Hour Detroit | January 2026

DETROITERS of the YEAR JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6

Revving Up

Get ready for a year full of CAN'T-MISS EVENTS, much-anticipated RESTAURANT OPENINGS, and exciting DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

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01.26

CONTENTS

I S S U E T H R E E H U N D R E D F O RT Y S I X

F E AT U R E S

22 Detroiters of the Year

 P. 2 2 Her business idea was sparked by walks with her dog. Now this Detroiter of the Year’s success story is immeasurable.

Every year we recognize the movers, makers, and thinkers who are making a difference in metro Detroit. This year’s honorees include a philanthropist couple, Detroit’s turnaround pro team, The Henry Ford’s CEO, the DIA’s youngest solo artist, and an entrepreneur who is changing lives with jewelry.

32 Reviving Classics

A Plymouth dealership has been restoring American muscle cars to their former glory for more than 20 years.

On the cover A teal blue 1965 Shelby Cobra Superformance.

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

COVER JUSTIN YONCE THIS PAGE CHUK NOWAK

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01.26

CONTENTS

I S S U E T H R E E H U N D R E D F O RT Y S I X

UP F R O N T 10

Development

15 projects coming to Detroit in 2026 and beyond.

12

Anniversary

A look back at Hour Detroit’s love affair with cars.

62

10

A G E N DA

68

Politics

60

P-Funk with an operatic twist takes the stage.

61

62

20

A local designer creates a home office that’s welcoming and organized.

21

FOOD &DR I N K

Retail

Eye on Design

68

62

Dining News

Six restaurant openings to look forward to this year.

69

Drinks

Temperance drinks to carry you into the New Year.

70

Profile

A look at southeast Michigan’s largest Asian market.

Home

Tips on cutting out closet clutter, just in time for those resolutions.

18

Events

15 can’t-miss shows from January to September.

2 4/SE V E N Birmingham’s newest luxury home store, plus our favorite new shops of 2025.

Essay

Musings from our resident culture conversationalist.

Local experts weigh in on the hottest issues of 2026.

18

Music

E V E RY ISSUE 6

Editor’s Letter

72

Restaurant Guide

93

Midnight Hour

96

The Way It Was Graystone Ballroom, 1922

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

THE BELLE BEDROCK DETROIT BAGEL MARK KURLYANDCHIK/BOOTH ONE CREATIVE MORGAN WALLEN SPIDEY SMITH RH DETROIT COURTESY OF RH DETROIT, THE GALLERY IN BIRMINGHAM

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E D I T O R ’S L E T T E R

For the first month of our 30th anniversary year, we are going oldschool and featuring a car on the cover.

This tradition began back in January 1999. Over the course of the next 20 years, 15 of the January issues had car covers, and of the five that didn’t, four were billed as the Auto Issue or contained a car feature. All of this tied into the Detroit Auto Show — at the time officially called the North American International Auto Show.

We took a break from the Auto Issue and a car photo in 2020, when, for the first time since 2011, the feature Detroiters of the Year — which recognizes movers, makers, and thinkers who have influenced and continue to influence life in metro Detroit — returned to the magazine.

While the Detroiters list has included up to 75 individuals — like in 2005, when we featured 75 women who were members of a Detroit-based support group called Michigan Military Moms — I prefer a more curated approach. This year, we have six honorees, all of whom have made a significant contribution to metro Detroit over the course of their careers and especially in 2025.

As far as automobile content, we have a page devoted to Hour’s car covers, details about this year’s Detroit Auto Show, and a photo feature with enough classic-car eye candy to satisfy you until August’s Dream Cruise.

In January’s editor’s letter, I always like to look at major anniversaries coming up for Detroit institutions. Here are just a few of the Motown staples that are celebrating this year: 120 years: College for Creative Studies (founded in 1906 as the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts) 100 years: Detroit Red Wings (originally the Detroit Cougars), Detroit Masonic Temple, Wurlitzer Building (now The Siren Hotel), and De La Salle Collegiate High School 50 years: Renaissance Center (first tower) 25 years: Cuisine restaurant in the New Center neighborhood 20 years: Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit 10 years: Grey Ghost restaurant in Detroit’s Brush Park 5 years: Freya in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood One way you can celebrate these and other local institutions, businesses, and individuals is by writing their names on our 2026 Best of Detroit readers’ ballot by 11:59 p.m. Jan. 9, and voting for the winners from our list of finalists from Feb. 9 to March 9. Visit hourdetroit.com/ best-of-detroit to make your voice heard.

K ATE WALSH, EDIT OR KWALSH@ HOUR-M EDIA.COM

VOLUME THIRTY-ONE / ISSUE ONE PUBLISHER: Jason Hosko EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Kate Walsh DIGITAL EDITOR: Erica Banas ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Jack Thomas ASSISTANT EDITOR: Will Reaume COPY EDITOR: Morgan Brown CONTRIBUTORS: Karen Buscemi, Bill Dow, Steve Friess, Ryan Patrick Hooper, Mickey Lyons, Jim McFarlin, Danny Palumbo, Megan Swoyer, Lauren Wethington EDITORIAL INTERN: Sarah Wasielewski DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Lindsay Richards ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR: Steven Prokuda CONTRIBUTORS: Chuk Nowak, Ryan Olbrysh, Sal Rodriguez, Rebecca Simonov, Justin Yonce ADVERTISING MEDIA ADVISORS: Samantha Alessandri, Cynthia Barnhart, Hannah Brown, Karli Brown, Sarah Cavanaugh, Cathleen Francois, Donna Kassab, Lisa LaBelle, Mary Pantely & Associates PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER: Crystal Nelson PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Alessandra Taranta ACCOUNT MANAGER: Elizabeth Kowalik GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joe Salafia SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGING EDITOR: Olivia Sedlacek IT IT DIRECTOR: Jeremy Leland DIGITAL DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY: Travis Fletcher DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Matt Cappo SR. DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST: Luanne Lim DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST: Brian Paul CIRCULATION CIRCULATION MANAGER: Riley Meyers CIRCULATION COORDINATORS: David Benvenuto, Cathy Krajenke, Rachel Moulden, Michele Wold MARKETING & EVENTS MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER: Regan Wright WEDDINGS ACCOUNT MANAGER: Karen Wilkie MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR: Puja Trivedi MARKETING & EVENTS ASSISTANT: Kayla Yucha MARKETING RESEARCH MARKETING RESEARCH DIRECTOR: Sofia Shevin MARKETING RESEARCH COORDINATOR: Kristin Bestrom MARKETING RESEARCH SALES COORDINATOR: Alexandra Thompson MARKETING RESEARCH SALES ASSISTANT: Theresa Lowery MARKETING RESEARCH ASSISTANT: Abby Galanty PRS GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kendra Okamoto MARKETING RESEARCH INTERNS: Rachel Randazzo, Keerthana Reddy, Gwen Zych BUSINESS CEO: Stefan Wanczyk PRESIDENT: John Balardo DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS: Kathie Gorecki MEDIA ASSOCIATE: Lachlan O’Neill SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE: Andrew Kotzian ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATES: Jenna Glod, Austin Schmelzle DISTRIBUTION: Target Distribution, Troy 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

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UP FRONT

 P. 1 0 The Gordie Howe International Bridge is one of the many downtown development projects slated to open in 2026.

JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6

News, Notes, and Personalities

D EV E L O P M E N T p. 10 / A N N I V E R S A RY p. 12 / P O L I T I C S p. 13

PHOTO COURTESY OF GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE

JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6

9

UP FRONT

Gordie Howe International Bridge

INFRASTRUCTURE AND P U B L I C T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

Gordie Howe International Bridge (2026) Originally slated for a September 2025 opening, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is now projected to open as early as Q1 of 2026. The Canadian-funded crossing is 98% complete, with work underway to finish the ports of entry on both sides. The 1.6-mile cable-stayed bridge features six lanes of traffic and a multiuse pedestrian path for travel by bike or foot.

Michigan Central Multimodal Facility In October 2025, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced plans for a multimodal transportation hub on the Michigan Central campus, which would include Amtrak service. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026, with the first train departures taking place in 2029. The plan would extend the Detroit-Chicago Wolverine train to Windsor and Toronto. In addition to rail service, the facility would also be a hub for both regional and intercity buses.

Second Ave. Extension

DEVELOPMENT

Coming Soon to Downtown Detroit

BY WILL REAUME

From skyscrapers and hotels to office spaces and medical centers, these are the projects opening in 2026 and beyond PA R K S A N D P U B L I C S PA C E S

 Monroe Streetscape Project (2026) The construction that began revamping Greektown’s main thoroughfare in March 2025 is expected to be completed by fall 2026. The $20 million project looks to transform Monroe St. into a safer, more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space. The initiative, led by the Greektown Neighborhood Partnership, adds more outdoor restaurant seating, a brick-paved street, and greenery to the historic corridor.

Second Ave. Extension (2026)  Bridging Congress St. and Second Ave., this major addition — connecting the future 600-room JW Marriott Detroit Water Square to the riverfront — is scheduled for completion by summer 2026. Created with walkability in mind, the extension will accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The $103.9 million project is funded by the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority.

R E C R E AT I O N A N D E N T E RTA I N M E N T

Development at Cadillac Square/Cosm (2027) Located across from Campus Martius, the mixed-use project will offer retail, residential, and entertainment opportunities. The project is being built in two phases: Phase 1 began in 2024, and Phase 2 is scheduled to begin in October 2026. The development will be home to Cosm, an immersive, ultra-high-definition sports viewing experience. An attached market hall will feature both fast-casual and sit-down dining options.

Detroit City Football Club AlumniFi Field (2027) The new home of Detroit City Football Club is expected to be operational for the start of the 2027 USL season. Located on the former Southwest Detroit Hospital site in Corktown, the $198 million stadium will seat 15,000 fans. The development also plans to include a 76-unit apartment building and a 421-space parking structure on the property.

Monroe Streetscape Project

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

GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE PROJECT MONROE STREETSCAPE PROJECT MAQE SECOND AVE. EXTENSION DETROIT REGIONAL CONVENTION FACILITY AUTHORITY.

UP FRONT

MIXED-USE

The Belle (2026)  Formerly known as Harvard Square Centre, The Belle is situated in Paradise Valley’s emerging entertainment district. The 51,000-square-foot residential property is scheduled to be completed in 2026. In addition to offering 42 residential units, the space will also include retail and dining options on the first floor.

Hudson’s Detroit (2027) With the completion of the site’s office and retail space in October 2025, the next milestone for Hudson’s Detroit will be when The Detroit EDITION Hotel and Residences open in 2027. The 227-room hotel will be downtown Detroit’s first five-star hospitality space and will include four diverse outlets for food and drinks. The Residences will offer 97 luxury condos that share amenities with the hotel, including housekeeping and fitness center access.

H O S P I TA L I T Y

JW Marriott Detroit Water Square (2027) The former Joe Louis Arena site is being converted into a luxury 25-story hotel attached to Huntington Place. Scheduled to be completed in 2027, the riverfront JW Marriott Detroit Water Square will have 600 rooms and 50,000 square feet of meeting space.

Andiamo Italian Chophouse will offer dining options on the ground floor in addition to a lobby bar.

Michigan Central Station NoMad Hotel (2027) Expected to open in 2027, the NoMad Hotel at Michigan Central Station will be the first U.S. location for the Hilton luxury lifestyle hotel brand. The 180-room hotel will occupy the top five floors of the renovated former train station. The hospitality space will feature a restaurant and bar, luxury health and fitness amenities, and meeting areas.

The District Detroit: Little Caesars Arena Hotel (2028) and Fox Theatre Hotel (TBD) The social and entertainment space surrounding Little Caesars Arena has been a development hot spot since the sports and entertainment venue’s 2017 opening. In addition to the district’s nearby restaurants, progress is being made on the construction of the Fox Theatre Hotel and Little Caesars Arena Hotel.

The former will be located above the Fox Theatre, where 10 stories of office space will be repurposed into 177 guest rooms. Little Caesars Arena Hotel will be a 14-story, 291-room hospitality space adjacent to the arena. The hotel brand has yet to be announced.

While there isn’t currently an opening date for the Fox Theatre Hotel, the Little Caesars Arena Hotel is projected to be finished by 2028.

University of Michigan Center for Innovation THE BELLE BEDROCK DETROIT UMCI KOHN PEDERSEN FOX

The Belle

H E A LT H C A R E & E D U C AT I O N

Henry Ford Hospital Detroit Expansion (2029) Known as “Destination: Grand,” the 1.2 millionsquare-foot expansion to Henry Ford Hospital is planned to be completed in 2029. The project includes a 20-story tower, which will house a threefloor rehabilitation hospital along with state-of-the-art patient rooms. It also adds 75,000 square feet of emergency room space and 28 operating rooms. The tower will be connected to the rest of the campus by a pedestrian bridge.

Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences Research Center (2027) As the first building of the Henry Ford Health academic health care campus, this project will add to Henry Ford Health’s sprawling presence in Midtown.

The joint research initiative between Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University is slated to be completed in 2027. The seven-story, 335,000-squarefoot facility will also be home to the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute, the first brickand-mortar center dedicated to the genetic condition.  University of Michigan Center for Innovation (2027) Located in the heart of District Detroit, the University of Michigan Center for Innovation will provide six floors of educational and community-based programming. The center is expected to open in 2027, offering graduate-level programs on the top three floors and community education and training opportunities on the first three floors. Programming at the $250 million campus will focus on robotics, manufacturing, and technological advancements, with a residential tower planned to house students nearby.

Gratiot Life Sciences Building (2027) While the original plans for this Bedrock-owned hub of innovation, health, and community development called for a five-story, 211,000-square-foot research center, the project has been downsized to two stories. The ground floor will be occupied by BAMF Health, a company specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Construction on the project nestled in the heart of Detroit’s central business district is planned to conclude in 2027.

JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6

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Burning Questions Answered

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UP FRONT

POLITICS

BURNING QUESTIONS for 2026

BY STEVE FRIESS I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y RYA N O L B RY S H

Local experts share their predictions for this potentially game-changing election year

JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6

13

UP FRONT

THIS TIME NEXT YEAR, Michiganders will have a new governor and U.S. senator. It’s not hyperbole, then, to suggest that we’re heading into one of those pivotal cycles that can determine the state’s direction for decades to come.

How will it all shake out? For our annual feature, we assembled a sextet of political soothsayers to tell us what their crystal balls tell them. (And next year, we’ll see whether any of it comes true.)

Panelists:

Adrian Hemond, Democratic strategist

T H E N O Wformer Detroit mayor has no day job, piles of campaign cash, and the field effectively to himself until the two parties vote for their nominees in August. Plus, he’s running as an independent at a time when the public has soured on the nasty tone of partisan politics and gridlock in Washington, D.C., and Lansing. He’s also, according to GOP strategist Jason Roe, “running the best campaign of all the candidates in the race.”

“He’s as popular in the suburbs as he is with Detroit residents, and he has the perception of having been a very successful mayor,” Roe says.

Roe and Daily Detroit podcast host Jer Staes seem most optimistic about Duggan’s chances. “He’s well-timed for it,” Staes says. “If it’s the 2024 or 2028 cycle, maybe not, but this cycle is the Goldilocks year for someone like him.” And GOP campaign strategist Scott Greenlee also believes he’s “one of the few people strong enough due

to name ID and fundraising ability to win a major race as an independent.”

Still, he’s running against history and some logistical issues. Many Michiganders vote straight ticket by habit, and persuading them not to will be exceedingly difficult, says Donna Givens-Davidson, executive director of the Eastside Community Network. “He’s trying to do it the hard way,” agrees Democratic strategist Adrian Hemond.

Podcaster Charlie LeDuff is especially skeptical: “Who’s going to be drawn to a big-city boss from Detroit? You’re gonna pull loads of people from Escanaba with billboards? Mathematically, I don’t see it.

But yeah, there’s always a chance.”

REPUBLICANS are poised to renominate exRep. Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin in 2024 despite President Donald Trump’s win in the state by 80,000 votes. The leading Democratic candidates — state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, and epidemiologist Abdul ElSayed — will spend the next eight months vying for the nomination. LeDuff says that helps Rogers: “Everything’s lining up his way. But more interesting is what kind of Democrat we get. A progressive? A

centrist? It’s all very delicious.” Greenlee agrees: “He came as close last time to winning a U.S. Senate seat as any Republican had since Spence Abraham in 1996, and he’s ready to roll. Unlike last time, the party is united behind him, too.”

Roe doubts any of the Democrats will have the same statewide name ID or appeal.

Tellingly, none of the liberals on the panel are especially confident about their side’s chances, and they note that the outcome is probably most likely to hinge on current unknowns about the economy and mood at the midpoint of Trump’s second term. Rogers “won’t have the president’s coattails, but the Democrats have a contested primary,” Hemond says.

“In gambling terms, this is about as close to a pick ’em as you get.”

CAN MIKE DUGGAN WIN THE GOVERNOR’S RACE? SURE, BUT …

Jer Staes, Daily Detroit podcast host

Donna GivensDavidson, Eastside Community Network executive director

Charlie LeDuff, No BS News Hour podcast host

Jason Roe, Republican strategist

Scott Greenlee, Republican strategist

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

WHO WILL REPLACE GARY PETERS IN THE U.S. SENATE? PROBABLY MIKE ROGERS.

HEADSHOTS COURTESY OF PANELISTS DUGGAN ALAMY/ZUMA PRESS

UP FRONT

WILL TRADE RELATIONS WITH CANADA IMPACT MICHIGAN’S ECONOMY? ABSOLUTELY.

O U R P A N E L I S T S agree on that — but disagree on how. Hemond called the tariff standoff “extraordinarily bad for Michigan” because “the supply chain is bound up with the Detroit River. It will be extremely economically painful for Michigan.” GivensDavidson and Staes both believe the feud will have long-lasting effects as Canada builds up its trade relations with China. “It is very hard for Canada or any country to take us as a serious negotiation partner right now,” Staes says. “I really hope that something happens, but the longer this trade dispute goes on, the more it hurts

Michigan Republicans in the state, in the Senate, and in the Legislature.”

The tariff supporters among the panel have a different take. Greenlee thinks a new U.S.-Canada trade deal is coming that will be more favorable to American manufacturers because “more jobs will naturally be created.” LeDuff says that whatever pain the state endures was necessary to force a fairer trade relationship.

Roe agrees things will calm down: “There is a lot of interest from the business community and from the governments of both nations to put this hostile environment away.”

JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6

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UP FRONT

WHAT BLAST FROM MICHIGAN’S POLITICAL PAST WILL MAKE BIG NEWS IN 2026?

VARIOUS.

G R E E N L E E says 2022 GOP gubernatorial loser Tudor Dixon is primed for a comeback, perhaps as a lieutenant governor nominee.

“She’s been vetted, she’s been through the battles, and her name ID is still strong,” he says. LeDuff chooses former Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, predicting he’ll “endorse somebody

that is just so, so wackadoodle.” Staes believes former GOP Congressman Peter Meijer, who voted to impeach Trump, will emerge as “the glue of a very disparate” post-Trump Republican coalition. And while all of those choices are speculative, Hemond’s is ironclad: Lee Chatfield. The former Republican state House speaker's corruption trial is slated for September 2026. “Particularly given some of the salacious nature of the allegations against him for which he is not on trial, I expect that that trial is going to get a lot of media coverage," Hemond says.

WHICH DETROIT PRO SPORTS TEAMS WILL GO TO THE PLAYOFFS? ALL OF THEM. WHO WILL GO THE FURTHEST? THE LIONS.

P A R T I S A N S can find common ground: Our teams are great! And even though we asked these questions in late October before the Lions’ loss to the Vikings and second loss to the Packers, when we checked in with the panelists in early December, most stood their ground. “I said what I said,” says GivensDavidson. Staes is not as confident, “As a lifelong fan...you never give up the ship — but it’s 70/30 they do not make the playoffs.” The group also thinks the Tigers have World Series potential if, as Roe urges, “they get some bats.”

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

WILL GOV. GRETCHEN WHITMER PRAISE OR CRITICIZE TRUMP IN HER FINAL STATE OF THE STATE? NEITHER.

THE GOVERNOR spent 2025 trying to work with the White House, sometimes with humiliating results. Our panelists mostly agree that she’ll keep that up with an eye toward getting things done in her final year in office. “I don’t believe that she sees any wisdom in focusing on him,” GivensDavidson agrees.

Greenlee believes she may want to praise him but won’t because that would hurt her should she run for president in 2028. “It would probably be a Democratic political misstep that would be held against her in the future,” he says. Roe doubts she has any kind words but says that she’s “made a calculation not to spend her last years in mindless fights with Trump.” She will eventually “position herself as an anti-Trump crusader within the party, but she’ll put that off until the last minute.”

WHITMER ALAMY/DPA LIONS ALAMY/KIRBY LEE

24/SEVEN

 P. 1 8 RH Detroit, The Gallery in Birmingham is four stories high and 60,000 square feet — the biggest by far in our roundup of notable stores that opened in 2025.

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Making the Most of Life in Metro Detroit

R E TA I L p. 18 / E Y E O N D E S I G N p. 20 / H O M E p. 21

PHOTO COURTESY OF RH DETROIT, THE GALLERY IN BIRMINGHAM

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A

fter years of anticipation and construction, RH Detroit, The Gallery in Birmingham opened to shoppers on Nov. 21, 2025, following a grand opening event hosted and attended by CEO Gary Friedman, along with some of metro Detroit’s biggest names, including Jennifer Gilbert, Lisa Ford, Mike Duggan, Nicole and Stephen Eisenberg, and Holly Campbell.

Formerly known as Restoration Hardware, RH is an international brand based in Corte Madera, California. Under Friedman’s leadership, the company has introduced numerous RH Galleries in major cities, including Paris, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and West Palm Beach.

Unlike Restoration Hardware, the home furnishing store you may have visited at a local mall (including Somerset Collection), RH Galleries are stand-alone, massive stores with distinctive looks for each city.

Some are new builds, and some are restored landmark buildings. The idea to build the store in downtown Birmingham was first proposed in 2019.

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R E TA I L

RH Detroit Comes to Metro Detroit

BY JACK THOMAS

At long last, the sophisticated stand-alone store opens in Birmingham

Host committee members at the grand opening on Nov. 19 included (left to right) Stephen Eisenberg, Holly Campbell, JJ Curis, Nicole Eisenberg, Jennifer Gilbert, RH Chairman and CEO Gary Friedman, Ethan Davidson, Gretchen Davidson, Mike Duggan, Dr. Sonia Hassan Duggan, and Ashley and KC Crain. 

RH DETROIT COURTESY OF RH DETROIT, THE GALLERY IN BIRMINGHAM GROUP JENNY RISHER PHOTOGRAPHY

24/SEVEN  The RH Rooftop Restaurant features skylight ceilings, a wine bar, a fountain, and indoor olive trees. American and Mediterranean bites are on the menu.

R E TA I L

Top Shops of 2025 B Y S A R A H WA S I E L E W S K I

More favorite new stores of the past year

F R O M A L O Y O G A and Tecovas in the new Hudson’s Detroit building to high-end additions at Somerset Collection, locals and visitors alike have more shopping options than ever. For shoppers searching for anything from the perfect gift to an addition to their work wardrobe, here are some of the top openings that shaped the past year, in chronological order.

1

RH Detroit, The Gallery in Birmingham is a four-story, 60,000-square-foot new building with a facade made of brick imported from Italy and towering entry doors made from bronze and glass. Inside you’ll find what the company refers to as “artistic installations of home furnishings in a gallery setting.” There’s also an interior design studio, as well as a rooftop bar and restaurant.

Beige and gold color schemes and towering chandeliers characterize many of the rooms, which also include statement pieces like Roman sculpturesque busts and other rare art items. Shoppers can preview modern couches, chairs, rugs, cabinets, and more — plus luxury linens, curtains, and fixtures.

The first two levels feature displays from the RH Interiors and RH Modern lines. The third level is where the RH Interior Design Studio is located, as well as displays featuring the RH Outdoor line.

On level four, the RH Rooftop Restaurant features skylight ceilings, a wine bar, a fountain, and indoor olive trees.

The menu offers American and Mediterranean bites and a selection of wine sourced from the Napa Valley region.

To see who else attended the grand opening event, visit hourdetroit.com/ RHdetroit.

300 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-614-6984; rh.com FREE PEOPLE, ALO, TIMBERLAND COURTESY OF BEDROCK

Free People  Bohemian-inspired retailer Free People expanded its metro Detroit footprint with a new downtown Detroit location in April. (Its first store was at Somerset Collection.) The store offers a range of eclectic women’s clothing such as flowy maxi dresses, platform raffia sandals, and statement jewelry.

Blending vintage inspiration with the latest trends, Free People is a must-visit for free-spirited dressers.

1425 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 248-469-4605; freepeople.com

3

Veronica Beard Founded by sister-inlaw duo Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard in 2010, this boutique opened its first Michigan location at Somerset Collection last May. Shoppers can find a range of both classic and chic clothing, from hand-beaded dresses to Italian linen pants, as well as an assortment of accessories, footwear, and handbags. The elegant, airy space, decorated with raffia wallpaper and herringbone floors, adds to the elevated shopping experience.

2801 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy; 248-849-1137; veronicabeard.com

4 2

Beloved Bridal Founded by three sisters, who opened their first store in Ann Arbor in 2019, Beloved Bridal emphasizes fashion rather than tradition for tradition’s sake. The Detroit store, which opened last May, has a polished, elevated look as the backdrop for a curated collection featuring a range of designers, with gowns starting at $3,000. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of Champagne while shopping for the perfect wedding dress.

35 W. Grand River Ave., Detroit; 734-834-4696; belovedbridal.com

Swatch Swiss watchmaker Swatch opened its first Michigan stand-alone location last August, bringing its bold and playful style to metro Detroit. Shoppers can purchase bright, funky watches reminiscent of the ’80s and ’90s or more elegant, timeless pieces. 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy; 248-957-0005; swatch.com

5

Alo Yoga  Located on the first floor of the new Hudson’s Detroit, Alo Yoga also opened last

August and was the first of the building’s retail tenants to open its doors. The brand offers premium athletic wear designed for running, yoga, and tennis. Dedicated to health and wellness, Alo also offers supplements, skin care products, and yoga equipment. The store is minimalistic and sleek, a perfect fit for Detroit’s newest shopping destination. 1272 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-4260091; aloyoga.com

6

Apple Detroit’s first Apple store, located on Woodward Avenue, offers a sleek, immersive tech experience.

The store in September — on the same day as the release of the iPhone 17. In addition to perusing and purchasing the brand’s latest products and getting tech support at the Genius Bar, shoppers can also demo products like computers, headphones, and the Apple Vision Pro. The brand’s commitment to Detroit goes beyond its storefront: The Apple Manufacturing Academy and Apple Developer Academy are just blocks away, near Campus Martius.

1430 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-230-2195; apple.com

7

Tecovas The second retail brand at Hudson’s Detroit was this Austin-based Western wear company,

which opened its first Michigan location in October. One step into Tecovas, and shoppers will instantly feel transported out of the bustling city to the Wild West. The store’s fresh leather scent sets the tone for shopping. Find clothing and accessories, custom-fit cowboy boots, and Western hats shaped and trimmed to customers’ exact specifications.

1252 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-524-8789; tecovas.com

8

Timberland  The iconic footwear brand opened its first stand-alone store in the city of Detroit this past November. In addition to the brand’s recognizable 6-inch waterproof boot, which made its debut in 1973, the shop has a range of shoes suitable for everything from hiking to running errands and offers an assortment of apparel and accessories. 1217 Woodward Ave., Detroit; timberland.com JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6

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24/SEVEN Palette pleaser: The deep, calming paint color of the wall and millwork (Benjamin Moore, Trout Gray) creates a feeling of coziness and differentiation between work and home. “So much time is spent working,” the designer says, “so I’m a firm believer in making the office as comfortable as possible. In this instance, I think this color wraps around the room like a comforting hug.”

Fab fabric: The team went with a midweight drapery fabric without a liner that would “offer some privacy if/ when needed but still provide a soft, diffused light,” Rodriguez says.

Fabled table: With an organic, textured theme running throughout the home, designer Katie Rodriguez ensures balance in the office with a large table made of teak. “It anchors the space, too.”

EYE ON DESIGN

This Office Works!

BY MEGAN SWOYER PHOTOS BY MARTIN VECCHIO

Cherished chair: Rodriguez wanted a desk chair that looked as good from the back as it did from the front.

This chair by Steelcase is from NBS Commercial Interiors in Troy.

Shelf life: Good storage should always be a priority. The built-in cabinetry and shelving was created on-site by PRM Custom Builders.

Wired up: The white oak desk, by Designer Furniture Services in Pontiac, is customized for wire management, a necessity when a glass office door (like this one from Weldwork, Royal Oak) exposes cord clutter. The desk's simple design creates a balance between decor and function.

I

A Birmingham designer fashions a home office space that inspires 100% focus

nterior designer Katie Rodriguez has observed that with many working from home full or part-time these days, good office design has become nearly as important to employees as their vacation time. An increasing number of clients, in fact, are asking for a home office that is both efficient and beautiful, Rodriguez shares.

“With new construction especially, you walk into a home, and you immediately see an office either to the left or right,” the designer says. “Many have glass doors, and there it is for all to see, including you.”

That’s why she stresses creating an atmosphere that’s welcoming, organized, and spatially adept to handle not only computer

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

work but also client visits, comfortable phone meetings, and a Zoom-smart ambience.

One of her favorite office projects is the Birmingham office she created for a client who moved back home to Michigan from San Francisco in 2021 and purchased a PRM Custom Builders (Bloomfield Hills) home.

Here, Rodriguez — who runs Birminghambased Katie Rodriguez Design and spent six years working in office design at Steelcase dealerships in Chicago and metro Detroit — shares how she pulled off everything from pet-pleasing appointments to banishing unsightly cord tangles in this roll-up-yoursleeves haven.

A dog’s life: Rodriguez’s client wanted her aging golden retriever — who loves to be near her while she’s working — to have a comfortable spot, so the designer made sure the dog could easily climb onto a sofa (from Arhaus) to view outdoor activity.

“It needed to be low [32 inches] and firm,” Rodriguez says.

Grooming for Zooming: Consider what online attendees might be looking at besides you when you’re in a meeting, Rodriguez says. “No one wants to look at a door behind you; consider artwork or a nice window instead.”

Here, Zoom attendees look at an inviting sofa and a large window.

24/SEVEN  Andrea Walker-Leidy launched her personal styling company, Look On Purpose, in June 2025.

HOME

Wardrobe Weeding

BY KAREN BUSCEMI PHOTOS BY SAL RODRIGUEZ

A personal stylist shares her tips to bring order to your outfits

“

W

hat is your intention in this season of life?”

That is the first question personal stylist Andrea Walker-Leidy asks her clients before a closet consultation.

“I prepare people for events, and the last thing they always ask me is, ‘What do I wear?’” notes the owner of Walker Publicity, who launched her personal styling company, Look on Purpose, in June 2025.

“There’s not a right thing that you’re supposed to wear,” says the Rochester Hills resident. “But let’s make sure that you are purposeful about how you want people to feel when they see you.” This often results in a closet purge.

To help mentally prepare for what could be an emotional process, Walker-Leidy says to first ask yourself, “What have I worn in the last six months?” Move those items to one spot in your closet. “Let the other part of the closet live on its own and see what happens between now and the next six months. If anything moves over to the other side, that’s good.” And if it doesn’t, it’s the end of the line and time to part ways.

 Among Walker-Leidy's clients is a professional speaker who really knows and loves her look. She had some signature pieces but was too busy to figure out the transition into new outfits.

Her closet was bulging with clothing in multiple sizes.

Walker-Leidy’s Top 10 Tips How to execute a closet clean-out and create an intentional wardrobe 1. Prepare before you touch a hanger. Have bins, bags, and labels ready. Make five piles: donate, give/sell, keep, emotionally connected, and undecided.

2. Sort in real time. As each item leaves the hanger, it must land in one pile.

3. Set your repurchase threshold. If you could buy it again tomorrow for under $20 (and you’d still never wear it), let it go. Freedom is worth more than that clearance-rack top.

4. Seasonal reality check … Did you wear it last season? No? Then why is it still auditioning for another round?

5. Beware the one-hit wonder.

That dress you only wore once to a wedding? If you’d buy a different one next occasion, release it.

6. Box the “love it but out of style” pieces. Fashion is a boomerang. Keep the signature pieces that will come back around out of sight until they are back in style.

Store them instead of clogging your active closet.

7. Limit your “emotional storage.” Decide on a bin cap based on storage space.

Categories allowed: emotional clothing, out of style but loved, doesn’t fit (right now), and six-month recheck. If it doesn’t fit in the bins, it doesn’t fit in your life.

8. Make peace with being undecided. It’s fine to be unsure but set a six-month deadline to revisit. If you don’t think about it in that time, it’s just closet filler.

9. Respect comfort and fit. If you tug, fidget, or feel like a stuffed sausage when you wear it, let it go. You need to feel amazing in your clothes. If it’s not motivational, it’s masochistic.

10. Celebrate the space. Empty hangers, clean shelves, and a closet that actually closes are your reward. An intentional wardrobe means having space for what you love as well as space to continue to grow your brand.

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DET ROIT ERS MEET HOUR

Recognizing the movers, makers, and thinkers who have helped shape metro Detroit — especially in 2025

BY B I L L D O W, M I C K E Y LY O N S , W I L L R E A U M E , A N D JA C K T H O M A S P H O T O S BY C H U K N O WA K

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Jim and Patti

ANDERSON

BY MICKEY LYONS

Their recent gift to Wayne State University — the largest in its history — is just one way they are preparing Detroit for the future

Patti and Jim Anderson, pictured in their home, view their record-setting donation as an investment in the city of Detroit.

PISTONS COURTESY OF DETROIT PISTONS TIFF MASSEY KYLE POWELL

When you’re in the business of inventing, keep your eyes open for what to invent.” That’s a tenet that has driven Jim Anderson for decades. As the founder of global data consultancy Urban Science, Anderson knows all about being in the right place at the right time with the right ideas. In April 2025, he and his wife, Patti, helped bring the right ideas within reach for more Detroiters when they made a historic $50 million donation to Wayne State University.

The right place, for Anderson, has always been Detroit by way of Wayne State University. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering there in 1966 and 1970 and worked there as a faculty member for several years. Wayne State is where he tackled an innovative data-mapping project that revolutionized the way auto dealers and manufacturers track data. Today, Urban Science has offices in more than 20 countries and continues to blaze new trails in computer science.

“There has not been a time since 1963 that I have not been associated with Wayne State in one form or another,” says Anderson. “Wayne State gave me the mindset to solve problems others saw as impossible. That shaped not only my career but how we give back today.”

Wayne State was also responsible, in a roundabout way, for bringing Jim and Patti together. A contact he met through Urban Science introduced Jim to his next-door neighbor. Patti says, “He went to college, and they gave him a great education.

He stayed in the area. Through that, he started his business, and through that, Jim got this big family and a lot of chaos.”

Championing Detroit, the Andersons believe, is only common sense. According to the university, 80% of Wayne State grads choose to stay in Michigan. “In our view,” he says, “this wasn’t just a gift — it’s a long-term investment in our city’s future.”

The $50 million endowment is the largest in the school’s 157year history. But it’s not the first large gift the Andersons have bestowed: In 2014, a $25 million donation to the College of Engineering was then the largest on record. Urban Science has long supported STEM projects in the city and at Wayne State.

Anderson was a founding sponsor of the Girls in Engineering Academy. He also endowed a National Society of Black Engineers scholarship at Wayne State and has provided ongoing support to the Engineering Society of Detroit to expand the area’s STEM talent.

The gift to the newly renamed James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering will provide funding for the college to recruit world-class faculty to Detroit, including support for doctoral fellowships. It will also expand undergraduate research opportunities. In giving this transformative gift, the Andersons are banking on Detroit to be the right place for the next generations of top talent. That’s the idea behind the gift, says Anderson. And as for the right time? It’s now, he says. “I’ve worked in Detroit for over 50 years. I know firsthand the potential that exists here. Our city’s future depends on developing the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators.”

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Patricia Mooradian stands outside the historic Jackson Home, the planning site for the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, which is now located in Greenfield Village.

Patricia

MOORADIAN

BY BILL DOW

After 20 years, the president and CEO of The Henry Ford continues to transform the largest indoor-outdoor museum in the United States

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H

H

How do you move a revered cultural institution focused on the past into the 21st century and increase attendance? This was a question on the minds of leadership at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn before Patricia Mooradian was hired in 2000 as vice president of programming and marketing.

“The institution was in an evolving state when I came here,” says the former Taubman Company marketing executive from her office on the second floor of the museum’s Independence Hall replica. Steve Hamp, the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village’s president and CEO at the time, had recognized Mooradian’s ability to bring new ideas to the table and wanted her to build on what he and Harold Skramstad, CEO from 1981 to 1996, had started.

Known as a high-energy, entrepreneurial visionary, Mooradian spearheaded strategic plans to transform the private nonprofit institution, which included creating new exhibits, broadening education initiatives, and widening its appeal nationally with clever marketing and rebranding. She was promoted to chief operating officer within months and to president and CEO in 2005.

Mooradian first led a market analysis that included an in-depth exploration with staff and guests by asking, “Who do you think we are, and what do we have?”

“People out of state called us ‘The Ford,’ and in state people called us ‘The Village,’” she says. “I remember one person said, ‘I went there with my fourth-grade class, but I don’t need to go back there because nothing has changed.’ Well now so much has changed.”

In her first year with the institution, Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village was introduced, and in 2003, the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village were rebranded as The Henry Ford while the process of introducing updated and new exhibits continued.

As the first female and longest-serving CEO in its nearly 100-year history, the Pennsylvania native and graduate of Texas Christian University (Bachelor of Fine Arts ’82) has continued the transformation of the 250-acre campus consisting of the Henry

DET ROIT ERS Ford Museum of American Innovation and more than 90 historic structures at Greenfield Village.

She is responsible for an annual operating budget of $92 million, 1,495 full- and part-time employees, 403 volunteers, 26 million artifacts, the Benson Ford Research Center, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, the Giant Screen Experience (formerly an IMAX theater), and the on-campus public charter high school, Henry Ford Academy.

Under Mooradian’s leadership, several new exhibits have been installed at the museum, including, among others, With Liberty and Justice for All (2006), which displays the Rosa Parks bus; Driving America (2012), an exhibit dedicated to the automobile’s impact on American life; Driven to Win: Racing in America (2021), showcasing auto sports; and the more recent Collections Gallery (2023), a revolving space dedicated to displaying The Henry Ford’s own collections.

For the past three years, Mooradian has been working on one of Greenfield Village’s most significant acquisitions in 40 years: the Selma, Alabama, home of Dr. Sullivan Jackson and his wife, which was a safe haven for Martin Luther King Jr. during the planning of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches. The Jackson Home is slated to open this year as part of the celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary.

Another key to making the institution more focused and relevant began in 2007, when Mooradian and her team decided to “tell our story of innovation, which has always been, along with education, the underpinning of our foundation,” she says. “Our mission is to use artifacts and tell the stories of innovation to inspire people to build a better future.” In 2017, the museum was renamed the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

In 2014, Mooradian implemented the institution’s first nationally broadcast television series, The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation, a 30-minute Saturday morning CBS show that won three Daytime Emmy Awards, ran for 10 years, and helped increase attendance.

In 2018, the institution adopted Invention Convention Worldwide, a global K-12 invention

education program and competition that teaches students problem identification, problem-solving, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

“Over 200,000 kids participate, and over 500 winners come here and compete in nationals,” she says. “Those that are judged patent-worthy then get to work with patent attorneys.

Thirty-three kids have 33 patents.”

She adds that The Henry Ford also provides approximately 600 curriculum resources for educators at their inHub online platform and that annually, around 200,000 schoolchildren visit the institution.

Mooradian’s impact during her tenure as president and CEO is also obvious when looking at the numbers, despite having to deftly navigate through the Great Recession (2007-2009) and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2005, the institution had 1.4 million visitors and generated $53.1 million in revenue, with an endowment of $265 million.

In 2025, 1.7 million visitors, $92 million in revenue, and an endowment of $461 million reflected a 21% increase in attendance and a 73% increase in revenue and endowment.

“During Patricia’s tenure, The Henry Ford has raised its visibility and prominence nationally and internationally as one of the preeminent institutions of its kind,” says General Motors President Mark Reuss, chair of The Henry Ford’s board of trustees. “At the same time, it has only increased its relevance and impact on southeast Michigan, all thanks to her vision and leadership. She has been a terrific steward of one of our community’s greatest treasures.”

Mooradian has set the bar high for an eventual successor, not that she has set a retirement date. “I love what I do,” she says.

“We have a super-talented team, and the work is inspiring.

“I’d like to be here when The Henry Ford turns 100 in 2029, by that time, I would have been here almost 30 years, and that’s something that I could never have imagined because when I was first hired, I said that I would give it a year,” she says with a laugh.

Have she and her team started to plan for the institution’s 100th anniversary?

“Believe me, for our 100th, we’ll do something more than just a cake,” she says, smiling.

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25

E J.B. Bickerstaff and the

DETROITPISTONS

BY WILL REAUME

Everyone loves a rags-to-riches story. Now it’s time for the Pistons to play the starring role.

J.B. Bickerstaff coaches the Pistons to a 135116 victory over the Orlando Magic on Oct. 29, 2025, at Little Caesars Arena.

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

Every team wants to earn a place in the history books — but none want to do it the way the 2023-24 Detroit Pistons did.

Finishing the season with a 14-68 record, including a record-tying 28-game losing streak, put the Pistons in the ranks for one of the worst seasons in NBA history.

Seasons change, and with that comes roster moves and coaching staff shake-ups.

To little surprise, the Pistons fired head coach Monty Williams in June 2024. But their pick to replace him surprised many fans and experts around the league.

Enter J.B. Bickerstaff.

Amid a pool of rumored candidates, including New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego and Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn, the former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach came out on top. Handpicked by newly minted president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon, Bickerstaff had a strong track record of being a culture changer and a true “players’ coach.”

Caris LeVert, who played two and a half seasons under Bickerstaff in Cleveland before joining the Pistons this season, credits the coach with molding him into the player he is today.

“Before I went to Cleveland and played under J.B., I was a different player, and I think he challenged me to be the more wellrounded player I am today, so I’m definitely looking forward to this time around,” LeVert said in a July 2025 press conference.

A young, inexperienced Pistons team needed a lighthouse to guide them out of the dark, and it seemed they had found their guy.

Coaching is in Bickerstaff’s blood. His father, Bernie Bickerstaff, is a 10-year head coaching veteran, who also spent time as an assistant coach for the Cavaliers in 2013-14. During his father’s stint with the Seattle SuperSonics, J.B. was a ball boy for the Sonics, so to say that he was exposed to the game from an early age is an understatement. J.B. inherited more than just his father’s love of the game — he shares many of the same coaching philosophies, most notably the importance of creating a locker room built on mutual respect and accountability.

In an interview with Hour Detroit, Bickerstaff discussed the lessons he learned from his father about how to be a successful PHOTO COURTESY OF DETROIT PISTONS

DET ROIT ERS coach and, more importantly, a great man.

“He uplifted people and told people the hard truths, even when they might not want to hear it,” Bickerstaff says. “He cared about the people he worked with in the way that he built long, lasting relationships with guys I still consider to be my older brothers.”

That mindset is infectious and trickled down to the rest of the team. The following season, they made history again — this time for something worth celebrating.

The 2024-25 Pistons finished the regular season 44-38, becoming the first team to triple their win count in one season. It was clear that the culture had shifted, and while Bickerstaff was the catalyst, the change didn’t stop there.

In desperate need of playoff experience, the Pistons added Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, Dennis Schröder, and Tim Hardaway Jr. to their young roster. These additions, specifically Beasley, provided fourth-year guard Cade Cunningham with much-needed shooting support, giving him room to come into his own and grow into the leader the first-round pick was drafted to be.

Bickerstaff has high praise for the All-Star point guard.

“When your best player has the character that Cade has, it makes everybody else’s job easier,” Bickerstaff says. “He is capable of being a superstar, but he doesn’t see himself any differently than another one of the guys on the team. Cade can continue to grow while not taking anything away from the people around him.”

At the core of this turnaround was young draft talent. With Cunningham at the helm, Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren, and Jaden Ivey filed in behind and provided a much-needed spark to the lineup. These four were there for the 14-win season. They knew what losing 28 games in a row felt like and came into the 202425 season prepared to never feel that again.

After losing the first four games of the season, the Pistons soon found their groove, snapping an eight-game losing streak to the Philadelphia 76ers on the road. That was the last time they would lose more than three games in a row for the rest of the season.

This was a new Pistons team, one not defined by past failures but optimistic for a PHOTO COURTESY OF DETROIT PISTONS

brighter future. By Jan. 1, 2025, just three months into the season, the Pistons had already surpassed their total number of wins in 2023-24. Despite Ivey’s season-ending injury on Jan. 1, February saw an eight-game winning streak that helped propel the Pistons to their first playoff appearance since 2019. It took just two games before they snapped a 17-year playoff win drought, smothering a Knicks comeback to win 100-94 at Madison Square Garden. Although the

Harris, Ausar Thompson, and Marcus Sasser, the Pistons have had to dig deep into their roster to earn these wins. Turning to guys like Daniss Jenkins, Javonte Green, and Paul Reed off the bench, the team has found a gear it wouldn’t have discovered without adversity.

For other lesser-coached teams, these setbacks could spell disaster. Thankfully, the Pistons are not one of those teams. Their success is a result of a whole-unit effort, but the tone Bickerstaff has set is what allows On Dec. 2, Cunningham and Bickerstaff were awarded Eastern Conference Player of the Month and Eastern Conference Coach of the Month, respectively.

team would ultimately fall short, losing six games, many still considered it a miracle season with an unceremonious end but lots to be proud of.

The series gave Pistons fans hope — something they had long learned to do without. It showed that all those years of disappointment were not for nothing. The Pistons never lost faith in their draft picks and continued to trust the decision-making of a fresh Detroit head coach and a green president of basketball operations. And they were rewarded for that trust.

While the 2025-26 season is still in its infancy, it looks as though the faithful will keep being rewarded. At press time, the Pistons just came off a franchise-record-tying 13-game winning streak, boasting an Eastern Conference-best 16-4 record. It’s the way the Pistons are winning that makes this feat even more impressive. Plagued by injuries to top performers like Cunningham, Ivey, Stewart,

them to continue winning. They’re playing their own brand of basketball, and it’s paying off. It’s the kind of identity that a franchise can build legacies on, and the culture only seems to be getting stronger. Last season was no flash in the pan: The ethos and grit that defined the 2024-25 team is here to stay.

As for what Bickerstaff believes the Pistons need to do to succeed in the postseason, the answer is simple.

“We’re about the process, and the process is every single day,” Bickerstaff says. “What are we doing every day to get to where we want to be in June? You don’t get to skip those steps. You don’t get to just show up in June and expect everything to be perfect, and I think that’s what our guys have understood.”

The NBA is better when the Pistons are good, and right now they’re great. It’s a long season, with plenty of time for more obstacles to come their way, but one thing’s for sure — “Deeeeee-troit basketball!” is back.

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27

Tiff Massey poses in front of the DIA, where her “Baby Bling” (2023) installation will be on display permanently.

Tiff

MASSEY

BY JACK THOMAS

The artist/sculptor/metalsmith is crafting works that are getting worldwide attention and are unapologetically Detroit 2 8 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

W

When I call up Tiff Massey in early November 2025, she’s just returned from Art Basel week in Paris. There, she was exhibiting at France’s largest contemporary art museum, Palais de Tokyo, with other local artists sponsored by the Detroit Salon initiative.

Now home in Detroit, she occasionally pauses our interview to gently shush her dogs, whose names are Cash and Money.

“Great experience in Paris,” Massey tells PHOTO TAIZON TAYLOR

DET ROIT ERS me. “Totally thinking about going back. I want to have a solo show at that space so I can take it over.”

Her first exhibition in France was in 2015, when she was part of a group of Detroit artists at the Lille 3000 triennial. Two years later, her work was shown at the Biennale Internationale Design Saint-Étienne.

Back in the States, her works adorn the walls of Fortune 500 offices: Meta Headquarters in Menlo Park, California, and the Ford Experience Center in Dearborn. And then there are the private collections of billionaires (namely Jennifer Gilbert’s collection, on display at The Shepherd through Jan. 10).

She also has permanent installations at New York City’s Museum of Arts and Design and Australia’s National Gallery of Victoria.

At the time of our interview, she’s working on a commission for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Main Library in North Carolina. She’s also preparing a Belle Isleinspired sculptural installation for a December art fair in Miami.

Things have yet to slow down for the 43-year-old metalsmith and interdisciplinary artist. She’s known for her statue-size jewelry pieces, centered on Black identity and imbued with her perspective as a proud born-and-raised Detroiter.

While she’s been respected internationally for some time, her crowning moment at home was 7 Mile + Livernois at the Detroit Institute of Arts, which wrapped up its one-year run last May. When she first got the call to do it, Massey says, “I didn’t necessarily know what I wanted to say, but I knew it was a call to Blackness. … I wanted to give it my all and reflect not only Detroit but where I came from.”

The eponymous intersection near where Massey grew up is the site of Detroit’s historic Avenue of Fashion. After the 1967 rebellion and subsequent “white flight” of residents and businesses, the area was largely reclaimed by Black Detroiters as a central commercial district.

Today, it’s home to the city’s highest concentration of Black-owned retailers — jewelers, hair and nail salons, clothing

stores, and restaurants.

While she’s been clear in interviews that 7 Mile + Livernois isn’t so much about the specific place, her memories there, particularly from the ’80s and ’90s, helped inform the messaging behind it.

“These are my first early experiences, observing the fashion of Black opulence,” she says. “Anybody moving to Detroit, I don’t know if y’all ever will experience what that vibe was at that time, so it was important for me.”

Among the works on display was her heaviest to date: “Whatupdoe” (2024), a 15,000-pound metal necklace. Its scale symbolized the wealth of communal bonds over individual status.

Another, “I’ve Got Bundles and I Got Flewed Out (Green)” (2023), she created with Mo Alade, a previous collaborator and her longtime personal hairstylist. The canvas featured over 50 unique braids made from green synthetic hair, highlighting the artistry of Black hair salons.

As the youngest solo exhibitor in the museum’s 140-year history, she drew one of the largest DIA crowds in recent memory.

Roughly 220,000 people attended the exhibit; about 10,000 were at the closing party alone.

At that final celebration, Massey says, “I broke down once I saw everybody in line. I have a lot of love and respect in Detroit, and it came back tenfold.”

Then, in July, the DIA announced it was acquiring one of Massey’s works from the exhibition — “Baby Bling” (2023) — for its permanent collection. The striking piece is a giant depiction of “bobos,” hair ties with plastic beads at either end, a ubiquitous headpiece for Black girls and toddlers.

Massey created it in response to a piece in the DIA’s collection, “Untitled” (1969)

by Donald Judd. According to the exhibition’s booklet, “Baby Bling” nods to “the often-unseen work of Black women, and the care passed down across generations through the braiding of hair.”

In 2026, it will be on display in the museum’s new Modern and Contemporary section, which is still under construction.

“I’m happy that one of my children is going to be on view at the DIA permanently,” she says. “It’s just like, how can I build this permanently in the community?”

In 2020, she set out to do just that, closing on a building south of the Marygrove Conservancy, not far from her neighborhood. Her plans were ambitious.

The structure had 44 rooms; she envisioned turning it into a space for 44 artists to practice. But after the COVID-19 pandemic struck, her plans changed.

“Now, I’m thinking about how this space can attract people who don’t necessarily know anything about the arts, where they can get some exposure,” she says.

Massey was the first Black woman to graduate from the Cranbrook Academy of Art’s metalsmithing program — and, at the time, the only Black woman taking classes on campus.

She taught art for a time at Macomb Community College and her alma mater, Eastern Michigan University. (She got her bachelor’s there in biology — she originally wanted to be a veterinarian.)

But now, she refuses to teach again, she says, “until I build my own institution.”

The facility she envisions would remove the barriers to entry that prevent students from pursuing art.

“You usually have to register for a class via an institution just to get any access to tools or studios or people who can teach you if you have an interest,” she says.

“Education is important. And also food.

You can’t teach people if they’re hungry.”

What advice does Massey give young artists?

“You need to go out and talk to people.

It’s a lot of artists that don’t want to talk or don’t want to deal with the money aspect,” she says. “And you can’t go off what other artists are doing. You have to work as if nobody is looking. You just really got to believe in yourself.”

And she has words of encouragement for young Detroiters: “Regardless of if I’m a fan of them personally, everybody is particularly talented in Detroit.

Everybody’s dope as f—.”

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Rebel Nell co-founder and CEO Amy Peterson stands in front of bins containing pieces of Detroit history at Rebel Nell’s headquarters in Detroit.

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

DET ROIT ERS Amy

PETERSON

BY JACK THOMAS

The CEO of a sustainable jewelry brand helping women out of homelessness aims higher

U

Under the Gratiot bridge by Eastern Market, the walls are caked with graffiti — or, to use Amy Peterson’s preferred term, “street art” — peeling into colorful paint chips.

She holds up a large chunk from the ground to show me. This is the exact location where, over a decade ago, she found the first piece for her jewelry line, Rebel Nell.

The low-profit company produces handmade jewelry that incorporates repurposed materials. As Peterson demonstrates in her workshop, it takes only a Tic Tac-size dot of paint to complete most of the jewelry pieces.

In addition to its commitment to sustainability, Rebel Nell employs women transitioning out of homelessness. These employees start off making $15 an hour with paid time off, “and they move up pretty quickly,” Peterson says.

A native of Jamestown, New York, Peterson first moved to Detroit in 2007, with the dream of becoming the first female general manager of a Major League Baseball team.

She spent over a decade with the Detroit Tigers as an arbitration attorney. But by the end of it, she says, “I was feeling a little bit stuck in the growth of my role.”

The idea for Rebel Nell first sparked when Peterson lived near Detroit’s Coalition on Temporary Shelter. On regular walks with her dog, she got to know some of the shelter’s residents, helping them out financially when she could.

“I started getting to know their stories, why they left challenging situations and ended up there,” she says.

In 2013, Peterson, serving as CEO, founded Rebel Nell with then-Chief Operating Officer Diana Roginson as “an outlet to empower women,” she says.

Among the company’s first employees was Karen Hopes, who started that year. Hopes first heard about Rebel Nell when she was living at COTS, and her case manager suggested she go to an interview.

She went on to be employed with the company for a year and a half and describes the workplace as “a great opportunity for individuals that think life has stopped when it comes to being employed,” Hopes says.

Today, Hopes works for a nonprofit, connecting people dealing with mental health and substance use disorders to resources they might need. This includes food, shelter, counseling, employment, and vocational training.

“You never know what people are recovering from, and I have lived experience,” Hopes says. “They need someone to listen — and listen with their whole heart.”

Hopes and other members of the opening employee group at Rebel Nell remain in touch with one another. And at any given time, Hopes says, the group knows that Peterson and Roginson are “just a phone call away.”

Since its humble beginnings, Rebel Nell has expanded rapidly, with two locations in Detroit, one at Detroit Metro Airport, and one that opened last October in Grand Rapids. Over the years, the company has introduced several lines that tap into Detroit nostalgia. They have incorporated bits of bags once used at J.L. Hudson’s, pieces of the old purple Detroit Zoo water tower banner, scraps from the Packard Plant, material from locker room seats at the demolished Joe Louis Arena, and debris from rocks painted by numerous student groups on local college campuses.

For last year’s Downtown Detroit Partnership Fall Forum, Rebel Nell created a limited-edition pin symbolizing the Detroit-Windsor partnership.

But all of its successes didn’t come easy.

As Peterson notes, she learned many lessons along the way. In 2016, the company hit a “rough patch.”

“We had a lot of stuff happening with the women that we were employing, and we weren’t equipped to handle it,” she says.

“We were trying to provide it all for them.

A lot of it was at the company’s cost and expense. … We were not going to survive that year.”

That led Peterson and Roginson to start a nonprofit called Teach Empower Achieve.

The nonprofit administers a tiered program designed to help its participants achieve financial stability. This includes wraparound services — including financial support and legal and mental health assistance — as well as job training, job placement, and financial literacy courses.

Since its inception, TEA has provided these services to more than 160 people.

2025 was a busy year for Peterson. In July, she appeared on My Kind of Town, a Good Morning America series highlighting “local hero[es] making their hometown[s] proud.” In August, Rebel Nell was the grand prize recipient of H&R Block’s highly competitive Fund Her Future business grant, earning $50,000 and a year of small business services.

And a month before the Grand Rapids Rebel Nell opening, Peterson was cutting the ribbon with Mayor Mike Duggan at The Rectory. The new pizza place is on the grounds of The Congregation, a former church-turned-coffee-shop in her neighborhood, Boston-Edison. She owns both establishments with her husband and two other business partners.

“I’m very grateful for the city,” she says.

“It has given me an opportunity to pursue my dreams.”

Of all her dreams, one for the future of Rebel Nell may be the most unconventional.

“My dream is that Rebel Nell goes out of business because there are no more women that we need to employ out of shelters,” Peterson says. “If that’s why I go out of business, what an incredible, remarkable story that is.”

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FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, VANGUARD MOTOR SALES HAS BEEN RESTORING AMERICAN MUSCLE CARS TO THEIR GLORY DAYS

BY WILL REAUME PHOTOS BY JUSTIN YONCE 32 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

This 1933 Ford Roadster is a kit car built with parts from Factory Five out of Massachusetts. Complete with a removable hardtop and suicide doors, this custom-built hot rod has a 465-horsepower Keith Craft Performance Engine under the hood.

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UNLESS YOU’RE A CAR PERSON,

the name Vanguard Motor Sales might just sound like another used car dealership selling mid-priced sedans. But for those in the know, Vanguard is the holy grail of classic American cars. I wouldn’t describe myself as a “car guy,” but when I stepped into the 80,000-square-foot showroom in Plymouth, I was taken aback. It felt like the Woodward Dream Cruise on steroids. With more than 100 unique cars in one place, the history in the room was palpable.

Since Vanguard owns all its inventory, it has total creative control over its cars. Customers seem to trust the business’s expertise, since 98% of its sales come from people who haven’t seen the cars in person.

And while Vanguard’s nearly 13 million social media followers get a glimpse behind the scenes, nothing can replicate sitting back in the driver’s seat of a mintcondition 1979 Lincoln Continental and pretending you’re Paul Castellano or sounding the siren on an exact replica of Starsky and Hutch’s 1974 Gran Torino. Although I’m not in the market to buy either of those cars, these experiences gave me a better understanding of the level of time and effort (and money) dedicated to each vehicle.

After visiting Vanguard, I doubt I’ll ever watch Gone in 60 Seconds or Bullitt the same way after seeing their reallife car counterparts in person.

Like many cars from this era, the 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner Retractable (above) has many design elements inspired by the Space Age. With taillights designed to look like a rocket’s propulsion system and a spacecraft-like hood ornament, the ’59 Fairlane is a true product of its time. This car came complete with the Continental Kit, extending the rear bumper and adding an exterior spare tire. Also pictured: 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T (left), 1965 Shelby Cobra Superformance (above, left), 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 (opposite page).

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

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

A time capsule from an age of luxury, this 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V (above and left) was the longest two-door coupe Ford ever built. Inside, no expense was spared, with a Cartier dashboard clock and pillowy blue leather bucket seats. The ’79 has a factory-built garage door opener (the first of its kind), a CB radio, and an 8-track tape player. Also pictured: 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Restomod (below), 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback (opposite page).

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This restomodded 1979 Ford Bronco 4x4 (right) maintains its classic look while providing modern performance upgrades. The Free Wheeling package gave the Bronco its distinct gradient body graphics while keeping its rugged, off-road-capable look. This ’79 Bronco is powered by a 7.3L Godzilla V8, the same engine behind the latest Ford heavy-duty trucks.

The gauge clusters are digital versions of the original triple-square instrument systems, which highlights the level of precision behind these restomods. Also pictured: 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner (below), 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle (above), 1965 Shelby Cobra Superformance (above, right), 1965 Shelby Cobra (opposite page).

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1969 Chevrolet Camaro Restomod

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

START YOUR ENGINES A GUIDE TO THE 2026 DETROIT AUTO SHOW January in Detroit means one thing: the return of the Detroit Auto Show. This year’s event takes place Jan. 14-25 at Huntington Place, kicking off with The Gallery event, which benefits a local charity, and ending with Racing Day, which brings world-class race cars and top motorsports stars together for an interactive experience.

THE GALLERY (JAN. 13)

Taking place before the show opens, The Gallery showcases luxury cars in an elegant setting. The ticketed evening event benefits Forgotten Harvest and features more than 50 cars from brands like Aston Martin, RollsRoyce, and Ferrari.

Tickets are $250 each or $400 for a pair. detroitautoshow.com/the-gallery

MOBILITY GLOBAL FORUM AND MEDIA AND INDUSTRY DAYS (JAN. 14-15)

This year's Mobility Global Forum— where more than 60 industry experts and leaders in mobility, design, technology, design and talent gather for panels and fireside chats — welcomes former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg as the keynote speaker. Industry experts include Founder and CEO of Apptronik Jeff Cardenas, President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research Elizabeth Krear, Founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services Carla Walker-Miller, and President and CEO of Valvoline Global Operations Jamal Muashsher.

The Forum is held during Media and Industry Days allowing industry professionals a chance to access the Detroit Auto Show from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. .

Industry tickets are $55 for one day or $80 for a two-day pass. detroitautoshow.com/ industry-days-tickets

PUBLIC SHOW (JAN. 17–25)

For nine days, the Detroit Auto Show will be available to everyone, giving visitors a chance to interact with leading brands like Toyota, Ford, GM, and Stellantis. Check out the latest in automotive and EV technology with experiential track activations and interactive displays. Modded Detroit will be there, showcasing local cars with both performance and cosmetic modifications. Detroit DJs like Andrea Ghita, Erno, and Craig Gonzalez will be performing throughout the event.

Early bird tickets are available for $20 before Dec. 1 and $25 after. detroitautoshow.com/ public-show-tickets

RACING DAY (JAN. 20)

Presented by the Detroit Grand Prix, the event offers ways for fans to interact with the biggest names in motorsports and the cars they drive.

Visitors have the chance to ride alongside world-class drivers on an indoor course honoring the Detroit Grand Prix’s street circuit. Iconic IndyCar and IMSA vehicles will be on display in addition to autograph opportunities and hands-on experiences.

For more information on the 2026 Detroit Auto Show, visit detroitautoshow.com.

BY WILL REAUME

FORD RACING SEASON LAUNCH For the first time in Ford’s 125 years of racing, the motorsports season launch will take place in Detroit. The invite-only event will take place at Michigan Central on Jan. 15, with a livestream available on the venue’s website.

The highlight of the launch will be Ford’s return to Formula 1 in a partnership with Red Bull first announced in 2023. Both racing teams will reveal their liveries along with their drivers. Ford will also offer an exclusive sneak peek at an all-new racing production road car.

CHARITY PREVIEW (JAN. 16)

Since its start in 1976, the Charity Preview has raised more than $125 million for children’s charities in southeast Michigan. This year’s event is headlined by award-winning artist Robin Thicke, with Jalen Rose as the master of ceremonies and a special performance from Detroit rapper Trick Trick.

Tickets are $400.detroitautoshow.com/ charity-preview-tickets PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DETROIT AUTO SHOW

The Detroit Auto Show returns to Hungtington Place Jan. 14-25 with new events and big announcements.

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

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

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

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EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL ADVISING CARL GILL — ASSET PRESERVATION CAPITAL LTD. 3331 W. BIG BEAVER ROAD, SUITE 118, TROY, MI 48084 | 248-649-4759 | ASSETPRESERVATIONCAPITAL.COM Carl Gill is a dedicated and seasoned financial adviser with over 30 years of distinguished service. He has worked with countless clients, guiding them through the complexities of financial planning and ensuring their financial stability during their golden years.

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

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PHOTO BY EMIN KADI

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INTERIOR DESIGN SÍLVIA SCHAEFFER – SÍLVIA SCHAEFFER DESIGN 280 N. OLD WOODWARD AVE., SUITE 100, BIRMINGHAM, MI | 248-550-5663 | SILVIASCHAEFFERDESIGN.COM Sílvia Schaeffer is an award-winning interior designer from Brazil with more than two decades of experience and a degree in architecture.

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table. As a local company rooted in downtown Rochester with a full brick-and-mortar presence, LoChirco Realty offers uncompromising service supported by genuine community relationships. In addition to exceptional real estate representation, Lia provides her clients full access to every component of her building and renovation team, offering expertise in custom construction, remodeling, and design.

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MENTAL HEALTH CHRISTOPHER KOURTAKIS — ASKCHRISK AND METANOIA COUNSELING 39400 WOODWARD AVE., SUITE 187, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304 | 313-500-9791 | ASKCHRISK.COM | ASKMETANOIA.COM As a licensed professional psychotherapist (counselor), Christopher Kourtakis is known for his expertise in helping individuals and couples unlock their full potential. He provides personalized therapy, couples counseling, and life coaching for high-performing clients. Chris uses a modern, results-driven, and highly personalized approach (including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy) to help clients overcome challenges, strengthen relationships, and achieve success beyond expectations.

Chris’s ability to connect with families and couples stems from his real-life experience and his proven track record working with 54

countless couples who once felt stuck and overwhelmed and were struggling to move forward. He helps partners reach their best possible outcomes and navigate difficult crossroads.

In addition to counseling, Chris offers business consulting through both a business and psychological lens. He supports teams and organizations in improving performance, boosting productivity, and driving meaningful results. By leveraging his extensive background in business and counseling, Chris helps leaders and team members achieve breakthroughs they previously didn’t think were possible.

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2026

THE FACES OF

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

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

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PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2026

THE FACES OF

ORTHODONTICS DR. JAMIE REYNOLDS, DR. JENN BONAMICI — REYNOLDS ORTHODONTICS FOUR LOCATIONS: NOVI, ROCHESTER HILLS, TROY, WEST BLOOMFIELD | 248-344-8400 | MYAMAZINGSMILE.COM When reflecting on memorable customer experiences, a visit to the orthodontist might not be the first thing that comes to mind.

However, Dr. Jamie Reynolds and Dr. Jenn Bonamici are changing that perception with their innovative approach to patient care and the customer experience.

A nationally recognized orthodontic teacher, Dr. Reynolds and his team deliver world-class orthodontics using state-of-the-art Damon System braces and Spark aligners. These technologies not only enhance comfort and aesthetics, but they also yield life56

changing results in fewer visits.

One distinguishing aspect of the practice is its commitment to ensuring that financial considerations never hinder the delivery of quality orthodontic treatment. Dr. Reynolds is a co-founder of OrthoFi, a company dedicated to making orthodontic treatment more affordable through flexible financing options. Additionally, the practice is actively involved in charitable initiatives, including Smiles Change Lives and Smile for a Lifetime, and it has developed its own charitable program, Project Mariposa.

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2026

THE FACE OF

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY DR. ALI H. SOBH — SOBH ORTHOPEDICS 30575 WOODWARD AVE., ROYAL OAK, MI 48073 | 26025 LAHSER ROAD, SOUTHFIELD, MI 48033 | 248-280-8550 REFERRALS@MIORTHOSURGEONS.COM | SOBHORTHO.COM Ali H. Sobh, M.D., is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with specialized expertise in minimally invasive hip and knee replacement. Guided by the belief that each patient should stand at the center of their own care, he is dedicated to providing the clarity, support, and tools patients need to regain their mobility and confidence.

A graduate of Wayne State University, Dr. Sobh completed orthopedic training at Corewell Health in Royal Oak before pursuing

an elite fellowship at Rush University in Chicago, where he refined advanced techniques in hip and knee reconstruction.

Dr. Sobh is inspired by the life-changing impact of joint replacement.

Through muscle-sparing approaches and robotic, computer-assisted technology, he delivers precise surgery with rapid recovery. He takes particular pride in performing “bikini-incision” anterior hip replacement and robotic-assisted knee replacement, offering patients exceptional outcomes with elegance and accuracy.

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PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2026

THE FACE OF

PLASTIC SURGERY DR. ELAN REISIN — STAR PLASTIC SURGERY 44050 W. 12 MILE ROAD, NOVI, MI 48377 | 248-735-3800 | MYSTARDR.COM Your health and beauty are in trusted hands when you choose Dr. Elan Reisin, M.D., F.A.C.S., and his team of surgeons at Star Plastic Surgery in Novi. A multiyear Hour Detroit Top Doc honoree, he’s board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and has received numerous national awards. Dr. Reisin, who serves as medical director at Star, and his team have completed more than 20,000 cosmetic surgeries.

Dr. Reisin spent five years as an attending physician and taught

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surgical residents at the prestigious Georgetown University Hospital Department of Plastic Surgery before creating Star Plastic Surgery, a preeminent, state-of-the-art AAAHC surgical center and medical spa. He’s a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and has traveled internationally to learn from top plastic surgeons while also partaking in philanthropic trips to treat children with congenital and traumatic deformities in the Dominican Republic.

AGENDA

 P. 6 X2 X text to go Explore can’t-miss here. Imi,shows te quatius. and performances Dis intisfrom quam rehenistem artists like Cardi B,que whose nemporrum tour will stopnosanis at Littleet, suntem qui Caesars Arena ut quaspedis this year.

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Arts, Culture, and Recreation

M U S I C p. 60 / E S S AY p. 61 / EV E N T S p. 62

CARDI B BRIAN ZIFF

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V

isit the website georgeclinton.com, and the first thing you’ll see is a disarming, dynamic video rendition of the Funkadelic classic “One Nation Under a Groove,” performed by the youthful Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences Choir.

Now think: What musical style would you least expect to hear covering the hits from Clinton’s P-Funk archives, and where would it be performed?

If you guessed “A symphony orchestra … at the Detroit Opera House?” you made the Mothership Connection! You win … the opportunity to buy tickets to witness “Symphonic PFunk: Celebrating the Music of Parliament Funkadelic” at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. Nona Hendryx, Bilal, and Vernon Reid will be among the special guests.

It’s billed as a first-of-its-kind event, and while Clinton has no direct involvement in the concert, Dr. Funkenstein says he’ll break away from his own current world tour to see it for himself in his adopted hometown.

Opening his conversation with the traditional Detroit greeting — “What up doe?” — Clinton rhapsodizes over tearing the roof off the Opera House.

This will be the first time Clinton’s songbook has been performed with an orchestra. “And it’s really nice that it's in Detroit,” beams Clinton, who came to Detroit with The Parliaments in the 1950s to audition for Berry Gordy’s Motown. They weren’t signed, but Clinton became a songwriter for Motown and moved the band to Detroit.

Detroit is also “where we did so much of the music,” he says, including the band’s breakthrough album Mothership Connection, which was recorded at United Sound Studios. “And we actually used a symphony band on many of our tracks. So it’s gonna feel like a homecoming for a lot of people.”

Ray Chew, the renowned musician and orchestral arranger perhaps best known as the music director for Dancing with the Stars since

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MUSIC

 Orchestral arranger Ray Chew (right) will lead the Detroit Opera Orchestra in a performance of George Clinton's (above) songbook in celebration of P-Funk’s 50th anniversary.

The MOTHERSHIP Lands in Detroit

BY J I M M C FA R L I N

The Detroit Opera House celebrates 50 years of George Clinton’s Parliament Funkadelic 2014, doubts whether any of the instrumentalists performing at the Opera House worked with Clinton in his heyday — it’s been a few decades, after all — but is thrilled to see his own P-Funk vision become reality.

“My wife and business partner, Vivian Scott Chew, has a longstanding history with George,” he explains. “She released his album T.A.P.O.A.F.O.M. (The Awesome Power of a Fully Operational Mothership) in 1996 when she was an executive at Sony Music, and they celebrated its success by landing the Mothership in New York’s Central Park.”

Chew continues, “2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the original Mothership landing, and we began envisioning what an orchestral presentation of George’s music would look like. And here we are! We’re very excited for our company, Chew Entertainment, to partner with the PHOTOS COURTESY OF DETROIT OPERA HOUSE

AGENDA

E S SAY

Detroit Opera House in kicking off this celebratory year.”

Were there challenges in converting P-Funk to orchestral melodies? “The only challenges were those to the imagination,” Chew contends. “George’s music has been played and sampled for over 50 years, so it is important that we are authentic to the style and feel.”

The goal, Chew says, is to take the show on the road and perform it in the world’s most prestigious concert venues. “Having the first show in Detroit was a no-brainer,” he adds, “due to George’s rich history with the city.”

To absolutely no surprise, the North Carolina native agrees.

“Oh yeah, you’re going to have like three generations of audience,” says Clinton, who received the first-ever Quincy Jones Award from the Paid in Full Foundation last fall for his lifetime of influence on rap and hip-hop music. “Because Detroit was with us when we were doing the suits [as the R&B group The Parliaments] and the early funk. You got a lot of them that identify with the ’70s and P-Funk, then you got the high boots, the high heels of Funkadelic later on. Then you got the hip-hop crowd that knows it through all the sampling and stuff that still goes on."

“And of course, we was Motowninfluenced ourselves. I ain’t afraid to tell nobody that. Smokey Robinson is still my hero. So I put it like this: From Smokey to Eminem, P-Funk is down with Detroit.”

He might get down with Detroit himself.

While he’s not slated to perform at the Opera House, “I might just jump up there and hang out with them on a couple of songs or so,” Clinton teases. “I plan to just sit there and watch them do it, to enjoy most of it, but you know you’re going to have all kinds of P-Funkers there. You’re going to have to keep reminding them that it ain’t their show, but they’re going to be ready to get down.”

This summer, Clinton will turn 85, an age at which most people can’t even recall their retirement. How is he still ready to get down? “I got a spaceship, man,” he replies with a wink. “It does all the work. Hey, don’t tell nobody, man. They gonna beam me up.”

ILLUSTRATION ADOBE STOCK

Resolutions for Me, for You, for the City B Y RYA N PAT R I C K H O O P E R

Musings from our resident culture conversationalist O N E O F my favorite questions to ask is “What are your resolutions for the year?”

It takes a lot of vulnerability to say how you want to be better, what vices you’re trying to shake, your expectations of change over the next 12 months. So it doesn’t surprise me when people get a little shy about sharing (or just tell me straight up that they hate resolutions).

That hasn’t stopped me from asking — and hoping that all the resolutions come true.

I’ll go first. I want to travel more. (Who doesn’t?) I want to take things less personally. (That’s like a superpower, isn’t it?)

I want to make all my deadlines. (That’s for my editor reading this).

I’m also considering getting absolutely jacked in the gym for my health and posting it online for my vanity, but I’ll wait until the gyms clear out at the end of the month. (“Stop procrastinating” was last year’s resolution.)

What about you? Personally, I’d love to see you at more shows, supporting more local music, local theater, and really anything artistic coming out of our region. Let’s give all the money we can afford to local artists!

Because, truly, it’s more critical than ever.

Last year, we saw grants and federal funding for arts organizations take a major hit, being reduced dramatically or disappearing from budgets completely. That includes the wiping out of $3 million from the National Endowment for the Arts that was earmarked for Michigan arts organizations, which left a lot of them scrambling to figure out what’s next.

So get that ticket today for a local arts organization’s show later this year and get something in return for your investment in

what they do. In uncertain times, it’s truly the arts that help us make sense of the world changing around us.

And what about a fair resolution to ask of the city of Detroit for 2026?

Last January, I advocated for the city to adopt a new nickname — one city under a groove — and lamented city hall’s lack of investment in selling the city to the rest of the world, imagining a city budget that considered the value of cultural tourism more seriously.

It’s not just a cute idea or a poster campaign. There’s very real money and economic impact there. Back in 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis valued the arts and cultural production at over $15 billion for the state’s economy, plus nearly 110,000 jobs.

It’s a fresh start for everybody, so hopefully Detroit’s new mayor, Mary Sheffield, is thinking about cultural tourism as an anchor for the city’s bottom line.

And hopefully you’re thinking about going to that concert, seeing that show, or spending some cash on a local artist’s work.

And hopefully I’ll be waiting just a few more weeks to get back in the gym.

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

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FEB. 4-15 T H E AT E R

 Morgan Wallen performs at Michigan Stadium July 24-25.

The Phantom of the Opera: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s haunting and romantic musical about a tortured artist who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House is one of the most successful touring productions in history, having played to more than 160 million fans in 195 cities since its 1986 debut. $70+. Detroit Opera House, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

MARCH 1-7 T H E AT E R

JAN. 10

JAN. 23

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Taylor Tomlinson: After becoming a Top 10 finalist on the ninth season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Tomlinson would appear on The Tonight Show, Conan, and several Comedy Central productions. Named one of the “Top 10 Comics to Watch” by Variety, Tomlinson’s stand-up routines draw heavily from her experience growing up in a strict Christian family.

Her most recent special, 2024’s Have It All, debuted in the No. 1 spot on Netflix. $69+.

Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

STOMP: For nearly 30 years, this exciting celebration of rhythm and music has wowed audiences around the world. Energetic performers use everything from garbage cans to hubcaps as percussive instruments, creating a uniquely engaging spectacle that combines rhythm, synchronized movement, and visual comedy. $41+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

University of Michigan Museum of Art. Curated in collaboration with the university’s Labadie Collection of political dissent, this exhibit brings together artwork, archival documents, and rare artifacts from the 1950s-1970s.

Featured artists include Romare Bearden, Nancy Spero, Félix Gonzalez-Torres, and more. No cost. University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbor; umma.umich.edu

EVENTS

2026 EVENTS PREVIEW

BY LAUREN WETHINGTON

Save the dates for these can’t-miss shows and performances from January through September

JAN. 24-2027 ART

American Sampler: Activating the Archive: Look back on a time when protest and unrest remade the nation at this new exhibit inside the

The Handmaid’s Tale Before Margaret Atwood’s classic dystopian fiction novel became a streaming success on Hulu, it inspired a musical by Danish composer Poul Ruders. The fast-paced production takes place in a fictional contemporary America, where a harsh theocratic dictatorship has stripped women of their human rights. $30+. Detroit Opera House, Detroit; detroitopera.org

MARCH 15 MUSIC

Cardi B: The Grammy Award-winning rap superstar will embark on her first tour in four years in support of her second studio album, Am I the Drama?, which dropped in September with the lead single “Outside.” The album marks a long-awaited follow-up to the vocalist’s 2018 debut, Invasion of Privacy, which propelled her to become the first female artist to have 13 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart simultaneously. $99+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com

 Detroit Opera presents The Phantom of the Opera Feb. 4-15.

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MORGAN WALLEN SPIDEY SMITH TAYLOR TOMLINSON, STOMP COURTESY OF 313PRESENTS THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA JOHAN PERSSON

AGENDA  & Juliet will be at the Fisher Theatre March 31-April 12.

Big House this summer. $144+. Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor; mgoblue.com

MAY 8

JULY 24-25

MUSIC

MUSIC

MUSIC

Dee Dee Bridgewater: The Grammy and Tony Award-winning jazz vocalist and actress will offer two special performances at the Wright Museum of African American History this March. Her accolades include the prestigious Doris Duke Artist Award and induction into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. $17+. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit; thewright.org

Mac DeMarco: The reigning king of slacker rock will make a stop at Detroit’s Masonic Temple Theatre in support of his 2025 album, Guitar. The singer-songwriter first burst onto the scene in 2012 with the album Rock and Roll Night Club, which fused the sounds of American soul, glam rock, ’50s rock and roll, and new wave. $78+. Masonic Temple Theatre, Detroit; axs.com

Morgan Wallen: The country-pop star first rose to fame as a contestant on the sixth season of the reality singing competition show, The Voice. His major label debut, If I Know Me, spent a record-breaking 114 weeks on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. He’ll play hits from his latest release, 2025’s I’m the Problem, when he stops at the

MARCH 27-28

MARCH 31-APRIL 12 T H E AT E R

& Juliet: The greatest love story ever told gets a hilarious, feminist update in this musical created by Canadian writer David West Read.

Best known for his work on the Emmy Award-winning television series Schitt’s Creek, Read infused the classic tale with modern pop anthems and a new ending for Juliet, who realizes there’s life after Romeo. $46+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

APRIL 14-26 T H E AT E R

Suffs: The Tony Award-winning musical about the passionate American heroes who fought for women’s voting rights comes to Detroit’s Fisher Theatre straight from Broadway.

Creator Shaina Taub was the first woman to win the Tony Awards for best book and best score in the same season. $116. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadway indetroit.com

tan skyscrapers to adobe abodes in New Mexico, the works show a different side of the artist and provide viewers with a new perspective on familiar landscapes. No cost with museum admission. Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit; dia.org

SEPT. 20 MUSIC

SEPT. 13-JAN. 3, 2027 ART

Georgia O’Keeffe: Architecture: This groundbreaking new exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts will display 35 of O’Keeffe’s architectural paintings, which experiment with the same unique abstract styles found in the acclaimed American artist’s famous floral art.

From towering Manhat-

Ray LaMontagne: The acclaimed singer-songwriter will celebrate the success of his 2024 album, Long Way Home, as well as the 20-year anniversary of his debut album, Trouble, when he lands at Detroit’s Fox Theatre with support from Canadian folk band The Weather Station. $53+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

APRIL 9-19 MUSIC

Northern Lights Festival with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Visit Finland, Norway, and Denmark by way of symphonic sound at this upcoming festival at Orchestra Hall. Featured works such as Sibelius’s famous Violin Concerto, Grieg’s iconic Peer Gynt suite, and Nielsen’s dramatic Symphony No. 5 will be conducted by Norwegian guest conductor Tabita Berglund. $20+.

Orchestra Hall, Detroit; dso.org

&JULIET MATTHEW MURPHY SUFFS JOAN MARCUS GEORGIA O'KEEFFE COURTESY OF DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS RAY LAMONTAGNE COURTESY OF 313PRESENTS

 Ray LaMontagne takes the stage Sept. 20 at the Fox Theatre.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

School Name







City

Website

Grades

Phone Number

Student / Teacher Ratio

Tuition Range

Academy of the Sacred Heart

Bloomfield Hills

ashmi.org

Infant to 12 - girls; Infant to 8 - boys

248-646-8900

12 to 1

Varies

Archdiocese of Detroit Office for Catholic Schools

Detroit

detroitcatholicschools.org

Pre-K to 12

313-237-4661

Varies

Varies

Austin Catholic High School

Chesterfield

austincatholichighschool.org

Grade 9 to 12

586-200-0143

7 to 1

$11,250

Bishop Foley High School

Madison Heights

bishopfoley.org

Grade 9 to 12

248-585-1210

12 to 1

$13,350

Brother Rice High School

Bloomfield Hills

brrice.edu

Grade 9 to 12 - all boys

248-833-2000

13.5 to 1

$17,950

Cranbrook Schools

Bloomfield Hills

schools.cranbrook.edu

Pre-K to 12

248-645-3000

Varies

$12,900 - $41,800

De La Salle Collegiate

Warren

delasallehs.com

Grade 9 to 12 - all boys

586-778-2207

9 to 1

$15,600

Detroit Catholic Central High School

Novi

catholiccentral.net

Grade 9 to 12 - all boys

248-596-3810

15 to 1

$16,275

Detroit Country Day School

Beverly Hills

dcds.edu

Pre-K to 12

248-646-7717

Varies

$26,300 - $39,300

Detroit Waldorf School

Detroit

detroitwaldorf.org

Pre-K to 8

313-822-0300

Varies

$10,850 - $17,200

Eagle Creek Academy

Oakland Township

eaglecreekacademy.com

Toddlers to Grade 5

248-475-9999

Varies

$5,543 - $16,440

Eton Academy

Birmingham

etonacademy.org

K to 12

248-642-1150

5 to 1

$31,830 - $34,170

Frankel Jewish Academy

West Bloomfield

frankelja.org

Grade 9 to 12

248-592-5263

6 to 1

$30,800

The Grosse Pointe Academy

Grosse Pointe Farms

gpacademy.org

Montessori Pre-K to K Grade 1 to 8

313-886-1221

10 to 1

$13,200 - $28,700

Mercy High School

Farmington Hills

mhsmi.org

Grade 9 to 12 - all girls

248-476-8020

22 to 1

$17,200

MSU Gifted and Talented Education

East Lansing

gifted.msu.edu

Grade 4 to 10

517-432-2129

Varies

$350 - $1,995

Notre Dame Preparatory School

Pontiac

ndprep.org

Pre-K to 12

248-373-1061

Varies

$15,450 - $21,450

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory

Orchard Lake

stmarysprep.com

Grade 9 to 12

248-392-9280

18 to 1

$16,700 - $50,000

Regina High School

Warren

reginahs.com

Grade 9 to 12

586-585-0500

13 to 1

$13,560

St. Hugo of the Hills

Bloomfield Hills

sthugoschool.org

Pre-K to 8

248-642-6131

Varies

$5,712 - $10,050



University Liggett School

Grosse Pointe Woods

uls.org

Pre-K to 12

313-884-4444

8 to 1

$9,965 - $21,725



University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy

Detroit

uofdjesuit.org

Grade 7 to 12

313-862-5400

13.5 to 1

$14,000 - $18,300

 ADVERTISEMENT IN THIS ISSUE | SCHOOLS ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

WHERE STUDENTS WHO THINK & LEARN DIFFERENTLY FIND THEIR BEST PATH FORWARD At Eton Academy, we understand that when students learn differently, they shouldn’t have to struggle in order to succeed. Sometimes, all they need is the right environment—one that finally makes learning click.

If the first half of the school year hasn’t gone the way you hoped, now is the perfect time to discover a school built specifically for students who learn differently.

At Eton, students in grades K–12 gain the tools, confidence, and support they need to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE ETON: THE ETON APPROACH®, PERSONALIZED INSTRUCTION THAT WORKS: Every student receives an individualized learning plan designed to build confidence, independence, and measurable academic growth.

EXPERT TEACHERS: Our instructors are trained to support students with learning needs related to attention, language, executive functioning, reading, and more.

SMALL CLASS SIZES: With 10 or fewer students per class, student child receives the focused academic and emotional support they deserve.

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Sign up for an Admissions Presentation or Schedule a Private Tour!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

University of Detroit HIGH SCHOOL AND ACADEMY

Learning Students Love SPRING OPEN HOUSE

Chart Your Path

April 21 6-8 pm

At U of D Jesuit, college counseling begins freshman year and continues through graduation, guiding each student to discover his strengths and chart his unique path. Working hand-in-hand with school counselors, our team ensures every Cub’s academic journey aligns with his passions and goals. With more than $13.5 million in scholarships awarded, our graduates leave ready to thrive, grounded in faith, leadership, and purpose.

Schedule a visit today

From early school through grade 12, our students learn by doing, with an emphasis on meaning over memorization.

With small class sizes, and a rigorous curriculum, the Liggett Approach teaches students to think critically and prepares them to thrive in college—and beyond.

More than a school, ULS is a community.

Experience it in person—join us for a campus visit. uls.org

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Notre Dame Prep A Catholic and Marist Community

THE BETTER BRIDAL SHOW

Jan. 18, 2026, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Feb. 22, 2026, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Experience the Magic of Bridal Celebrations Bring your dream wedding to life at Bridal Celebrations. Meet top wedding pros, explore inspiring displays, and find everything you need in one fun stop. Enjoy exclusive specials, expert guidance, and a lively day of planning with your fiancé, friends, and family. Plus, enter the 10 Gown Giveaway at the Ford Field Show, courtesy of The Wedding Shoppe!

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT CBRIDE.COM

Photography By:

FOOD & DRINK JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6

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

 P. 6 8 Bev’s Bagels is opening a second location in Ann Arbor.

Get the scoop on more new restaurants coming to metro Detroit in 2026.

D I N I N G N EWS p. 68 / D R I N K S p. 69 / P R O F I L E p. 70

PHOTO MARK KURLYANDCHIK / BOOTH ONE CREATIVE

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FOOD & DRINK

D I N I N G N E WS

RESTAURANTS on Our RADAR for 2026

BY JACK THOMAS

Here’s what we know about six restaurant concepts expected to open this year Hudson’s Detroit’s Unnamed Restaurant Project Address: 1240 Woodward Ave., Detroit Slated to Open: Sometime in 2026 Union Square Hospitality Group announced in late October that it was planning its first “Detroit project” in the newly completed Hudson’s Detroit building. It’s still not clear what that project will be.

USHG was started in 1985 by restaurateur Danny Meyer. Since then, it has earned 28 James Beard Awards and earned two Michelin stars at The Modern, located inside New York City’s Museum of Modern Art. Coco’s Chop House Address: 6810 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills JD’s Stage Bistro

Slated to Open: Spring 2026 Local chef and restaurateur Dean Cicala plans to bring a high-end steakhouse to Rochester Hills. Cicala’s business partners on the project are John DeAngelis and Iris Male, who own Filippa’s Italian Restaurant. Legendary chef and former Rattlesnake Club owner Jimmy Schmidt is consulting for the restaurant’s in-house dry-aging program.

Additionally, Madam alum Clifton Booth will be joining the team as chef de cuisine. In addition to steaks, seafood will play a prominent role on the menu, as well as house-made pastas and plenty of vegan options. The wine list will be extensive, with over 700 bottles.

JD’s Stage Bistro Address: 117-1/2 S. Main St., Chelsea Slated to Open: Spring 2026 Part music venue, part bistro, a new concept named after actor Jeff Daniels is opening in his hometown of Chelsea.

Daniels and his family partnered with the local Tannin Property Group to bring the project to life. The owners envision “a world-class music venue” that will attract both local and national acts. The menu was crafted by Chef Nate Wegryn, previously of Ann Arbor’s Echelon

6 8 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

Kitchen and Bar and The Dixboro Project. The menu will feature contemporary fare and will source heavily from local farmers. The restaurant will feature a wood-fired pizza oven, cocktail bar, patio, and several spaces for private events.

Coco’s Chop House

sourced from Latin American countries like Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. Mexican coffee, fresh juices, and Mexican pastries and wraps will also be on the menu. The café will seat about 30 guests, and it will also house a hidden speakeasy.

Balam Café

Bev’s Bagels Ann Arbor Address: 115 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor Slated to Open: Summer 2026 In late November, Bev’s Bagels chef-owner Max Sussman signed a lease for the space between Spencer and RoosRoast in downtown Ann Arbor.

It will be the second location for the Core City Detroit-based bagel shop, known for its unique schmears and sandwiches. The new spot will be nearly double the size of the

original location and is likely to feature a larger menu with pastries and more.

Balam Café Address: 207 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale Slated to Open: Winter 2026 From sibling restaurateurs Sandra Haro and José Granados (owners of Mezcal) comes a totally different concept: a wine bar and coffee shop. Balam, which is the Mayan word for jaguar, will feature wines

Amelia Street Pizza Co. Address: Hazel Park Slated to Open: Sometime in 2026 After scoring props from top chef James Rigato

and holding weekend pop-ups at Detroit’s Dragonfly, self-taught chef Matt Arb has found a permanent home for his crispy thin-crust sourdough pizzas. The Royal Oak resident signed a lease for a place in Hazel Park in late November, although details of its exact location were not yet public at the time of publication.

Please check the restaurant’s Instagram for updates.

Amelia Street Pizza Co.

JD'S STAGE BISTRO COURTESY OF JD'S STAGE BISTRO BALAM CAFÉ COURTESY OF BALAM CAFÉ COCO'S CHOP HOUSE DEAN CICALA AMELIA STREET PIZZA CO. JACK THOMAS

FOOD & DRINK

 With younger generations cutting out booze, bartenders are still getting creative with nonalcoholic cocktails.

DRINKS

Hold the LIQUOR!

BY M I C K E Y LYO N S

A pro's guide to crafting mocktails at home

H

ere we go — another Dry January.

Another month of making up for a holiday season of bubbles, bourbon, and Beaujolais by pretending I like hop water and plain soda.

Still, I’m convinced that it’s a valuable exercise. It’s important to reflect on my drinking habits every so often, whether that’s for Sober October, Dry January, or Sobruary.

And I’m not alone: According to an August 2025 Gallup poll, a record-low 54% of Americans reported drinking alcohol, a number that has declined most sharply among younger people. That doesn’t mean we have to hole up and turn into curmudgeonly teetotalers, though.

A skilled bartender can work with a variety of botanicals, liquid infusions, and a few surprising ingredients to craft sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails for a range of tastes.

That means that even if we’re cutting down on the booze, a night out at the bar can still chase those winter blues away. I stopped into Candy Bar to chat with James Hodge, The Siren Hotel’s beverage director, about how to liven up Dry January.

At its heart, any cocktail is made up of just a few ingredients. Booze, bitters, citrus, sweetener, and a few more bits and pieces can make a million and more combinations of cocktails. Remove the alcohol, and there’s still plenty to work with, says Hodge. “It’s all about perceived flavor. Alcohol coats the tongue in a very sharp kind of way.”

Products like Lyre’s, Seedlip, and other alcohol substitutes can be swapped in one for one in cocktail recipes that call for gin or whiskey, for example. Detroit’s own Casamara Club has a line of botanical sodas that take PHOTO JESS KEARNEY

inspiration from (but don’t try to directly imitate) global cocktails.

For the more adventurous mixologists, Hodge recommends playing around with tea and botanical extracts. In what he calls “my love letter to Castalia” (the pioneering Midtown cocktail bar that crafted NA and alcoholic versions of each of its drinks), Hodge uses Lapsang souchong tea with grains of paradise in Candy Bar’s Smoke Show NA cocktail.

“The grains of paradise add that kind of bite you expect from an alcoholic substance, regardless of it being actually spicy or not,” he says.

One of his “secret ingredients” when creating new drinks is gentian, for its “perceived acidity.” Hodge also takes plenty of inspiration from a trip to the market. “I’m very grateful that here in the city of Detroit, we do have Germack and Twinn [Spice and Nut] in Eastern Market,” he says. He recommends playing around with a single botanical like orris root, gentian, or chamomile. Next, he says, make an infusion and use that as a base for a variety of new drinks, adding and subtracting citrus or other elements each time for a new flavor.

As more people explore the world of non-alcoholic cocktails, says Hodge, “we’re watching the definition [of social drinking] shift to botanicals and the element or the essence of the flavor profile. The Zoomers have really helped us change the definition of what drinking culture is.”

Candy Bar’s Guava Glow 2 ounces Seedlip Notas de Agave ½ ounce guava nectar ¼ ounce agave ½ ounce lime juice ¼ ounce vegan foamer* (Fee Foam works well here, or this can be left out.) ¾ ounce cranberry juice (float) Shake and double strain the ingredients into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.

Float cranberry juice over the top and garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel.

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PROFILE

A Marvelous Market

BY DA N N Y PA L U M B O PHOTOS BY REBECCA SIMONOV

For more than a decade, the independently owned 168 Asian Mart in Madison Heights has been a treasured resource for Asian American home cooking

Y

oung couples holding hands while perusing imported snacks, old friends sharing stories over piping hot bowls of noodles, and families shopping for produce with their small children — all while the steady, soft beeping of barcodes being scanned rings throughout a massive yet deeply personal grocery store. This is the scene on a bustling Saturday afternoon at 168 Asian Mart, Michigan’s largest Asian grocery and a gathering space designed by one of Detroit’s most influential couples.

168 (the shorthand for regulars in the know) is a huge, 80,000-square-foot store featuring thousands of products from East Asia. The produce section is extensive and wondrous to the Western eye, but, more importantly, it has exactly what Asian families in Michigan need to recreate familiar, comforting dishes at home: tiers of Korean radishes, kabocha squash, fresh coconuts, Chinese nagaimo (yams), lychee, Taiwanese melons, and multiple varieties of Korean pears; boxes of king oyster mushrooms, bok choy, purple eggplants, and so much more. For Asian people in metro Detroit, having access to such ingredients is necessary.

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Live fish, fresh shellfish, and other speciality seafoods are imported from Asia and sold at the market.  An array of juices, sodas, sakes, and beers are located throughout the aisles of the store, which opened in 2015.

“So many people come in with recipes,” says 168 Group President Cindy Wang with delight. “They bring the recipes — ‘Where do I find these?’”

The answer? One of the vast aisles of 168 Mart. Have an online recipe for pad Thai?

Want to make your grandmother’s fried rice or cold noodle soup? You’d best get shopping at 168.

T H E R O M A N C E T H AT STA RTE D IT A L L

Wang and her late husband, Ricky Dong, opened 168 Asian Mart in 2015, though they had a great interest in running an Asian grocery store long before that. As teenagers, the pair separately immigrated to America from the Fujian province in China.

They met in New York City in the ’90s, fell in love, and moved to Detroit soon after, eventually marrying in 2002. Upon arriving in the city, Wang was disheartened by the lack of Asian products in the area. “How come there’s no good grocery stores here?” she recalls saying. “I cannot find stuff I want. At that time, 26 or 27 years ago, there was nothing.”

Then, as Wang tells it, her husband said, “What about we build one?” At first, the couple owned and operated Fuji Market (which used to sit across the street from 168). The store was there for around 20 years before the

FOOD & DRINK

gleefully meandering about the store, mingling as they unearth the treasures housed within the cavernous grocery.

BETWEEN THE AISLES

couple bought it. Wang says the woman running the store was getting older and needed someone to take it over. Eventually, however, the couple needed a store massive enough to support their equally big dreams.

They needed 30,000 square feet, and they found it across the street.

Thousands of products lie within 168 Mart, each ready to be discovered and claimed. Savvy home cooks may initially dart toward powerful flavor enhancers like gochujang, chili crisp, vinegars, sesame oil, and multiple soy sauce varieties. Stacks of rice and beans are plentiful, and a downright impressive freezer section contains dumplings of all kinds, from Filipino lumpia to Chinese shumai. Meanwhile, a robust seafood area with stacks of aquariums features hard-to-get items like conch and razor clams.

For those in need of immediate nourishment, the bakery section highlights plenty of freshly prepared sweet and savory buns filled with pork, chicken curry, seaweed, and more. However, I find myself returning most to the pineapple custard bun, which, as of this writing, remains $1.89. It’s a monster bun, an entire breakfast for under $2, and is subtly sweet and crumbly, with creamy edges and a hollow center.

Afterward, I sit at the food court for nearly an hour, intently focused on a shimmering, volcanic red bowl of extra spicy oxtail soup as

families and friends catch up in the small section next to me — not a lick of English being spoken in the area, only the familiar sounds of slurping and laughter.

A MEANINGFUL MARKET

Though 168 Mart has a certain appeal to curious food adventurers like me, it was always meant to be a staple for the Asian community.

“That’s what I work so hard for,” Wang says as she remembers her late husband, who passed away three years ago. “We were building this together. So many Asian people remember him. I really think that the day you die is when people forget about you, so we leave the legacy here.”

“Everything started from helping people,” she says. From humble beginnings, 168 Group now owns several Madison Heights restaurants — Lao Pot, Fuji Buffet, and 168 Crab & Karaoke — plus Tabe in Ann Arbor, a nail supply store, and a gaming store. In addition, Wang started the Ricky Dong Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps families acquire food assistance. Though deceased, Dong’s impact is still felt all around southeast Michigan.

“If people remember him, honor him,” Wang says, “it’s like he’s still alive.”

168 TIMES TWO

The store eventually expanded into the former Big Lots space next door and nearly doubled in size, now an estimated 80,000 square feet.

With the expansion came plans for a brandnew food court and a focus on street food.

Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean street food delicacies are all featured in the food hall, which spotlights small, established local businesses (many of which are women-owned) that reflect 168’s commitment to excellence and community. Wang says that other vendors who missed out on a residency at the food court will have a chance to sell prepackaged goods in a grab-and-go section.

“We are not just a retail store,” insists Wang.

“We’re actually trying to build bridges.” Those bridges connect many different cultures. For proof, just look around 168.

On a particular Saturday visit, families of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian heritage abound, but also plenty of metro Detroiters both white and Black, all

 Ready-to-cook items like frozen dumplings, buns, ice cream, and noodle dishes are available at the 80,000-square-foot market in Madison Heights.

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71

Your Comprehensive Resource for Dining Out in Metro Detroit

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

Wayne Adelina $$$$ ITALIAN • Brought downtown by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, Adelina features traditional Italian eats in a modern atmosphere, with made-in-house pasta and starters like focaccia, seared tuna crudo, sausage and peppers, and a roasted Wagyu meatball. Entrées include lamb chops with house made tzatziki, veal milanese, and salmon with romesco sauce. Stick around for desserts like the zeppole Italian ricotta doughnuts. 1040 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-246-8811. D Tue.-Sun. Al Ameer $$ LEBANESE • This halal restaurant is a recipient of the prestigious James Beard America’s Classics Award. The Al Ameer platter is perfect for sharing: chicken shawarma, meat shawarma, tawook kabob, and two kafta served with hummus and salad. 12710 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-8185. 27346 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights; 313-565-9600. 6505 N. Canton Center Road, Canton; 734-627-7707. L,D daily.

Amore da Roma $$ ITALIAN • Guy Pelino, Roma Café’s chef, took over the ownership reins of this restaurant on the edge of the Eastern Market. He retained the menu, adding a charcuterie board and updating the wine list, while keeping the character of the old-school restaurant, known for its steaks and pastas. 3401 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313831-5940. L,D Tue.-Sat. Alpino $$$ ALPINE •This Alps-inspired Corktown eatery quickly became beloved after opening in 2023. The cozy interior evokes cabins and farmhouses from the European countryside. Order beers and wines from all over Europe, plus Alps-inspired cocktails, fondue, wiener schnitzel, raclette, and pastas. 1426 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-524-0888. D daily, BR Sun. Andiamo $$ ITALIAN • Over the past three decades, Joe Vicari has established several Andiamo restaurants in metro Detroit, all inspired by the late master chef Aldo Ottaviani’s philosophy of seasonal, from-scratch cooking. The menus differ slightly at the different locations, but the constant is the fresh, housemade pastas handcrafted by the trinity of “pasta ladies” — Anna, Tanya, and Angelina — who have carried on the tradition. The downtown Detroit location offers a breathtaking view of the Detroit River, while the Livonia location offers a comfortable and casual vibe. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit; 313-5676700. D Mon.-Fri., L,D Sat.-Sun. 38703 Seven Mile Road, Livonia; 734-953-3200. D daily.

E N T R É E P R I C ES

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

There’s a full bar and a very extensive wine list. 2220 N. Canton Center Road, Canton; 734-981-9800. 26356 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights; 313-278-6000. 37646 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-994-4000. L,D daily. (Farmington Hills location closed Mondays) Atwater in the Park $ GERMAN • At this casual spot, traditional German-style beer is the beverage of choice. Chef Chris Franz’s noteworthy menu is compatible with such additions as the Atwater Brat and other sausages teamed with sauerkraut, plus Bavarian soft pretzels. 1175 Lakepointe St., Grosse Pointe Park; 313-344-5104. L,D daily.

Apparatus Room $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • The Foundation Hotel’s restaurant, the Apparatus Room, once housed the Detroit Fire Department headquarters. Chef Rece Hogerheide’s cooking is refined and highly skilled — he was the executive chef of the Daxton Hotel’s restaurant Madam, named 2023 Restaurant of the Year by Hour Detroit. 250 W. Larned St., Detroit; 313-8005600. B,L,D Mon.-Fri., BR,D Sat.-Sun. Avalon Café and Bakery $$ ORGANIC BAKERY • The bakery’s mini-empire includes a café on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Its bread is also the basis for dishes such as avocado toast with tahini, thinly curled cucumbers, lime, and chili flakes. Vegetarian fare includes a grilled veggie sandwich with portobello mushrooms, zucchini, and goat cheese. Meatier highlights include a turkey and gouda sandwich and BLTA with cider house bacon. 1049 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-285-8006. B,L daily.

Babo $ NEW AMERICAN • This café settled into the Midtown Park Shelton building in July 2019, serving elevated comfort food made from local, small-batch producers. The self-described gourmet diner offers espresso drinks and such dishes as avocado toast, kimchi patatas bravas, and the Babo Burger. 15 E. Kirby St., Ste. 115, Detroit; 313-3121493. B,L,D Tue.-Sat. B,L Sun. Baker’s Keyboard Lounge $$ SOUL FOOD • This iconic lounge features live music, along with beef short ribs with gravy, creamy mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet cornbread muffins.

20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-345-6300. D Mon.-Fri. Baobab Fare $$ EAST AFRICAN • With their New Center restaurant, Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere urge diners to

$ Affordable (less than $12)

$$ Moderate ($13 to $20)

venture into culinary territories they’d otherwise miss, like the Mbuzi starring a goat shank that is slow-roasted until the meat is so tender that it slides off the bone.

6568 Woodward Ave., Ste. 100, Detroit; 313-265-3093.

L,D Tue.-Sun. Bar Chenin $$$ WINE BAR • In the far corner of The Siren Hotel sits Detroit’s smallest wine bar. With only ten seats and limited standing room, the bar’s cozy atmosphere pairs well with its rotating selection of natural wines and homestyle dishes.

Enjoy a house-made assortment of ice creams, offering unique flavors like Negroni, olive oil, and Underberg. Or for something savory, try their sourdough focaccia pizza or delistyle sandwiches. 1509 Broadway St. Suite A-1, Detroit; 313-277-4736 (Siren Hotel). D Thu.-Mon. Bar Pigalle $$$ FRENCH • Nestled inside The Carlton Lofts in Brush Park, this restaurant beautifully complements the neighborhood’s former nickname, the Little Paris of the Midwest, by serving French-inspired cuisine, such as the duck confit with agrodolce, grapes, and frisée. 2915 John R Road, Detroit; 313-497-9200. D daily BR Sat.-Sun. Barda $$$$ ARGENTINIAN • Barda brings a new cuisine to metro Detroit. True to Argentinian culture, the restaurant celebrates traditional meat dishes. For starters, Carne y Hueso, meaning “flesh and bone,” features a mold of finely chopped beef tartare topped with spicy horseradish alongside a dense bone filled to the brim with buttery marrow. Tira de Asado, a classic Argentinian short rib dish, arrives on a plate in a coriander-pepper crust. And inch-thick slices of rare bife, or strip loin steak, lie on a bed of melted butter infused with chimichurri. 4842 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313- 952-5182; barda-detroit. com. D Thu.-Sun. Basan $$$$ ASIAN-INSPIRED • Named for the Japanese folkloric bird, Basan features a fluid rotation of zestful, bold, and edgy dishes that are novel and creative, with a nightly tasting menu and optional wine pairing. Standouts from the menu include the assortment of buns (such as Brussels sprouts, firecracker shrimp, and twice-fried chicken), beef dandan, and octopus skewers. 2703 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-481-2703. D daily.

Besa $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • This modern fine-dining eatery takes its name from Albania — where the owners trace their heritage — and means “pledge of honor.”

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

$$$ Expensive ($21 to $50)

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

EAT. SLEEP. PLAY.

At The Detroit Club, life is meant to be savored.

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

THE DETROIT CLUB | 712 Cass Ave. Detroit, MI 48226 Reservations 313-338-3222

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Bohemia $$$ NEW AMERICAN • The former members-only lounge in this restored Romanesque Revival in downtown Detroit is now a posh restaurant open to the public. (The downstairs bar is also open to the public). The stunning dining room reflects the club’s history while staying fresh and modern with local art on the walls and an Instagrammable seating area in the middle of the dining room, with plush couches and trees lined with lights.

The food is upscale but approachable, including the Nashville fried chicken and the lobster fettucini, which is worth every indulgent bite. 712 Cass Ave., Detroit, 313-338-3222. D Wed.-Sat. Brome Modern Eatery $$ BURGERS • This healthy spin on a classic serves never-frozen, grass-fed, antibiotic-free, organic burgers.

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

Bronze Door $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • Operated by the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group brand (in partnership with Tony Soave of Soave Enterprises), the Bronze Door revives the wellknown name of a Grosse Pointe staple from the mid1900s. 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, with notably the best chicken shawarma wrap sandwiches in town. We’re serious. See bucharestgrill.com for locations and hours.

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

Café Nini $$$ ITALIAN • This intimate spot offers well-prepared food that includes eight appetizers, more than a dozen pasta dishes, and 16 main plates, notable among which are Involtini di Pollo “Da Edoardo,” prosciutto, spinach, and Parmigiano Reggiano-filled chicken breast, sautéed in a sherry wine sauce, topped with fresh mushrooms. The wine list is impressive as well. 98 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-308-3120. D Tue.-Sun. Cantoro Italian Market and Trattoria $$ ITALIAN • A restaurant inside the market serves great traditional Italian food. Do not miss the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese: wide pasta with a meat sauce featuring

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

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.

seasonal grilled vegetables, cooked in a Lombardo Ambra Sweet Marsala wine sauce. Simply delicious!

2415 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2261. D Wed.-Sat. BR Sat. B,L Sun.

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.

Cuisine $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • Cuisine offers a romantic, white-linen experience with the level of food, service, and ambience one might describe as timeless rather than trendy. Examples of the expertly prepared fare include the Alaskan halibut, as well as the sea scallops, featuring lemon risotto, corn, almonds, citrus butter, and beet dust. 670 Lothrop Road, Detroit; 313-8725110. D Wed.-Sat. (Note: Not wheelchair accessible).

Central Kitchen & Bar $$ CREATIVE COMFORT • The space facing Campus Martius is done up in gray and white under industrial light fixtures. Crowd-pleasers include buttermilk fried chicken, filet and frites, burgers, and salads. 660 Woodward Ave., Ste. 4A, Detroit; 313-963-9000. D Thu.-Sat., BR Sat.-Sun. Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails $$$ NEW AMERICAN • While the menu rotates based on the season, its offerings always highlight the freshest local ingredients. Creatively prepared dishes range from cold starters to hearty entrees. But the Twice Cooked Egg is not to be missed. 15 E. Kirby St., Detroit; 313-818-3915. D Tue.-Sat. Cibo $$$ MEDITERRANEAN FUSION • This palm-lined fine-dining destination offers everything from shareable pizzas, salads, lamb, and steaks to dishes like the pancetta Bolognese rotolo. It’s located inside the Cambria Detroit Downtown hotel, an Albert Kahn-designed building that used to house the original WWJ radio station. 600 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-338-3529. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Cliff Bell’s $$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • This restored Art Deco hotspot offers small plates such as oysters with cava granita and potato croquettes. Entrées range from savory seared diver scallops to their 16-ounce grilled pork chop. Jazz prevails on the bandstand. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-961-2543. D Wed.-Sun. Common Pub $ GASTROPUB • Fans of Atlas Global Bistro, which shuttered in 2013, should be happy to learn that some of the principals may be found at this spot in the Belcrest Apartments. The well-edited menu includes duck fat-fried chicken and a burger. 5440 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-285-8849. L, D Tue.-Fri. D Sat. BR Sun. Coriander Kitchen and Farm $$ GASTROPUB • At this Jefferson Chalmers eatery, guests can rent firepits and roast house-made marshmallows to make s’mores or sip mugs of hot buttered rum. By day, grab a picnic table and enjoy creamy smoked lake trout whitefish dip, seasoned with herbs and paired with pickles and crackers. 14601 Riverside Blvd, Detroit; 313 338-9466. D Tue.-Fri. D Sat. BR Sun. Cork & Gabel $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • This Corktown eatery takes the form of a 4,450-square-foot renovated beer hall and is an ode to filling European staples. Try the chicken marsala, featuring a pan-seared 7-ounce chicken breast, sauteed wild mushroom blend, wild rice, and

Dakota Inn Rathskeller $ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • The sausages are the kind that snap when you cut them. The combo plate features one bratwurst and one knackwurst, served with hot German potato salad and sauerkraut. And yes, sing along with the Schnitzelbank song. 17324 John R St., Detroit; 313-867-9722. D Thu.-Sat. Detroit Shipping Company $ VARIOUS • This bi-level destination created out of shipping containers offers a variety of food options ranging from the Caribbean-fusion dishes at Coop to Thai fare from Bangkok 96 and more. 474 Peterboro St., Detroit; 313-462-4973. L Sat.-Sun., D Tue.-Sun. Detroit Soul $ SOUL FOOD • A hidden gem on the city’s east side, Detroit Soul serves its namesake with a healthy twist.

Owners Sam Van Buren and Jerome Brown draw from the recipes of their grandparents, who relocated to Detroit from Alabama in the 1940s. The turkey and collard greens are savory standouts, and yams are a sweet treat. This is the kind of place that every soul-food lover must visit.

2900 E. Eight Mile Road, Detroit; 313-366-5600. 14300 E Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-926-6305. L,D Tue.-Sun. Detroit Vegan Soul $ VEGAN • The popular spot offers your classic soul food favorites but with plant-based twists — mac and cheese, collard greens, and interpretations of catfish and pepper steak. 19614 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-727-1973.

L Mon.-Fri. (Carryout focused) Dime Store $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • This popular breakfast and lunch spot adds just the right retro touch to a contemporary American menu typified by fresh, hearty omelets and Benedicts early in the day. 719 Griswold St., Ste. 180, Detroit; 313-962-9106. B,L Thu.-Tue. 6920 N Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills; 313-962-9106. B, L daily

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2010

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

L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.-Sat.

g n i t a br e Cel ears 35 Ysiness! in bu

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Metro Detroit’s Pediatric Dentist Three Convenient Locations: Taylor 21213 Ecorse Road 313-292-7777

West Bloomfield 2300 Haggerty Hwy, Suite 1180 248-668-0022

Bloomfield Hills 6405 Telegraph Rd, Building E 248-647-8656

Da Francesco’s

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

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 $$ MEXICAN • This concentrated cuisine with little modern flairs also stays faithful to traditional Mexican cooking. Don’t miss the Camarones en Salsa de Langosta: breaded shrimp stuffed with cheese, fried to a golden dark brown, and topped with a lobster cream sauce. It’s an unassuming Latin American find in Detroit’s Springwells Village. 1312 Springwells St., Detroit; 313-297-2360. L,D Tue.-Sun. El Barzon $$$ MEXICAN-ITALIAN • Norberto Garita prepares Italian and Mexican cuisines alongside his wife, Silvia Rosario Garita.

Authentic Mexican entrees include enchiladas with a homemade green sauce made with tomatillo, jalapeños, and roasted poblano pepper, while the Italian influence takes the form of spaghetti carbonara and zuppa di pesce (seafood soup).

3710 Junction Ave., Detroit; 313-894-2070. D Tue.-Sun. Evie’s Tamales $$ MEXICAN • This Mexicantown restaurant makes some of the best tamales around. Pork or chicken is jacketed with sturdy masa, a dough of ground corn, and then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed. Eat in or order a dozen for later. 3454 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-843-5056. B,L Mon.-Sat. Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café $$ NEW ORLEANIAN • Enjoy classic New Orleans dishes, such as jambalaya and fried catfish beignets. Come for lunch, dinner, happy hour, or carryout. 400 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-965-4600. fishbonesusa.com for more locations.

Flowers of Vietnam $$ VIETNAMESE • Chef and owner George Azar transformed a former Coney Island into an industrial-cool destination, but the neighborhood joint vibe remains.

The menu is shaped around Azar’s appreciation of Vietnamese food, with a very personal twist. 4440 Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-554-2085. D Thu.-Sun. Folk $ NEW AMERICAN • Folk is a charming Corktown storefront dishing up an all-day brunch menu. It’s an offshoot of the Farmer’s Hand grocery and farmers market. The menu focuses on globally inspired dishes like salads, quiche, and sandwiches — all beautifully plated and nutritious. Infused milks and frothy lattes are well sought after, too. 1701 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; 313-742-2672. B,L daily.

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

21367 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-752-3673. L,D daily.

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RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2024

Freya $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • Freya provides elegant, elevated dining served inside a warm and inviting space in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction district. Chef de Cuisine Cole Lauri’s fixed-price dinners — which change daily and are available in five or nine courses — invite guests to tap into a world of flavors and sensations. There are also cocktail pairings as well as dishes that accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian diets. Co-run by 2023 James Beard semifinalist Sandy Levine, it made The New York Times’s list of the 50 best restaurants in 2022. 2929 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-351-5544. D Tue.-Sat. Fusion Flare Kitchen & Cocktails $ NEW AMERICAN/SOUL • Burgers and wings share the menu with classic Southern staples like catfish, yams, and greens on Detroit’s west side. Try the delectable shrimp plate starter — it can be ordered deep-fried, New Orleans-style (with Cajun seasoning), or sautéed in a scampi sauce with garlic butter and wine. 16801 Plymouth Road, Detroit; 313-653-3700. L,D Wed.-Sun. Giovanni’s Ristorante $$$ ITALIAN • This old-school Italian restaurant offers housemade pastas, including an outstanding lasagna.

Elaborate veal and seafood dishes and desserts like key lime cheesecake tiramisu round out the delicious menu. 330 Oakwood Blvd., Detroit; 313-841-0122. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat. Golden Fleece $$ GREEK • Spend a night dining in Greektown’s longest-standing restaurant, starting with a flaming saganaki and a joyous “Opa!” Then, peruse the menu containing various Balkan comfort foods like chicken gyros, spinach pie, and french fries sprinkled with feta and oregano. 525 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-962-7093.

L,D daily.

Grandma Bob’s $ PIZZA • If you’re wondering what that psychedelic building on Corktown’s Michigan Avenue is, it’s a pizzeria known as Grandma Bob’s. Chef Dan De Wall, previously of Wright and Co., offers a small, delicious menu of pies, including sausage and pistachio with ricotta cheese and thyme. Or try the Big Mack — the vegan pizza version of the popular burger. 2135 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-3153177. L,D daily.

Grand Trunk Pub $ NEW AMERICAN • Meats from Eastern Market and delicious breads anchor the hearty fare, which pairs well with a selection of Michigan beers. Staples include a reuben with Poet Stout Kraut and the Ghettoblaster beer-battered fish and chips. 612 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-3043.; L, D, Tue.-Sun. BR Sat.-Sun. The Greek $ GREEK • Plaka Café was a presence on Monroe Avenue for years, and now its space is in the hands of the founders’ children. Notable dishes include spinach pie, lamb chops, and New York strip steak. 535 Monroe Ave., Detroit; 313-209-6667. L,D daily.

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

Grey Ghost $$ NEW AMERICAN • The cuisine at this Brush Park hot spot isn’t easily defined, but the results are original and well prepared — for example, pork tenderloin with romanesco, peri peri, and wild rice or yellowfin tuna with kimchi, edamame, and sweet soy. 47 Watson St., Detroit; 313-262-6534. D daily.

Highlands $$$$ STEAKHOUSE/NEW AMERICAN • On the top two floors of the Renaissance Center, Highlands is the concept of chef-owner Shawn McClain, a James Beard awardee and Iron Chef winner. Besides boasting one of the city’s most breathtaking views, the steakhouse’s offerings include three-course dinners with optional sommelier wine pairings. Its High Bar features an impressive selection of beers and spirits, plus elevated bar bites like the Hearth Burger. 400 Renaissance Center, Floors 71 and 72, Detroit; 313-877-9090; D Mon.-Sat. Hiroki-San $$$$ JAPANESE • Venture to the basement of the historic Book Tower building to enter Hiroki-San’s shoji-lined, mood-lit dining room. The menu includes an optional sake pairing and cocktails like the Genmaicha-Hai, a green tea-infused highball with lemon juice, honey, apricot, and seltzer. On the food side, enjoy small plates like the sweet and savory tako-age (deep-fried octopus), robatayaki and yakitori offerings, Wagyu steaks, and noodles. Sushi and sashimi can be ordered à la carte or as a “chef’s choice” platter. The wasabi is real. 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-597-8344. D Tue.-Sat. The Hudson Cafe $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • The fresh, well-prepared fare from the kitchen of this breakfast/lunch spot has creative takes on the eggs Benedict theme, red velvet pancakes, and apple-walnut stuffed French toast, plus lunchtime sandwiches and salads. 1241 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-237-1000. 17101 Haggerty Rd, Northville 248-308-3793. B,L daily.

Hungarian Rhapsody $$ HUNGARIAN • This Downriver restaurant offers authentic Hungarian dishes, such as chicken and veal paprikas, beef goulash, and palacsinta (crêpes).

14315 Northline Road, Southgate; 734-283-9622. L,D Tue.-Sun. Iggy’s Eggies $ AMERICAN • Jammy-yolk egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and more are on the menu at Iggy’s Eggies’s walkup window. You can also get smashburgers and fresh-cut fries at Iggy’s. Take your breakfast or lunch to a table at nearby Capitol Park for a true downtown experience. 34 West Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-986-1174. B,L daily.

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Ima $ JAPANESE-INSPIRED • This ramen hotspot has three locations and a Midwest emphasis. Ima tacos trade the traditional shell for a slice of jicama, stuffed with spicy shrimp, roasted tofu, or garlic chicken. Appetizers include edamame, dumplings, and clams. 4870 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-883-9788. 32203 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248781-0131. L,D daily.

Jolly Pumpkin $$ BREWERY • Jolly Pumpkin’s brews rule the offerings, along with other Northern United Brewing Co. beverages, such as North Peak and Jolly Pumpkin artisan ales.

Pizzas with creative toppings abound. 441 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-262-6115. 419 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248544-6250. 311 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-913-2730. L,D daily (Detroit, Ann Arbor); L Fri.-Mon, D daily (Royal Oak).

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.

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.

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

London Chop House $$ STEAKHOUSE • The kitchen turns out classics like oysters Rockefeller, French onion soup, and sauteed loup de mer with scallops. This is the place to come when you need to satisfy a craving for steak in elegant surroundings with hospitable service. 155 W. Congress St., Detroit; 313-962-0277. D Mon.-Sat.

Ivy Kitchen and Cocktails $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This Black-owned restaurant was founded by Nya Marshall to bring fine dining to the East Jefferson Corridor where she grew up. The spot serves New American fare with international influences in a modern, elevated space bathed in neutral tones. The Mezcal Wings with pickled jalapeño and cilantro bring a Mexican kick, while dishes like the Creamy Cajun Pasta contribute New Orleans flavors. 9215 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313332-0607; L Fri.-Sun., D daily.

Jacoby’s $$ GERMAN • Detroit’s oldest biergarten, Jacoby’s has been serving beer and traditional German fare since the late 1800s. Pick from over 100 beers on the rotating drink menu: everything from German pilsners and hefeweizens to Irish stouts and craft brews. The food menu honors the restaurant’s roots with favorites like house-made potato pancakes, schnitzel, and German-style meatballs. 624 Brush St., Detroit; 313-962-7067. L,D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2012

Joe Muer Seafood $$$$ SEAFOOD • This reborn Detroit legend is stellar for a romantic evening or a quiet business lunch or dinner.

Located on the main floor of the GMRenCen, it has sweeping views of the Detroit River and a menu that walks the line between old-time favorites and hipper Asian-influenced seafood, sushi, and raw bar. (There’s also a Bloomfield Hills location.) There are reminders of the past as well: smoked fish spread, creamed spinach, and stewed tomatoes. A true Detroit classic. 400 Renaissance Center, Ste. 1404, Detroit; 313-567-6837. 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-792-9609. L,D daily.

Johnny Noodle King $ JAPANESE-INSPIRED • This noodle shop offers bowls topped with pork belly, confit chicken, and tofu, as well as seaweed salad and gyoza. There are also several fusion bowls like the Southwest Verde, a green chili chicken broth topped with chicken thigh confit, cilantro, corn, and hot peppers. 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-309-7946. L,D daily.

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

Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles $ SOUTHERN COMFORT • Several recipes, including a signature thin waffle, are family-owned at ex-NFL player Ron Bartell’s spot. Think comfort food kicked up a notch: fried catfish, salmon croquettes, shrimp and grits, and biscuits. Drink the Kool-Aid, too. 19345 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-861-0229. B,L,D Tue.- Sun. Ladder 4 Wine Bar $$$ WINE BAR • This southwest Detroit wine bar occupies a former 1910 firehouse, offering a daily wine list and seasonal European-inspired bites made with local ingredients — some grown in its backyard garden. Though its owners prefer not to call it a restaurant, it made Bon Appétit’s “24 Best New Restaurants” and The New York Times’s “50 Places in the United States That We’re Most Excited About Right Now” — both in 2023. 3396 Vinewood St., Detroit; 313-638-1601. D Wed.-Sun.

The Ledger $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • Located in the former United Savings Bank building, this fine-dining restaurant features a seasonal, from-scratch menu and festive cocktails. For starters, try roasted Brussels sprout chips tossed in katsu or, for a real spectacle, the focaccia served with a candle made from tallow. Lobster rolls, Wagyu steaks, and Alaskan halibut round out the menu — plus photogenic desserts like the Ledger Cake with hazelnut mousse, salted caramel, and honey peanut praline. 306 S. Main St., Plymouth; 734984-0020. D Tue.-Sun. BR Sat.-Sun. Leila $$$ LEBANESE • The restaurant from the proprietors of Birmingham’s Phoenicia is named after the owner’s mother — just one facet of the establishment that pays homage to family traditions and heritage. The menu includes various Lebanese dishes, from falafel to Leila’s Mixed Grill that offers a little bit of everything with shish kebab, tawook, and kafta. Other menu items include Kibbeh Niyee — fresh lamb, cracked wheat, and spice — and tabbouleh made of parsley, cracked wheat, and spices. The beer and wine lists offer plenty of options to accompany any meal. 1245 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-816-8100. D daily.

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

Leña $$$$ SPANISH-INSPIRED • At this restaurant located in Brush Park, just about every dish on the menu touches the kitchen’s central hearth at some point during its preparation.

The menu riffs on Basque pinchos and Catalan tapas, plus a fine selection of Spanish wines and gin and tonics. James Beard-honored pastry chef Lena Sareini’s desserts are divine. 2720 Brush St., Detroit; 313-262-6082. D Wed.-Mon.

La Dolce Vita $$$ ITALIAN • Traditional Italian cuisine is key at this Palmer Park hideaway. Recommended is the bronzino in lemon caper cream sauce, the veal scaloppine with artichokes, and the lasagna. 17546 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-865-0331. D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun.

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

Le Suprême $$$ FRENCH • This Paris-inspired brasserie pays homage to the City of Light with its 1920s-inspired decor on the historic Book Tower’s ground floor. There are pastis, absinthe, France-themed cocktails, and over 300 wines.

Standout dishes include the escargots, honey-roasted duck breast, and trout amandine. 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-597-7734. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

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

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.

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 entrées.

4222 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-832-1616. L,D daily.

Mink $$$$ SEAFOOD • This raw bar with sustainably sourced seafood like oysters and caviar offers an immersive dining experience. The five-course chef’s tasting menu changes once a month and offers several appetizers and main meals with optional beverage parings. While indoor high-top bar seating is reserved for the chef’s tasting menu, Mink also offers first come, first served patio seating for walk-in diners. 1701 Trumbull, Detroit; 313-351-0771; D Thu.-Sun.

Marrow $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • This West Village restaurant and butcher shop hybrid is an ode to meat, especially unusual cuts.

Diners must walk through the butcher shop, bypassing cases of pastrami and sausage, before entering the restaurant.

Offerings from a sample tasting menu include Roasted Bone Marrow and Local Lamb ragu. 8044 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; 313-513-0361. L,D Thu.-Sun. marrowdetroit.com for more locations.

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

Maty’s African Cuisine $$ WEST AFRICAN • A small storefront in the Detroit Old Redford neighborhood is decidedly Senegalese. Fataya, deep-fried pastries with savory fillings, are reminiscent of an empanada.

The star of the show is the whole chicken with yassa. 21611 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-472-5885. L,D Tue.-Sun. M Cantina $ MEXICAN • Nuevo Latino street food is the premise at this surprising spot where everything from the tortilla chips to the salsas are made in-house in the open kitchen. Juices are freshly squeezed, and the menu of tortas, tacos, tapas, and salads from the kitchen of Heidi and Junior Merino, from Hawaii and Mexico, is distinctive.

13214 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-399-9117. L,D daily Mercury Burger & Bar $ BURGERS • This Corktown joint seats 70 around the zinc-covered bar set with Mercury (Liberty) dimes. The burger is available in a variety of iterations, such as Southwest Detroit with a chorizo slider, jalapeno, Müenster cheese, tortilla strips, and avocado. 2163 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-964-5000. L,D daily.

Metropolitan Bar and Kitchen $$ LATIN • The business brings a bodega-style market along with a neighborhood restaurant and bar to West Village. The menu highlights local and seasonal ingredients in dishes like beet salad or the Metro “Mac” Burger. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit; 313-447-5418. B Sat.-Sun. D Tue.-Sat. Michigan & Trumbull $$ ITALIAN-AMERICAN • Not your traditional carryout joint, Michigan and Trumbull is housed in a sleek, refurbished car-repair garage. The menu features square, deep-dish pies with Detroit-inspired names, such as Packard Pepperoni and Woodward White. 1331 Holden St., Detroit; 313-637-4992; L,D Wed-Sun.

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

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

Motor City Brewing Works $ BREWERY • Just 15 mostly nontraditional pizzas on excellent, chewy crust and the option to build your own pie with various toppings. Plus, salads from locally grown greens accompany the house-brewed beers. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 19350 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-832-2700. L,D daily Mudgie’s Deli $ DELI • Sandwich lovers fill the seats for the House Smoked Pastrami Reuben or the Brooklyn (beef brisket, bacon, and beer cheese). The dinner menu features meat and cheese boards, as well as build-your-own sandwich options. It’s a delicious place for a meal any time. 1413 Brooklyn St., Detroit; 313-961-2000. B Tue.Sat. L Tue.-Wed., L,D Thu.-Sat. Nico & Vali $$ ITALIAN • This eatery offers favorites with unexpected twists. The artichokes and chilies appetizer boasts battered and fried artichokes with Fresno and jalapeno peppers, tossed with fresh basil in white wine. Popular choices include the Whitefish Filet. It’s a classic Italian spot with an update that’s worth a visit. 744 Wing St., Plymouth; 734-207-7880. L Thu.-Sat., D Tue.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

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 $$$ MEDITERRANEAN • Starters like the potatoes and artichokes “bravas” with harissa and black garlic aioli and paellas are inspired by Spain but showcase Olin’s unique spin on these iconic dishes. 25 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-774-1190. D Tues.-Sat. BR Sun. Ostrea $$$ SEAFOOD • Located a floor above the iconic London Chop House and with the same ownership, Ostrea offers refined seafood in a modern, casual environment with cocktails, beer, and champagne. Indulge in a wide selection of raw oysters or the Maine-style lobster roll with celery salt mayonnaise, stuffed inside a brioche bun grilled with Old Bay-infused butter. Choice entrees include the grilled swordfish, served as an acqua pazza over crispy fingerling potatoes. 536 Shelby St, Detroit; 313-403-2111.

D Mon.-Sat. Ottava Via $$ ITALIAN • Chef Ariel Millan sends out great thin-crust pizzas, as well as interesting small plates typified by bruschetta, calamari, roasted garlic, and whipped goat cheese to be spread on paper-thin crostini. 1400 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-5500. L,D daily.

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2018

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

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

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

Pegasus Taverna $$ GREEK • The cry of “opa!” resounds in St. Clair Shores at the second edition of the longstanding Greektown restaurant. It boasts an extensive menu, from moussaka and spinach pie to gyros and roast lamb. 24935 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-772-3200. 558 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-964-6800. L,D Tue-Sun (Detroit); L Sun., D Tue.-Sun. (St. Clair Shores).

The Peterboro $$ ASIAN-FUSION • A contemporary take on American-Chinese fare gives new life to the cuisine with robustly spiced dishes, including an “absurdly delicious” cheeseburger spring roll and a take on almond boneless chicken.

420 Peterboro St., Detroit; 313-833-1111. D Mon.-Sat. Pho Lucky $ VIETNAMESE • This charming Midtown Vietnamese spot serves authentic fare emphasizing pho. Bowls of spicy broth with noodles, round steak, and meatballs come in several variations. Other noteworthy dishes here include summer rolls and crisp spring rolls. Look for Asian beers and robust Vietnamese coffee. 3111 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-338-3895. L,D Wed.-Mon. Polish Village Café $ POLISH • The “Polish plate” includes stuffed cabbage, pierogi, kiel­basa, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes and gravy. The dill pickle soup and city chicken are standouts, too. A Detroit staple, this cuisine is getting harder to find.

2990 Yemans St., Hamtramck; 313-874-5726. L,D daily.

Not wheelchair accessible.

Polonia $$ POLISH • In the heart of Hamtramck, this authentic Polish eatery is where Anthony Bourdain sampled a variety of classic dishes on his visit to Detroit. Here diners will find favorites like dill pickle soup, potato pancakes, and city chicken. Or try the combination plate, which comes with stuffed cabbage, sausage, dumplings, mashed potato, and sauerkraut. 2934 Yemans St., Hamtramck; L,D daily Puma $$ SOUTH AMERICAN • Walk on into the casual cousin of chef Javier Bardauil’s Barda. Puma features traditional, approachable Argentine and South American eats prepared on the open-fire grill. Standouts include the hearty choripán (chorizo and chimichurri on a baguette), a selection of ceviches, and the empanadas, plus refreshing cocktails. Live DJs are a regular source of entertainment.

4725 16th St., Detroit; 313-819-6804. D Thu.-Sun.

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RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2019

Prime + Proper $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • Downtown Detroit dining gets a major shot of glamour with this over-the-top steak and seafood emporium on the corner of Griswold and State streets.

Although red meat, from prime dry-aged Tomahawk ribeye to Wagyu strip, is the focus — and yes, there’s a burger made with a dry-aged butcher’s blend — oysters, king crab, and caviar aren’t far behind. An elegant white and gold setting backgrounds it all. 1145 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-636-3100. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Prism $$$ NEW AMERICAN • Greektown Casino-Hotel’s renamed eatery is located off the main casino. The menu features local ingredients, steaks, and fresh seafood. 555 E. Lafayette St., Detroit; 313-309-2499. D Wed.-Sun. Rocky’s of Northville $$ NEW AMERICAN • The menu includes shrimp cocktail, smoked whitefish pate, and broiled Great Lakes whitefish.

Also try the chipotle honey-glazed salmon. 41122 W. Seven Mile Road, Northville; 248-349-4434. L Tue.-Fri. D Tue.-Sun. Roman Village $$ ITALIAN • The Rugiero family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1964. They’ve launched three additional Antonio’s Cucina Italiana locations. Roman Village is the original and features their signature Gnocchi Rita. 9924 Dix Ave., Dearborn; 313-842-2100. L,D daily.

Sakazuki $$ JAPANESE • This street-level pub in Detroit’s Book Tower offers drinks inspired by Japanese anime, pop culture, and city life, with karaoke on Wednesdays. The food menu features a Wagyu dog, a burger, sandwiches, ramen, and the ekiben bento box: a boxed lunch traditionally sold at train stations across Japan. Choice cocktails include the Sailor Moon — Roku Gin, lemon juice, sakura (cherry blossom), and lychee. 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-597-8344. D Tue.-Sat. Sana’a $ YEMENI • This authentic Yemeni restaurant is a hidden gem. Try the lamb haneeth: slow roasted, fall-off-thebone lamb shanks marinated in an array of traditional spices, served on a bed of orange and yellow basmati rice with a side of zahawig (spicy red salsa). 13277 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-427-8424. L,D daily.

San Morello $$$ ITALIAN • This gem in the Shinola Hotel serves pizzas, pastas, and wood-fired dishes that draw inspiration from the coastal towns of Southern Italy and Sicily.

The menu is handcrafted by James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini. 1400 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-209-4700. B,L,D daily.

The Sardine Room $$$ SEAFOOD • A seafood restaurant and raw bar, The Sardine Room is fresh, fun, and energetic, with clean-line decor and a menu full of surprises. Worthwhile is a grouper sandwich that’s available seared or blackened. 340 S. Main St., Plymouth; 734-416-0261. D daily, BR Sat-Sun.

Savannah Blue $$ SOUL FOOD • Dine on upscale soul food like the red snapper and the shrimp and grits. Shareables include catfish fritters and a Georgian Hummus that substitutes black-eyed peas for chickpeas. There’s also a great bar. 1431 Times Square, Detroit; 313-926-0783.

D Tue.-Sat. Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips $ SEAFOOD • Head to this Brightmoor spot for perfectly prepared fish and chips. The key to Scotty’s longevity is the batter that coats the cod, perch, shrimp, chicken, onion rings, and frog legs. Cash only. 22200 Fenkell St., Detroit; 313-533-0950. L,D Tue.-Sat. Second Best $ RETRO AMERICAN • The talents behind nearby Grey Ghost have unveiled a second, more casual spot with a retro spin in Brush Park. The lighter menu includes a fried green tomato BLT and fried chicken sandwiches that accompany drinks that were popular more than a few years back. 42 Watson St., Detroit; 313-315-3077. L Sat.-Sun., D daily.

Sexy Steak $$$$ ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE • This extravagantly decorated eatery occupies downtown Detroit’s castlelike Grand Army of the Republic Building. Its steaks, which you can choose from the Himalayan salt-lined display case, are cooked to order and finished with clarified butter, Zip-style sauce, rosemary, and a garlic bulb. 1942 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-403-1000. D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

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.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2020

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar $$$ ITALIAN • Chef Anthony Lombardo takes fresh and housemade to a new level with this Midtown restaurant that serves only dinner from a menu inspired by Italian cooking specific to Rome. Milling all of his own flour for his pastas, breads, and polenta in house, Lombardo, well known as the former executive chef at Bacco, serves a selection of simple but elegant regional Italian dishes.

438 Selden St., Detroit; 313-315-3992. D Tue.-Sun. Sindbad’s Restaurant and Marina $$ SEAFOOD • Sitting by the Detroit River, this long-lasting establishment prides itself on serving some of the best perch, pickerel, shrimp, and scallops in Detroit, along with its signature clam chowder. 100 St. Clair St., Detroit; 313-822-8000. L,D Tue.-Sun.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Slows Bar BQ $$ BARBEQUE • The brick-and-wood original in Corktown gained a following for its pulled pork, ribs, and chicken.

They expanded with a “to go” spot in Midtown. This is a true Detroit classic in every sense of the term. Corktown location: 2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-9828. L,D daily. Slows To Go in Midtown: 4107 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-309-7560. L,D Tue.-Sun. Standby $$ NEW AMERICAN • In a place where cocktails are king, there’s no shortage of food options. The fare — overseen by celebrity chef partner Matty Matheson — ranges from small plates of marinated olives and fried deviled eggs to entrées such as Thai pork skewers and the house cheeseburger. 225 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313241-5719. D Wed.-Sun. Not wheelchair accessible.

Supino Pizzeria $$ ITALIAN • Relax with one of the town’s best thin-crust pizzas — they come in more than a dozen variations, with or without red sauce. Plus, try small plates like polpette and three delicious salads. Beer, wine, and cocktails add to the appeal. 2457 Russell St., Detroit; 313-567-7879 L, D Wed.-Sun. 6519 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-314-7400. L,D Mon.-Sat. Sweet Soul Bistro $ SOUL FOOD • The large menu includes homages to Detroit musicians, from Stevie Wonder Wonderful Wings to Aretha Franklin Catfish Bites. Also notable are the crab cakes. In the evening, the bistro transforms into a club.

13741 W. McNichols Road, Detroit; 313- 862-7685. L,D daily.

Takoi $$ THAI • Thai-Laotian fare might seem out of place in Corktown, but virtually everything on the menu has distinction. There’s a depth, concentration, and balance between heat and coolness, the range of spices, the delight of moving from one superb bite to the next.

2520 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-855-2864. D Tue.-Sat. Tap at MGM Grand $ SPORTS BAR • Tap has more than 40 HD flatscreen TVs for sports fans, plus sports memorabilia. The menu features comfort food and pub classics: burgers, wings, and house nachos. Pizza and more upscale entrées are also available, as are more than 50 beers. Bring your family and friends for a very entertaining night on the town. 1777 Third St., Detroit; 313465-1234. B,L,D daily.

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

500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-723-1000. L, D daily.

Vecino $$$$ MEXICAN • The Midtown eatery offers a luxurious way to experience the regional foods served in Oaxaca and

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Mexico City. It is the first restaurant in the state to feature in-house nixtamalization — a 3,000-year-old process used to turn corn into workable masa. Its unique offerings include mezcal cocktails, the tuna tostada, the half red snapper, and broccolini in green mole.

4100 Third Ave., Detroit; 313-500-1615. D Tue.-Sun. Vertical Detroit $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This wine-centric restaurant puts the focus on pairing chef Matt Barnes’s innovative cuisine with owners James and Rémy Lutfy’s nationally recognized wine program. The menu emphasizes locally sourced protein, seafood, and produce. A must-try for any wine enthusiast. 1538 Centre St., Detroit; 313-7329463. D Tue.-Sat. Not wheelchair accessible.

Vesper Books and Wine $$ WINE BAR • Nestled in a refurbished bank building in Core City, this half bar and half bookstore offers biodynamic wines by the glass or bottle along with small bites. Visitors can browse a diverse selection of cookbooks while sipping on both old- and newworld wines. In addition to wine, the bar’s namesake, a Vesper Martini, is on the menu, along with various beers, ciders, and nonalcoholic alternatives. #5001 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-716-1708. L, D Wed.-Sun. Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine $$ CUBAN • An evening at this lively spot is more than just Cuban and Spanish dining. Appetizers and tapas include the outstanding Tapa de la Casa, pork leg marinated in mojo; a Spanish chorizo and fresh mushrooms concoction with garlic lemon sauce; and empanadas, a Cuban turnover filled with ground beef or chicken. 1250 Library St., Detroit; 313-962-8800. L,D daily.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits $ SANDWICH/DELI • This Eastern Market classic has been run by the Vivio family for more than 40 years.

Sandwiches and burgers are mainstays, but diners also appreciate the steamed mussels. 3601 Twelve Mile Road, Warren; 586-576-0495. L,D daily.

Whatcha Wanna Eat Food Hall $ FOOD COURT • Whatcha Wanna Eat is said to be the first Black-owned food hall in Detroit and aims to provide a platform to first-time restaurateurs in the city (producing tasty results for diners). Its seven restaurants feature a range of cuisines, including burgers, wings, tacos, hibachi bowls, and pit-style barbecue.

10635 W. McNichols Road, Detroit. L,D Tue.-Sun. The Whitney $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • The historic 1890s mansion is still going strong. The menu is typified by classic beef Wellington, wrapped in spinach, prosciutto, and pastry, and a seared Verlasso salmon fillet. Tableside cooking, by reservation only, is an optional feature. Don’t forget The Katherine McGregor Dessert Parlor for a sweet treat. 4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-5700. D Tue.-Sun. and high tea Sat. Wright & Co. $$$ NEW AMERICAN • The collaboration between Marc Djozlija and executive chef Kyle Schutte gives life to the second-floor space in the Wright Kay building. Small plates

such as wild caught walu, Michigan mushroom pate, and grilled sea scallops are the focus. The menu highlights seasonal dishes around a composed shared plates concept.

1500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-962-7711. D Tue.-Sat. Yemen Café $ YEMENI • A nearly all-hours destination and a Hamtramck essential, Yemen Café offers traditional Yemeni dishes like saltah, a comforting soup with ground beef, rice, eggs, and vegetables. Popular items include the fahsah (lamb stew) and a range of ghallaba entrées, plus Middle Eastern/Mediterranean staples like shawarma, kebab, fattoush, and tabbouleh. 8740 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck. B,L,D daily.

Yum Village $ AFRO-CARIBBEAN • The former food truck opened a full-service restaurant in the North End in 2019.

The space is bright and fun with wooden tables, mismatched chairs, and a colorful, geometric paint job.

And the food is just as bold. The restaurant serves up piquant dishes like Lemon Pepper Jerk Chicken. 6500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-334-6099. L,D Mon.-Sat.

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

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

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

Andiamo $$ ITALIAN • Over the past three decades, Joe Vicari has established several Andiamo restaurants in metro Detroit, all inspired by the late master chef Aldo Ottaviani’s philosophy of seasonal, from-scratch cooking.

The menus differ slightly at the different locations, but the constant is the fresh, housemade pastas handcrafted by the trinity of “pasta ladies” — Anna, Tanya, and Angelina — who have carried on the tradition. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield; 248-865-9300. D daily.

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Anita’s Kitchen $ LEBANESE • With pita pizzas and lamb chops, the Lebanese food here is some of the best around. And there’s vegetarian and gluten-free fare, too. Healthy, nutritious, and delicious. See website for locations; anitaskitchen.com At Anano’s $$ GEORGIAN • At Anano’s celebrates the largely obscure cuisine of Georgia, a small country on the border of Europe and West Asia. Georgian staples like mtsvadi, a flame-grilled shish-kebab, combine the flavors of both continents. Well known for its khachapuri, a type of cheese-filled pastry, At Anano’s offers the dish two ways. Other favorites, like chicken dressed in a rich walnut sauce, and traditional Georgian style salad, represent the best the country’s cuisine has to offer. 29410 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills; L,D Thu.-Sun., Tue. Aurora Italiana $$$$ ITALIAN • This restaurant offers a sophisticated and modern take on Italian dining. Fresh pasta lays the groundwork for the rigatoni al bosco: tenderloin tips, wild mushroom, truffle demi-glace tossed in cream sauce. Other delectables include and peppers, steak, and seafood. 6199 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township; 248-782-3000; D daily. $$$$ Aurora on the Lake ITALIAN • Located along Union Lake, this spin-off of West Bloomfield’s Aurora Italiana serves Italian fine dining in the space once occupied by It’s A Matter of Taste.

2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township; 248-3606650; D daily.

Bar Gabi $$ ROMANIAN • Romanian-born chefs Gabriel and Gabriela Botezan’s Hazel Park restaurant combines old-world technique with new-world flavors, serving traditional Transylvanian dishes like mititei — a skinless sausage served with mustard and toast. Other bites include a bone-in tomahawk schnitzel and house-made braised short rib rigatoni. 23839 John R. Road, Hazel Park; 249-629-4160.

D Wed.-Sun. Bella Piatti $$ ITALIAN • The location right across from the Townsend Hotel has inspired a number of visiting celebrities, professional athletes, and film crews who stay there to check out the Italian fare at this restaurant. The menu of such dishes as Gemelli pasta with fresh tomato sauce; salmon baked with spinach, kalamata olives, white wine, and tomatoes; and tagliatelle Bolognese stands on its own. 167 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-494-7110. D Tue.-Sat. Beppé $$$ NEW AMERICAN/ITALIAN • This neighborhood eatery has a little something for everyone — from bar staples like burgers to refined dishes like lamb belly; steak tartare; or the caponata made with roasted eggplant, olives, trumpet mushrooms, Calabrian chiles, thyme vinaigrette, Manchego cheese, and bread. The drinks program features refreshing spritzes and a rotating selection of über-drinkable Italian wines. 703 N. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-607-7030. L,D Sat.-Sun, D Tue.-Fri.

Beverly Hills Grill $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This Beverly Hills institution has built a loyal following over the years with its California vibe and dawn-to-dark schedule. They’re still serving crowd favorites like their BHG Burger and classic eggs Benedict. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills; 248642-2355. B, L, D Tue.-Sat. B, L Sun. Bigalora: Wood Fired Cucina $$ ITALIAN • The pizza concept from chef Luciano Del Signore, a four-time James Beard Award nominee, features small plates, fresh pastas, wood-roasted meats, and a range of distinctive Neopolitan pizzas. See website for locations; bigalora.com Birmingham Pub $$$ GASTROPUB • This stylish yet casual gastropub from the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group took over the former Triple Nickel space. True to its name, the restaurant’s bill of fare features pub classics taken up a notch, such as fish and chips served with jalapeno hush-puppies and filet mignon with Parmesan truffle fries and zip sauce. 555 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-885-8108. L Tue. - Fri., BR Sat. - Sun. Bistro Joe’s $$$ GLOBAL • Part of Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market, Bistro Joe’s is in a mezzanine overlooking the open kitchen and market.

There is an eclectic list of dishes like spicy tuna “tacushi,” P.E.I. Pesto Mussels, and tasty flatbread pizzas. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-594-0984. D Tue.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2003

Café Cortina $$$ ITALIAN • For nearly 50 years, Cafe Cortina has been serving refined Italian cuisine in Farmington Hills. The family-owned restaurant is known for its handmade pastas and seasonal dishes inspired by an on-site garden. Don’t miss the signature Mille Foglie for dessert. 30715 W. 10 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-474-3033. L Sun., D Tue.-Sun. Café ML $$ NEW AMERICAN • Café ML is contemporary in décor and its “globally inspired food.” Such dishes as short rib steamed buns, Chinese chicken salad, Singapore street noodles, and Korean fried chicken share the menu with burgers, steak frites, and fresh seafood. Garage door-style windows open onto the patio on warm days. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township; 248-642-4000. D daily.

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

Casa Pernoi $$$$ ITALIAN • Three months after its grand opening, what once was a multi-hyphenate concept, blending French, Asian, and Italian cuisine, soon defaulted simply to a cuisine most familiar to chef Luciano DelSignore:

Italian. Housemade pastas rolled by hand, and a meaty branzino typify the menu. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham; 248-940-0000. D Tue.-Sat. Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar $$$ TRADITIONAL • You can buy your cigar and smoke it too.

Plus, enjoy dry-aged steaks, pan-roasted sea bass, and lamb chops, among other options. A full bar boasts a large selection of whiskey, scotch, and bourbon — and plenty of wine. 116 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham; 248-647-4555. L,D daily.

Clarkston Union $ NEW AMERICAN • Perhaps known best for its iconic Union Mac and Cheese (Vermont sharp cheddar and mild Pinconning cheeses with layers of penne rigate and a crispy breadcrumb crust), the downtown Clarkston staple lauded by Guy Fieri has been a longtime purveyor of American comfort foods. Located in an 1840s-era church, the restaurant provides much of the seating on pews. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-620-6100. L,D daily, B Sun. Como’s $$ NEW AMERICAN • This Ferndale favorite reopened in May 2019 under the ownership of Peas & Carrots Hospitality with a trendier, fresher look. The warm, homey feel is still intact, but it’s ditched the old menu for — among other things — chef Zack Sklar’s square, deep-dish, Detroit-style pizza that’s leavened from a sourdough starter as opposed to commercial yeast. 22812 Woodward Ave., Unit 100., Ferndale; 248-677-4439. L,D daily.

Cornbread Restaurant & Bar $$ SOUL • In 1997, Patrick Coleman melded his experience in fine dining with his grandma’s southern roots to create Beans & Cornbread Soulful Bistro. It racked up accolades and fans over the years, including Stevie Wonder and Thomas (Hitman) Hearns. Cornbread is the sequel to Beans and Cornbread, continuing the tradition of soul food with an upscale twist. Classics like catfish and a gravy-smothered pork chop endure. 29852 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; 248-208-1680. L,D Thu.-Tue. Crispelli’s Bakery Pizzeria $ ITALIAN-INSPIRED • This hybrid offers artisanal pizzas from a brick oven, salads, paninis, and soups. A bakery offers crusty breads, desserts, and meals to go. The Berkley location’s patio adds to the appeal. See website for locations; crispellis.com Culantro $$ PERUVIAN • Native Peruvian Betty Shuell brings a taste of her home to Ferndale. The casual, homey, seat-yourself establishment is named after an herb that is often used in traditional Peruvian cooking. An especially notable dish is the Pollo a la Brasa, marinated chicken served with French fries, rice, and a variety of dipping sauces. 22939 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-632-1055. L,D daily.

D’Marcos Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar $$$ ITALIAN • Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, this family-owned establishment is known for its extensive wine list, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and house-made pasta dishes like the beef tenderloin linguine with beef tenderloin tips, spinach, mushroom cream sauce, and parme-

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san. It’s also connected to The Backdoor, a speakeasy-style taco and tequila bar. 401 S Main St, Rochester; 248-7594951. L,D Tue.-Sat Eddie’s Gourmet $$ NEW AMERICAN • Chef Eddie Hanna’s gourmet diner is a simple concept that works to perfection. The menu offers a standard selection of breakfast items, burgers, sandwiches, and lunch specials, but the real draw is the counter-side gourmet and pasta specials. Offerings include Veal Marsala and Chicken Milano. 25920 Greenfield Road, Oak Park; 248-968-4060. L,D Tue.-Sat. Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar $$ LEBANESE • The lamb and chicken shawarma, shish kafta, kibbee nyeh, and other Lebanese dishes are emphasized by the decor, including photomurals of old Beirut and strings of blue beads cascading from the ceiling. A fun place to frequent for a quick lunch or a night out with friends. 263 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248647-2420. L,D Mon.-Sat. The Fed $$ GASTROPUB • An attractive restaurant with great food and a delightfully refreshing atmosphere. The menu crosses boundaries, with shareables like Spanish Octopus and Wild Mushroom Flatbread. Plus, the bright and airy bohemian-chic interior is highly Instagrammable. 15 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-297-5833. D Tue.-Sat., B,L,D Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2009

Forest $$$ EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • The menu is brief but designed to let the kitchen assemble sharp flavors from various farm and market ingredients. Try the delightful pastas, like the Bolognese and the agnolotti, as well as the understated Farm Egg. 735 Forest Ave., Birmingham; 248-258-9400. D Tue.-Sat. The Fly Trap $ ECLECTIC AMERICAN • This “finer diner” typifies trendy Ferndale with its tin ceiling, red-topped tables, and counter with swivel stools. It offers sandwiches, salads, pastas, and omelets. 22950 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-399-5150. B,L Tue.-Sat. Garage Grill & Fuel Bar $$ NEW AMERICAN • The car-themed rooms of a former 1940s gas station are as fresh and appealing as the dishes themselves. The kitchen serves up a variety of seafood starters and “full-size sedan” entrees, as well as pizzas. 202 W. Main St., Northville; 248-924-3367. D Wed.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun. Gran Castor $$ LATIN STREET • From the duo behind hit spots like Vinsetta Garage and Union Woodshop comes this vibrant Latin-American café and restaurant. At Gran Castor, the dining room is equally as decadent as the food and drinks served. Grab a $5 margarita between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy; 248-278-7777. D daily.

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Hazel’s $$ SEAFOOD • What was once multiple concepts under one roof named after the three neighborhoods that converged right where the restaurant stands (Hazel, Ravine and Downtown) is now simply Hazel’s. The casual and comfortable restaurant specializes in authentic dishes, drinks, and vibes from some of the country’s top seafood destinations. Here you’ll find dishes like Maine-caught lobster, Maryland Blue Crab, and more. 1 Peabody St., Birmingham; 248-671-1714. D Tue.-Sun., B,L Sat.-Sun. Honcho $ LATIN FUSION • From the owners of Vinsetta Garage and Union Woodshop, this restaurant can be described as “Latin food that speaks with an Asian accent.” Menu items include a chicken burrito fried and tossed in a soy fish sauce and Korean pork tacos, featuring Woodshop pulled pork tossed in Korean BBQ sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds and Malay radish slaw. 3 E. Church St., Clarkston; 248-707-3793. L,D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2002

Hong Hua $ CHINESE • One of the best area restaurants dedicated to Asian food offers some rare delicacies as well as more customary items. One signature dish is King of the Sea: lobster chunks, scallops, and grouper with greens in a garlic sauce. 27925 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills; 248-489-2280. L,D Tue.-Sun. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • This plush modern steakhouse offers dry-aged prime and Kobe-style wagyu beef in a fun, clubby setting. An extensive wine list accompanies the restaurant menu that also features platters of chilled fresh seafood. 201 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-594-4369. D daily. 17107 Haggerty Road, Northville Twp.; 248-679-0007. D Tue.-Sun. Imperial $ MEXICAN-INSPIRED • The menu offers California-style tacos on soft tortillas, including lime-grilled chicken, carnitas, and marinated pork, as well as slow-roasted pork tortas, and guacamole. 22828 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248-850-8060. L,D daily.

J-Bird Smoked Meats $$ BARBEQUE • Wood-smoked meats served with the traditional sides of cornbread, buttermilk slaw, and mac and cheese are on the menu at this meat-lovers mecca. Other popular dishes include the Three Meat Sampler and JBird Gumbo, as well as St. Louis Ribs and old-fashioned JBurgers. 1978 Cass Lake Road, Keego Harbor; 248-681-2124. L,D Mon.-Sun. Joe Muer $$$$ SEAFOOD • The Bloomfield Hills location of the iconic restaurant has a menu that emphasizes classic fresh fish and “Muer Traditions” such as Dover sole and Great Lakes Yellow Belly Perch. There’s also a raw and sushi bar as well as premium steaks. Save room for dessert, because the coconut cake is not to be missed.

A piano bar adds to the vibe. 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-792-9609. D daily.

KouZina Greek Street Food $ GREEK • The Greek “street food” at this Royal Oak spot comes in lamb and beef, and chicken. Try the lentil soup for a delicious lunch or go for something more filling like the gyro bowl. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this excellent eatery. 121 N. Main Street, Royal Oak; 248-629-6500. L,D daily Mon.-Sun. Lao Pot $$$ CHINESE • In 2019, the owners of the Madison Heights international market 168 Asian Mart opened Lao Pot, which specializes in Chinese Hot Pot cuisine. Hot Pot is a traditional method of cooking, using a pot of simmering broth, which sits in the center of the dining table.

Lao Pot allows diners to customize and cook their meals right at their tables, combining great food and a memorable experience. 32707 John R. Road, Madison Heights; 248-689-9888. L,D daily.

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

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

Lincoln Yard/Little Yard $$ NEW AMERICAN • From Union Joints, the oven-centric restaurant features a rotisserie, a smoker, and a woodfired oven used to bake pizzas. The menu’s centerpiece is the Main Builds option, which includes your choice of protein (rotisserie chicken, rotisserie cauliflower, smoked beef short ribs, or smoked pork tenderloin) with a sauce and two sides, such as roasted carrots, smashed potatoes, or mac and cheese. There are also salads and handhelds — and, of course, the classic Union Mac. 2159 E. Lincoln St., Birmingham; 248-653-5353. B,L,D daily.

Loccino Italian Grill $$ ITALIAN • Loccino is a “family-friendly” yet upscale Italian restaurant. Choose from fresh seafood, steak, and chicken dishes, plus traditional pastas, pizzas, salads, and more. A great special occasion place or delicious workday lunch spot for whenever you need a break from the office. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy; 248813-0700. L Mon.-Fri., D daily Loui’s Pizza $ ITALIAN • Sure, you can now get a Michigan craft beer, but not much else has changed. And that’s a good thing. Parties dine on square pizzas with crisp crust, faintly charred around the edges. Hailed by food critics and Detroiters alike as one of the city’s most classic Detroit style pizzas, it’s well worth a trip. 23141 Dequindre Road, Hazel Park; 248-547-1711. L,D Wed.-Sun. Luisa’s Artisanal Street Food $ ITALIAN STREET FOOD • The small restaurant offers a unique mishmash of influences — all with the grab-

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

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and-go convenience of “street food.” Standouts include the smoky mole chili, made with roasted chile peppers, green bell peppers, black beans, braised steak, and mozzarella. Plus, the slushies are to die for. 22851 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-677-3331. L,D Fri.-Wed..

Luxe Bar & Grill $$ NEW AMERICAN • The simple menu at this Grosse Pointe Farms joint offers burgers on brioche buns and interesting salads and sides, as well as entrées typified by wildcaught salmon, prime filet, and Greek-style lamb chops. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-792-6051. 115 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-924-5459. L,D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2025

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2023

Madam $$$ NEW AMERICAN • Since opening in 2021, Madam has carved its niche with its global take on farm-to-table cuisine, taking diners on a tour from Michigan to Asia to Europe. Staples from chef de cuisine Clifton Booth include mushroom dumplings, Spanish octopus, steak frites, and pasta dishes. 298 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-283-4200. B,D daily, L Mon.-Fri., BR Sat.-Sun. Market North End $$ AMERICAN • Joe and Kristin Bongiovanni opened this eatery just across the street from the family’s existing restaurants, Salvatore Scallopini and Luxe Bar & Grill. It represents a younger, more casual alternative to the cult-favorite classics, with a serious kitchen that offers traditional American dishes as well as hints of global influences. 474 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-712-4953. L,D daily.

The Meeting House $$ ECLECTIC AMERICAN • This eclectic American menu includes steak frites remarkably close to those at Paris bistros, and a house-made soft pretzel with roasted jalapeno-goat cheese dip. 301 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-759-4825. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Mesa Tacos And Tequila $ MEXICAN-AMERICAN • The two-story setting includes balcony seating in a big, open room where the bar gets equal time with the kitchen. The pop-Mexican menu — which includes guacamole, nachos, and the titular tacos — is backed up with an array of tequilas.

312 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-545-1940. L, D daily.

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2008

Mon Jin Lau $$ ASIAN-FUSION • Explore such dishes as Singapore noodles, combining chicken, shrimp, chilies, and curry with angel-hair pasta; Mongolian beef; or seared scallops with lemongrass-basil Thai curry sauce. The patio opens up and the dining room transforms into a dance floor for weekly events. 1515 E. Maple Road, Troy; 248689-2332. D daily.

Noble Fish $ JAPANESE • For over 40 years, this laid-back sushi spot has been serving traditional rolls, nigiri, and entrées like the chirashi bowl inside a downtown Clawson Japanese market. Grab a tray and enjoy reasonably priced bites like its signature Noble Roll, made with grilled salmon skin, smelt roe, oshinko, egg, cucumber, and mayo. 45 E. 14 Mile Road, Clawson; 248-585-2314. B,L,D daily Noori Pocha $ KOREAN • This retro Korean gastropub in Clawson will transport you to ’80s Seoul with its unmatchable aesthetic.

The meal begins with complimentary tteokbokki, a rice cake cooked in a spicy red broth. From there, you can choose from a fine selection of import beers and bang-foryour-buck entrées like the shareable buldak: spicy chicken and cheese served with jumeok-bap (rice balls with seaweed). 1 S. Main St., Clawson; 248-850-7512. D Tue.-Sun. Oak City Grille $ NEW AMERICAN • This downtown Royal Oak spot bridges the gap between bar food and upscale dining.

Order a dressed-up sandwich or burger or elevate your dining experience with an 8-ounce filet mignon or lamb chops. The friendly price range makes anything possible.

212 W. Sixth St., Royal Oak; 248-556-0947. D Tue.-Sun. Oak Parker $$ NEW AMERICAN • This lively neighborhood bar features thoughtful cocktails with a forward-looking food menu to match. Its smashburgers are the perfect answer to a cold pint. You can also kick it up a notch with Hungarian sausage, schnitzels, or pastrami — the latter stuffed in deli-style sandwiches and deep-fried chimichangas or mixed in pastrami hash for weekend brunch. 13621 W. 11 Mile Road; oakparkerbar.com; B Sat.-Sun, L,D daily.

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

One-Eyed Betty’s $$ ECLECTIC AMERICAN • Picnic-style tables and blackboards lettered with scores of brew choices add a beerhall sensibility to this popular spot. The kitchen delivers New Orleans-themed dishes such as Chicken Tchoupitoulas with tasso ham and bearnaise sauce, as well as a mouthwatering bacon burger. Weekend brunch features delicious housemade doughnuts. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale; 248-808-6633. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

O.W.L. $ MEXICAN-AMERICAN • This Royal Oak spot offers sustenance for the early birds to the night owls. Step up to the counter and order from the letterboard menu before grabbing a stool at the counter or along the window ledge.

Dishes here include such diner musts as eggs, sausage and potato hash, burgers, and chicken wings as well as tacos and nachos served from the open kitchen. 27302 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-808-6244. B, L,D daily.

Phoenicia $$$ LEBANESE • This long-standing upscale eatery has clean, contemporary lines that complement the French door-style windows. Don’t miss the portabella mushrooms or roasted garlic cloves with tomato and basil as an appetizer. The menu expands to unexpected items such as baby back ribs and single-serving-sized local whitefish. 588 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248644-3122. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

Pop’s For Italian $$ ITALIAN • It doesn’t sound fancy, but this Ferndale restaurant serves well-prepared Italian dishes paired with an ambitious wine program. The fairly brief menu starts with a list of Neapolitan pizzas, then moves to pastas, but has all the classics. 280 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-268-4806. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Prime29 Steakhouse $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • The 29-day aged prime beef, including the 24-ounce tomahawk bone-in rib-eye, still stars here. There’s also Chilean sea bass and black pearl salmon. The service is notable, as is the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. 6545 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield; 248-737-7463. D Tue.-Sun. Quán Ngon Vietnamese Bistro $ VIETNAMESE • This gem of a bistro in a handsome space adds to the local Vietnamese offerings. Dishes such as cha gio (elegant little eggrolls), bun bo noug cha gio (grilled beef with eggroll, vermicelli, mixed greens, plus sweet and sour sauce), and banh mi are made with fresh ingredients. 30701 Dequindre Road, Madison Heights; 248-268-4310. L,D Fri.-Wed. Redcoat Tavern $ BURGERS • The half-pound choice beef hamburger is always atop the list of local favorites. But a low-fat, high-flavor Piedmontese beef one is tastier than the original. This is the place for your burger craving.

31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-549-0300. 6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248865-0500. L,D Mon.-Sat. The Rind $$$ WINE BAR • Attached to Mongers’ Provisions in Berkley, The Rind serves signature cocktails from its full bar and offers wines by the glass and a selection of more than 150 bottles to choose from. In addition to snacks that pair well with wine, like marcona almonds, tinned razor clams, and (naturally) cheese and charcuterie, there’s heartier fare like a flat-iron steak and littleneck clams. 3125 12 Mile Road, Berkley; 248-468-4487.

L,D Tue.-Sun.

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JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Rochester Chop House $$ NEW AMERICAN • Two restaurants in one: Kabin Kruser’s and the Chop House. There’s a throwback roadhouse-style feeling about the Chop House, which has a menu divided between red meat and fresh fish and seafood. Signature dishes include calamari, Maryland jumbo lump crabcakes, and a large selection of aged steaks, rack of lamb, and steak/seafood combinations. 306 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-651-2266. L Mon.-Fri., D daily Ronin $$ JAPANESE • The sushi menu, ranging from spicy tuna rolls to yellowtail and salmon eggs and well beyond, is augmented by a concise menu of cooked fare. Front windows open onto the sidewalk, making the cocktail lounge open-air during the warm months. 326 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-546-0888. D daily.

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

Nine S. Main St., Village of Clarkston; D Tue.-Sun. Sambong $ KOREAN • Known for its signature naengmyeon (a Korean cold noodle dish), Sambong is a fully self-service restaurant with unique offerings like complementary broth. Besides the naengmyeon (which features house-made noodles), additional standouts include japchae, bulgogi, bibimbap, and donkatsu. 5389 Crooks Road, Troy; 248-731-7859. L,D Wed.-Mon. Silver Spoon $$ ITALIAN • This quintessential slice of Italy features excellent food, knowledgeable staff, and friendly service.

Try the bucatini made with pancetta, onion, red wine, and fresh tomato sauce. Also worth trying: saltimbocca alla Romana, or veal scaloppini sautéed in white wine. A truly delicious place for any kind of outing. 543 N. Main St., Rochester; 248-652-4500. D Mon.-Sat. Social Kitchen & Bar $$$ 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; 248-594-4200. L Mon.-Fri., D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. Streetside Seafood $$ SEAFOOD • The restaurant has a pared-down seasonal menu of fresh fish and seafood. There are always two soups: a bisque and a chowder. Favorites include the oysters and bouillabaisse. A delicious restaurant for all palates to enjoy and feel comfortable in. 273 Pierce St.Birmingham; 248-645-9123. L Thu.-Fri., D daily.

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

Sylvan Table $$$ NEW AMERICAN • With a working farm on the 5-acre property, Sylvan Table isn’t just talking the farm-totable talk. The restored 300-year-old barn feels grand and vast when you step into the stunning space, but it is homey, welcoming, and inviting. The menu changes often to reflect what’s growing, but some of the staples include the trout — seasoned with herb oil, salt, and pepper, cooked over a wood-fired grill, and served whole — and Chicken Under a Brick, which is cooked to charred perfection. 1819 Inverness St., Sylvan Lake, 248369-3360. D Mon.-Sun. Take Sushi $$ JAPANESE • Crisp salads, sashimi, sushi, oversize bowls of soba or udon noodles, and all the familiar — and some not-so-familiar — entrees combine to make this spot special. The exceptionally warm service is unforgettable. 1366 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 248652-7800. L,D Tue.-Sat., D Sun. Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro $$ WINE BAR • Understated decor and a pared-down menu of seasonal dishes make this spot a Birmingham classic. The kitchen turns out dishes like Lamb Belly Ragu with housemade pasta; and whole branzino with charred zucchini and romesco. Wine is served by the glass, the pitcher, or bottle. 155 S. Bates St., Birmingham; 248-731-7066. D Mon.-Sat. Three Cats Restaurant $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • Formerly a small café serving customers of the boutique Leon & Lulu, Three Cats is now a full-fledged restaurant. Located in the former Clawson movie theater next door to the shop, the eatery serves small, simple plates, including vegetarian and vegan options, plus local beverage selections, such as vodka from Ferndale’s Valentine’s Distilling Co. and wines from grapes grown on the Leelanau Peninsula. Patrons can even take home the colorful, quirky chairs or tables, as most of the furniture at Three Cats Restaurant is available for purchase. 116 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson; 248288-4858. L,D Tue.-Fri., B,L,D Sat.-Sun. TigerLily $$ JAPANESE • With an eclectic ambiance and extensive Japanese menu, TigerLily satisfies taste buds with sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and hot dishes like the Yaki Udon or Japanese Street Corn. 231 W. Nine Mile Road, Ste. A, Ferndale; 248-733-4905. D daily.

Toast, A Breakfast & Lunch Joint $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • It’s fun, it’s breezy, and the food at Toast, A Breakfast & Lunch Joint is very, very good. Try the huevos rancheros: fried eggs upon corn tortillas, pintos, and cheese. Toast, a Neighborhood Joint, the spinoff of the Ferndale original has a more elaborate setting, pairing ’50s retro with sleek contemporary in a pair of rooms. The new menu features twists to comfort food. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-398-0444. 203 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248258-6278. B,L daily.

Toasted Oak $$$ BRASSERIE • The menu revolves around the charcuterie sold in the market next door and a list of hot grill items. In 2019, the restaurant earned a Wine Spectator magazine award for its outstanding wine program. Plus, just across the lot is Twelve Oaks Mall, should you fancy an evening of shopping and dinner. 27790 Novi Road, Novi; 248-2776000. B Mon.-Fri., L,D Tue.-Sat. BR Sat.-Sun. Townhouse $$$ NEW AMERICAN • This popular Birmingham spot for comforting New American dishes has several exceptional offerings on its menu, such as the specialty 10 ounces of 28-day dry-aged beef hamburger on brioche.

180 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-792-5241. L,D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-7231000. L,D daily.

Union Woodshop $$ BARBEQUE • Part of the Union Joints restaurant group, this is a self-described wood-fired joint, where pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and beef brisket come from the smoker, and Neapolitan-style crisp-crusted pizzas from the wood-burning oven. And definitely check out the mac and cheese. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-6255660. D Mon.-Sun. Vinsetta Garage $$ NEW AMERICAN • This restaurant, which is housed in a vintage car-repair shop, offers well-prepared comfort food classics such as burgers, macaroni and cheese, pizzas, and brown sugar-glazed salmon. A restaurant that pays true homage to the city of Detroit. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley; 248-548-7711. L,D daily Voyager $$ SEAFOOD • Fresh seafood with an emphasis on oysters is the premise in this hard-to-find location. The space entails convivially close quarters for such dishes as peel-n’-eat shrimp, yellowfin tuna tartare, and halibut fish and chips. The premium bar offers short but notable lists of beer and wine as well as craft cocktails. 600 Vester St., Ferndale; 248-658-4999. D Tue.-Sat.

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

TRUST E D A DV ISO RS

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

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of steaks and seafood dishes typify the contemporary approach to fresh and uncomplicated Italian cuisine.

59145 Van Dyke Ave., Washington; 586-473-0700. D daily.

Blake’s Tasting Room $$ NEW AMERICAN • Enjoy a variety of house-made hard ciders to sip on from one of the U.S.’s top-producing hard cider brands, plus bar-food staples with a twist.

It’s steps away from family-friendly seasonal activities at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill. 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; 586-784-5343. L,D daily.

Butter Run Saloon $ GASTROPUB • Solid American fare that’s beyond bar food (although their burgers are certainly noteworthy).

There’s escargot, perch, steaks, and a huge whiskey selection — over a thousand at last count. 27626 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-675-2115. B, L,D daily.

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

J. Baldwin’s Restaurant $$$ NEW AMERICAN • The menu showcases chef Jeff Baldwin’s contemporary American food: award-winning stone fired pizza, Boom-Boom Shrimp, burgers, and salads. The desserts include chocolate bumpy cake and spiced carrot cake. 16981 18 Mile Road, Clinton Township; 586-416-3500. L,D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun. Khom Fai THAI • At this Macomb staple, owners, chefs, and brothers Isaiah and Chris Sonjeow serve a modernized take on Thai food, seasoned with what they call “a dash of good ol’ Southern hospitality.” Sip a specialty cocktail and start with small plates like satay skewers, Rangoon, or sesame yellowfin tuna and enjoy entrées like drunken noodles, red curry, or Khom Fai’s signature fried chicken. 48856 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb; 586247-7773. L Tues., Sun., D Tues.-Sat. Luigi’s: The Original $$ ITALIAN • This cozy Italian eatery opened its doors in 1953. The sizeable menu offers prime rib, pasta, pizza, and well-prepared seafood. 36691 Jefferson Ave., Harrison Township; 586-468-7711; D Wed.-Sun.

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.

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.

Gaudino’s $$ ITALIAN • The trending market-restaurant combo has a good example at this spot. It offers imported pastas and sauces, plus a butcher counter with sausages and a wine assortment. The menu offers pasta and pizza, salads, and entrées, including Bistecca di Gancio, a sliced hanger steak with crispy Brussels sprouts and house bistro sauce. 27919 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-879-6764. L,D Tue.-Sat

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.

Host Utica $$ VARIOUS • With a rotating cast of culinarians that shifts about once every few months, Host Utica is a great place to constantly try something new — and to get a first taste of concepts from up-and-coming chefs. The Instagram-friendly dining room has a full-service cocktail bar as well as brunch and dinner service, plus coffee and pastries.

The building regularly holds culinary events and is home to a coworking office space. 7759 Auburn Road, Utica; 586488-0134. D Tue.-Sat., BR daily.

Isla $$ FILIPINO • Dishes at this Filipino restaurant, formerly sheltered at Fort Street Galley, are reflective of the culinary traditions of the founders’ Iloilo City hometown. Annatto is used to punch up the color of Chicken Adobo, the unofficial dish of the Philippines, and juicy mangoes complement sweet and savory dishes. 2496 Metro Pkwy, Sterling Heights; 586-8837526. L,D Tue.-Sat., BR Sun.

9 0 H OUR DE T R O I T.C O M

Steakhouse 22 $$ STEAKHOUSE • The late Nick Andreopoulos once spent time as a “broiler man” at London Chop House.

His family stays true to those roots at this American steakhouse with a casual, neighborhood feel. They offer an array of well-prepared angus steaks, plus seafood and pasta dishes. With the sizable lunch and portions offered at Steakhouse 22, good luck saving room for dessert! 48900 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-3900. L,D Tue.-Sun. Testa Barra $$$ ITALIAN • Owned and run by chefs Mike and Gabriella Baldwin (of Food Network fame), Testa Barra is notable for its freshly made pasta dishes and favorites like Connie’s Lamb Shank, a fall-off-the-bone chop topped with red wine braise, stewed vegetables, polenta, and Asiago cheese. Its wine program is renowned, and the restaurant features 14 on-staff sommeliers to guide you through the list. 48824 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb; 586-434-0100. D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun.

Waves $$ SEAFOOD • Seafood covers most of the menu at this Nautical Mile favorite. It’s a tough task choosing between such popular appetizers as coconut shrimp, crispy grouper nuggets, and plump steamed mussels.

Entrees include al dente pastas and protein options such as lamb chops and New York strip steak, plus lump crab cakes and beer-battered cod. 24223 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-773-3840. L,D daily.

Youngblood Vineyard $$ WINERY • Sitting on 25 acres of wine grapes, this winery offers year-round wine tasting with a menu that includes grilled bruschetta with tomato and mozzarella, artisan pizza, a harvest salad, and charcuterie boards. More than a dozen wines are offered by the bottle, glass, or 2-ounce pour as part of a flight. 61829 Ray Center Rd., Ray; 586770-5220; D Thu.-Sun.

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

D Mon. L, D Tue-Sat. L Sun. Black Pearl $$ SEAFOOD • This seafood and martini bar is especially popular during patio season. But step inside for a host of craft cocktails, then stay for dinner. A seafood-dominated menu includes a notable Misoyaki Salmon dish.

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

Blue LLama Jazz Club $$ CREATIVE AMERICAN • Come to this swanky jazz club for the music, featuring headliners such as the Grammy-nominated Ravi Coltrane Quartet, but stay for chef Louis Goral’s delicious food — steaks, seafood, and upscale Southern-style fare. 314 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-3723200. D Wed.-Sat. The Blue Nile $$ ETHIOPIAN • The real treat at this quaint restaurant is injera, a spongy bread used to scoop the meal, eaten with your hands in traditional style. The lentil dishes, often seasoned with an Ethiopian spice mixture called berbere, and the vegetables are equally delicious. 221 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-998-4746. D Tue.Sun. 545 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-547-6699.

D Thu.-Sun.

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Cardamom $$ INDIAN • Check out the Hyderabadi Biryani —chicken, goat, and vegetable dishes, in which the rice is first cooked, then baked. All the Indian favorites are available at Cardamom, such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh, and warm, fluffy, made-fresh garlic naan. It’s the ideal spot for when you’re craving the classics. 1739 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-662-2877. D Wed.-Sun. The Common Grill $$ SEAFOOD • Founded by Chef Craig Common, whose skilled work drew the attention of the now shuttered Gourmet magazine and the James Beard House, this mainstay was acquired in 2022 by Peas & Carrots Hospitality. Chefs Zack Sklar and Josh Humphrey kept most of the beloved restaurant’s menu, such as the expertly prepared oysters and seafood dishes, as well as the coconut cream pie. 112 S. Main St., Chelsea; 734-475-0470. L,D Tue.-Sun., BR Sat-Sun. Dixboro House $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • Much like the restaurant’s ambience, the cuisine at Dixboro House is both refined and relaxed. Chef Garret Lipar’s menu hosts rotating seasonal from-scratch dishes that highlight local ingredients — pizzas, salads, seafood, and steaks served in a rustic barn that once housed The Lord Fox, an iconic restaurant in Ann Arbor’s historic Dixboro neighborhood. 5400 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-669-3310.

L,D daily. BR Sat.-Sun. Echelon Kitchen & Bar $$$$ NEW AMERICAN • Placing an emphasis on woodfired cooking and local produce, this downtown Ann Arbor restaurant offers ala carte dining in addition to a seven-course chef’s tasting menu. The vegetable-forward menu elevates simple ingredients into complex dishes filled with flavor. Enjoy the kanpachi crudo or the stone fruit and chicory salad to start, with something for both vegans and omnivores to savor. Entrées include hazelnut-apricot risotto with scallops and beef shank torchietti with smoked almond cream and grilled scallion conserva. 200 S Main St, Ann Arbor.

D Wed.-Sun. Ma Lou’s $ CHICKEN • This is Ypsi’s destination for all things fried chicken — try it as a plate, in the form of wings, or in the chicken and waffles, with classic Southern sides like collard greens, potato salad, and coleslaw. But Ma Lou’s shines especially in its ability to craft the perfect sandwich, made with your choice of chicken or tofu.

Try The Hot Chick, stacked with a combination of the ultra-spicy Nashville hot baste, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese, and jalapeño ranch. 15 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-905-7994. L,D Tue.-Sat. Mani Osteria & Bar $$ ITALIAN • This popular casual restaurant infuses freshness with lower prices than most osterias in the area. It’s a well-rounded blend of modern, eclectic Italian with classic standbys. The pizzas are hot, fresh and perfectly executed to suit your tastes. 341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-769-6700. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Miss Kim $$ KOREAN • This spinoff from the Zingerman’s mini empire comes courtesy of chef Ji Hye Kim, a James Beard semifinalist. Kim meticulously researches Korean culinary traditions and recipes to create her unique blend of modern Korean food highlighting Michigan vegetables, from housemade kimchi to the tteokbokki (rice cakes). Some of the restaurant’s standouts include a craveable Korean fried chicken and its plantbased counterpart the Korean fried tofu. 415 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, 734-275-0099. L and D Wed.-Mon. Peridot $$$$ VIETNAMESE-INSPIRED • This downtown Ann Arbor eatery offers both small plates and cocktails that incorporate ingredients like tamarind, Thai basil, Vietnamese cinnamon, and cilantro — with delightfully refreshing results. On the ever-changing menu, standout small plates have included ketchup fried rice and the savory kampachi and prosciutto: Italian dry-cured ham and amberjack sashimi. 118 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-773-3097. D Mon.-Sat. Seva $$ VEGAN • Seva offers such dishes as black bean and sweet potato quesadillas, gluten-free options, and colorful stir-fries — some vegan as well as vegetarian.

There’s also a full bar as well as a juice bar serving creamy smoothies and dense shakes, fresh-squeezed juices, and craft mocktails. Choose from one of the most extensive vegetarian menus in the Detroit area.

2541 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-662-1111. L,D Mon.-Sat.

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

Venue by 4M $$$ High-quality coffee; a diverse selection of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails and sustainably sourced wine; and a wide variety of elevated cuisine, such as goat cheese ravioli can be found in this highend mixed-use food hall. 1919 S. Industrial Highway, Ann Arbor; 734-800-0128; experience4m.com Yotsuba Japanese Restaurant & Bar $$ JAPANESE • The semi-circular sushi bar is the center of this restaurant. Sushi chef Bobby Suzuki has a loyal following for his precise nigiri rolls. There are also tatami rooms and conventional seating. 7365 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248-737-8282. 2222 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor; 734-971-5168. L,D Tue.-Sun. Zingerman’s Roadhouse $$$ CLASSIC COMFORT • This eatery celebrates food from around the U.S., from the New Mexico black bean and hominy burger to the delicacies of New Orleans. The buttermilk biscuits are out of this world. 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-663-3663. B,L,D daily.

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

Slurping Turtle $ JAPANESE • This fun, casual Ann Arbor restaurant, owned by celebrity chef Takashi Yagihashi, offers plenty of shareable dishes, such as hamachi nachos and duck-fat fried chicken. But the star at Slurping Turtle is the noodle (Yagihashi’s “soul food”), which is made in-house daily on a machine imported from Japan. 608 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-887-6868. L,D daily.

Spencer $ WINE BAR • The food at this small but mighty spot is bright, fresh, and often surprising. The brief and very French menu changes frequently and is always imaginative. Previous dishes have included chicken-liver mousse with violet mustard and grilled bread, and orange duck confit with North African spices. 113 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-369-3979; D Thu,-Sun (by reservation only) Tomukun $ KOREAN • Featuring a Korean noodle bar and Korean barbecue side by side, the downtown Ann Arbor eatery is a destination for ramen, udon, and pho, plus traditional

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Charity Calendar DETROIT AUTO SHOW CHARITY PREVIEW GALA

AUTOGLOW 2026: DRIVEN TO BE HEARD

COTS’S SOUP CITY: THE DETROIT EDITION

Jan. 16, 5 to 10 p.m.

Jan. 16, 4:30 p.m. to midnight

Jan. 22, 6 to 10 p.m.

detroitautoshow.com

thechildrenscenter.com

cotssoupcitydetroitedition.funraise.org

You’re invited to walk the red carpet at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show Charity Preview on Friday, Jan. 16, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Huntington Place in Detroit. For one magical night, this black-tie fundraiser benefits six amazing children’s charities and gives its guests an exclusive preview of stunning cars and a headline performance by international superstar and five-time Grammy Award nominee Robin Thicke. Beneficiaries for the Charity Preview include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, The Children’s Center, the Children’s Foundation, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund, Detroit PAL, and University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Tickets are $400 each or $700 a pair and available at detroitautoshow.com.

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

The annual event benefits The Children’s Center, a Detroit nonprofit that serves as a beacon of hope for children and families across the city.

Each year, more than 4,000 children and families turn to the organization for behavioral health services, child welfare support, and community engagement and advocacy programs.

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

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

On Jan. 22, COTS will host Soup City, a beloved Detroit tradition that brings together the region’s restaurants, artists, and community champions for an unforgettable night of flavor and purpose.

Presented by the Lineage Foundation for Good at the iconic Roostertail, the event features a variety of culinary partners serving signature soups, small plates, desserts, and warm drinks, each crafted to celebrate Detroit’s rich food culture.

Guests will enjoy live entertainment, art, a vibrant silent auction, and the joy of gathering in support of families overcoming homelessness.

More than a fundraiser, Soup City is a celebration of community, creativity, and compassion. Proceeds directly support COTS’s shelter and housing programs, which help families build stability and break the cycle of poverty through resources, mobility coaching, children’s services, and whole-family supports.

KIDSGALA ANNUAL CHARITY EVENT

VARIETY COCKTAILS & CUISINE

FAMILY YOUTH INTERVENTIONS’ YEAR IN CELEBRATION FUNDRAISING GALA Jan. 29, 6 to 10 p.m. familyyouth.com Join Family Youth Interventions for its annual gala on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m. at the historic Emerald Theatre in Mount Clemens. This inspiring evening brings the community together to support runaway and homeless youth who rely on the organization’s shelter and life-changing programs. Since launching in 2020, the gala has grown each year, becoming a signature event filled with purpose, connection, and hope.

Guests will enjoy an elegant night featuring dinner, entertainment, impactful stories, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

Funds raised directly support Family Youth Interventions’ programs — helping vulnerable youth find safety, stability, and a path forward.

Your attendance, sponsorship, or raffle donation will help the organization continue providing essential services to young people in crisis.

Jan. 31, 6 to 11:30 p.m. kidsgala.org KIDSgala was founded in 2013 by David C. McKnight, owner and founder of Emerald City Designs, with the goal of celebrating the life of children with life-altering illnesses and disabilities. After learning that his dear friend’s 9-year old daughter had been diagnosed with leukemia, McKnight recognized the importance of celebrating the outstanding courage of children.

Since 2013, McKnight and his hardworking team have raised thousands of dollars through fundraising events.

Join the organization for the 11th annual KIDSgala Charity Event on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 6 to 11:30 p.m. A plated dinner, spirits, live music from The Dan Rafferty Band, incredible raffle items, and more will await guests.

Feb. 5, 6 to 9 p.m. variety-detroit.com Variety the Children’s Charity is pleased to announce that Variety Cocktails & Cuisine will be held on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Townsend Hotel. This savory evening will benefit Variety’s core programs serving children with unique and special needs.

During Variety Cocktails & Cuisine, supporters will socialize and stroll their way 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 cocktails and creative “chef’s choice” selections from Andiamo, Bella Piatti, Crispelli’s Bakery & Pizzeria, The Hudson Cafe, Streetside Seafood, and more. Food, beverages, raffle opportunities, valet parking, and entertainment by Collision Six will be provided.

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Black Tie & Tails Gala 2025

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PHOTOS BY ERIN MARIE MILLER

P R E S E N T E D B Y MaryAnn Wright and Bob Sayles, the Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit’s 2025 Black Tie & Tails Gala event combined glitz, glamour, and a milestone celebration: the 25th year of the event that supports fourlegged friends in need. The gala — which took place at The Henry, Autograph Collection in Dearborn on Sept. 26 — included a red carpet, a sit-down dinner, dancing, and a live auction. Learn more at metrodetroitanimals.org.

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1. Kaylen Robinson, Theron Cosby, and Barisha Roberts 2. Judy Belknap and Walter Juterbock 3. Bruce Tobin, Kathy Tobin, Robin Pappas, Hilary Haber, and Michael Tobin 4. Angel and John Gibson 5. Andy and Laura Goldberg 6. Michael Ambrose, Jim Boultinghouse, Toni Caretto, and Linda Stechison 7. Cheryl Rudd and Alex Alexander 8. David and Dena Raminick 9. Cory Keller with Fred Astaire 10. Carol Victor and Linda Rex 11. Julia DeClerk and Lawrence of Arabia 12. Rebekah and Jason Heien

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2025 MCHS Light the Way Gala P H O T O S BY L I N D S AY S C H W E I C K E R T

T H E M I S S I O N — raising money to provide services for metro Detroit children in need — is serious, but the fundraising is fun. The 2025 MCHS Light the Way Gala, held at Ford Field on Oct. 10, featured live entertainment, local celebrities, and a live silent auction. Detroit Lions legend Herman Moore and his wife, Angela, served as honorary chairs and keynote speakers at the gala.

Considering the venue, guests were encouraged to wear “stadium chic” attire, which included Detroit Lions colors and sneakers, for both style and comfort. Learn more at mchsmi.org.

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1. Drew Baldwin, Maya Riddle 2. Angela and Herman Moore 3. Roary (Detroit Lions Mascot), Raquel Sulaiman 4. Matthew Nahan, Rodney Brown, Tansley Stearns 5. Noell Siaje, Star Crawford, Meaghan Madison 6. Chris Klee, Elizabeth Klee, Christine Herfurrh, Justine Craft 7. Heba Abualhawa, Jamil Issa 8. Ashley Towe Motz, Jane Fisher 9. Mike Vipond, Kelly Bisesi, Quinton Patilla 10. Jason Colthorp

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New Day Foundation’s Celebrity Lip Sync Battle

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T H I S M U C H - A N T I C I P A T E D night of music and laughter — where local sports television and radio personalities performed their best lip sync routines — took place on Oct. 16 at the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. The celebrity judges at New Day Foundation’s Celebrity Lip Sync Battle included Mike Morse, Melissa Coulier, Holly Campbell, and Jason Raithel. VIP ticket holders were treated to a strolling dinner and an open bar, in addition to the fun entertainment.

New Day Foundation provides financial and emotional resources to Michigan families facing cancer. Learn more at foundationforfamiles.org.

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1. Jackie Paige 2. Motor City Dans Jeff Randall, Gerald Harten, and Kirk Lee with Holly Campbell 3. JoAnne Purtan, Dr. David Strahle, Dr. Jessica Harrell 4. Kristin Bednarowski, Melissa Coulier, Kate Milligan 5. Ben and Kathleen Fielder 6. Mike Taylor, Justin Rose, Herman Moore 7. Heather Herman, Rich Duntley, Amy Duntley 8. Jeff Schmitz, Amy Cole 9. Matt and Nicole Szura 10. Anne Marie Kuntzman, Colleen Schomaker 11. Gina Kell Spehn, Mike Morse, Susan Morse 12. Taiwan Jones, Kecia Jones JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6

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1922 O F S E V E R A L B A L L R O O M S and dance halls that opened in Detroit during the Roaring ’20s — when jazz music and dance styles like the Charleston, foxtrot, and Lindy Hop were all the rage — the largest and most famous was the Graystone Ballroom, located at 4237 Woodward Avenue.

Billed as “Detroit’s Million Dollar Ballroom” when it opened in 1922, the massive dance floor was actually in an attached building behind the five-story neo-Gothic building, which took up a full city block between Canfield and Willis.

The building sported a vertical “Graystone” marquee and housed six storefronts and office space.

The ballroom itself, illuminated by beautiful lighting effects, boasted an ornate 60-foot dome and was designed to accommodate 3,000 dancers — but often held many more. A balcony surrounded the dance floor with decorative railings, divans, and lounge chairs, and a large mural of a hunting scene adorned the wall above the stage.

Owned by the University of Michigan, built on land originally donated by a wealthy alumnus, the Graystone

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was leased to Detroit bandleader Jean Goldkette, whose famous orchestra regularly played there along with McKinney’s Cotton Pickers. Other notable performers who played at the ballroom over the years included Duke Ellington (whose 1934 show brought in 7,500 patrons, according to the University of Michigan Heritage Project), Louis Armstrong, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald, to name just a few. Sadly, like other ballrooms in the area, the Graystone was segregated, with Monday nights reserved for Black people.

When Goldkette filed for bankruptcy in 1935, the university leased the Graystone to Frank Steltenkamp and Fred W. Haynes, who closed the building’s doors in 1957 after big ballroom dancing fell out of fashion. The venue’s next promoter, Howard Pyle, held boxing matches, roller skating, and occasional performances before U-M sold the building to Motown Records owner Berry Gordy in 1963.

Motown hosted some concerts and events at the Graystone for a few years, but by the late ’60s, it was abandoned, fell into disrepair, and became an eyesore.

Despite efforts to save it — led by James Jenkins, founder of the Graystone International Jazz Museum located offsite — the structure was demolished in August 1980. Today, a McDonald’s is located on a portion of the original Graystone site. —Bill Dow PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WALTER P. REUTHER LIBRARY, ARCHIVES OF LABOR AND URBAN AFFAIRS, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY DETROIT NEWS COLLECTION

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T H E WAY I T WA S

Congratulation

TO DOUG PODELL FROM

Celebrating 50 years in radio broadcasting

Congratulation TO MOJO FROM

on his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame

REAL ESTATE

T U S H A R VA K H A R I YA + R E N E E LO S S I A Experience the Difference Between an Agent and an Expert To p 1 0 0 G l o b a l l y | To p 5 0 N a t i o n a l l y | M i c h i g a n ' s # 1 B r o k e r T VA R L A . C O M | 2 4 8 . 7 8 6 . 7 7 9 0