Hour Detroit | March 2024

Bridal Fashion

Gorgeous gowns inspired by the English countryside adorn an Oakland Township manor

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VOLUME TWENTY NINE ISSUE THREE

PUBLISHER: Jason Hosko

EDITORIAL

EDITOR: Kate Walsh

DIGITAL EDITOR: Christina Clark

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Jack Thomas

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Juliana Lumaj

COPY EDITOR: Olivia Sedlacek

CONTRIBUTORS: Bill Dow, Paris Giles, Dorothy Hernandez, Ryan Patrick Hooper, Mickey Lyons, Jack Ritchey, Stephanie Steinberg, Megan Swoyer, Lauren Wethington, Darlene A. White, Khristi Zimmeth

INTERNS: William Reaume, Taylor Truszkowski, Maya Zorn-Kasprzak

DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Lindsay Richards

SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTIST: Stephanie Daniel

JUNIOR ART DIRECTOR: Steven Prokuda

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Keagan Coop, Kathryn Dave

CONTRIBUTORS: Shannon Bishop, Michelle Cuppy, Chuk Nowak, Jennifer Pickering, Rebecca Simonov, Joe Tiano, Jessica VanAssche, Jenifer Veluso, Gabrielle Yanke

SALES

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Cynthia Barnhart, Karli Brown, Cathleen Francois, Donna Kassab, Carol Lawrence, Lisa LaBelle, Andrew Nolan, Mary Pantely & Associates

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Jenine Knox

SENIOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: Jill Berry

ACCOUNT MANAGER: Elizabeth Kowalik

PRODUCTION ARTIST: Jonathan Boedecker

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR: Amanda Kozlowski

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jim Bibart

IT IT DIRECTOR: Jeremy Leland

HOUR CITY STUDIOS

VIDEO PRODUCER: Nicole Toporowski

VIDEOGRAPHER: Heather Moody

DIGITAL

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY: Travis Cleveland

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Matt Cappo

SR. DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST: Luanne Lim

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS: Jim Bowser, Connor McDonald

DIGITAL MEDIA ASSISTANT: Robyn Banks

CIRCULATION

CIRCULATION MANAGER: Riley Meyers

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

MARKETING & EVENTS

MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER: Jodie Svagr

MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR: Jaime Presnail

COMMUNICATIONS & PR LEAD: Regan Wright

MARKETING & EVENTS ASSISTANT: Crystal Baker

MARKETING RESEARCH

MARKETING RESEARCH DIRECTOR: Sofia Shevin

MARKETING RESEARCH COORDINATORS: Alyssa Fueri, Kristin Mingo

MARKETING RESEARCH SALES COORDINATOR: Alexandra Thompson

MARKETING RESEARCH SALES ASSISTANT: Theresa Lowery

PRS GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kendra Okamoto

MARKETING RESEARCH INTERNS: Natalie Brown, Caroline Johnson, Kelley Pham

BUSINESS

CEO: Stefan Wanczyk

PRESIDENT: John Balardo

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS: Kathie Gorecki

ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER: Natasha Bajju

SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE: Andrew Kotzian

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATES: Kate Manley, Austin Schmelzle

PUBLISHING AND SALES INTERN: Angelina Gutierrez

DISTRIBUTION: Target Distribution, Troy

5750

NEW KING DRIVE, TROY, MI 48098

FAX: 248-691-4531

TELEPHONE: 248-691-1800

EMAIL: EDITORIAL@HOURDETROIT.COM

ON THE WEB: HOURDETROIT.COM

To sell Hour Detroit magazine

or for subscription inquiries: 248-588-1851

CONTENTS

40 Profile

A designer who cut her teeth with Ralph Lauren and J. Crew brings her magic touch back to Grosse Pointe — and Michigan at large.

44 Bridal Fashion

We capture the latest bridal looks at a stately Oakland Township manor.

44

Exactly where you should be.

Agenda

CULTURE CALENDAR

DSO concerts, film costumes at The Wright, updates at The Zekelman, and many more can’t-miss March events.

FILM

We revisit some iconic metro Detroit moments over the years at the Oscars ceremony.

FAMILY

Pros provide tips for sending your kids to camp this summer.

ANNUAL EVENTS

Your guide to visiting the Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade in Corktown.

Food&Drink

DRINKS

Clawson’s new authentic Irish pub, plus 13 more metro Detroit bars to grab a pint and more this month.

DINING NEWS

An upcoming documentary shines light on Detroit’s culinary history.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Visit the compact and classy Royal Oak eatery run by two talented 25-year-olds.

EDITOR’S LETTER

RESTAURANT LISTINGS, RECIPES

MIDNIGHT HOUR

THE WAY IT WAS Martha Parke Firestone and William Clay Ford, 1947

Michigan’s s Most t Romantic c Restaurant

Our iconic restaurant is a beautiful and unique setting for all your Wedding events, from Ceremonies and Receptions to elegant Rehearsal Dinners and Bridal Shower Teas. We have a variety of private rooms available to accommodate your group’s needs and are pleased to accommodate both large and small groups.

Memorable Dining • Professional Service

Knowledgeable, Dedicated, Professional and Friendly Staff

Elegant and Enchanting Ambiance Wedding ceremonies and receptions in our spectacular gardens and in the beautiful, historic mansion.

Behind the Scenes

THE HOUR DETROIT editors are often asked how someone can get their business, their venue, or themselves into the magazine. Oftentimes, it’s with a catchy pitch sent via email. That’s exactly how we found our venue for this issue’s bridal fashion cover story. Reader Alexandra Detwiler wrote to us in June 2022 to introduce herself. She and her husband, Todd, had just moved to Michigan from NYC. She worked for the Today show, and he for Peloton. They had bought a 1932 estate (to live in and to host special events such as weddings). “It sits on 40 acres of beautiful land,” she wrote. “We have a 75-foot veranda overlooking the property. It’s a really unique space! … Should you ever need a gorgeous backdrop to any Hour Detroit shoots, [we] would love for you to keep us in mind.”

“And I did,” says Editor Kate Walsh. “I emailed Allie in the fall and said we were interested in seeing photos of their English Tudor-style manor. It wasn’t quite ready yet, but by the time we needed to shoot this year’s feature, they had already hosted a wedding.”

In addition to shooting our cover story inside their Oakland Township home, we also spoke with the couple about the event space and how they got into the wedding business. Although neither Allie nor Todd had prior experience in the wedding industry, they’ve both enjoyed the excitement of wedding season and hoped to create a business to bring that excitement to their daily lives. “We want to make it a pretty exclusive experience — we want to maybe do one [event] a month,” Todd says, adding that clients have the option to bring items in and take photos a few weeks before the wedding. “I think giving people more time to enjoy it, and to get things right, it’s really appreciated.” For more about the Detwilers and The Adams Manor, go to hourdetroit.com/adamsmanor.

CONTRIBUTORS

MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH. WHAT INFLUENTIAL WOMAN, LIVING OR DECEASED, WOULD YOU MOST WANT TO GRAB COFFEE WITH?

Jack Ritchey

WROTE “HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY CAMPER,” PAGE 66

“Rihanna. Most know her just as a pop or R&B star, but she’s accomplished so much in the worlds of fashion, business, acting, philanthropy, and advocacy for marginalized groups.” Jack Ritchey was born and raised in Saline and still lives in the area. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University and has been an Hour Detroit contributor since August of 2023.

Michelle Cuppy

PHOTOGRAPHED “STATELY SERENITY,” PAGE 44

“Sarah Moon, a trailblazer in fashion photography. Moon’s experiences navigating a traditionally male-dominated field would undoubtedly provide an interesting perspective on breaking barriers. To me, she embodies the intersection of creativity, innovation, and the challenges faced by women in fashion photography.” Michelle Cuppy is a Grand Rapids-based fashion and commercial photographer. Originally from Ann Arbor, she is a dedicated wife and mother of six.

Stephanie Steinberg

WROTE “WHO’S GOT THE KIDS?,” PAGE 26

“Barbara Walters. Growing up, I’d watch Barbara interview influential leaders on TV, and I aspired to be a respected journalist like her. I’d love to hear the behind-the-scenes stories from her interviews and thank her for paving the way for so many women journalists in the industry.” Stephanie Steinberg is a Detroit-based journalist and founder and CEO of The Detroit Writing Room. She’s also the executive director of the nonprofit Coaching Detroit Forward, which offers free writing and photography programs for Detroit high school students. She’s currently a contributing editor for U.S. News & World Report and USA Today

EDITOR’S LETTER

One of the first things I think about when writing this column is:

What is going to be relevant a month from now? Normally, a January event would not be something I would include for March. But I just don’t think I will get over the extreme highs and the one big low of the Lions’ postseason by then. And I don’t think Detroiters will either.

The fact that they didn’t make it to the Super Bowl isn’t the part that has me down. I was one of those people who said it would be gravy. It’s that the excitement that I felt in the city and the suburbs is over. Literally everywhere you looked — for weeks! — was Lions spirit: the billboards announcing “Decker Reported” on I-75, the encouraging messages replacing menu news on McDonald’s neon signs, the sea of Honolulu blue and gray clothing that became metro Detroiters’ uniforms — you just couldn’t escape it. And you didn’t want to. The city, the suburbs, the whole state was unified — and electric. I even drove downtown with my son on the Saturday before the NFC championship game just to be near Ford Field.

I’m not one of those people who are mad at Dan Campbell for not going for the field goals in that game. That’s just what he does and who he is, and it’s how they got to the playoffs. I’m grateful to him for getting them that far and for building a culture of trust, belief, passion, and, yes, grit within the team. And I’m especially thankful to Sheila Ford Hamp for hiring Campbell, Brad Holmes, and Lions great Chris Spielman and bringing this new football culture to Detroit.

Speaking of powerful and influential women, March is Women’s History Month, so you’ll find the stories in this month’s issue a bit more women-centric. In addition to our annual bridal fashion cover story, we have an interview with a Southfield woman making history in Michigan on the state’s Supreme Court, a feature on a Grosse Pointer who made it big in the fashion world in NYC and is now making her mark as an interior designer back home, an article on an entrepreneur helping women feel good about their bodies, and an in-depth look at the lack of child care in the region — especially in Detroit.

And to get your mind off football, we are looking back at the former site of Tiger Stadium and informing you of what’s going on there now, even this month, during the Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade. We also have a guide with everything you need to know to attend the parade, as well as an Irish pub guide and an inside look at one of our favorite new watering holes.

So, cheers to the Lions and good luck to the Tigers. Now head to a pub and raise a glass to all of them and to the women in your life.

KATE WALSH, EDITOR KWALSH@HOUR-MEDIA.COM

From Our Readers

“2024 Hour Detroiters: Joumana Kayrouz” (January issue): “I have a ton of respect for her as an attorney and businesswoman. She is a Detroit icon.”

—Colleen Mooney Levitt, Facebook

“2024 Hour Detroiters: Dan Campbell”: “How about Michigander of the century?”

—Dan Kern, Facebook

“Bacco Ristorante in Southfield to Close in March” (online): “What?! I drive by every day saying I’m gonna go and how it’s one of the last few nice restaurants in Southfield. Guess I better get there fast.”

@8ninedesign, Instagram

“Savor Shorts with Regan: Sullivan’s Steakhouse Cocktail Program” (video): “I just had dinner here last weekend. The filet was absolutely perfect.” @littleblessingsyorkies, Instagram

Hourdetroit.com

Digital Extra

Not feeling a St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl this year? Celebrate at home by making an Irishinspired cocktail like a bourbon smash or Irish mule with locally produced liquor from Detroit City Distillery. Visit hourdetroit.com/ stpatrickscocktails for the recipes — or, if you are looking for a bar event, we’ve got you covered, too, at hourdetroit. com/stpatricksdaybars

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

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Up Front

A YEAR IN OFFICE

PROFILE p. 24

COMMUNITY p. 26

OBJECT LESSON p. 30

Kyra Harris Bolden discusses juggling her highstakes position as a justice on the Michigan Supreme Court and motherhood p. 24

2

The number of women who’ve held office as the governor of Michigan. The first was Jennifer Granholm, who became the 47th governor in 2003 and held office until 2011, serving two terms — the maximum permitted. The current governor, Gretchen Whitmer, became the second woman to hold the title in 2019 and was reelected in 2022.

Framboise’s annual income as Michigan’s first female business owner. She took over her husband’s fur trading company in 1806 following his murder. Each year, she made anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 — much more than the average annual income of a fur trade business owner at the time of $1,000. Today, her annual income would have been between $120,000 and $243,000. As of 2023, women in Michigan now make up 43.5% of all small-business owners in the state.

PROFILE

Justice Is Served

The number of female students enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1871, following the enrollment of Madelon Stockwell, who had become the first woman to attend the university a semester prior. The number of women enrolled full time at U-M in fall 2023 surpassed the number of their male counterparts by 2,629, with 25,398 female students.

One year ago, Kyra Harris Bolden became the first Black woman to ascend to Michigan’s Supreme Court, all while juggling new motherhood and unexpected challenges

BY DARLENE A. WHITE

ON AN EARLY MORNING in January, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden is doing a Zoom interview with Hour Detroit from her home with her 1-year-old in the room. Sippy cup in one hand, the toddler is watching Ms. Rachel on YouTube TV while flipping through books as she patiently awaits her mother’s attention. As the first Black female justice in Michigan history, her mother, only 35 years old, is in high demand.

Besides, little Emerson Portia Bolden was quite literally born into this; her mother was pregnant for half of her campaign for office.

Bolden describes her first year in office as a “whirlwind.” The former state representative was not only getting settled into her new role as a justice but also learning the ropes of being a first-time mother. “It was like being back in law school,” says Bolden, a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, “getting up to speed very quickly with the amount of reading and the

number of conversations that I had to have in order to understand the material and make the best decisions as possible.”

She had “a lot of shifting at the beginning of last year,” the Southfield native says. “I had a 4- or 5-month-old; I was still learning how to be a new mom; and then I have this incredibly important job where what I think, in my opinion, really makes a difference for the lives of millions of people.”

On the bench, Bolden is continuing the work she began while serving in the Michigan House of Representatives for the 35th District from 2019 to 2023, focusing on equity, social justice, and criminal justice reform. This makes sense, considering she was inspired to attend law school by terrible injustice. Bolden was attending Grand Valley State University, with plans to be a psychologist, when her grandmother told her a story. In 1939, Bolden’s great-grandfather was lynched in Tennessee — beaten, mutilated, and thrown into a river, his death ruled “accidental drowning.” He had made the mistake of asking a store owner for a receipt.

“His murderers walked free,” Bolden told CNN in 2023. “Once I realized that was something that happened in my own family, I felt the need to be a

STUDY BREAKS

Intriguing findings from researchers across Michigan

By Olivia Sedlacek

GUT CHECK:

Often-overlooked nervous system cells could hold the key to understanding — and treating — visceral pain, a common occurrence in those with irritable bowel syndrome and previous inflammation in the gut, according to researchers at Michigan State University. When exposed

part of the justice system and go to law school.”

In 2014, she earned her law degree and started practicing civil litigation before winning two terms in the House of Representatives. She was pregnant when she launched her campaign for the state Supreme Court, promising equal justice under the law. She accepted the Democratic nomination six days after giving birth to Emerson. Her husband, dentist Gregory Bolden II, took leave from work to care for the baby, but Bolden struggled with “mommy guilt” while running against an incumbent Republican. Though Bolden did not win, Chief Justice Bridget McCormack stepped down soon thereafter, opening a seat on the state Supreme Court. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer did the rest, appointing Bolden to the court to complete McCormack’s term.

In describing the delicate act of managing professional duties and family life, Bolden rejects the term “balance.” “I like to use the term ‘juggling,’ because I don’t know if there is a balance. And if there is, I haven’t found it.”

A support system has helped her succeed. “My mother is really helpful with child care; she takes my daughter five days a week. That has been really refreshing for me, and I’m very blessed and fortunate to have that because I don’t have to worry.”

“In 185 years, we’ve never had an African American woman on the state’s highest court,” Whitmer said at the swearing-in. “It’s about damn time.”

A year into her term, Bolden calls the job “unlike anything else you can do. The stakes are so much higher because we have very complex cases.”

In addition to her work, there has also been some controversy. Last January, fellow Justice Richard Bernstein criticized Bolden for hiring a formerly incarcerated person as a law clerk. The clerk resigned, and Bernstein apologized publicly to Bolden for “overstepping [her] hiring process.” She accepted his apology.

All the while, Bolden maintained her equilibrium. She is gracious and composed, hard to ruffle, but admits that maintaining balance in her life requires a significant investment of time, energy, and personal growth. “I definitely went through a time where it was a lot,” she says. “I had to make sure that I was getting up to speed and [maintaining] diligence in my home.”

But she admits it’s not always that easy.

“There have been times where I had to bring my baby on a Zoom call with the justices,” she says. “I told them I would mute my phone if she started to scream if we were on a late-night call while I was getting her ready for bed.”

All this juggling isn’t going to end any time soon, considering Bolden must run in 2024 to keep her seat on the state Supreme Court.

Her hope is “that we can get to a place where jobs and careers are supportive of family. I hope I’m making a positive change — at least in the legal world, where it’s extremely hard to have a work-life balance.”

As the first Black woman to be a justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, the charismatic Bolden recognizes the importance of her position. She actively engages with the community, attending church gatherings, speaking engagements, and educational programs. She chuckles as she recounts a period during the summer when her calendar was overflowing with events: “My assistant had to tell me to slow down.”

to inflammation, these cells, called glia, alter gut chemistry and sensitize nearby nerve fibers, lowering their threshold for sending pain signals. The research team measured nociception, the nervous system’s processing of harmful stimuli, as a proxy for pain in mice. “The major thing here is that it suggests a new mechanism contributing to pain in the gut,” says MSU physiology professor Brian Gulbransen. “And visceral pain is the most common gastrointestinal issue.” This insight could help scientists

develop ways to reduce or stop visceral pain by targeting the glia.

CASE CLOSED! MINERAL MYSTERY SHEDS LIGHT

ON TECHNOLOGY: Dolomite, a type of limestone, has long been a mystery to scientists. While it’s abundant in rock formations over 100 million years old, it’s very rare in younger rocks, and scientists have continually failed to grow it in a lab. Now, researchers from the University of Michigan and Japan’s Hokkaido University

have cracked the code. They discovered that dolomite would grow if defects were removed as the mineral structure built up. Defects — in which atoms attach in the wrong places — are common in dolomite and prevent new layers from forming. These out-of-place atoms can be dissolved by repeatedly washing the dolomite crystal with water, allowing it to grow. “If we understand how dolomite grows in nature, we might learn new strategies to promote the crystal growth of modern technological

materials,” such as materials for batteries and semiconductors, says U-M professor Wenhao Sun.

TAKING OUT THE (SPACE) TRASH:

Up to 170 million pieces of space junk orbit our planet. It’s more than just litter: Even small pieces of space debris can destroy or damage satellites and spacecraft, and our current tracking methods can detect less than 1% of the objects.

“Right now, we detect space debris by looking for objects that reflect light or radar

signals,” says Nilton Renno, professor of climate and space sciences at U-M. “The smaller the objects get, the harder it becomes to get sunlight or radar signals strong enough to detect them.” However, Renno and his team have developed a new method that can track debris smaller than 1 millimeter in diameter, through electrical signals created by collisions between small pieces of space debris. The team plans to refine the approach using simulation, real signals, and experiments.

From left: Gregory Bolden II, Whitmer, Gilchrist, Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement, retired Justice Bridget Mary McCormack, and Bolden (center) with Emerson.

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pose in 2019 with Bolden (then a Michigan House rep) after signing Bolden’s first bill, HB 4132. 

and director of Great Start Collaborative Oakland County, the average annual cost for full-time child care for two children in metro Detroit in 2021 was $21,880. That’s just under a third of the median income in metro Detroit ($74,573, according to the most recent U.S. Census estimates).

WHO’S GOT THE KIDS?

The child care crisis is not only forcing working moms (mostly) to make painful choices but also hurting Detroit’s future. Here’s what can be done.

BY STEPHANIE STEINBERG | PHOTOS BY ERIN SCHMIDT

EARLY ONE FRIDAY morning six years ago, Christina DelPizzo was getting ready to leave her house to teach second graders at Detroit Country Day School when her phone rang. It was her daughter’s day care, informing her the center had just closed and was not opening back up — ever. The woman who ran the facility out of her Bloomfield Township home had health issues and had decided she was done.

Stunned, and with no relatives available to watch her 1-year-old, DelPizzo had no choice but to take the day off work. She then spent the next week frantically looking at day cares in the area.

“Every [child care center] I looked at that was awesome had a wait list. And if it didn’t have a wait list, it wasn’t awesome,” she says. “If I couldn’t feel good about where my child was spending their day, I couldn’t focus on caring for other people’s children or teaching or my career at all. I had to make the choice to leave teaching and stay home.”

This was 2018. DelPizzo’s colleagues were also struggling to find child care in the Birmingham-

Bloomfield area, so she took matters into her own hands: She got licensed to open a home day care in Bloomfield Hills. She hired a public school teacher to assist, and her 12 spots filled up immediately. The business grew to a staff of 23 teachers and six locations across metro Detroit.

“We had these moms calling — like I was calling — in tears. They couldn’t find child care,” she says. “They worked so hard for their career, and they were really at a pivotal point, like what are they going to do? We felt so bad for these moms.”

Workers, Wages, and a Pandemic

In metro Detroit, too many parents struggle to find trustworthy, affordable caregivers for their young children. Wait lists can be months to a year or longer. The biggest challenge is the infant and toddler age group, where licensed centers must have one provider for every four children.

Even if you get a spot for your child, it won’t come cheap. According to Veronica Pechumer, early childhood consultant for Oakland Schools

She sums up the child care conundrum thus: Day cares want to pay staff a living wage, but “how do you pay a living wage, make sure you’re creating ratios that are safe for kids, and at the same time make it affordable for parents?”

Child care jobs simply don’t pay enough to attract and keep workers. The average wage for an Oakland County child care worker is under $15 per hour, according to county data, and employee benefits are rare.

And no one foresaw a global pandemic that would shut down child care centers nationwide, with many never reopening. “We were already moving into a child care crisis, and then COVID happened,” Pechumer says. “It was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

At one point, Oakland County lost 30% of child care spots, largely due to a lack of workers. Many never returned. As Pechumer puts it, “I know many child care providers who left child care to go work at fast food because once those wages increased, they could make more at Wendy’s.”

Child care center shutdowns during the pandemic have mostly affected women, since mothers are still most often their children’s primary caregivers. While the initial employment loss for workers at the start of the pandemic greatly affected both men and women, women’s employment numbers failed to recover, unlike men’s, partially due to child care issues.

Pageant B. Atterberry owns New Beginnings Child Care & Atterberry Academy, a child care agency. 

From left: Olivia Hack, Christina Raffoul, Christina DelPizzo, and Michaela Charfauros of Little Seedlings child care.

Detroit Deserts

Chalkbeat, a nonprofit news organization focusing on education, investigated the crisis in 2022. It reported that 21 Michigan counties have so few child care options that they qualify as “child care deserts” — regions where three children compete for every available slot at an in-home or group center. Wayne and Macomb are close to qualifying as deserts. Oakland County, while also not considered a desert, has wait lists that can exceed 5,000 children.

Carol Tresik is director of the Wayne-Oakland-Macomb Resource Center for Great Start to Quality, which sets standards for early child care and education programs in Michigan. “The problem is, there’s not enough staff to serve the children,” she says. “For example, a center could be licensed for 250 children, and right now because of staffing, they are only taking, say, 100 or 50 children.” Coordinators at her organization’s 10 resource centers might call 20 to 30 providers before finding an opening.

In Detroit, the day care crisis is even more dire. There are about 52,000 children age 5 and under in the city. The city of Detroit’s Office of Early Learning estimates 37,000 of these children need day care, and only 21,500 slots are available through home day cares or centers. That means the city still needs 15,500 seats to fill the gap. That gap translates to over 12,000 Detroit parents who are unable to work due to the lack of adequate child care.

In southwest Detroit, the Chadsee, Springwells, and West VernorJunction neighborhoods qualify as deserts. What the office defines as the Rouge Community in District 7 — home to Warrendale, PlymouthHubbell, and Aviation Sub — has the second highest child care need of all 54 Detroit neighborhoods. In fact, there are zero licensed community-based providers there.

Wrapped in Red Tape

For low-income families, child care subsidies from public tax dollars make it possible to have children and a job simultaneously. These subsidies, which cover all or some child care costs, have shown to increase parental employment, particularly among single mothers, according to the Office of Early Learning. Nearly 75% of families in Detroit may qualify for this support.

Having a job is one qualification for the subsidy, but there’s a potential catch-22. Pageant B. Atterberry, owner and CEO of New Beginnings

Help Is Here

These resources can help you find a child care provider and more

Help Me Grow Michigan

Search for child care and call, text, or live chat with care coordinators to ask about any early childhood need. helpmegrow-mi.org

Great Start to Quality

Wayne-Oakland-Macomb Resource Center

Calculate your eligibility for subsidized child care and find a provider. 877-614-7328; greatstarttoquality.org/ wayne-oakland-macombresource-center

Connect4Care Kids

Wayne County parents can see subsidized programs they’re eligible for, start the application process, and have providers with openings call them back. 313-395-3776; unitedwaysem.org/get-help/ community-resources/ connect4care

Our Strong Start

A portal for entrepreneurs who want to open a child care center, with guidance through the process. michigan.gov/mileap/earlychildhood-education/cclb/ our-strong-start

Child care center shutdowns in 2020 affected mainly women, since mothers are often still the primary caregivers.

Child Care & Atterberry Academy, shares the frustrating story of a mom who was approved for a subsidy by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for her kids to attend one of Atterberry’s Detroit centers.

“We process her paperwork, and then it takes two to three months for them to activate her,” says Atterberry, who runs eight centers in Detroit and has a staff of 100. “So her children can’t attend day care. They’re at home. She can’t go to work because she can’t find a babysitter. And then she loses her job, and then they cut her off because they’re like, ‘You don’t have a job.’”

The subsidy amount — which fluctuates depending on income — creates extra challenges for centers like Atterberry’s that are trying to be fair to families while covering rising operating costs.

“If the state is only paying, for example, $600 a month for a child, but then I have parents who are paying out of pocket $245 every week for child care, how is that fair to them?” she says. “Do I go back to these parents on assistance and say, ‘I need more money from you to cover your day care?’”

Some of her families live in cars or shelters and can’t afford to feed their kids, let alone pay for child care. “A lot of these kids, the only time they eat is when they’re with us.”



Over 12,000 Detroit parents are unable to work due to the lack of adequate child care, the city estimates.

During the height of the pandemic, Ambirr Momon, a 31-year-old single mother who lives near Seven Mile in Detroit, struggled to find affordable and accessible care for her three youngsters. At the time, she worked as a

human resources assistant for The Home Depot making $25 an hour. Even with a Bachelor of Arts in communications, Momon found the application process “very time-consuming and strenuous.”

“When it comes to meeting people where they’re at in our community, I feel like there’s a lack thereof. A lot of times these applications are lengthy, they require a lot of research, a lot of writing and reading fundamentals that our community just doesn’t have, so for a lot of single mothers, they aren’t able to get through the application,” Momon says. She was able to secure a subsidy but still had a copay of $250 per month.

To simplify the child care search, United Way for Southeastern Michigan launched the online platform Connect4Care Kids in 2020 for Wayne County families. The free tool in English, Spanish, and Arabic helps determine eligibility for government-subsidized programs. Qualifying providers with openings then call parents back. Since inception, Connect4Care Kids has seen 5,650 people check eligibility for subsidized programs, and over 2,600 have received calls from a provider regarding openings.

Bringing It Home

Nationally, about 30% of child care programs are home-based. In Detroit, that number is only 6%.

One reason? Zoning boards dictate where certain businesses can locate, and residential neighborhoods can be zealous about protecting their turf against additional traffic and noise or potential lowering of property values. When DelPizzo wanted to start her sixth location last year, she had to convince the city’s zoning board that her business would be a benefit to residents. The city council agreed, and Little Seedlings became the first licensed home day care in Grosse Pointe.

Also, not every child care entrepreneur can afford to pay the cost of a zoning permit. “It costs so much — over $1,000 — to open a program,” says Lisa Sturges, director of quality for Detroit’s

Office of Early Learning. “Child care programs don’t make a whole lot of money, so to pay $1,000 to open that program is too much. We’re working to change many zoning rules, but that one specifically is a very key issue to opening more home-based programs.”

Child care is just one of several issues that may be prompting people to leave the city, she says, referencing Detroit’s shrinking population. “If they can’t find child care in Detroit, they’re going to go somewhere else. … We don’t want people leaving because they can’t afford child care.”

In a presentation on zoning and child care needs, the Office of Early Learning argued that access to stable, high-quality child care “sets the stage for Detroit’s future as a great American city” by boosting productivity and real estate values and setting young children up for success later in life.

In early February, the Detroit City Planning Commission was expected to vote on new zoning regulations that would make it easier to open home day cares. They would then move on to the City Council for approval.

Tackling the Issue

The state of Michigan is battling the crisis on two fronts: more workers and more centers. Last August, the Early Childhood Investment Corp. awarded $2 million to several agencies within Michigan Works — a state-funded employment program — to start apprenticeships for early childhood workers. The initiative is part of a statewide goal to open or expand 1,000 child care

programs by the end of 2024.

To help reach that goal, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer launched “Our Strong Start,” part of the Caring for MI Future strategy, to make it easier for entrepreneurs to open in-home child care centers. Navigators guide applicants through the process, including helping them secure expedited licenses.

Last November, the governor’s office announced Caring for MI Future had surpassed its goals a year early, opening 1,089 child care programs since May 2022 and creating nearly 37,000 new openings across the state.

That could help moms exasperated by the long wait lists and high costs. Sara Woelke, a Bloomfield mom of an infant and a 2-year-old, worked full time as an occupational therapist before her daughters were born. But after deliberating the financial pros and cons of child care, she decided to stay home to take care of them. “Would we be in a better financial spot if I had returned to work? Possibly,” she says. “But now that I have two kids, maybe not.”

Parents hope that Whitmer’s expanded funding for the Great Start Readiness Program will lead to universal free preschool for 4-year-olds within the next few years. Until then, DelPizzo’s child care business will continue to grow: Her seventh Little Seedlings opens in Berkley this spring. She still can’t meet demand, and getting on her wait list remains a competitive sport.

“Everyone calls us first when their pregnancy test becomes positive,” she says. “We get the call before Grandma and Grandpa get the call.”

Oakland County, while not considered a desert, has child care wait lists that can exceed 5,000 kids total.

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Atterberry runs eight centers in and around Detroit.

Bridal Skincare Q&A

with Southeast Michigan Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Mune Gowda

Brides can achieve a natural and refreshed wedding glow with nonsurgical skincare treatments like lasers, Botox, fillers, and facials.

DR. MUNE GOWDA BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON GOWDAAESTHETICS.COM

Q: How can nonsurgical treatments like lasers, Botox, fillers, facials, and skincare products benefit brides preparing for their weddings?

Dr. Gowda: Nonsurgical treatments offer brides (and the rest of the wedding party!) options for a refreshed look without surgery. Laser treatments address specific skin concerns, Botox relaxes muscles and reduces wrinkles, and fillers add volume. Facials improve skin texture and hydration.

Q: When should brides consider these treatments, and is there a recommended timeline for optimal results?

Dr. Gowda: Consult with a doctor or nurse several months before the wedding. Laser treatments may take months for optimal results, while Botox and fillers may take several weeks. Facials can be done closer to the date.

Q: How can brides ensure a natural look with Botox and fillers?

Dr. Gowda: Communicate desired outcomes clearly during the consultation. Our highly trained nurses and doctors will tailor treatments for a subtle and natural appearance.

Q: Are there different types of laser treatments available, and how does a bride decide which one is right for her?

Dr. Gowda: Yes, there are various laser

treatments, such as fractional laser, CO2 laser, and IPL (intense pulsed light). The choice depends on the specific skin concerns and the downtime the bride can afford. Laser treatments can target issues like fine lines, pigmentation, acne scars, sun damage, brown spots, and uneven skin tone. Consultation with a plastic surgeon or nurse is crucial to determine the most suitable option for individual skin types and goals.

Q: What skincare routine do you recommend for brides before their weddings?

Dr. Gowda: Focus on cleansing, moisturizing, and use products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinoids. High quality, medical grade skincare products are ideal for long-lasting, natural looking results. We offer several of the top brands in our Novi & Troy offices and provide skincare consultations to all new patients. Start the routine well in advance for a radiant complexion.

Note: Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before considering any cosmetic procedures to ensure suitability and safety for their individual needs.

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Tell us about the pro baseball history at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull.

Professional baseball was first played at the site, then called Bennett Park, in 1896. Bennett Park was demolished after the 1911 season and replaced with a stadium designed by father-son duo Frank and Kenneth Osborn of Osborn Engineering. In 1912, The Corner that Detroiters know today opened as Navin Field. After an expansion in 1935, the name was changed to Briggs Stadium, and in 1961, it finally became Tiger Stadium. Tiger Stadium bore witness to almost 7,000 regularseason games, three All-Star Games, and two of the Tigers’ four World Series wins. The stadium closed after its final game on Sept. 27, 1999. Despite efforts to preserve the structure, demolition began in 2008. The site remained vacant until Detroit PAL stepped in.

Did anything else go on there?

The Detroit Lions played home games on the field from 1938 to 1974, except for 1940. Countless musical stars have performed at the stadium, including Rod Stewart and Kiss. It was even visited by former South African President Nelson Mandela in 1990.

What’s happening at The Corner now?

In 2014, Detroit PAL came up with an idea to preserve the field and was given approval to develop the site. Four years later, Detroit PAL opened The Corner Ballpark, including the Willie Horton Field of Dreams. The site has since served as the organization’s headquarters, a place for PAL events, offices, and athletic programs.

Tiger Stadium Site

Time-travel to the defunct Tigers den and explore the new diamond that’s taken its place

BY TAYLOR TRUSZKOWSKI

THE CORNER OF Michigan and Trumbull avenues in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit is an iconic symbol of Detroit sports history. The site of the historic Tiger Stadium, affectionately known by Detroiters as “The Corner,” is now the Willie Horton Field of Dreams at The Corner Ballpark, home to Detroit PAL, an organization in partnership with the Detroit Police Department and community volunteers that aims to foster a sense of community and safety for youth through its athletic programs.

Does any part of Tiger Stadium remain?

Though The Corner Ballpark is a new structure, the original flagpole from Tiger Stadium was preserved. The dimensions of the new field were also designed to model the original. In addition, there are plenty of photos of Tigers greats in the Hank Greenberg Walk of Heroes exhibit in the structure.

Is it open to the public?

The Corner Ballpark has open events throughout the year. These are listed on the Detroit PAL website under “The Corner Ballpark.” Detroit PAL will be open for the 2024 St. Patrick’s Parade and will offer refreshments, access to the Walk of Heroes, and opportunities to run the bases.

Why name the field after Willie Horton?

Former Tiger Willie Horton is the field’s namesake due to his legacy as both a player and a Detroit PAL leader. Horton first played at Tiger Stadium as a high schooler and remained a respected member of the Detroit community throughout his career. Upon retiring from professional baseball, Horton served as the executive director of Detroit PAL in the mid-’90s.

What has Detroit PAL’s use of the site done for Detroiters?

Though The Corner Ballpark attracts visitors from across Michigan, Detroit PAL CEO Frederick Hunter says the organization is all about lifting up local kids. The organization’s mission is “teaching life lessons through sports, and through youth enrichment programs, to really help shape young people in terms of who they can be,” Hunter says. “Our belief is that in every single child, there’s greatness,” Hunter says. “We are looking to serve about 9,000 youth in 2024.”

OBJECT LESSON

RETAIL

Beach-Body Confident

Forty-five years ago, a woman started a business to make any woman want to put on a swimsuit

BY PARIS GILES | PHOTOS BY SAL RODRIGUEZ

SOON, BIKINIS and beach-to-brunch cover-ups will start to flood stores and social media feeds. Swimwear, with its bright colors and saucy cuts, is one of the more jovial nods to summertime — for some. For others, the idea of shopping for and trying on a suit can bring with it some anxiety. Because women’s bodies are as varied as the prints, not everyone can grab a suit off the rack, trust that it will fit beautifully, and toss it into their carry-on.

For more than four decades, Custom Swimwear by Exelnt Designs has been working to facilitate poolside confidence, no matter the size of the wearer’s bust or the curve of their hips. Pop into the shop, located in Royal Oak since

2017, and you’ll be met with a small traditional retail space offering a mix of trendy and classic swimwear and accessories from popular brands like Michael Kors and Lulu-B. Farther back are lengthy racks of sample suits and precut patterns, rows of fabric rolls, and a half-dozen or so sewing stations.

Owner Trish Crowder says for customers seeking a custom design, it typically takes just one appointment for consultation and fitting. Most, Crowder notes, opt for tweaks to one of Custom Swimwear’s premade swimsuit samples, but her team can also work with the client to design a suit from scratch.

“A customer goes to [a typical] shop, and by the time they get it to fit them in the belly or the butt, it’s way too big across the chest or in the arms,” she says. “With us, you mix and match your sizes, even on a one-piece.” Whether that means tightening the elastic at the leg holes or lengthening the midsection, “it’s all about the fit.” And once the designers have nailed the perfect fit, each customer’s pattern details and measurements are saved to make for an easier experience season after season.

Custom Swimwear has also made a name for itself among brides- and grooms-to-be, designing custom matching swimwear for couples and even the whole wedding party.

Think bachelorette and bachelor parties or destination nuptials.

The business that started from Crowder’s apartment back in 1979 has expanded and evolved over the years, but Crowder — a petite, energetic kitesurfer — has remained steady in her commitment to celebrating women’s bodies. Her philosophy is that confidence goes a long way toward helping you make the most of those delicious summer days. “If you feel comfortable in your swimsuit, you will do things; you’ll go places. You’ll be willing to go on the boat, you’ll be willing to go to the pool party, and you’ll be excited to go because you won’t know which swimsuit you want to wear because you’ve got two really cool ones.”

Blue and green tankini top with blue bikini bottoms.

 Customers can work with Trish Crowder’s team to customize a swimsuit that suits their bodies perfectly.

 The owner of Custom Swimwear by Exelnt Designs, Trish Crowder, poses in her store located in Royal Oak.

BEAUTY

SPRING AWAKENING

Shed your dry winter skin this spring and reveal a fresh glow with these local skin care treatments

BY JULIANA LUMAJ

WITH SPRING COME blooming tulips, more sunshine, and … dull skin? During winter months, skin can become dry, itchy, and flaky due to the lack of moisture in the air. As spring emerges, it’s important to work on reviving your skin while also avoiding further damage.

The popularity of Hydrafacials, which are performed globally an estimated 3.5 million times a year, has grown exponentially since the establishment of The Hydrafacial Co. in 1997. Within 30 minutes, the treatment cleanses the skin and extracts impurities while also hydrating the skin with different nutrients, like antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. This treatment can be found at most spas. But if you’re dealing with persistent skin-related issues, visiting a dermatologist may produce better results.

Locally, you can get a ramped-up version of the Hydrafacial at Honet Dermatology and Cosmetic in Bloomfield Hills. Dr. Linda Honet, an American Board of Dermatology diplomate and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, says her practice’s DiamondGlow infusion “exfoliates while infusing very potent and effective serums into the skin. And the serums are chosen by your skin care provider.”

“We can address things like hydration, tone, and pigment,” Honet adds. “Sometimes patients have acne-prone skin, or they have acne breakouts or acne scarring. … The DiamondGlow infusion addresses all of these different skin conditions … and brings that winter skin back up to fresh skin for the spring and summer.”

If your skin needs just a quick pick-me-up, rather than care from a dermatologist, a basic Hydrafacial at a spa will do. “You get an instant gratification from it,” says Jessica Lundberg, spa director at Rivage Day Spa. At this Birmingham spa, several serums are available to combat different skin-related issues, like pigmentation, dullness, and rosacea.

Regardless of the treatment you choose, Honet stresses the importance of daily sunscreen. Using SPF 45-50 is best to avoid the effects of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can cause dark spots and patches for those with acne or with minor traumas on the skin, like cuts and bruises.

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Honet also recommends chemical peels, like the treatments at Skintuition in Rochester Hills. Skintuition offers clients three levels of custom peel treatments to choose from, depending on their skin sensitivity and how deep they’d like their exfoliation. According to Cami Sanders, spa director at Skintuition, level one is best for first-time clients, pregnant women, and those with rosacea because it’s applied with fruit-based enzymes, such as from pineapple and papaya, and contains no chemical acids, unlike levels two and three. In your twenties and thirties, the skinshedding process may last three to five weeks , but can take as long as six to eight weeks for ages 40 through 50, and up to 12 weeks for ages 60-plus, Sanders says. Chemical peels help speed up the process and promote collagen production and cellular turnover, which can combat signs of aging and hyperpigmentation.

If your scalp also needs some love this spring, you may want to take a trip to Garden City to request Oro Spa’s scalp spa treatment, the first of its kind in Michigan. There, founder and certified aesthetician Zeinab Salami cleanses the scalp to remove impurities and buildup as a ring of water gently massages the head before focusing on nourishment by infusing moisture into the skin.

Clients can add the red-light comb to their treatment. “Red-light therapy stimulates blood flow to the scalp, promoting hair growth and providing a calming effect during the session,” Salami says. Before and after photos are taken to showcase results.

“The skin is really remarkable; it is the largest organ in your body,” Honet says. “But it does need help. You have to meet the needs of your environment. Listen to your skin in general, because each person’s skin is very different.”

Alexandrine Studio in Midtown

This 1880s Gothic Victorian was renovated in 2015 and is just a stone’s throw from some of the city’s best gems, including the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Third Man Records, and Shinola. The space accommodates three to four guests, who will stay in the living area, where there’s one queen-size bed and one air mattress. Other amenities include a full kitchen, private bathroom, and washer and dryer. Guests have the entire studio to themselves.

LOCAL TRAVEL

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The Painted House near Eastern Market is the only boutique bed-and-breakfast in the neighborhood and offers an edible garden onsite and a view

Detroit’s Unique Staycation Rentals

Kick back and relax in your own backyard this spring or summer at these fabulous Airbnbs and Vrbos in Detroit proper

BY CHRISTINA CLARK

YOU KNOW DETROIT, but do you know it from the viewpoint of a visitor? Staying at a hotel or vacation rental within the city’s limits for a weekend can open up a whole new side of the Motor City, especially if you find your perfect place to stay.

From an industrial loft in Milwaukee Junction to a Brush Park mansion and a one-of-a-kind dome in Core City, there are so many different Detroit vacation rentals to choose from. Check out our 12 favorites below to see if any fit your wants and needs for your next staycation.

Industrial Loft in Milwaukee Junction

The rental is located on the ground floor of a renovated 1920s auto factory and features exposed bricks, hardwood floors, wood pillars, and other elements from the original space. The main floor has a queen-size bed, while the loft area holds a full-size bed. Together, the beds can sleep up to three guests. The neighborhood features bars, music venues, and community spaces for guests to enjoy. The rental

comes equipped with a kitchen stocked with basic cooking tools, a washer and dryer, a television, a sound machine, and more. Guests have the entire loft to themselves.

The Caterpillar in Core City

It’s a one-of-a-kind contemporary stay inside a dome designed around furniture and objects found around Detroit. The Caterpillar was featured in Dwell Magazine and offers one bedroom with a queen-size bed that can sleep up to two guests, along with a kitchen with an electric stove, fridge, and dishwasher. The bathroom comes equipped with all the essentials, too. You’ll share a patio with other guests, but only your group will stay in your living space.

Motown BNB in New Center

Up to 18 guests can stay in this restored seven-bedroom, four-bath 1911 home. Each room in the rental is decorated with special photos, art, memorabilia, and more to reflect the owner’s love of Motown music. Plus, each floor has a 1963 Wurlitzer

of the city skyline.

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Industrial Loft in Milwaukee Junction

jukebox equipped with a variety of music by Detroit artists. It also offers a kitchen, a gated backyard, and a second-floor balcony. Additionally, it’s just steps from the Motown Museum. No pets. Guests will have the entire house to themselves except for the furnace room in the basement.

The Lumber Baron’s Mansion in Brush Park

With two king bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this historic mansion can sleep up to six people in three beds. The rental itself features ornate crown molding, chandeliers, and marble flooring. Guests can enjoy amenities including a gym and a fully equipped kitchen or take a walk to some of the city’s coolest attractions, such as the Detroit Institute of Arts and Comerica Park. The minimum age to rent is 21. One pet less than 50 pounds is allowed.

Tiny Home Near Boston-Edison

Four guests will fit comfortably in this two-bed, one-bath tiny home, which is known as “A Pebble in

Rock City.” There is a small outdoor area that includes a chicken coop with five chickens that provide fresh eggs. Plus, it’s just a quick drive of a few miles to downtown. It also has Wi-Fi, a washer and dryer, and a kitchen. The owner has some belongings in the space above the bathroom, but other than that, you have the home to yourself.

Penthouse Loft in Woodbridge

The Trumbull House was built in 1897 but underwent a renovation in 2019 to preserve the original design elements and architectural style unique to Detroit in the late 1800s. The penthouse takes up the entire top floor and includes a private rooftop terrace. Up to five people can stay in this twobed, two-bath home. There’s also a dedicated workspace and a kitchen, among other amenities. Plus, it’s conveniently located just two minutes from Midtown, three minutes from Corktown, and five minutes from downtown. Guests will have the space to themselves. Pets are allowed.

Designed with an updated industrial look, this rental has sleeping areas on the main and upper levels and is near bars and music venues.

Enjoy a rural stay in the city. This newly built rustic cabin has two large beds that can accommodate up to four people, along with a kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms that are shared with the main house. The cabin is located on a working farm that has ducks, chickens, and roaming dogs. It’s within walking distance from Corktown and all the restaurants and venues in the area. There is no air conditioning in the cabin, but there are fans. If you need the loft area, you must request it prior to your stay.

Condo at the Historic J.D. Baer Mansion in Woodbridge

advance, for an extra $115. It can sleep up to 10 guests in three bedrooms. Other amenities include a kitchen, a view of the city skyline, and a dedicated workspace. It’s also within walking distance of the Dequindre Cut, the Riverwalk, and downtown. Pets are welcome. Guests will have access to the entire house.

Modern High-Rise Near Downtown

fenced in and shared with other guests and residents. Paid parking is available in a nearby parking garage.

Apartment in Corktown

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Motown BNB in New Center

Built in 1991, this B&B is steps away from the Motown Museum. It can host up to 18 guests and is decorated with unique Motown music memorabilia.

This historic 1888 home will take guests back in time to the Gilded Age. The house sat vacant for decades before it was restored and repurposed into luxury condos. The attic space has been turned into an Airbnb unit that offers a kitchen, dining area, bathroom, and living room separate from the rest of the house. There’s a queen-size bed in one wing of the space and a sitting area with a television in the other — a dedicated workspace and a skyline view, too. Occupancy is limited to two adults and one young child.

The Painted House Near Eastern Market

This house boasts being Eastern Market’s only boutique bed-and-breakfast and was originally built by Cranbrook as part of an experiment in urban microhousing. The home features an open floor plan along with artwork created by Detroit artists. There’s an edible garden on-site that guests are welcome to eat from and a hot tub available for use, if requested in

Located on the top floor of a high-rise, this modern rental offers large glass windows so guests can enjoy spectacular daytime and nighttime views of Detroit. It’s just minutes away from downtown and all the businesses and restaurants in the area. It can sleep up to four guests in either the bed in the only bedroom or the sofa bed in the sleek and modern living space. There’s also an outdoor space that is fully

Brick walls, a wood floor, and stained-glass accent windows greet guests staying in this apartment located in Detroit’s oldest neighborhood. The rental is on the second story, which means it has views of Michigan Central Station and the Ambassador Bridge. It’s located on the same block as Sugar House, Ima, and Slows Bar BQ and within walking distance from other area bars, shops, and restaurants. If you’re up for a longer walk, it’s 10 minutes down Michigan Avenue to get downtown. Up to four guests can stay in two bedrooms with mattresses replaced last year. There’s also a fully stocked kitchen and two bathrooms. Guests will have access to the entire apartment except for the roof.

Alexandrine Studio in Midtown is inside an 1880s Gothic Victorian structure and is not far from the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Shinola flagship store. 

Brother Nature Farmhouse Cabin in North Corktown

DESIGN

House in the Woods

The owner of Vogue Furniture and his wife ditched their Birmingham townhouse for a midcenturymodern house in Huntington Woods

BY MEGAN SWOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE KROODSMA

WHEN YOU KNOW IT, you know it. That’s how Greg Bartelt felt when he first laid eyes on the home in which he now lives.

Nearly three years ago, Bartelt saw a real estate listing for a midcentury-modern home in Huntington Woods. “It was a Friday; we looked at it Saturday and closed the deal Sunday night.” Bartelt fell in love with modern design many years ago when attending Whitman Junior High School in Livonia. “My school was a Minoru Yamasaki design,” he says. “I loved the lines, the glass atriums, the courtyards, the floor-to-ceiling brick. Pure Yamasaki.”

Bartelt and his wife, Sue, purchased the 1950 home from the original owners’ daughter. “We started renovating immediately and wanted to get it done in under a year,” says Bartelt, who had an insider’s perspective on what that year might look like.

Bartelt owns Royal Oak-based Vogue Furniture, which designs, fabricates, finishes, and installs high-end furniture and millwork. The couple continued to live in their Birmingham townhome during the renovations.

Bartelt says the move was somewhat inspired by the fact that his family has grown to include two young grandchildren. “We needed the space again,” the creative designer says.

The home’s renovation crew, including Bloomfield Township-based Lakes Development Group, removed drywall, flooring, windows, and more. Meanwhile, the floor plan was fine-tuned to include a large primary suite that would eliminate two bedrooms, consolidating those areas into one large space. “There are no walls between the bathroom, the floating closet, and the bedroom,” Bartelt says. Another goal was to create a new kitchen layout. “It was closed in, so we tore down walls and opened a space, moving it to where the breakfast niche once was.”

EYE ON

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They also removed a hearth and a built-in planter area and designed a new staircase that features handsome stone treads. They plan to build a bunk room in an unfinished attic for visiting grandkids.

The Bartelts worked with Warren-based Wolverine Stone Co. and John Yarema, who installed quarter-sawn white oak floors. Building teams to create beauty and solve problems along the way is Bartelt’s favorite part of his profession. “I love the building process, absorbing all the information and then creating a solution. You have to be able to defend every line you draw; each must have a purpose.

“Pretty much everything in the home we already had,” Bartelt continues. A lot of the elements, such as the coffee table and buffet, were fabricated by Bartelt and his crew. Naturally, all the furnishings are a nod to the midcentury era. A Saarinen-designed Tulip table and chairs, for example, evoke a modern vibe in the breakfast nook. The couple have been collecting artwork by local artists from Detroit’s College for Creative Studies and Cranbrook Academy of Art for years. “When I designed the floor plan, I had our furniture and artwork in mind regarding where to fit it.”

A long, Formica-topped desk in the loft area runs along one side of the space and features three separate work areas. “The original owners had three kids, and that was their desk,” Bartelt says. “It’s a 74-year-old desk! We restained its mahogany and left the top as is.” They’re also crazy about the 1950s and ’60s light fixtures throughout, many of which the couple discovered at 1st Dibs and Pamono — both online retailers offering new and vintage home décor.

One thing the Bartelts didn’t remove was the home’s design history, its “core tenets,” says Bartelt, who moved into the home in May 2022. Today, various original elements — like the clerestory, the balcony’s original railing (which Bartelt remilled), and leftover bricks from wall removals — adorn the home.

“We feel it’s important to respect the owners who came before us. The house was important to them, and we’re its caretakers.”

©2024 California Closet Company, Inc. Each California Closets ® franchised location is independently owned and operated.

Photo: Stefan Radtke

Home Again

A Grosse Pointe native who cut her teeth with

Ralph Lauren brings her magic touch back to Michigan

BY KHRISTI ZIMMETH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE TIANO

YYou can go home again. Just ask Erica Harrison. Harrison grew up in Grosse Pointe Woods and headed for New York City in 2002. There, she attended the Parsons School of Design to study photography. Halfway through, she got a job offer with Melet Mercantile, a private vintage clothing showroom founded by Bob Melet, the designer who had co-created the vintage department at Ralph Lauren.

“I realized I didn’t want to be a photographer,” Harrison explains. She worked for Melet for three years, eventually moving to J. Crew, where she stayed from 2005 to 2009, serving as a stylist in the men’s and children’s departments. “I dressed the Obama girls,” she remembers. She traveled frequently and would pick up souvenirs for her home and herself around the world. “Everywhere we would go, I’d buy things,” she says, adding, “I

The inspiration wall in Harrison’s home. She runs a design firm, Hudson & Sterling, named after her two oldest sons.

figured I wouldn’t be back.”

In 2009, she left to work with Ralph Lauren, describing her job as “Ralph’s storyteller.” Part of the position consisted of purchasing antiques and clothing and creating “stories” and environments to inspire the designer’s new collections. Concepts included “The Marais in the 1920s” and what she called “worlds” designed to spark ideas. “It was like walking into a movie set,” she explains of the displays they would create. “It was a dream job.”

She remembers her years working with the designer fondly. “He was such a kind man,” she says. “He was a real person and made people want to work hard for him.”

She did so until 2016, when her husband, Travis, a former Texan whom she met at Ralph Lauren, got a job with Detroit-based Shinola. “It was a marriage made in Ralph Lauren,” she jokes. The designer even custom-made her wedding shoes. The couple moved to Detroit’s Indian Village,

renovating a 1917 French revival home on Burns and adding two boys, Hudson and Sterling, to the family as well as a growing design firm named after them. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the couple decided “to take the kids and live in the woods,” Harrison explains, and moved Up North to wait it out.

While there, she took on her first large design project — a vintage 1910 hunting lodge that the owners wanted completely renovated within a year. She redid the entire house with a rustic, Ralph Lauren vibe, honoring and integrating the homeowner’s memories and past in the design. The house is featured in the February/March issue of Country Living magazine.

“[The homeowner] was raised there, and the property was everything to her,” Harrison explains. “My job was to elevate each building and bring them back to the grandeur of what it was.” She repurposed what she could, including a lot of antiques and family keepsakes. “She wanted her family’s story told,” she explains, adding, “We really made it sing,”

In 2022, she had her third boy, Banks, and the family decided to move to Grosse Pointe Park, where they purchased a classic 1916 colonial. “The life of a designer is that you’re always doing other people’s houses,” she says with a laugh, adding that she has plans to redo the bathrooms and

 Harrison plays with her youngest, Banks, in the great room of her 1916 colonial in Grosse Pointe Park, which features a roaring fireplace and plenty of natural light.

 Hudson (left) and Sterling (right) color in Harrison’s home office.

eventually the kitchen and return the home to its former glory.

Harrison credits her years creating worlds for Ralph Lauren with her approach to interior design. “I’ll create anyone’s dream home for them,” she says. “Homes are a conversation and a way to tell someone’s story.”

She doesn’t believe in trends and uses the same approach in her own home. “I want my home to feel cool, relevant, and timeless,” she says, adding that she’s going for “updated refinement.” She embraces a bold palette and is currently overhauling a guest bedroom with a pink ceiling and walls and a blue floor. “I’m not afraid of color,” she says. “I also love the pattern-on-pattern look.”

She is constantly on the hunt for conversation pieces for herself and her clients. “I don’t care if it’s from Marshalls or T.J. Maxx,” she says, adding that she “embraces the highs and lows to keep things interesting.” She and her husband are collectors, she says, especially of Native American pieces. They have been known to take their kids antiquing. “We call it treasure hunting,” she explains.

Now that the kids are getting older (Hudson is 7, Sterling is 5, Banks is 1), she’s committed to growing the fledgling company. “No more stops and starts,” she says. Projects have ranged from an apartment in Chicago’s Gold Coast to a

Bloomfield Hills residence and a location in North Carolina. “A lot of nights I’ll work until 1 or 2 a.m.,” she says. Juggling everything is a lot of work, she admits, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love what I do. I like making pretty things. If I love it, I know my clients will, too.”

Future plans include a possible brick-andmortar store in Grosse Pointe. “I want to make it like John Derian in New York,” she says. “Approachable luxury, that’s what I want. Grosse Pointe doesn’t have that.”

She is looking forward to making that dream a reality. “I want to feel a bit of magic when you walk in,” she says of her future store, which she plans to also name Hudson & Sterling. “It’s the same goal I have when designing homes.”

She still “misses New York every day” but says there are wonderful things about being home, including seeing her boys so happy and being near her family. “I’ve found my niche,” she says. “Working on interiors has made me feel more settled. Design nourishes my creative soul.”

A bookshelf features antique frames and other momentos. Harrison and her husband enjoy collecting and love to take their kids antiquing.

STATELY Serenity

BRIDAL LOOKS ADORN AN OAKLAND TOWNSHIP COUNTRYSIDE MANOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE CUPPY

WARDROBE STYLING BY JENNIFER PICKERING

ACCESSORIES STYLING BY JESSICA VANASSCHE

HAIR BY SHANNON BISHOP

MAKEUP BY GABRIELLE YANKE

LOCATION: ADAMS MANOR, OAKLAND TOWNSHIP

Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Esperanza Dress, $3,965, at The Ivory Loft, 101 W. Shiawassee Ave., Fenton, 810-629-7320, ivoryloftbridal.com; 1940s Bonnet Fascinator Frank Olive Floral Embellished Hat, $68, at Lost and Found Vintage, 510 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 248-548-6154, lostandfoundvintage.com; 18k Rose Gold Marquise-Shaped Diamond Necklace, price upon request; 14k White and Rose Gold Bujukan Bead Cuff Bangle, 14k White Gold Bujukan Bead Cuff Bracelet made by Gabriel & Co., price upon request, at Lucido Fine Jewelry, 42825 Schoenherr Road, Sterling Heights, 586-997-0011, lucidojewelry.com

Eve of Milady Amalia Gown, $7,000, and Bel Air Headpiece, $300, at Piera’s Bridal, 46509 Hayes Road, Shelby Township, 586-566-7800, pierasbridal.com; Ladies Graduated Diamond Tennis Necklace Set, price upon request; 14k White and Yellow Gold Bujukan Diamond Stackable Ring made by Gabriel & Co., price upon request, at Lucido Fine Jewelry, 42825 Schoenherr Road, Sterling Heights, 586-9970011, lucidojewelry.com

Blue Willow Bride by Anne Barge Oakland Dress, $3,730, at Sposa Bella Couture, 620 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-480-4902, sposabellami.com; MidCentury Baroque Gold and Black Cameo Brooch, $45, and 1940s Black Embellished Jacket, $178, at Lost and Found Vintage, 510 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 248-548-6154, lostandfoundvintage.com; Saint Laurent Nero Patent Leather Boots, $1,850, at Neiman Marcus, Somerset Collection, 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 248-643-3300, thesomersetcollection.com; 18k Yellow Gold Diamond with Clear Quartz over Black Mother-of-Pearl Necklace made by Doves, price upon request; 2-Carat Round Diamond Stud Earrings, price upon request; 14k Yellow Gold Bujukan Cuff Bracelet, 14k Yellow Pyramid Black Enamel Bujukan Bangle, 14k White and Yellow Diamond Bujukan Cuff Bangle, 14k Yellow Gold Hexagon Beaded Cuff Bracelet, 14k Yellow Gold Twisted Rope Diamond Intersecting Ring, and 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Crisscross Ring, made by Gabriel & Co., price upon request, at Lucido Fine Jewelry, 42825 Schoenherr Road, Sterling Heights, 586-997-0011, lucidojewelry.com

Hana Abboud Flora Dress, $5,000, at L’Amour Bridal, 650 N. Telegraph Road, Dearborn, 248-308-2733, lamourbridalmi. com; 1960s Rhinestone Collar Necklace, $78, and 1960s Rhinestone Drop Earrings, $68, at Lost and Found Vintage, 510 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 248548-6154, lostandfoundvintage. com; Veronica Beard Winter White Rhinestone Embellished Blazer, $529, at Neiman Marcus, Somerset Collection, 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 248-6433300, thesomersetcollection.com

Ines by Ines Di Santo Rondo Gown, $3,790, at Roma Sposa Bridal Atelier, 708 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-723-4300, romasposa.com; 1950s ¾ White Rouched Gloves, $28, and two 1960s Rhinestone Cuffs, $48, at Lost and Found Vintage, 510 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 248-548-6154, lostandfoundvintage.com; 18k Yellow Gold Hearts on Fire Stardust Earrings, price upon request; 14k White and Rose Gold Bujukan Bead Cuff Bangle, and 14k White Gold Bujukan Bead Cuff Bracelet, made by Gabriel & Co., price upon request, at Lucido Fine Jewelry, 42825 Schoenherr Road, Sterling Heights, 586-997-0011, lucidojewelry.com

Savin London Valentina Gown with Petticoat, $9,299, at The Wedding Shoppe, 2186 Coolidge Highway, Berkley; 248-541-1988, theweddingshoppe.net; 1970s Vintage Gold Toned Collar Necklace, $54, at Lost and Found Vintage, 510 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 248-548-6154, lostandfoundvintage.com; 14k Yellow Diamond Drop Earrings, price upon request; 14k Yellow Gold Bujukan Cuff Bracelet, 14k White and Rose Gold Bujukan Bead Cuff Bangle, 14k Yellow Gold Hexagon Beaded Cuff Bracelet, 14k White and Yellow Gold Rope Diamond Bypass Ladies Ring, 14k Rose Gold Scrolling Floral Diamond Stackable Ring, 14k White Gold Angular Shape Station Stackable Ring, and 14k Rose Gold Marquise and Round Station Diamond Ring, made by Gabriel & Co., price upon request, at Lucido Fine Jewelry, 42825 Schoenherr Road, Sterling Heights, 586-997-0011, lucidojewelry.com

$1,850, at Bridal Couture of Birmingham, 980 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-6450500, bridalcouturemi.com; George Zamaud Ostrich Feather Trimmed Hat, $138, and Vintage Disco Era TripleStrand Pearl Gold-Leaf Dangle Necklace, $48, and Disco Era Single-Strand Long Gold Chain Pearl Accent Necklace, $46, and Mid-Century Gold-Plated Marie Antoinette Cameo Ring, $82, at Lost and Found Vintage, 510 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 248-548-6154, lostandfoundvintage.com; Alice + Olivia Black Ostrich Feather Trim Jacket, $995, at Neiman Marcus, Somerset Collection, 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 248-643-3300, thesomersetcollection.com

For more about Adams Manor, please turn to page 18

Eddy K Gigi Gown,

HOUR BRIDAL DIRECTORY

HOUR BRIDAL DIRECTORY

Jesse Speelman

Nicole Morisco

HOUR BRIDAL DIRECTORY

Photos by: Niki Marie Photography | Molly Grunewald & Company | Josh & Andrea Photography

SURVIVORS’ STORIES

The Zekelman Holocaust Center’s renovation and new features help us never forget

ARTS, CULTURE, AND OTHER THINGS TO DO

FILM p. 64

FAMILY p. 66

ANNUAL

MARCH 2024

Culture Calendar

Our carefully curated guide to the month in arts and entertainment

BY RYAN PATRICK HOOPER

MUSIC

A big month at the DSO

There’s a lot of news out of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra lately, like a massive contract extension keeping Music Director Jader Bignamini here through 2031. That means increased stability for Orchestra Hall and the hardworking union musicians who bring it to life. I also can’t wait for the release of the DSO’s performance of Wynton Marsalis’s Blues Symphony, due out on Penta-

DON’T-MISS EVENTS

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

COMPILED BY LAUREN WETHINGTON

tone this year (the first new album recording from the symphony in years). It’s a “scary good” performance, according to DSO President and CEO Erik Rönmark, whom I profiled for Hour Detroit back in 2022. And while that’s all great news for the future of our beloved Motor City symphony, there’s plenty you can go see in the present. The month kicks off with the annual Clas-

sical Roots performance, which honors and celebrates African American composers, musicians, and educators and is fast approaching its 50th-anniversary mark (not this year but soon). On Friday and Saturday, March 1-2, new music from Shelley Washington and saxophonist Steven Banks comprises the marquee event. Later in the month, the living legend Herbie Hancock takes Orchestra Hall

MARCH 1-2

COMEDY

Kathleen Madigan: A 33-year veteran of the stand-up comedy scene, Madigan has enjoyed a career that includes dozens of appearances on TV shows and specials, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Comedians in Cars Getting Co ee, and Last Comic Standing. As the host of the weekly podcast Madigan’s Pubcast, the comedian and writer o ers her hilarious takes on everything from unsolved mysteries to professional sports. She’ll perform two shows at the Royal Oak Music Theatre this month during her Potluck Party tour. $34.50+. Royal

(March 28). The man is 83 and still puts on an incredible show, so give him his flowers in person while you still can. I’ll throw an honorable mention to the pops programming at the DSO, with Red Carpet Film Scores arriving on March 8 and bringing to life your favorite movie scores from Academy Award-winning composers. For tickets and more information, visit dso.org.

COSTUME DESIGN

Last chance for Afrofuturism at Wright Museum I haven’t gone out of my way in a while to remind you about the “last chance” to see something at local museums. I’d be kicking myself, however, if I didn’t gently poke you and tell you to head over to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (when’s the last time you’ve been …?) to see Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design. There’s been a rash of costume-centric exhib-

Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak; royaloakmusictheatre.com

MARCH 2-3

THEATER

Paw Patrol Live: The Great Pirate Adventure: Ryder, Chase, Marshall, Rubble, and the rest of the pup team take on the high seas in this live pirate-themed adventure based on the hit Nickelodeon program. The show encourages audiences to engage with the story and help the

its touring the area in recent years, but none have come close to achieving the quality of presentation and cultural impact of this one. It’s a retrospective of sorts for Carter, whose career over the past three decades includes working as costume designer for directors from Spike Lee to Steven Spielberg. Her most recently recognizable work was seen in the Black Panther franchise, but her time in showbiz goes back to pictures like Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X. In each effort, Carter manages to be a great costume designer who communicates politics, race, and story arc through her work. Seeing the detailing that goes into this work up close makes for a refreshing trip to the museum (and a fun reminder of how short the actors are who wore her wares), and it’s a great way to better acquaint yourself with this Oscar-winning wardrobe maven.

Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume

pups uncover buried treasure through catchphrases, dances, and interactive picture puzzles. Five shows are available. $20+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 5-17

THEATER

To Kill a Mockingbird: Harper Lee’s beloved Pulitzer Prizewinning novel about a falsely accused Black man and the lawyer who attempts to clear his name comes to life in this

Design wraps up on March 31 at The Wright (I’m digging this shortened name for the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History). Visit thewright.org/exhibitions for more info.

CULTURE

A new way to tell a critical story at The Zekelman

As with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, there’s been a bevy of changes at The Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills. First off, the name. You may not know that, back in 2022, “Zekelman” was added to “The Holocaust Center,” the result of $25 million in gifts from the Zekelman family. (Their 2021 gift of $15 million was the lead gift to the center’s $100 million Comprehensive Campaign.) And now, another infusion of cash is bringing the critical storytelling that The Zekelman does up to date. The Zekelman Holocaust Center began a

stage adaptation by Aaron Sorkin. Directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, the heart-wrenching production features Richard Thomas in the starring role of Atticus Finch. Recommended for ages 12 and up. $46+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

MARCH 9

COMEDY

We Them One’s Comedy Tour: Hosted by Next Friday star Mike Epps, this jam-packed night of laughs includes standup sets by acclaimed comics DeRay Davis, Lil Duval, Mojo Brookzz, DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Money Bag Mafia. Two showtimes are available. $75.50+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 10

COMEDY

Bill Burr: Following the smash success of his first Netflix film, Old Dads, the Grammy and Emmy Award-nominated comedian will make a stop at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena during a sprawling North American stand-up tour. Ranked the 17th best comic of all time by Rolling Stone, Burr is known for a loud, brash, and unabashed brand of rage

 The costumes created by Oscar-winning designer Ruth E. Carter, including costumes from Black Panther, are on display at the Charles H. Wright Museum.

multimillion-dollar renovation of its core exhibit in May of last year, in part thanks to funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. On Jan. 28, the center held a grand reopening of the exhibit, revealing new historical insights, new exhibit designs, and new technology. Under the leadership of Rabbi Eli Mayerfeld, there’s been an urgency to make sure the stories of Holocaust survivors are increasingly accessible in new ways as the survivor population dwindles. If you haven’t been since that high school field trip back in the day, now is the time to see the im-

humor that channels comedic greats like George Carlin and Richard Pryor. $59.50+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 15

DANCE

Trinity Irish Dance: Just in time for St. Paddy’s Day, the Trinity Irish Dance Co. will bring its blend of traditional Irish step dance and contemporary choreography to Music Hall this month. Led by Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mark Howard, the thrilling production showcases the power of tradition and the rich creative heritage of Ireland. $30+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Detroit; musichall.org

portant work that

The Zekelman Holocaust Center is doing today and for future generations with this massive update.

ON MY PLAYLIST

An intimate indie rock show at the Lager House

I don’t get a lot of opportunities to talk about the concerts at the Lager House, so let me take this brief moment to say, “You should be eating brunch there” (it has the best corned beef hash in the city) and “You should be at the Sun June show on Friday, March 29.” There aren’t a lot of bands doing the understated

MARCH 17

MUSIC

Dionne Warwick: One of the most charted vocalists of all time, this six-time Grammy Award-winning R&B singer has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Over the course of her 62-year career, Warwick has launched 56 singles onto Billboard’s Hot 100 list — including careerdefining hits like “That’s What Friends Are For,” “I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” and “Heartbreaker.” $59+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Detroit; musichall.org

indie pop thing that I genuinely enjoy, but Sun June won me over with their excellent track “Everything I Had” and built on that foundation with their excellent 2023 album Bad Dream Jaguar. They’ll be playing with Wild Pink, another must-see. This won’t be a mosh-pit affair. This is a chill-and-check-outgood-music at a great venue that I hope continues booking bands like Sun June, because I’m not sure they’d play Detroit otherwise.

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

MARCH 19-24

THEATER

The Cher Show: Utilizing the beloved singles that made the singer famous, this Tony Award-winning musical tells the fascinating story of Cher’s groundbreaking 60-year career. Audiences will follow the singer and actress through 35 smash hits, two husbands, dozens of awards, and plenty of sequins — and may just find themselves dancing in

traditional Celtic songs have landed them performances at major concert halls around the world. Experience the magic of traditional Irish music — along with classic pieces, a cappella numbers, and popular contemporary songs — in a more intimate setting when the group arrives at The Ark this month. $30. The Ark, Ann Arbor; theark.org

MARCH 20-APRIL 14

THEATER

Native Gardens: This one-act comedy follows two couples who live next door to one another in a historic Washington, D.C., neighborhood. The Butleys, an elderly white couple, are hyperfocused on tending their prized manicured garden. Meanwhile, the Del Valles — a Latino couple in their 30s — decide to eschew polished tradition in favor of an environmentally friendly native garden. Predictably, the families clash, but not just over their yards. Issues of racism, ageism, classism, and privilege soon become more divisive for the neighbors than their hotly contested fence line. $37+. Meadow Brook Theatre, Rochester; mbtheatre.com

MARCH 21

MUSIC

MARCH 22-APRIL 14

THEATER

The Ripple, the Wave That Carried Me Home: Follow the story of a Black family navigating segregation and reconciliation in 1960s Kansas at the Michigan premiere of this new play by Tony Award nominee Christina Anderson. As the daughter of civil rights activists, Janice Clifton experienced a turbulent childhood as her parents fought to integrate public swimming pools in her hometown of Beacon. Years later, having moved away and given up swimming, Janice is forced to face her past during a homecoming trip, dealing with racism, sexism, social justice, and the power of family ties along the way. $28. Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor; theatrenova.org

MARCH 23

MUSIC

the aisles throughout. $46+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

MARCH 19-28

ART

Northville High School IB Art Exhibition: Students enrolled in Northville High School’s International Baccalaureate visual arts program will showcase their self-selected best pieces at this exhibition at the Northville Art House. The program is designed to prepare students for college. No cost. Northville Art House, Northville; northvillearthouse.org

MARCH 20

MUSIC

The Celtic Tenors: This talented trio’s renditions of

CeCe Winans: Boasting 15 Grammy Awards, seven NAACP Image Awards, and more than 19 million records sold, this Detroit native is one of the most awarded and best-selling gospel artists of all time. Expect to hear selections from Winans’s most recent release, Believe for It, along with brand-new songs and plenty of surprises, when the vocalist performs a hometown concert at Detroit’s Fox Theatre. $40+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 22 COMEDY

Brett Goldstein: Although the English actor is best known for his Emmy Award-winning portrayal of cranky but lovable footballer Roy Kent in the hit Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso, his talents reach far beyond the screen: Goldstein is also a seasoned writer, producer, podcaster, and comedian. On his Second Best Night of Your Life tour, the London native will make a stop in Detroit for a night of stand-up comedy. Cost TBA. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Motor City Blues Festival: Experience the raw emotion and storytelling power of blues music at the 16th incarnation of this annual festival. The program will feature voice- and guitar-led performances by Tucka, King George, Pokey Bear, Theodis Ealey, J-Wonn, and West Love. $59+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 27-28

COMEDY

Joe Pera: On his hit Adult Swim series, Joe Pera Talks with You, the comedian, writer, and actor plays a soft-spoken Michigan choir teacher who frequently breaks the fourth wall to discuss pancakes, dancing, and other everyday topics with his audience. Pera will take his signature grandpa sweaters and mild-mannered delivery on the road during his upcoming Peras Tour, the comedian’s biggest stand-up tour yet. $35+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak; royaloakmusictheatre.com

Sun June — an indie pop band from Austin, Texas — will be performing at the Lager House in Detroit on March 29.

Detroit at the Oscars

Revisiting times the Motor City and metro Detroit made an appearance at the Academy Awards (whether you knew it or not)

BY JACK THOMAS

MARCH 10 MARKS the 96th Academy Awards. To celebrate, we’re looking back at a handful of metro Detroit and metro Detroiter appearances at the Oscars. Not only do we boast incredibly cinematic architecture and landscapes, but we have tons of talented and creative neighbors. With state House and Senate legislation proposed last year that would bring back the film tax credit, we’re holding out for a local filmmaking renaissance that sweeps future ceremonies.

Telecast Moments and Nonmoments

Kim Hunter wins best actresssupporting for her role as Stella Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire (1952)

Kim Hunter was absent the night she bagged her first Oscar, for her unforgettable performance alongside a young Marlon Brando. Her friend Bette Davis did her best to approximate a Hunter speech: “She would say: ‘How wonderful, how grateful, and thank you very much.’” Hunter was born in Detroit and lived in Highland Park until her family moved to Miami Beach by the time she was 10. Around age 8, she auditioned for a show on WXYZ, which she recalled in a 1971 interview with the Detroit Free Press. At the time of the interview, she was in town for a stage production at the Fisher Theatre. “Coming back — my God, the names! The Penobscot Building! Hudson’s! That’s all a large part of my memories,” she said.

Ellen Burstyn wins best actress for her role as Alice Hyatt in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1975)

Ellen Burstyn was also absent the night she won her first Oscar. She was in New York, acting in the Broadway play Same Time, Next Year, and director Martin Scorsese accepted the award on her behalf. Kind of a shame, considering she’d been practicing her Oscar speech since she was 7 years old and living in Detroit. She and her older brother, Jack, attended St. Mary’s Academy in Windsor, Ontario, a Catholic boarding school demolished in 1977. At 13, she began modeling for Crowley’s department store in downtown Detroit, and she later modeled for its competitor Hudson’s in her late teens. She went to Cass Technical High School, where she was a cheer captain, but dropped out her senior year and eventually moved to New York. Burstyn was nominated for two previous roles and would be nominated three more times. At the 1977 ceremony, she introduced thenbreakout star Sylvester Stallone. That night, Rocky won three awards, including best picture.

Robin Williams

wins best supporting actor for Good Will Hunting (1998) Following three emptyhanded Oscars departures since 1987, Robin Williams’s role as lovable therapist Sean Maguire finally earned him his first (and only) Academy Award. The late actor delivered a very onbrand speech — kind, humorous, and self-deprecating. His final thanks went to his deceased father, Robert Fitzgerald Williams, “the man who when I said I wanted to be an actor, he said, ‘Wonderful, just have a backup profession like welding.’” Robert worked in Ford Motor Co.’s Lincoln-Mercury Division and moved the Williams family to metro Detroit in the late ’50s, where Robin spent much of his childhood. The family lived in a Bloomfield Hills home on Woodward and Long Lake. He attended Detroit Country Day School, where he was on the soccer and wrestling teams.

Bowling Columbineforwins best feature

documentary (2003) OK, not technically metro Detroit, but we couldn’t resist. At the 75th ceremony, Flint native and director Michael Moore won his first and only Oscar. Capitalizing on the moment, Moore rounded up the other nominees and took to the stage to deliver what was — at the time — a relatively controversial speech criticizing the U.S. invasion of Iraq that had commenced just days earlier, calling out President George W. Bush by name. “We live in a time where we have a man sending us to war for fictitious reasons,” Moore belted, as a mix of boos and cheers began to erupt from the audience. “We are against this war, Mr. Bush! Shame on you, Mr. Bush!”



Ellen Burstyn (left of Kate Hudson) in 2001. That year, she was nominated for her role in Requiem for a Dream

 Robin Williams (left) holds hands with host Billy Crystal at the 2004 Academy Awards ceremony.



Michael Moore arrives at the 2003 Academy Awards. Later that night, he would win Best Documentary Feature.

“Lose Yourself” wins best original song (2003)

Eminem made history in 2003 when his “Lose Yourself” became the first Oscar-winning rap song. But much like the odds were stacked against 8 Mile’s main character, Jimmy “BRabbit” Smith, in his quest for rap stardom, it seemed unlikely that the film’s theme could snag the award. One of the biggest doubters was Em himself, who skipped the ceremony altogether, admitting in a 2007 Shade 45 interview he thought the song had “a snowball’s chance in hell” of winning at the time. He had already drifted to sleep at home when his co-writer Detroit musician Luis Resto took to the stage to accept the award (Jeff Bass, the third co-writer and a fellow Detroiter, who created the song’s driving guitar riff, was also absent — his wife had just given birth). Resto’s unbuttoned sports jacket parted to reveal a red Pistons jersey with the number 33, worn by the team’s former forward Grant Hill. Seventeen years later, the rapper showed up to deliver a surprise performance of “Lose Yourself” at the 92nd Academy Awards in 2020.

Searching for Sugar Man wins best feature documentary (2013)

In 2012, countless U.S. moviegoers were introduced to musician Sixto Rodriguez via Searching for Sugar Man. The documentary revealed that the obscure, soft-spoken Cass Corridor folk singer had risen to Bob Dylan-level superstardom in South Africa in the 1970s (and in Australia, though this fact didn’t make the cut), unbeknownst even to him for some time. Director Malik Bendjelloul and producer Simon Chinn accepted the award; Rodriguez was absent. “Rodriguez isn’t here tonight, because he didn’t want to take any of the credit himself,” Chinn said in his acceptance speech. “And that just about says everything about that man and his story that you want to know.”

Bendjelloul would die tragically by suicide about a year later at the age of 36. Rodriguez passed away in 2023 at 81, old enough to see his songs finally receive their due domestically.



Eminem delivers a surprise performance of “Lose Yourself” at the 92nd Academy Awards in 2020.

Oscar Locations

Out of Sight (1998)

The crime thriller/rom-dramedy is set partially in Detroit, where much of the principal photography took place. Scenes include a boxing match filmed in Detroit’s Fillmore theater (then the State Theatre) and a steamy dinner scene with characters Jack (George Clooney) and Karen (Jennifer Lopez) in the Renaissance Center’s rooftop restaurant. It received editing and writing nominations in 1998.

8 Mile (2002)

Set and largely shot in Detroit, the film features iconic locations like Detroit’s New Center Stamping plant, The Shelter under St. Andrew’s Hall (where Eminem used to compete in real-life rap battles), the Michigan Building (where a parking lot rap battle takes place), and the giant cow head on Mack Avenue in Detroit (which B-Rabbit and his crew bombard with a paintball gun). When B-Rabbit goes to hip-hop station WJLB in hopes of furthering his career (only to discover his girlfriend stepping out on him), he enters the lobby of the Penobscot Building — the real-life lobby for WJLB’s studios before it relocated to Farmington Hills.

Transformers (2007)

Detroit’s iconic Michigan Central Station plays the role of the Beaux-Arts building in Michael Bay’s debut franchise title. Bay would return to Detroit to shoot several of the sequels, including fellow Oscar nominee Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), in which many iconic landmarks can be glimpsed, including the Fisher Building lobby, Michigan Central (again), and Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester. Since 2007, the Transformers films have received three nominations for sound mixing, two for visual effects, and one for sound editing.

Ides of March (2011)

The political thriller starring George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman took full advantage of Michigan’s then generous tax credits — with key scenes shot at Detroit’s Cliff Bell’s and Firebird Tavern, The Dearborn Inn, Nick’s Country Oven in Clawson, and Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills. The film was nominated for best adapted screenplay in 2011.

Producer Simon Chinn (left) and director Malik Bendjelloul hold their Oscars for Searching for Sugar Man.

HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY CAMPER

Social workers and veteran camp directors weigh in on how to handle sending your child to their first summer camp

BY JACK RITCHEY

ATTENDING SUMMER CAMP for the first time can bring a mixed bag of emotions for kids. The excitement of meeting new friends and having fun at the lake or around the campfire can come with an apprehension of leaving home, be it for lengthy overnight stays or even just for the day. We spoke with experts at Bloomfield Child and Family Counseling, Tamarack Camps, and Willoway Day Camp about how first-time campers and their parents can best prepare for a summer separation.

What’s a good age for children to begin attending camp? What makes them more ready at this age?

Carly Weinstock, Tamarack Camps: Tamarack offers programs to kids coming into second grade at the youngest. I always recommend to a parent to send your kid for the first time for our shortest session, which is 10 days. There’s no need to put them into longer sessions right away, even if they feel they’re ready.

Jessica Cortez, Bloomfield Child and Family Counseling: Gauge your child’s readiness. Being the oldest child and the first one to go away to camp might make it harder. Culturally, some kids go to overnight camp as early as second grade around Bloomfield Hills (like Tamarack Camps for Jewish families). That becomes their norm. Most sports camps, outdoor sleepaway camps, etc., begin in upper elementary or sixth grade.

How can a parent best prepare a child emotionally for what could be a first-time separation?

Cortez: “Front-loading.” Having a visual like a calendar to count down how many days until they travel to camp. Make something like a key chain or a bracelet for your child to wear that reminds them of you. Give them autonomy in picking out things to take to camp.

Weinstock: Practice having your child be given autonomy at home, such as having them do things like pick out their clothes, get dressed and ready on their own, sleepovers away from home.

How far in advance should a parent talk to their child about attending camp?

Cortez: At least three weeks, all the way up to the summer before their first time going to camp. Parents can help by doing things like making a checklist of all the things they need to pack.

Meet the Experts

Jessica Cortez, a licensed Master of Social Work, is the founder of Bloomfield Child and Family Counseling and has been working in a privatepractice setting for 12 years. She treats kids with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other behavioral problems.

Jonathon Koenigsberg is a member of the senior leadership at Willoway Day Camp. A former Willoway camper and a longtime staff member, Koenigsberg has worked as a camp director and camp professional for more than 30 years. The camp, which was founded in 1969, has a 16-acre campus that includes an animal farm, nature trails, a rock-climbing wall, and much more. While it is a day camp, overnight stays occur weekly.

Carly Weinstock is the camp director at Tamarack Camps, a Jewish sleepaway camp that was founded in 1902. She has worked there since 2007 in a variety of roles. To provide information for this story, she collaborated with Danielle Tagai, a LMSW and the director of mental health and special needs at Tamarack. The camps offer a wide range of overnight programs located across Michigan wilderness areas for kids and families that aim to help campers “grow, build confidence, strengthen Jewish identity and create lifelong friendships.”

Weinstock: I don’t think there’s a time too far in advance to talk to your child about going to camp. Talk about camp next summer even if they aren’t going this summer.

How much should a parent take their child’s feelings into account before sending them?

Cortez: You know your child best. If you have an anxious kiddo, and if sleepovers have been hard, I would not have them use camp as an anxiety exposure.

Jonathon Koenigsberg, Willoway Day Camp: Talk with your camper to hear what their apprehension is. Talk with the camp director to be sure this is a good fit. Take a tour of the camp. … We want to work with you and your child to make sure they are having a good time.

Weinstock: Their feelings on camp are important. At Tamarack we have family camp, so even if you come to family camp and then do a year of prepping for your child to come to camp on their own next summer, I still would not force them if they’re against it.

How might a parent deal with a child experiencing homesickness at camp?

Cortez: You know your child best. Try having a video chat with them. See if they can make it the rest of the day, then check in again tomorrow to see how they feel. You don’t need to swoop in and feel like you need to save them from something that’s not an emergency.

Koenigsberg: Our staff works one-on-one with the camper to help them become more comfortable at camp. We partner with parents to help the camper be successful. We will be in contact with parents during the summer to help the camper succeed.

AS SURE AS a late Michigan winter, the annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade takes place this year on March 10 at 1 p.m. Since 1958, the parade has been honoring Detroit’s Irish history, as well as celebrating Corktown’s continued progress. Given its ranking as the 23rd largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the country with tens of thousands of attendees, it is no wonder the parade is celebrating its 66th successful year. Led by Michael Kelly, the parade chairman, and with the help of Grand Marshals Maureen and Norm Root, the 2024 parade promises to keep old traditions alive, as well as newer fun familyfriendly events.

The Basics

The parade steps off at Sixth Street and Michigan Avenue and continues along Michigan Avenue, ending at 14th Street (near Michigan Central). “We should have anywhere from 30,000 to 50,000 people down there celebrating our Irish heritage and recognizing the charitable contributions of the United Irish Society member groups,” Kelly says. With a packed parade of more than 3,000 participants and more than two hours of entertainment, attendees can look forward to everything from marching groups and bagpipers to the gang from Ghostbusters Detroit and its team of paranormal investigators.

The Music and Dance

In keeping with the traditional spirit of the event, a number of local (and international) groups will be performing Irish step dance, bagpipes, and drums, alongside almost a half-dozen high school marching bands. Favorites such as the Ardán Academy of Irish Dance, Motor City Irish Dance,

ANNUAL

EVENTS

The Ultimate Parade Guide

What you should know about one of America’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in Detroit’s oldest neighborhood

BY WILL REAUME

the Shannon Irish Dance Academy, and the Metro Detroit Police and Fire Pipes and Drums will add to the sounds and spectacle. An exciting addition to this year’s parade is the Windsor Police Pipe Band from just across the bridge, which hasn’t participated in years. Returning high school marching bands from last year’s parade include those from Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology, River Rouge High School, Roosevelt High School, and Wayne Memorial High School.

The Family Fun Zone

For $12 a person, or $60 for a family of six, attendees can access the Family Fun Zone, offering exclusive grandstand seating from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be face painting and refreshments — plus, Paws and Roary will be there to hang out with the kids from 12:30 to 12:50 p.m. The pass also comes with one parking spot (passenger vehicles only) in a lot at Howard and Sixth streets. Entry is limited to 275 attendees, though, so make sure to guarantee your spot by ordering ahead online.

The Corktown 5K

For those interested in getting a workout prior to the parade, the annual Corktown 5K will take place at 11 a.m., starting and ending at Roosevelt Park. A shorter 1-mile distance is available at 10:40 a.m., and the kid-friendly quarter-mile option starts at 10:30 a.m.

The Parking Attendees should plan on arriving early to guarantee a parking spot near the parade. Parking on the south side of Michigan Avenue is limited, so folks should plan on heading north, where more spots will be available.

The Bathroom Situation

Port-a-johns will be located along the parade route and can be sponsored for $125, a perfect opportunity for local businesses or families attending the parade. Each sponsor will have their name posted outside the port-a-john.

Sponsorship and Donor Opportunities

In order to keep the tradition of the Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade alive and well, the United Irish Societies (which has hosted the parade since 1958) and parade group rely on support from parade attendees and fundraisers such as the Fish Dinner Fridays at the Ancient Order of Hibernians Hall in Redford. “People that have been coming for years as a family Irish tradition, we’d love to have you make a small donation of whatever you can afford to continue this great Irish tradition,” Kelly says. Donations can be made on the parade website. For more information about Detroit’s St. Patrick’s Day parade — including how to volunteer to help with future parades — go to detroitstpatricksparade.com

 The Metro Detroit Police and Fire Pipes and Drums at the annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade.

Before the parade begins, children can meet up with Tigers and Lions mascots Paws and Roary in the Family Fun Zone.

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Food&Drink

DRINKS p. 74

DINING NEWS p. 76

RESTAURANT REVIEW p. 77

RESTAURANT LISTINGS p. 84

DRINKS

IRISH HOSPITALITY, DETROIT-STYLE

Gus’ Snug brings a bit of Northern Ireland to downtown Clawson. Plus, 13 more pubs to visit this month and beyond.

BY MICKEY LYONS | PHOTOS BY REBECCA SIMONOV

But What About the Drinks?

Goyfman made sure that his staff received full training on pouring the proper pint of Guinness: with a two-part pour and a generous head. In addition to offering classics like Irish coffee and a full roster of Irish whiskies, Gus’ Snug incorporates local elements for its house cocktails, such as the Dublin oldfashioned, with house-made Guinness simple syrup, and the Kerry Pippin, with Ferndale’s Valentine Distilling Co. gin. For its first St. Patrick’s Day, the snug will celebrate with live music and tents outdoors beginning at 7 a.m. You can take the pub out of Ireland, but here in metro Detroit, the spirit of hospitality is still roaring strong.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN IRELAND, it was considered impolite for men and women to drink in public together, as the men thought the ladies ought to be shielded from the rougher elements of pub culture. Never ones to be left out of a good party, the ladies and publicans of Ireland came up with an ingenious solution: the snug. Nestled into the corners of every traditional pub in every town in Ireland, the snug is a small, screened-off room attached to the bar where women and sometimes clergy members could enjoy a wee nip away from the prying eyes of the menfolk.

The snug is a clever and architecturally elegant part of Irish culture. Inside, gossip was exchanged, love matches were made, property deals were sealed, and the general everyday business of the parish was supervised.

Today, you can still find these testaments to Irish community dotted across the landscape in traditional pubs. They’re a little tougher to find in the States, despite Americans’ deep fondness for a good Irish pub. Dimitry Goyfman and his business partner, Kevin VanDyke, noticed that lack and set out to remedy it, opening Gus’ Snug in downtown Clawson in December of 2023.

Goyfman and VanDyke were no strangers to Irish pubs, having opened O’Connor’s Public House in Rochester in 2005. O’Connor’s was designed and built in Ireland, then shipped to America and assembled by a qualified team, right down to the Guinness-approved insignia and décor. Since then, the team at O’Connor’s has made the bar and restaurant a staple of community gatherings.

With VanDyke, Goyfman plans to do the same with Gus’ Snug. “Clawson is a super tight-knit community that needs a good local place to hang out,” he says. Irish hospitality, and, by extension, metro Detroit hospitality, is about more than the look of a pub. “When I first got involved with this, I said, ‘What is an authentic Irish pub?’ After my first time traveling to Ireland, I really figured out what it was, and it wasn’t what it looks like. It’s really about being a place for the community where everybody feels comfortable going.”

To get a sense of what he wanted Gus’ Snug to

Gus’ Snug celebrates Ireland’s culture and history while offering a cozy space for the locals to hang out.

embody, Goyfman took his contractor, Joe Morris, on a weeklong trip around Ireland, stopping in small-town pubs every chance they could. Much of the final product at the new Clawson spot reflects one locale not commonly referenced in Midwestern Irish pubs, though. Goyfman felt an immediate connection to the culture of Belfast in Northern Ireland.

It’s a fitting connection, the Belfast-Detroit one. Both are industrial powerhouses that saw their production heyday in the early 20th century — Detroit with automobiles and Belfast with massive steamships and ocean liners. Tributes to Belfast’s industrial legacy line the walls of Gus’ Snug, including antique photos of the shipyards and a cheeky mural of the Titanic, perhaps Belfast’s most famous product, sinking into a glass of Jameson Irish whiskey. Other touches in the bar echo the Rochester location, like custom stained-glass decorations modeled after the ones that O’Connor’s Public House received from a decommissioned church in Ireland.

More than the décor or even the perfect pint of Guinness, though, the soul of the snug is all about community and celebration for Goyfman. “In every town, there’s a church, there’s a pub, there’s a grocery store,” he says. Goyfman is committed to making Gus’ Snug a place “where everybody celebrates a birthday, getting married, and any kind of event happens there. To me, that’s an Irish pub. When I see in my pub [that] people are bringing their babies on their first time out of the house,” or when a pub hosts a traditional wake for an Irish family, “that’s the real Irish pub spirit.”

Sláinte

A lucky 13 Irish pubs to stumble into (and out of) this St. Patrick’s Day weekend

IT’S THAT TIME of year again, when all of the U.S. dons green and tries out atrocious Irish accents. Fortunately, metro Detroit has plenty of spots for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for every taste, from the die-hard green beer chuggers to the teetotalling toe-tappers just looking for some good fiddle music. Here are some of our favorites:

Detroit

The Gaelic League/ Irish American Club

CORKTOWN

Contrary to rumor, you don’t have to be of Irish heritage to be an Irish American Club member. This social club, located on the parade route on

Michigan Avenue, is open to all willing to pay their annual membership dues of $25. Massive tents and a marathon of music on St. Patrick’s Day are the highlight of the year.

Nancy Whiskey CORKTOWN

Just exactly what “Detroit’s oldest party” is may be tough to determine — until you show up at Nancy’s to a warm welcome of Tullamore Dew and cheers. This Corktown anchor has been welcoming guests since 1904.

Thomas Magee’s EASTERN MARKET

A relative newcomer, Thomas Magee’s distinguishes itself with a massive collection of Irish, Scotch, and American whiskey, as well as its earlymorning watch parties for international soccer matches.

The Old Shillelagh GREEKTOWN

Any given Saturday, this Greektown behemoth hosts hordes of partiers, and the game is upped every St. Paddy’s Day for a raucous and wild blowout. Live music all day and shot specials are not for the faint of heart.

The Suburbs

Dunleavy’s Food & Spirits ALLEN PARK

Owned and operated by brothers Tom and Brian Dunleavy for more than 50 years, the Downriver watering hole is a classic throwback to the great neighborhood pubs of the last century.

O’Mara’s Restaurant BERKLEY

As part of its longtime commitment to the Berkley community, O’Mara’s hosts

frequent fundraisers and sponsors all kinds of youth and sports groups. That’s just part of what has kept the large space on 12 Mile alive through devastating fires, construction, and decades of change.

Dick O’Dow’s BIRMINGHAM

This capacious Birmingham watering hole is a favorite of locals and sports fans. It boasts an extensive craft beer list and hosts frequent watch parties for college sports and alumni clubs.

John Cowley & Sons FARMINGTON

With stunning Old World wood detailing and frequent music and dance performances, Cowley’s has been Farmington’s go-to gathering spot for generations of local Irish families.

Danny’s Irish Pub FERNDALE

Even though its infamous plaid carpet was cleaned and later replaced, remnants from decades of late-night gab sessions has soaked into the very fiber of downtown Ferndale’s Danny’s. It’s a nofrills spot for an affordable pint.

Irish Coffee Bar & Grill GROSSE POINTE FARMS

This unassuming Mack Avenue spot offers a warm welcome and friendly service, alongside killer burgers and other pub fare.

Sullivan’s Public House OXFORD

Founded by a true-green Irishman, this Oxford spot just opened in 2014 but has garnered a loyal following since then, thanks to oldschool hospitality and fantastic

traditional cooking, including the Full Irish Breakfast.

Sean O’Callaghan’s Public House

PLYMOUTH

Gorgeously decked out in old wood, stained glass, and Irish author photos, this downtown Plymouth pub serves traditional Irish and American food and drink.

The Irish Music Institute hosts a traditional Irish music session every Wednesday.

Pat O’Brien’s Tavern ST. CLAIR SHORES

Serving upscale fare since 1948, Pat O’Brien’s offers an extensive seafood menu along with traditional Irish staples like shepherd’s pie. A selection of Michigan craft beer rounds out the Irish libation offerings.

Gus’ Snug — in the former Moose Winooski site on Main Street — trains its staff to pour a proper pint of Guinness.

DINING NEWS

Shining a Light on Chefs

Keith Famie talks about his upcoming documentary celebrating Detroit’s cuisine and its makers

BY JACK THOMAS

You may have dined at one of Farmington Hills-born Keith Famie’s renowned metro Detroit restaurants in the ’80s or ’90s (Chez Raphael, Les Auteurs, Forte). And you may have seen him as a Survivor finalist. What you may not know is that he is a Michigan Emmywinning director-producer who is currently working on an upcoming Detroit Public TV documentary, Detroit: The City of Chefs, set to premiere later this year. We caught up with him in January, after his Legends of the Stove event at the Detroit Athletic Club, a charity dinner prepared by an all-star, multigenerational lineup of metro Detroit chefs. The event will appear in the documentary, along with stop-motion animation sequences produced by students at the College for Creative Studies.

Hour Detroit: What can viewers expect when watching Detroit:

The City of Chefs?

Keith Famie: The film is not just about the historical relevance of the culinary industry, but it’s also about the current relevance of our culinary industry in Detroit and the individuals carrying it forward. It’s going to be a fairly rich story, kind of like an onion with a lot of layers to it. … The Italians, the Poles, the Irish, the Germans, the Lebanese — this vast, rich culture of ethnic groups that came here, they brought their cooking styles and ingredients, and that built who we are today, which is pretty significant.

How did the Legends of the Stove dinner come about?

In [Detroit: The City of Chefs], there’s a story unfolding about how in the ’70s, chefs started coming out of the kitchen …



to start cooking at socially charitable events. And I think charities figured out, “Wait a minute — if we want to have a really successful event, what if we just invite chefs to cook?” And so that became just a mainstay. So, my thought was, “Let’s do a chef’s charity dinner. What if we bring together as many of the old guards and current new ones as possible?” Then it was like, “Well, there’s only really one place we should be doing this that is the most historical culinary landmark in our state — the Detroit Athletic Club.”

How does the automotive industry play a part in the film? The automotive executives in the ’50s and ’60s started doing a lot of traveling. And as they traveled around the world, they were able to refine their palate; they were able to see a whole range of new cooking styles. Well, they brought

those interests and those passions back here and almost kind of challenged chefs, if you will. Back then, the only places you could really go to get a meal of that nature, that creativity, and that quality of ingredients were clubs and hotels. And eventually restaurants flourished from that.

What will the animated sequences look like?

People think of chefs as staunch and serious. But by nature, we’re whimsical. So I felt that a fun way to open the film was to create a whimsical moment, almost [like] Pinocchio and Geppetto.

So [for the animated sequences] we’ve got [figurines of] a master chef, pastry chef, and a master baker working on this elaborate cake. The whole opening of the film is the chefs using utensils and bowls to make one cohesive piece of music that comes to life. And then we’re going to use the

same chef lookalikes to close the film with a special endearing message in memory of those who’ve passed on.

What do you think sets Detroit apart from other cities in the culinary field?

Detroit has always been considered this kind of “flyover community” to New York or LA. So, I think our chefs here kind of … they know there’s more at stake. I think they really want to make it known that we’re as good and as hardworking, as creative, as professional as anybody in the country. Detroit, and Michigan, have a lot to be proud of when it comes to our culinary heritage.

Generations of leading Detroit chefs and restaurant professionals pose at the Legends of the Stove event in the Detroit Athletic Club.

From top left, clockwise: SOS cocktail, chocolate pie, short rib croquetas, halibut with beurre blanc and potato cakes, braised beets with feta, Lost but Hopeful cocktail, and pork belly.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

NEIGHBORHOOD SPOT

Royal Oak’s Beppé — your new go-to eatery for any occasion — is run by two talented and savvy 20-somethings

BY DOROTHY HERNANDEZ AND JACK THOMAS | PHOTOS BY CHUK NOWAK

SOMETIMES YOU JUST want bar food and a beer. Other times you want to treat your significant other to date night, from craft cocktails to luxurious entrées.

Beppé — on Main Street in Royal Oak, just slightly north of all the hustle and bustle of the downtown area — fits the bill for both dining needs. But that doesn’t mean it tries to be all things, which can mean a place is nothing at all. The menu at Beppé, New American with a touch of Italian influence, is well edited, brief, and elegant in its simplicity. The service is friendly, attentive, and warm. The intimate and modern space is polished, but not cold and uninviting. In short, after just two years in business, Beppé has a clear point of view that makes you want to go back, whatever the occasion.

“From the get-go, I always envisioned a place that was super intentional: all the food that we served, the atmosphere that we cultivated,” says owner Dominic Morelli.

“The overarching goal is to have Beppé serve unbelievable food, unbelievable flavors, and be kind of a spot that people can really bank on knowing that ‘[if] I’m gonna go there, I’m gonna get a great meal.’”

Fostering a neighborhood feel “is a big thing that we’re trying to do,” says chef Michael Bartoluzzi, who previously worked at two Ann Arbor staples: Slurping Turtle and Mani Osteria & Bar. “For a lot of places, when the food gets more intentional and more elevated, it starts to kind of box people out, push people out, price people out. It can get a little bit more intimidating. But you know, we’re literally in a neighborhood. So we have to act accordingly.”

Morelli’s father, Joseph, is a partner in Crispelli’s Bakery and Pizzeria, so the 25-year-old was exposed to the business side of the industry at a young age. Even back then, he says, “I was always conceptualizing different things, kind of thinking about ‘When my time comes, when I get the opportunity to start something, what’s it going to look like?’”

Despite his family ties, he hopes to dispel “this connotation that Beppé is a sister restaurant of Crispelli’s,” he says. “I’m trying to write my own path.” (While Morelli is the owner of Beppé, his father was listed as a partner and the resident agent on the business’s most recent public annual statement, filed in late 2022.)

The younger Morelli spotted the vacant building that Beppé now leases shortly after he graduated with a political science degree from Hope College in 2021. It once housed Niki’s, a Greek restaurant that opened in 1986 and closed quietly around 2020. The long-standing diner had a liminal charm — drop ceilings, beige walls, red upholstery, and ’90s McDonald’s-esque floors. Basically, “it was in a total state of needing a makeover,” he says.

The construction team gutted the interior, opening up the ceiling to expose wood rafters, which stud the textured walls. There’s contemporary mood lighting, leather booths, and an inviting seven-seat bar that provides a peek into the kitchen. The dining room seats up to 47 and has an intimate “neighborhood bar” feel with a minimalistic modern edge. When it comes to renovation costs (or anything money-related), Morelli politely declines to talk numbers but says the business took out a loan that it still pays off monthly.

The restaurant opened in January 2022. Soon after, Bartoluzzi applied for the job of chef. “We hit it off and realized quickly we had a lot in common,” Morelli says. “It feels very meant to be.”

The menu is semiseasonal, but it’s more driven by what Bartoluzzi (who is also 25) is dreaming up and wants to put on the menu; a dish will come off when it’s run its course.

The starters portion of the menu is titled “To share with those you love,” and it couldn’t be more aptly described. It’s difficult to choose from the list of tantalizing dishes, but there were several that have us hoping they won’t run their course and will be on the menu for a long time.

One such dish is the pork belly with braised cabbage, Calabrian chile pork rillettes, pickled cauliflower, lemon, and mint — a standout starter. The pork belly was delicious — crispy on the outside but tender on the inside and well seasoned. The Calabrian chile pork rillettes were quite rich, but the cauliflower and lemon provided a nice counterbalance.

Bartoluzzi says the rillettes are made in-house from trim from the pork belly and are an effort not to let anything go to waste.

“I’ve done a pork belly confit like this before at other restaurants. When you’re making things into

Owner Dominic Morelli (left) clicked quickly with chef Michael Bartoluzzi (right) when he joined Beppé in 2022.

 The seven-seat bar offers a view into the kitchen, plus a cozy drinking and dining experience.



The dining room seats up to 47, with a handful of booths and small tables.

The Lost but Hopeful (left) and The SOS, with tequila, mezcal, chile-sageinfused Aperol, cardamom, and agave.



Bartoluzzi grates pecorino Romano onto the tagliatelle with lamb ragù, made with house-made pasta.

perfect cubes and shapes that you see in a lot of elevated restaurants, a lot of stuff ends up going into the [trash]. So it just seemed like [using it for the rillettes] was a great way to add value to the dish and save some money for us, give people more of the pork belly instead of throwing it [away].”

The braised beets and feta were light and refreshing, with the orange juice braise brightening up the earthy beets. The crispy pasta fritta was the perfect vehicle for scooping up the beets, which married seamlessly with the airy whipped Bulgarian feta.

On the menu during our December visit were the short rib croquetas with Calabrian chile aioli and beef jus. They’re inspired by a trip Bartoluzzi took to Miami where he enjoyed a lot of “amazing” Cuban food. One of the staple dishes of Cuban cuisine is the croqueta, which is typically filled with ham, cheese, or fish. Bartoluzzi’s version looks like a traditional croqueta with its cylindrical shape and characteristic crispiness but has a Midwestern twist with short ribs and rich beef jus.

With seven entrées, there’s something for almost everyone, from house-made pastas to fish and scallops to hearty pork chops and steaks (sorry, vegetarians, not much in the entrée department).

If you’re looking for an elevated entrée, the Wagyu rib eye cap with lion’s mane mushrooms, veal jus, and smashed potatoes is the proper choice. The steak, which melts in your mouth thanks to all that luxurious marbling from this excellent cut of beef, was cooked a perfect medium rare with a lovely char, complemented by a savory, brothy veal jus. On the side, the crispy smashed potatoes were browned to perfection, seasoned with hints of curry. The lion’s mane mushrooms were equally crispy.

On the more casual side of things, one entrée we enjoyed was the burger and fries. With this being such a ubiquitous dish, it has to be spot on since it’s likely going to be one of the most-ordered entrées. Beppé didn’t disappoint with its version of a smashburger with a double patty, cheddar,

caramelized onions, dill pickle, truffle aioli, and fries with a side of garlic aioli. Balancing the right amount of flavor and juiciness without veering into grease territory, it stacked up as one of the best burgers around. The fries and garlic aioli shared equal star status on the plate, with the perfect craveable crispiness requisite of any good fry and silky aioli infused with the right amount of garlic.

A Summary of Beppé

Price: $$$

Vibes: Modern, minimalist, and cozy

Service: Approachable and friendly. We unfortunately had to send back a dish on one occasion, but the staff was professional and gracious about it and took it off the bill without any questions.

Sound level: Moderate — no need to shout to make yourself heard. It was at or near full capacity on a weeknight, and we could hear ourselves just fine over the dull roar, which was still loud enough to give a sense of privacy.

Dress code: Come as you are, whether that’s casual and comfortable or dressed to impress.

Open: L Sat.-Sun. D Tue.-Sun.

Reservations: Call or reserve online at eatbeppe.com.

Parking: There’s a lot in the back of the restaurant and ample street parking nearby if the lot is full.

Wheelchair access: Yes

Pastas are made in-house, informed by Bartoluzzi’s previous stints in Ann Arbor, where he developed a love of making fresh noodles. On one of our first visits, we enjoyed a spaghetti dish blanketed with a sumptuous corn sauce that was inspired by Bartoluzzi’s time at Slurping Turtle, where he would take fresh ramen and mix it up with kitchen odds and ends such as crunchy onions and buttery corn for his personal snack — kind of a play on cacio e pepe but with white pepper. It’s not on the menu anymore (check out the tagliatelle with braised lamb ragù and pecorino), but it’s worth mentioning because Bartoluzzi’s creativity and influence are all over the menu. The maturity and point of view in Beppé’s dishes are notable considering they’re the creation of someone who, at 25, is already a seasoned pro after 10 years in the industry.

The dessert program has been limited, but the one thing we did get to try knocked it out of the park as the sole offering that evening: the house-made orange sherbet, served with whipped cream. As our dining companion put it, it was like biting into a fresh orange — with even the more nuanced, bitter characteristics. The whipped cream elevated it to the Cadillac version of a Creamsicle. Sadly, it has also since left the menu. However, people with a sweet tooth can look forward to a wider selection of desserts to end the meal, like the Southern-inspired, personal-size chocolate buttermilk pie.

The ever-changing wine list is dominated by Italian reds and whites, ones that Morelli believes “over-deliver for the price,” Morelli says. “I’m a firm believer that wine doesn’t have to be expensive to be good.” The cocktail menu frequently changes, too. Expect spritzes, fun riffs on classics featuring Italian liqueurs, and house-made batches like plum-infused Cocchi Americano (which was featured in one of the cocktails we tried, the light and bright Lost but Hopeful) or chile-sageinfused Aperol.

For the past two years they’ve been in business, Morelli and Bartoluzzi have been so focused inward that they haven’t gotten too caught up in perceptions of two 20-somethings running what is becoming a popular business.

“We just want to play ball,” Morelli says. “We just want to make food, we want to have a successful business, we want to make Beppé as big as possible, as great as possible. We want to serve as many people as possible, have people come in the door and truly love the food, truly love the experience they had here. And then we want to do it again. We want to have another restaurant or venture or something.”

If what they’ve done in two years is any indication, we’re excited to see what’s next

 From left, clockwise: Pork belly, chocolate buttermilk pie, and braised beets with feta.

Halibut with beurre blanc and potato dauphinoiseinspired crispy potato cakes. 

Southeastern Michigan is home to some of the best orthopedic providers in the world

Orthopedic injuries include any injury to the musculoskeletal system and are often injuries related to the bones and joints as a result of an accident or trauma to the body. They can range from mild to severe and often require medical attention, including surgery, to heal properly. Common orthopedic injuries include sprains and strains, fractures, rotator cuff injuries, ACL injuries and tendonitis.

Orthopedists use surgical and nonsurgical approaches to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as sports injuries, joint pain, and back problems.

Technology and innovation are important to improving patient care in all areas of medicine, including injuries to the musculoskeletal system, and Southeastern Michigan is home to some of the best orthopedic specialists in the world.

Hour Detroit’s Top Orthopedic “board certified” special section highlights the amazing work being done right here in Michigan by orthopedic specialists who are confident, empathetic, highly skilled and trained, focused, respectful and most of all honest and caring. ■

Hand Surgery

Avery Arora, M.D.

Avery Arora, M.D.

Anna Babushkina, M.D. Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic and Spine Specialists

Mykola J. Bartkiw, D.O. Center for Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Kyle Bohm, M.D. Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic and Spine Specialists

Ara N. Bush, M.D. Hand Surgery Associates of Michigan, PC

Jeremy R. Ciullo, M.D. Michigan Surgery Specialists, PC

Kirk Cleland, M.D. St. Clair Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Alexander J. Colen, D.O. Hand Surgery Associates of Michigan, PC

Charles S. Day, M.D., M.B.A. Henry Ford Hospital

Stephen P. DeSilva, M.D. Henry Ford Hospital

James Dietz, M.D. St. Clair Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Christina Endress, M.D. Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons

John A. Gorski, M.D. Michigan Surgery Specialists, PC

Jean-Paul Guiboux, M.D. Michigan Hand & Wrist, PC

E. Aron L. Haass, D.O., FACOS Michigan Surgery Specialists, PC

Fred M. Hankin, M.D. Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Hand Surgery - Ann Arbor Campus

Elizabeth A. King, M.D. Henry Ford Center for Athletic Medicine

Jeffrey D. Placzek, M.D. Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons

Michael Quinn, M.D. Bloomfield Hand Specialists

Rachel Rohde, M.D. Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons

Jason Samona, D.O. Jason Samona DO

Richard M. Singer, M.D. Hand Surgery Associates of Michigan, PC

Gregory Sobol, M.D. Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons

Brett Wiater, M.D. Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons

Hand Surgery - Pediatric

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

Orthopedic Surgery

Trevor R. Banka, M.D. Henry Ford Medical Center

Matthew Caid, D.O. Advanced Orthopedic Specialists, PC

Michael A. Charters, M.D. Henry Ford Hospital

Christopher Cooke, M.D. DMC Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - West Bloomfield

Hussein F. Darwiche, M.D. DMC Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Heart Hospital

Jason J. Davis, M.D. Henry Ford Hospital

Jeffrey H. DeClaire, M.D., FAAOS Michigan Knee Institute

Robert G. Dekker, M.D.

Robert Dekker, M.D.

Timothy Doig, D.O. Great Lakes Orthopaedics

Paul J. Drouillard, D.O. Great Lakes Orthopaedics

Eddie F. El-Yussif, D.O. Henry Ford Macomb Orthopedics & Wound Care

Laith Farjo, M.D. Advanced Orthopedic Specialists, PC

Nicholas B. Frisch, M.D.

Ascension Medical Group - University Orthopaedics Specialists

Todd Frush, M.D. Motor City Orthopedics

Perry Greene, M.D. Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons

Stuart T. Guthrie, M.D. Henry Ford Hospital

William M. Hakeos, M.D. Henry Ford Hospital

Derek L. Hill, D.O.

Derek L Hill, D.O., PLLC

Joseph J. Hoegler, M.D. Henry Ford Hospital

David Knesek, D.O. Motor City Orthopedics

Robert B. Kohen, M.D.

Robert B. Kohen, M.D.

David H. Mendelson, M.D. Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic and Spine Specialists

Robert Mihalich, M.D. Advanced Orthopedic Specialists, PC

Marc J. Milia, M.D., C.A.Q. Marc Milia, M.D., PC

Michael P. Mott, M.D. Henry Ford Hospital

Vasilios Moutzouros, M.D. Henry Ford Center for Athletic Medicine

Kerellos Nasr, M.D.

DMC Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Heart Hospital

Trevor T. North, M.D. Henry Ford Hospital

David W. Prieskorn, D.O. Orthopedic Surgery Specialists, PLLC

Hussein A. Saad, M.D. Michigan Orthopedic Specialists, PC

Richard M. Singer, M.D. Michigan Surgery Specialists , PC

Orthopedic Surgery - Pediatric

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

Jeffrey Settecerri, M.D. Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons

Steven Slotkin, M.D. Children’s Hospital of Michigan

Martin B. Kornblum, M.D. Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic and Spine Specialists

Nathan Marshall, M.D.

Walid Yassir, M.D. Children’s Hospital of Michigan

Ascension Medical Group University Orthopaedics Specialists

Ira Zaltz, M.D. Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons

Jeffrey H. DeClaire, M.D., FAAOS

Orthopaedic Knee Specialist

Dr. Jeffrey H. DeClaire, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic knee specialist, is spearheading a revolution in patient mobility and quality of life. At the Michigan Knee Institute, he leads a dedicated team committed to cutting-edge technology and advanced surgical techniques to restore normal knee function in the arthritic knee.

With a career spanning 30 years, Dr. DeClaire is an international luminary, propelling outpatient partial and total knee replacement surgery into new dimensions. At the heart of his expertise lies the groundbreaking Elite Knee procedure. This fusion of computer-generated imaging, robotic precision, and decades of surgical insight yields unmatched results in knee replacement.

Dr. DeClaire’s unique surgical approach allows for the ability to restore normal knee function in a more predictable, precise fashion than traditional knee surgery. His extensive experience in minimally invasive surgical techniques provides patients with a more rapid recovery, as well as the ability to return home on the same day of surgery. Dr. DeClaire’s pioneering spirit thrives through global collaborations with orthopedic peers, driving innovation. His influence extends to surgical techniques and implant designs, reshaping orthopedic knee surgery. Dr. DeClaire’s instrumental role in the evolution of surgical techniques and the development and design of knee implants has indisputably propelled the field of orthopedic knee surgery into new frontiers.

The Michigan Knee Institute is a cutting-edge facility offering comprehensive treatments, including minimally invasive partial and total knee replacements, robotic knee surgeries, outpatient knee replacements, cartilage restoration, and arthroscopy. With these advanced interventions, patients are empowered to reclaim their mobility and embrace active lives once more. ■

Michigan Knee Institute

Jeffrey H. DeClaire, M.D., FAAOS

- Chief, Department of Orthopedic Surgery

- Director, Adult Reconstruction & Joint Replacement Program

- Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital

1135 W. University Drive, Suite 450 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 248-650-2400

hello@michigankneeinstitute.com michiganknee.com

Photo by Brad Ziegler

Restaurant Guide

Wayne

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 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; 313-831-5940. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Alpino $$

ALPINE •This Alps-inspired Corktown eatery quickly became beloved after opening in 2022. The cozy interior evokes cabins and farmhouses from the European countryside. Order beers and wines from all over Europe, plus cocktails like the kaffeepause, their riff on an espresso martini made with brandy, house coffee liqueur, and demerara. Choice bites include the fondue, wiener schnitzel, or the chestnut gnocchetti, made with chestnut dumplings, wild boar sausage, apple, kale, morber, and fried sage. There are tasty vegetarian and vegan options, as well. 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; 313-567-6700. D Mon.-Fri., L,D Sat.Sun. 38703 Seven Mile Road, Livonia; 734-953-3200. 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; 313-800-5600. B,L,D Mon.-Fri., BR,D Sat.-Sun.

Atwater in the Park $

GERMAN • At this casual spot, traditional German-style beer is the beverage of choice. Chef Chris Franz’ noteworthy menu is compatible with such additions as 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.

Ash-Bar $$$

EUROPEAN • Located on The Siren Hotel’s second floor, this eatery is meant to capture the “spirit of the quintessential European cafe seen through an Americana lens,” along with serving specialty cocktails and good coffee. Chef Scott Martinelli’s menu changes seasonally and features a bread of the

FEATURED

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; 734-9819800. 26356 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights; 313-2786000. 37646 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-994-4000. L,D daily. (Farmington Hills location temporarily closed Mondays).

day and entrées like pasta, moules (the national dish of Belgium), and seafood. Or try the pork belly rillons, made with sweet-and-sour blackberry sauce, fennel, cipollini, and cilantro. 1509 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-277-4736. B,L,D daily.

Avalon Café and Bakery $$

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

Babo $

NEW AMERICAN • This café settled into the Midtown Park Shelton building in July 2019, serving elevated comfort food made from local, small-batch producers. The self-described gourmet diner offers espresso drinks and such dishes as avocado toast, kimchi patatas bravas, and the Babo Burger. 15 E. Kirby St., Ste. 115, Detroit; 313-312-1493. 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 his New Center restaurant, Hamissi Mamba urges 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.

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 Thurs.-Sun.

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.

Besa $$$

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

Bobcat Bonnie’s $

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

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 neverfrozen, grass-fed, antibiotic-free, organic burgers. There’s beef, chicken, haddock, and vegetarian dishes — but no pork, as the restaurant is halal. There’s also a cold-pressed juice bar. 22062 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-996-5050. L,D daily.

Bronze Door $$$$

NEW AMERICAN • One of the newest restaurants under the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group brand (in partnership with Tony Soave of Soave Enterprises) revives the well-known name of a Grosse Pointe staple from the 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; 313-886-8101. 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 tournedos di vitello — medallions of veal filet in a fresh mushroom sauce. The wine list is impressive as well. 98 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-308-3120. D Tue.-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.

Capers $$

STEAKHOUSE • This is the type of place longtime Detroit natives describe like an old friend. On Gratiot Avenue between Seven and Eight Mile roads, this place has been packing them in for nearly 40 years. There’s a massive a la carte menu, with items such as barbecue babyback ribs and potato skins, but the main draw is steak by the ounce, at market price. 14726 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-527-2100. L,D Wed.-Sun.

Caucus Club $$$

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

Central Kitchen & Bar $$

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

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails $$

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

City Kitchen $$

AMERICAN • The emphasis is on fresh fish and seafood here, but also on the locals — especially lake perch. There are also such dishes as Cajun tenderloin tips and a few good angus burgers. 16844 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe; 313-882-6667. D daily.

Cliff Bell’s

$$

EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • This restored Art Deco hotspot offers small plates such as oysters with cava granita and a salmon croquette. Large plates include sesame soy glazed shiitakes and summer stir fried vegetables with coconut rice. Jazz prevails on the bandstand. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-961-2543. D Wed.-Sun.

Common Pub $

GASTROPUB • Fans of Atlas Global Bistro, which shuttered in 2013, should be happy to learn that some of the principals may be found at this spot in the Belcrest Apartments. The well-edited menu includes duck fatfried chicken and a burger. 4601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit; 313-338-9466. L,D Wed.-Mon.

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 dip hunks of grilled flatbread into creamy fish dip made with smoked whitefish and lake trout and seasoned with herbs from the farm. 2415 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2261. D Wed.-Sat. BR Sat. B,L 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.

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 $

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

Detroit Vegan Soul $

VEGAN • The popular spot offers your classic soul food favorites but with plant-based twists — mac and cheese, maple-glazed yams, collard greens, and interpretations of catfish and pepper steak. 19614 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-766-5728. L,D Wed.-Fri. (Takeout only; no phone orders).

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.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2010

Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe $$$

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

Eatori Market $$

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

El Asador Steakhouse $$

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

El Barzon $

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.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2024

Freya

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN • Freya provides elegant, elevated dining served inside a warm and inviting space in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction district. Chef de Cuisine Phoebe Zimmerman’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.

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. 29244 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; 248-351-2925. 23722 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-498-3000. L,D daily.

Flowers of Vietnam $$

FEATURED Cuisine

EUROPEANINSPIRED Cuisine offers a romantic, whitelinen 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 creamed leek risotto. 670 Lothrop Road, Detroit; 313-8725110. D Wed.-Sat. (Note: Not wheelchair accessible.)

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.

Giovanni’s Ristorante $$$

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

Golden Fleece $$

GREEK • Spend a night dining in Greektown’s longeststanding 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 pizze-

MAD NICE’S

BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD

PHOTO BY REBECCA SIMONOV

Ingredients

Brussels Sprouts Salad

3 ounces blanched Brussels sprout leaves

2 ounces shaved green apple

2 ounces fennel

1 ounce scallion curls

2 ounces honey ricotta (see below)

1 ounce savory granola mix (see below)

1 pinch urfa pepper

1 gram lime zest

1 gram lemon zest

2 ounces green tea vinaigrette (see below)

Honey Ricotta

1/4 cup honey

24 ounces ricotta

Salt, to taste

Savory Granola

155 grams rolled oats

35 grams black sesame seeds

85 grams flax seeds

5 grams salt

20 grams olive oil

75 grams honey

Green Tea Vinaigrette

6 green tea packets

1 cup agave

3 ounces chopped mint

3 ounces chopped chives

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

4 quarts water

Directions

Honey Ricotta

Combine honey, ricotta, and salt in a bowl. Mix together.

Savory Granola

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix together.

2. Place mixture on a tray and press down and together.

3. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes until browned.

Green Tea Vinaigrette

1. Steep tea packets in 4 quarts of hot water in a large container. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.

2. Strain out the water thoroughly with a strainer.

3. While the tea is hot, mix in the agave. Let it cool completely. Then, mix in the rest of the ingredients.

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Mix the sprout leaves, green apple, fennel, scallions, honey ricotta, granola, urfa pepper, lemon and lime zest, and green tea vinaigrette in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

ria known as Grandma Bob’s. Chef Dan De Wall, previously of Wright and Co., offers a small, delicious menu of pies, including sausage and pistachio with ricotta cheese and thyme. Or try the Big Mack — the vegan pizza version of the popular burger. 2135 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-315-3177. L,D Thu.-Mon.

Grand Trunk Pub $

NEW AMERICAN • Breads from Avalon Bakery and meats from Eastern Market anchor the hearty fare, which pairs well with a selection of Michigan beers. Staples include a reuben with Poet Stout Kraut and the Ghettoblaster beer-battered fish and chips. 612 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-3043.; 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.

Green Dot Stables $

NEW AMERICAN • The menu of sliders — with 20-plus eclectic bun toppings, including Cuban, Korean, and “mystery meat” — packs in fans. Local beers are spotlighted alongside Chicken Paprikas soup, a nod to the neighborhood’s Hungarian origins. 2200 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-962-5588. L,D daily.

Grey Ghost $$

NEW AMERICAN • The cuisine at this Brush Park hotspot isn’t easily defined, but the results are original and well-prepared — for example, eggplant tempura with cardamom hummus, baby leek, and sweet chili or lamb cordon bleu with roasted red pepper, Manchego, cornichon, and mustard seed. 47 Watson St., Detroit; 313-262-6534. D daily.

Highlands $$$

STEAKHOUSE/NEW AMERICAN • Occupying the top two floors of the Renaissance Center, Highlands comprises three separate concepts. A steakhouse of the same name provides a high-end dining experience, while the more casual Hearth 71 (currently closed but reopening soon) serves locally sourced dishes cooked over an open fire. The third concept within the space is the appropriately named High Bar, where guests can choose from a vast collection of spirits and decadent desserts. 400 Renaissance Center, Floors 71 and 72, Detroit; 313-877-9090; D Mon.-Sat.

The Hudson Cafe $

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • The fresh, well-prepared fare from the kitchen of this breakfast/lunch spot has creative takes on the eggs Benedict theme, red velvet pancakes, and apple-walnut stuffed French toast, as well as lunchtime sandwiches and salads. 1241 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-237-1000. B,L daily.

Hungarian Rhapsody $$

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

Iggy’s Eggies $

AMERICAN • Jammy-yolk egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and more are on the menu at Iggy’s Eggies’ walk-up window. You can also get Lovers Only’s famous Classic Smash burgers 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; 248-781-0131. 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; 313-332-0607; L Fri.-Sun., 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, topped with shredded chicken and housemade crema. 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-309-7946. L,D daily.

Jolly Pumpkin $$

BREWERY • Jolly Pumpkin’s brews rule the offerings, along with other Northern United Brewing Co. beverages, such as North Peak and Jolly Pumpkin artisan ales. Pizzas with creative toppings abound. 441 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-262-6115. 419 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-544-6250. 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 beef tenderloin tips with Cajun spice and gravy surpass typical roadhouse food. 6005 Gotfredson Road, Plymouth; 734455-8450. 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. B,L,D, Wed.-Sat.

Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles $ SOUTHERN COMFORT • Several recipes, including a signature thin waffle, are family-owned at ex-NFL player Ron Bartell’s spot. Think comfort food kicked up a notch: fried catfish, salmon croquettes, shrimp and grits, and

biscuits. Drink the Kool-Aid, too. 19345 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-861-0229. B,L,D Tue.-Sat., B,L Sun.

Ladder 4 Wine Bar $$$

WINE BAR • This southwest Detroit wine bar occupies a former 1910 firehouse, offering a daily wine list and seasonal European-inspired bites made with local ingredients — some grown in its backyard garden. Though its owners prefer not to call it a restaurant, it made Bon Appétit’s “24 Best New Restaurants” and The New York Times’s “50 Places in the United States That We’re Most Excited About Right Now” — both in 2023. 3396 Vinewood St., Detroit; 313-638-1601. D Wed.-Sun.

La Dolce Vita $$$

ITALIAN • Traditional Italian cuisine is key at this Palmer Park hideaway. Recommended is the lake perch in white wine 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 $$

FEATURED

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; 313-6363100. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

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; 313962-0277. D Mon.-Sat.

Leila $$$

LEBANESE

• The restaurant from the proprietors of Birmingham’s Phoenicia is named after the owner’s mother — just one facet of the establishment that pays homage to family traditions and heritage. The menu includes various Lebanese dishes, from falafel to Leila’s Mixed Grill that offers a little bit of everything with shish kebab, tawook, and kafta. Other menu items include Kibbeh Niyee — fresh lamb, cracked wheat, and spice — and tabbouleh made of parsley, cracked wheat, and spices. The beer and wine lists offer plenty of options to accompany any meal. 1245 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-816-8100. D daily.

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, honeyroasted duck breast, and trout amandine. 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-597-7734. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Lucy & the Wolf $$

SPANISH • This Anglo-sounding restaurant offers very good Spanish-inspired tapas dining. Standouts include a fire-roasted jalapeño cheese spread, shrimp tacos, and a grilled flank steak in chimichurri sauce. 102 E. Main St., Northville; 248-308-3057. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Lumen Detroit $$

NEW AMERICAN • A contemporary American menu and a Victor Saroki setting make the restaurant overlooking downtown’s Beacon Park one of the best of recent entrants onto the scene. Appetizers such as freshly made pretzels prelude main courses like the Honey Bourbon 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 Lamb Kefta. 8044 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; 313-513-0361. L,D Thu.-Sun.

Maty’s African Cuisine $$

WEST AFRICAN A small storefront in the Detroit Old Redford neighborhood is decidedly Senegalese. Fataya, deep-fried pastries with savory fillings, are reminiscent of 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, 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.

Mercury Burger & Bar $

BURGERS • This Corktown joint seats 70 around the zinc-covered bar set with Mercury (Liberty) dimes. The burger is available in a variety of iterations, such as Southwest Detroit with a chorizo slider, jalapeno, Müenster cheese, tortilla strips, and avocado. 2163 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-964-5000. L,D daily.

Metropolitan Bar and Kitchen $$

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

Michigan & Trumbull $$

ITALIAN-AMERICAN • After a successful four-month run at Fort Street Galley, Michigan and Trumbull became one of the latest in a long line of Detroit-style pizza joints to open in the area. Not your traditional carryout joint, Michigan and Trumbull is housed in a sleek, refurbished car-repair garage. The menu features square, deep-dish pies with Detroit-inspired names, such as Packard Pepperoni and Woodward White. 1441 W. Elizabeth St., Detroit; 313-637-4992; L,D Wed-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.

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-theslice 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 (Canfield); L Sat.-Sun., D Wed-Fri. (Livernois).

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.

Norma G’s $

CARIBBEAN • Lester Gouvia, the Trinidadian chef who brought us the famed food truck, opened a full-service restaurant under the same name. Stop in for a plate of Chicken Pelau: a tasty blend of rice, diced chicken, squash, peppers, and golden-brown baked chicken. 14628 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-290-2938. D Tue.-Sat.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2022

Oak & Reel $$

SEAFOOD • Despite a global pandemic threatening to derail his longtime dream, chef Jared Gadbaw brought his vision of a seafood-focused Italian restaurant to life in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood in fall 2020. Oak & Reel’s resilience in the face of extreme adversity and its commitment to the vision of bringing diners impeccable dishes showcasing the freshest seafood, all presented with welcoming and knowledgeable service, is the reason 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.

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 chilé short rib. There’s also a large selection of dry-aged gourmet steaks. 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-922-7272. L,D daily. BR Sat.-Sun.

Park Grill $$

MEDITERRANEAN • Mediterranean fare gets a Balkan spin. The menu offers tasting plates, pita-wrapped sandwiches, and salads, as well as entrees including chicken and beef shawarma, beef and pork kafta, lemon-pepper pork tenderloin, and lamb chops. Service is friendly and informal. 15102 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Park; 313-264-1997. L,D daily.

Pegasus Taverna $$

GREEK • The cry of “opa!” resounds in St. Clair Shores at the second edition of the longstanding Greektown restaurant. 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 AmericanChinese fare gives new life to the cuisine with robustly spiced dishes, including an “absurdly delicious” cheeseburger spring roll and a take on almond boneless chicken. 420 Peterboro St., Detroit; 313-833-1111. D Mon.-Sat.

Pho Lucky $

VIETNAMESE • This charming Midtown Vietnamese spot serves authentic fare emphasizing pho. Bowls of spicy broth with noodles, round steak, and meatballs come in several variations. Other noteworthy dishes here include summer rolls and crisp spring rolls. Look for Asian beers and robust Vietnamese coffee. 3111 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-338-3895. L,D Wed.-Mon.

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; 313-8745726. L,D daily. Not wheelchair accessible.

Portofino $

ITALIAN • This big waterfront spot in Wyandotte is both a local hangout and a restaurant with a menu that’s surprisingly ambitious. It offers a number of fish and seafood dishes, from lake perch to coconut shrimp and fried calamari, as well as steaks. Nearly every table in the restaurant has a river view. 3455 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-281-6700. L,D daily.

Prism $$$

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

Rattlesnake Club $$$$

NEW AMERICAN • This restaurant on the river remains one of the most appealing spots in town. The casually elegant space offers a range of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Dishes that typify its style include seared diver sea scallops, an 8-ounce filet, and a 16-ounce porterhouse. 300 River Place, Detroit; 313-567-4400. D Tue.-Sat.

RESTAURANT LISTINGS 03.24

Red Dunn Kitchen $$

NEW AMERICAN • The Trumbull and Porter Hotel’s spiffy restaurant is an ambitious undertaking, offering three meals a day. It is best experienced at dinner, with a la carte offerings such as foie gras-stuffed quail, smoked and marinated salmon collars, braised lamb leg, and baconwrapped duck breast with polenta. 1331 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; 313-887-9477. Private meetings and events only.

Red Smoke Barbeque $$

BARBEQUE • At Red Smoke, hickory and applewoodsmoked ribs, pulled pork, apple-smoked, all-natural chicken, and an array of classic sides are served out of one of the most attractive two-story buildings that are still standing on Monroe Street. 573 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-962-2100. L,D daily.

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.

FEATURED

Rocky’s of Northville

NEW AMERICAN Menu includes shrimp cocktail, smoked whitefish pâté, and broiled Great Lakes whitefish. Also try chipotle honeyglazed salmon.

41122 W. Seven Mile Road, Northville; 248-349-4434. L Tue.-Fri. D Tue.-Sun.

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, pan-fried, 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. 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 corned beef Rangoon 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.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2016

Selden Standard $$$

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

Seva Detroit $$

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2020

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar $$$

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

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 • The libation menu — categorized by spirit — is longer than the food menu, but both food and drinks are equally emphasized. The fare ranges from small plates of marinated olives and Bloody Mary deviled eggs to entrees such as Thai pork skewers and the house cheeseburger. 225 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-2415719. D Wed.-Sun. Not wheelchair accessible.

The Statler $$$$

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

Supino Pizzeria $$

ITALIAN • Relax with one of the town’s best thin-crust pizzas — they come in more than a dozen variations, with or without red sauce. A few dishes from La Rondinella (the previous longtime tenant at its Russell Street location) made the list as well — small plates such as polpette, and three delicious salads. Beer, wine, and cocktails add to the appeal. 2457 Russell St., Detroit; 313-567-7879 (Russell St. location temporarily closed). 6519 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-314-7400. L,D daily.

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.

Symposia $$$$

MEDITERRANEAN • Located in the heart of downtown Detroit inside the Atheneum Suite Hotel, Symposia serves Mediterranean cuisine inspired by Greece, Italy, Spain, and more. A signature can’t-miss dish is the Spanish octopus with romesco, Yukon potato, and chorizo Ibérico. 1000 Brush St., Detroit; 313-962-9366. D Wed.-Sun.

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.

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.

FEATURED Capital Grille

STEAKHOUSE

Hand-cut, dryaged steaks and fresh seafood dishes are the stars at Capital Grille. The restaurant’s outstanding wine list features over 350 labels. The setting is appropriate for both business lunches and social events and includes wellappointed private dining rooms. 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy; 248-6495300. L,D daily.

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.

Vigilante Kitchen + Bar $$$

MIDWESTERN-ASIAN FUSION • Housed in the former Smith & Co. space, the menu offers a variety of baos, bowls, salads, and desserts, with designated vegetarian and halal menus, and a zero-proof cocktail selection. A unique concept from executive chef Aaron Cozadd, Vigilante Kitchen + Bar employs industry workers dealing with addiction, providing them with recovery resources while still allowing them to advance their culinary skills. 644 Selden St., Detroit; 313-638-1695. D Wed.-Sun.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits $

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

The Whitney $$$$

NEW AMERICAN • The historic 1890s mansion is still going strong. The menu is typified by classic beef Wellington, wrapped in spinach, prosciutto, and pastry; and pan-roasted Scottish salmon. Tableside cooking, by reservation only, is an optional feature. Don’t forget The Katherine McGregor Dessert Parlor for a sweet treat.4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-5700. D Wed.-Sun and high tea Sat.-Sun.

Wright & Co. $$$

NEW AMERICAN • The collaboration between Marc Djozlija and executive chef Kyle Schutte gives life to the second-floor space in the Wright Kay building. Small plates such as udon carbonara, Italian oyster mushrooms, 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.-Sun.

Yum Village $

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

Oakland

168 Crab & Karaoke $$

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

220 Merrill $$$

NEW AMERICAN • The menu includes apps and small plates as well as Wagyu beef carpaccio, ahi tuna tartare, and classic roasted oysters. There are heartier entrees as well, like the braised beef short ribs. 220 Merrill St., Birmingham; 248-646-2220. L, Mon.-Sat. BR Sat-Sun.

Adachi $$$

JAPANESE-INSPIRED • Heading the kitchen is Lloyd Roberts, who has trained in the kitchens of celebrity chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Nobu Matsuhisa. Here, soy truffle broth is ladled over pork dumplings reminiscent of coin purses, and miniature tacos are filled with lobster, tuna, or vegetable pickings. 325 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-540-5900. L,D daily.

$$

Andiamo

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

Anita’s Kitchen $

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2005

Bacco Restaurante $$$

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

Bella Piatti $$

ITALIAN • The location right across from the Townsend Hotel has inspired a number of visiting celebrities, professional athletes, and film crews who stay there to check out the Italian fare at this restaurant. The menu of such dishes as Gemelli pasta with fresh tomato

sauce; salmon baked with spinach, kalamata olives, white wine, and tomatoes; and tagliatelle Bolognese stands on its own. It’s one of our true favorites in the area in terms of Italian restaurants. 167 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-494-7110. D Tue.-Sat.

Beverly Hills Grill $$$

NEW AMERICAN • This Beverly Hills institution has built a loyal following over the years with its California vibe and dawn-to-dark schedule. These days they’re serving only dinner, but the restaurant still features the fresh and innovative fare that put it on the map. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills; 248-642-2355. D Mon.-Sat.

Bigalora: Wood Fired Cucina $$

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

Birmingham Pub

$$$

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

Bistro Joe’s

$$$

GLOBAL • Part of Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market, Bistro Joe’s is in a mezzanine overlooking the open kitchen and market. There is an eclectic list of dishes like spicy tuna “tacushi,” steamed mussels, and tasty flatbread pizzas. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-594-0984. D Tue.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2003

Café Cortina $$$

ITALIAN • Selections include prosciutto di Parma stuffed with greens and mozzarella; squid sautéed with fresh pomodori; gnocchi with porcini mushrooms; and meaty prawns finished with lemon, white wine, and herbs. For dessert, try the crepes. 30715 W. 10 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-474-3033. L Sun., D Tue.-Sun.

Café ML $$

NEW AMERICAN • Café ML is contemporary in décor and its “globally inspired food.” Such dishes as short rib steamed buns, Chinese chicken salad, Singapore street noodles, and Korean fried chicken share the menu with burgers, steak frites, and fresh seafood. Garage door-style windows open onto the patio on warm days. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township; 248-642-4000. D daily.

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.

Como’s $$

NEW AMERICAN • This Ferndale favorite reopened in May 2019 under the ownership of Peas & Carrots Hospitality with a trendier, fresher look. The warm, homey feel is still intact, but it’s ditched the old menu for — among

other things — chef Zack Sklar’s square, deep-dish, Detroit-style pizza that’s leavened from a sourdough starter as opposed to commercial yeast. 22812 Woodward Ave., Unit 100., Ferndale; 248-677-4439. L,D daily.

Cornbread Restaurant & Bar $$

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

Crispelli’s Bakery Pizzeria $

ITALIAN-INSPIRED • This hybrid offers artisanal pizzas from a brick oven, salads, paninis, and soups. A bakery offers crusty breads, desserts, and meals to go. Two patios add to the appeal. See website for locations; crispellis.com

Culantro $$

PERUVIAN • Native Peruvian Betty Shuell brings a taste of her home to Ferndale. The casual, homey, seat-yourself establishment is named after an herb that is often used in traditional Peruvian cooking. An especially notable dish is the Pollo a la Brasa, marinated chicken served with French fries, rice, and a variety of dipping sauces. 22939 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-632-1055. L,D daily.

Diamond’s Steak & Seafood $$$

STEAKHOUSE • This Howell restaurant is the perfect location for ribeye, fresh gulf shrimp, or a classic cheeseburger. Plus, weekends boast a buffet-style brunch. 101 W. Grand River Ave., Howell; 517-548-5500. 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 Mon-Sat.

Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar $$

LEBANESE • The lamb and chicken shawarma, shish kafta, kibbee nyeh, and other Lebanese dishes are emphasized by the décor, including photomurals of old Beirut and strings of blue beads cascading from the ceiling. A fun place to frequent for a quick lunch or a night out with friends. 263 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-647-2420. L,D Mon.-Sat.

The Fed $$

GASTROPUB • An attractive restaurant with great food and a delightfully refreshing atmosphere. The menu crosses boundaries, from shareables, like Spanish Octopus and Wild Mushroom Flatbread. Plus, the bright and airy bohemianchic interior is highly Instagrammable. 15 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-297-5833. D Wed.-Sat., B,L,D Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2009

Forest $$$

EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • The menu is brief but designed to let the kitchen assemble sharp flavors from various farm and market ingredients. Try the delightful pastas, like the Bolognese and the agnolotti, as well as the understated Farm Egg. 735 Forest Ave., Birmingham; 248-258-9400. D Tue.-Sat.

The Fly Trap

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

Garage Grill & Fuel Bar $$

NEW AMERICAN • The car-themed rooms of a former 1940s gas station are as fresh and appealing as the dishes themselves. The kitchen serves up a variety of seafood starters and “full-size sedan” entrees, as well as pizzas. 202 W. Main St., Northville; 248-924-3367. 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 LatinAmerican café and restaurant.Diners can choose to sit behind one of the two bars, a cozy café, or in the 245-seat dining room all decked in colorful textiles. At Gran Castor, the dining room is equally as decadent as the food and drinks served. Grab a $5 margarita between 4 p.m.-6 p.m. daily. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy; 248-278-7777. D Wed.-Mon.

Hazel’s $$

FEATURED Lockhart’s BBQ

BARBEQUE

The heart of this joint’s authentic barbecue is the dry-rubbed meat smoker, which can smoke up to 800 pounds of meat at a time. Choices such as pork ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, burnt ends, and chicken are served atop butcher paper on metal trays for the true experience.

202 E. Third St., Royal Oak; 248584-4227. L,D daily. BR Sun.

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 Californiastyle tacos on soft tortillas, including lime-grilled chicken, carnitas, and marinated pork, as well as slowroasted pork tortas, and guacamole. 22828 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248-850-8060. L,D daily.

It’s A Matter of Taste $$$

ITALIAN • With a patio that overlooks Union Lake, this Commerce eatery has a menu with offerings inspired by northern and southern Italy. Chef-owner Tom Traynor’s signature dish is crisped walleye, sitting atop jasmine rice, steamed mussels, Thai vegetables, and cilantro with coconut milk and red sauce. You also can’t go wrong with the fresh pasta, and classic cuts like the lamb osso bucco, filet mingon, or New York strip. 2323 Union Lake Rd., Commerce Charter Twp.; 248-360-6650. D Wed.-Sun.

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 meatlovers 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 Tue.-Sun.

Joe Muer $$$$

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

Lao Pot $$$

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

La Strada Dolci e Caffé $

ITALIAN • A slice of European elegance offers an impeccable little menu of Italian dishes and rich coffees and espresso. Delicious fresh green salads, pastas, pizzas, and decadent and artistically crafted pastries 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.

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 3-7 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 Thu.-Sun.

Luxe Bar & Grill $$

NEW AMERICAN • The simple menu at this Grosse Pointe Farms joint offers burgers on brioche buns and interesting salads and sides, as well as entrees typified by wild-caught salmon, prime filet, and Greek-style lamb chops. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-7926051. 115 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-9245459. L,D daily.

Mabel Gray $$$

NEW AMERICAN • Chef James Rigato produces some masterful dishes on this tiny menu, which does not miss a beat. The menu includes a multi-course tasting option, as well as a daily listing of changing items that never disappoint. It’s a fine dining experience that is certainly worth a visit. 23825 John R Road, Hazel Park; 248-398-4300. D Tue.-Sat.

Mad Hatter Bistro, Bar & Tea Room $$

ECLECTIC AMERICAN • The whimsical setting inspired by Alice in Wonderland welcomes far more than the tea sipping set with burgers and sandwiches. There are also pastries, of course. 185 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-540-0000. B,L Thu.-Sun., D Fri.-Sat. Tea by reservation. Lower level not wheelchair accessible.

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; 248283-4200. B,D daily, L Mon.-Fri., BR Sat.-Sun.

Mare Mediterranean $$$$

FEATURED Vinsetta Garage

NEW AMERICAN

This restaurant, which is housed in a vintage carrepair 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; 248548-7711. L,D daily

SEAFOOD • Inspired by restaurants in Sicily where the catch of the day is the basis of dinner, this sophisticated restaurant from Nino Cutraro and his partner offers the freshest seafood flown in from the Mediterranean several times a week. You select the type of fish you want from the market in front of the open kitchen and how you want it prepared (acqua pazza, salt baked, grilled, or pan fried). Served table-side in glorious fashion, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. 115 Willits St., Birmingham; 248-940-5525. D Tue.-Sat. 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 Gulf Shrimp Pappardelle, steak frites remarkably close to those at Paris bistros, and a house made soft pretzel with roasted jalapeno-goat cheese dip. Or, try the beef short rib with wasabi & basil mashed potatoes, tempura mushroom, and green curry coconut sauce. 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; 248-689-2332. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

The Morrie $$

NEW AMERICAN • Music and munchies can be a great combination when served in the right proportions. Such offerings as the smoked chicken wings and Detroit style pizza, as well as the requisite burger and steak, appeal to a wide demographic. The rock ’n’ roll-themed eatery also brought its much-loved American dishes and cocktails to Bir-

mingham in 2019. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248216-1112. D daily. 260 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-940-3260. L,D daily.

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.

Ocean Prime $$$$

SEAFOOD • An upper-end steak-and-fish place and a popular business lunch site. The menu features naturally harvested fresh fish and prime aged beef. Don’t miss the chocolate peanut butter pie or the carrot cake. A tried-and-true metro Detroit spot. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy; 248-458-0500. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

One-Eyed Betty’s $$

ECLECTIC AMERICAN • Picnic-style tables and blackboards lettered with scores of brew choices add a beer-hall sensibility to this popular spot. The kitchen delivers New Orleans-themed dishes such as Chicken Tchoupitoulas with tasso ham and bearnaise sauce, as well as a mouth-watering bacon burger. Weekend brunch features delicious housemade doughnuts. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale; 248808-6633. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

O.W.L. $

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

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

Pinky’s Rooftop $$

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

Pop’s For Italian $$

ITALIAN • It doesn’t sound fancy, but this Ferndale restaurant serves well-prepared, Italian dishes paired with an ambitious wine program. The fairly brief menu starts with a list of Neapolitan pizzas, then moves to pastas, but has all the classics. 280 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-268-4806. D Tue.-Sun.

Prime29 Steakhouse $$$$

STEAKHOUSE • The 29-day aged prime beef, including the 24-ounce tomahawk bone-in rib-eye, still stars here. There’s also Chilean sea bass and black pearl

RESTAURANT

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.

Public House $$

NEW AMERICAN/VEGAN • This Ferndale spot reopened under new ownership and with a refreshed look in late 2021. Standout selections include its burgers, shareable plates like char-roasted carrots, and craft cocktails and mocktails. It also features a special vegan menu and carries plenty of gluten-free options. 241 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; (248) 654-6355. L,D daily., BR Sat.-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 steak atop angel-hair rice noodles), 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, highflavor Piedmontese beef one is tastier than the original. This is the place for your burger craving. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-549-0300. 6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248-865-0500. L,D Mon.-Sat.

Rochester Chop House $$

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

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 $$$

NEW AMERICAN • The energetic Birmingham spot allows guests a view of the kitchen action. It has a creative and varied menu typified by fried chicken sandwiches, crispy Brussels sprouts, and salmon with braised lentils, crispy kale, and a mustard vinaigrette. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham; 248594-4200. L Mon.-Fri., D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Sozai

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

Streetside Seafood $$

SEAFOOD • Small and cozy yet sophisticated, the restaurant has a pared-down seasonal menu of fresh fish and seafood. There are always two soups: a bisque and a chowder. Favorites include the oysters

FEATURED

Butter Run Saloon

GASTROPUB

Solid American fare that’s beyond bar food (although its 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. L,D daily.

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

Sylvan Table $$$

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

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; 248-652-7800. 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 and bar. Located in the former Clawson movie theater next door to the shop, the spot serves small, simple plates, including vegetarian and vegan options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The beverage menu features local selections, such as vodka from Ferndale’s Valentine’s Distilling Co. and wines from grapes grown on the Leelanau Peninsula. Patrons can even take home the colorful, quirky chairs or tables, as most of the furniture at Three Cats Restaurant is available for purchase. 116 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson; 248-288-4858. L,D Tue.-Fri., B,L,D Sat.-Sun.

TigerLily

$$

JAPANESE • With an eclectic ambiance and extensive Japanese menu, TigerLily satisfies taste buds with the coal-roasted lobster decorated with yuzu miso aioli and togarashi crumble and basted with mignonette. 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. The house specialty smothered burrito has plenty of fans, as does huevos rancheros: fried eggs upon corn tortillas, pintos, and cheese. Toast, a Neighborhood Joint, the spinoff of the Ferndale original has a more elaborate setting pairing ’50s retro with sleek contemporary in a pair of rooms. The new menu features twists to comfort food. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-398-0444. 203 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-258-6278. B,L daily.

Toasted Oak $$$

BRASSERIE • The menu revolves around the charcuterie sold in the market next door and a list of hot grill items. 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; 248-7925241. L,D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-723-1000. L,D daily.

Union Woodshop $$

BARBEQUE • Part of the ever-growing Union Joints restaurant group, this is a self-described wood-fired joint, where pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and beef brisket come from the smoker, and Neapolitan-style crispcrusted pizzas from the wood-burning oven. And definitely check out the mac and cheese. There’s also a delicious kid’s menu for any youngsters in your party. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-625-5660. D Mon.-Sun.

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.

Waves $$

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

Macomb

Andiamo $$

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

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. The menu offers bar-food staples with a twist, like the eye-catching Apple Burger, stacked with melted Swiss, onions, apple, and apple cider ketchup on a brioche bun. Plus, it’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.

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

SALMON PÂTÉ

PHOTO BY REBECCA SIMONOV

Ingredients

Salmon Belly

2.2 pounds salmon belly

3/4 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup kosher salt

Note: This recipe requires a smoker. If you do not have a smoker, substitute smoked salmon from Honey Smoked Fish Co.

Salt and Vinegar Chips

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes

8 cups water

4 cups white distilled vinegar

Neutral oil for deep-frying (canola, peanut, etc.)

Cream Cheese Base

4 cups cream cheese

1/2 cup heavy cream

3 lemons, zested

2 tablespoons salt

Directions

Salmon Belly

Pickled Mustard Seed

1 cup yellow mustard seed

1 cup Champagne vinegar

3/4 cup sugar

4 cups water

Fine Herbs

3 tablespoons chopped parsley

3 tablespoons chopped chervil

3 tablespoons chopped chives

3 tablespoons chopped tarragon

Other Ingredients (for Garnish)

Salmon roe

Fresh dill

1. Combine the dark brown sugar and salt in a bowl. Lightly coat the salmon with the mixture and place it on a resting rack in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Rinse the bellies under cold running water and pat dry with a towel.

3. Place the salmon in a smoker at 120 F for 3 hours.

Salt and Vinegar Chips

1. Slice the potatoes very thin, about 1/16-inch thick.

2. In a pot, bring the water and vinegar to a simmer. Add the potatoes and cook for 10 minutes.

2. Strain the potatoes from the liquid, pat dry, and deepfry at 300 F until golden and crispy. Remove, and season with salt.

Cream Cheese Base

Place cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, and salt in a stand mixer and turn on high until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Pickled Mustard Seed

Combine all the ingredients into a pot and simmer until the mustard seeds have absorbed the liquid and are soft enough to eat.

Assembly

Gently fold the smoked salmon and herbs into the cream cheese mixture and place in a serving bowl. Garnish the top with the salmon roe, pickled mustard seeds, and fresh dill.

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

Isla $$

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

J. Baldwin’s Restaurant $$$

NEW AMERICAN • The menu showcases chef Jeff Baldwin’s contemporary American food: cedarplanked salmon, 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.

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 wellprepared angus steaks, plus seafood and pasta dishes. With the sizable lunch and portions offered at Steakhouse 22, good luck saving room for dessert! 48900 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-3900. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Testa Barra $$

ITALIAN • The newest spot from talented chef and restaurateur Jeffrey Baldwin and his wife, RoseMarie, offers modern Italian fare in a lively, upbeat setting. Pastas are made in-house. 48824 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb Township; 586-434-0100. L Sun., D daily.

Twisted Rooster $$

SPORTS BAR • This “Michigan-centric” chain (Chesterfield Township, Grand Rapids, and Belleville) has takes on classics, with mac & cheese variations and steaks with “zip” sauce. 45225 Marketplace Blvd., Chesterfield; 586-949-1470. L,D daily.

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 CocaCola-roasted beets showed up on early menus as chef Dan Klenotic’s way of straddling the line of creole tradition and an imaginative style that is entirely his own. 209 Pearl St., Ypsilanti. L,D Mon.-Sat.

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 caramel apple salmon dish. Non-seafood options include the eponymous burger, Asian chicken salad, and filet mignon. And make sure to order dessert. 302 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-0400. D daily.

Blue LLama Jazz Club $$

CREATIVE AMERICAN •Come to this swanky jazz club for the music, 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. t 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 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 Joe VanWagner’s elegant but approachable 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.

KouZina Greek Steet Food $

GREEK

• The Greek “street food” at this Ann Arbor spot comes in lamb and beef, and chicken. Try the lentil soup for a delicious lunch or go for something more filling like the gyro bowl. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this excellent spot. 332 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-997-5155. L,D Mon.-Sun.

Mani Osteria & Bar $$

ITALIAN • This popular casual restaurant infuses freshness with lower prices than most osterias in the area. It’s a well-rounded blend of modern, eclec-

FEATURED 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. L Sun., D Wed.-Sun.

tic 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.

Paesano $$

ITALIAN • With a friendly waitstaff and decked in vibrant colors, this lively restaurant is not to be missed. The innovative menu changes seasonally. Must-tries have included the pasta carbonara, featuring shrimp, duck bacon, and Italian greens, as well as beet and ricotta gnocchi with brown butter. 3411 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-971-0484. L,D daily.

Seva Ann Arbor $$

VEGAN • Seva offers such dishes as black bean and sweet potato quesadillas, gluten-free options, and colorful stir-fries — some vegan as well as vegetarian. There’s also a full bar as well as a juice bar serving creamy smoothies and dense shakes, fresh-squeezed juices, and craft mocktails. Choose from one of the most extensive vegetarian menus in the Detroit area. 2541 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-662-1111. L,D Mon.-Sat.

Shalimar $$

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

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 duckfat fried chicken. But the star at Slurping Turtle is the noodle (Yagihashi’s “soul food”), which is made inhouse daily on a machine imported from Japan. 608 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-887-6868. 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 and whole roasted chicken with focaccia, can be found in this high-end 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; 248737-8282. 2222 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor; 734-9715168. 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.

Charity Calendar

WINNING FUTURES CORKS & FORKS

March 9, 5:45 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

winningfutures.org/events/corks-and-forks/

The 16th annual Corks & Forks gala is chaired by Jeff Morrison, vice president of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain at General Motors, and supported by Winning Futures board

members Pete Hockey of Ford Motor Co., Marcelo Conti of General Motors, and Scott Thiele of Stellantis. Held at the luxurious Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, this event features opportunities to meet and network with senior executives. Guests will enjoy samplings of wines, a gourmet dinner, and a live auction emceed by Les Gold from the popular TV series “Hardcore Pawn.” The exclusive VIP reception with Jeff Morrison, Pete Hockey, Scott Thiele, and Marcelo Conti features additional wines and hors d’oeuvres.

Winning Futures empowers metro Detroit high school students through career mentoring, skills development, and scholarships. Since 1994, more than 50,000 students have been impacted and $2.1 million in scholarships have been awarded. Funds raised will support students in the 2024-2025 Workforce Prep program.

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE SUMMIT

March 8, 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

unitedwaysem.org/womenofinfluence

United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s eighth annual Women of Influence Summit is set for Friday, March 8, at Motor City Casino.

Each year, the United Way celebrates International Women’s Day and raises funds for early childhood education during this event, hosted by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Women United philanthropic group. Since its inception in 2017, the Women of Influence Summit has raised more than $1 million to support children, families, and caregivers in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

Don’t miss your chance to join regional business owners, executives, thought leaders, and corporate and community partners for a morning of reflection, networking, and interesting discussion.

THE BIG DRAFT WATCH PARTY

April 25, 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. bbbs.org/

2024 DETROIT GO RED FOR WOMEN EVENT

March 13, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. heart.org/detroitgored

Since 2004, Go Red for Women has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat: cardiovascular disease.

While Go Red is celebrating 20 years of making an impact, the American Heart Association has made bold moves to save lives and pioneer scientific discoveries for the past 100 years. And they haven’t done it alone. They reach their goals by working with organizations and individuals who share their vision for better health.

The American Heart Association, through Go Red for Women, is prepared to meet the evolving needs of women now and at every age, every stage, and every season of their lives. The AHA is every woman’s trusted, relevant source for credible, equitable, health solutions.

Go Red for Women, which takes place this year on Wednesday, March 13, focuses on connection and engagement, fostering an atmosphere of interaction and networking at every turn. Visit heart.org/detroitgored for more information.

IN THE SPIRITS OF INFERTILITY

March 9, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

choseninfertility.com/event/in-the-spirits-ofinfertility-2024/

ALTERNATIVES FOR GIRLS 2024 ROLE MODEL CELEBRATION

March 7, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

alternativesforgirls.org/role-model-celebration/ Celebrate International Women’s Day with Alternatives for Girls!

In 1987, Alternatives for Girls began as a community effort to support girls and young women in southwest Detroit. The organization’s mission is to help those experiencing homelessness and other risks avoid violence, early pregnancy, and exploitation; and to help them explore and access the support, resources, and opportunities necessary to be safe, to grow strong, and to make positive choices for their lives. AFG serves girls and young women by providing shelter, prevention, outreach, and housing stability.

The Role Model Celebration, first held in 1989, is AFG’s biggest fundraising event of the year, and the 2024 Role Model Celebration takes place on International Women’s Day. The event will celebrate the achievements of extraordinary women in our community, and recognize the accomplishments of the girls and young women AFG serves. The Role Model Celebration includes live and silent auctions, honoring Role Models, and testimonials.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS BRUNCH

March 16, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

birminghammi.jl.org/events/6th-annual-littleblack-dress-event/

Join Olympic figure skating Gold Medalist Tara Lipinski at Chosen Infertility Group’s third annual Affair, “In the Spirits of Infertility,” at the Packard Proving Grounds in Shelby Township. This lively event features live music by Sam Van Wagoner, delectable small plates, and refreshments by Two James Distillery and Griffin Claw Brewery. Attendees receive cocktail recipes and a custom party favor for at-home enjoyment. Beyond the festivities, your participation supports the Chosen Grant, aiding individuals and families in affording vital infertility treatment. Every laugh, sip, and bid in the silent auctions contributes to a collective heartbeat of support for the infertility community.

Secure your tickets today for an evening filled with enjoyment, wonderful experiences, and a meaningful purpose that brings us all together.

ON THE WINGS OF ANGELS INAUGURAL GALA

April 28, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. otwoa.org/

The Junior League of Birmingham will be hosting its 6th Annual Little Black Dress brunch on Saturday, March 16, at the Community House in Birmingham. Since its creation in 2014 by the Junior League of London (UK), the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) has become a worldwide effort that’s been adopted by Junior Leagues across the world. LBDI is a week-long campaign that raises both funds and awareness of the restrictions poverty places on choices, opportunities, and access to resources.

The Little Black Dress brunch is the Junior League of Birmingham’s signature event for the year. Gathering professional, like-minded women from across Oakland County, this annual brunch educates participants and creates awareness of pressing issues facing women in our community. This year, the event will focus on inclusion as the key to a thriving community and will feature prominent speakers in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space from metro Detroit.

For more information, please visit birminghammi.jl.org/ events/6th-annual-little-black-dress-event/.

The NFL Draft is coming to Detroit in April! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage and entertain your clients, colleagues, family, and friends. Join Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Southeast Michigan at The Big Draft Watch Party on Thursday, April 25 at Comerica Park, your home base for the draft in Detroit. From logistics like parking, food, drinks, and indoor shelter to games, athlete appearances, and ballpark tours, The Big Draft Watch Party is an incredible, turnkey opportunity located just steps from the heart of all the action in Campus Martius. Casual yet sophisticated, this event allows sponsors to focus on their guests, not details, while supporting the BBBS mission: to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships to ignite the power and promise of youth. In the first-ever draft in Detroit, BBBS of Southeast Michigan selects you to join its team! Sign up today at bbbssoutheastmi.org.

On the Wings of Angels, a local 501(c) (3) nonprofit founded by JoJo Dries, an abuse victim, is hosting an Inaugural Gala to raise awareness in the community of the need for resources for abuse victims. On the Wings of Angels provides resources, community, and support for those adversely affected by abuse. They say it takes a village, and it certainly does — but it also requires significant financial resources to fund the services to provide the immediate needs, support, and empowerment to assist women in rebuilding their lives free from violence, fear, and the unknown. This year’s gala will enable the organization to establish an endowment fund. The event will be emceed by Taryn Asher, a news anchor at Fox 2 Detroit, and will Include a gourmet dinner, a DJ and live entertainment, inspiring speakers and a keynote speaker, a silent auction, dancing, and a VIP reception/meet and greet at Syndicate Ferndale on the night before the Gala, April 27, from 6-10 p.m.

MEADOW BROOKE THEATRE

March 20 - April 14 Native Gardens mbtheatre.com/

Pablo, a high-powered lawyer, and doctoral candidate Tania, his very pregnant wife, are realizing the American dream when they purchase a house next door to community stalwarts Virginia and Frank. But a disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privilege, and entitlement. The hilarious results guarantee that no one comes out smelling like a rose.

THE ANNUAL LIST OF TOP ATTORNEYS

WOMEN ATTORNEYS

SELECTION PROCESS

Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process.*

The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. We limit the lawyer ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public, i.e., lawyers in private practice and Legal Aid attorneys.

The Super Lawyers selection process involves the steps outlined in the graphic (at right).

OUR PATENTED SELECTION PROCESS

Diverse list of the top attorneys nominated by their own peers

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH

Evaluated by third-party research across 12 key categories

LEARN MORE SuperLawyers.com/SelectionProcess QUESTIONS? SL-Research@thomsonreuters.com

visit SuperLawyers.com

Search for an attorney by practice area and location, and read features on attorneys selected to our lists.

PEER EVALUATION

Reviewed by a highly credentialed Blue Ribbon Panel of attorneys

FINAL SELECTION

2.5% of attorneys selected to Rising Stars

5% of attorneys selected to Super Lawyers

*U.S. Pat. No. 8,412,564

TOP 50 WOMEN

Aaron, Jody L.

Alli, Margaret Carroll

Almonrode, Sharon S.

Andreou, D. Jennifer

Bogas, Kathleen L.

Breitmeyer, Carol F.

Brimer, Lynn M.

Buhl, Rosemary Howley

Chartier, Mary

Cohen, Susan E.

Czapski, Michelle Thurber

Eisenberg, Laura E.

Eisenberg, Sue Ellen

Engelhardt, Jennifer A.

Fershtman, Julie I.

Fish, Deborah L.

Freid, Debra A.

Giunta, Rozanne M.

Gordon, Deborah L.

Grieco, Jennifer M.

Hardy, Elizabeth P.

Johnston, Amy M.

Kirsch-Satawa, Lisa

Klaus, Kathleen H.

Luckenbach, Elizabeth L.

MacKenzie, Donna M.

MacWilliams, Sara K.

Massaron, Mary McGehee, Cary S.

Mithani, Sonal Hope

Murphy, Lauretta K.

Norris, Megan P.

Oertel, Jennifer M.

Olijnyk, Martha J.

Peacock, Emily M.

Prescott, Sarah S.

Pursley, Kristen

Rubin, Jorin G.

Salvatore, Jennifer

Sharp, Heidi T.

Smith, Shannon M.

Speaker, Liisa R.

Susskind, Judith A.

Teahan, Marlaine C.

Teicher, Julie B.

Tripp, Amy R.

Walsh, Rebecca S.

Watson, Linda M.

Wheaton, Jill M.

Wilinski, Nicole E.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

SUPER LAWYERS

Baggett-Hayes, Earlene R.

Cataldo, Sheri B.

Iverson, Dale Ann

Raheem, Antoinette R.

APPELLATE

SUPER LAWYERS

Argiroff, Anne L.

Filipovich, Cynthia M.

Ginter, Christina A.

Howard, Ramona C.

Koffron, Saraphoena B.

Massaron, Mary

Nemeth, Mary T.

Osgood, Terry Milne

Parker, Elizabeth L.

Peck, Lindsey

Speaker, Liisa R.

Wheaton, Jill M.

Wittmann, Beth A.

RISING STARS

Beach, Karen E.

Gostek, Katharine Kohn, Brittney D.

Nester, Andrea Rodenhouse, Erin

BANKING

SUPER LAWYERS

Hickey, Kathleen O’Callaghan Zabriskie, Wendy L.

RISING STARS

VanderVeen, M. Katherine

BANKRUPTCY: BUSINESS

SUPER LAWYERS

Fish, Deborah L.

Hall, Paula A.

Hillary, Kim K. Teicher, Julie B.

Toby, Sheryl L. Vintevoghel-Backer, Amanda C.

RISING STARS

Blasses, Brandi M.

BANKRUPTCY: CONSUMER

SUPER LAWYERS

Bass, Michelle H.

Boylan, Winnifred P.

Clark, Tracy M.

Evangelista, Karen E.

Hart, Erika D.

O’Connor, Sandra L.

Rowse-Oberle, Karen L.

BUSINESS LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Baucus, Laura C.

Boardman, Mischa M.

Czapski, Michelle Thurber

Grieco, Jennifer M.

Jackson, Angela L.

Johnston, Amy M.

Korkis Taweel, Nina

Kosovec, Julie Lyons

MacWilliams, Sara K.

Miller, Ann L.

Mithani, Sonal Hope

Olijnyk, Martha J.

Porter, Tracey L.

Quadrozzi, Jaye

Watson, Linda M.

RISING STARS

Baiardi, Kristen L.

Batsford, Monica

Bolyea, Fatima M.

Catania, Emily K.

Conyers, Raechel T.X.

Cylkowski, Sarah L.

Daher, Fawzeih H.

Dawson, Rian C.

Duggan, Shannon

Ester, Taylor L.

Fernandez, Kristin

Gonzalez, Lena M.

Horn, Kristine A.

Johnson, Alexis F.

Kastaw, Stephanie N.

Markel, Alexandra C.

Mayer, Emily M.

Pellegrino, Ariana

Ramin, Nasseem

Shroff, Armeen

Sobo, Alma

Szymanski, Paige M.

Yono, Candace V.

Young, Katelyn

BUSINESS/CORPORATE

SUPER LAWYERS

Alexander, Sandra K.

Banas, C. Leslie

Leahy, Carrie

MICHIGAN TOP WOMEN SELECTED 2023

BUSINESS/CORPORATE SUPER LAWYERS

CONT’D FROM PAGE S-3

Moss, Leigh Dones

Myers, Kelly A.

Spray, Kathryn R.S.

RISING STARS

Adams, Alari K.

Burneski, Pamela

Chehadeh, Fatme

Garcia Pickman, Nola

Hamade, Soujoud C.

Herron, Jessica

Kaltz-Coulombe, Jacqueline

Parpart, Megan J.

Powalka, Karolina M.

Smith, Amy H.

Sullivan, Emily M.

Ward, Ellen E.

Watkins, Natalie A.

CANNABIS LAW

RISING STARS

Bahri, Hillary R.

Gilbert, Julia A.

CIVIL LITIGATION: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Barron, Jeanne V.

JEANNE V. BARRON

www.jshlawmi.com

Dangl, Lindsay N.

Dembinski, Nancy Vayda

Fershtman, Julie I.

Swanson, Joanne Geha

Wright, Nicole M.

RISING STARS

Cupples, Jennifer A.

Deprekel, Katelyn

Neff, Erica R.

Payne, Erica N.

Pode, Melissa

Roseman, Rachael

Ross, Katherine Elizabeth

Seibert, Kimberly K.

Tompkin, Stephanie

CIVIL LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF

RISING STARS

Stewart, Jamie K.

CIVIL RIGHTS

SUPER LAWYERS

Buckleitner, Anne

Chaney, Nakisha N.

DeRouin, Amy J.

RISING STARS

Filipovic, Milica Henderson, Kali

CLASS ACTION/MASS TORTS

SUPER LAWYERS

Almonrode, Sharon S.

Douglas, Stephanie A.

Ellis, Tiffany R.

Hughes, Emily E.

Thomson, Elizabeth (Liz) C.

CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Leipprandt, Aileen M.

RISING STARS

McAlpine, Ashley L.

CONSUMER LAW

SUPER LAWYERS

Liblang, Dani K.

CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS

SUPER LAWYERS

Brimer, Lynn M.

Giunta, Rozanne M.

Kress, Kay Standridge

Witten, Jaimee L.

RISING STARS

Butler, Elizabeth K.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Chartier, Mary Cobb, Britt

DeBruin, Tiffany Dwyer, Lisa

Grillo, Tanya A.

Irey-Iverson, Kirsten A.

Kelley, Deanna L. Kirsch-Satawa, Lisa

Lehman, Mariell R.

Prasad, Anjali

Raben, Margaret Sind

Smith, Shannon M.

Spahic, Aida

RISING STARS

Babi, Carly H.

Belcher, Leanna

Duplessis, Ashlee

Fakih, Stephanie N.

Gabbara, Suzan

George, Maggie

Giuliani, Alexandra M.

Joseph Costantino, Kristina

Krause, Sarah A.

LaFond, Jessica

Rushing, Sydney E. F.

Sadrnia, Parisa

Wolfe, Rachel

Yermalenka, Olga

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE COLLAR

SUPER LAWYERS

Belveal, Jennifer Zbytowski

Lane, Madelaine C.

ELDER LAW

SUPER LAWYERS

Buhl, Rosemary Howley

Ramdayal - Howard, Farrah

Tripp, Amy R.

RISING STARS

Murray, Amanda N.

Solaiman, Erin

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

SUPER LAWYERS

Grace, Deborah L.

Moore, Cynthia A.

RISING STARS

Rowley, Jessica S.

EMPLOYMENT & LABOR

SUPER LAWYERS

Bogas, Kathleen L.

Brodeur-McGeorge, Laura A.

Chinonis, Nancy K.

Eisenberg, Sue Ellen

Gafkay, Julie A.

Hardy, Elizabeth P.

Kienbaum, Karen S.

Laughbaum, Carol A.

Laughren, Sheryl A.

Linderman Richelew, Marla

Lloyd, Theresa Smith

McCulloch, Debra

McDonald, Christina K.

Norris, Megan P.

Roebuck, Marlo Johnson

Rosen, Miriam L.

Salvatore, Jennifer

Skaggs, Elizabeth Wells

Smith Kennedy, Katherine

Walker, Angela L.

Welch, Anne-Marie Vercruysse

RISING STARS

Bates, Lyndsey K.

Brown, Kaitlin Abplanalp

Delmastro, Angelina R.

Dornbos, Erin

Down, Chelsea S.

Ghannam, Amanda M.

Muse, Jennifer L.

Robertson, Amy M.

Seguin-Skrabucha, Rebecca

Tetreau, Melissa

VanderKolk, Tiffany R.

Yono, Haba K.

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Alli, Margaret Carroll

Amtsbuechler, Laura S.

Berkery, Karen B.

Brouwer, Deborah L.

Mayfield, Bonnie

Nemeth, Patricia

Wood, Kathryn S.

Woods, Sharon M.

RISING STARS

Culberson, Elyse K.

Hollander, Frances

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF

SUPER LAWYERS

Croson, Charlotte

Freid, Debra A.

Gordon, Deborah L.

Howard, Sarah Riley

Lord, Jennifer L.

McGehee, Cary S.

McManus, Jennifer L.

Prescott, Sarah S.

Sharp, Heidi T.

Stamler, Patricia A.

RISING STARS

Huang, Charissa C.

Sheena, Jenna

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES

SUPER LAWYERS

Hlywa Topp, Susan

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

RISING STARS

Wilson, Kristina

ENVIRONMENTAL

SUPER LAWYERS

Newlon, Sharon R.

Sadler, Susan J.

ESTATE & TRUST LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Glazier, Sandra D.

Luckenbach, Elizabeth L.

RISING STARS

Boyd, Juliet R.

Duffy, Alison F.

ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE

SUPER LAWYERS

Aguilar, Kathleen Hogan

Browning, Kimberly C.

Clark-Kreuer, Rhonda M.

Fuller, Michele P.

Harvey, Jennifer M.

Hentkowski, Angela M.

Holtvluwer, Wendy P.

Huff, Diane K.

Lentz, Marguerite Munson

Little, Nancy L.

Lynwood, Katie

Morrissey, Amy N.

Murphy, Lauretta K.

Pudyk, Christy M.

Rickard, Lori-Ann

Savage, Christine M.

Schluter, Dawn M.

DAWN M. SCHLUTER

www.schluterhugheslaw.com

Teahan, Marlaine C.

Tucker, Rachel

Wasserman, Linda A.

Welber, Nancy H.

Westerman, Susan S.

RISING STARS

Cieslik, Kathleen A.

Fraim, Anne

Frew, Kristina L.

Hofstetter, Katrina N.

Kallabat, Mallory

Lawrence, Gabrielle C.

Leo, Cassandra

MacWilliams, Nicole H.

Massaro, Julia

Miracle, Meaghan

Petitjean, Margaret P. (Molly)

Rubin, Michelle A.

Scime, Morgan Rogalke

Senkowski, Christine L.

Trimpe, Carrie E.

Wrock, Rebecca K.

FAMILY LAW

SUPER LAWYERS

Abbatt, Candyce Ewing

Becker, Lori D.

Black, Julia L.

Bransdorfer, Elizabeth K.

Breitmeyer, Carol F.

Brinkman, Monica Buiteweg, Lori A.

Cohen, Susan E.

Cole, Kathleen L.

Cook, Shon Anne

MICHIGAN TOP WOMEN SELECTED 2023

Cronin, Sabrina Shaheen

Cushman, Kathryn M.

Davis, Tanisha M.

Draper, Roquia K.

Duffy, Jill

Eisenberg, Laura E.

Elkouri, Susan L.

Farrugia, Catrina

Finazzo, Lori J.

Frazee, Jeanne M.

Giske, Staci D.

Goldner, Ruth

Green, Sandra U.

Grover, Kimberly A.

Gucciardo, Renée K.

Heath, Symantha

Kitchen-Troop, Elizabeth

Lichterman, Susan S.

Long, Emily E.

Mellin, Irika N. S-5

Middleditch Wigod, Keri

KERI MIDDLEDITCH WIGOD

Miller, Delia S-7

Moore, Phoebe J.

Nacy, Elizabeth J.

O’Brien, Deborah F.

Papista, Anthea E.

Peskin-Shepherd, Alisa A.

Prokopec, Dawn M.

Pulte, Marie A.

Raczkowski, Annette T.

Robinson, Kristen L. S-5

Rotter, Harriet B.

Rubin, Jorin G.

Sater, Nazli G.

Selleck, Stacey L.

Sharkey, Katherine M.

Sirich, Lynn C.

Slank, Eileen J.

Sleight, Allison E.

Spilman, Amy M.

Stawski, Amy A.

Steslicki, Sarah E.

Stone, Nancy Komer

Stypula, Elaine

Thacker, Connie R.

Vogt, Kathy J.

Warshaw, Eileen

Wikander, Erica L.

Wolock, Miriam Z.

Yu, Amy A.

Zopf, Katherine L.

RISING STARS

Baluha, Katherine

Bono, Sherri L.

Cheltenham, Colline

Constand, Dana M.

Dahlen, Meredith E.

Faulkner, Samantha Suzanne

Flynn, Erin C.

Ghannam, Angela J.

Heltsley, Jessica

Kapoor, Stephanie

Kapture, Katrina A.

Kelley, Rachel Gruetzner

Kelly, Ryan M.

Korr, Allison Greenlee

Krysak Frampton, Katherine A.

Lotarski, Nina M.

Mash, Erin C.

Medley, Angela

Ortega, Kendra J.

Phillips, Kelley McLean

Polizzi, Laura E.

Riggs, Sarah Dinsmore

Rurka, Leah

Schalte, Kelly M.

Sierra, Courtney M.

Sossi, Pamela M.

Spresser, Lise

Wirth, Amanda Van Essen

Zurawski, Casey

GAMING

SUPER LAWYERS

Hansen, Andrea L.

Pg. S-8

GENERAL LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Bos, Carole D.

RISING STARS

Haines, Rebecca M.

Hansmann, Leigh A.

Owens, Jasmine J.

Peters, Amber D.

Swindlehurst, Cara

Wilson, Ariel

Yu, Elise H.

GOVERNMENT FINANCE

SUPER LAWYERS

Van Dusen, Amanda

HEALTH CARE

SUPER LAWYERS

Benkoff, Reesa N.

Gustafson, Jessica L.

Hollenbeck, Ann T.

Mantese, Theresamarie

Ottenwess, Stephanie P.

Williamson, Deborah J.

RISING STARS

Lucido, Lisa A.

Vallee, Alexandra

IMMIGRATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Basmaji, Dorothy Hanigan

Friend, Carol A.

Pastor, Caridad (Carrie)

RISING STARS

De Armas, Marva

Farida, Lauren

Gill, Moni (Manpreet)

Mansoori, Ahndia

Nasr, Catherine

Pernas, Jennifer O.

Saleh, Carine R.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

SUPER LAWYERS

Chapnick, Michele A.

Mayer, Julie C.

Robertson, Julie E.

Wilinski, Nicole E.

RISING STARS

Adams, Michele D.

Bodwin, Theresa A.

Brochert, Stephanie

DePriest, Danielle R.

McKenna, Jenna R.

Shamoun Karem, Chanel R.

Simon, Jenna

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

SUPER LAWYERS

Burris, Kelly K.

Coakley, Lisabeth H.

Kennedy, Linda D.

Kornfield, Susan M.

Kramer, Anessa O.

Nesti, Francine B.

O’Donnell, Mary Margaret L.

Puplava, Jennifer A.

Pursley, Kristen

Shovein, Hope V.

Wilson, Rebecca L.

RISING STARS

DeRegnaucourt, Staci R.

Green, Mikai J.

Klug, Erin

Mustafa, Nadine N.

Pacynski, Katherine

Pasquali, Chelsea E.

Smith, Shannon K.

Walters, Daniela

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Carswell, Chanille

Dobrowitsky, Catherine T.

Mandell, Barbara L.

Scott, Kimberly L.

Swedlow, Deborah J.

INTERNATIONAL

RISING STARS

Gamalski, Angela I.

LAND USE/ZONING

SUPER LAWYERS

Friedlaender, Susan K.

Palacios, Emily C.

RISING STARS

Patton, Breanne

MEDIA AND ADVERTISING

SUPER LAWYERS

Luce-Herrmann, Robin

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

RISING STARS

Bailey, Vanessa

Lu, Rui

Papi, Rebecca S.

MILITARY/VETERANS LAW

RISING STARS

Kelly, Mandy L.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

SUPER LAWYERS

Oertel, Jennifer M.

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Lujan, Deborah

Melkonian, Kari L.

Orvis, Samantha J.

Schlotterer, Amy E.

Wojnar-Raycraft, Melissa D.

Zachary, Nicolette S.

RISING STARS

Bond, Jessica J.

Brezenski, Lauren N.

Burnstein, Stephanie

Davis, Randi

DeVos, Cristy M.

Djordjeski, Elena

Dysarz, MaryRachel

Fox, Christen

Mehanna, Najla

Milroy, Kaitlynn

Penrod, Lauren

Plourde, Janine

Roberts, Elizabeth P.

Rouse Holloway, Amber

Smith, Carol A.

Sterrett, Lauren A.

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF

SUPER LAWYERS

Atnip, Heather J.

Damico, Jennifer G.

Hatchett, Ayanna D.

Kuchon, Sarah E.

Peacock, Emily M.

Stempky Kime, Sarah S.

RISING STARS

Azzo, Lauren S.

Bahri, Ronita

Barkho, Dahlia

Danielson, Laura B.

Doss, Krystina

Ewald, Jordan

Gill, Manpreet

Hanna, Nora

McKay, Meaghan B.

Schanta, Samantha E.

Schlinker, Loryn

Sikora, Lindsay F.

Sobh, Alaa

Spiridon, Elizabeth

Tucker, Catherine E.

Warner, Amanda B.

PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Andreou, D. Jennifer

Barker, Lori A.

Bowerman, Cathy R.

Empey, Carole S.

Matson, Marcy R.

Merry, Cynthia E.

Selzer, Laura H.

Sieler, Jean Ann S.

Warren, Heidi E.

RISING STARS

Cherry, Sarah

Cicotte, Marisa A.

Iafrate, Joslyn R.

Israel, Farah R.

Joseph-Windecker, Nicole

Khalifeh, Juliana B.

Mansoor, Silvia Alexandria

Natzel, Christina

Quackenbush, Ashley

Rodey, Catherine M.

Winquist, Natalie

PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: PLAINTIFF

SUPER LAWYERS

Aaron, Jody L. CONTINUED

Delia Miller is committed to providing all clients with professional, competent and compassionate representation. Known for her dedication and persistence, Delia is a highly effective advocate for her clients while maintaining the personal touch necessary for the often-stressful circumstances related to family law. Although in high demand by her clients, accessibility is extremely important to Delia, and appointments for consultations can be requested via phone, email or the contact link located on the home page of her website. Delia is a skilled attorney, able to effectively navigate all aspects of family law, including custody, parenting time, support and division of assets. Delia is passionate about her job and even more so about standing up for the best interests of her clients.

MICHIGAN

PERSONAL

Arndt, Stephanie L.

Eardley, Eugenie B.

Engelhardt, Jennifer A.

Hoffer, Stephanie

Little, Ronda M.

MacKenzie, Donna M.

Meyers, Mary Pat (Rosen)

Randall, Anne L.

Susskind, Judith A.

Walsh, Rebecca S.

RISING STARS

Heid, Elyse

Secorski, Jennifer L.

Thomas, Emily G.

Yaldo, Fallon

Zalewski, Dina M.

PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Bush, Cheryl A.

RISING STARS

Carruthers, Alison

Gavrilovic, Nina

Houk, Kelly R.

PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: PLAINTIFF

SUPER LAWYERS

Oliver, Alyson

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: DEFENSE

SUPER LAWYERS

Asoklis, Theresa M.

Graves, Melissa E.

Klaus, Kathleen H.

RISING STARS

Mclane, Laura M.

REAL ESTATE

SUPER LAWYERS

Allen, Kelly A. Pg. S-8

Anderson, Gail A.

Labe, Monica J.

Lewis, Leslee M.

Zelenock, Katheryne L.

RISING STARS

Bergmann, Kylie E.

Bishara, Sarah

Dieck, Alexandra E.

Elias, Kaitlyn

Lockman, Kelly M.

Long, Kayleigh

Marsh-Jones, Chelsey L.

Nesimova, Nargiz

Parshall, Maryam K.

Rodriquez-Hatt, E. Carolina

Shell, Erica

Warsh, Ryan

Welch, Erin Bowen

SECURITIES & CORPORATE FINANCE

RISING STARS

Seymour, Clara L.

SECURITIES LITIGATION

SUPER LAWYERS

Lucas, Janine M.

RISING STARS

Serra, Lisa

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

SUPER LAWYERS

Hamm, Andrea L.

RISING STARS

Bui, Crystal

Riggs, Erika A.

Versical, Bethany G.

Zelmanski, Claire

STATE, LOCAL & MUNICIPAL

SUPER LAWYERS

Battersby, Holly S.

Debler, Margaret T.

Duff, Ebony L.

Hamameh, Lisa J.

McGrail, Linda

Rosati, Carol A.

RISING STARS

Ellis, Brittney

TAX

SUPER LAWYERS

Cantarella, Eva T.

Faycurry, Joanne B.

Gandhi, Lynn A.

RISING STARS

Haney, Erin

Weaver, Rosa A.

Pg. S-8

Business Spotlights

California-Inspired Luxury Addiction Treatment in the Heart of Michigan

Liberty House Recovery Center is proudly celebrating its second anniversary of providing the highest standards of care for those suffering with substance use and co-occurring disorders. Liberty House Recovery Center was created based on the passion of its founders for the betterment of substance use treatment and helping those in need. “Since the beginning, our vision has been to create an environment that provides worldclass care here in Michigan so that loved-ones seeking treatment no longer need to travel across the country to get the care they deserve” says founder Dr. Susan Abed, who created a facility dedicated to ensuring the highest level of care in all aspects of service and treatment. “It is our honor to continue providing a fresh perspective on individualized, comprehensive, and evidence-based treatment through mind, body, and lifestyle approaches in the Michigan community and beyond.”

Liberty House Recovery Center is a California-inspired premiere detox and residential treatment facility located on 34 acres of outstanding natural beauty designed to provide safety, serenity, and a place where clients can truly focus on healing. The Center offers expert and personalized treatment for substance use and cooccurring disorders. The evidencebased program was intricately designed to bring the comfort and luxury of coastal living to the heart of Michigan and is rooted in addressing the core issues that lead to substance use disorders in the first place.

“Our unique, judgment-free approach allows clients to participate in treatment while building their selfesteem and self-worth through expert, tailor-made treatment plans, specific to each client’s individual needs,” says Dr. Abed. “Our genuine expert team is always ready to help clients and their families to discover the path to true freedom from drugs and alcohol. At Liberty House Recovery Center, you can be confident that you and your loved ones are being provided the highest level of compassion, care, and healing.”

The team at Liberty House Recovery Center is dedicated to address the many factors that contribute to addiction by tailoring our evidence-based, multifaceted program to each unique individual that enters our care. Care professionals on staff include doctors, therapists, counselors, nurses, coaches, and case managers. Personal chefs, housekeeping staff, and drivers

also are available to every client to lighten any burden and minimize distractions while one focuses on healing.

A fulfilling life without the burdens of alcohol and substance use is possible and begins with Liberty House Recovery Center, where excellence and elegance combine to provide a comprehensive and personalized path to recovery. For more information, call (866) 686-0319 or log onto libertyhouserecoverycenter.com.

Business Spotlights

Stairway Royal Oak AFB Hospitality Group

In 2023, the award-winning and highly renowned AFB Hospitality Group launched Stairway Royal Oak, an upscale destination for nightlife and private events that features an intimate feel making it the ideal spot for hosted events.

Located at 401 S. Lafayette in the heart of Royal Oak’s vibrant downtown, Stairway Royal Oak offers an energetic, late-night destination featuring live entertainment and craft cocktails. They typically have DJs with many popular performers including Fat Joe, Jermaine Dupri, Niykee Heaton, DJ Vice, Ying Yang Twins, and Brody Jenner.

It’s also a perfect venue for private events of all kinds. “I think what makes Stairway special and unique is our ability to adapt the venue to whatever event we are hosting,” said Adam Fry, Director of Operations. “We have held everything from weddings, wedding-after parties, corporate events, and Bat Mitzvahs to Stanley Cup parties, Salsa lessons, and wine tastings. We can adapt the space to best accommodate any event or celebration. We can, and just about

have, hosted every kind of event you can think of at our four locations in the last 10 years.”

Stairway Royal Oak is available seven days a week for private events and the space includes the upscale main room with a bar along with a small private patio and can accommodate as many as 200 people. The venue is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, onyx bar top, and banquette seating.

Open to the public 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Stairway Royal Oak is a concept under AFB Hospitality Group, which was founded by Aaron F. Belen in 2013. Belen is the Principal of both AFB Hospitality Group LLC and AFB Investments. He is an entrepreneur with a focus on hospitality, real estate development, and investments. His Hospitality Group started with the company’s flagship restaurant Bistro 82, located in downtown Royal Oak. Bistro 82 was named Hour Detroit’s 2017 Restaurant of the Year.

AFB Hospitality Group also operates The Morrie concepts, both in Royal Oak and

Birmingham with live bands and performers, great food and drinks, with brunch on Saturday and Sundays. Both locations are also ideal venues to host private events.

Along with Stairway, their concepts are among the premier entertainment and hospitality venues in Michigan.

Follow on Instagram @Stairwayroyaloak

For bookings, please visit Stairwayroyaloak.com, afbhospitalitygroup.com or email Adam Fry afry@ afbhospitalitygroup.com.

Stairway Royal Oak

AFB Hospitality Group

401 S. Lafayette, Suite 2

Royal Oak, MI

248-383-5557

stairwayroyaloak.com

The Interior Design Society’s Inaugural Winter Gala

PHOTOS BY DAVID KASENOW

THE INTERIOR DESIGN Society’s Detroit chapter hosted this inaugural gala at the Colony Club’s ballroom in Detroit to support Humble Design Detroit, an area nonprofit that turns empty houses into warm homes for families who are coming out of homelessness. The event brought community members together for an evening of glamour that included a plated dinner, live music by Jarrod Champion and his band, dancing, and a silent auction. To learn more about the Interior Design Society Detroit, go to idsdetroit.com/index.php

6

1. Joseph and Theresa Clark 2. Lis and Josh Pusta 3. Ervin Prifiti, Xhesika Sinojmeri, Victoria Lozano, Lorent Marolli 4. Megan Rose Atkinson and Katie Schanne 5. Tiffanie and James Donley 6. Heather Vercellino, Angela Funtair, Craig Cushing 7. Suzanne Hagopian, Sirona Brower, Edmond Hagopian 8. Katie Wozinak, Karen Nigem 9. Makenzie Gogola, Christina Fukumoto 10. Haley and Dr. Arash Kirarash 11. Pete Doanato, Tom Budd Jr., Tom Budd

12.12.2023

Black Family Development Inc.’s Hope and Healing Celebration

THE HOPE AND HEALING Celebration at Detroit’s Fort Pontchartrain, a Wyndham Hotel, raised money for Black Family Development Inc. and its mission of improving outcomes for children and families in the community by providing mental health, substance use disorder, and other services, along with community development programming. Guests were invited to bring a gift to be donated to area kids and enjoyed a night of “Jazz, Justice & Elegance” emceed by gospel artist Lexi Allen that featured a reception and a keynote address by Byna Elliott, the head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase. Go to blackfamilydevelopment.org to learn more.

1. Cynthia McDaniel, Tangela Green

2. Jonathan Jackson, Jalen Jackson, Greg Jackson 3. Cathy Nedd, Dr. Ken Coleman, Kenyatta Stephens

4. Terrell Topps, Rhonda Williams, Stacie Clayton, Char Yates, Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison, Sheryl Kubiak, Jennifer Presley 5. Linda Schlesinger-Wagner, Mary Messana, Amy Nederlander 6. Kenyatta and Walter Stephens 7. Cynthia Williams, Cornel Lynch 8. Dr. LaTonya Shelton, Tracee Garrett Miller, Lynn Garrett

9. Gail Taylor, Stacie Hunter, Byna Elliott, Denise Steele, Arhoda Simaj 10. Lisa Green, Demetrye English

11. Kimberly O’Neal, Monica Britton, Carolyn Custer 12. Erica Rand, Jackie Smith, Archie Drake, D’Anne Franklin, Dion Williams, Tammy Battaglia

FOCUS Detroit Christmas Gala

PHOTOS BY DAVID KASENOW

THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

FOCUS Detroit works with at-risk families and individuals, offering meals, community programs, and educational support. Its 2023 Christmas Gala, which was hosted by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Troy, was themed “A Very Retro Christmas” and offered a cocktail hour, a dinner menu “showcasing classic Detroit food,” live music by Lady Sunshine and the X Band, and more. Go to focusdetroit.org for more information about the organization.

1. Deccan Spiridon Morris, Micheal Stavropoulos 2. Carmen Jones, Rashawnda Williams 3. Penny Seaborn, Finnie Lazaras, Irene Kavalos 4. Colleen Meyers, Nicole Bidolli, Anthony Geragosian 5. Haitham Fakouri 6. Conrad Kovalcik, Jeremy Schoenherr 7. Domonique Brown, Lesle Brown 8. Anne Randall FOCUS Detroit board chair, Michael Randall 9. Helen De Avia, Val Badamo, Irene Chatz 10. Rev. Paul and Presvytera Katerina Patitsas 11. Matt Lidsey, Michael Latchney 12. Jennifer Palton, Anna Marcus 13. Jason Kehdi, Abe Newhouse

AS REPORTED IN newspapers across the country, on June 21, 1947, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Akron, Ohio, two of the most powerful industrial families in the nation were united through nuptials when 21-year-old Vassar College graduate Martha Parke Firestone, a granddaughter of Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. founder Harvey S. Firestone Sr., married 22-year-old William Clay Ford, who was the youngest grandson of auto tycoon Henry Ford and had resumed his studies at Yale University after serving in the U.S. Naval Air Corps.

The late grandfathers had first formed a lasting friendship and highly successful business relationship more than 50 years earlier.

Wearing, as the Detroit Free Press reported, “exquisite bridal robes … made of the rarest antique rose pointe and duchesse lace” designed by noted New York dress designer Carrie Munn, the young bride is pictured arriving at the church with her father, Harvey S. Firestone Jr., about 10 minutes before the 4:30 p.m. ceremony. A few of the more than 1,000 curious onlookers held back by the local police force are seen peering through the car window to catch a glimpse of Akron royalty.

The groom’s best man was his eldest brother, Henry Ford II, the president and CEO of the auto company, while the bride’s sister Elizabeth Firestone was the maid of honor for the candle-lit ceremony, which lasted 12 minutes. There were 450 attendees, including some of the most influential people of the time, like Laurance Rockefeller; Charles Edison, the son of Thomas Edison; and newspaper publisher John S. Knight.

A reception for 900 guests was held at Harbel Manor, the sprawling Firestone estate, before the happy couple left for a Bermuda honeymoon.

William Clay Ford eventually became an executive and board member at the auto company, but was more well known as the sole owner of the Detroit Lions from 1964 until his passing in 2014 at age 88. Martha Firestone Ford, now 98, succeeded her late husband as principal owner and chair of the football franchise before turning the reins over to her daughter Sheila Ford Hamp in 2020. William and Martha’s other children are Martha Ford Morse, Elizabeth Ford Kontulis, and William Clay Ford Jr., currently the executive chair of Ford Motor Co. —Bill Dow