Hour Detroit | February 2024 by Hour Media

HOUR DETROIT

Restaurant Year 2024

OF THE

FEBRUARY 2024

R E S TA U R A N T O F T H E Y E A R

The Yakitori Swordfish at the Restaurant of the Year is marinated in zesty Italian dressing, coated with togarashi and pulverized Bugles, and topped with Fresno chile pepper, scallions, and chile aioli.

02.24 H O U R D E T R O I T. C O M

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WINTER TRAVEL

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VOLUME TWENTY NINE | ISSUE TWO

BEST of

DETROIT 2024

Cast your votes for the Best of Detroit Feb 1 - Mar 15 at HourDetroit.com

HOUR DETROIT’S

Grab your tickets early! This event sells out!

PUBLISHER: Jason Hosko EDITORIAL EDITOR: Kate Walsh DIGITAL EDITOR: Christina Clark ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Jack Thomas EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Juliana Lumaj COPY EDITOR: Olivia Sedlacek CONTRIBUTORS: Ronald Ahrens, Sam Corey, Bill Dow, Jane E. Enos, Paris Giles, Dorothy Hernandez, Natalia Holtzman, Ryan Patrick Hooper, Zahir Janmohamed, Mickey Lyons, John Maurice, Jenn McKee, Daphne Nikolopoulos, Carlos Parisi, Paul Rubio, Lauren Wethington, Dana White DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Lindsay Richards SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTIST: Stephanie Daniel JUNIOR ART DIRECTOR: Steven Prokuda GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Keagan Coop, Kathryn Dave CONTRIBUTORS: Emily Berger, Rebecca Cook, Jacob Lewkow, Giuseppa Nadrowski, Sal Rodriguez, Rebecca Simonov, Brad Ziegler SALES DIGITAL SALES LEAD: Scott Drummond ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Cynthia Barnhart, Karli Brown, Cathleen Francois, Donna Kassab, Lisa LaBelle, Mary Pantely & Associates, Jessica VanDerMaas 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 GENERAL MANAGER: Nick Britsky 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: Samantha Dick, Kate Manley, Austin Schmelzle PUBLISHING AND SALES INTERN: Angelina Gutierrez DISTRIBUTION: Target Distribution, Troy 575 0 N E W K I N G D R I V E , T R OY, M I 4 8 0 9 8 T E L E P H O N E : 2 4 8 - 6 9 1 - 1 8 0 0 FA X : 2 4 8 - 6 9 1 - 4 5 3 1 E M A I L : E D I T O R I A L @ H O U R D E T R O I T.C O M O N T H E W E B : H O U R D E T R O I T.C O M To sell Hour Detroit magazine or for subscription inquiries: 248-588-1851

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

Excellence for Any Occasiо Whether enjoying a casual dinner or Detroit’s finest dining experiences, dining at a Joe Vicari restaurant promises perfection.

Join us for an experience that transcends expectations.

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02.24

CONTENTS ISSUE THREE HUNDRED TWENTY THREE

36 Restaurant

of the Year

Our 2024 pick for Restaurant of the Year offers a unique remix of fine dining, with kindness and creativity — plus music and art — on the menu.

50 Winter

Travel

These romantic and luxurious Caribbean destinations are sure to warm your heart, and more.

36 The Autumn Dauphinois, a delicate vegetarian dish composed of honeycup squash, celeriac, sage, chestnut, preserved lemon, and truffle at our 2024 Restaurant of the Year.

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THIS PAGE, COVER E.E. BERGER

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St yle Showcase

J O I N U S AT O U R S T U D I O T O E X P L O R E T H E N E W E S T I N E V E N T D E S I G N 2 4 5 9 0 N O RT H I N D U S T R I A L D R I V E | F A R M I N G T O N H I L L S, M I C H I G A N

T H U R S D AY | F E B R U A R Y 2 2 , 2 0 2 4 | 4 : 0 0 P M T O 7: 0 0 P M C O M P L I M E N TA R Y A D M I S S I O N | R S V P T O E V E N T S @ E M E R A L D C I T Y D E S I G N S .C O M

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02.24

CONTENTS ISSUE THREE HUNDRED TWENTY THREE

Agenda

Up Front

58 CULTURE CALENDAR

BOOKS 22

A new DIA exhibit, music at U-M, local comedy, and many more can’t-miss February events.

A U-M professor’s guide to greater financial harmony with your spouse.

DEVELOPMENT 23

60 FILM

In the ’60s, I-375 erased Black districts. A new road in its place raises questions.

Learn how a Detroit native became Hollywood’s king of B movies.

COMMUNITY 26

62 BLACK HISTORY

A Dearborn café serves up Yemeni coffee and comforting conversations.

Follow one woman’s journey of discovery about her ancestors, among Royal Oak’s earliest Black families.

Food&Drink

24/Seven

73 AGRICULTURE

A Michigan farm chef and author shares her story, plus the ultimate winter cake recipe.

FA S H I O N 30

Where to find the latest spring/summer runway looks in metro Detroit.

MI STYLE 32

On film sets and fashion shoots, everyone’s asking for this Detroiter’s styling magic.

PROFILE 33

Pop singers and TV stars love to wear this Macomb County designer’s jewelry.

INTERIOR DESIGN 34

Make your home pop with Peach Fuzz, Pantone’s color of the year.

74 DRINK

The après-ski invasion has made its way to metro Detroit bars.

75 BOOKS

An acclaimed memoir gives insight into Detroit’s forgotten New Chinatown.

76 VALENTINE’S DAY

These delectable handmade Belgian chocolates make the perfect gifts.

77 PROFILE

Barda’s chef-owner speaks about his second Detroit restaurant, Puma.

18 E D I TO R’ S L E T T E R 78 R E STAU R A N T L I ST I N G S, RECIPES 101 M I D N I G H T H O U R

62 14 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

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104 T H E WAY I T WA S

Esther Gordy Edwards, 1998

CHOCOLATES REBECCA SIMONOV PORTRAIT BRAD ZIEGLER INTERIOR JACOB LEWKOW

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WH ERE LUX URY LI VES

FINE CUSTOM HOMES

BUILD-ON-YOUR-SITE

RENOVATIONS

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

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CLOSETS • GARAGES • HOME OFFICES ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS • WALL BEDS WALL UNITS • LAUNDRY ROOMS • PANTRIES CRAFT ROOMS • MUD ROOMS • WINE ROOMS

02.24

THERE ARE NO LIMITATIONS TO

Dreams

Behind the Scenes

WALK-IN CLOSET

FOR THIS MONTH’S cover story behind the scenes, we are highlighting three individuals who may not typically be in the spotlight: (from left) Abigail Leedom, wine director at Freya, Chartreuse, and Dragonfly; Thor Jones, general manager of Freya; and Cole Lauri, sous-chef at Freya. Co-owner Sandy Levine says of his hires: “Abigail has been a huge part of what we’ve accomplished in our first two years and will undoubtedly be instrumental to our success in 2024. Thor ‘gets’ hospitality. He’s one of those people that knows everyone, and that everyone loves.” Co-owner Doug Hewitt hired Lauri, with whom he worked at Chartreuse: “He is a huge asset to who we are. Cole is the backbone of the Freya line. Watching him grow as a chef over the last five years has been a true pleasure.” OFFICE

Locally Owned and Operated

CONTRIBUTORS

Bring i New Y n the ear wit h

20% of f and F

REE

installa tion

the art of organization

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

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AS02PF

WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE SOMEONE FOR A FIRST DATE IN METRO DETROIT?

Dorothy Hernandez

Jacob Lewkow

Zahir Janmohamed

WROTE RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR, PAGE 36

PHOTOGRAPHED “A CUP OF YEMEN,” PAGE 26

“Mabel Gray in Hazel Park is where I’d take someone if I want to impress but with low stress. The food highlights local ingredients of the highest quality prepared at the highest level, but they’re still familiar, approachable, and fun — and the drinks by Max never miss. Not only is it a great place for a first date, but it’s where you’ll want to come celebrate the anniversary of that first date for years to come.” Dorothy Hernandez is a freelance journalist who frequently writes about food and dining. Her work has appeared on CNN Travel, Eater, Thrillist, and several other national and local media outlets. She has had the honor of writing the last two Restaurant of the Year profiles (and one in 2017).

“I’d take a first date to Highlands (at the Renaissance Center) for a sunset cocktail — you can’t really beat the view — and then Chartreuse for dinner. There are few places these days where the hospitality is equally met with quality of the food, and they’ve been consistent since opening in 2015. Don’t sleep on the twice-cooked egg!” Jacob Lewkow, a Detroit-based commercial and editorial photographer since 2012, aims to amplify underrepresented voices whenever possible through his photography, especially within the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. His client list includes Campbell’s, Bacardí, Red Bull, Shinola, and General Motors Co., as well as publications like Forbes and Fortune.

WROTE “A CUP OF YEMEN,” PAGE 26 “I would take someone to Baobab Fare. I love everything about that place: the décor, the service, and, of course, the food. The food is East African, specifically from Burundi. My mother is Indian from Tanzania, and her food is very similar to theirs.” Zahir Janmohamed is a visiting assistant professor of English at Bowdoin College. He earned his MFA in fiction at the University of Michigan, where he received awards in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and playwriting. In 2019, the podcast he co-founded about food, race, gender, and class, called Racist Sandwich, was nominated for a James Beard Award.

BTS E.E. BERGER CONTRIBUTORS COURTESY OF CONTRIBUTORS

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02.24

E D I T O R’ S L E T T E R

From Our Readers

How do you follow up a cover that seems destined to become a fan favorite and bestseller? You give the readers something else that is as universally appealing as Dan Campbell: food. That really wasn’t our intention when we bumped up our Restaurant of the Year feature from March to February, but it worked out nicely. In fact, we were on pins and needles all fall, hoping and praying that the Lions would make it to the playoffs so that January’s Detroiters cover story, featuring Dan Campbell, would be even more special. The truth is, February has been known to be one of the most hated months of the year, so we wanted to give folks an opportunity this month to visit the restaurant we have bestowed with this honor. Like many Restaurants of the Year, this year’s choice, Freya, has been on our radar for a while. It not only made our Best New Restaurants list in August 2022 but also made similar lists by the Free Press and The New York Times a month later. Dining writer Dorothy Hernandez says, “When Freya first opened, we knew they were operating on a high level and waited till it settled in and found its groove before naming it Restaurant of the Year, because a restaurant this special doesn’t come around often.” (For more, see our cover story on page 36.) February is also time to celebrate Black History Month. In this issue, we have an article about the plans to remove I-375, the highway junction whose birth meant the death of two Black neighborhoods (Black Bottom and Paradise Valley), and the story of a Royal Oak resident’s quest to share her family’s story with the world. This is one of those articles that was a long time in the making for us. I attended a fundraising event for the Hamer Finch Wilkins Park, named for one of Royal Oak’s first Black families (which will feature a sculpture of the family matriarch by local artist Austen Brantley), in early 2023 at the Royal Oak Historical Society Museum. The story fascinated me, so I put it on our lineup for 2024, hoping it would coincide with the park’s and sculpture’s completion. One of the things I love about Detroit is what a small world it can be. At this Royal Oak event, I learned that Brantley would be sculpting the bust for the park. I had just met him a few days before outside The Congregation coffee shop in Detroit, where I was with a photographer who was taking candid photos of people exiting the café; Brantley’s friend was one of them. I chatted with Brantley while this was going on and learned about his work; he then invited me to his exhibit at The Carr Center. Then suddenly I heard his name everywhere. (Read more about him on page 66.) Another more recent experience also made me appreciate this wonderful city and its history. In December, I had the privilege of attending the press night for Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations (written by Campbell’s fellow 2024 Detroiter Dominique Morisseau) at the Fisher Theatre. At this performance, The Temptations founder Otis Williams got on stage after the show. When he spoke of his love for Detroit and the early days of Motown, the crowd could not contain itself. There was more energy in that theater than I have ever felt at any music event in my life. To be in one of the city’s most iconic buildings, surrounded by many people who appeared to have also experienced Motown’s golden age in person, literally gave me chills and made me truly appreciate my job and the fact that I’m once again living in my hometown. So, if February (or Valentine’s Day) has you down, I hope that your spirits will be lifted by reading this issue and learning about the many places, people, and events that make up this great city. And if the Lions are in the Super Bowl, that will just be icing on the cake.

KATE WA L SH , EDIT OR KWALS H@HOU R-M EDIA.COM

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“Gordie Howe International Bridge to Open Next Fall” (online) “Amazing. Both cities, state, and province are going to highly benefit, [and] so will productivity to the companies who rely on cross-border goods! They can use the Ambassador for a parking lot now. They made life difficult for commuters! [I] so hate that crossing and how it is managed.” —DA DeCarolis, Facebook “West Bloomfield Native Stars in Broadway Adaptation of Disney’s Frozen” (online) “A Huntington Woods native [Kristen Bell] is the actual voice [of Anna] of the original movie. … More Michiganders!” —@grahambach, Instagram “Object Lesson: Masonic Temple Detroit” (November issue)“This is a must-tour for anyone visiting Detroit, IMO — an absolutely mind-boggling work of art.” —@cndluluv, Instagram “Savor Shorts: Sullivan’s Steakhouse Part 2” (video): “Try the oysters Rockefeller. They have ham in them. Delicious.” —Miles J. Lakin, Facebook

Hourdetroit.com Digital Extra The holiday of love is nearly here. Treat your sweetie this Valentine’s Day with a date night to an area restaurant offering special menus for the occasion. Find a list of dining experiences at hourdetroit.com/ valentinesdining.

PORTRAIT BRAD ZIEGLER

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Enjoy a Detroit “Night on the Town” Two Course Pre-Theater menu before all evening performances.

Brunch Buffet is Back!

Sunday Bountiful Brunch returns to The Whitney.

Designed for a lavish and healthy buffet experience. Reservations recommended.

Menu specially designed to get you to the show on time. Two course dinners from $39. Reservations recommended.

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02.24 NEWS, NOTES, AND PERSONALITIES

Up Front DEVELO PM EN T

REPARATIONS REVISITED Two Black neighborhoods were decimated by I-375. Now the plan for the area’s future is facing criticism. p. 23

B O O K S p. 22 D EV E L O P M E N T p. 23 C O M M U N I T Y p. 26

BLACK BOTTOM PHOTO DETROIT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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F E B RUA RY 2 0 24

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Up Front

BOOKS

Mismatched

Study after study points to finances as a primary source of marital discord. A new book by a U-M marketing professor may help find common ground. BY JENN MCKEE

MONEY MAY MAKE the world go round, but man, do we hate talking about it — especially when our approach to spending and saving doesn’t match our partner’s. For those couples looking to work through their fiscal philosophy differences, Scott Rick, a marketing professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, has published a new book called Tightwads and Spendthrifts: Navigating the Money Minefield in Real Relationships. Filled with insights gleaned from behavioral science, the book is packed with guidance about navigating financial squabbles and was inspired by Rick’s own experience. “I married a tightwad,” says Rick, a selfproclaimed spendthrift. “We were a blind date. [My wife] Julie was probably charmed by my very different, quirky, carefree approach to spending. … And I was quite amused by her reluctance. Like, ‘What are you talking about? You can afford that. That’s silly.’ It probably was one of the aspects that we enjoyed about each other.” As the book explores, this “opposites attract” principle may stem from the idea that spendthrifts and tightwads often understand, on some level, that their relationship to money isn’t ideal, so they might be drawn to someone who’s completely different. (And if you’re not sure where you fall on the spectrum, there’s a handy TightwadSpendthrift Scale in the book’s introduction.) Yet even those who land in the “unconflicted consumer” middle of the scale will likely have occasional dustups with a partner over money. Why is the topic so uncomfortable to discuss? “A lot of us have been convinced that small purchases matter more than they do,” Rick says. “That if you could just pack your lunch and avoid buying a latte, we could become rich. That’s what we’re told by the most prominent financial experts out there. But the logic defies any math that I’m aware of. So, I think there’s a lot of unnecessary friction over the small stuff.” To solve this in his own marriage, Rick has a joint account with his wife, but they also each have individual accounts, and they funnel money into them on an as-needed basis.

“It works for us,” Rick says. “I have a sense of what my wife spends, and she has a sense of what I spend, but the details — I don’t think either of us would benefit from knowing the details, because we have different interests and hobbies, and the prices would just seem too shocking. But it’s important to have some individuality and to enjoy your own pursuits and not feel like someone is looking over your shoulder.” Rick also suggests, in his book, small changes that can impact your spending habits, like a tightwad using apps and credit cards to make transactions less tangible and painful, and spendthrifts aiming to use physical (i.e., less abstract) money more often. However, the growing trend of “cashless” theme and sports parks, automatic payments, and other forms of frictionless spending has been making the latter adjustment more challenging. “It’s an interesting feeling to hand a child an

Amex and say, ‘OK, well, just take it easy on this,’” Rick says. “My kids, at least, do not understand that that card I was always pulling out at Target was attached to money. And how would they know?” Other chapters in Rick’s book offer useful tips for better gift giving (heads up, bad gifters!) and explore whether kids inherit their parents’ money habits as they become adults. “Those of us who are on the extremes — we’re not wanting to reproduce this pattern in our kids,” Rick says. “So we’re telling them, ‘Do as I say, not as I do.’ But they see what we do. … And we eventually revert to what we grew up with. I think there is this stickiness across generations. Change is possible, but it’s very slow moving. … And it’s not like we all grow up with openness around money at home, usually, or people modeling how to have reasonable discussions about this kind of thing.” Perhaps not — but maybe Rick’s book will get some of those conversations started.

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Up Front

DEVELOPMENT

BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS? During urban renewal, I-375 wiped out a thriving Black community. Now the state plans to replace it, but many Detroiters are dissatisfied — and want the project to start over with their voices at its center.

 MDOT’s I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project would replace the 1-mile highway with a boulevard.

BY SAM COREY

IN 1964, the 1-mile highway of I-375 stretching north from Jefferson to Mack Avenue was built without the consent of the neighborhoods it destroyed. That wasn’t unusual for the time: Highways that crisscross Detroit — like many across the country — were created by forcibly removing the people who lived in the new roads’ slated paths. It happened frequently in America, part of a process known as “urban renewal,” which author James Baldwin famously quipped was code for “Negro removal.” But when they were established, freeways didn’t just relocate people. They forced businesses and schools to close and erased a culture shaping entire neighborhoods. In the process, they often destroyed burgeoning wealth, preventing hardto-come-by capital from accumulating for Black Americans and their future descendants. One of Detroit’s most glaring examples of “urban renewal” is I-375. The highway destroyed Black Bottom and Paradise Valley, spaces where many Black Detroiters lived, worked, and played — spaces that the Michigan Department of Transportation RENDERING COURTESY OF MDOT

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now plans to alter again. Initially believed to be a prime opportunity for reconciliation and a chance to reconnect downtown with parts of the east side, MDOT’s I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project is set to build a six-lane (at times expanding to nine-lane) boulevard with exhibits honoring those who lived in Black Bottom and Paradise Valley. MDOT says the new road will improve traffic safety and easily allow pedestrians, cyclists, and cars to access downtown. Its plans have stirred controversy, as many urban planners, local stakeholders, downtown business leaders, and advocates want MDOT to stop the project altogether and begin again with increased community input. That’s because dissatisfaction with the project ranges widely, with some wanting a bigger focus on reparations for those displaced by the highway’s creation, others desiring something safer than a six-lane boulevard, and still more hoping the highway isn’t removed at all. But regardless of their differences, many believe nearby residents, and those originally displaced by the highway, should decide I-375’s fate.

Wrong-Way Street? Marvin Beatty is part of a growing chorus of Detroiters hoping to stop the project altogether and begin anew with more serious consideration of residents and businesses that neighbor the highway. That’s because Beatty, vice president of community and public relations for Hollywood Casino at Greektown, says resident perspectives haven’t been adequately included in shaping the project. “There are a bunch of people who are obviously sitting in a room and throwing darts on a wall and telling us, ultimately, what this is all going to look like when it’s done. But what’s going to happen while it’s under construction?” Beatty asks. “What’s going to be the level of devastation while it’s under construction?” For decades, the predominately African American Black Bottom was a residential area complementing Paradise Valley, its neighboring business corridor. In total, the two spaces comprised 129 acres and were home to hundreds of drugstores, restaurants, churches, banks, and barbershops. Three hundred of the area’s businesses were Black-owned, but when I-375 was built, a report from the Detroit City Council’s Legislative Policy Division states, all of them were demolished and 130,000 people were displaced. Bert Dearing Jr., a Black Bottom native and owner of Bert’s Marketplace in Eastern Market, remembers the neighborhood well. “Black men owned everything in Paradise Valley. I mean, the clubs, everything was Black-owned,” Dearing told WDET’s Nick Austin. “All the musicians that came in town — Black or white — came to Black Bottom. It was a special place.” Among the displaced, 92% were Black Bottom F E B RUA RY 2 0 24

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Up Front

A north-facing view of Black Bottom’s Hastings Street, taken in 1959, with views of Blue Bell Market and other businesses. 

renters — constituting a majority of the area’s residents — who never received compensation, the same report reads. The results, Beatty says, were stark: Wealth was destroyed as Black Detroiters scrambled to re-create opportunities that remained limited due to pervasive segregation and discrimination. “The devastation that literally took place in an area that was fully populated — great restaurants, nice hotels, Black hotels, Black restaurants, funeral homes, drugstores — everything that would sustain a community for its viability was uprooted and given crumbs … to go away.” Balancing Safety and History MDOT has been developing plans to replace I-375 since at least 2014, when it conducted a planning study with several local partnering agencies to inquire about alternative designs for what is now a spur of I-75 into downtown Detroit. But the plans gained wider attention over one year ago when U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg came to Detroit to announce his agency’s delivery of $104.6 million for the project. It was then that Buttigieg said the project would be part of a “reparative process,” giving a nod to those who lived in Black Bottom and Paradise Valley. The city of Detroit echoed a similar sentiment that day. But the leader of the project, MDOT, has never used such language, saying only that the agency will “pay tribute” to Black Bottom and Paradise Valley residents. It claims that 30 acres of land will be created by the highway’s removal and that community enhancement projects, which haven’t yet been detailed, will be funded.

Instead, MDOT has focused primarily on promoting safe, multimodal travel for cyclists, pedestrians, and large vehicles. Rob Morosi, MDOT’s communications specialist for the metro region, says his agency is doing everything it can to provide a safer flow of traffic for all those who will use the new road. “And while some may feel that the boulevard is not the right option to connect neighborhoods on the east side to the central business district, we

Taken from the same vantage point in 1961 (BrewsterDouglass Housing Projects), this photo depicts I-375 during its construction. 

are diligently providing safe options for all modes of transportation through our design,” he wrote in an email to Hour Detroit. Although some are displeased with its outreach efforts, MDOT has been holding regular community input meetings on the I-375 project for the past year. Leslie Love, MDOT metro region assistant deputy director, says that in August 2023, she met an 80-year-old woman and former Black Bottom resident at one of the project’s open meetings. She calls that woman, and attendees like her, “advisers” for the project. “We are not interested in repeating negative history, and we strive, in this project, to be engaged in community,” Love says. Reversing an Injustice But 60 years after I-375’s creation — after the public murder of George Floyd, protests for Black lives, widespread calls for reparations for Black Americans, and the creation of the Detroit Reparations Task Force — many want to use the I-375 project as an opportunity for something more restorative. They believe negative history is, in fact, being repeated and that city resident perspectives are being ignored by MDOT. That’s partly why around Detroit, local think tanks, columnists, urban planners, and community groups have called MDOT’s project a missed opportunity. The purpose of the project, they claim, should be to repair the original harms created by the highway — to do something to make the displaced people and their descendants whole by restoring the wealth that was destroyed. Instead, they see little more than an infrastructure

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plan messaged as something else. “This is a massive traffic engineering project that was never rooted in justice, equity, or reparative action, and it’s an insult to watch it be packaged like it was or ever could be,” Paul Jones III, a native Detroiter and urban planner, wrote for BridgeDetroit. If MDOT did alter the project’s goals, the department would likely have to find more money elsewhere, potentially diminishing its resources for existing projects, says Todd Scott, executive director of the Detroit Greenways Coalition and a member of the project’s advisory committee. It’s not just the lack of reparations disturbing residents and advocates. Some Detroiters don’t believe the boulevard will increase traffic safety and don’t want the highway removed at all. Scott says current plans don’t allow pedestrians and cyclists to access downtown safely from parts of the east side. “People are having to cross these very large intersections [under the new plan], and that’s generally unsafe,” he says. At a public meeting in April 2023, attendees had similar opinions. One person commented that the planned boulevard is “more dangerous for pedestrians than the freeway.” Still, MDOT has not altered its plans. Janet Webster Jones, who lives in Lafayette Park, which neighbors I-375 and was created when the freeway was built, fears the value of her neighborhood will decline and people will struggle to navigate the east side if the highway is removed. She wants I-375 to be repaired, not replaced. “Now what you’re going to do is disrupt the travel patterns of people who adjusted themselves to the mistake that was made, and then a new disruption will come along with a new generation of people,” she says.

The intersection of Hastings and Winder streets, looking east. In the back is a former Black Bottom business, Little Mack’s Confectionery Grocery. 

highways that are targeted for removal. From there, Detroit Future City CEO Anika Goss says there are many tangible reparations proposals that state and federal officials can explore, including paying Black Detroiters to remove the highway, ensuring Black Detroiters get future available land sales, and creating a fund that benefits both small and large Black businesses once the highway is removed. Doing reparative work, she says, is necessary to righting past wrongs and to injecting capital back into the neighborhoods that once had it. Goss believes MDOT should slow down or stop the project altogether and align itself with the priorities of city residents. “This is not a social program. This is investment. Reparative investments are investments that restore the wealth that was lost. MDOT may feel like they’ve done their due diligence in order to move forward with this project, but no one else does. And because of the historical significance of this project, we can’t just let this slide.”

Stop, Look, Listen Construction on I-375 is expected to begin in 2025 and conclude two years later. But a number of Detroiters, including Beatty and Jones, are calling on MDOT to start its project over and lead more responsibly with the perspectives of people who neighbor the highway — a sentiment echoed at a November Detroit City Council meeting about the I-375 removal project. Leading with the perspectives of directly impacted people could mean a lot of different things, but it starts, according to a report from the Detroit Future City think tank, by listening to community members with direct ties to Black Bottom and Paradise Valley, and those currently living near I-375, so the community can help design the project from the ground up. That’s not unheard of: St. Paul, Minnesota, and New Orleans have been starting their highway-removal projects with people who neighbor the

STUDY BREAKS

Intriguing findings from researchers across Michigan By Olivia Sedlacek LOST IN MIGRATION: When it comes time for birds to migrate each fall and spring, they rely on the Earth’s magnetic field — among other cues — to find their way. So what happens when that magnetic field is disrupted by solar flares and similar events? A group of researchers from the University of Michigan and other American universities aimed to find out. They compiled data collected over 23 years from radar stations

across the 1,000-mile Great Plains migratory corridor and from ground-based magnetometers and input it into two statistical models. The results indicated that 9%-17% fewer birds migrated during severe space weather, and those that did had more difficulty navigating. “Our results provide ecological context for decades of research on the mechanisms of animal magnetoreception,” says Ben Winger, U-M professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. POOR MAN’S AI As interest in AI has exploded, concerns about its biases have grown along with it. A new study from

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DETROIT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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U-M researchers evaluates the bias present in one model: OpenAI’s CLIP (used in the image generator DALL-E), which creates a score signifying how closely a particular image and text match. The study found that CLIP performs poorly with images from low-income and non-Western areas. The researchers ran a dataset containing 38,000 images from households on five continents, plus accompanying captions, through CLIP and measured the correlation between CLIP scores and household income. The findings: CLIP could identify objects in images from higher-income households better than in

those from lower-income households. “We see that a large fraction of the population is not reflected by these applications,” says U-M professor Rada Mihalcea. “This can quickly lead to even larger inequality gaps.” WSU TESTS BREAKTHROUGH OVARIAN CANCER THERAPY: A new treatment may provide long-term protection against ovarian cancer tumors, Wayne State University scientists report. This approach, called CARG-2020, created by CaroGen Corp., activates both arms of the immune system to prevent the

A NEW TREATMENT MAY PROVIDE LONGTERM PROTECTION AGAINST OVARIAN CANCER TUMORS, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY SCIENTISTS REPORT.

recurrence of tumors. Plans are now underway to begin a Phase 1 clinical trial, which will test CARG-2020 on humans. The scientists anticipate that it will be more effective than other immune therapies, which typically have limited results in ovarian cancer patients. Ayesha Alvero, director of the ovarian cancer program at Wayne State’s C.S. Mott Center, says, “More than 13,000 women die of ovarian cancer in the United States each year. … CARG2020 preclinical results are impressive and could potentially help to prolong and save lives in patients with ovarian cancer.”

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COMMUNITY

A CUP OF YEMEN A café in Dearborn that adds an Arab touch to the traditional coffeehouse model also serves as a sanctuary in troubled times BY ZA H I R JANM OHAME D | P HOT OS BY JACO B L EWKOW

WHEN HAMZAH NASSER opened Haraz Coffee House in Dearborn in 2021, he received rave reviews from customers for his lattes blended with traditional Yemeni spices like cardamom. But they had one complaint. “They wanted gold forks! Can you believe that? That’s Dearborn for you,” Nasser says with a wide smile. Nasser is, by his own admission, an unlikely coffee shop owner. The 37-year-old entrepreneur was born in the central Juban district of Yemen and moved with his parents to metro Detroit when he was 6. His father was a medical student at Wayne State University, and Nasser spent his early childhood in Dearborn living with his grandparents. Dearborn, Nasser recalls, was different back then, with more Italian and Polish immigrants; one reason he wanted to open a café was to re-create the Dearborn melting pot of his youth. But he took a circuitous path before launching what he hopes will one day become a coffee empire. In his early 20s, he ran a gas station in East Detroit (now Eastpointe). Those days, he recalled, were “rough, with people getting shot all the time.” He quit within a year to try his hand at being a truck driver. Trucking enabled him to see America, and he visited 43 states during his seven years in the profession. But trucking also taught him what he did not want to do. He had young kids and hated being away from them. So, in 2019, he sold his three trucks and set his eyes on opening a café. There was one tiny problem: the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction had to be halted, and Nasser lost $60,000, on top of the $120,000 he initially

 Located on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, the original Haraz Coffee House has quickly sprouted into a franchise.

invested. A year later, he completed a $350,000 renovation and opened his first café on Michigan Avenue, a block away from the Arab American National Museum. Dearborn has gone through quite a change from the walled-off area it used to be to the more inclusive version we see today, Nasser says. In the 1960s and ’70s, cafés in Dearborn were places where elderly Arab men smoked cigarettes and played backgammon. Nasser’s generation took out the smoking and merged it with a Starbucks model, albeit with an Arab touch. That’s where the gold forks come in. At Haraz Coffee House, one of the most popular drinks is the Adeni chai, a mash-up of Indian masala tea fused with Yemeni tea leaves, cardamom, and cinnamon, an homage to the spice trade between India and Yemen. Nasser’s customers loved it but wanted it served the way they have it “back home.” That meant nice cups and fancy utensils, as well as décor that recreated a bit of what they left in the Middle East. It also meant late hours, Arabic music, soft lighting, beautiful décor, and kid-friendly spaces.

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Haraz Coffee House has its own brand of signature coffee beans, which are harvested in Yemen. 

In the Dearborn location, for example, Nasser and his wife hung up 85 Edison light bulbs and covered the walls in artwork that tells the story of coffee’s roots in Yemen. They also kept a small area where devout Muslims could pray. Success was instant. Nasser franchised the cafés, and today there are 12 locations of Haraz Coffee House, including three in Michigan (Dearborn, Detroit, Warren, and one on the way in East Lansing), as well as several in Texas and Kentucky. Of the 12 owners, only four are Yemeni. Nasser is proud of that fact, as he wants more people to fall in love with the people, the history, and the traditions of Yemen. He even created a barista school to train people how to make traditional Yemeni coffee and tea. This year alone, he has received over 1,500 applications for franchise locations. Some entrepreneurs are already buying up rights to entire states, plus markets in Europe and the Middle East. He believes by mid-2025, he could have 50 locations across the world. But Nasser doesn’t really see himself in the coffee business. What he is selling is community. In mid-November, just over a month into the crisis in the Middle East, Nasser says he’ll see a customer staring at their phone and crying. Dearborn is the 14th fastest growing city in

 Hamzah Nasser is the shop’s owner and founder.

Food & Drink Recs Each region of Yemen has its own approach to making coffee, and you will find nearly every version at Haraz Coffee House. If you are new to Yemeni coffee and you haven’t tried coffee mixed with spices, start with its pistachio latte ($7.50), which is served with two shots of espresso, pistachio sauce, and not many spices. If cardamom is more your thing, try its most popular drink, the Haraz latte, which is more spice and cardamom forward. My go-to drink is its Adeni chai, a creamy cardamom and cinnamon tea that is an homage to Yemen’s deep trade ties with India. For dessert, most order its famous tiramisu cake, which is a little lighter on the espresso (in case your kids want a few bites). But I always order the more traditional Yemeni Bee Bites. It is a honeycomb-shaped bread filled with cream cheese and drizzled with honey. It is designed to be shared, although I confess, I have never wanted to share mine. —Zahir Janmohamed

America, growing nearly 15% in the last five years; it is also home to the nation’s largest Arab American population per capita. Many of Nasser’s customers are Palestinian, and he recently donated $15,000 in aid money. After a suspicious person was caught on camera outside his home, Nasser and his wife now purchase their groceries online only. They also placed their kids in an Islamic school. Sadly, he says, many Muslims and Jews now need to be hypervigilant about their safety. But Nasser has no plans to change the way Haraz Coffee House looks or feels. “The funny thing is that business is up, way up,” Nasser says. “People come in, they see the Arabic writing, they hear the Arabic music, and they love it. They love it even more now.” In fact, not only is business up, but his clientele has grown “exponentially more diverse” since the conflict began. “People drive here from all over for what I call the ‘Dearborn experience.’ That means the warmth, the traditions, the new flavors. On top of that, they meet people who are proud of who they are,” Nasser says. On one particular night, Nasser says many of his customers stayed well past the 11 p.m. closing time, trying to make sense of the news and to comfort each other. That’s his whole business strategy. “The money will come,” he says. “I just want people to have a space to gather.”

From left, clockwise: iced pistachio latte and iced Harazi coffee, pastries, latte.

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02.24 MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE IN METRO DETROIT

24/Seven FA S H I O N p. 30 M I ST Y L E p. 32 P R O F I L E p. 33 INTERIOR D E S I G N p. 34

FASHI O N

THINK SPRING Shop locally for this year’s spring/summer trends p. 30

PHOTO FERRAGAMO

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TRENDS

Pastel Perfection

FROM VERSACE to Chanel and so many more, designers everywhere awashed their spring/summer ’24 runways in soft hues of pink, blue, green, and yellow. These classic pastel palettes, however, took a decidedly modern direction with cutting-edge cuts, contemporary pairings, and pop-art patterns and prints.

From left to right: Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette in Cool, $72, at Chanel Fragrance and Beauty Boutique at Somerset Collection, 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 947-237-3564. Chimi Jet Sunglasses in Soft Blue, $190, at Coup D’état, 3044 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, 313782-4480, shopcoupdetat.com. Sandals, Price upon Request, at Balenciaga at Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 947-225-2727, balenciaga.com. Completedworks Nebula Pearl and Pink Bio Resin Gold and Vermeil Earrings, $245, at Eugenie, 1400 Van Dyke St., Detroit, 313-5562110, eugeniedetroit.com. Untitled in Motion Gildas Top, $265, at Coup D’état. Handbag in Pearly Lambskin, $2,700, at select Chanel boutiques, 800-550-0005, chanel.com.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF DESIGNERS

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Understated Luxury

SLEEK, MINIMAL, and timeless — this season, some of our favorite designer houses, such as Gucci and Ferragamo, championed a quieter luxury when it came to their spring/summer ’24 collections. Think elevated basics; investment pieces with classic, enduring style; luxuriously soft leathers, silks, and satins; brilliant golds; and neutral palettes. —Giuseppa Nadrowski

From left to right: Untitled in Motion Atlantis Dress, $290, at Coup D’état, 3044 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, 313-7824480, shopcoupdetat.com. Monster Rectangle Sunglasses, $339, at area Shinola stores, shinola.com. Petoskey Book Watch, $995, at area Shinola stores. Rodeo Bag, Price upon Request, at Balenciaga at Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy. Hoop Earrings, $410, at Ferragamo at Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, ferragamo.com.Mules, $1,090, at Ferragamo at Somerset Collection. Completedworks 14k Gold-Plated Cuff, $395, at Eugenie, 1400 Van Dyke St., Detroit, 313-556-2110, eugeniedetroit.com.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DESIGNERS

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MI STYLE

FASHION LEGACY

Marv Neal, one of Detroit’s most sought-after stylists, shares his story, his favorite trend, and more BY PA R I S GILE S | P HOT O BY SAL RODRIGUEZ

MARV NEAL grew up in a multigenerational home full of stylish women. He recalls a childhood marked by images of his great-grandmother, a seamstress, measuring waists and sewing hems while clients perched on crates. With ease, he can rattle off which woman in his family was known to adopt which type of style: His oldest aunt was ’70s disco glamour while his own mother was more ’90s cool. “[Fashion] was just always around,” Neal says. “I feel like it was innate for me to get into it.” As a boy, Neal enjoyed a master class in style, and today he’s a wardrobe stylist, working with individuals and publications, and he’s even added a few movie and TV credits to his impressive résumé. In April 2022, Neal assisted costume designer Keia Bounds on culling just the right looks for the second season of the Starz drama BMF. The show follows the rise of the infamous Detroit crime family led by brothers Demetrius and Terry Flenory, who operated most notably in the 1980s and ’90s. The production team descended on Belle Isle with trailers full of looks, and Neal was charged with tapping local staples like Hot Sam’s in Detroit to fill in the gaps with pieces like alligator dress shoes and slick suits for that unique brand of old-school Motor City magic. “It was five days of easy work, of what I already do. It was really, really cool,” he says. His first and greatest love is fashion coverage in magazine articles. He appreciates the opportunity to progress a specific story while spotlighting, in some cases, a dozen different looks (such as Jalen Duren’s for Hour Detroit’s feature on the Detroit Piston). He says, “I like to see my work in publications, because that’s what I dreamed of doing.” Whether working with an individual who wants to revamp their wardrobe or on a closed set, Neal says fashion and style can be deceptively intimate. “Getting into people’s psyche is always a thing, figuring out who they are, what they like.” Here, Neal talks must-have closet staples, his favorite trend, and the future of fashion styling.

 Stylist Marv Neal poses at PJazz Collections Boutique in Eastpointe, where he likes to find looks for clients’ shoots.

My personal style is … I’m a street style guy. … I love a nice pair of sunglasses, and I like clean lines. I try to keep it simple. My most beloved fashion era is … The ’90s. It wasn’t as loud and bold as the ’80s. Especially ’92 to ’98, I call it the golden era. It was the best for gym shoes. At one point it got real high-end driven: Coogi, Moschino, Versace. That was my time in high school, where everything had to be name brand, your jeans had to be name brand. I don’t know … it was just a certain look. My most important piece of shopping advice is … Buy what fits. Dress your body. No matter if you’re 600 pounds down to 110, buy what fits. And don’t be scared of a tailor or seamstress, somebody bringing some stuff in or letting it out. Undergarments are important as well; I think women need to get back to that. Three staples that should be in every man’s closet are … A denim buttondown shirt, a black suit, and a nice watch. Three staples that should be in every woman’s closet are … A black dress, a white blouse, and a nice pair of stilettos. My favorite trend right now is … I’m not mad at the oversized look. I feel like I’m just at the age now that I don’t want to really pull it off or try it, but I like to see the younger generation do it, the men and the women, the baggier feel. The future of fashion styling looks like … Expressive. Fashion is subjective, so there’s no wrong thing to do. So, I feel like the future is in the love of expressing yourself.

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PROFILE

Shiny, Bright, and Bold How an Oakland University finance major accessorized her way to success and celebrity recognition BY JULIANA LUMAJ

IMMIGRATING TO THE United States is kind of a big deal. Suddenly, you’re immersed in a brand-new environment and may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of navigating this capitalistic jungle. And while many children of immigrants say there is pressure to get a safe 9-to-5 job, Valentina Juncaj — an Albanian who immigrated to Sterling Heights from Montenegro with her family in 1989 at the age of 5 — was trusted by her parents to make her own decisions. The Macomb County resident grew up drawing images inspired by nature and her childhood toys, but when it came time for college, her decision was to play it safe: She obtained a B.S. in finance from Oakland University, believing it was a wise decision that would grant her financial independence. “Being the oldest in an immigrant family, I did not think art was a career,” she says.

 Valentina Juncaj is accessorized head-totoe in jewelry from her online store Vajzë.

PORTRAIT ROSE CATHERINE HOHL HAND MODE CREATIVE AGENCY/ VAJZE

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After graduation, she spent nearly 14 years working in the marketing and branding sector of corporate America before her longtime dream of starting her own business came to fruition. Once she started her first office job, Juncaj took dressing up for work seriously yet would accessorize her outfits by creating small belts or swapping out the buttons on her sweaters. Her friends quickly noted her stylish eye and asked her to accessorize their outfits. At this time, Juncaj says she noticed how versatile jewelry can be. “I was giving people my jewelry to go with their gowns if they were going to a wedding, or I would wear those crystal necklaces with my T-shirt and jeans and go out to dinner.” In 2014, she began the process of creating Vajzë — an online jewelry store named after the Albanian word for “girl” and inspired by the women in her life who always dressed to impress. One year after her 2016 launch, Juncaj’s chunky gold Francina choker would sit on the neckline of Bebe Rexha — the Albanian American pop singer known for chart-toppers “Meant to Be” and “I’m Good (Blue).” Juncaj approached her the old-fashioned way. “She was here [in Detroit] for a concert, and I just gifted it to her,” she says, recalling how she handed her product to Rexha’s brother, who was managing the merch table at the time. She thought, “‘Let me just shoot my shot and gift it to her.’ … I think she noticed it was an Albanian brand.” Rexha proceeded to wear Juncaj’s choker on tour and was later seen wearing the glimmering neckpiece during an interview in Boston. Two years later, Marquis Bias (now a dresser at Saturday Night Live) was the first celebrity stylist to reach out formally to Vajzë and request jewelry to accessorize his then-client — former Miss Universe Catriona Gray, who wore the brand’s gold Bleta chain-link earrings at an event. “That was really amazing,” Juncaj says. “I don’t even know how the stylist found out about me. … I’m just so humbled by that.” Requests from stylists continued, resulting in Vajzë appearing on countless celebrities, like Netflix star Richa Moorjani from Never Have I Ever, country music artist Mickey Guyton, and fellow Michigan native and fashion stylist Chelsea Von Mach, who used the gold earrings to style The Real’s co-host Jeannie Mai. “Valentina’s jewelry is fun, feminine, and strong,” Von Mach says. “I love

 Vajzë is made to fit many styles, including glam, casual, and elegant.

that she designs pieces that you can wear every day and for dressier occasions.” While on her entrepreneurial journey, Juncaj created the Heritage collection to highlight her cultural background, featuring pieces that incorporate the design of the Albanian flag in different ways, like the Shqipë necklace depicting the two-headed Albanian eagle. She says plenty of her non-Albanian customers have purchased items from this collection. “It’s just different and something cool to wear, like a pendant,” she says. “It doesn’t mean you have to be Albanian.” The jewelry designer — who also has a men’s jewelry line, Burrë (the Albanian word for “man”) — has spread brand awareness throughout metro Detroit by hosting local pop-ups at venues such as Planthropie, Coup D’état, and the Detroit Athletic Club. Although her father passed away 10 years ago and was unable to see Vajzë come into being, Juncaj’s mother fully supports her and even helps out with her business. “I would love to have my dad see this part of my life. … I feel like he would have really loved what I am doing.” F E B RUA RY 2 0 24

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24/Seven Top left, clockwise: Paddywax Santorini Reed Diffuser, $45, at Rail & Anchor, 502 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 248-397-8985, railandanchor. com; Puzzle Pooley, $27, at Leon & Lulu, 96 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson, 248-288-3600, leonandlulu. com; Fight for Love Dishette, $42, at Leon & Lulu; Vietri Cucina Salad Plate, $13, at Anthropologie, 214 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, 248-593-5653, anthropologie.com; Pencil Holder Brown Gears, $29, at Leon & Lulu; 12” Taper Candlesticks, $4, at Leon & Lulu; 8” Ceramic Flower Vase, $16, at Michaels, michaels.com; Classic Linen Terracotta, $20, at West Elm, 215 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, 248-593-8200; Amelie Latte Mini Bowl, $5, at Anthropologie; Cottage Berry Basket, $14, at Anthropologie

INTERIOR DESIGN

Just Peachy

Pantone’s color of the year, Peach Fuzz, brings a warm influence to your home’s décor PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING BY REBECCA SIMONOV

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ZEN // EDGY // ELEVATED midwest comfort food collides with bold asian flavors.

NOW OPEN wednesday + thursday 5–10pm, friday + saturday 5pm–1am, sunday 5–10pm

644 selden st, detroit // reservations @ vigilantekitchen.com

Winter Getaway! BAVARIAN INN LODGE Frankenmuth, MI

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Restaurant Year 2024

OF THE

The tender lamb porterhouse sits atop a ladling of au poivre sauce and is served with potato, cipollini onion, and winter truffle.

By DOROTHY HERNANDEZ Photos by E.E. BERGER

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The passion fruit dessert is made with orange pâte de fruit, ginger, anglaise, and almond.

F R E YA The tasting-menu restaurant in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood aims to make fine dining more accessible — and fun F E B RUA RY 2 0 24

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Restaurant Year OF THE

Chef de Cuisine Phoebe Zimmerman’s Yakitori Swordfish is marinated in zesty Italian dressing, coated with togarashi and pulverized Bugles, and topped with Fresno chile pepper, scallions, and chile aioli.

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At first glance, Freya’s Yakitori Swordfish looks like a typical first course at a finedining restaurant. Fish grilled to the proper char and tenderness. A precisely sliced Fresno chile pepper and tendrils of verdant scallion that pop on the plate. Two perfectly shaped dollops of chile aioli. Togarashi with pulverized Bugles. Wait, what? Yes, Bugles, as in the coneshaped corn snack. Oh, and the fish has taken a swim in zesty Italian dressing, the kind used for marinating all kinds of meat or tossing with iceberg lettuce. Freya’s chef de cuisine, Phoebe Zimmerman, created the dish as an homage to their mom, who passed away in 2022. She used to marinate everything from pork to chicken to steak in Italian dressing, so as an ode to her, they thought it would be funny to

Above: Chef de Cuisine Phoebe Zimmerman chars swordfish on the piping hot yakitori grill. Below: Zimmerman sautées over the stovetop.

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The Making of Freya

In Oct. 2021, Sandy Levine (left) and Executive Chef Doug Hewitt opened Freya in Detroit’s Milwalkee Junction, their second venture together after Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, located in nearby Midtown’s historic Park Shelton building.

marinate swordfish in the stuff. Zimmerman finds fine dining funny in general. “I think [fine dining is] kind of like a hoax. It’s smoke and mirrors, right? And [the Yakitori Swordfish is] a play on that.” Many of the dishes on Freya’s menu, which is always in flux depending on what’s in season and what’s on the minds of the chefs, are much like the swordfish: creative, wild, and audacious but down-to-earth. Freya’s fresh take on fine dining, along with its devotion to providing not just great service but joy for diners and its dedication to building an inclusive and welcoming dining space, is why it’s Hour Detroit’s 2024 Restaurant of the Year.

Freya is the second restaurant of chef Doug Hewitt and Sandy Levine, who together opened Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails in Midtown in 2015. The two of them “wanted to do something a little more extravagant, not only for ourselves but for the city. And do it … in a way that we find elegant and unique,” Hewitt says. Inspired by three-Michelin-star restaurants like Eleven Madison Park in New York and Smyth in Chicago, they took what they liked about those places and ditched whatever wouldn’t feel welcoming at the multicourse, progressive restaurant they envisioned, such as suits for staff, smooth jazz in the dining room (see sidebar for more on Freya’s music), and the hefty price point. For example, when they ate at Eleven Madison Park, a restaurant known for its tableside theatrics and $365 per person price tag, they felt like they didn’t belong. They didn’t want anyone to feel like that at Freya. In 2019, they bought a former National Postal Mail Handlers Union building (once a drill company) in Milwaukee Junction, a neighborhood north of downtown that was the center of commercial and industrial activity for 100-plus years, most notably as the hub of America’s emerging auto industry. But the building needed a full gutting. They either had to make drastic improvements such as pouring the floor and fixing the electrical system or had to build from scratch, Levine says. With the design of the space, which incorporates Nordic elements, they embraced the DIY ethos, often relying on the talents of friends, such as Shaina Kasztelan, who hand-painted the arches to combine with the gray wallpaper that depicts a scene of a serene winter landscape “so that it looked like you were peering out of windows at nature,” Levine says. “We wanted it to feel like a super-decked-out version of a

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The Rohan duck breast is made with farro verde risotto, pheasant sausage, mushroom, apricot, and thyme.

cabin in the woods [with candles, blankets, etc.], but combined with the feeling that you’re still in Detroit [with industrial elements].” In the dining area that seats about 50, the first thing you’ll notice is that there is no bar, and that is by design. Bars can be a distraction, and without one as a focal point, diners can direct their gaze to the big open kitchen. The lack of walls between diner and chefs is intentional. “Eating out has so many different anxiety moments to it, whether it be price point, or maybe a wine you don’t know how to pronounce,” Hewitt says. “Sometimes fine dining can be very nerve-racking and intimidating. And that’s exactly what Sandy and I are not. That is the thing about fine dining, the walls that we’re trying to break down. It started with the thought of the kitchen. And everything after that just sort of follows.” Hewitt acknowledges there is still some work to do. “There are a lot of people that we haven’t had in for dinner. And there are a lot of people that we still need to reach. … We’re just trying to improve, improve, improve, improve. And ultimately, I think that’s what makes a restaurant a good restaurant, one that just strives to be better than it was yesterday.” F E B RUA RY 2 0 24

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The savory grilled octopus includes scallop, celery root, huckleberry, and broccoli.

A Different Kind of Tasting Menu Restaurant

Many tasting menu restaurants don’t even show you the menu until you’re done with the meal. Unless there’s an allergy, there won’t be accommodations. Most of the time, you are going to eat what the chef has determined ahead of time. At Freya, you can choose your own adventure with the prix fixe option that costs $95 per person (there is a grand tasting menu where you leave it up to the chefs to select your courses for $155). You pick what you want in each course, from starters to dessert, but the guesswork of how much to order or whether to share dishes is taken out of the equation. After you pick what you want to eat (and there are vegan, vegetarian, and glutenfree options), then it’s time to sit back and enjoy every flavorful bite and drink. There are optional drink pairings: wine ($55), cocktails ($55), or nonalcoholic drinks ($35); you may also order by the glass. Each dish is perfectly seasoned; nothing is bland, and nothing needs an extra hit of salt. That’s because each dish is built with layers of complementary flavors. “What you want is all of the things: salty, sweet, spicy, umami, crunchy, crispy, sour,” Zimmerman says. “I kind of get made fun of for that because all my [dishes] have like 17 things in them.” Zimmerman also likes to take food “on the edge.” The grilled Romanesco, with black garlic, chimichurri, and almond, is a perfect example of that. The vegetable is charred to the point that it looks almost burnt, but it’s “the right kind” of burnt, Zimmerman says. “That char balances out the overwhelm of the umami [from the black garlic]. The thing that I love to do is ride the line, like ‘It’s almost too salty; no, it’s not.’ … It almost

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has the potential to go over the line, but it just rides it right on the edge.” At Freya, the menu isn’t just Hewitt’s or Zimmerman’s; the creation of the menu is a collaborative process. “These guys are the ones that run it every night,” Zimmerman says, gesturing to Andrew Peterson, Cameron Aramian, and Sous-Chef Cole Lauri in the kitchen as they prep for service on a recent Saturday. “These are the ones that I want to impress with the food. … And if they have a thought … and they want to try something, we build it together.” Zimmerman is overcome with emotion while talking about creating with the chefs, their hand briefly hovering over their chest as they stand in Freya’s dining room. “I’m just extremely grateful to have that and to have the space with art and all that. It’s an abundance of all the things that I’ve ever wanted.” Hewitt says Zimmerman has a unique cooking style, cooking with “fierceness.” “Phoebe cooks very different than most people that I know,” Hewitt says. “And I would be a fool to stop that growth and to not let Phoebe do what Phoebe does best. And that is cook with layers and cook with flavors and unique depth.” While the dishes have a finedining aesthetic, they are still recognizable, whether it’s local Brussels sprouts with a shallot vinaigrette or French onion soup — or in Freya’s case, French onion dumplings. Lauri conceptualized several dishes on a recent menu, including the French onion dumplings with white cheddar foam, onion broth, and cheddar cheese cracker. The onion broth has a rich and complex intensity from caramelizing onions, adding sherry and stock, and cooking it for three hours, with Lauri coaxing as much flavor as possible from a simple ingredient. The wine list is also approachable and familiar. “I

want things on the menu that people recognize,” says Abigail Leedom, wine director at Freya, Chartreuse, and cocktail bar Dragonfly. Bevarage director Tara Wong’s cocktail pairings are thoughtful and creative, with garnishes that match up with the flavors in a dish. The Rohan duck breast, which is seared, cooked sous vide, and seared again until the skin reaches maximum crispiness, is served with a bourbon cocktail infused with onion and fresh rosemary and garnished with fried rosemary mixed with tapioca dust. The cocktail highlights the savory notes in the dish, including the luscious allium cream with herb oil. And in an effort to include those who do not imbibe, Wong has crafted nonalcoholic pairings that are no overly sweet afterthought. A cocktail made with Lyre’s Italian spritz, tart cherry, hot honey, and lemon is a standout among the carefully constructed offerings that don’t

Above: The open kitchen allows guests to hear the sizzle and see the energy that goes into each dish. Below: The peanut dessert is made with a chocolate torta Barozzi, banana, and caramel.

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Bourbon with rosemary and onion, sweet vermouth, and Norden Freya Kruda Snaaps is one of the drinks crafted specially for Freya’s constantly evolving tasting menu.

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R E S TA U R A N T of theY E A R

The grilled Romanesco features black garlic, chimichurri, and almond.

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Fresh sourdough bread starts the meal off right.

try to imitate alcohol. Leedom’s wine pairings help to broaden guests’ palates or break down preconceptions. For example, the pairing with butterpoached cod is a dry Sicilian red, going against conventional wisdom that fish must always go with white wine. When it comes to selecting wines, Leedom says her goal is to highlight organic and sustainable producers, and the smaller the

better because the team is trying to support local farms. One such pairing is the passion fruit dessert with an ice wine from Pelee Island, a tiny Canadian island in Lake Erie south of Detroit. Ice wine can be almost cloying, but its acidity marries splendidly with Executive Pastry Chef Cali Castillo’s beautifully composed passion fruit dessert.

Serving Little Acts of Joy

At 4:15 p.m. on a Saturday in December, lead server and captain Julie Trojan goes over the reservation list, which has nearly 80 people on the books for tonight. As part of her job as captain, a role she’s had for a few months, she does research on all the guests. There are a few repeat customers, and several

celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. A local real estate agent, a college professor, an immigrant from Costa Rica who is dedicated to improving his community back home, and a group from a company that’s a bit like “Poshmark meets Facebook Marketplace” are all coming in. These acts of hospitality are another thing Levine borrowed from Eleven Madison Park. Trojan says her job is to discover details to tailor a guest’s experience. For example, she found out a guest was a pilot and made paper airplanes that welcomed the couple when they arrived at their table. She also introduced them to the aviation cocktail. “It was one of those things where we hit it off so well. And there were all these little touches that we could do that made their visit just so much more special,” Trojan says. General Manager Thor Jones says from day one the staff was encouraged to help shape what service would look like. Being able to have a say in how the restaurant is run has fostered a sense of ownership among the staff, and it shows in the cohesiveness of the friendly and attentive service. A common refrain from several of Freya’s staff members is that the leaders let them forge their own paths and speak freely. Jones says people are empowered to have a “level of entrepreneurship” in their work. For example, Leedom is dreaming of hosting social justice discussions, bringing people together over drinks, both boozy and nonalcoholic, with an expert or advocate to lead the conversation. Several of the staff members have also grown into their roles. Castillo worked under former Executive Pastry Chef Ben Robison before taking over the pastry department with her own team of two others. “Sandy and Doug trust us to do our jobs. And they don’t

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In December 2023, the dining room gallery featured works from local multidisciplinary artist Paul “Fifty” Johnson.

THE ART OF COMMUNITY The dishes at Freya look as good as they taste, but they’re not the only works of art in the restaurant. The gray brick walls are a mini art gallery, showcasing different pieces created by Detroit artists. Last year, the restaurant launched the series of exhibitions during Black History Month with a show featuring local art heavy hitters such as Sheefy McFly, Phillip Simpson, Tony Rave, and Tony Whlgn, with a curating helping hand from emerging artist India Solomon. “I wanted to make sure that we set out to be an example for what we would hope to see other restaurants do not just during Black History Month but all of the time, with Detroit being the Blackest city in the nation,” says General Manager Thor Jones, who oversees the rotating art installation and invites the artists to exhibit at the restaurant. Freya puts up the pieces for free and takes no commission. To kick off a new selection of works, it will have a reception, which is an opportunity to

invite people in who may not necessarily come in for a $95 meal but could peruse the art and enjoy drinks and snacks prepared by the chefs. “We’re out here building on the foundation that has continued to make Detroit’s heart beat — the Black people, the queers, the artists, the musicians, the food, the fashion, and all other things creative that make our city pump,” read an Instagram post last April explaining the intent behind the art series and announcing the next art opening, Abundance, featuring a “trifecta” of nonbinary artists: Quinn Faylor, Jozie Bullard, and Aire. That show was followed by an exhibit of work by Denzel Palm, a self-taught artist who started creating art to decorate his apartment because he couldn’t afford to buy pricier pieces. He started off by painting celebrities such as rappers ASAP Rocky and Tyler, the Creator, and NBA All-Star Paul George. Then he transitioned into what has become a signature style for him, melting crayons and creating puzzle pieces to arrange on a wooden panel. His work caught Jones’s eye, and over the summer, Palm, who has been creating

art for three years, had a solo exhibition titled Men Deserve Flowers Too at Freya and Dragonfly, the restaurant’s “sibling” cocktail bar located around the corner from Freya with an entrance on Beaubien Street. He sold about 15 pieces when his artwork adorned the walls. “Freya giving me the opportunity to give people an experience of my artwork, not just on Instagram — it’s huge,” says Palm, who one might call a “corporate creative,” someone who has a day job but is able to pursue his passion for art. The rotating art installation is just one of the ways Freya tries to engage with the community, something Jones says that Sandy Levine, with whom he worked at Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, tried to do from the beginning. “I loved how he wanted to come into that neighborhood and not necessarily just pop up and do their own thing but also include the surrounding neighborhood and the people in it. “One of the first things he mentioned was, ‘I really don’t want to just be a gentrifier,’” Jones recalls. “He was like, ‘I want to make it a place [where] everyone feels welcome. And the only way we can do that is to have ties to the community.’”

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Detroit house producer Theo Parrish’s Smile and nearby North End rapper Bryce Detroit’s Structured Water peek out from Sandy Levine’s personal collection at Freya. On weeknights, guests can pick a record.

MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT

micromanage. … We’re allowed to create what we think will be good for the restaurant,” Castillo says. “I’ve worked at places where you do not get along [with others], and it makes working there miserable,” Castillo continues. “I’ve had terrible owners in the past that micromanaged, and this place is not like that at all. … We all get along; we all can joke and laugh and be serious together. … Our job is to make sure the restaurant succeeds and that we put out dishes that we’re proud of, that we know the guests will like. I think that’s pretty cool.” Takeisha Pack, Freya’s head host, wears a lot of hats, something she didn’t do at previous jobs. “A lot of times you go somewhere and there is literally one person dedicated to one role. Before I came to Freya, I never even trusted myself to hold a tray of glassware, or I never

thought I would be explaining the food to guests when we bring each dish out, and now I’m doing all those things, plus more. “Freya has really exposed me to a more in-depth side of hospitality and service that has furthered my appreciation for what we do in this industry,” Pack says.

‘Facilitator of Memories’ As Zimmerman, who started cooking at age 19 when they became vegan, has gotten older, the chef has come to see their role differently. “I’m not a chef; I’m a facilitator of memories. I want you to feel like I’m holding your hand at the table.” And Zimmerman has literally held someone’s hand at the table. A woman who’d had a panic attack in the bathroom returned a couple of weeks later to eat at Freya.

“I went up to her and I held her hand, and she cried. We had a moment.” Zimmerman continues, “[Food is] an opportunity to connect. It’s an opportunity for people to exist in space together. It’s the intrinsic nature of being human. Our spirits need belonging, safety, and dignity. That’s the thing that I’m trying to do, is provide that memory, feeling, humor, joy.” 2929 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-351-5544; freyadetroit.com. D Tue.-Sat. Hour Detroit associate editor Jack Thomas contributed to this article.

One of head host Takeisha Pack’s favorite things to do at Freya is to hand out a music menu, which includes a 12-page list of records diners can pick out along with their meal. “What I’ve learned with the record book is that a lot of people have a lot of different tastes; some days we’ll for sure hear Leon Bridges’s Coming Home on occasion, or we’ll often get a request for Outkast or Tupac. It’s always different every day,” says Pack, who likes to throw in Erykah Badu, Anita Baker, D’Angelo, Fela Kuti, or Arthur Verocai. The records are from co-owner Sandy Levine’s collection, Pack says, adding, “So we all have him to thank for his expanded taste in music.” The neighborhood “has an incredible history in regard to music, and we definitely wanted our dining room to reflect that,” Levine says. The music menu is passed out only on weeknights. On weekends, the restaurant turns up its curated playlist, which isn’t faithful to one genre, but the “backbone” is R&B and electronic music inspired by the neighborhood, with a strong hip-hop presence and plenty of nostalgia. “When the playlist is done right, you can see a few guests here and there just kind of grooving in their seats, and even though it might not be conscious, it adds to the fun of the night,” Levine says. Here’s a sample of what you might hear coming through Freya’s speakers when you dine on a weekend. “Stay Flo,” by Solange “N.Y. State of Mind,” by Nas “Kevin’s Heart,” by J. Cole “Money Trees (Feat. Jay Rock),” by Kendrick Lamar “Nights,” by Frank Ocean “More Than a Woman,” by Aaliyah “ATLiens,” by Outkast “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” by Michael Jackson “Paint the Town Red,” by Doja Cat “The Light,” by Common

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Caramelized sweet potatoes, apple, and squash ganache add a unique touch to the chocolate cinnamon cake.

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Escape to the by Jane E. Enos, Daphne Nikolopoulos, and Paul Rubio

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Winter blues transition to cobalt seas as we dodge the Michigan cold in search of warmer temps

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Inset and above: Soak in the Dominica scene from your private villa pool; the view from Gommier Spa.

For those who dream of traveling to undiscovered destinations, the Caribbean likely doesn’t come to mind. Yet, among the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles lies a secluded island nation underscored by dramatic beauty and a lost-intime allure. Welcome to Dominica, a magnificent, mountainous, independent country, 72,000 citizens strong, hidden between more-touristed neighbors Martinique, St. Lucia, and Guadeloupe, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic. Rightfully known as the Nature Island, this untouched land teems with extreme natural phenomena such as towering waterfalls, boiling lakes, and coral reefs that bubble from geothermal activity. Across its 289.6 square miles of rugged terrain and lush rainforest, biodiverse Dominica

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Go off-the-grid at ecoluxe resort Secret Bay in unspoiled Dominica harbors more than 1,000 species of flowering plants and 170 bird species, and its coastal waters receive 20 species of whales and dolphins, including resident populations of sperm whales. Among the land and sea splendor, an intimate, adults-only eco-resort opens this uncharted paradise to the luxury traveler. At Secret Bay, understated cliff-top villas command Dominica’s superlative views, while an array of amenities invite relaxation and an on-site adventure center ensures exhilarating excursions and maximum exploration. An all-villa boutique property within the esteemed Relais & Châteaux collection, Secret Bay began as a personal residence-turned-passion project. Back in the late 2000s, Dominica-born entrepreneur Gregor Nassief purchased a prime

4-acre tract above Secret and Tibay beaches along the island’s rainforest-clad northwest. Soon, his father-in-law, award-winning Latin American architect Fruto Vivas, presented Nassief and daughter Sandra with a blueprint for their dream home in the Caribbean wilds. The grand residence metamorphosed into a more approachable, minimalist, wood-and-glass abode, rife in transitional indoor-outdoor space and sensibly blended into the landscape. The stunning result, now known as Zabuco Honeymoon Villa I, inspired Nassief to embark on a larger master plan, acquiring the surrounding land and developing a world-class, light-on-earth resort. Nowadays, Secret Bay comprises a Welcome House, numerous resort villas, Secret Bay Residences, Zing Zing Restaurant, Gommier Spa, lounger-lined Gwiyavye’ Lap Pool & Bar, a sprawling wellness pavilion, a water sports hut, and more, cast across 40-plus acres. The PHOTOS COURTESY OF SECRET BAY

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Clockwise from above: Tibay Beach; view of fusion interior; a table at Zing Zing Restaurant, which features a new multicourse menu every night; calypso chicken.

residential-style villas are intended for languid days in nature, each with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, outdoor dining areas, rain showers, and plunge pools. Also found in every unit, a gourmet kitchen supports homespun meals — though guests tend to leave the cooking to their dedicated villa host or an on-demand private chef. For those with the recommended breakfast and dinner package, Secret Bay pre-stocks the fridge and pantry, culling guest selections from a long list of choices. Every morning, your villa host will whip up breakfast, whether that be a healthy, organic spread of fruits and proteins or a local feast of eggs, saltfish, and bakes (fried dough). Dinners can also be prepared or delivered in-villa, but most favor dining at treetop Zing Zing Restaurant. Here, no two nights are the same thanks to ever-changing selections based on fresh catch and daily harvest. However, it doesn’t hurt to request the epic tuna escabeche or the grilled calypso chicken in advance. Elsewhere on property, familiar Caribbean activities are on tap. Consider working on your tan while sipping rum-spiked cocktails around the pool, decompressing on the beach, or getting pampered in the spa. But hop in a kayak and you’ll quickly realize that this is anything but the posh Caribbean ordinary. Cross through natural arches and stumble upon sea caves before claiming all of swoon-worthy Secret Beach for yourself. (Your villa host can arrange a beachfront picnic to heighten the experience.) Take a boat north along the coastline to admire the uninhabited mountainmeets-sea grandeur, intersected by limestone pinnacles and formidable cliffs that host seabird colonies by the dozens. Venture south and under the sea at Champagne Reef, which explodes with billions of tiny bubbles from active fumaroles and a full cast of marine life that has adapted to these alien conditions. Head inland and ogle skyscraping waterfalls that rival Hawaii’s and Costa Rica’s cascades; the scenery is so cinematic, in fact, that Dominica’s misty rivers and verdant rainforests have served as backdrops in some of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Hike the footpaths of UNESCOPHOTOS COURTESY OF SECRET BAY

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recognized Morne Trois Pitons National Park and reach the world’s second largest boiling lake, swimmable gorges, and emerald pools. Search for rare and colorful birds on a segment of the 115-mile Waitukubuli National Trail — the Caribbean’s longest — under the guidance of Dominica’s foremost birding expert, Bertrand Jno Baptiste, aka “Dr. Birdy.” While avid bird-watchers call on Dr. Birdy for primo encounters with the endemic Sisserou parrot, the pro’s enthusiasm, knowledge, and tried-and-true method for finding avifauna can

convert any skeptic into an outright bird lover. (Spoiler: Dr. Birdy possesses an uncanny ability to mimic countless birdcalls and often communicates directly with his feathered friends.) In total, both Secret Bay and greater Dominica shine as two of the Caribbean’s final secrets. To be sure, a relatively remote location and inaccessibility have been instrumental in maintaining this innocence. Our advice: Visit Secret Bay and Dominica to experience this Caribbean paradise in its purest form. secretbay.dm —Paul Rubio F E B RUA RY 2 0 24

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Tucked away from the beaten path, two island resorts redefine the Bahamas experience with barefoot luxury and haute design

Clockwise from top left: the Sapphire Blue Hole, an underwater sinkhole on Eleuthera; a verdant lawn at The Cove; oceanfront rooms feature Caribbean vistas from wraparound decks; an oceanfront villa.

A 40-acre boutique resort, The Cove Eleuthera offers guests a secluded paradisical retreat with a luxurious yet friendly feel. Situated on the north end of quiet Eleuthera — one of the less-traversed Bahamian islands — The Cove is just 30 minutes south of North Eleuthera Airport. Upon arrival, the resort’s personable staff greets you for check-in. Expect to be called by name and whisked away to one of the property’s 29 guest accommodations, which include one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, cottages, and beachfront villas. All guest rooms are luxe and well-appointed; however, you’ll find no flash or fussiness. Clean lines, natural wood elements, and neutral tones ensure there’s no distracting from the native beauty that abounds, including the

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near-hypnotic turquoise waters found on the resort’s two private beaches. Even the on-site Freedom Restaurant & Sushi Bar and Gregory Town Grill exude a sense of refreshing minimalism that’s fitting for this placid property. Speaking of the culinary, The Cove offers guests an array of fresh fare. Island-inspired dishes and sushi creations can be found at the Freedom Restaurant & Sushi Bar. Eleuthera is known for its especially fertile soil, and the produce from the resort’s organic garden (available for guests to tour) is put to good use. As for breakfast, it’s difficult to rule out room service, especially when you can savor a morning acai bowl and cappuccino alfresco with Caribbean vistas from your room’s wraparound deck. Eleuthera’s etymology derives from eleutheros, the Greek word meaning “freedom.” It’s a fitting name for this calm, entrancing haven where you’re uninhibited to while away hours relaxing beachside or by The Cove’s infinity pool, perhaps with a Freedom Style Mojito or Nojito in hand. That said, if you’re after exploration or adventure, there’s plenty to be had, and the resort’s staff stands ready to assist. Paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and bicycles are available for use on property; the resort’s boat is also available for day excursions. Off-site — but still on the island — enjoy myriad sights and experiences, from seahorse watching at Sweetings Pond, to a soak in pools naturally formed by the Atlantic at Queen’s Bath, to a swim in the Sapphire Blue Hole, an underwater sinkhole filled with azure water. There’s also

historic Preacher’s Cave, where you can visit the site of an English shipwreck. Sometimes, the most productive thing to do is to relax — to slow down. Eleuthera and The Cove offer travelers a respite from life’s hustle and bustle. It’s the perfect paradise to refocus the mind and rekindle the spirit. thecoveeleuthera.com —Jane E. Enos PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COVE ELEUTHERA

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After landing on the dusty airstrip at Congo Town and driving through a part of the Bahamas that time forgot, pulling into Caerula Mar Club feels like entering an oasis. Whitewashed cottages with wide porches sprout from the sand. Organic shapes and driftwood tones impart an immediate sense of serenity. Hammocks slung across palm trees sway in lazy breezes. And every path leads to the sea. It wasn’t always like this. The Emerald Palms hotel, originally built in the 1960s, had been abandoned for some years and fallen victim to the whims of weather. While vacationing on South Andros Island in 2017, Sarah and Bryan Baeumler saw the derelict property and its 10 acres of waterfront and bought it on the spot. Their plan: to transform the place into South Andros’s first true luxury resort. It didn’t hurt that they were an HGTV Canada power couple — he a contractor, she a design whiz — with several renovations under their belts. The Baeumlers’ journey, which they turned into a “huge family adventure” by moving to the island with their four young children, was chronicled on the HGTV show Renovation Island. For three seasons, viewers were riveted as the couple found solutions for issues ranging from bad plumbing to a major hurricane. Sarah’s plan was to create a tropical idyll with all the island feels and none of the pretense. The Signature Collection private villas, available in one- or two-bedroom configurations, blend traditional Bahamian architecture with midcentury modern style for a sophisticated take on island living. Bleached oak floors and materials like aged marble, natural woods, and rush have an

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Clockwise from top: a private villa; villa bedrooms are decorated in serene neutral tones; the pool invites lounging or casual dining at the adjacent Driffs Beach Bar; Caerula Mar Club sits on a 10-acre waterfront site.

organic sensibility. Light-suffused rooms are decorated simply — a white bisque vase here, a stylized branch there — in a sand-toned palette that lends itself to a relaxed atmosphere. French doors open to wood-planked porches for lounging, entertaining, or contemplative moments in nature. Step down and find yourself on the sand, mere paces from the Bahamas’ famous turquoise surf. Every detail is an immersion in island living, down to the smallest accessory. “We love supporting Androsian entrepreneurs,” Sarah says. “From homemade coconut soaps by Sharon to woven grass baskets by Flossy, we have tried to incorporate local materials and artisan goods as much as possible.” Design’s purpose is to set a tone for living, and here the tone is conducive to languid beach days under the shade of palms, strolls along the shoreline, and biking the Queen’s Highway, South Andros’s only road. It ignites the desire to swim in blue holes, which are plentiful around the island, or take a boat to a deserted beach for coral-reef snorkeling (we saw nurse sharks, stingrays, and a sea turtle), with a chef’s picnic to round out the day. Or the ambition to hook a bonefish, which will make you earn your stripes as an angler. Whatever your passion, Caerula Mar is both the backdrop and the inspiration for an authentic Bahamian holiday. caerulamar.com —Daphne Nikolopoulos F E B RUA RY 2 0 24

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Even better than they could have ever imagined.

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02.24 ARTS, CULTURE, AND OTHER THINGS TO DO

Agenda C U LT U R E CA L E N DA R p. 58 F I L M p. 60 H I STO RY p. 62 A RT p. 63

ART

MONUMENTAL Austen Brantley has made a name for himself creating art that honors Black history p. 63

PHOTO BRAD ZIEGLER

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Agenda  Ann Arbor-born singer Mayer Hawthorne appears at Detroit’s Majestic Theatre on Feb. 2.

through June 23. For a list of films that the Detroit Film Theatre is screening during the exhibition, visit dia.org/ events/detroit-film-theatre. MUSIC

Worth the drive: When the Caged Bird Sings in Ann Arbor FEBRUARY 2024

Culture Calendar

Our carefully curated guide to the month in arts and entertainment BY RYA N PAT RI C K HOOP E R

FILM

For the film fanatic at the Detroit Institute of Arts

Filmmakers like Jordan Peele (Nope), Ava DuVernay (Selma), and Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) have focused the cultural zeitgeist on Black directors in the past decade, but the role of Black filmmakers and actors in Hollywood and beyond is still an undertold tale. With a touring exhibition called Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898-1971, the

DON’T-MISS EVENTS Save the dates for comedy shows, film screenings, performances, and more COMPILE D BY LAU R EN W E THINGT ON

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Composer Nkeiru Okoye first blew me away when she was commissioned by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to write a suite of music about the city’s historic

Detroit Institute of Arts aims to help change that. Regeneration (borrowed from the 1923 movie of the same name that featured an allBlack cast) follows Black creators from early film history through the Civil Rights Movement. Historical photographs, costumes, props, posters, and interactive elements are complemented by major artworks by contemporary artists

like Kara Walker and Glenn Ligon. The DIA is bringing this programming to life by turning the Detroit Film Theatre into an extended gallery of arts, playing a host of groundbreaking Black films, some with live musical accompaniment, in its historic theater throughout the exhibition’s run, which ends in June. Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898–1971 is on display at the Detroit Institute of Arts Feb. 4

FEB. 1 MUSIC

FEB. 1 DANCE

FEB. 2-4 ART

Dancing with the Stars Live: Join Emmy Award-winning entertainer Julianne Hough and a smattering of the beloved television show’s most talented dancers — including Brandon Armstrong, Rylee Arnold, Alan Bersten, Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, and Britt Stewart — for this dazzling night of high-energy fun. Expect to see reenactments of fan-favorite performances from the show’s 32nd season, along with all-new numbers and plenty of surprises. $49.50+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Plymouth Ice Festival: Now in its 42nd year, this Plymouth tradition features more than 70 stunning ice sculpture displays scattered throughout the city’s charming downtown district. Each piece starts out as a 350-pound block of ice before being shaped, sculpted, and perfected into a jaw-dropping work of art by a talented local sculptor. Displays will remain standing after the weekend concludes, weather permitting. No cost. Downtown Plymouth; plymouthicefestival.com

DJ Shadow: With the release of his 1996 studio debut, Endtroducing…, this California-based DJ and producer established himself as an innovator in instrumental hip-hop and electronic music by composing an album entirely of vinyl samples. Since then, he’s dabbled in countless genres, collaborated with some of hip-hop’s biggest names, and released six more full-length albums. He’ll promote his latest work — 2023’s Action Adventure — when he makes a Detroit stop this month. $29.50+. Majestic Theatre, Detroit; majesticdetroit.com

Black Bottom neighborhood. Now, Okoye is returning to Michigan with a new commission that brings together elements of theater, opera, and dance thanks to the University Musical Society and the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. When the Caged Bird Sings is part tribute to poet laureate Maya Angelou and draws inspiration from the Black church. It will be performed one night only at the Albert Kahn-

designed Hill Auditorium, one of the most acoustically sound venues in the state. Nkeiru Okoye’s When the Caged Bird Sings will be performed on Saturday, Feb. 10, at Hill Auditorium. Tickets and more information are available via its website, ums.org. COMEDY

A reason to laugh on Valentine’s Day

Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak is

 Brothers Fayard and Harold Nicholas appear in Stormy Weather, a 1943 film with an all-Black cast, one of many highlighted in Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898-1971 at the DIA.

Clause and the Toy Story franchise. Allen’s comedy draws heavily from his own lived experiences as a dad, husband, and self-proclaimed everyman. $70+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

FEB. 3 COMEDY Tim Allen: The actor, comedian, and Birmingham Seaholm and Western Michigan University alum will make a stop at Detroit’s Fox Theatre for a night of stand-up this month. After rising to fame playing Tim “The Toolman” Taylor on the ABC sitcom Home Improvement, Allen starred in a number of popular family movies, including The Santa

FEB. 3-JULY 28 ART Angkor Complex: In the fouryear period between 1975 and 1979, roughly a quarter of Cambodia’s population died of disease, wounds, and malnutrition under the brutal rule of the communist Khmer Rouge regime. This exhibition at the University of Michigan Museum of Art will display more than 80 works that aim to illustrate the changes in the country’s visual culture

MAYER HAWTHORNE COURTESY OF MAYER HAWTHORNE TIM ALLEN COURTESY OF 313 PRESENTS

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showcase some of the singer’s most iconic performances. Fans will hear the legend’s biggest hits, including “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” along with some of his most memorable interviews and anecdotes. $50+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

 Local comic Bill Bushart will perform a Valentine’s Day set at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle.

a major date spot. The historic hub for chuckles will lean into this identity on Feb. 14 with Bill Bushart’s Valentine Special, featuring com-edians Cam Rowe, Ann Duke, and Matt Conn. I wanted to bring special attention to this one because it is a perfect Valentine’s Day idea for couples new and old, but also because Bill Bushart is a hilarious Detroit comic (the self-proclaimed king of blue comedy around these parts) who has done a lot to bring up the next generation of comics through the classes he teaches at the Comedy Castle. If you can’t make it out to Bill Bushart’s showcase, comedians Jay Jurden (Feb. 15-17), Nathan Macintosh (Feb. 22-24),

and Katherine Blanford (Feb. 25) round out a solid month of comedy in Royal Oak. Bill Bushart’s Valentine Special is on Wednesday, Feb. 14. For a full list of events at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, go to comedycastle.com.

in the face of inconceivable upheaval. Featured artists include Amy Lee Sanford, Sopheap Pich, Pete Pin, Maline Yim, and Ouk Chim Vichet. No cost. University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbor; umma.umich.edu

of the biggest stars in hiphop, including Solange and Tyler, the Creator, Carti has released two studio albums. $49.50+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com

FEB. 8 MUSIC Playboi Carti: The Georgiabased rapper first broke through in 2017 with his singles “Magnolia” and “Wokeuplikethis.” Known for eschewing typical lyrical structure in favor of flow and atmosphere, Carti’s sound is characterized by frenetic energy and highpitched vocals with unclear pronunciations. In addition to collaborations with some

ON MY PLAYLIST

Concerts return to Detroit ahead of spring

I don’t want to get your hopes up, but one of the ways I can tell spring isn’t too far away is by the bounty of live concerts returning to metro Detroit like snowbirds making their way back from Florida. I’ll start with hometown talent Mayer Hawthorne (Feb. 2 at the Majestic Theatre), whose excellent new album For All Time has

FEB. 10 COMEDY Ryan Hamilton: Named one of Rolling Stone’s “Five Comics to Watch” in 2012, this Idaho-born funnyman is known for a clean brand of observational comedy that skewers everything from dating to skydiving to his own physical appearance. He’s made hilarious appearances on a gamut of late-night shows, including The Tonight Show Starring

been on repeat for me. Toss in Jon Batiste (Feb. 26 at The Fillmore), and we’re onto something. Batiste is the former bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and just a couple of years ago, his album We Are won the Grammy for album of the year. On the indie side of things, I’m counting down the days until Blonde Redhead (Feb. 29 at El Club) takes the stage in Detroit. The long-running avant-indie rock band returned from their decade-long hiatus with one of the best records of last year, Sit Down for Dinner.

FEB. 20-25 THEATER Pretty Woman: The Musical: From Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell comes this musical spin on the beloved 1990 rom-com starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Set to a toe-tapping original score by Grammy winner Bryan Adams and co-composer Jim Vallance, the production is sure to dazzle both new and old fans of the hit film. $40+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

FEB. 23 DANCE Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance: Irish American dancer Michael Flatley first brought traditional Celtic dance to the masses when he starred in the hit show Riverdance nearly 30 years ago. After parting ways with Riverdance producers in 1995, Flatley established his own show, Lord of the Dance, in 1996. Since then, the show has been witnessed by more than 60 million fans, making it one of the most successful touring endeavors in entertainment history. Expect new staging, fresh costumes, and cutting-edge technology at the latest incarnation of this classic production. $59+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Detroit; musichall.org

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

Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Late Late Show. $24.50+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak; royaloakmusic theatre.com

FEB. 14-MARCH 10 THEATER A Little More Alive: Follow the story of two estranged brothers who reunite following their mother’s funeral at the Michigan premiere of this folk-pop musical by Nick Blaemire. When their collective memories are challenged by a stunning revelation, the brothers uncover a lifetime of secrets and ponder the gray area between right and wrong. $37. Meadow Brook Theatre, Rochester; mbtheatre.com

FEB. 16 MUSIC Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience: Witness the acclaimed late country star in a live show setting when this unique touring experience arrives at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre. While video footage of Cash plays on a projector screen above the stage, live musicians and singers will accompany him in real time to

BILL BUSHART COURTESY OF BILL BUSHART JOHNNY CASH COURTESY OF BROADWAY IN DETROIT ON YOUR FEET DJ COREY

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with a new original song written by Estefan and her daughter, Emily. Critics have roundly praised the show’s boisterous energy, feel-good message, and crowd-pleasing recipe. $30+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

FEB. 23-27 DANCE Shen Yun: Experience 5,000 years of China’s rich cultural heritage through stunning dance, vibrant set pieces, and enchanting music when this acclaimed performing arts company brings its latest production to the Detroit Opera House. Witness ancient legends, majestic dynasties, and heroic battlefields as stories of courage and spirituality aim to inspire and uplift. $90+. Detroit Opera House, Detroit; shenyun.com

FEB. 26 MUSIC Jon Batiste: Singer, songwriter, bandleader, television personality, and multi-instrumentalist Batiste became a household name when he appeared nightly as the bandleader and musical director on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert from 2015 until 2022. The wickedly talented Juilliard grad boasts five Grammy Awards from 11 nominations, including a prestigious Album of the Year victory for his 2021 release, We Are. He’ll play selections from his latest LP, 2023’s World Music Radio, when he embarks on a North American tour this winter. $53+. The Fillmore, Detroit; livenation.com

FEB. 23-24 THEATER On Your Feet: The heartwarming story of acclaimed Latin pop duo Emilio and Gloria Estefan comes to life in this vibrant, Tony Award-nominated musical. Directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, the production features classic Gloria Estefan hits like “Get on Your Feet” and “Conga,” along

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 Roger Corman poses at his Los Angeles estate in 2013.

FILM

Assembled in Hollywood Mass production techniques, a fertile imagination, and an R&D “skunkworks” mindset for innovation led Detroit native Roger Corman to become one of Hollywood’s most prolific movie producers BY RONALD AHRENS

FOR ROGER CORMAN, it was only natural to bring assembly-line practices to Hollywood as he became king of the B pictures. By 1954, when he produced his second movie, The Fast and the Furious, Corman had discovered that staying in production and making one movie after the other, while multitasking on postproduction and release, was the way to succeed. He soon arranged a three-picture deal with American International Pictures that ensured financing for his projects. Working in every genre, he used Motor City tricks to keep the reels turning. Just as badge engineering could make a Chevrolet into an Oldsmobile, Night Call Nurses could be retrimmed to become The Student Teachers. Corman, now 97, enjoyed an idyllic childhood near Six Mile Road. (He has said he doesn’t remember the cross street.) He built gaspowered model planes with his younger brother, Gene, and read horror, science fiction, and adventure stories. During cold snaps, they played hockey on frozen streets. Detroit had more than 100 theaters, so there were Saturday matinees at places like the RKO Uptown at Six Mile and Woodward Avenue and the Krim on Woodward near Six Mile. Besides the storylines of adventurer Tom Swift in novels and Mutiny on the Bounty on the screen, two cultural narratives had emerged a few years before Corman’s birth in 1926, and they commanded the imagination of practically every Detroiter. The first developed around the legendary assembly lines of Detroit’s factories. The second came from findings of the timeand-motion studies conducted by efficiency expert Frederick Winslow Taylor and others. Efficiency was in the air like chimney smoke.

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“If you couldn’t make it in the automobile industry, you came to Hollywood,” Corman told the Detroit Free Press in 2015. He was being somewhat facetious. But yes, in fact, Corman — a recent honoree at Beyond Fest, a genre film festival in Los Angeles — moved with his family to Beverly Hills, California, when he was just starting high school. He worked for the school paper at Beverly Hills High, then went to Stanford University, where he became sports editor of The Stanford Daily and studied — what else? — industrial engineering. “[It was] a specialty that focused on

efficiency and management,” he wrote in his 1998 autobiography, How I Made a Hundred Movies in Hollywood and Never Lost a Dime. With that title, he was being facetious again. He explains in the introduction that he made or distributed “300odd” movies and profited on “probably 280.” After Stanford and service in the United States Navy, Corman returned to LA and went to work as a messenger at 20th Century Fox, then landed a story analyst job at $65 a week. He co-wrote the script for Highway Dragnet for $3,500. Hanging around the set during filming near the Salton Sea stirred his emotions  because, as he recalled, “I Roger Corman made felt it could have been shot The Wasp Woman for his production company more efficiently.” Filmgroup in 1959. The Rather than artistry, sci-fi/horror picture was Corman proclaimed shot in black and white. craftsmanship. He engineered films with lightweight supporting structures and small casts and crews, like his model planes, and set them aloft understanding “there are very few great successes or total failures.” Wave after cinematic wave swept the country. Limited regional releases migrated within the national market, making a huge outlay for film prints unnecessary. Corman took over directing duties and even sometimes operated the camera himself. He relied on unproven but eager newcomers like Mike Connors, star of Five Guns West, a story with a “contained situation,” shot in nine days for $60,000. After his first four or five movies, Corman told himself, “I can do better, more efficient work; I can make better films.” Pouring out titles like Apache Woman — shot in color in two weeks for “a little under $80,000” — and Day the World Ended — “an idea reworked to fit a low budget” — succeeded in part because

PORTRAIT JIMMY STEINFELDT POSTER PIERCE ARCHIVE LLC/BUYENLARGE VIA GETTY IMAGES

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of changes coming from Washington, D.C. The United States Supreme Court’s 1948 ruling against Paramount Pictures determined the Hollywood industry was a monopoly. “They produced their films, they distributed their films, and they exhibited their films in their own chain of theaters,” explains Foster Hirsch, author of the new study Hollywood and the Movies of the Fifties, in a phone interview. “To avoid being closed altogether, they had to sell off their theaters, which meant there was no longer block booking.” James H. Nicholson and Samuel Z. Arkoff, cofounders of American International Pictures, anticipated the void created when the studios couldn’t add their own B pictures to the bill. “And because the studios were in trouble, they were making fewer films, which meant there was a shortage of product,” Hirsch continues. “And so, AIP, with their double-bill turnovers, supplied product and kept downtown theaters and modest neighborhood theaters open when the majors weren’t supplying enough features for regular showings.”

Corman dialed back after about 50 movies and quit directing; he hired newcomers Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Peter Bogdanovich, John Sayles, John Landis, and Curtis Hanson (later known for 8 Mile). Corman founded his own company, New World Pictures, in 1970. Around then, Eric Saarinen received his MFA from the University of California Los Angeles’s film school. Before long, Saarinen, of the Cranbrook Saarinens, found himself in charge of second-unit photography for Candy Stripe Nurses, produced by Corman’s wife, Julie. (“She’s a good Catholic girl — she was kind of humiliated by the subject,” Jonathan Kaplan, director of several other Corman films, said in a

money he saved — and on me, too!” Saarinen moved up to cinematographer for Eat My Dust!, the 1976 release featuring Ron Howard that fit the young-people-on-the-run formula. “The deal was, if he stars in one, then he gets to direct one, assuming everything goes well.” Howard went on to direct Grand Theft Auto (“See the greatest cars in the world destroyed!”) and launch his directorial career. Another Detroiter linked to Corman was the late Doug Fieger, whose first band, Sky, provided the soundtrack to Private Duty Nurses (1971). Fieger later co-founded The Knack, which recorded the chart-topping hit “My Sharona” in 1979. As sordid as his exploitation movies could be, Roger Corman was no Hugh Hefner or Harvey

book about Roger.) Saarinen continued working for the Cormans, and one Friday, he got a call to come to a hotel suite where he would be shooting a wide-angle CinemaScope camera for Tidal Wave. Roger had acquired rights to a hit Japanese film, made big cuts, and added new dialogue for star Lorne Greene and others. “I had never shot CinemaScope and had to learn the new camera,” Saarinen says in a phone interview. He set the lighting and served as camera operator. “They hired all these relatively famous actors to come in and play brigadier generals worried about the tidal wave. We were sandwiched into shooting in little cubbyholes and closets, trying to make it [look] big.” He estimates 30 to 40 pages of dialogue were filmed on the weekend-long shoot. “Just think about how much

Weinstein. “I met Roger,” Apollonia Kotero, co-star with Prince in the film Purple Rain, tells Hour Detroit. Her uncle, the actor Dick Miller, played in Corman films Apache Woman, A Bucket of Blood, The Little Shop of Horrors, Chopping Mall, and Piranha. Kotero says of Corman, “He was a sweetheart. Roger was a great gentleman. Wish I had interned with him.” Corman has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and received an honorary Oscar. “It would be a mistake to say Roger Corman is a great film artist,” Hirsch says. “In my opinion, he is not that. But he’s other things that may in the long run be just as important.”

“If you couldn’t make it in the automobile industry, you came to Hollywood,” —ROGER CORMAN

Corman produced and directed a dozen movies “across a broad and amusing spectrum of themes” in 1956-57. He found no shame in low-budget filmmaking and experimented with techniques such as “shooting consecutively all the components of multiple scenes that faced in one direction in the saloon, though they were, obviously, way out of sequence. I could light one time for many setups.” Then he reversed and shot in the opposite direction. “I found that to be, perhaps, an overly efficient way to work.” The actors complained about having to perform this way. Nevertheless, he perfected an individual style, and it sometimes delivered results on par with the auto company that turns out a commodity — say, the Pontiac Tempest — but embellishes it and creates the GTO. The list of titles speaks for itself: The Little Shop of Horrors (principal photography in two days on a leftover stage), Eat My Dust!, Grand Theft Auto, Death Race 2000, and Rock ’n’ Roll High School. New talent got a chance, too: Jack Nicholson, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn, Peter Fonda, Sylvester Stallone, Nancy Sinatra, Talia Shire, and Sandra Bullock. PHOTO TONY PALMIERI/WWD/PENSKE MEDIA VIA GETTY IMAGES

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 From left: Actor Peter Fonda and producer Samuel Z. Arkoff pose with Corman for a 1979 premiere at New York’s Museum of Modern Art.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Their Roots Run Deep

In 1856, Henry and Elizabeth Hamer escaped slavery to find a new life in Royal Oak. Thanks to a descendant, their legacy continues to grow. BY JOHN MAURICE AND DANA WHITE | PHOTOS BY BRAD ZIEGLER

ROYAL OAK is known as a city with a thriving downtown, filled with dining, retail, and entertainment options. But it also boasts 51 parks within its nearly 12 square miles, parks named after roads, civic groups, and prominent members of the community. In March 2022, the city renamed Beechwood Park, located on the east side of Crooks Road just north of 12 Mile Road, as Hamer Finch Wilkins Park. The park’s new moniker honors one of the first Black families in Royal Oak Township and offers a glimpse into the history of a pioneering family dating back more than 160 years. Adding the new name is also a testament to the importance of bringing hidden stories to light. Thanks to a descendant, LaKeesha Morrison, the

LaKeesha Morrison poses in Royal Oak’s Hamer Finch Wilkins park, named for her relatives, who were one of the city’s first Black families. 

Hamer family’s achievements are becoming more widely acknowledged. In 2020, when she really started looking at Royal Oak’s parks, “not one was named after a Black family, and such an important family,” Morrison says. “I was like, ‘Hey, why can’t we get a street or even a park?’ And it snowballed from there.” The family story begins with Henry Hamer (born in 1816) and his wife, Elizabeth (b. 1824). Born into chattel slavery and given their owners’ last names, they began their lives as Gilbert Robinson and Betty Ward. Eventually they were sold to Henry Bruce Jr. in Covington, Kentucky, a city on the southern banks of the Ohio River and a major hub of Underground Railroad activity. The couple were educated and literate; Gilbert was a courier, while Betty was a “house slave,” tending to her owner’s children. In August of 1856, Gilbert and Betty, who was pregnant, escaped captivity by crossing the Ohio River to Cincinnati. They headed north via the Underground Railroad, eventually ending up in Windsor, Ontario, where their son Charles was born on March 11, 1857. Shortly after their escape, they changed their last names, lest they be apprehended. Gilbert Robinson and Elizabeth Ward became Henry and Elizabeth Hamer. They would live with these names for the rest of their lives. Once safely in Canada, the couple met a sympathetic woman who provided shelter and cared for Elizabeth as she neared her due date. The Canadian economy was very poor, and Henry visited Detroit to ascertain whether the city might be a suitable destination for the small family. Michigan was relatively welcoming to Black people; the state’s 1837 constitution banned slavery, and the Personal Liberty Act of 1855 made it harder for formerly enslaved people to be captured and returned to their enslavers. Concerned that the family’s presence in a large city, Detroit, might alert bounty hunters to them, Henry chose Royal Oak, a rural farming community about 15 miles north of Detroit, as their future home. The 1854 census lists 26 Black families in Royal Oak Township, so Henry may have found a place where they could spend their lives in relative safety. Within a few years, the family made their way to Royal Oak, where Henry found work. When they first arrived, they lived in the area known as Chase’s Corners, what is now 13 Mile Road and Crooks Road, which was the hub of the community. It is also where the Almon Starr farm was located. At that time, the Starrs, a name well known to present-day Royal Oak residents, were already an established family. They owned at least three farms and had started some of the first businesses in Royal Oak Township. Through hard work and thrift, Henry and Elizabeth were able to purchase

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 This house, near Webster and Crooks, is on the Hamers’ original land plot, still owned by Morrison’s family.

about 6 acres of land in 1865, located on Crooks Road a quarter-mile south of the Starrs’ farm. The Hamers started a farm of their own. Growing up in Royal Oak in the 1980s and ’90s, LaKeesha Morrison, the Hamers’ great-greatgreat-granddaughter, knew some of this. Her father, Keith Wilkins, made sure his children understood Black history. He told them that their ancestors were among the first Black people in Royal Oak to own property and their children and their children’s children were important members of the community, which was mostly white. “I always knew how important my family was and the contributions they’ve given to Royal Oak,” she says. But once she and her father started digging for the family history during the COVID-19 pandemic, more came to light. Two years ago, the search led to the Royal Oak Historical Society and a researcher there named Don Drife. He “dug up more information,” Morrison says, including the possibility that the Hamers left a child or children behind when they fled Kentucky and that Elizabeth worked as a midwife in Royal Oak. Drife also discovered a letter from Henry Bruce Jr.’s teenage daughter Pauline. It seems to be in response to a letter from Elizabeth, perhaps to inform her former owners that she and her husband had arrived safely in Canada. HISTORICAL PHOTO COURTESY CLARKE HISTORICAL LIBRARY

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 cementing the three family names that Pauline describes the love that the Elizabeth Hamer would one day adorn the sign at the park family’s children had for “Bettie,” and (far right) pictured at her home with in what is now a city of approximately she wonders, “How did you manage to family (possibly her 58,000 residents. get off without letting any of us know daughter, far left, Through the middle of the 20th anything about. I think you might of and some of the Starrs), likely taken century, the Hamers were well known said good bye to little Nelly who loved in the 1870s. throughout the rapidly growing city you so devotedly.” as one of Royal Oak’s pioneer families. Morrison theorizes Elizabeth wrote Their birthday celebrations, marriages, or to the family as a way to find out information death announcements were front-page news in about their child(ren) and that they returned to The Daily Tribune, the local newspaper. In her Covington after the Civil War, perhaps to look later years, Elmira was a bit of a local celebrity. for them. An article from the Aug. 29, 1957, issue of The In Royal Oak, the Hamer family eventually Tribune, under the headline “Civil War Babies grew to eight, with Charles, (b. 1857 in Ontario) Mark Birthdays,” recounts Elmira’s 95th birthday, and five more children born during and just after celebrated right alongside Ella Starr’s 93rd the Civil War: Lucius (b. 1861), Elmira (b. 1862), birthday. The two had lived their entire lives as William (b. 1864), Elizabeth (b. 1867), and Ella friends and neighbors. (b. 1871). U.S. Census reports from 1860 to the Of this first generation born and raised in Royal 1900s document the growing family through the Oak, many would live to an old age, either on generations. Henry, who died in 1899, lived the the family homestead or in the nearby area. The rest of his life as a farmer, though he worked for Hamers and Starrs remained close for a long time, the Starrs as a tile-maker. The sons’ occupations with Hamer kids playing with their neighbors the in the early days were also listed as “farmer.” Starr kids. Hamer descendants are arguably the Daughter Elmira married Matthew Finch, a longest-living landowners in Royal Oak. Civil War veteran, in 1885. She outlived all her All that remains of the original 6-acre parcel of siblings, reaching the age of 96 before passing in land Henry and Elizabeth purchased are the 0.3 1959. One of Elmira and Matthew’s six children acres on Crooks Road. Condominiums and houses was Bessie Finch (b. 1893); she married Harold to the north, apartments to the east, and a Planet Wilkins in 1921, taking his name and thus

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Agenda

ART

Fitness now occupy the rest of the land that was once the Hamer farm. But not all is lost: Hamer descendants still own this portion of the original homestead, just a half-mile north of the city park that now bears the family names. More than five generations lived in the various Crooks Road residences; many of them are buried nearby in the family plot in Oakview Cemetery at 12 Mile Road and Main Street. As the result of Drife’s research, the National Park Service placed their graves on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, one of over 740 locations in 39 states. Sadly, Morrison’s father did not live to see the creation of Hamer Finch Wilkins Park in 2022, but his daughter made sure his surname was on the sign. Thanks to private donations and a $50,000 grant from Oakland County Parks and Recreation, work has been ongoing to transform the park, which originally opened in 1956, into a welcoming place to gather and reflect. Six trees have been planted, one for each of the Hamer children, and a bust of Elizabeth Hamer is currently being created by Detroit artist Austen Brantley (see sidebar); it is tentatively scheduled to be unveiled this spring. “She’s definitely the face of our family,” says Morrison, who has visited the Kentucky location that her ancestors escaped from, walking in their footsteps to understand and honor the path they took. “As you get older and you’re losing family members, someone has to continue the story,” Morrison explains. “I may still be young, but I’m 100% dedicated to making sure the right story is told, and our story is nothing but powerful. It’s about success.”

 Two years ago, Royal Oak Historical Society researcher Don Drife (left) helped Morrison discover more about her family.

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MONUMENT MAN Local sculptor Austen Brantley creates art that honors Black history for Detroit’s public parks — and beyond BY RYAN PATRICK HOOPER PHOTO BY BRAD ZIEGLER

Austen Brantley’s studio is just as understated as he is. Down a massive hallway and into the maze of the Russell Industrial Center, you’ll find the artist working alone with his music, refining the edges of a new sculpture, one of many works in progress. It’s getting hard to keep track of just which project the self-taught Brantley is currently working on. As a figurative sculptor, Brantley creates expressive, detailed sculptures that draw on African and classical art, and he’s in high demand. Only 28 years old, Brantley shows his work around the world, and his pieces are in private collections, including that of Bedrock, which displays his “Mountain” in the lobby of the Book Tower. Last year, Brantley added a Kresge Artist Fellowship to his list of accolades — one of the highest honors an artist in Detroit can receive. Brantley has already made his mark in Detroit’s public parks, honoring icons of the past. His first public project was installed in 2019, the statue of slain civil rights activist Viola Liuzzo in a park named after her on Detroit’s west side. One of his most recent commissions, a bronze bust of Elizabeth Hamer, freedom seeker and matriarch of the Hamer Finch Wilkins family, will be unveiled this year in a Royal Oak park named in honor of the prominent Black family. Hamer descendant LaKeesha Morrison applauds the selection. “With the personal importance of supporting local Black artists, the decision to commission Austen Brantley for sculpting my family’s matriarch holds a special place in my heart,” Morrison says. “He not only possesses immense talent but also once had a studio in Royal Oak. His local ties and artistic talent made him an ideal choice for bringing our significant project to life.” Brantley says the sculpture “is going to depict motherhood.” He researched the family at the Royal Oak Historical Society Museum and used artificial intelligence software to generate different angles of Elizabeth Hamer’s face: “Where there are not enough pictures, I have technology helping me.” Not bad for a self-taught artist. After excelling in what he thought was a blow-off ceramics class at

 Pitcher Ernest Burke, unveiled at a park in Havre de Grace, Maryland, by Brantley in 2021.

Austen Brantley’s monument for the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama.

Berkley High School (where he has yet another sculpture), Brantley has found gallery owners willing to offer him space to create and plenty of others interested in commissioning his work. “I never went to art school and kind of just taught myself everything. I always feel like there’s something to learn,” Brantley says, adding: “People don’t usually think we can make a living and thrive in a career like this until they see it.” This year, metro Detroiters and the rest of the world will continue to “see it” as the scope and reach of Brantley’s art make the rounds. There’s a solo show at M Contemporary Art gallery in Ferndale this September. When we speak, he is finishing a monument for The Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, his biggest piece yet, a 10-foot-tall Black power fist. But Brantley calls Detroit home for a reason, and it’s here where his most impactful work (so far) has been installed — pieces that hark back to history and present it through his artful touch. In Rouge Park, his likeness of Alexander Jefferson, a Tuskegee airman from Detroit who died in 2022 at the age of 100, will stand proudly in Jefferson Plaza. Brantley understands the “huge responsibility” he has as a Black artist expressing Black history in clay. Above all, he wants to highlight the nobility and beauty of his subjects and approach each sculpture as a personal statement about the Black experience. “Every single piece has so much depth within it,” he says, adding that his creations have “become more monumental in my life. They do feel like pieces of me.”

ERNEST BURKE STATUE COURTESY OF AUSTEN BRANTLEY

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BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS AND OPENING DOORS FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW

n the following pages you’ll learn about some special metro Detroit-area women who have continued to make a difference in their businesses and communities. While they have met with hurdles both large and small, they have seized opportunities to reinvent and reinterpret what it means to do business. They not only have been successful in their business dealings and ventures but have broken down barriers and opened the doors for other female entrepreneurs and business leaders to walk on through. These amazing women make a difference by applying their training and talent to create meaningful opportunities for themselves and others. Generations of women have been able to successfully balance work and family, and for the Women Who Move Detroit, it’s no different. Let us introduce to you some strong women building a stronger community for themselves and their neighbors.

Beztak Properties is a private, multi-generational and family-owned company with over 60 years of experience designing, developing and managing high-quality real estate properties. Controller Tara Thomas has more than 16 years of experience in accounting for property management and oversees the training and development of Beztak’s accounting team. Tara also manages the transitioning of acquisitions and dispositions. She earned a Bachelors in Accounting from EMU and a Masters of Business Administration from Wayne State. She has been a valued Beztak team member for over 12 years, always offering a helping hand with a smile.

Dr. Mary Sue Stonisch, “The Smile Artist,” has been leading Faircourt Dental Smile Studio’s cosmetic dentistry practice for 36 years. Using art and chemistry, she’s transformed countless lives by creating healthy, beautiful smiles. In addition to her dental practice, Dr. Stonisch is also a sought-after speaker and influencer. She shares knowledge and insights on life, balance, and stress management, targeting female entrepreneurs. Through her lectures, she empowers and inspires others, and shares the secrets to her success.

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Dr. Mary Sue Stonisch

Tara Thomas

Faircourt Dental Smile Studio 20040 Mack Ave. Grosse Pointe Woods MI 48236 313-882-2000 faircourtdental.com

Beztak Properties 31731 Northwestern Highway, Suite 250W Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-855-5400 beztak.com

Controller

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Cindy Kahn boasts an extensive and noteworthy resume, marked by consistent success. Since 2011, she has repeatedly earned recognition as one of the Top 100 Agents by Hour Media. Nationally, Kahn ranks in the top 1 percent of Realtors, reflecting her exceptional standing in the industry. Notably, she has held the position of the top-producing agent at The Agency Hall & Hunter for the past seven years. What truly sets Kahn apart is the foundation on which she’s built her achievements. Her success isn’t merely the result of accolades; rather, it’s rooted in her distinctive personal approach, exceptional negotiation skills, enduring and robust professional relationships, wealth of experience, and unwavering commitment to both her work and the standards by which she runs her business.

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Kahn consistently prioritizes self-improvement, ongoing learning, and personal growth, all aimed at enhancing the experience for her clients. And her business is truly about family. Three years ago, her daughter, Emily, joined the team, and witnessing her professional development within the business has been an exhilarating and fulfilling experience for Kahn. In 2024, Kahn marks her two-decade milestone in the real estate industry, and her enthusiasm remains undiminished. “Remaining authentic, nurturing relationships, and delivering a boutique experience across all price points have been the cornerstones of sustaining my business and I look forward to continuing in helping my clients with their real estate needs,” she says.

Cindy Kahn Realtor The Agency Hall & Hunter 442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009 248-568-7309 cindykahn.com

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Kim Hickson & Lisa Hardy Hamill Harp’s Lingerie 265 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009 248-642-2555 harps-lingerie.com

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Since 1947, when Elizabeth “Betty” Harp opened the first Harp’s on Chene St. in Detroit, Harp’s Lingerie has been the place for expert fittings and one-on-one personal service. Following in their grandmother’s footsteps, Kim Hickson and Lisa Hardy Hamill, continue to honor that tradition in their Birmingham location. Harp’s Lingerie is like an “old-fashioned corset shop.” Their superbly trained sales staff have more than 100 years of combined experience in helping customers find the perfect lingerie for everyday, bridal, formal events, specialty items and just about anything women may need underneath. “We can disguise problem areas and literally change your shape with the right undergarments.”

Since as many as nine out of ten women wear incorrectly fitted bras, the difference a professional fitting makes can be absolutely uplifting in both appearance and mood! Hard-tofit sizes are Harp’s specialty. They stock the largest selection of styles and types of bras in Michigan – band sizes from 30 to 54, and cup sizes from AA to N. Their customers receive personal consultation and unsurpassed service. For over 76 years they’ve specialized in lingerie, and have proudly earned the loyalty of generations of repeat customers who come from all over to get their expert advice. Mrs. Harp’s legacy of service and style continues, her goal was to make each customer leave feeling beautiful and special and that is still the goal today.

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Leading Trinity Health Michigan’s 24,000 employees and 3,600 physicians through 3 million patient interactions each year requires strength, leadership, and compassion — all defining characteristics of its three senior executives: Shannon Striebich, Dr. Rosalie ToccoBradley, and Cindy Elliott. Striebich, president and CEO of the Trinity Health Michigan market, has a vision. As a change agent, she’s leading the health system with urgency to adopt an integrated care model that seamlessly blends traditional inpatient care with outpatient options and community resources. Her leadership is transforming health care delivery throughout Michigan. Tocco-Bradley, M.D., Ph.D., MHSA, chief clinical officer, leads Trinity Health Michigan’s colleagues and physicians in their efforts to achieve high-reliability safety and best clinical practice standards. She also spearheads important statewide initiatives, including a program to address substance use disorder. Elliott, RN, MHA, FACHE, president of Trinity Health Michigan Medical Groups, understands that patients need more than just medicine. They need a physician who listens, advocates, and cares. Elliott has fostered a compassionate, patient-centered culture that includes many new projects that are designed to elevate the patient experience, including expanded virtual care options, the creation of a 24/7 patient service center to improve customer service, and constructing convenient locations offering both urgent care and primary care services. These three women, diverse in their backgrounds and expertise, share a common bond: they listen, they partner, and they make it easy for patients. Each one, in their own way, is moving Michigan — one healing touch at a time.

Left;

Cindy Elliott Seated;

Dr. Rosalie Tocco-Bradley Right;

Shannon Striebich Trinity Health Michigan 844-237-3627 trinityhealthmichigan.org

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Celebrating life is a philosophy Cedarbrook Senior Living Communities holds dear in its approach to staff, residents, families, and business partners. Erin Ottenbreit, partner and senior vice president of operations, and executive directors Dena Drobnich, Colleen Irvin, and Patty Spina are committed to providing an environment where team members are motivated and enthusiastic. They promote a culture of integrity and compassion, and offer a premier continuum of care with upscale amenities and a variety of senior living options.

Left to Right;

Colleen Irvin, Erin Ottenbreit, Dena Drobnich, and Patty Spina Cedarbrook Senior Living Bloomfield Hills Northville Rochester cedarbrookseniorliving.com

Jessica Dadas-Schulze is an experienced attorney who has been practicing tax, business, and estate-planning law for over 16 years. She is known for her commitment to her clients, which is evident in the way she approaches each case with sincere concern for their well-being. Jessica’s expertise goes beyond legal intricacies; she builds a connection with her clients to ensure they feel heard and understood. She treats all clients equitably, regardless of background or circumstances, reflecting her passion for justice. Jessica is renowned for her comprehensive understanding of tax regulations and astute business insights, which she combines with empathy, providing a holistic approach to legal representation. Over the years, she has become a trusted advocate, navigating the complex terrain of law with both skill and compassion.

Jessica Dadas-Schulze Attorney Schulze Law & Consulting, PLLC 41000 Woodward Ave., Suite 350 East Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 248-206-8636 schulze-lawfirm.com

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Photo by Andre Smith photography

Alison Vaughn is not only a “woman who moves Detroit,” but also a woman who dresses Detroit for success and independence. Vaughn, a renowned international speaker, award-winning author and entrepreneur, is founder, visionary and CEO of Jackets for Job, which recently celebrated 24 years of transforming lives and bolstering the workforce by helping job seekers dress for success. Vaughn and her amazing team have assisted over 38,000 individuals in overcoming the challenges of clothing insecurity and preparing for successful job interviews. Jackets for Jobs is a workforce development non-profit organization and recently was honored as one of the Best & Brightest Companies to work for in the nation. “Our success is a collective effort, and we invite the community to join us in making a

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lasting impact on the lives of job seekers,” Vaughn says. “Whether through corporate partnerships, clothing drives, or volunteering, there are countless ways to support Jackets for Jobs in our mission to break down barriers to employment.” In a world where first impressions are everything, JFJ recognizes the pivotal role attire plays in crucial moments and has been dedicated to bridging the gap for those facing barriers to employment and independence. For more than two decades, JFJ has represented a beacon of hope and empowerment for Detroit’s job seekers, proving that with the right support, individuals can overcome challenges and build a foundation for a brighter future. Jackets for Jobs success stories stand as a testament to the transformative power of providing the right resources at the right time.

Left to Right;

Deborah Cash, Career Image Specialist

Brenda Bunnell, Career Image Specialist

Alison Vaughn, Founder & CEO Betty Henderson, Director of Career Development

Sandra Fair, Career Image Specialist Layla Jackson, Program Director Jackets for Jobs 5555 Conner St., Suite 2097 Detroit, MI 48213 313-579-9160 jacketsforjobs.org

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

Food&Drink

AG R I C U LT U R E p. 72 D R I N K S p. 74 B O O K S p. 75 VA L E N T I N E ’ S DAY p. 76 P R O F I L E p. 77 R ECI PES

COMFORT CAKE

R E STAU R A N T L I ST I N G S p. 78

Cozy up to this dessert by a James Beard-recognized chef this winter p. 73

PHOTO E.E. BERGER

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Food&Drink

AGRICULTURE

BORDERTOWN BITES How an award-winning chef and author from southwest Michigan rose to prominence BY JAC K TH OMAS | PH OT OS BY E. E. BERG ER

WHEN I CHATTED with chef Abra Berens in early December, the staff at Granor Farm was in the midst of a winter harvest, picking greens from the greenhouse, pulling celery roots, rutabagas, and purple-top turnips. The farm is in Three Oaks, a small southwest Michigan village 10 minutes from Indiana and just over an hour from Chicago. It’s a sleepy enclave with a charming old Midwestern-style downtown, slightly removed from the Lake Michigan beachfronts that attract Chicagoans and Hoosiers come summertime. Every Friday and Saturday, typically, Berens prepares a unique eight-course meal for guests in a greenhouse dining room. Tickets go on sale months in advance for the dinners, which highlight Granor’s freshly picked produce and other ingredients from nearby suppliers. These dinners earned Berens semifinalist status at the James Beard Awards in  2023 and in 2020. Abra Berens, a University of Michigan graduate, is In 2020, she also the chef at Granor Farm received a nomination and has penned three acfor her debut cookbook, claimed cookbooks. Ruffage: A Practical Guide to Vegetables. Many recipes were adapted from her Traverse City Record-Eagle food column, which she wrote while working a chef job in Chicago and corunning Bare Knuckle Farm in Northport, near the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula (Michigan’s pinkie). The youngest of three girls, Berens grew up on a farm near Holland that sold cucumbers to pickle companies. While she came from a lineage of farmers, her parents both worked as anesthesiologists and encouraged her to pursue higher education. They cautioned that farming was “not a romantic lifestyle,” Berens says. “I think they were a little concerned about me not utilizing some of the education that I had received at University of Michigan.” While at U-M in the early 2000s, she was accepted into the Peace Corps and dreamed of one day working for the United Nations or a nongovernmental organization. Then, a job behind the counter at Zingerman’s Delicatessen changed everything. It’s where she met Jess Piskor, a fellow student who would one day be her business partner at Bare Knuckle Farm, and Zingerman’s co-founder Paul Saginaw, whom she considers a major mentor. “I saw how much of a difference Zingerman’s made in its employees’ lives,” Berens says. “And that’s when I started to think about being a small businessperson.” She eventually began cooking under the direction of Zingerman’s Head Chef Rodger Bowser. In 2004, she graduated from college with a double bachelor’s in English and history. Then, with encouragement from Bowser, she enrolled at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland, located on a 100-acre organic farm. Since Ruffage (published in 2019), she’s rapidly

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Food&Drink

 Nutty, tart, and citrusy, this winter dessert is sweet and sophisticated with just a handful of ingredients.

RECIPE

penned two acclaimed follow-ups: Grist: A Practical Guide to Cooking Grains, Beans, Seeds, and Legumes in 2021, and Pulp: A Practical Guide to Cooking with Fruit, released last April. Besides providing a comprehensive guide to preparing dishes with seasonal produce the reader has on hand, the books zoom out to include lessdiscussed aspects of food and cooking. Namely, these comprise the social, economic, health, labor, and environmental factors that surround farming, as well as farmers themselves. “I find vapid discussions glorifying food while ignoring the people who grow or process our food very, ahem, frustrating,” writes Berens in the introduction to Pulp. “It is trite but true: no farms = no food. We have to go beyond a superficial rah-rah-rah for growers.” The chapters, divided by types of fruit, are regularly accompanied by profiles of Michigan fruit producers. She examines the state’s west-side “fruit belt,” which stretches north from around St. Joseph to Traverse City, and the issues that impact its growers. “When I hear people say, ‘Why is fruit so expensive?,’ unfortunately … it’s very hard to earn a living on a raw product,” Berens says. “I’m advocating for empathy — if people understand what goes into the production of food, they’d understand why those costs are what they are.” For instance, many of the picturesque communities are hot spots for summer homes, which drives up the cost of farmlands. “People think, ‘I want to live in the rolling hills of cherry orchards, but I don’t want [farmers] to spray, I don’t want them to harvest at night,’ things like that. And it’s like, well, that’s what goes into it,” Berens says.

January Cake

Despite its name, this sweet treat from Pulp is good to make and eat beyond the first month of the year. The Hour Detroit staff thinks it would make the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert for you and yours. Or just for you — Berens herself prefers it solo: “My favorite way to eat this cake is lying in the afternoon winter sun as it streams through my bedroom window while I pretend to be in the tropics,” writes Berens in the recipe introduction.

Ingredients After years of fast-paced production schedules that yielded three award-winning cookbooks, Berens says these days, she’s focusing her energy on the dinner program at Granor Farm and raising her 2-year-old son with her husband, Erik Hall, a musician she met at U-M. A common through line in her life’s work continues to be championing Michigan produce. “Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the nation, second to California. It is no doubt in my mind that that is linked to our benefits of being a peninsula surrounded by one of the greatest freshwater resources in the entire world. It’s a really special place.”

2 whole oranges or 1 cup [240 ml] orange purée 6 eggs 1½ cups [180 g] ground almonds 1 cup [100 g] sugar 1 tsp baking powder Pinch of salt 1 cup [100 g] cranberries or other tart round fruit, fresh or frozen

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F [200°C]. Line a 9 in [23 cm] cake pan with parchment or grease with butter or cooking spray. Fully submerge the oranges (peels and all) in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil, decrease to a simmer, and cook until the oranges are soft, about 30 minutes. Transfer the oranges from the water to a food processor and process into a fairly fine paste. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until foamy. Add the almonds, sugar, baking powder, orange purée, and salt and stir to combine. Tip the batter into the prepared cake pan. Add fruit. Bake in the middle of the oven until the cake is starting to brown, feels firm to the touch, and a knife test comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cool for 10 minutes, then loosen the cake from the sides of the pan and flip it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve at room temperature. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Reprinted from Pulp: A Practical Guide to Cooking with Fruit by Abra Berens, with permission by Chronicle Books, 2023. Photographs © EE Berger.

 Situated in southwest Michigan, Granor Farm grows organic produce, which can be tasted at Berens’s greenhouse dinners. There’s also a farm store, a community-supported agriculture program, and even a children’s day camp.

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Food&Drink  Ferndale Project’s Après Ski beer is a saison (a lighter but flavorful ale), and it’s on tap this winter at the brewery.

DRINKS

Baby, It’s Cold Outside The après-ski movement is totally inclusive: It’s for those hitting and skipping the slopes BY M I CK EY LYONS

IT IS A SIGNIFICANT understatement to say that I am not a ski person. The first time my parents tried to take me skiing, I somehow managed to fall off the ski lift, then wander off to the other side of the tow ropes and roam happily through the woods for about two hours before anyone noticed I was missing. Later, a college boyfriend tried to teach me how to snowboard, resulting in my left knee bending in a way that was not intended by nature. I hate the cold, I am spectacularly clumsy, and hurtling my body downhill is something I usually end up doing accidentally, not intentionally. But give me a good puffy jacket and a glass of something hot and boozy while I watch other people risk life and limb and frostbite, and I’m 100% in. I love a good ski lodge. My brain turns on a soundtrack of White Christmas with Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney while I compare the fashions to the greatest ski movie of all time, John Cusack ’80s classic Better Off Dead. I’m not alone. There’s a whole movement in the bar world that celebrates festive winter clothing, Alpine vibes, and post-slopes libations. It’s called

 Though it’s about 40 minutes from the nearest ski hill, Ferndale Project is one of a handful of metro Detroit bars and breweries that host ski-themed festivities.

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Chai Not? 2 ounces butter washed Old Monk rum 3 ounces masala chai 3 ounces steamed oat milk Cocktail by Two Birds Bar Manager David Mitchell

après-ski. Fueled in Europe by late-night DJ parties and with its American home in Aspen, Colorado, it’s also here in some surprising metro Detroit bars this winter. Take Ferndale: It isn’t exactly Alpine country, but for the third year, Dayne Bartscht and his team at Ferndale Project have transformed their spacious patio into a dog-friendly outdoor skiers’ party, with firepits and s’mores kits. “We deck out the patio with ski gear, and it feels like you’re at the back of the mountain,” Bartscht says. Guests can buy season passes or day passes, which grant discounts on beer. Ferndale Project produced two specialty beers available throughout the winter: Après Ski, a saison, and a dark lager called Shredder. DJs and dance parties will pop up on weekends in January. The ’80s and ’90s fashionistas will appreciate the ’80s-skithemed party. The microbrewery even has ski and snowboard waxers available on the patio during select weekend events. “A lot of folks in the Ferndale community will actually use it as an opportunity to get their skis or snowboards waxed before they hit the slopes later in the winter,” Bartscht says. Après-ski is as much about the vibes as it is about the slopes, and après-ski drinking is a class unto its own. Matt Mergener is co-owner of Two Birds in West Village as well as The Apartment Disco on Detroit’s east side. Both bars are featuring après-ski-inspired drinks this winter. “We’re trying to lean into the cozier feel,” he says, “and definitely take inspiration from those ’50s and ’60s classic after-skiing drinks.” Hot mulled wine and other soothing familiars like Irish coffee and hot toddy top the list of classics for après-ski. Two Birds “feels almost like a lodge you’d sit in after skiing,” Mergener says, so its Chai Not? variation of a hot buttered rum fits right in. “There’s nothing like coming out of the cold and having a nice little hot cup,” he says. “It’s appealing and it warms your bones in a way that just liquor can’t.” It’s not just the hot drinks that shine in aprèsski, though. A long-standing tradition for skiers in Italy, where it was invented, is the Aperol spritz, which combines the bright orange aperitif liqueur with sparkling wine and soda water. In fact, anything from the mountainous regions of Europe, especially if it’s spritzy or herbaceous, fits right into the après-ski tradition. All things aperitivo are on the menu at The Apartment Disco, which features a Solstice Spritz with kumquat and hosts weekend dance parties. “I don’t know if there are any healing benefits,” Mergener says, “but the herbal side of the aperitivo, I think, just feels good in the wintertime.” And on these cold, gray, and dreary snow-covered nights, whether we’re drinking hot or cold, bubbly or buttered, donning our brightest neon ski jackets and partying to some raucous music can help shake away the winter blues — even if we never made it past the ski lift to begin with. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FERNDALE PROJECT

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Food&Drink

BOOKS

A Childhood in New Chinatown Detroit-born Curtis Chin has written for print and TV; now his debut memoir is getting national attention BY NATALI A HOLTZMAN

“WE AS PEOPLE are a reflection of the places we grow up in, right?” says writer Curtis Chin. “They inform us; they change who we are.” Chin, who was born in Detroit and raised there and in Troy, grew up at Chung’s, a beloved Cantonese restaurant stationed along the Cass Corridor in Detroit’s New Chinatown that was owned and operated by generations of Chin’s paternal family. His recently published first book, the memoir Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant, is about growing up Asian in 1980s Detroit and coming out to his working-class immigrant family. Chin’s story orbits his family’s popular restaurant — which he describes as “the happiest place on earth” for much of Detroit — not unlike one of Jupiter’s moons. At least in Chin’s telling, that’s how powerful Chung’s gravitational force could be. With coverage by Time, The Washington Post, NPR, W Magazine, and the San Francisco Chronicle, and named a Michigan Notable Book by the Library of Michigan, the book has garnered praise for its candidness, humor, and charm, and Chin is holding out hope that it might be picked up as a TV show. Though his love for his family is palpable on every page, as the third of six children, Chin often felt “overlooked and overwhelmed,” he writes. Between the failing auto industry, crack cocaine, and the specter cast by AIDS, “the 1980s in Detroit were tumultuous times. Trying to understand, accept, and establish my own identity by race, class, and sexuality was difficult.” Chin began to notice his attraction to other boys early on but worried he wouldn’t be accepted — either by his family or by anyone else — if he came out. He tried to “de-gay” himself, he writes, by taking cold showers and chanting, “Don’t be gay. Don’t be gay. Don’t be gay.” Chin was in grade school when his parents moved the family to Troy, and the transition was difficult: In the suburbs, they faced blatant racism, discrimination, and prejudice, and their house was repeatedly vandalized by white neighbors. PHOTO BETH PRICE BOOK CURTIS CHIN

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as a filmmaker and an activist and is well known for co-founding the Asian American Writers’ Workshop in New York City, which champions the work of Asian American writers. “In some ways, the memoir is a culmination of all the creative endeavors I’ve been doing,” Chin says. “It’s all about finding a voice and helping others find their voice as well.” For him, Chin says, the restaurant itself was instrumental for finding his voice. “People would come down and spend time with our family, and it was just amazing to feel like all of Detroit was there,” he says. “Whether they were white-collar people, doctors, lawyers, the government workers from downtown, the media workers, the professors and students The memoir was from Wayne State to the recognized as a pimps and the prostitutes Michigan Notable literally working the Book by the Library of Michigan. street corner — I got to  see all of Detroit.” He didn’t just get to see it. Chin’s parents encouraged their children to speak to customers — often, and at length. “I learned so many different lessons about not being afraid of talking to people that are different from you, not being afraid of asking questions, and, most importantly, not being afraid to ask for help when you need it. “Even though I don’t work in a Chinese restaurant anymore, I still feel like I’m a Chinese waiter,” Chin says. “I go through life asking people, ‘Can I get you something? How can I help?’” Last November, the author returned to metro Detroit for readings at Oakland University and the Detroit Historical Museum. He will be returning this month for readings at “a bunch of libraries,” including the Detroit Public Library and the Troy Public Library. For more information, go to curtisfromdetroit.com.

But even though he graduated from Troy High School, Chin is adamant about the fact that Detroit was his first, and truest, home. Even after they moved, Chin and his siblings spent the vast majority of their time in the city, helping out at the restaurant. As a whole, the book is full of both pathos and humor, sweetness and salt. There is a playfulness to the prose that is wonderfully enticing, and Chin isn’t above a pun or two. “When you grow up in a bilingual household, you understand the importance of words and word choice,” Chin Curtis Chin spent his says over a Zoom interview from childhood years at his Los Angeles. family’s eatery in New Chinatown in Detroit’s In addition to his work as a Cass Corridor. writer — both in print and for  television — Chin has worked F E B RUA RY 2 0 24

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Food&Drink

VALENTINE’S DAY

Quix Fix

Step up your chocolate gift game with Belgian chocolates made from the owner’s family recipes BY JAC K TH O MAS PHOT O BY RE BECCA SI MONOV

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING UNIQUE, exquisite, and delicious to impress your significant other this Feb. 14? We recommend a visit to Quix Chocolate, a boutique Belgian chocolatier in downtown Ferndale. Stop in, and you’ll see a dizzying display of confections in many shapes and colors. Behind the counter, the team is busy painting, molding, and filling candies made from Belgian chocolate, distinct for its creamy texture and semisweet taste. Lots of thought goes into the look — from the chocolate itself to its packaging.

The chocolatier even offers custom chocolates with customer-submitted images, such as company logos or photographs of loved ones. “Ultimately, we’re a gift store,” says owner David Ogloza, who opened the store two summers ago on July 21 (Belgian National Day). The original company, called Chocoladehuis Quix, was founded in Belgium by Ogloza’s aunt and uncle Mariette Quix and Marcel Jeandarme in 1949 and closed for a time in the 1980s. Ogloza keeps the family spirit alive with the Quix name and many of the original recipes.

 Clockwise from left: The Quix, with praline, hazelnut, and crème; Heavenly Mango, with dark chocolate and creamy mango ganache; Après-Ski, with coffee ganache and rum; Hummer, with Kahlúa, rum, and vanilla; Grasshopper, with crème de menthe and vanilla; Cappuccino Cup, with a chocolatecovered espresso bean and coffee ganache; Orange, with praline and orange; Maple Leaf, with maple syrup caramel and sea salt; Framboise, with raspberry ganache and dark chocolate; Green Hills, with marzipan, pistachio, and dark chocolate; The Immaculate Confection, with vanilla ganache.

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Food&Drink

PROFILE

NEW CAT IN TOWN

Chef Javier Bardauil’s Puma offers Argentine comfort foods, drinks, and late-night entertainment in Detroit’s Core City neighborhood. BY CAR LO S PARISI

IN JUNE 2021, Argentinian chef Javier Bardauil opened his first restaurant, Barda, in Detroit’s Core City neighborhood with his childhood friend Ignacio Gerson. The following year, it was a James Beard Award finalist for best new restaurant in America. This same passion and energy are already breathing life into his newest project, Puma, located across the street, which at press time was slated to open early this year. Offering a more relaxed experience, this eatery features Argentine comfort foods, paired with (of course) delicious cocktails. The sleek black interior reflects the shadowy figure of the puma, the largest big cat native to the Americas and an animal that resonates with Bardauil’s childhood in Argentina. In the evening, after traditional restaurant hours, Bardauil converts Puma into a much-needed late-night dining destination he calls Cougar, with drinks and live DJ performances. When news broke of Puma last fall, Hour Detroit’s DevHour video series host, Carlos Parisi, sat down with Bardauil to share stories and discuss the opening of this exciting new space. Here are some highlights of that interview. PORTRAIT NATE STURLEY

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 Chef Javier Bardauil opened his first restaurant in Detroit in 2021. His new concept aims for a more casual (and musical) experience.

How old were you when you started cooking? It was an inner call I got when I was 10 years old. Every year, in the middle of summer, my family would repaint our pool, which was not very fun for me. I remember comforting my family while they worked by going to the kitchen and squeezing lemons to make lemonade or cooking for them. Then I started feeding my friends and discovering all these things around food — the happiness you can give or the people that you can bring together. How did you find your way to Detroit? I have a friend, Ignacio; he is my business partner in Barda — we lived in Miami for a while, in 2005, and we started thinking about owning a restaurant [there]. We were always having dinners together, having a good time. We didn’t open anything because we didn’t find the right place. A long time after that, Ignacio called me and said, “Javier, you should come to Detroit and see what’s going on here because the culinary scene is so vibrant, and everything is happening right now. The city is growing so fast.” Did you find it difficult to make your mark here? I think the way I got myself out there was bringing my culture and of course cooking with fire, because nobody was doing that all the way. … I knew from the very beginning [it] was a hit. Obviously, we need to know about the food at Puma. The food will be very friendly to eat with your hands and will be straightforward … bringing some Argentinian staples. It is choripán. I have my own recipe with the sausage that I brought from Argentina. Chimichurri will be fresh and tangy, and we’re going to represent this in a couple of modern ways. I wanted to Americanize this a little bit. The choripán is in my heart; it’s how we grew up in Argentina — you can have choripán every Sunday and in every corner of the city. Because I’m bringing South American culture, I’m trying to bring something from Bolivia — empanada Boliviana — ceviches from Peru, some ceviches from Mexico, too. The wine program will be oriented around South American wines, beers from Detroit and Michigan, and the cocktail program will be very South American with all the liquors that we have in Peru, Bolivia, and even Argentina with fernet. So, cheers to that. As for Cougar, when you say “late night,” how late are we talking? That will depend on the traffic. If I have enough people to celebrate my idea, good. If not, I’m very flexible. … I’m expecting to leave it open until 2 a.m., because people are saying there isn’t much variety past 10 p.m. So, it will be up to the people. This article has been edited for print. To read the full interview and watch the DevHour episode, visit hourdetroit.com. F E B RUA RY 2 0 24

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Restaurant Guide Wayne

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.

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 $$ ALPINE •This Alps-inspired Corktown eatery quickly became beloved after opening in 2022. The cozy interior evokes cabins and farmhouses from the European countryside. Order beers and wines from all over Europe, plus cocktails like the kaffeepause, their riff on an espresso martini made with brandy, house coffee liqueur, and demerara. Choice bites include the fondue, wiener schnitzel, or the chestnut gnocchetti, made with chestnut dumplings, wild boar sausage, apple, kale, morber, and fried sage. There are tasty vegetarian and vegan options, as well. 1426 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-524-0888. D daily, BR Sun. Antonio’s Cucina Italiana $$ ITALIAN • The Rugieros have impressed restaurant guests for decades with authentic cuisine. Signature dishes include Gnocchi Rita and Chicken Antonio. There’s a full bar and a very extensive wine list. 2220 N. Canton Center Road, Canton; 734-981-9800. 26356 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights; 313-278-6000. 37646 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-994-4000. L,D daily. (Farmington Hills location temporarily closed Mondays) 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.

FEATURED

Andiamo

ITALIAN Over the past three decades, Joe Vicari has established several Andiamo restaurants in metro Detroit, all inspired by the late master chef Aldo Ottaviani’s philosophy of seasonal, fromscratch cooking. The menus differ slightly at the different locations, but the constant is the fresh, housemade pastas — handcrafted by the trinity of “pasta ladies,” Anna, Tanya, and Angelina, who have carried on the tradition. The downtown Detroit location offers a breathtaking view of the Detroit River, while the Livonia location offers a comfortable and casual vibe. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit; 313567-6700. D Mon.Fri., L,D Sat.-Sun. 38703 Seven Mile Road, Livonia; 734953-3200. 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 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.

E N T R É E P R I C ES

$ Affordable (less than $12)

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.

$$ Moderate ($13 to $20)

$$$ Expensive ($21 to $30)

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

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.

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

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R E STAU R A N T L I STI N G S 0 2. 2 4 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 $$ GASTROPUB • At this Jefferson Chalmers eatery, guests can rent firepits and roast house-made marshmallows to make s’mores, or sip mugs of hot buttered rum. By day, grab a picnic table and dip hunks of grilled flatbread into creamy fish dip made with smoked whitefish and lake trout and seasoned with herbs from the farm. 2415 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2261. D Wed.-Sat. BR Sat. B,L Sun. Cuisine $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • Cuisine offers a romantic, white-linen experience with the level of food, service, and ambience one might describe as timeless rather than trendy. Examples of the expertly prepared fare include the Alaskan halibut, as well as the sea scallops, featuring creamed leek risotto. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit; 313-872-5110. D Wed.-Sat. (Note: Not wheelchair accessible).

Dakota Inn Rathskeller $ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • The sausages are the kind that snap when you cut them. The combo plate features one bratwurst and one knackwurst, served with hot German potato salad and sauerkraut. And yes, sing along with the schnitzelbank song. 17324 John R St., Detroit; 313-867-9722. D Thu.-Sat.

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.

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.

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.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

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.

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.

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.

Flowers of Vietnam $$ VIETNAMESE • Chef and owner George Azar transformed a former Coney Island into an industrial-cool destination, but the neighborhood joint vibe remains. The menu is shaped around Azar’s appreciation of Vietnamese food, with a very personal twist. 4440 Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-554-2085. D Thu.-Sun.

FEATURED

Cork & Gabel

EUROPEANINSPIRED 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 panseared 7-ounce chicken breast, sautéed wild mushroom blend, wild rice, and seasonal grilled vegetables, cooked in a Lombardo Ambra Sweet Marsala wine sauce. Simply delicious! 2415 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-6382261. D Wed.-Sat., BR Sat., B,L 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 $$ BURGERS • Henry Ford’s legacy is celebrated on Dearborn’s main thoroughfare. There are at least 12 variations on the classic American burger here. Try the Ford’s Signature, featuring a half-pound of grilled black angus beef, aged sharp cheddar, applewoodsmoked bacon, and bourbon barbecue sauce. Other appealing dishes include shrimp mac and cheese and chicken wings. 21367 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313752-3673. L,D daily. Giovanni’s Ristorante $$$ 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.

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R E STAU R A N T L I STI N G S 0 2. 2 4 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.

Grandma Bob’s $ PIZZA • If you’re wondering what that psychedelic building on Corktown’s Michigan Avenue is, it’s a pizzeria known as Grandma Bob’s. Chef Dan De Wall, previously of Wright and Co., offers a small, delicious menu of pies, including sausage and pistachio with ricotta cheese and thyme. Or try the Big Mack — the vegan pizza version of the popular burger. 2135 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-315-3177. L,D Thu.-Mon.

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.

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.

FEATURED

M Cantina

MEXICAN Nuevo Latino street food is the premise at this surprising spot where everything from the tortilla chips to the salsas is made in-house in the open kitchen. Juices are freshly squeezed, and the menu of tortas, tacos, tapas, and salads from the kitchen of Heidi and Junior Merino, from Hawaii and Mexico, is distinctive. 13214 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-3999117. L,D 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 

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.

2012

Joe Muer Seafood $$$$ SEAFOOD • This reborn Detroit legend is stellar for a romantic evening or a quiet business lunch or dinner. Located on the main floor of the GMRenCen, it has sweeping views of the Detroit River and a menu that walks the line between old-time favorites and hipper Asian-influenced seafood, sushi, and raw bar. (There’s also a Bloomfield Hills location.) There are reminders of the past as well: smoked fish spread, creamed spinach, and stewed tomatoes. A true Detroit classic. 400 Renaissance Center, Ste. 1404, Detroit; 313-567-6837. 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-792-9609. L,D daily. Johnny Noodle King $ JAPANESE-INSPIRED • This noodle shop offers bowls topped with pork belly, confit chicken, and tofu, as well as seaweed salad and gyoza. There are also several fusion bowls like the Southwest, topped with shredded chicken and housemade crema. 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-3097946. L,D daily. Jolly Pumpkin $$ 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.

London Chop House $$ STEAKHOUSE • The kitchen turns out classics like oysters Rockefeller, French onion soup, and sauteed loup de mer with scallops. This is the place to come when you need to satisfy a craving for steak in elegant surroundings with hospitable service. 155 W. Congress St., Detroit; 313962-0277. D Mon.-Sat. Leila $$$ 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; 313816-8100. 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.

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.

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R E STAU R A N T L I STI N G S 0 2. 2 4 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Maty’s African Cuisine $$ WEST AFRICAN • A small storefront in the Detroit Old Redford neighborhood is decidedly Senegalese. Fataya, deep-fried pastries with savory fillings, are reminiscent of an empanada. The star of the show is the whole chicken with yassa. 21611 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313472-5885. L,D Tue.-Sun. Mercury Burger & Bar $ BURGERS • This Corktown joint seats 70 around the zinc-covered bar set with Mercury (Liberty) dimes. The burger is available in a variety of iterations, such as Southwest Detroit with a chorizo slider, jalapeno, Müenster cheese, tortilla strips, and avocado. 2163 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-964-5000. L,D daily. Metropolitan Bar and Kitchen $$ LATIN • The business brings a bodega-style market along with a neighborhood restaurant and bar to West Village. The menu highlights local and seasonal ingredients in dishes like 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.

FEATURED

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; 734-2816700. L,D daily.

Nico & Vali $$ ITALIAN • This eatery offers favorites with unexpected twists. The artichokes and chilies appetizer boasts battered and fried artichokes with Fresno and 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 

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 

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; 586-7723200. 558 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-964-6800. L,D TueSun (Detroit); L Sun., D Tue.-Sun. (St. Clair Shores). The Peterboro $$ ASIAN-FUSION • A contemporary take on 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.

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.

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.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2019

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

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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.

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R E STAU R A N T L I STI N G S 0 2. 2 4 RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  Prism $$$ NEW AMERICAN • Greektown Casino-Hotel’s renamed eatery is located off the main casino. The menu features local ingredients, steaks, and fresh seafood. 555 E. Lafayette St., Detroit; 313-309-2499. D Wed.-Sun. Rattlesnake Club $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • This restaurant on the river remains one of the most appealing spots in town. The casually elegant space offers a range of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Dishes that typify its style include seared diver sea scallops, an 8-ounce filet, and a 16-ounce porterhouse. 300 River Place, Detroit; 313-567-4400. D Tue.-Sat. Red Dunn Kitchen $$ 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 $$ BARBEQUE • At Red Smoke, hickory and applewoodsmoked ribs, pulled pork, apple-smoked, all-natural chicken, and an array of classic sides are served out of one of the most attractive two-story buildings that are still standing on Monroe Street. 573 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-962-2100. L,D daily. Rocky’s of Northville $$ NEW AMERICAN • Menu includes shrimp cocktail, smoked whitefish pate, and broiled Great Lakes whitefish. Also try chipotle honey-glazed salmon. 41122 W. Seven Mile Road, Northville; 248-349-4434. L Tue.-Fri. D Tue.-Sun. Roman Village $ ITALIAN • The Rugiero family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1964. They’ve launched three additional Antonio’s Cucina Italiana locations. Roman Village is the original and features their signature gnocchi Rita. 9924 Dix Ave., Dearborn; 313-842-2100. L,D daily. 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.

2016

Selden Standard $$$ NEW AMERICAN • What sets Selden Standard apart is that it is moving Detroit into a new era in which upperend dining with starched linen and tuxedoed waiters doesn’t hold much interest anymore. Chef Andy Hollyday, a multiple James Beard semifinalist, does farm-totable scratch cooking with ideas borrowed from around the world. A key to his cooking is the wood-fired grill. This spot has garnered national attention. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-438-5055. D daily. Seva Detroit $$ VEGETARIAN • Seva offers such dishes as black bean and sweet potato quesadillas, gluten-free options, and colorful stir-fries — some vegan as well as vegetarian. There’s also a full bar and a juice bar. 2541 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-662-1111. 66 E. Forest Ave., Detroit; 313974-6661. 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 longlasting 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; 313241-5719. D Wed.-Sun. Not wheelchair accessible. The Statler $$$$ FRENCH • A taste of Paris in downtown Detroit. This French-American bistro from the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group takes its name from the former historic Statler Hotel, which is now home to not only the bistro, but also City Club Apartments. Classic French fare (with some modern twists) such as 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. BANDIT TAVERN & HIDEAWAY 419 S. MAIN ST., ROYAL OAK 248-544-6250 BANDITTAVERN.COM

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R E STAU R A N T L I STI N G S 0 2. 2 4 RECIPE

BANDIT ’S

BISON CHILI

PH O T O BY R EBECCA S IMO N OV

Ingredients 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 pounds ground bison 1/4 cup masa harina 1/4 cup diced celery 1/4 cup diced Spanish onion 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 4.5-ounce can diced green chiles 1 5.5-ounce can V8 juice 1 cup hot water 1 tablespoon beef broth concentrate 3 tablespoons Cholula hot sauce 2 tablespoons sliced pickled jalapeños 1 anchovy fillet 1 chipotle in adobo 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 3 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground chipotle powder 1 tablespoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon Ancho chile seasoning 1 tablespoon Lawry’s seasoned salt 1 teaspoon dry oregano 2 14-ounce cans whole stewed tomatoes, crushed by hand 1 14-ounce can dark red kidney beans, undrained 1 14-ounce can black beans, undrained 1 14-ounce chili beans, undrained 1 cup whole kernel corn Sour cream, white cheddar, and scallions, for serving Directions 1. Add 2 tablespoons oil to a heavy-bottom stockpot. Brown off the ground bison. Once browned, add masa and stir over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. 2. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté onions and celery until softened and slightly translucent. Add minced garlic and green chiles. 3. Dissolve the beef broth concentrate in hot water and add all the dry spices and seasoning. Whisk well and set aside. 4. Add the tomato juice and all tomato products to the stockpot of onions and celery over medium heat. Next add the hot water, beef broth, and spice mix. 5. In a blender, add the Cholula, anchovy, chipotle, and jalapeños. Blend until smooth and add to the pot. 6. Add the browned buffalo and masa mixture and stir well. Add in all the beans and corn. 7. Simmer on medium-low heat, stirring frequently, and cook for 45 minutes. 8. Serve garnished with sour cream, white cheddar, and scallions and enjoy!

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R E STAU R A N T L I STI N G S 0 2. 2 4 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

FEATURED

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; 248-6424000. D daily.

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; 313-9627711. 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.

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Voted The Best

The Rugiero Family celebrates

60 years in business

To commemorate this milestone, the Rugiero family is going to be celebrating with the community with special promotions and gifts. We will have 60 days of celebration from April 2nd through May 31st and then again for another 60 days from August 1st through September 29th.

Best of Detroit winner/finalists in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023

DEARBORN

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R E STAU R A N T L I STI N G S 0 2. 2 4 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

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.

2009

Forest $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • The menu is brief but designed to let the kitchen assemble sharp flavors from various farm and market ingredients. Try the delightful pastas, like the Bolognese and the agnolotti, as well as the understated Farm Egg. 735 Forest Ave., Birmingham; 248-258-9400. D Tue.-Sat. The Fly Trap ECLECTIC AMERICAN • This “finer diner” typifies trendy Ferndale with its tin ceiling, red-topped tables, and counter with swivel stools. It offers sandwiches, salads, pastas, and omelets. 22950 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-399-5150. B,L Tue.-Sat. Garage Grill & Fuel Bar $$ NEW AMERICAN • The car-themed rooms of a former 1940s gas station are as fresh and appealing as the dishes themselves. The kitchen serves up a variety of seafood starters and “full-size sedan” entrees, as well as pizzas. 202 W. Main St., Northville; 248-9243367. D Wed.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun. Gran Castor $$ LATIN STREET • From the duo behind hit spots like Vinsetta Garage and Union Woodshop comes this vibrant Latin-American café and restaurant.Diners can choose to sit behind one of the two bars, a cozy café, or in the 245-seat dining room all decked in colorful textiles. At Gran Castor, the dining room is equally as decadent as the food and drinks served. Grab a $5 margarita between 4 p.m.-6 p.m. daily. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy; 248-278-7777. D Wed.-Mon. Hazel’s $$ SEAFOOD • What was once multiple concepts under one roof named after the three neighborhoods that converged right where the restaurant stands (Hazel, Ravine and Downtown) is now simply Hazel’s. The casual and comfortable restaurant specializes in authentic dishes, drinks, and vibes from some of the country’s top seafood destinations. Here you’ll find dishes like Maine-caught lobster, Maryland Blue Crab, and more. 1 Peabody St., Birmingham; 248-671-1714. D Tue.-Sun., B,L Sat.-Sun.

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2002

Hong Hua $ CHINESE • One of the best area restaurants dedicated to Asian food offers some rare delicacies as well as more customary items. One signature dish is King of the Sea: lobster chunks, scallops, and grouper with greens in a garlic sauce. 27925 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills; 248-489-2280. L,D Tue.-Sun.

FEATURED

Loccino Italian Grill

ITALIAN Loccino is a “family-friendly” yet upscale Italian restaurant. Choose from fresh seafood, steak, and chicken dishes, plus traditional pastas, pizzas, salads, and more. They also offer happy hour specials from 3 to 7 p.m. on weekdays. A great specialoccasion place or delicious workday lunch spot for whenever you need a break from the office. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy; 248-8130700. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • This plush modern steakhouse offers dry-aged prime and Kobe-style wagyu beef in a fun, clubby setting. An extensive wine list accompanies the restaurant menu that also features platters of chilled fresh seafood. 201 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-594-4369. D daily. 17107 Haggerty Road, Northville Twp.; 248-679-0007. D Tue.-Sun. Imperial $ MEXICAN-INSPIRED • The menu offers Californiastyle tacos on soft tortillas, including lime-grilled chicken, carnitas, and marinated pork, as well as slowroasted pork tortas, and guacamole. 22828 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248-850-8060. L,D daily. It’s A Matter of Taste $$$ 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.

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Voted The Best

Eat

s ’ a at D

MULTI-YEAR WINNER

2018 Best Italian Restaurant 2019 Best Italian Restaurant 2020 Best Italian Restaurant 2021 Best Italian Restaurant 2022 Best Italian Restaurant and

Best Restaurant in Macomb County

2023 Best Restaurant in Macomb County

Da Francesco’s

Ristorante & Bar NEWLY RENOVATED BANQUET ROOM 49521 Van Dyke Avenue Shelby Township, MI 48317 BOOK YOUR EVENT 586-731-7544 | DaFrancescos.com NOW!

NO BAD HAIR DAYS. EVER.

S A LO N & S PA 191 TOWNSEND | BIRMINGHAM | 248.258.5990

antoninosalon.com | @ antoninosalon

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RECIPE

SYMPOSIA’S

AMISH BIRD

P H O T O BY RE BE CCA SIM ONOV

Ingredients

1 pound each half-chicken, semiboneless 2 ounces harissa paste 2 ounces crème fraîche 5 pieces julienned preserved lemon 6 pieces parsley

Directions

1. Marinate half-chicken pieces in harissa paste overnight. 2. Vacuum seal the chicken and cook sous vide for two hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 3. Transfer chicken skinside-up to a sheet tray and brown in a 400-degree oven for 15 minutes. 4. Plate with crème fraîche, the julienned preserved lemon, and a bit more harissa. Garnish with parsley.

SYMPOSIA 1000 BRUSH ST., DETROIT 313-962-9366 SYMPOSIADETROIT.COM

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Marketplace

Approachable upscale dining that sets trends, rather than following them. Reserve now on the Resy App. THE DETROIT CLUB | 712 Cass Ave. Detroit, MI 48226

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R E STAU R A N T L I STI N G S 0 2. 2 4 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. .

Mare Mediterranean $$$$ SEAFOOD • Inspired by restaurants in Sicily where the catch of the day is the basis of dinner, this sophisticated restaurant from Nino Cutraro and his partner offers the freshest seafood flown in from the Mediterranean several times a week. You select the type of fish you want from the market in front of the open kitchen and how you want it prepared (acqua pazza, salt baked, grilled, or pan fried). 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.

Lellis Inn $$ ITALIAN • Dinners begin with an antipasto tray, creamy minestrone, salad, side dish of spaghetti, and then — nine times out of 10 — a filet mignon with zip sauce. 885 N. Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills; 248-3734440. L,D daily. Lockhart’s BBQ $$ BARBEQUE • The heart of this joint’s authentic barbecue is the dry-rubbed meat smoker, which can smoke up to 800 pounds of meat at a time. Choices such as pork ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, burnt ends, and chicken are served atop butcher paper on metal trays for the true experience. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak; 248-584-4227. L,D daily. BR Sun. Loui’s Pizza $ ITALIAN • Sure, you can now get a Michigan craft beer, but not much else has changed. And that’s a good thing. Parties dine on square pizzas with crisp crust, faintly charred around the edges. Hailed by food critics and Detroiters alike as one of the city’s most classic Detroit style pizzas, it’s well worth a trip. 23141 Dequindre Road, Hazel Park; 248-547-1711. L,D Thu.-Sun. Luxe Bar & Grill $$ NEW AMERICAN • The simple menu at this Grosse Pointe Farms joint offers burgers on brioche buns and interesting salads and sides, as well as entrees typified by wild-caught salmon, prime filet, and Greekstyle lamb chops. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-792-6051. 115 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-924-5459. L,D daily. Mabel Gray $$$ 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.

FEATURED

Union Woodshop

BARBEQUE Part of the evergrowing Union Joints restaurant group, this is a selfdescribed woodfired joint, where pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and beef brisket come from the smoker, and Neapolitan-style crisp-crusted pizzas from the woodburning oven. And definitely check out the mac and cheese. There’s also a delicious kids menu for any youngsters in your party. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-6255660. D Mon.-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 Birmingham in 2019. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248216-1112. D daily. 260 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-940-3260. L,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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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R E STAU R A N T L I STI N G S 0 2. 2 4 Redcoat Tavern $ BURGERS • The half-pound choice beef hamburger is always atop the list of local favorites. But a low-fat, high-flavor Piedmontese beef one is tastier than the original. This is the place for your burger craving. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-549-0300. 6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248-865-0500. L,D Mon.-Sat. Rochester Chop House $$ NEW AMERICAN • Two restaurants in one; Kabin Kruser’s and the Chop House. There’s a throwback roadhouse-style feeling about the Chop House, which has a menu divided between red meat and fresh fish and seafood. Signature dishes include calamari, Maryland jumbo lump crabcakes, and a large selection of aged steaks, rack of lamb, and steak/seafood combinations. 306 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-651-2266. L Mon.-Fri., D daily Ronin $$ 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 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.

FEATURED

Blake’s Tasting Room

NEW AMERICAN Enjoy a variety of house-made hard ciders to sip on from one of the U.S.’s topproducing hard cider brands. The menu offers barfood 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 familyfriendly seasonal activities at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill. 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; 586-7845343. L,D daily.

Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro $$ WINE BAR • Understated décor and a pared-down menu of seasonal dishes make this spot a Birmingham classic. The kitchen turns out dishes like Lamb Belly Ragu with housemade pasta; and whole branzino with charred zucchini and romesco. Wine is served by the glass, the pitcher, or bottle. 155 S. Bates St., Birmingham; 248-731-7066. D Mon.-Sat. Three Cats Restaurant $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • Formerly a small café serving customers of the boutique Leon & Lulu, Three Cats is now a full-fledged restaurant and bar. Located in the former Clawson movie theater next door to the shop, the spot serves small, simple plates, including vegetarian and vegan options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The beverage menu features local selections, such as vodka from Ferndale’s Valentine’s Distilling Co. and wines from grapes grown on the Leelanau Peninsula. Patrons can even take home the colorful, quirky chairs or tables, as most of the furniture at Three Cats Restaurant is available for purchase. 116 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson; 248-288-4858. L,D Tue.-Fri., B,L,D Sat.-Sun. TigerLily $$ 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 $$$ BRASSERIE • The menu revolves around the charcuterie sold in the market next door and a list of hot grill items. In 2019, the restaurant earned a Wine Spectator magazine award for its outstanding wine program. Plus, just across the lot is Twelve Oaks Mall, should you fancy an evening of shopping and dinner. 27790 Novi Road, Novi; 248-277-6000. B Mon.-Fri., L,D Tue.-Sat. BR Sat.Sun. Townhouse $$$ 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. Vinsetta Garage $$ NEW AMERICAN • This restaurant, which is housed in a vintage car-repair shop, offers well-prepared comfort food classics such as burgers, macaroni and cheese, pizzas, and brown sugar-glazed salmon. A restaurant that pays true homage to the city of Detroit. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley; 248-548-7711. L,D daily

Voyager $$ SEAFOOD • Fresh seafood with emphasis on oysters is the premise in this hard-to-find location. The space entails convivially close quarters for such dishes as peel-n’-eat shrimp, yellowfin tuna tartare, and halibut fish and chips. The premium bar offers short but notable lists of beer and wine as well as craft cocktails. 600 Vester St., Ferndale; 248-658-4999. D Tue.-Sat. Waves $$ 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. Butter Run Saloon $ GASTROPUB • Solid American fare that’s beyond bar food (although their burgers are certainly noteworthy). There’s escargot, perch, steaks, and a huge whiskey selection — over a thousand at last count. 27626 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-675-2115. L,D daily. Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar $$ ITALIAN • Da Francesco’s has been around for more than 15 years, but its massive new facility is packing in the crowds by offering traditional Italian dining with an upbeat modern twist. 49521 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-7544. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat., L,D Sun. Detroit Fish House $$ SEAFOOD • This restaurant feels like a true coastal eatery, thanks to an extensive menu of fresh fish and seafood that ranges from salmon to Lake Superior whitefish — all served in a well-designed setting. 51195 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Charter Township; 586-739-5400. L Mon.-Fri., D daily. Gaudino’s $$ ITALIAN • The trending market-restaurant combo has a good example at this spot. It offers imported pastas and sauces, plus a butcher counter with sausages and a wine assortment. The menu offers pasta and pizza, salads, and entrees, including Bistecca di Gancio, a sliced hanger steak with crispy Brussels sprouts and house bistro sauce. 27919 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-879-6764. L,D Tue.-Sat

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R E STAU R A N T L I STI N G S 0 2. 2 4 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sherwood Brewing Co. $ GASTROPUB • Quality local ingredients raise Sherwood’s fare to well above “elevated pub grub.” Some notable choices include the hand-stretched pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and spicy Buffalo Mac. 45689 Hayes Road, Shelby Township; 586-532-9669. L,D Tue.-Sat. Steakhouse 22 $$ STEAKHOUSE • The late Nick Andreopoulos once spent time as a “broiler man” at London Chop House. His family stays true to those roots at this American steakhouse with a casual, neighborhood feel. They offer an array of well-prepared angus steaks, plus seafood and pasta dishes. With the sizable lunch and portions offered at Steakhouse 22, good luck saving room for dessert! 48900 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-3900. L,D Tue.-Sun. Testa Barra $$ ITALIAN • 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.

The Common Grill $$ SEAFOOD • Founded by Chef Craig Common, whose skilled work drew the attention of the now shuttered Gourmet magazine and the James Beard House, this mainstay was acquired in 2022 by Peas & Carrots Hospitality. Chefs Zack Sklar and Josh Humphrey kept most of the beloved restaurant’s menu, such as the expertly prepared oysters and seafood dishes, as well as the coconut cream pie. 112 S. Main St., Chelsea; 734-475-0470. L,D Tue.-Sun., BR Sat-Sun. Dixboro House $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • Much like the restaurant’s ambience, the cuisine at Dixboro House is both refined and relaxed. Chef Joe VanWagner’s elegant but approachable menu hosts rotating seasonal fromscratch dishes that highlight local ingredients—pizzas, salads, seafood, and steaks served in a rustic barn that once housed The Lord Fox, an iconic restaurant in Ann Arbor’s historic Dixboro neighborhood. 5400 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-6693310. L,D daily. BR Sat.-Sun. KouZina Greek Steet Food $ GREEK • The Greek “street food” at this Ann Arbor spot comes in lamb and beef, and chicken. Try the lentil soup for a delicious lunch or go for something more filling like the gyro bowl. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this excellent spot. 332 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-997-5155. L,D Mon.-Sun. Mani Osteria & Bar $$ ITALIAN • This popular casual restaurant infuses freshness with lower prices than most osterias in the area. It’s a well-rounded blend of modern, eclectic Italian with classic standbys. The pizzas are hot, fresh and perfectly executed to suit your tastes. 341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-769-6700. L,D Tue.-Sun.

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.

FEATURED

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; 734998-4746. D Tue.Sun. 545 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-547-6699. D Thu.-Sun.

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.

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.

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BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY

A play by

DETROIT NATIVE

Pearl Cleage

JAN 24 TO MARCH 3, 2024 Tickets at

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A special Thank You to our amazing Winter Gala 2023 Sponsors who helped us support

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Bus iness Sp otlights

MHP Celebrates New Partnership With Profound Research Bringing New Treatment Options to the Detroit Community

Jeffrey Margolis, M.D. President | Michigan Healthcare Professionals

CLINICAL

RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP

Jonathan Feldstein, M.D. President | Profound Research

rofound Research, (Profound), a leading clinical site network, and Michigan Healthcare Professionals (MHP), a large multi-specialty medical group, announced a clinical research partnership and the formation of a Clinical Research Center of Excellence in the Detroit metropolitan area. The Center of Excellence will initially span five locations throughout the Detroit area. It will be at the forefront of research in many therapeutic specialties, including oncology, cardiology, neurology, and primary care. The partnership will give Profound access to MHP’s extensive network of physicians, and MHP will gain access to Profound’s expertise in patient recruitment, trial execution, and data management. “We are thrilled to partner with Profound Research to form this Clinical Research Center of Excellence,” said Jeffrey Margolis, MD, President of Michigan Healthcare Professionals. “This partnership will allow us to bring novel therapies to the Detroit community and help us advance the development of new treatments and cures. We are committed to working with Profound to provide our patients with the opportunity to participate in clinical trials that could lead to better treatments for their diseases.”

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“The Profound-MHP Clinical Research Center of Excellence is a significant partnership that will unlock new care options to a diverse patient population, something very important to the Profound mission,” said Jonathan Feldstein, MD, President of Profound Research. “MHP is a leading healthcare provider in the Detroit area, and we share a vision of bringing innovative medicines to support the improvement of patients’ lives in the community.” This Center of Excellence launched its first sites in Detroit this year and expects to reach ten by the end of 2024. Profound Research and MHP have partnered on several studies and look forward to launching several more in the coming months. About Profound Research Profound Research is an integrated clinical research network with trial sites embedded into independent physician practices. Profound’s mission is to expand access to clinical research for patients in the community and give community physicians more therapeutic options. Profound Research has locations across Southern California and in the Detroit metropolitan area and is expanding nationwide. The company has a

team of experienced and dedicated research professionals committed to providing the highest quality clinical research support to physicians and their patients. About Michigan Healthcare Professionals Michigan Healthcare Professionals (MHP) is an extensive multi-specialty medical practice with over 500 physicians and a patient panel of nearly 1 million patients. MHP provides various medical services, including primary care, specialty care, and surgery. MHP is committed to providing its patients with the highest quality care and improving access to care for patients in the community. For more information, please visit profoundresearch.io/mhp or scan the QR code.

Profound Research and Michigan Healthcare Professionals info@profoundresearch.io Explore Clinical Trials: profoundresearch.io/mhp

1/10/24 1/9/24 10:51 3:37 PM AM

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Event Calendar KIDSGALA 9TH ANNUAL EVENT Feb. 3, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. kidsgala.org KIDSgala will be hosting their 9th Annual Event at The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham on Saturday, Feb. 3. Join them for a night of fun, food, music, raffles, and a silent auction to help raise funds to celebrate the lives of children struggling from life-altering illnesses and disabilities. David C. McKnight, owner and founder of Emerald City Designs, created KIDSgala with the goal of hosting events that will individually celebrate each child’s life achievements.

VARIETY COCKTAILS & CUISINE Feb. 15, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. variety-detroit.com Variety Cocktails & Cuisine, an evening of fabulous fare, creative cocktails, dancing, and more returns to The Townsend Hotel on Thursday, Feb. 15. Join co-chairs Anthony Long, Justin Near, Dante Rosa, and Aubrey Tobin for this winter fan-favorite event and support Variety’s core programs, which help children with unique and special needs. Socialize and stroll through the evening with some of metro Detroit’s most talented chefs. Guests will enjoy a taste of the town in the comfort of The Townsend Hotel with creative Chef’s Choice selections paired with a recipe for a recommended craft cocktail. Food, beverages, raffle opportunities, valet service, and entertainment with The Jared Sykes Experience will be provided.

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 Morrison, Hockey, Thiele, and 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 has been awarded. Funds raised will support students in the 2024-2025 Workforce Prep program.

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6TH ANNUAL BUSINESS LAW SYMPOSIUM: “EXPERTS AND TRIAL PRACTICE”

SAVE A HEART SUPERHERO GALA

Feb. 8, 5:30 - 9 p.m. bizsymposium.com

The Congenital Heart Center at the University of Michigan Health’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital invites you to the 31st annual Save a Heart Gala on Saturday, Feb. 24. The event will take place at the North Campus Research Complex in Ann Arbor. Guests will enjoy an evening filled with live music courtesy of the renowned Spazmatics, delectable cuisine and drinks, and the opportunity to participate in silent and live auctions. All proceeds will directly benefit life-saving research, drive clinical innovation, and provide essential assistance for Little Victors and their families.

The 6th Annual Business Law Symposium will focus on the use of expert witnesses and trial practice, and will include a panel discussion and presentation by financial experts, judges, and practitioners on issues facing businesses involved in litigation. These discussions will cover topics including fraud investigation, valuation, the presentation of expert conclusions at trial, the art of opening and closing statements, and judicial perspectives. The symposium is sponsored by the Privately Held Businesses Forum, which is a committee of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Mark C. Rossman, of Rossman, PC, and E. Powell Miller, of The Miller Firm, are co-hosting the program. Tickets are $135 and will include food and beverages. For information and to register, visit bizsymposium.com.

A LITTLE MORE ALIVE Feb. 14 - March 10 mbtheatre.com In this heartfelt and original folk-pop musical, two estranged brothers reunite at their childhood home after their mother’s funeral. An unexpected revelation distorts every memory they have, and as they uncover secrets that had been hiding in plain sight their whole lives, Nate and Jeremy find that no one is exempt from the gray area between right and wrong.

IN THE SPIRITS OF INFERTILITY March 9, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. choseninfertility.com/event/in-the-spirits-ofinfertility-2024 Join Olympic figure skating gold medalist Tara Lipinski at Chosen Infertility Group’s third annual affair, In the Spirits of Infertility, on Saturday, March 9, 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 auction contributes to a collective heartbeat of support for the infertility community. Secure your tickets today for an evening filled with enjoyment, delectable experiences, and a meaningful purpose.

Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. victors.us/saveaheart2024

Jay Towers from Fox 2 Detroit and 100.3 WNIC will serve as the emcee for the evening, which will include the presentation of special awards, uplifting patient stories, and information about their innovative clinical research initiatives. To find out how you can make a difference for congenital heart patients and their families, visit victors.us/ saveaheart2024.

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, AFG began as a community effort to support girls and young women in southwest Detroit. Its mission was to help those experiencing homelessness and other risks avoid violence, early pregnancy, and exploitation; and 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 experiencing homelessness and other risks through shelter, prevention, outreach, and housing stability. The Role Model Celebration, first held in 1989, is AFG’s biggest fundraising event of the year. The 2024 Role Model Celebration takes place on Thursday, March 7, at The Henry Ford, in recognition of International Women’s Day. This is the premier event in the Detroit area, celebrating the achievements of extraordinary women in the community, and the accomplishments of the girls and young women AFG serves. The Role Model Celebration features both live and silent auctions, honored Role Models, and testimonials. For sponsorships, contact Amenia Army at aarmy@ alternativesforgirls.org.

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promotional content

Bus iness Sp otlights

Carmela Specialty Foods and Fine Wines, Inc. & Fairway Packing Co.

assion for food, family and delivering the highest quality culinary products are a few things that Carmela Foods and Fairway Packing not only have in common but is what makes them special and unique in a competitive industry. Since 1956, the Baratta family and Fairway Packing has provided Prime Wagyu and DryAged Beef as well as Premium Pork, Veal, Lamb, Poultry, Wild Game and Custom Ground Burgers. For almost 70 years, they have worked with Michigan’s top chefs and finest restaurants to provide the best proteins available on the market. Fairway Packing Company, with a reputation as one of the cleanest and best facilities in the Midwest, is USDA inspected and HACCP compliant and has earned an impressive 4.9 (out of 5) rating on Google Reviews. What helps set Fairway apart from other meat purveyors is the custom-cutting program. Skilled butchers and knowledgeable sales staff work closely with chefs to create products cut exactly to their specifications. Sourced, aged, cut and packed to perfection - that’s the Fairway difference. Enter Carmela Foods - Michigan’s most-trusted specialty food, estate wine, seafood, protein and regional distributor for over 30 years. In 1992 Anthony Tocco Jr. started selling extra virgin olive oil out of the back of his truck to

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the fruit markets in metro Detroit. After many months of hard work selling, delivering and conducting countless in-store demonstrations, Carmela Foods became known as a “new” specialty distributor in Michigan. Because his first brand, Colavita, was viewed as the premier in its category, it was only natural for Tony to bring in other brands that were regarded with the same high standards. Eventually, Carmela Foods evolved into a specialty food company with an emphasis on Italian cuisine. And over the past decade, Carmela Foods has acquired four companies that have broadened their product portfolio to include specialties from around the world. Having grown from a small one-vehicle business to a large family-owned and operated distribution network, Carmela now operates a fleet of refrigerated trucks that deliver a carefully curated portfolio of exceptional food and beverages to restaurant and retail partners throughout multiple states. In November 2013, the two culinary pioneers, Fairway Packing and Carmela Foods, teamed up by filling an igloo cooler with steaks and traveling from Grand Rapids to Harbor Springs in an effort to deliver Fairway’s steaks to Northern Michigan. Today, Carmela Foods and Fairway Packing are

innovating once again by creating North America’s most state-of-the-art food campus. This brand new, 35,000 square-foot processing facility is being constructed right next door to Carmela Foods in Fraser, MI. In early 2024, Fairway Packing’s manufacturing capability - combined with the distribution power of Carmela - will help bring the newest cutting-edge trends in fresh packaged proteins to retailers and restaurants across the country.

Carmela Specialty Foods and Fine Wines, Inc. 18350 15 Mile Road Fraser, MI 48026 586-294-3437 carmelafoods.com

Fairway Packing 1313 Erskine St. Detroit, MI 48207 313-832-2710 fairwaypacking.com

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P RO M O TI O N A L C O N TE N T

F eatured P hysicians

Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery, PC

The doctors at the prestigious Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery don’t begin an initial consultation by scheduling a date for surgery. They begin by listening to what the patient wants to accomplish, and then figuring out the best, most effective, and most affordable way to get there. Their patients not only love the results, but appreciate the process. “Not only did I know that I was in the very best medical hands, but I felt well cared for from beginning to end, and that makes all the difference,” says a patient from Livonia. Adds a patient from Shelby Township: “Everyone was friendly, polite, and professional. Every step was explained, all my questions were answered completely, and I was made very comfortable. The facility was just the right size, and it was very clean and well-organized. Dr. Black is very personable and extremely skilled.” The mission at Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery is simple: to deliver excellence in clinical care and customer service. Highly respected physicians Dr. Geoffrey J. Gladstone, Dr. Evan H. Black, Dr. Francesca Nesi-Eloff, Dr. Dianne M. Schlachter, Dr. Robert A. Beaulieu, and Dr. Shravani Mikkilineni practice throughout southeast Michigan and Flint, and hold affiliations with only the top accredited hospitals. As experts in the field of eye plastic surgery, the doctors

at Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery take skill and training to a whole new level. Their unwavering dedication is evident in their multitude of professional affiliations, certifications, leadership and faculty appointments, strong association with accredited facilities, professorships, and the numerous textbooks they’ve authored. Each physician has received awards and recognition for their deep commitment to continuously improving the field of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. They’re frequent lecturers both nationally and internationally. Additionally, they’ve authored numerous articles on surgical techniques, as well as textbooks and textbook chapters that set the standard for their field. Procedures and services offered by Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery include: Cosmetic Procedures: As time passes, our skin shows the natural, inevitable signs of aging — wrinkles and sagging. Cosmetic eyelid and forehead procedures will smooth lines and wrinkles, remove lower eyelid bags, tighten sagging skin, and lift drooping eyelids and brows so you can look as young and rejuvenated as you feel. These procedures include forehead lift/brow lift; blepharoplasty, or upper eyelid surgery; and lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Reconstructive Surgery: This is performed to improve the function or appearance of a face that’s abnormal because of congenital deformities (birth defects) or

developmental deformities (i.e. damaged from injury, infection, disease, surgery, etc.). Reconstructive surgery options include droopy upper eyelids (ptosis repair); thyroid eye disease (Grave’s ophthalmopathy); eyelid malposition, entropion and ectropion; eyelid reconstruction; eyelid lesions and skin cancer; orbital tumors and fractures; and blocked tear ducts. Nonsurgical Rejuvenation: When you smile, laugh, frown, or look puzzled, you contract the muscles of your face. Over time, these contractions produce permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin, especially around the eyes and mouth, between the eyebrows, and on the forehead. Options to fix these issues include skin tightening with fractional CO2 laser and Botox and fillers treatments. Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery has multiple locations around metro Detroit including Southfield, Livonia, Troy, Novi, and Southgate. They also have locations in Flint. ■

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

P RO M O TI O N A L C O N TE N T

F eatured P hysicians

Dr. Ellen Janetzke Dr. Ellen Janetzke, founder of Dr. Ellen Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Bloomfield Hills, has been shaping confidence and changing lives for over two decades and has committed herself to patient education, safety, and service. One of Dr. Ellen’s recent patients said: “The entire experience was overall incredibly positive for me. I was immediately pleased with the results after waking up and have never been happier.” Another one said: “From the moment I initiated contact with the receptionist through my last visit, I received the utmost care and respect. I was able to continue my old life with a new attitude and the experience has made a positive impact on my life! I am forever grateful!” Dr. Ellen’s ability to understand, anticipate and fulfill patient expectations, honestly and realistically, has gained her a reputation as both a gifted surgeon and a caring doctor. She studied as an undergrad at the University of Michigan and graduated with a medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1994. Dr. Ellen operates out of UnaSource Surgical Center, LaBelle Surgical Center, and Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital. Her practice offers a wide range of services for men and women, including tummy tucks, breast reduction, breast augmentation, breast lifts, gynecomastia, liposuction, arm lifts, thigh lifts, and back lifts for body contouring in addition to face, eyelid and neck lift procedures. Dr. Ellen is proud to offer Ellacor, an innovative, scar-less procedure for reducing excess skin and wrinkles and LipoAI which uses advanced AI technology for laser-assisted liposuction. Her MedSpa services include a variety of skin care solutions such as lasers, medical-grade skin care products, and injectables. ■

Dr. Ellen Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 60 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 100 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 (248) 220-6760 drellen.com

Midnight Hour

11.03.2023

Judson Center’s A Night to Embrace Gala PHOT OS BY K EVI N BEA N

THE JUDSON CENTER held its annual “A Night to Embrace” fundraising gala to help support the nonprofit’s mission of providing therapeutic, behavioral, and health programming to autistic children and their families, children who were abused or neglected, and children with developmental or emotional impairments, as well as foster care, adoption, and mentoring services. The event at The Henry in Dearborn was emceed by CBS News Detroit anchor Sandra Ali and featured an evening filled with delicious food and live entertainment along with the reveal of the organization’s awareness campaign for 2024.

1. George and Verita Winn 2. Irene and Eddie Salem 3. Dan and Merrilee Reynolds, Ashley Lowe, Robert Shaya 4. Jessica Willis, Tom Wiloa, Kevin and Julie Davis 5. Evan and Katie Fredline 6. Mark Christofis, Dr. Dorlores Baran 7. LaTonya McDonald, Patricia McCann, Antoinette Frost, Sheila Ausberry 8. Jim Wolfe, Laura Monley, Jill Jones, Tim Smith 9. Derek Pomaville, Courtney Crowley, Justin and Ashley Dudzinski 10. Nick and Alena Jones, Janelle and Daniel Morck 11. Giulia Mayerhoff, Eva Alsheik, Sandra Ali, Anu Patel, Emily Moutzouros, Susan Weisberg

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Midnight Hour

11.17.2023

Hob Nobble Gobble 2023

PH O T O GRA PH S BY A N D REA S T IN S O N

THE 2023 HOB NOBBLE Gobble, presented by Ford Motor Co., raised funds to support The Parade Co. and its annual production of America’s Thanksgiving Parade. The event, which was held at Ford Field, featured a carnival midway complete with games and rides, along with live entertainment including dancing elves, marching band performances, visits with Santa, and a special celebrity performance by hip-hop legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Rev Run.

1. Asha, Ravi, Tina, and Rajiv John 2. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist 3. Andrew, Nathan, Kathleen, and William Borschke 4. Tony Michaels, Mary Culler, Hassan Hammoud, Eric Davis 5. Baylee Jai, King Bethel 6. Rev Run and DJ Mel DeBarge 7. William, Joe, Nathan, Meagan, and Andrew, Borschke 8. Rachel Hazy, Jessica Murawski, Karen Drew 9. Santa and the Plotzke family 10. Harrison Fischer, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Lennon Fischer 11. Maurissa, Maurice, April, and Joshua Morton 12. Michaels family

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12.01.2023

Colors of Detroit, a Benefit for 101.9 WDET and Concert of Colors

PHOT OS BY K EVI N BEA N

THE “COLORS OF DETROIT” benefit event helped raise funds for WDET and the annual diversitythemed summer music festival Concert of Colors. The event, which was held at Detroit’s Motown Mansion, the former home of Berry Gordy, featured an evening of showstopping cuisine made by chefs from top area restaurants including Baobab Fare, Casa Amado, Coop Caribbean Fusion, and others — plus, a silent auction, an on-site broadcast of The Don Was Motor City Playlist with Ann Delisi of WDET, live performances by bomba group Rican/Struction, and DJ sets with WDET’s Ismael Ahmed and Nick Austin.

1. Beth Reeber Valone and Rick Valone 2. Nadia Nijimbere, Hamissi Mamba 3. Christos Moisides, Theo Moisides, Ellena Gatzaros, Deb Agolli, Hill Harper 4. Adam Acey, Tom Dunn, Peter Buccellato 5. Sanja Savic, Njia Kai 6. Sandy Kramer, Daniel Land, Audra Kubat 7. Mary Schlaff, Sandy Koltonow, Alice Thornton Lopez, Judy Casalou 8. Ann Delisi, Masha Marjieh 9. Biba Bell, Gretchen Davidson, Sandy Kramer, Shelby Murphy 10. Hill Harper, Colleen Dolan-Greene, Trey Greene 11. Cathy Schwartz, Jennifer Gilbert, Philip Yarema, John Yarema 12. Cindy and Ron Wilkins, Kathy Lorkowski 13. Mark Stanisz, Connor Walling, AJ Glass, James Rigato

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