful, bold, and edgy dishes that are novel and creative, with a nightly tasting menu and optional wine pairing. Standouts from the menu include the assortment of buns (such as Brussels sprouts, firecracker shrimp, and twice-fried chicken), beef dandan, and octopus skewers. 2703 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-481-2703. D daily.

Besa

$$$

EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • This modern fine-dining eatery takes its name from Albania — where the owners trace their heritage — and means “pledge of honor.” Choose from starters such as roasted olives, fried calamari, and double-cut lamb chops. 600 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-315-3000. D Mon.-Sat.

Ingredients Filling

3 pounds cooked shredded chicken

8 Roma tomatoes

1/2 large white onion, peeled

8 garlic cloves, peeled

2 habanero peppers (remove seeds if you want less heat)

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 tomato bouillon cube

Salt and pepper, to taste

Dough

5 pounds fresh (wet) masa (this can be found in the refrigerated section of Mexican grocery stores)

2 cups vegetable oil

2 tablespoons salt

1-pound package of banana leaves, cut into 6-inch squares

Directions Filling

1. In a blender, add the tomatoes, onion, garlic cloves, habanero peppers, and water. Blend until smooth.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat until just starting to sizzle. Add in the blended sauce along with the tomato bouillon cube and stir until the cube is dissolved. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add in the chicken and set aside.

Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the masa, oil, and salt. Knead until smooth.

2. To assemble tamales, take a square of banana leaf and place 2 tablespoons of dough on top. Spread the dough all over the leaf. On top of the masa, add about 2 tablespoons of the chicken and sauce mixture into the center.

3. Wrap the banana leaf by taking each edge and folding over the masa and filling. Tie with kitchen twine. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

4. Steam tamales for about 1 hour 30 minutes, testing 1 tamale to make sure the dough is cooked. Let the tamales rest for at least 15 minutes before eating and enjoy!

PHOTO BY REBECCA SIMONOV

Bohemia

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • The former member’s-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 with plush couches and trees lined with lights. The food is upscale but approachable such as the Nashville Fried Chicken and the lobster fettucini, which is worth every indulgent bite. 712 Cass Ave., Detroit, 313-338-3222. D Wed.-Sat..

Brome Modern Eatery

BURGERS • This healthy spin on a classic serves never-frozen, grass-fed, antibiotic-free, organic burgers. There’s beef, chicken, haddock, and vegetarian dishes — but no pork, as the restaurant is halal. There’s also a cold-pressed juice bar. 22062 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-996-5050. L,D daily.

Bronze Door

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN • Operated by the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group brand (in partnership with Tony Soave of Soave Enterprises) revives the well-known name of a Grosse Pointe staple from the mid-1900s. In the 1960s and 1970s, 123 Kercheval Ave. was home to the Bronze Door, which closed to make way for The Hill Seafood and Chop House. In 2021, it was born again as the Bronze Door, offering classic bistro fare like steak frites and house specialties such as Short Rib Alla Bolognese (braised beef short ribs, pancetta, roasted battuto, imported Mafaldine pasta, ricotta salata, and black truffle). 123 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-8868101. BR Sun. L Tue.-Fri. D daily.

Bucharest Grill

MEDITERRANEAN-AMERICAN • This bustling casual sandwich shop, now with six locations, is a cult favorite with its fresh Mediterranean fare, notably the best chicken shawarma wrap sandwiches in town. We’re serious. See bucharestgrill.com for locations and hours.

Cadieux Café $$

BELGIAN • This institution was like a slice of home for early Belgian immigrants. The former speakeasy serves up four varieties of mussels, and a wide range of hearty dishes such as Belgian Rabbit, but there also are classic sandwiches. 4300 Cadieux Road, Detroit; 313-882-8560. D daily.

Café Nini

$$$

ITALIAN • This intimate spot offers well-prepared food that includes eight appetizers, more than a dozen pasta dishes, and 16 main plates, notable among which are Involtini di Pollo “Da Edoardo,” prosciutto, spinach, and Parmigiano Reggiano-filled chicken breast, sautéed in a sherry wine sauce, topped with fresh mushrooms. The wine list is impressive as well. 98 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-308-3120. D Tue.-Sun.

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.

Caucus Club

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

Central Kitchen & Bar

$$ CREATIVE COMFORT • The space facing Campus Martius is done up in gray and white under industrial light fixtures. Crowd-pleasers include buttermilk fried chicken, filet and frites, burgers, and salads. 660 Woodward Ave., Ste. 4A, Detroit; 313-963-9000. D Thu.-Sat., BR Sat.-Sun.

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails

$$$ NEW AMERICAN • While the menu rotates based on the season, its offerings always highlight the freshest local ingredients. Creatively prepared dishes range from cold starters to hearty entrees. But the Twice Cooked Egg is not to be missed. 15 E. Kirby St., Detroit; 313-818-3915. D Tue.-Sat.

Cibo

$$$

MEDITERRANEAN FUSION • This palm-lined fine-dining destination offers everything from shareable pizzas, salads, lamb, and steaks to dishes like the pancetta Bolognese rotolo. It’s located inside the Cambria Detroit Downtown hotel, an Albert Kahn-designed building that used to house the original WWJ radio station. 600 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-338-3529. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Cliff Bell’s

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

Common Pub

GASTROPUB • Fans of Atlas Global Bistro, which shuttered in 2013, should be happy to learn that some of the principals may be found at this spot in the Belcrest Apartments. The well-edited menu includes duck fat-fried chicken and a burger. 5440 Cass Ave, Detroit; 313-285-8849. L, D Tue.-Fri. D Sat. BR Sun.

Coriander Kitchen and Farm $$ GASTROPUB • At this Jefferson Chalmers eatery, guests can rent firepits and roast house-made marshmallows to make 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.

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, sauteed wild mushroom blend, wild rice, and

seasonal grilled vegetables, cooked in a Lombardo Ambra Sweet Marsala wine sauce. Simply delicious! 2415 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2261. D Wed.-Sat. BR Sat. B,L Sun.

Cuisine

$$$

EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • Cuisine offers a romantic, white-linen experience with the level of food, service, and ambience one might describe as timeless rather than trendy. Examples of the expertly prepared fare include the Alaskan halibut, as well as the sea scallops, featuring lemon risotto, corn, almonds, citrus butter, and beet dust. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit; 313-872-5110. D Wed.-Sat. (Note: Not wheelchair accessible).

Dakota Inn Rathskeller

$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • The sausages are the kind that snap when you cut them. The combo plate features one bratwurst and one 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.

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.

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; 313-926-6305. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Detroit Vegan Soul

VEGAN • The popular spot offers your classic soul food favorites but with plant-based twists — mac and cheese, collard greens, and interpretations of catfish and pepper steak. 19614 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-727-1973. L Mon.-Fri. (Carry-out focused)

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 Thu.-Tue. 6920 N Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills; 313-962-9106. B, L daily

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe

2010

$$$

GASTROPUB • A jazz club with 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 entries include a beef short rib. 97 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-882-5299. L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.-Sat.

EAT. SLEEP. PLAY.

At The Detroit Club, life is meant to be savored. Dine beneath chandeliers in the Library, retreat to a suite that blends heritage and indulgence, and discover a hidden world of leisure in the spa and saltwater grotto. From exquisite meals to timeless rooms to unforgettable evenings, The Detroit Club redefines what it means to Eat. Sleep. Play.

Eatori Market $$

SPECIALTY GROCERY • This stylish spot overlooks downtown’s Capitol Park. The menu has steamed mussels with leeks, garlic, and toasted crostini. International flourishes abound with truffle aioli for the burger. 1215 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-395-3030. L,D daily.

El Asador Steakhouse $$

MEXICAN • A concentrated cuisine with little modern flairs that also stays faithful to traditional Mexican cooking. Don’t miss the Camarones en Salsa de Langosta: breaded shrimp stuffed with cheese, fried to a golden dark brown, and topped with a lobster cream sauce. It’s an unassuming Latin-American find in Detroit’s Springwells Village. 1312 Springwells St., Detroit; 313-297-2360. L,D Tue.-Sun.

El Barzon $$$

MEXICAN-ITALIAN • Norberto Garita prepares Italian and Mexican cuisines alongside his wife, Silvia Rosario Garita. Authentic Mexican entrees include enchiladas with a homemade green sauce made with tomatillo, jalapeños, and roasted poblano pepper, while the Italian influence takes the form of spaghetti carbonara and zuppa di pesce (seafood soup). 3710 Junction Ave., Detroit; 313-894-2070. D Tue.-Sun.

Evie’s Tamales $$

MEXICAN • This Mexicantown restaurant makes some of the best tamales around. Pork or chicken is jacketed with sturdy masa, a dough of ground corn, and then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed. Eat in or order a dozen for later. 3454 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-843-5056. B,L Mon.-Sat.

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café $$ NEW ORLEANIAN • Enjoy classic New Orleans dishes, such as jambalaya and fried catfish beignets. Come for lunch, dinner, happy hour, or carry-out. 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; 313-554-2085. D Thu.-Sun.

Folk $

NEW AMERICAN • A charming Corktown storefront dishing up an all-day brunch menu. It’s an offshoot of the Farmer’s Hand grocery and farmers market. The menu focuses on globally inspired dishes like salads, quiche, and sandwiches — all beautifully plated and nutritious. Infused milks and frothy lattes are well sought after, too. 1701 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; 313-742-2672. B,L daily.

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2024 Freya

Green Dot Stables

$$$$

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 as well as dishes that accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian diets. Co-run by 2023 James Beard semifinalist Sandy Levine, it 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; 313-653-3700. L,D Wed.-Sun.

Giovanni’s Ristorante

$$$

ITALIAN • This old-school Italian restaurant offers housemade pastas, including an outstanding lasagna. Elaborate veal and seafood dishes and desserts like key lime cheesecake tira misu 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; 313-962-7093. 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 De Wall, previously of Wright and Co., offers a small, delicious menu of pies, including sausage and pistachio with ricotta cheese and thyme. Or try the Big Mack — the vegan pizza version of the popular burger. 2135 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-3153177. L,D daily.

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 • Plaka Café was a presence on Monroe Avenue for years, and now its space is in the hands of the founders’ children. Notable dishes include spinach pie, lamb chops, and New York strip steak. 535 Monroe Ave., Detroit; 313-209-6667. L,D daily.

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 hotspot isn’t easily defined, but the results are original and well-prepared — for example, pork tenderloin with romanesco, 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 Rd, Northville 248-308-3793. B,L daily.

Hungarian Rhapsody

$$ HUNGARIAN • This Downriver restaurant offers authentic Hungarian dishes, such as chicken and veal paprikas, beef goulash, and palacsinta (crêpes). 14315 Northline Road, Southgate; 734-283-9622. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Iggy’s Eggies

$ AMERICAN • Jammy-yolk egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and more are on the menu at Iggy’s Eggies’ walkup 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.

Ima $

JAPANESE-INSPIRED • This ramen hotspot has three locations and a Midwest emphasis. Ima 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 to a pub. In addition to the staple noodles and soups that put Ransom on the map, the menu also includes grilled skewers from the robata grill such as Kawahagi Trigger Fish Jerky and Mini Kurobuta Pork Sausages. There’s also a tantalizing selection of cocktails and mocktails, sake, beer, and wine to make it a true izakaya experience. 2100 Michigan Ave., Detroit, 313-306-9485. L, 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; 313332-0607; 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 over 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. 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.

Jolly Pumpkin $$ BREWERY • Jolly Pumpkin’s brews rule the offerings, along with other Northern United Brewing Co. beverages, such as North Peak and Jolly Pumpkin artisan ales. Pizzas with creative toppings abound. 441 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-262-6115. 419 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248544-6250. 311 S Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-913-2730. L,D daily (Detroit, Ann Arbor); L Fri.-Mon, D daily (Royal Oak).

Karl’s Cabin $$ AMERICAN • Dishes from their currently rotating drivethrough menu such as pan-seared walleye and pierogi & sausage surpass typical roadhouse food. 6005 Gotfredson Road, Plymouth; 734-455-8450. L,D daily.

The Kitchen by Cooking with Que $$ VEGAN • This eatery created by Detroit-based cooking blogger Quiana Broden serves lunches of smoothies, salads, and sandwiches. Broden also often offers live cooking demonstrations. 6529 Woodward Ave., Ste. A, Detroit; 313462-4184. L, D Fri.-Sun. Private events only Mon.-Thur.

Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles $ SOUTHERN COMFORT • Several recipes, including a signature thin waffle, are family-owned at ex-NFL player Ron Bartell’s spot. Think comfort food kicked up a notch: fried catfish, salmon croquettes, shrimp and grits, and biscuits. Drink the Kool-Aid, too. 19345 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-861-0229. B,L,D Tue.- Sun.

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.

Lady of the House

$$$$ NEW AMERICAN • Chef Kate Williams’s nationally renowned restaurant known for its modern take on Irish, French, and Midwestern influences reopened in 2024 after closing amid the pandemic. The new location features many of the same staple dishes, prepared with local, seasonal ingredients in Williams’s no-waste kitchen: steak tartare with Dijonnaise, crispy potato, caviar, and charred leek top gremolata, and whole roasted chicken with challah migas and roasted shiitake and maitake mushrooms, topped with a frisée salad and a lemon-rosemary gravy. Standout desserts include the potato donut, made with sugared thyme and chamomile cream sauce. The restaurant even has its own Detroit City Distillery gin — mixed into cocktails like the Lady Martini and Lady Gin and Tonic. 4884 Grand River Ave., Unit 1C; 313-230-4678. 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’s 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 sauteed 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.

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.

Leila

$$$

LEBANESE • The restaurant from the proprietors of Birmingham’s Phoenicia is named after the owner’s mother — just one facet of the establishment that pays homage to family traditions and heritage. The menu includes various Lebanese dishes, from falafel to Leila’s Mixed Grill that offers a little bit of everything with shish kebab, tawook, and kafta. Other menu items include Kibbeh Niyee — fresh lamb, cracked wheat, and spice — and tabbouleh made of parsley, cracked wheat, and spices. The beer and wine lists offer plenty of options to accompany any meal. 1245 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-816-8100. D 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. T 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 décor on the historic Book Tower’s ground floor. There is pastis, absinthe, France-themed cocktails, and over 300 wines. Standout dishes include the escargots, honey-roasted duck breast, and trout amandine. 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313597-7734. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Lucy & the Wolf $$ SPANISH • This Anglo-sounding restaurant offers very good Spanish-inspired tapas dining. Standouts include spicy beer cheese dip, harissa rubbed half-chicken, and roasted sablefish. 102 E. Main St., Northville; 248-308-3057. D Tue.-Sat.

Lumen Detroit

NEW AMERICAN • A contemporary American menu and a Victor Saroki setting make the restaurant overlooking downtown’s Beacon Park one of the best of recent entrants onto the scene. Appetizers such as freshly made pretzels prelude main courses like the maple dijon salmon. 1903 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-626-5005. L Fri.-Sun., D. Wed.-Sun.

Mario’s

$$$

ITALIAN • This Midtown Detroit classic dates to 1948. Linen-covered tables, framed paintings on wood-paneled walls, expert waiters clad in black tie, and tableside preparation survive here. Italian dinners always begin with an antipasto tray and continue through soup, salad, pasta, and entree. 4222 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-832-1616. L,D daily.

Marrow

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN • This West Village restaurant and butcher shop hybrid is an ode to meat, especially unusual cuts. Diners must walk through the butcher shop, bypassing cases of pastrami and sausage, before entering the restaurant. Offerings from a sample tasting menu include Roasted Bone Marrow and Local Lamb ragu. 8044 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; 313-513-0361. L,D Thu.-Sun. marrowdetroit.com for more locations.

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 an empanada. The star of the show is the whole chicken with yassa. 21611 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-472-5885. L,D Tue.-Sun.

M Cantina

MEXICAN • Nuevo Latino street food is the premise at this surprising spot where everything from the tortilla chips to the salsas are made in-house in the open kitchen. Juices are freshly squeezed, and the menu of tortas,

Mercury Burger & Bar

BURGERS • This Corktown joint seats 70 around the zinc-covered bar set with Mercury (Liberty) dimes. The burger is available in a variety of iterations, such as Southwest Detroit with a chorizo slider, jalapeno, Müenster cheese, tortilla strips, and avocado. 2163 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-964-5000. L,D daily. tacos, tapas, and salads from the kitchen of Heidi and Junior Merino, from Hawaii and Mexico, is distinctive. 13214 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-399-9117. L,D daily.

Metropolitan Bar and Kitchen $$ LATIN • The business brings a bodega-style market along with a neighborhood restaurant and bar to West Village. The menu highlights local and seasonal ingredients in dishes like beet salad or the Metro “Mac” Burger. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit; 313-447-5418. B Sat.-Sun. D Tue.-Sat.

Michigan & Trumbull $$ ITALIAN-AMERICAN • Not your traditional carryout joint, Michigan and Trumbull is housed in a sleek, refurbished car-repair garage. The menu features square, deep-dish pies with Detroit-inspired names, such as Packard Pepperoni and Woodward White. 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 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 first come, first served patio seating for walk-in diners. 1701 Trumbull, Detroit; 313-351-0771; D Thu.-Sun.

The Monarch Club

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • At the 14th floor of the revamped Element Detroit Hotel located at the Metropolitan is The Monarch Club. It’s one of the most recent rooftop bars to open in metro Detroit and serves a variety of delicious small plates along with classic cocktails. 33 John R St., Detroit; 313-306-2380. L Sun. D daily.

Mootz Pizzeria & Bar

ITALIAN-AMERICAN • Bruno DiFabio, a six-time World Pizza Games champ, rejects the label New York-style for his fare. “It’s authentic New York pizza,” he says. In a hurry? Grab a slice from Side Hustle, Mootz’s by-the-slice counter next door. 1230 Library St., Detroit; 313-243-1230. L Fri.-Sun., L, D daily.

Motor City Brewing Works

$ BREWERY • Just 15 mostly nontraditional pizzas on excellent, chewy crust, and the option to build your own pie with various toppings. Plus, salads from locally grown greens to accompany the house-brewed beers. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 19350 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-832-2700. L,D daily

Mudgie’s Deli

$ DELI • 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 delicious place for a meal any time. 1413 Brooklyn St., Detroit; 313-961-2000. B Tue.Sat. L Tue.-Wed., L,D Thu.-Sat.

Nico & Vali

$$ ITALIAN • This eatery offers favorites with unexpected twists. The artichokes and chilies appetizer boasts battered and fried artichokes with Fresno and jalapeno peppers, tossed with fresh basil in white wine. Popular choices include the Whitefish Filet. It’s a classic Italian spot with an update that’s worth a visit. 744 Wing St., Plymouth; 734-207-7880. L Thu.-Sat., D Tue.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Oak & Reel

2022

SEAFOOD • Despite a global pandemic threatening to derail his longtime dream, chef Jared Gadbaw brought his vision of a seafood-focused Italian restaurant to life in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood in fall 2020. Oak & Reel’s resilience in the face of extreme adversity and its commitment to the vision of bringing diners impeccable dishes showcasing the freshest seafood, all presented with welcoming and knowledgeable service, is the reason we named Oak & Reel Hour Detroit’s Restaurant of the Year. The menu is seasonal and changes frequently. But in general, the crudos are pristine, the pastas are impeccable, and the seafood dishes are all well balanced and expertly prepared to accentuate the freshness and quality of the fish and shellfish. 2921 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-270-9600. D Thu.-Mon.

Olin

$$$

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

Ostrea

$$$

SEAFOOD • Located a floor above the iconic London Chop House and with 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 entrees 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-crusted pizzas, as well as interesting small plates typified by bruschetta, calamari, roasted garlic, and whipped goat cheese to be spread on paper-thin crostini. 1400 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-5500. L,D daily.

Pao Detroit

$$$

FUSION • Visit this upscale Pan-Asian fusion restaurant for Asian-themed cocktails and dishes, such as creamy rock shrimp, charred octopus, and filet mignon. Based in the former Michigan Oriental Theater, the interior combines new and old. 114 W. Adams Ave., Ste. 200, Detroit; 313-816-0000. L Sun., D Tue.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2018

Parc

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • Excellent food, exceptional service, and a crisp and formal but distinctly unstuffy atmosphere set this Campus Martius gem apart. Appetizer highlights include a bright and fresh tuna tartar and charred burrata. Main courses include an interesting blend of Italian food, wood-grilled steaks, and a red chile short rib. There’s also a large selection of dryaged gourmet steaks. 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313922-7272. L,D daily. BR Sat.-Sun.

Park Grill $$ MEDITERRANEAN • Mediterranean fare gets a Balkan spin. The menu offers tasting plates, pita-wrapped sandwiches, and salads, as well as entrees including chicken and beef shawarma, beef and pork kafta, lemon-pepper pork tenderloin, and lamb chops. Service is friendly and informal. 15102 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Park; 313264-1997. L,D daily.

Pegasus Taverna $$

GREEK • The cry of “opa!” resounds in St. Clair Shores at the second edition of the longstanding Greektown restaurant. 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 Tue-Sun (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 here include summer rolls and crisp spring rolls. Look for Asian beers and robust Vietnamese coffee. 3111 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-338-3895. L,D Wed.-Mon.

Polish Village Café $

POLISH • The “Polish plate” includes stuffed cabbage, pierogi, kielbasa, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes and gravy. The dill pickle soup and city chicken are standouts, too. A Detroit staple, where this cuisine getting harder to find. 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. Here 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 potato, and sauerkraut. 2934 Yemans St., Hamtramck; L, D daily

Puma $$

SOUTH AMERICAN • Walk on in to 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 the empanadas, plus refreshing cocktails. Live DJs are a regular source of entertainment. 4725 16th St., Detroit; 313-819-6804. D Thu.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2019

Prime + Proper

$$$$

STEAKHOUSE • Downtown Detroit dining gets a major shot of glamour with this over-the-top steak and seafood emporium on the corner of Griswold and State streets. Although red meat, from prime dry-aged Tomahawk ribeye to Wagyu strip, is the focus — and yes, there’s a burger made with a dry-aged butcher’s blend — oysters, king crab, and caviar aren’t far behind. An elegant white and gold setting backgrounds it all. 1145 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-636-3100. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Prism

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • Greektown Casino-Hotel’s renamed eatery is located off the main casino. The menu features local ingredients, steaks, and fresh seafood. 555 E. Lafayette St., Detroit; 313-309-2499. D Wed.-Sun.

Rocky’s of Northville $$

NEW AMERICAN • Menu includes shrimp cocktail, smoked whitefish pate, and broiled Great Lakes whitefish. Also try 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 their signature Gnocchi Rita. 9924 Dix Ave., Dearborn; 313-842-2100. L,D daily.

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.

Sana’a

YEMENI • This authentic Yemeni restaurant is a hidden gem. Try the lamb haneeth: slow roasted, fall-off-thebone 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.

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.

The Sardine Room $$$

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

Savannah Blue $$ SOUL FOOD • Dine on upscale soul food like the red snapper and the 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 that accompany 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; 313-403-1000. D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Selden Standard

2016

$$$

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar

2020

$$$

ITALIAN • Chef Anthony Lombardo takes fresh and housemade to a new level with this Midtown restaurant that serves only dinner from a menu inspired by Italian cooking specific to Rome. Milling all of his own flour for his pastas, breads, and polenta in house, Lombardo, well known as the former executive chef at Bacco, serves a selection of simple but elegant regional Italian dishes. 438 Selden St., Detroit; 313-315-3992. D Tue.-Sun

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.

Slows Bar BQ $$

BARBEQUE • The brick-and-wood original in Corktown gained a following for its pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. They expanded with a “to go” spot in Midtown. 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 entrees such as Thai pork skewers and the house cheeseburger. 225 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313241-5719. 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.

Sweet Soul Bistro

SOUL FOOD • The large menu includes homages to Detroit musicians, from Stevie Wonder Wonderful Wings to Aretha Franklin Catfish Bites. Also notable are the crab cakes. In the evening, the bistro transforms into a club. 13741 W. McNichols Road, Detroit; 313- 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 • More than 40 HD flatscreen TVs for sports fans, plus sports memorabilia. The menu features comfort food and pub classics: burgers, wings, and house nachos. Pizza and more upscale entrees are also available, as are more than 50 beers. Bring your family and friends for a very entertaining night on the town. 1777 Third St., Detroit; 313-465-1234. B,L,D daily.

Townhouse $$$

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

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, the tuna tostada, the half red snapper, and broccolini in green mole. 4100 Third Ave., Detroit; 313-500-1615. D Tue.-Sun.

Vertical Detroit

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • This wine-centric restaurant puts the focus on pairing chef Matt Barnes’ innovative cuisine with owners James and Rémy Lutfy’s nationally recognized wine program. The menu emphasizes locally sourced protein, seafood, and produce. A must-try for any wine enthusiast. 1538 Centre St., Detroit; 313-7329463. D Tue.-Sat. Not wheelchair accessible.

Vesper Books and Wine $$

Vesper Books and Wine

WINE BAR • Nestled into a refurbished bank building in Core City, Vesper Books and Wine offers biodynamic wines by the glass or bottle along with small bites. Half bar and half bookstore, 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 non-alcoholic 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.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits $ SANDWICH/DELI • This Eastern Market classic has been run by the Vivio family for more than 40 years. Sandwiches and burgers are mainstays, but diners also appreciate the steamed mussels. 3601 Twelve Mile Road, Warren; 586-576-0495. L,D daily.

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 cuisines, including burgers, wings, tacos, hibachi bowls, and pit-style barbecue. 10635 W. McNichols Road, Detroit. L,D Tue.-Sun.

The Whitney

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN • The historic 1890s mansion is still going strong. The menu is typified by classic beef Wellington, wrapped in spinach, prosciutto, and pastry; and 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.

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 pate, and grilled sea scallops are the focus. The menu highlights seasonal dishes around a composed shared plates concept. 1500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-962-7711. D Tue.-Sat.

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.

Yum Village

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

Oakland

168 Crab & Karaoke $$

PAN-ASIAN • Don’t judge by 168 Crab & Karaoke’s unassuming strip mall location. It’s a unique experience that meshes food, karaoke, and pop party culture into a one-stop destination. As the name suggests, seafood is the main attraction here, specifically the seafood boils, which come with your choice of seafood (crab, clams, lobster, etc.), with sauce, corn and potatoes. 32415 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248-616-0168. D daily.

220 Merrill

$$$ NEW AMERICAN • The menu includes apps and small plates as well as pan roasted salmon, tuna tartar, and oysters on the half shell. There are heartier entrees as well, like the braised beef short ribs. 220 Merrill St., Birmingham; 248-646-2220. L, D daily.

Adachi

$$$

JAPANESE-INSPIRED • Heading the kitchen is Lloyd Roberts, who has trained in the kitchens of celebrity chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Nobu Matsuhisa. Here, short rib bao buns are served with pickled cucumber and fresh scallions and miniature tacos are filled with lobster. 325 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-540-5900. L,D daily.

Andiamo $$

Anita’s Kitchen $

LEBANESE • With pita pizzas and lamb chops, the Lebanese food here is some of the best around. And there’s vegetarian and gluten-free fare, too. Healthy, nutritious, and delicious. See website for locations; anitaskitchen. com

At Anano’s $$

GEORGIAN • The first of its kind in Michigan, At Anano’s celebrates the largely obscure cuisine of Georgia, a small country on the border of Europe and the 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 chicken dressed in a rich walnut sauce, and traditional Georgian style salad, represent the best the country’s cuisine has to offer. 29410 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills; L, D Thu.-Sun., Tue.

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, truffle demi-glace tossed in cream sauce. Other delectables include and peppers, steak, and seafood. Watch out for Al Capone in the men’s room. 6199 Orchard Lake Rd, 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 Rd, Commerce Township; 248360-6650; D daily.

Bella Piatti $$

ITALIAN • The location right across from the Townsend Hotel has inspired a number of visiting celebrities, professional athletes, and film crews who stay there to check out the Italian fare at this restaurant. The menu of such dishes as Gemelli pasta with fresh tomato sauce; salmon baked with spinach, kalamata olives, white wine, and tomatoes; and tagliatelle Bolognese stands on its own. 167 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-494-7110. D Tue.-Sat.

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 the 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.

Beverly Hills Grill

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • This Beverly Hills institution has built a loyal following over the years with its California vibe and dawn-to-dark schedule. They’re still serving crowd favorites like their BHG Burger and classic eggs benedict. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills; 248-6422355. B, L, D Tue.-Sat. B, L Sun.

Bigalora: Wood Fired Cucina

$$ ITALIAN • The pizza concept from chef Luciano Del Signore, a four-time James Beard Award nominee, features small plates, fresh pastas, wood-roasted meats, and a range of distinctive Neopolitan pizzas. See website for locations; bigalora.com

Birmingham Pub

$$$ GASTROPUB • This stylish yet casual gastropub from the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group took over the former Triple Nickel space. True to its name, the restaurant’s bill of fare features pub classics taken up a notch, such as fish and chips served with jalapeno 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 

Café Cortina

2003

$$$

ITALIAN • For nearly 50 years, Cafe 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 Mille Foglie 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 décor and its “globally inspired food.” Such dishes as short rib steamed buns, Chinese chicken salad, Singapore street noodles, and Korean fried chicken share the menu with burgers, steak frites, and fresh seafood. Garage door-style windows open onto the patio on warm days. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township; 248-642-4000. D daily.

Capital Grille

$$$

STEAKHOUSE • Hand-cut, dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood dishes are the stars at Capital Grille. The restaurant’s outstanding wine list features over 350 labels. The setting is appropriate for both business lunches and social events and includes well-appointed private dining rooms. 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy; 248-649-5300. L,D daily.

Casa Pernoi

$$$$

ITALIAN • Three months after its grand opening, what once was a multi-hyphenate concept, blending French, Asian, and Italian cuisine, soon defaulted simply to a cuisine most familiar to chef Luciano DelSignore: Italian. Housemade pastas rolled by hand, 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 known best 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 the 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; 248-677-4439. L,D daily.

Cornbread Restaurant & Bar

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

Crispelli’s Bakery Pizzeria

$ ITALIAN-INSPIRED • This hybrid offers artisanal pizzas from a brick oven, salads, paninis, and soups. A bakery offers crusty breads, desserts, and meals to go. 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

RESTAURANT LISTINGS 12.25

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, spinach, 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

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; 248-968-4060. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar $$ LEBANESE • The lamb and chicken shawarma, shish kafta, kibbee nyeh, and other Lebanese dishes are emphasized by the décor, including photomurals of old Beirut and strings of blue beads cascading from the ceiling. A fun place to frequent for a quick lunch or a night out with friends. 263 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248647-2420. L,D Mon.-Sat.

The Fed $$

GASTROPUB • An attractive restaurant with great food and a delightfully refreshing atmosphere. The menu crosses boundaries, from shareables, like Spanish Octopus and Wild Mushroom 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.

Garage Grill & Fuel Bar $$

NEW AMERICAN • The car-themed rooms of a former 1940s gas station are as fresh and appealing as the dishes themselves. The kitchen serves up a variety of seafood starters and “full-size sedan” entrees, as well as pizzas. 202 W. Main St., Northville; 248-924-3367. D Wed.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun.

Gran Castor $$

LATIN STREET • From the duo behind hit spots like Vinsetta Garage and Union Woodshop comes this

vibrant Latin-American café and restaurant. At Gran Castor, the dining room is equally as decadent as the food and drinks served. Grab a $5 margarita between 4 p.m.-6 p.m. daily. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy; 248278-7777. D daily.

Hazel’s $$

SEAFOOD • What was once multiple concepts under one roof named after the three neighborhoods that converged right where the restaurant stands (Hazel, Ravine and Downtown) is now simply Hazel’s. The casual and comfortable restaurant specializes in authentic dishes, drinks, and vibes from some of the country’s top seafood destinations. Here you’ll find dishes like Maine-caught lobster, Maryland Blue Crab, and more. 1 Peabody St., Birmingham; 248-671-1714. D Tue.-Sun., B,L Sat.-Sun.

Honcho $

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2002

Hong Hua $

CHINESE • One of the best area restaurants dedicated to Asian food offers some rare delicacies 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; 248-489-2280. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

$$$$

STEAKHOUSE • This plush modern steakhouse offers dry-aged prime and Kobe-style wagyu beef in a fun, clubby setting. An extensive wine list accompanies the restaurant menu that also features platters of chilled fresh seafood. 201 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-594-4369. D daily. 17107 Haggerty Road, Northville Twp.; 248-679-0007. D Tue.-Sun.

Imperial

MEXICAN-INSPIRED • The menu offers California-style tacos on soft tortillas, including lime-grilled chicken, carnitas, and marinated pork, as well as slow-roasted pork tortas, and guacamole. 22828 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248-850-8060. L,D daily.

Joe Muer

J-Bird Smoked Meats $$ BARBEQUE • Wood-smoked meats served with the traditional sides of cornbread, buttermilk slaw, and mac and cheese, are what’s 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.

$$$$

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. Save room for dessert, because the coconut cake is not to be missed. A piano bar adds to the vibe. 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 and 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 Street, Royal Oak; 248-629-6500. L,D daily Mon.-Sun.

Lao Pot $$$

CHINESE • In 2019, the owners of Madison Heights’ international market 168 Asian Mart opened Lao Pot, which specializes in Chinese Hot Pot cuisine. Hot Pot is a traditional method of cooking, using a pot of simmering broth, which sits in the center of the dining table. Lao Pot allows diners to customize and cook their meals right at their tables, combining great food and a memorable experience. 32707 John R. Road, Madison Heights; 248-689-9888. L,D daily.

La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar $$$

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

Lellis Inn

ITALIAN • Dinners begin with an antipasto tray, creamy minestrone, salad, side dish of spaghetti, and then — nine times out of 10 — a filet mignon with zip sauce. 885 N. Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills; 248-373-4440. L,D daily.

Lincoln Yard/Little Yard

NEW AMERICAN • From Union Joints, the oven-centric restaurant features a rotisserie, a smoker, and a woodfired 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. They also offer happy hour specials from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays. A great special occasion place or delicious workday lunch spot for whenever you need a break from the office. 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 graband-go convenience of “street food.” Its sandwiches are stuffed in piadina, a rustic Italian flatbread. 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; 248-677-3331. L,D Fri.-Wed..

Luxe Bar & Grill $$

NEW AMERICAN • The simple menu at this Grosse Pointe Farms joint offers burgers on brioche buns and interesting salads and sides, as well as entrees typified by wildcaught salmon, prime filet, 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 multi-course tasting option, as well as a daily listing of changing items that never disappoint. It’s a fine dining experience that is certainly worth a visit. 23825 John R Road, Hazel Park; 248-398-4300. D Tue.-Sat.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  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-favorite classics, with a serious kitchen that offers traditional American dishes as well as hints of global influences. 474 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-712-4953. L,D daily.

The Meeting House $$

ECLECTIC AMERICAN • This eclectic American menu includes steak frites remarkably close to those at Paris bistros, and a house made soft pretzel with roasted jalapeno-goat cheese dip. 301 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-759-4825. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Mesa Tacos And Tequila $ MEXICAN-AMERICAN • The two-story setting includes balcony seating in a big, open room where the bar gets equal time with the kitchen. The pop-Mexican menu — which includes guacamole, nachos, and the titular tacos — is backed up with an array of tequilas. 312 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-545-1940. L, D daily.

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; 248689-2332. D daily.

Noble Fish $ JAPANESE • For over 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 import beers and bang-foryour-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 smash burgers are the perfect answer to a cold pint. You can also kick it up a notch with Hungarian sausage, schnitzels, or pastrami — the latter stuffed in deli-style sandwiches and deep-fried chimichangas, or mixed in pastrami hash for weekend brunch. 13621 W. 11 Mile Road; oakparkerbar.com; B Sat.-Sun, L,D daily.

Ocean Prime

$$$$

SEAFOOD • An upper-end steak-and-fish place and a popular business lunch site. The menu features naturally harvested fresh fish and prime aged beef. Don’t miss the chocolate peanut butter pie or the carrot cake. A triedand-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 beerhall sensibility to this popular spot. The kitchen delivers New Orleans-themed dishes such as Chicken Tchoupitoulas with tasso ham and bearnaise sauce, as well as a mouth-watering bacon burger. Weekend brunch features delicious housemade doughnuts. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale; 248-808-6633. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

O.W.L.

MEXICAN-AMERICAN • This Royal Oak spot offers sustenance for the early birds to the night owls. Step up to the counter and order from the letterboard menu before grabbing a stool at the counter or along the window ledge. Dishes here include such diner musts as eggs, sausage and potato hash, burgers, and chicken wings as well as tacos and nachos served from the open kitchen. 27302 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-808-6244. B, L,D daily.

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; 248644-3122. 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 rib-eye, 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.

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

Redcoat Tavern $ BURGERS • The half-pound choice beef hamburger is always atop the list of local favorites. But a low-fat, high-flavor Piedmontese beef one is tastier than the original. This is the place for your burger craving. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-549-0300. 6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248865-0500. L,D Mon.-Sat.

GIVE THE GIFT OF HANDCRAFTED ART

Shop for the perfect gifts –from pottery and tiles handcrafted in Detroit since 1903, to work by over 50 independent artists –during Pewabic’s annual Holiday Showcase. Make memories during your visit with tour and workshop experiences, and be sure to explore the Pewabic Museum!

Vases in Elm and new Balsam glaze with Scalloped Candle Holders in Matte Green Iridescent

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 and 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 flat-iron steak and littleneck clams. 3125 12 Mile Road, Berkley; 248-468-4487. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Rochester Chop House $$

NEW AMERICAN • Two restaurants in one; Kabin Kruser’s and the Chop House. There’s a throwback roadhouse-style feeling about the Chop House, which has a menu divided between red meat and fresh fish and seafood. Signature dishes include calamari, Maryland jumbo lump crabcakes, and a large selection of aged steaks, rack of lamb, and steak/seafood combinations. 306 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-651-2266. L Mon.-Fri., D daily

Ronin $$

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

Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse

$$$$

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

Sambong $

KOREAN • Known for its signature naengmyeon (a Korean cold noodle dish), Sambong is a fully self-service restaurant with unique offerings like complementary 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.

Silver Spoon $$

ITALIAN • This quintessential slice of Italy features excellent food, knowledgeable staff, and friendly service. Try the bucatini made with pancetta, onion, red wine, and fresh tomato sauce. Also worth trying: saltimbocca alla Romana, or veal scaloppini sautéed in white wine. A truly delicious place for any kind of outing. 543 N. Main St., Rochester; 248-652-4500. D Mon.-Sat.

Social Kitchen & Bar

sandwiches, crispy Brussels sprouts, and salmon with braised lentils, crispy kale, and a mustard vinaigrette. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham; 248-594-4200. L Mon.-Fri., D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

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. A delicious restaurant for all palates to enjoy and feel comfortable in. 273 Pierce St.Birmingham; 248-645-9123. L Thu.-Fri., D daily.

Sylvan Table

$$$

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

Take Sushi

JAPANESE • Crisp salads, sashimi, sushi, oversize bowls of soba or udon noodles, and all the familiar — and some not-so-familiar — entrees combine to make this spot special. The exceptionally warm service is unforgettable. 1366 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 248652-7800. L,D Tue.-Sat., D Sun.

Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro

$$ WINE BAR • Understated décor and a pared-down menu of seasonal dishes make this spot a Birmingham classic. The kitchen turns out dishes like Lamb Belly Ragu with housemade pasta; and whole branzino with charred zucchini and romesco. Wine is served by the glass, the pitcher, or bottle. 155 S. Bates St., Birmingham; 248-731-7066. D Mon.-Sat.

Three Cats Restaurant

$ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • Formerly a small café serving customers of the boutique Leon & Lulu, Three Cats is now a full-fledged restaurant. 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, such as vodka from Ferndale’s Valentine’s Distilling Co. and wines from grapes grown on the Leelanau Peninsula. Patrons can even take home the colorful, quirky chairs or tables, as most of the furniture at Three Cats Restaurant is available for purchase. 116 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson; 248288-4858. L,D Tue.-Fri., B,L,D Sat.-Sun.

TigerLily

$$$

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

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; 248-733-4905. D daily.

Toast, A Breakfast & Lunch Joint $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • It’s fun, it’s breezy, and the food at Toast, A Breakfast & Lunch Joint is very, very good. Try the huevos rancheros: fried eggs upon corn tortillas, pintos, and cheese. Toast, a Neighborhood Joint, the spinoff of the Ferndale original has a more elaborate setting pairing ’50s retro with sleek contemporary in a pair of rooms. The new menu features twists to comfort food. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-398-0444. 203 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248258-6278. 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. Plus, just across the lot is Twelve Oaks Mall, should you fancy an evening of shopping and dinner. 27790 Novi Road, Novi; 248-2776000. B Mon.-Fri., L,D Tue.-Sat. BR Sat.-Sun.

Townhouse

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • This popular Birmingham spot for comforting New American dishes has several exceptional offerings on its menu, such as the specialty 10 ounces of 28-day dry-aged beef hamburger on brioche. 180 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-792-5241. L,D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-7231000. L,D daily.

Union Woodshop

BARBEQUE • 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, and Neapolitan-style crisp-crusted pizzas from the wood-burning oven. And definitely check out the mac and cheese. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248625-5660. 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. A restaurant that pays true homage to the city of Detroit. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley; 248-548-7711. L,D daily

Voyager

SEAFOOD • Fresh seafood with emphasis on oysters is the premise in this hard-to-find location. The space entails convivially close quarters for such dishes as peel-n’-eat shrimp, 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.

Macomb

Andiamo $$

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

Bar Verona $$

ITALIAN • Modernized, made-from-scratch Italian favorites curated by Chef Salvatore Borgia as well as fresh craft cocktails fill the menu at this stylish eatery. Homemade pastas, such as Giuseppe’s, as well as a selection of steaks and seafood dishes typify the contemporary approach to fresh and 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 to sip on from one of the U.S.’s top-producing hard cider brands, plis bar-food staples with a twist. It’s s steps away from family-friendly seasonal activities at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill. 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; 586-784-5343. L,D daily.

Butter Run Saloon $

GASTROPUB • Solid American fare that’s beyond bar food (although their burgers are certainly noteworthy). There’s escargot, perch, steaks, and a huge whiskey selection — over a thousand at last count. 27626 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-675-2115. B, L,D daily.

Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar $$

ITALIAN • Da Francesco’s has been around for more than 15 years, but its massive new facility is packing in the crowds by offering traditional Italian dining with an upbeat modern twist. 49521 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-7544. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat., L,D Sun.

Detroit Fish House $$

SEAFOOD • This restaurant feels like a true coastal eatery, thanks to an extensive menu of fresh fish and seafood that ranges from salmon to Lake Superior whitefish — all served in a well-designed setting. 51195 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Charter Township; 586-739-5400. L Mon.Fri., D daily.

Gaudino’s $$

ITALIAN • The trending market-restaurant combo has a good example at this spot. It offers imported pastas and sauces, plus a butcher counter with sausages and a wine assortment. The menu offers pasta and pizza, salads, and entrees, including 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

Host Utica $$

VARIOUS • With a rotating cast of culinarians that shifts about once every few months, Host Utica is a great place to constantly try something new — and to get a first taste of concepts from up-and-coming chefs. The Instagram-friendly 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; 586-4880134. D Tue.-Sat., BR daily.

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; 586-8837526. L,D Tue.-Sat., BR Sun.

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 • At this Macomb staple, owners and brothers chef Isaiah and Chris Sonjeow serve a modernized take on Thai food, seasoned with what they call “a dash of good ol’ Southern hospitality.” Sip a specialty cocktail and 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; 586247-7773. L Tues., Sun., D Tues.-Sat.

Luigi’s: The Original

ITALIAN • This cozy Italian eatery opened its doors in 1953. The sizeable menu offers prime rib, pasta, pizza, and well-prepared seafood. 36691 Jefferson Ave., Harrison Township; 586-468-7711; D Wed.-Sun.

Mr. Paul’s Chophouse

$$$

STEAKHOUSE • This bastion of red meat as well as classic dishes is still going strong. Try old-school tableside presentations such as Chateaubriand and Caesar salad. There’s a solid selection of fresh seafood and pasta, too. The founding family still runs the place and emphasizes great hospitality and a heckuva good time. 29850 Groesbeck Hwy., Roseville; 586-777-7770. L,D Mon.-Fri., D Sat.

Sherwood Brewing Co. $

GASTROPUB • Quality local ingredients raise Sherwood’s fare to well above “elevated pub grub.” Some notable choices include the hand-stretched pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and spicy Buffalo Mac. 45689 Hayes Road, Shelby Township; 586-532-9669. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Steakhouse 22 $$

STEAKHOUSE • The late Nick Andreopoulos once spent time as a “broiler man” at London Chop House. His family stays true to those roots at this American steakhouse with a casual, neighborhood feel. They offer an array of well-prepared angus steaks, plus seafood and pasta dishes. With the sizable lunch and portions offered at Steakhouse 22, good luck saving room for dessert! 48900 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-3900. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Testa Barra

ITALIAN • 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.

Waves

SEAFOOD • Seafood covers most of the menu at this Nautical Mile favorite. It’s a tough task choosing between such popular appetizers as coconut shrimp, crispy grouper nuggets, and plump steamed mussels. Entrees include al dente pastas and 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, Youngblood Vineyard 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 Rd., Ray; 586-770-5220; D Thu.-Sun.

Washtenaw

Bellflower

NEW AMERICAN • A restaurant housed in a former exchange of the Michigan Bell Telephone Company, Bellflower answers Ypsilanti’s call for fine dining with an adventurous flair. Boudin sausage with roasted okra, baked oysters, and ginger ale or Coca-Cola-roasted beets showed up on early menus as chef Dan Klenotic’s way of straddling the line of creole tradition and an imaginative style that is entirely his own. He was recognized as a James Beard semifinalist in 2024. 209 Pearl St., Ypsilanti. D Mon. L, D Tue-Sat. L Sun.

Black Pearl

SEAFOOD • This seafood and martini bar is especially popular during patio season. But step inside for a host of craft cocktails, then stay for dinner. A seafood-dominated menu includes a notable Misoyaki Salmon dish. Non-seafood options include the eponymous burger and filet mignon. And make sure to order dessert. 302 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-0400. D daily.

Blue LLama Jazz Club $$

CREATIVE AMERICAN • Come to this swanky jazz club for the music, featuring headliners such as the Grammy-nominated Ravi Coltrane Quartet, but stay for chef Louis Goral’s delicious food — steaks, seafood, and upscale Southern-style fare. 314 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-372-3200. D Wed.-Sat.

The Blue Nile $$

ETHIOPIAN • The real treat at this quaint restaurant is injera, a spongy bread used to scoop the meal, eaten with your 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 —chicken, goat, and vegetable dishes, in which the rice is first cooked, then baked. All the Indian favorites are available at Cardamom, such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh, and warm, fluffy, made-fresh garlic naan. It’s the ideal spot for when you’re craving the classics. 1739 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-662-2877. 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 Garret 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; 734-669-3310. L,D daily. BR Sat.-Sun.

Echelon Kitchen & Bar

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN • Placing an emphasis on wood fired cooking and local produce, Echelon Kitchen & Bar offers ala carte dining in addition to a seven-course chef’s tasting menu. The vegetable-forward menu elevates simple ingredients, like cauliflower and broccolini 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. Entrees 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.

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. But Ma Lou’s shines especially in its ability to craft the perfect sandwich (made with your choice of chicken or tofu and spice levels from “Classic Southern” to “Spicy AF,” which may bring tears to your eyes). For instance, try The Hot Chick, stacked with a combination of the ultra-spicy Nashville hot baste, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese, and jalapeño ranch. 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 tastes. 341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-769-6700. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Miss Kim $$ KOREAN • This spinoff from the Zingerman’s mini empire comes courtesy of chef Ji Hye Kim, a James Beard semifinalist. Kim meticulously researches Korean culinary traditions and recipes to create her unique blend of modern Korean food highlighting Michigan vegetables, from housemade kimchi to the tteokbokki (rice cakes). Some of the restaurant’s standouts include a craveable Korean fried chicken and its plantbased counterpart the Korean fried tofu. 415 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, 734-275-0099. L and D Wed.-Mon.

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 — with delightfully refreshing results. On the ever-changing menu, standout small plates have included ketchup fried rice and the savory kampachi and prosciutto: Italian dry-cured ham and amberjack sashimi. 118 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734773-3097. 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 is the noodle (Yagihashi’s “soul food”), which is made in-house daily on a machine imported from Japan. 608 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-887-6868. L,D daily.

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, and orange duck confit with North African spices. 113 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-369-3979; D Thu,-Sun (by reservation only)

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. On the barbecue side of things, order shareable grill-it-yourself meals like short ribs, pork belly, and marinated chicken — plus stir-fries, hot pots, and more. 505 E. Liberty St., Suites 100-200, Ann Arbor; 734-995-8668 (Tomukun Noodle Bar); 734-3692602 (Tomukun Korean BBQ). L,D daily.

Venue by 4M

$$$

High-quality coffee; a diverse selection of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails and sustainably sourced wine; and a wide variety of elevated cuisine, such as goat cheese ravioli can be found in this highend mixed-use food hall. 1919 S. Industrial Highway, Ann Arbor; 734-800-0128; experience4m.com

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.

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village is back! Stroll lantern-lit streets, hear carolers sing, ride in a horsedrawn wagon, and end the night with fireworks in the winter sky. It’s a tradition you won’t want to miss — but tickets sell quickly. Add extra magical memories with tickets to special holiday dinners and more. And become a member today to save on tickets to Michigan’s favorite holiday tradition.

Presented By:

Holiday Favorites INSPIRED GIFT

QUIX CHOCOLATE

Chocolate Gift Box

Enjoy this 25-piece Quix Chocolate Gift Box, bursting with rich, handcrafted ﬂavors made from premium ingredients. It’s perfect for spreading warmth and joy this holiday season, wrapped in elegant, festive packaging.

221 W. Troy St., Suite 200 Ferndale, MI 48220

248-455-6504 | quixchocolate.com

ZARE COSMETIC SURGERY

Gift Cards

Give the gift of conﬁdence this holiday season! Zare Cosmetic Surgery gift cards can be used toward surgical and nonsurgical treatments — from Botox to body contouring. The perfect present for someone who deserves to glow!

HARP’S LINGERIE

Intrigue Lingerie Set

120 E. University Drive, Suite B Rochester, MI 48307

248-446-7655 zarecosmeticsurgery.com

This holiday, give the gift of lingerie from Harp’s Lingerie. With romantic ﬂoral embroidery and delicate details, the Intrigue Set from Simone Pérèle is perfectly sexy and eﬀortlessly wearable — a beautiful match for the season of love and giving.

265 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009 248-642-2555 | harps-lingerie.com

Holiday Favorites INSPIRED GIFT IDEAS

RAIL AND ANCHOR

Candles

502 S. Washington Ave. Royal Oak, MI 48067 248-397-8985 | railandanchor.com

Show your Lions pride with these prayer candles featuring Dan Campbell, Jared Goﬀ, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Aidan Hutchinson. Perfect for fans and gift-givers alike, these candles blend faith, fandom, and festive Detroit spirit all season long.

FREDRICK JEWELERS

White-Gold Ring Set with Diamonds

DEE DEE’S FINE VINTAGE

Assortment of Gifts

At Dee Dee’s, you’ll discover thoughtfully curated gifts including vintage home décor, heritage barware, handcrafted home textiles, locally made art and jewelry, Detroit Rose candles, herbal loose-leaf teas, Michigan-made honey and preserves, and more.

288 W. 14 Mile Road Clawson, MI 48017

248-780-1700 deedeesﬁnevintage.com

889 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomﬁeld Hills, MI 48302 248-646-0973 | fredrickjewelersmi.com

Fredrick Jewelers oﬀers timeless gifts — such as this 14-karat white-gold ring set with 1.06 carats of diamonds — that celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. Discover enduring elegance this holiday season at its Bloomﬁeld Hills showroom.

Charity Calendar

AUBURN HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SILVER & GOLD AWARDS

Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to noon

auburnhillschamber.com

The Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Silver & Gold Awards on Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. Held during a festive holiday brunch, the event honors outstanding businesses and professionals in the Auburn Hills community. More than 350 business and community leaders are expected to attend. Award nominees and recipients will be announced.

AUTOGLOW 2026: DRIVEN TO BE HEARD

Jan. 16, 4:30 p.m. to midnight thechildrenscenter.com/autoglow-2026

AutoGlow 2026: Driven to Be Heard will return to Michigan Central for an evening celebration hosted by Lisa and Bill Ford and Lia and Jim Farley.

The annual event benefits The Children’s Center, a Detroit nonprofit that serves as a beacon of hope for children and families across the city. Each year, more than 4,000 children and families turn to the organization for behavioral health services, child welfare support, and community engagement and advocacy programs.

Through its mission to heal children and strengthen families, The Children’s Center works to build resilience and create a brighter future for Detroit’s youth — because when children heal, Detroit heals.

Guests of AutoGlow will enjoy on-site valet parking, a prereception, luxury motor coach transportation to and from the Detroit Auto Show Charity Preview, live entertainment, and more. Proceeds from the event help amplify the voices of Detroit’s most vulnerable children.

FINSTROM’S CHRISTMAS CANCER CLASSIC

Dec. 14, 3 p.m.

foundationforfamilies.org

Hockey heroes will hit the ice to support Michigan families facing cancer as the Detroit Red Wings Alumni take on local first responders in a benefit game for the New Day Foundation for Families. The community is invited to enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly activities while supporting local families affected by cancer.

The New Day Foundation for Families is Michigan’s only nonprofit providing both financial assistance and emotional support to families navigating any type of cancer anywhere in the state. The organization pays critical living expenses directly to creditors to cover housing, utilities, transportation, food, insurance, and other essential household costs, while also offering emotional care to patients, caregivers, and their loved ones.

DETROIT AUTO SHOW CHARITY PREVIEW GALA

Jan. 16, 5 to 10 p.m.

detroitautoshow.com

You’re invited to walk the red carpet at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show Charity Preview on Friday, Jan. 16, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Huntington Place in Detroit. For one magical night, this black-tie fundraiser benefits six amazing children’s charities and gives its guests an exclusive preview of stunning cars and a headline performance by international superstar and five-time Grammy Award nominee Robin Thicke. Beneficiaries of the Charity Preview include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, The Children’s Center, the Children’s Foundation, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund, Detroit PAL, and University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

Tickets are $400 each or $700 a pair and available at detroitautoshow.com.

360 Detroit Charity Fete

PHOTOS BY LINDSAY SCHWEICKERT

360 DETROIT INC., an organization that works to help community members become financially stable by increasing property and land values, hosted its 2025 Charity Fete on Aug. 7 at Huntington Tower to support this cause. The event encouraged guests to dress in “summer chic” attire as they enjoyed food, music, and spectacular views of the city. Learn more at 360detroitinc.org.

1. Nianni Parker, George Adams Jr., Lisa Jordan 2. Charlese Gaston, Stacey Askew 3. Jared Webb, Hadassah Anderson, Taylor McKnight, Isaac Anderson 4. Angilena Davis-Lindsey, Alexis Camper, LeShelle McCray 5. N’Jeri Laird, N’Tia Jones, George Adams Jr. 6. Patrece Hamblin, Tamara Hunter 7. Courtney Elledge, Aisha Baldwin-Mercer 8. Tony Davis, Latisha Johnson 9. Mahogany Love, George Adams Jr., Rebecca Boyer 10. N’Tia Jones, Dylon Ledbetter 11. Kayla Banks, Chef Cliff Jackson, Ari Minott 12. Ingrid Shepherd, Noel Merritt, LaFawn Felder

2025 Ovation Cruise for a Cause

PHOTOS BY KEVIN BEAN

NEXT STEPS 4 SENIORS FOUNDATION

bridges the financial gap for low-income seniors in need of proper housing and care. Its signature summer event took place Aug. 13 in St. Clair Shores aboard the Ovation yacht, where guests enjoyed live music, an open bar, and a strolling dinner. Learn more at nextsteps4seniorsfoundation.org.

1. David and Michelle Sperry 2. Dan Delfoss, Natalia Petraszczuk 3. Stephanie Aldridge, Erica Ancel, Natalia Petraszczuk 4. Jerri Medved, Colin Vincent, Lisa Cooney

5. Amira and Dominic Russo, Frank and Susan Pantalena, Joanna Jones, Diane Wilhelm 6. Jack Drake, Emily Carpenter, Lubel Arche, Albert Morales, Trent Lancaster

7. Alicia Peruski, Joanna Gorecki, Stephanie Murphy 8. John Domanick, Deanee Mauser 9. Liz Miles, Janella Robinson, Nikki Williams, Jennifer Carson 10. Danielle and Bill Adams, Wendy Jones, Lori Ann Richard, Donna Curran

25th Annual Ted Lindsay Foundation

Celebrity Golf Outing

PHOTOS BY ERIN MARIE MILLER

THIS YEAR’S Ted Lindsay Foundation Celebrity Golf Outing was hosted at Oakland University in Rochester on the campus’s two world-class golf courses: the R&S Sharf Golf Course and the Katke-Cousins Golf Course. Featuring both live and silent auctions, the Sept. 9 event raised funds for autism research, education, and support efforts, which have been the central tenets of the Ted Lindsay Foundation since its founding in 2001. Learn more at tedlindsay.org.

1. Dave Riger, Lynn Lindsay LaPaugh, Lomas Brown, Lew LaPaugh 2. Brett Saint Cyr, Tim Opie and Alex Sheey 3. Bruce Roesler, Kelly Roesler, Brad Taube and Bill Emborsky 4. Dave Bergen and Al Lux 5. Glenn Cooper and Cameron Cooper 6. David Butler, Susan Thomson and Chuck Thomson 7. George Bowman, Sarah Renicker, Ashley Thomas and Eddie Mio 8. Jeff McConnell and Milo Eisenstein 9. Ryan Irvin and Eli Isaguirre 10. Chelsea Wood, Jan Greulich, Hailey Kelly, Beverly Vines, Logan Humitz and Courtney Greulich 11. Blair Ingraham, George Bowman, Matthew Wittbrodt 12. Lisa Thomson and Nick Thomson

The Way It Was

1925

AMONG THE THOUSANDS of loyal customers over the decades at the Simmons and Clark jewelry store, now celebrating its 100th anniversary on Broadway across from the Detroit Opera House, perhaps none has been more famous than legendary Detroit Tigers slugger Hank Greenberg. The Hall of Famer is pictured here (left) in 1937 purchasing a solid-gold Benrus watch from the store’s co-founder Fred Simmons.

Lured by the Motor City’s booming economy, Simmons moved to Detroit in 1920 and worked in sales for Friedberg Jewelers, where he created thousands of accounts by pioneering in-house financing at $1-down and $1-a-week credit terms, making luxury jewelry and watches accessible to everyone.

In 1925, Simmons and fellow employee Harry Clark each invested $5,000 and opened Simmons and Clark in a spot that is now the store’s parking lot. Ten years later, they moved next door to 1535 Broadway, where the business continues today as the oldest full-service fine jewelry store in Detroit. It has survived the Great Depression, recessions, a threedecade downturn in downtown shopping, and the recent pandemic.

Besides selling jewelry and watches, for decades the store sold radios, luggage, sewing machines, and other items, but discontinued those goods in the 1970s to concentrate on its jewelry line and giftware. For years, Detroiters heard the radio tagline voiced by Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg: “Get on your mark, go to Simmons and Clark, where you shop in the dark for diamonds that spark.”

During a 2017 renovation, the original 1930s showcases and woodwork hidden by cladding were discovered, and they’re now part of a beautiful 2,600-square-foot interior that includes three modern chandeliers featuring Simmons and Clark advertisements from the 1930s to 1950s. The art deco storefront is still topped with its iconic, brightly lit 73-yearold neon sign containing a Bulova clock that, like the store, is a treasured Detroit landmark.

Harry Clark died in 1966, while Fred Simmons worked at the store until age 94 before dying in 2002. His son George worked there until age 93, and today, it is run by George’s son Michael, who is confident that a fourth-generation family member will one day take over. —Bill Dow