Hour Detroit - July 2023

the great lakes

A DEEP DIVE INTO OUR STATE’S GREATEST TREASURE

GORMAN’S INTERIORS

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Thriving together.

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LET’S SHINE.

Dive into endless activities in the warm Gulf waters of St. Pete/Clearwater. From kayaking to kitesurfing and paddleboarding to snorkeling, the emerald stage is set for unforgettable memories. Let’s shine—start your adventure at VisitStPeteClearwater.com

CONTENTS

35 The Lake Effect

Our guide to the Great Lakes includes dozens of interesting facts about the world’s largest freshwater system; we also highlight sand dunes, lighthouses, local beaches, and cruises to check out this summer.

48 Beer Getaways

Our beverage expert, Mickey Lyons, picks her top 10 breweries to visit in Traverse City and Grand Rapids. Take a DIY tour or book an excursion with a kayak and bike tour company.

Up

and Willow aim to preserve and pass on traditions of many kinds.

TALKING

Regenerative farming restores life to soil and helps the land heal. Meet a Hillsdale family who has been practicing this method of farming for years.

Behind the Scenes

VOLUME TWENTY EIGHT ISSUE SEVEN

PUBLISHER: Jason Hosko

EDITORIAL

EDITOR: Kate Walsh

DEPUTY EDITOR: Scott Atkinson

DIGITAL EDITOR: Christina Clark

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Jack Thomas

COPY EDITOR: Olivia Sedlacek

CONTRIBUTORS: Ronald Ahrens, Bill Dow, Paris Giles, Dorothy Hernandez, Ryan Patrick Hooper, Mickey Lyons, Megan Swoyer, Kate Townley, Robin Watson, Lauren Wethington, Darlene A. White

INTERNS: Claire Donohoe, Kaitlyn Hopkins, Justice Seay, Hannah Young

DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Lindsay Richards

SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTIST: Stephanie Daniel

JUNIOR ART DIRECTOR: Steven Prokuda

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Keagan Coop

CONTRIBUTORS: Teri Genovese, Nick Hagen, Jacob Lewkow, Giuseppa Nadrowski, Chuk Nowak, Sal Rodriguez, Rebecca Simonov

SALES

PUBLISHING AND SALES COORDINATOR: Mikala Bart

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Cynthia Barnhart, Karli Brown, Cathleen Francois, Maya Gossett, Donna Kassab, Lisa LaBelle, Mary Pantely & Associates, Jessica VanDerMaas

FOR WRITER and senior digital development specialist Luanne Lim, 70-degree weather equals going-out weather. Her area of choice? Downtown Detroit. “I just love this city,” she says. “It may not be as big as other major cities, but it still has plenty of things to do — all within a walkable area.” While she claims her alcohol tolerance has decreased over the last few years, she’s always up for enjoying a nice craft cocktail at one of Detroit’s many bars. The Monarch Club on the rooftop of the historic Metropolitan Building is among her favorites. Above, Luanne poses for an “obligatory selfie” with an aerial view of Woodward Avenue and Comerica Park as her backdrop. Flip to page 92 to find more rooftop bars to visit in downtown, Midtown, and Greektown.

CONTRIBUTORS

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE GREAT LAKE?

Kate Townley

WROTE “A TRUE MEASURE OF GREATNESS,” PAGE 36

“Lake Michigan. When I was younger, ‘going to the beach’ always meant going to Lake Michigan. Some of my most special memories were made on warm summer evenings when my family would go watch the sunset over the lake.” Kate Townley is a content writer for the nonprofit organization Bold. org and the senior editor for Michigan State University’s chapter of the online magazine Her Campus

A student at MSU, Townley is pursuing degrees in both astrophysics and journalism, with the goal of being a scientific journalist.

Darlene A. White

WROTE “FIGHTING A FOOD DESERT,” PAGE 20

“My favorite is Lake Erie. I smile as I reflect back to one of the last road trips I had with my fiance from Michigan to Florida when we were younger. It was quite relaxing to be able to observe the lake’s scenery. There is something about being near water that makes me appreciate life’s beauty.” Darlene A. White is a Ferndale High School graduate, a Wayne State Warrior, and a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists. The mother of twin preschoolers is a consistent freelance writer for The Detroit News Detroit Free Press, Michigan Chronicle, Crain’s Detroit Business Metro Parent magazine and Parents magazine.

Teri Genovese

PHOTOGRAPHED “SIPPING PRETTY,” PAGE 92

“Lake Michigan, hands down. From Saugatuck day trips (brunch with a friend at Pennyroyal and a hike to the beach at Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a perfect day), to camping in Manistee and letting our girls run wild, to slow weekend getaways on the Leelanau Peninsula and rock hunting on Van’s Beach, it is truly my favorite place on the planet.”

Teri Genovese is a freelance editorial photographer specializing in travel features and lifestyle portraits. Her Michiganfocused photography has been featured in local and national publications as well as a Lake Michigan-inspired cookbook. She resides in Grand Rapids with her husband and two busy little girls.

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Jenine Knox

SENIOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: Jill Berry

PRODUCTION ARTIST: Jonathan Boedecker

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR: Amanda Kozlowski

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Jim Bibart, Kathryn Dave

IT

IT DIRECTOR: Jeremy Leland

WEB

DIGITAL DIRECTOR: Nick Britsky

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Matthew Cappo

SENIOR DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST: Luanne Lim

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS: Jim Bowser, Marissa Jacklyn, Kevin Pell

DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER: Travis Fletcher

VIDEO PRODUCER: Nicole Toporowski

DIGITAL MEDIA ASSISTANT: Robyn Banks

CIRCULATION

CIRCULATION MANAGER: Riley Meyers

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

MARKETING & EVENTS

MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER: Jodie Svagr

MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR: Jaime Presnail

COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS LEAD: Regan Blissett

MARKETING & EVENTS INTERN: Morgan Barbat, Delia Bechmann, Natalie Brooks, Julia Tatone, Yessica Villarruel

MARKETING RESEARCH

MARKETING RESEARCH DIRECTOR: Sofia Shevin

MARKETING RESEARCH COORDINATOR: Kristin Mingo

MARKETING RESEARCH SALES COORDINATOR: Alexandra Thompson

MARKETING RESEARCH ASSISTANT: Alyssa Fueri

MARKETING RESEARCH SALES ASSISTANT: Cassandra Morris

PRS GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Alexa Dyer

MARKETING RESEARCH INTERNS: Megan Ko, Natalie Manor

BUSINESS

CEO: Stefan Wanczyk

PRESIDENT: John Balardo

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS: Kathie Gorecki

ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER: Natasha Bajju

SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE: Andrew Kotzian

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATES: Samantha Dick, Austin Schmelzle

DISTRIBUTION: Target Distribution, Troy

To sell Hour Detroit magazine or for subscription inquiries: 248-588-1851

EDITOR’S LETTER

If it had been a snake, it would have bitten us.

This idiom ran through my head as I looked back to the planning of our cover story. The July issue typically includes a feature about the outdoors. Last year, it was hiking. In 2021, it was biking. In 2020 well, everything was focused on the outdoors then.

I don’t know who came up with the idea, but when they said, “What about a story on the Great Lakes?” it wasn’t met with a round of applause. It was more like a bunch of quizzical looks. With every article, you need an angle, and this one was just so broad. So great. I mean, we all love the Great Lakes. This freshwater system, the largest in the world, is one of the best things about living in the Mitten. But where would we begin?

Finally, we decided to start by assigning a writer/researcher to find 186 interesting facts about the Great Lakes — one for every year of our statehood. It could run as a listicle and give us some jumping-off points for more in-depth stories. And just like many things great, it was too great, about 17,000 words more than our typical cover story. Writer Kate Townley, a student at Michigan State University, hadn’t just done a list; she had expounded on many items. And while it was a massive editing job for me, it was one I enjoyed very much.

In our feature “A True Measure of Greatness,” beginning on page 38, you’ll learn facts about each of the five Great Lakes (and a short-lived sixth one) as well as information on wildlife, the fishing industry, the islands in the lakes, and the dunes and lighthouses on the shore, plus much more. In addition, Deputy Editor Scott Atkinson did a deep dive into a recently revived industry: Great Lakes cruises.

Speaking of great, did you get the opportunity to go to our Best of Detroit party on June 2? I hope so. It was our first one since the pandemic shutdowns, and call me biased, but if we were to have a category for best party of the year, it would surely win. A huge thank you and congratulations to our marketing and events team (including 11 Hour Media interns) for putting together four floors of food, fun, and fabulous — and even Ferraris — inside and outside the recently opened Westin Book Cadillac hotel downtown. And did I mention flash? It was truly a pleasure meeting and seeing so many of you dressed in your Detroit best. Be sure to check out our next big event: Savor Detroit, a cocktail series on July 12. The evening includes top-shelf spirits tastings and some of the area’s premier cocktail-makers, along with delectable bites and live music.

A great way to stay informed on events and more is to follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletters at hourdetroit.com/newsletters. In addition to staying up to date on local news and things to do in the region, you can opt in to receive special invites to Hour Detroit events.

I hope to see you on July 12. Until then, have a great summer and have fun exploring the Great Lakes in this issue and in real life.

“Love Charlie [LeDuff]. You love him when he’s in line with your opinion, and you’re forced to investigate more when he’s not. He’s true. I never considered it an act, just Charlie. It’s a Detroit-area thing. If I had to explain, you wouldn’t understand.” (“In the LeDuff,” May)

—Tim Boo Boshaw, Facebook

“I ran across one of the largest police raids Detroit has ever seen while I was filming with a German TV station. As people from [an] apartment building were getting loaded into the police bus, Charlie walked up, and both the police and the people getting incarcerated were happy to see him and started chatting. It was amazing.” (“In the LeDuff,” May) —@resurgofilm, Instagram

“Wish Cedar Fair would put a huge new roller coaster in at Michigan’s Adventure. That park has a lot of room for expansion.” (“Summer of Screams,” May)

—Lars Bulson, Facebook

“This man is a genius! This ashta roll is amazing!” (“The Summer Scoop,” May)

—pink.pumpkin.presents, Facebook

“Wow, what a dream!” (“Greenhouse Grace,” May) —@adventuresoffoxbooks, Instagram

Hourdetroit.com

Digital Extra

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream — especially in the hot July sun. Let us direct you to metro Detroit ice cream shops that are serving up classic and creative flavors — plus where to get vegan and gluten-free frozen treats. Go to hourdetroit.com/ icecream.

KATE WALSH, EDITOR K WALSH@HOUR-MEDIA.COM

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

@hourdetroit @hour_detroit @hourdetroitmagazine

2021

Dr. Essayan Dr. Guindi Dr. Askari

made the mistake of saying, ‘Oh, I’m interested,’” O’Kray says with a laugh.

From there, the two formed a “gang of nine,” O’Kray says, that began with researching area homes — a project that ended up lasting about three years. Their love of history led them to go far beyond what was needed for a historical survey.

“The Dearborn Historical Museum has an index of every home,” O’Kray says of where the team went to start their research. Usually the information was very basic, just a list of the people who had owned the property over the years. “And then,” he says, “our team dug deeper.”

The Francis Jehl House, 22707 Alexandrine Merlo interviewed a local resident one day who told him that Thomas Edison’s last surviving lab assistant once lived down the street.

“And I said, ‘What? Really?’ and then we researched it and found out his name was Francis Jehl.”

Francis Jehl, it turned out, did in fact live in the colonial revival home featured in the book, and he was Edison’s personal assistant as well as a friend of Henry Ford.

Born in 1860, he was hired as a young man after graduating with a degree in chemistry to assist Edison. According to the authors, “Jehl stood beside Edison at the first successful lighting of the electric light bulb in 1879. Edison then sent Jehl

BOOKS

If Walls Could Speak …

With a new book, two local authors try to save historic properties in Dearborn

BY SCOTT ATKINSON | PHOTOS BY NICK HAGEN

EVERY HOUSE HAS A STORY.

That’s the message two local historians in Dearborn want their neighbors and City Council members to realize with their new book, Stories from the Sidewalk, that chronicles 361 properties in two Dearborn neighborhoods.

Christopher Merlo, one half of the pair behind the book, calls it “an elaborate survey” of the area. The book presents the history of properties on 18 streets dating back 190 years that the duo say defines the area. They hope it will convince the Dearborn City Council to update the city’s historic district ordinance to prevent those homes and buildings from being torn down to make way for new modern builds.

“We are trying to preserve a sense of place,” says L. Glenn O’Kray, Merlo’s partner on the project. “I love history. It gives us a sense of who we are.”

O’Kray says it all began when he and Merlo struck up a neighborly conversation one day when Merlo walked by O’Kray’s house and O’Kray told him about his interest in preserving historic homes. “And he

By going beyond names and digging into who those people were, the team saw the role of the two neighborhoods in Dearborn’s history — particularly its automotive history — come to life. The book is as much a history of the homeowners as it is of the homes and buildings themselves.

Many of the properties have some connection to Henry Ford, who with his wife, Clara Bryant Ford, built their homes near the two neighborhoods the authors profile in the book.

“Henry Ford, he certainly had a negative side, but he had a major influence in the area. And it’s good to recognize that, and it’s good to recognize that a lot of what Dearborn is was because of Henry Ford,” O’Kray says.

Flipping through the pages of Stories from the Sidewalk is like stepping back in time, giving readers a new way to look at the streets, homes, and buildings that they may have long taken for granted.

Here are four of the authors’ favorite homes featured in the book.

overseas to install electric lighting systems in London and Europe.”

Merlo lives near the Jehl house but, even as a history buff, had no idea what stories it had to tell.

“Again, the whole point of what we’re trying to do is, every house has a story to tell, and when you dig deep, you really find out,” he says.

Stories from the Sidewalk chronicles 361 historic Dearborn properties. The book is as much a history of the homeowners as it is of the buildings themselves.

The Childs House at 301 River Lane was owned by a Wayne State University law professor who served on the Dearborn Charter Commission in 1977.

The Cato House, 22326 Long Blvd.

Ralph Cato was the son of George Cato, who was a co-worker of Henry Ford at Edison’s first power plant in Detroit.

“This was one of Henry Ford’s first jobs. George

and Henry became close friends,” Merlo says.

George Cato had the house built for his son, Ralph, who lived there with his wife, Emily, until he died in 1941. Emily continued to live there until the mid-1970s.

“What’s interesting about that house — it was designed by the first dean of the Lawrence Institute [now called the College of Architecture and Design at Lawrence Technological University],” Merlo says.

“So at the time it was

built, in 1936, I don’t think the Lawrence Institute of Technology existed at that point. But he ended up being the first dean of architecture there.”

The home itself is a minimal-traditional twostory house featuring two front dormers and a frontfacing gable. “The fireplace is original and quite unique,” the authors write, “featuring decorative tiles from the California-based company Handcraft Tiles.”

The C.J. Smith House, 22340

Garrison St.

This home, a two-story craftsman with a gable roof, once belonged to Charles “C.J.” Smith, who from 1906 to 1949 worked in Ford Motor Co.’s experimental department and was part of the seven-member team that developed the Model T.

“He was a genius engineer,” Merlo says.

After the Model T, Smith went on to develop Ford’s first airplane, the Ford-Van Auken, in 1909. Smith was also part of a duo that won the 1909 Transcontinental Contest, a coast-to-coast road race in which they drove a Model T. (They were later disqualified for making

repairs along the way.)

The building is currently a mediation center and prior to that was a beauty salon. Merlo and O’Kray had no idea what history had occurred in that space when they began looking into it. It was just another historic property they needed to include in their survey.

“We looked up the address and found out this guy Charles Smith lived there, and then we dug deeper, and all of a sudden this rich history comes about,” Merlo says.



The Cato House was designed by the first dean of architecture at Lawrence Tech (then called the Lawrence Institute of Technology).

 Editors

The Fisher House, 22156 Morley Ave.

The Fisher House, as it’s called in Stories from the Sidewalk belonged to Dr. Edward Fisher, “and he was a man for all seasons,” O’Kray says.

“He played for the Detroit Tigers for one inning. He was a medical doctor. He was in the Michigan Legislature [for four terms] and was on the [Dearborn] City Council.”

Fisher (no relation to the family that gave rise to Fisher Body Co.) was also a member of the Dearborn District 7 Board of Education and, according to the authors, had

a sense of humor, signing his own daughter’s diploma simply “Dad.”

But wait one inning?

While pursuing an education, he had what is one of the strangest of student jobs a position as a semipro baseball pitcher. According to Stories, he was called up as a relief pitcher for the Tigers for one inning of one game on Sept. 5, 1902. That same fall, he began medical school.

Taking up two pages, the account of this particular Fisher family house is among the longest entries in Stories probably because its story doesn’t end with Fisher. The next owners of the Georgianinspired colonial revival were Nancy and Peter Badore, who bought it in 1979 and lived there until 1992.

Peter Badore was an executive of Chrysler’s Asia Pacific operations, and Nancy was the

executive director of Ford’s Executive Development Center, a position in which she gained notoriety for helping Ford become more “participative,” according to the authors. Her efforts were chronicled and thrust into the spotlight when she was featured in The Female Advantage by Sally Helgesen.

The current owner is Irene Kossak, whose family fled Hitler and Stalin in Ukraine. Her family lived in Hamtramck, and she went on to work as a manager for Ford and Visteon Corp.

L. Glenn O'Kray (left) and Christopher Merlo (right) are two longtime Dearborn residents who bonded through their shared interest in the city's history.



22686 Garrison St. had notable owners including a poetry-writing judge and Clara Bryant Ford's sister.



The Fisher House belonged to Dr. Edward Fisher, who pitched one inning for the Detroit Tigers.

 This month, Raphael Wright is opening Neighborhood Grocery, a full-service grocer with healthy offerings on Detroit’s east side.

people back. The profit-sharing is my attempt to hedge proverty. You don’t really get a lot doing it this way, but I can attempt to get people a liveable wage, while also hedging poverty. This makes people want to invest into their community, not just with projects like my project but others.”

Neighborhood Grocery has received investments from more than 400 people. Wright says all are Michiganders, and most of them are from Detroit. The average investment is $75, and the top investment (so far) is $10,000; the minimum is $50. In exchange, investors receive a share of the profits, product discounts, and exclusive access to special offers and events taking place at the establishment. Investors can still sign up, according to the company’s website.

COMMUNITY

Fighting a Food Desert

With no local healthy food options, one Detroiter took matters into his own hands

BY DARLENE A. WHITE | PHOTO BY SAL RODRIGUEZ

RAPHAEL WRIGHT ADOPTED a healthy lifestyle after being diagnosed with diabetes in his late teens. He grew up on Detroit’s east side, where his family suffered food insecurity. He knew changing his diet was the first step in improving his health, but finding quality produce in his Chandler Park neighborhood was challenging. He would search the nearby convenience stores for more nutritious alternatives to the hot chips, chocolate bars, and sugar-coated candies lining the shelves, opting instead for a bag of trail mix and water.

For anything else, he ended up driving 30 minutes to the suburbs, where “even the worst grocery stores would have healthy food,” he says. “My neighborhood store wasn’t any good. Then it burned down.”

The lack of quality food motivated Wright to help his community. He was inspired by other investors that had opened businesses in his neighborhood, such as convenience stores, and recognized that change was possible.

So Wright, now 34, created Neighborhood Grocery, a full-service grocery store on Detroit’s east side — about 10 minutes from his old neighborhood — on Manistique Street and Essex Drive. It’s set to open this month.

According to the lifelong Detroiter, Neighborhood Grocery will significantly improve his neighborhood.

“It’s a combination of a convenience store, a mom-and-pop store, and full-service market,” he says. “It will have everything that you need.”

It Takes a Village

In February, Wright received a grant of $85,000 from Motor City Match, a program through the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. that offers funding and links new and developing businesses with services and space to grow.

“We are thrilled to see his vision come to life in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood,” says Sean Gray, vice president of small business services at the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. “His commitment to this project and his community stands as an example of the tenacity that defines Detroit’s entrepreneurial spirit. Neighborhood Grocery will be a game changer for the community by providing access to fresh and healthy food options previously out of reach for some residents.”

For further funding, Wright turned to his fellow Detroiters, using a profit-sharing model he’d seen employed by a similar store in Oakland, California, where locals — or anyone interested — could invest in his project.

“The No. 1 goal for the profit-sharing model is avoiding the bank as much as possible,” he says. “Instead of paying back a loan, I would rather pay

In 2021, Neighborhood Grocery’s development got underway with an $800,000 reconstruction of the old building on the site, once home to the Manistique Market. According to Wright, the “bulk” of the $800,000 came from his partner and developer, Method Development, and the rest came from the crowd investment. The $85,000 grant from Motor City Match is going toward equipment, he says.

Looking Ahead

In addition to the grocery store, Wright also bought a half-acre plot of land five minutes away to produce food that will be sold inside the store and distributed around the neighborhood and other communities. He plans to start growing fruits and vegetables for the grocery store next April, when the timeline for producing food starts in Michigan, he says. He’ll also partner with other community gardens and produce suppliers to stock the store.

“If you can’t feed your people, you can’t lead them to do anything,” Wright says in a video on the grocery store’s website.

Wright hopes that his business will help people realize that they can take control of their surroundings.

“I’m Black — I’m aware of racism, discrimination, all of that stuff, but at some point, that is going to become an excuse if you don’t start doing your own type of work,” Wright says. “That’s what this store is a testament of for me. I just went out and did the work [and] sighted an issue in the community. There are not enough healthy food stores or stores that can really supply a well-balanced diet for families in the city of Detroit, and I went and built it from the ground up.”

Wright admits that this entrepreneurship journey was not an easy one.

“It was a lot of work that I didn’t expect it to be and I didn’t know what the hell I was doing when I started, and five-something years later, here we are now.”

To learn more about Neighborhood Grocery, visit neighborhood-grocery.com.

PROFILE

HEARING VOICES

Creating a legacy of laughter and storytelling, Ed Kelly inhabits the ears and minds of Detroiters through his voice-overs, narrations, and impressions

BY RONALD AHRENS | PHOTOS BY JACOB LEWKOW

It’s Kelly’s 27th year as a regular on 760 WJR’s The Mitch Albom Show, where he does impressions of Dr. Anthony Fauci and John Travolta, among others. 

ONE SATURDAY morning in January, Dr. Anthony Fauci told me, “Now that I’m retiring, and I’m 80-something, let’s face it — my days are numbahed.” Moments later — on the same call — the late Don Pardo, television announcer extraordinaire, practiced the introduction of a contestant for a corporate party he was hosting that evening.

That Saturday morning, I was in fact speaking to Ed Kelly, who was coming off a busy week with four appearances on 760 WJR’s The Mitch Albom Show, where he is in his 27th year doing John Travolta — “It’s me, Johnny T.!” — among others.

“I’ve done dozens and dozens of voices over the years,” Kelly says in his natural voice, a rumbling baritone that makes me wonder how he masters the Fauci squeak.

Kelly started with Albom at the beginning, in 1996, and considers the Johnny T. skits — “75 percent” of which Albom composes during program breaks — as “one of my calling cards.” The other is Tireman — the mascot of Belle Tire. His throaty “Belle Tire!” tagline originated in the Allen Park company’s marketing in 1995 and continues to this day.

For a sample of Kelly’s range, it’s worth checking out “Ed Kelly Does 50 Impressions” on YouTube. In less than six minutes, Arnold Schwarzenegger yields to Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter, Eddie Murphy weighs in, Cheech and Chong have their say, and finally Jesse the Forgotten Jackson speaks up.

A native of Windsor, Ontario, Kelly lives in downtown Detroit. He says he has a number for his age “but it’s unlisted.” Edward Austin Kelly is a stage name; his one-syllable Scottish surname — which he otherwise won’t reveal — would have sounded flat on radio. As for the original, he throws in a clue: “The Crystals.” I take it with a grain of salt.

Kelly’s career is the organic offshoot of growing up a latchkey kid.

“My parents divorced when I was very young, and my mother, at 40, had to take a job with General Motors. So, I had an electronic babysitter, basically.” What better countermeasure against isolation than to talk back to the TV? He developed the vocal flexibility to pull off a caustic Tony Soprano

STUDY BREAKS

Intriguing findings from researchers across Michigan

By Olivia Sedlacek

AI TESTING PAVES THE WAY FOR AVS:

Autonomous vehicles are a long way from taking over the streets. One major factor holding AVs back is the cost and duration of safety testing, which requires hundreds of millions — even billions — of miles of driving. But a new

impression in “50 Impressions”: “You know how an Italian Christmas is different from yours? We got one Jesus, one Mary, and 32 wise guys.” Yet he is subtle and smooth as narrator of the Detroit Red Wings’ documentary series The Winged Wheel on NHL.com. The 2022 Michigan Emmy Award winner is now in its fourth season.

Kelly’s path has even led through Hollywood for the part of a beauty-pageant host in Drew Barrymore’s 2009 directorial debut, Whip It On another occasion, when we were planning a call, he ended up dealing with script changes on a promotional piece for Cobb County, Georgia.

“I was talking with Paul W. Smith earlier in the week about how difficult the business really can be — just to stay on top of things,” he says, referring to WJR’s morning host since 1996. “It’s constantly moving.”

Kevin O’Neill, an Albom on-air contributor since 2018, says three of Kelly’s best impressions are of Jimmy Stewart, Sylvester Stallone, and Travolta.

“He’s so quick. He just nails it,” he says.

Still, after decades of success, Kelly describes himself as a “struggling actor.” The Albom show looks good for another five years, he says, but young people have no idea how to work the AM radio dial, and the audience may dwindle away. Electric cars like the Ford Mustang Mach-E exclude the AM band because of signal interference among electronic systems.

Another issue is the technology threat against

voice-over specialists: Why hire an actor when artificial intelligence can do the job? “They’re using AI to steal your voice and use it until after you die,” Kelly says.

There’s also a feeling of betrayal from what Kelly considers to be shortsightedness and provinciality by the actors’ union Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. “In the middle of the country, people have no shot at union work, just about. They’re left to fend for themselves.”

As a favor to a radio station sales manager 28 years ago, he recorded the “Belle Tire!” tagline for $800, and he says he signed a contract promising it would be used for eight weeks. It was — and for much longer. Kelly says he’s never received another cent. He says his attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter five or 10 years ago and that Belle Tire effectively told him to “pound sand” unless he could produce the contract, which Kelly says he’s still looking for.

A spokesperson from Belle Tire told Hour Detroit that Kelly never contacted the company about “any concerns with the work he performed while employed by the radio station.”

“I was offended when I walked into a Belle Tire store, picked up a Belle Tire Beanie Buddy, squeezed it, and heard my own voice,” Kelly says. Nevertheless, he purchased the souvenir and keeps it in original packaging.

His loyalty ends there. “When I do my tires, I go to Discount Tire.”

system developed at the University of Michigan may cut that mileage by 99.9 percent or more. Using realworld traffic data, it employs artificial intelligence in a mixed-reality setting to repeatedly simulate dangerous situations that occur rarely in real life but are critical for AVs to navigate. “The safety-critical events — the accidents or the near misses — are very rare in the real world, and oftentime AVs have difficulty handling them,” says Henry Liu, U-M professor

of civil engineering. The developers say the new system could represent a major breakthrough in AV safety testing.

UNIVERSITIES COLLABORATE TO END OPIOID EPIDEMIC:

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $600,000 to Wayne State University, Michigan State University, and U-M to establish a “technical assistance collaborative”

to help local governments address the opioid epidemic. “Understanding the needs of the impacted communities will be key to the success of this program,” says Douglas Gage, MSU vice president for research. “Our team of world-class researchers and experts in community outreach and engagement will work in partnership with areas hardest hit by the opioid crisis to determine how to best deploy these important resources.”

LIKE OIL AND WATER:

The true impact of offshore drilling is even worse than we thought, according to a study led by U-M researchers. The team found that the United States’ largest offshore fossil fuel production basin, the Gulf of Mexico, has twice the climate impact as official government estimates indicate. The study included direct measurements of methane and CO2 emissions taken from an airplane flying over the gulf and assessed

climate impact using “carbon intensity,” which the researchers calculated by determining the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of energy produced.

“What we found is that a certain type of shallowwater platform had large methane emissions that elevated total greenhouse gas emissions for the entire Gulf of Mexico,” says U-M professor Eric Kort. “So if we can direct mitigation efforts at those sources to address the problem, it could have a huge positive effect.”

Event Planner and Influencers Open House

2023 Annual Spring Seminar - Hosted by Nemeth & Kataranji Periodontics

Leaf & Bud 420 Event

220 Merrill Spring Fling

Photographs by Rodrick Nixon

Cosimo Bruno and Allie Brodzik

Dr. Amar Katranji and Dr. Joseph Nemeth

Nic Blake and Gerard Marti

Dr. Pamela Werdlow and Dr. Mark Wolowiec

Jim Oppat and Mike Osinski

Dr. Reema Ajluni and Dr. Remy Ajluni Greg Pine and Dr. Leslie Metzger

Photographs by Lindsay Schweikert

Leaf & Bud Staff

Jordan Hoffman, Gigi and Jeff Nichols

Tee Grizzley, Mark Savaya, and Royce da 5’9”

The Elia Group

Guests with Mark Savaya

Anita Hakim, Zaina Elia, and Janeen Fakhouri

Marissa Clancy, Khalid Diab, and Drita Juncaj

Photographs by Client Photographer

Photographs by Christine M.J. Hathaway

Timothy McGrane and James T. Tanner

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25th Anniversary & Ribbon Cutting - Boji Group

Ultra

2 Restaurant

Brisabar Summer Soiree

Photographs by Lindsay Schweikert

Rory McMaster, Cassie Molinari, Sarah Walsh, David Cowan, Jessica Tate, and Alicia Gray

Jordan Hoffman and Leslie Youngblood

Teresa Juncaj and Suzana Gojcaj

The Elia Group - Nick Baumann, Zaid Elia, Breah Carolan, Leslie Youngblood, Sydney Hesano, and Ashley Nicholson

Marcy Hayes and Neal Rubin Yiannis, Lila Karimalis, Chuck Bennett, and Renee Godin

Gentleman Jack and Cliff Green Renee Thomas, Robyn Bourgeios, and Ellen Mahoney

VIP Grand Opening of Table No.

Photographs by Rodrick Nixon

Dolores Anetrini, Linda Sheppard, and Yolanda Williams

Rick Leslie, Lisa and Andrew Smith Jeff and Shelley Roberts Tom and Chris Lias

Tom Lias’ Retirement from Gorman’s

Photographs by Lindsay Schweikert

Heather Boji and Ron Boji Ron B oji, Bishop Francis Y. Kalabat, Sue Boji, Father Manuel Boji, and Louie Boji Mel Tucker and Dave Coulter

Photographs by Lindsay Schweikert

Ron B oji and Evelyn Boji

Designed by DesRosier Architects

Designed by DesRosier Architects

OPPOSITE PAGE (from left to right, top to bottom): Quattro Stripe Knit Throw, $158, VERLOOP, shop.verloopknits.com; Bloomingville Servingwear Set, $35.95, Rail & Anchor, Royal Oak, 248-397-8985, railandanchor.com; Hugo Small Resin Bowl, $95, Found Objects, Birmingham, 248-220-4999, shopfoundobjects.com; Bea’s Squeeze Pink Rose Lemonade, Bea’s Squeeze, for retailers visit beassqueeze. com; Blake’s Sorta Pop! Lemon Lime Carbonated Probiotic Soda, for retailers visit sortapop.com; Square Stoneware Berry Basket, $11.95, Rail & Anchor, Royal Oak; Bea’s Squeeze Classic Lemonade, Bea’s Squeeze; Forest Eco Maniac Portable Flatware Set (includes gold straw and travel case, not shown), $16, Nest, Detroit, 313831-9776, nestdetroit.com; HOMES Tote, $27, Peninsulas, Berkley, 248-268-4828, shoppeninsulas.com; Hugo Mini Bowl, $42, Found Objects, Birmingham; Hand-Blown Ripple Puffy Glass, $18, Throwbacks Home, Detroit, 313-400-7184, throwbackshome. com; Pop Daddy Garlic

STYLED

PHOTO

MI STYLE

SEWING CIRCLE

LaTerry Ya’seen has created a sewing and design studio that provides women and girls with a place to come together to learn new skills and so much more

BY PARIS GILES | PHOTO BY SAL RODRIGUEZ

THE DREAMS WE DREAM as children don’t always come true, but LaTerry Ya’seen’s did. “I always wanted to be in fashion,” Ya’seen says. She was the 5-year-old who met questions like “What do you want to be when you grow up?” with a runway walk. “I was ready, honey.” Ya’seen earned a degree in fashion marketing and merchandising from Northwood University, studied fashion design and photography in London, and started working in New York City’s garment district as a trade show assistant for Alpha Garment Inc. She had

everything she’d wanted, and she was miserable.

Ya’seen’s zeal for fashion resided in the way the right clothing can make women, in particular, feel. For her, the magic was in that inner “glow and shine” that manifests from pulling on a pair of pants that fit impeccably, or zipping up a dress in a print or color that perfectly captures the wearer’s spirit. She found herself in an industry where the message was “‘You’re not good enough until you have our products,’ instead of embracing and enhancing who you are.”

And so she left. Ya’seen moved back home to Detroit and spent 13 years working a corporate job that had nothing to do with the fashion industry. But a first love never really dies. In December 2019, she got back in touch with fashion and opened Sew Modest Studio. This time, she’s determined to do things her way. The Dearborn-based sewing and design studio, where Ya’seen is director and lead instructor, offers a host of women-only workshops, from sewing courses to jewelry-making classes, along with social mixers.

Sewing classes include a four-week introductory course, a six-week intermediate course, and an eight-week advanced course and are “about women coming together and sharing our passion and creativity, learning,” Ya’seen says. The studio also offers an eight-week summer camp for girls ages 7 to 19, where participants learn sewing and design skills along with how to cope with issues like anxiety and negative body image — all culminating in an end-of-season fashion showcase.

Ya’seen also founded her own brand of modest clothing, but she’s put that on pause due to a series of manufacturing snafus. She still creates custom designs on request, and she wants to bring her brand back but with a revamp. “One of the things I’ve always loved is outerwear. It’s perfect in the sense that it opens my brand up to a wider market. It’s not completely tailored or focused on Muslim women who wear full coverage. I think that sometimes with faith in fashion, there’s this thin line between not wanting to produce things that would go outside the scope of what I believe, but I also don’t want to try to force a market to wear things that they don’t want to wear.”

Here, Ya’seen shares more of what informs her unique perspective and style.

My personal style is … Moody. It’s definitely going to fluctuate, not necessarily with trends but with whatever I’m infatuated with at the moment. And so that may be like some cool structural technique, and I’m like, “Oh, I want to make five of these because I want to master the technique.” And now, all of a sudden, my wardrobe all has pointy shoulders.

My favorite place to people-watch: I love the water, so I’ll take the riverfront. There used to be these cool swings, and I would just sit there for hours.

If I could only wear one accessory, it would be... Hijab.

When I get dressed and walk outside, I like to feel Powerful.

I love fashion because … Of how it has the power to just transform a woman.

 Sew Modest Studio founder LaTerry Ya’seen models her own design — a crinkle taffeta high-low circle dress with crystal organza sleeves and cascading ruffles. Her hijab is by Veiled Collection.

This dreamy three-season room on Gilbert Lake invites lazing and loafing

BY MEGAN SWOYER PHOTOS BY WAYUP MEDIA

EYE ON DESIGN

LANAI LIVING

WHEN INTERIOR DESIGNER Terry Ellis began working on a Bloomfield Township client’s home in 2021, her task was to create their dream home. She was responsible for providing space planning and selecting fabrics and furnishings for all the rooms in the three-bedroom, 5,600-square-foot contemporary home, including this lakeside lanai.

When she asked the couple how they wanted to use the lanai, the homeowners, whose children are grown, told Ellis they wanted the room to accommodate card-playing (Michigan rummy, to be exact) and hanging out. A beautiful fireplace and barbecue grill also adorn the space. “Guests and family can easily get to the lake, take a boat ride, come back to eat, enjoy a fire, and lounge,” Ellis says.

Ellis’ top three favorite elements of the lanai are the variety of textures, the functional layout, and the view. The home, which was completed last October and was designed by architect Kevin Akey, principal at AZD Associates in Bloomfield Hills, sits on a lot that Ellis says may be “the best” on Gilbert Lake. “It’s the perfect spot to watch sunsets, and there’s a lot of privacy,” she says. “It faces the south but has visual access to the setting sun.”

Here, the designer — whose company, Room Service for Interior Design, is based at the Michigan Design Center in Troy — provides tips on durable, weatherproof furnishings; easy-maintenance materials; and performance fabrics.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Sitting room: There’s plenty of seating, which is important in a lanai, Ellis says. The outdoor sectional and “a few chairs for those who prefer to sit upright rather than in the deep, plush sectional” are from Bernhardt Furniture Co. at CAI Designs at the Michigan Design Center.

Deal ’em up: The couple play cards at the concrete dining table. The designer learned from another client not to choose a granite tabletop because cards “fly” across the slick surface. “The concrete table has a sort of mottled top,” she says.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

Pillow panache: For the accent pillows, the designer selected Pindler performance fabrics (from the Pindler showroom at the Michigan Design Center). They are great for indoors or out and are stain, fade, and mildew resistant.

On the surface: Even though there are screens and vinyl options for the walls, the space still can be exposed to rain, wind, and dust. “You must think about surfaces that can be wiped down easily. The Sunbrella performance fabrics [which she chose for seat cushion upholstery] are fabulous,” Ellis says.

A1 BBQ: To have a barbecue grill within this type of covered space, it’s important to install a large fan hood, Ellis says. The grill’s cabinetry is made of a weatherproof wood built for the outdoors. Ellis says high-end appliance stores can point you in the right direction if you’re looking for weatherproof kitchen and grill setups.

A rug plug: Go for a polyurethane rug for indooroutdoor use, Ellis says. “We chose a handwoven one with a textured pattern, and we had cut right to the inch.” While the rug, from The Ghiordes Knot at the Michigan Design Center, appears to be a sisal or jute material, it’s actually synthetic and the material is extremely durable. “It’s easy to clean,” Ellis says. In fact, the designer had additional runners in this material cut to use indoors.

Neutral zone: The homeowners prefer a neutral palette, and that’s evident throughout the home and in the lanai. Ellis shares that neutral doesn’t mean boring, especially when you have a pleasant mix of materials and textures. “People say neutrals are so boring and vanilla, but look at this room, including those sock-weave chairs around the dining table.” From Bernhardt Furniture Co., the chairs are covered with a supple sockweave upholstery in a polyester.

Look up: The ceiling is a stained wood plank that echoes the soft-grain, wideplank flooring in the home’s interior space. Although Ellis didn’t select the ceiling materials, she says they were a brilliant choice that creates a wonderful flow from outdoors to in. “This room has to be an extension to the entire interior.”

Screening for the best:

The architect selected a Phantom brand screening system. The screens are remote controlled and can raise up or drop down, offering the homeowners ease and convenience. They also can close off the room with a secondary clear vinyl shade that operates on the same headrail as the screening product.

Table talk: The dining table, from Bernhardt Furniture Co., is made of cast concrete. Considering potential damage from outside elements, Ellis says the stainless-steel base is the way to go. “It’s less prone to corrosion.” Meanwhile, the coffee table, also from Bernhardt, features a striped-stone top, “but it’s laminated so that the surface is protected and easy to clean.”

In our Great Lakes Guide, we give you 65 reasons to love them — plus, sand dunes and lighthouses to explore, and more

A True Measure of Greatness

65 big and little reasons why they’re called the Great Lakes

By Kate Townley

Formed after the last ice age and taking their current shape about 3,000 years ago, the Great Lakes — Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior — together account for 84 percent of the surface freshwater supply in North America. These five lakes provide the fresh water for around 40 million people in the United States and Canada, while also creating economic opportunity, offering options for recreational activities, and serving as habitats for various species. We know you appreciate the Great Lakes for all of the reasons above, but here are 60-something more reasons to love them.

21

18

Lake Michigan’s shoreline constitutes 62 percent of the total shoreline in the Great Lakes basin.

19

01

There are currently 20 Native American tribes in the Great Lakes region.

02

More than 30 million people live in the Great Lakes basin, which covers parts of the United States and Canada. This accounts for about 10 percent of the U.S. population and more than 30 percent of the population of Canada. 03

Forty million people in the U.S. and Canada rely on the Great Lakes for drinking water. 04

The Great Lakes hold 84 percent of the surface fresh water in North America. 05

The Great Lakes touch eight U.S. states: Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New York.

11

The total combined shore length of the Great Lakes is about 11,000 miles.

12

Shoreline lengths by lake: Superior: 2,726 miles Michigan: 1,659 Huron: 3,827 (the longest shore length, including the Lake Huron islands) Erie: 871 Ontario: 726

The formation of the Great Lakes goes back as far as the last ice age 3,000 years ago. A sheet of ice covered much of Canada and the northern U.S., the weight of which created basins. When the ice melted, these basins filled with water to become the Great Lakes.

20

The fishing industry in the Great Lakes brings in about $7 million every year and provides over 75,000 jobs annually.

There are 139 fish species native to the Great Lakes.

22

Lake sturgeon are the biggest fish species in the Great Lakes. The largest lake sturgeon ever caught in the Great Lakes was found in Lake Michigan. It was over 8 feet long and weighed around 300 pounds.

23

Over 30 species of amphibians live in the Great Lakes region. There are 13 species of toads and frogs in the Michigan section of the region.

Lake Superior

13

The name “Lake Superior” comes from the French lac supérieur, meaning “upper lake.”

14

If the water from the Great Lakes were spread out over the surface of North America, it would cover the entire continent in about 3.5 feet of water. 07

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area at about 31,700 square miles.

15

The deepest point of Lake Superior is 1,330 feet, which is taller than the Empire State Building.

16

Lake Superior has more water than the other four Great Lakes combined.

17

Even though Lake Superior contains over 50 percent of the water in the Great Lakes, it only has about 2 percent of the total number of fish..

24

Common mammals of the Great Lakes region include the moose, beaver, gray wolf, Canada lynx, little brown bat, river otter, and coyote.

25

There are about 180 species in the Great Lakes that are not native to the region. Only 34 percent of them are classified as invasive. A new invasive species is discovered on average every 28 weeks.

26

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has supported 92 restoration projects aimed at preserving and restoring habitats around the Great Lakes. These projects have helped with restoration of over 4,700 acres of wildlife habitats.

Boaters explore an inlet at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior.

Kayakers paddle in Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay.

27

Major water withdrawals from the Great Lakes can cause ecological damage, so Michigan’s Water Use Program moderates the amount of water taken from the Great Lakes and monitors the water levels each year. This is part of a larger-scale agreement called the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact, which requires the associated U.S. states and Canadian provinces to register water withdrawals and keep specific water reports.

28

More than 22 million pounds of plastic pollution is added to the Great Lakes each year.

29

Retention/replacement time associated with a lake is the amount of time it takes for a lake to move out pollutants. It corresponds to features of the lake such as currents, depth, volume, and size.

30

Retention times for the Great Lakes: Superior: 191 years

Michigan: 99 years

Huron: 22 years

Ontario: 6 years

Erie: 2.6 years

31

In the time measured — since 1973 — there has never been a point when all of the Great Lakes have been completely frozen over at the same time.

32

It is common for parts of the lakes to freeze over at some point during the winter but less frequent for entire lakes to freeze.

39

LAKE HURON

This

33

LAKE SUPERIOR

Half of all the water in the Great Lakes is in Lake Superior.

34

Lake-effect snow forms when cold air moves across warmer waters. Therefore, when cold air blows across the open waters of the Great Lakes, it creates lake-effect snow.

35

As global temperatures continue to rise, the ice cover on the Great Lakes is expected to decrease.

36

Because of climate change, it is suspected that in about 30 years, Lake Superior will stay mostly ice-free during a standard winter season.

37

In 1988, Vicki Keith became the first person to swim across all five of the Great Lakes.

38

Lake Huron

40

French explorers originally called Lake Huron la mer douce, meaning “the freshwater sea.” The name it was officially given later came from the Huron people who inhabited the lake’s shore and surrounding areas.

41

Lake Huron was the first of the Great Lakes to be reached by French explorers.

42

The outlet of Lake Huron flows into Lake Erie through a series of rivers and lakes — from the St. Clair River to Lake St. Clair to the Detroit River and then into Lake Erie.

43

About 2 billion gallons of water flow into Lake Huron from Lake Superior per hour.

44

The Goderich mine is the largest salt mine in the world and lies deep under Lake Huron.

Is There a Sixth Great Lake?

Students in the Midwest grow up learning about the five Great Lakes, often using the mnemonic “HOMES”: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior. But for a brief 18 days in 1998, via a technicality, there was actually a sixth Great Lake: Lake Champlain. Lake Champlain is located within the St. Lawrence River watershed along with the rest of the Great Lakes, but it doesn’t directly connect to the other five. It’s also significantly smaller in surface area as in almost 17 times smaller — than Lake Ontario, the smallest Great Lake by surface area. When then-President Bill Clinton officially designated Lake Champlain as one of the Great Lakes, it allowed research money to be allocated to Lake Champlain under the National Sea Grant College Program. The attention from the media and subsequent outcry from officials in the Midwest led to a swift demotion from “Great Lake” status, but the research funds still remained available.

lake has more individual islands than any other Great Lake, with over 30,000.

Lake Michigan

45

The name “Michigan” comes from the Ojibwa word mishigami meaning “great lake” or “large lake.” This means that Lake Michigan is essentially named “Lake Great Lake.”

46

Lake Michigan is the second largest of the Great Lakes by volume.

47

However, it is the third largest by surface area, smaller than lakes Superior and Huron.

48

Michigan’s state stone, the Petoskey stone, is made of fossilized coral that is unique to Lake Michigan’s northern shores.

49

The Charlevoix stone, which is considered a cousin of the Petoskey stone, features a similar but smaller honeycomb pattern created from the exoskeletons of the fossilized coral.

At 1659 miles, Lake Michigan's shoreline is the only one among the Great Lakes that is 100 percent American.

car or bike on the island. It is also known as one of the best places for darkskies stargazing.

Mackinac Island’s M-185, an 8.2-mile road, is the only highway in the U.S. where motor vehicles are banned. The ban has been in effect since July 6, 1898. The island was the setting for the 1980 time travel romance Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve (fresh off his Superman success), Jane Seymour, and Christopher Plummer. In the movie, Reeve’s character travels back to 1912, so Mackinac’s no-car policy and Victorian-era Grand Hotel made it the perfect setting.

Lake Erie

61

Lake Erie is the smallest of the Great Lakes by volume and the shallowest. It is also the warmest.

62 Lake Erie has only about 2 percent of the total water in the Great Lakes but about 50 percent of the fish.

63

Most of the land surrounding Lake Erie is either designated for agriculture or consists of urban areas.

64 Lake St. Clair, in the Lake Erie basin, is home to the largest freshwater delta in the world.

Go Back in Time on Mackinac Island

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island plays a prominent role in the 1980 film Somewhere in Time Since this time-bending romance was filmed on location, the Grand Hotel has held an annual Somewhere in Time Weekend since 1991. This year, the event will take place the weekend of October 27-29, with activities on both Friday and Saturday. As part of the weekend package, guests will spend two nights at the Grand Hotel. Activities include a special showing of Somewhere in Time, a tour of the movie’s filming locations, appearances from cast and crew members, and receptions held both evenings. To learn more about the experience and included amenities, visit grandhotel.com/packages/somewherein-time-weekend.

65

LAKE ONTARIO

This is the only Great Lake that does not border Michigan; it’s also the only one to border just one state: New York.

60

LAKE ERIE

Eighty percent of the water inflow to Lake Erie comes through the Detroit River.

Lake Huron’s Turnip Rock, near Port Austin is a hotspot for shoreline kayakers..

Lighthouses like this one on Lake Ontario in Oswego, New York are a major draw for tourists.

Michigan has the largest collection of dunes on a freshwater coast in the world. They are visible from space and take up more than 275,000 acres statewide.

The most well-known and well-researched dunes are those on Lake Michigan, formed over time by sustained winds blowing sand inward toward the land. They also have a unique ecosystem. There are plants growing on Great Lakesadjacent dunes that can’t be found anywhere else — for instance, the Pitcher’s thistle (a favorite snack of the American goldfinch) and the Lake Huron tansy. Both of these species are federally classified as “threatened.”

Here are just a few notable dunes to visit:

LAKE MICHIGAN Sleeping Bear Dunes

Glen Arbor

Considered one of the most tranquil locations in America, Sleeping Bear Dunes is a popular destination for visitors from around the globe. There are miles of trails and beaches you can explore to experience the beauty this park offers.

Grand Mere State Park

Stevensville (South of Benton Harbor/St. Joseph)

Great Dunes

By Kaitlyn Hopkins and Jack Thomas

Grand Mere State Park is a National Natural Landmark and a case study in natural history. It contains three ancient glacier-formed lakes and is home to rare plants and animals.

Olive Shores

West Olive (South of Grand Haven)

The final scene in the Tom Hanks gangster flick Road to Perdition was filmed here on Lake Michigan’s shore. With a 20-acre wooded stretch of land, a steep dune formation, and a beech-

maple-hemlock forest, it’s quite a cinematic location.

Nordhouse Dunes

Free Soil (South of Manistee)

Pack a compass Nordhouse Dunes lost its signage, markings, and trail names after it was redesignated as a wilderness area (the only one in the Lower Peninsula) in 1987 under the Michigan Wilderness Act. It’s quite a tough hike, but the rugged beauty is worth the effort.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Hart

Since 1955, Silver Lake State Park has been the place to catch a lakeside dune ride. A huge area is reserved for off-road vehicles, motorbikes, all-terrain vehicles, and more (rentals are available, too). There’s also a pedestrian area, campground, and guided dune tours.

Green Point Dunes

Frankfort

In Lake Michigan by Green Point Dunes, there’s a piece

of history to be glimpsed through scuba goggles. The City of Boston was a cargo ship that found its watery resting place just offshore in 1873. Besides the shipwreck, visitors can enjoy the 2-mile trail loop with three observation decks, along with beautiful meadows of birch and wildflowers.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Glen Arbor is a popular destination for visitors from around the globe.

LAKE SUPERIOR Grand Sable Banks and Dunes

Burt Township (Southeast of Marquette)

Located on Pictured Rocks

National Lakeshore, this short hike has breathtaking views of the largest Great Lake. The Grand Sable Dunes cover 5 square miles and sit on top of the 300-foot-high Grand Sable Banks. However, climbing is restricted on many of the dunes — a large swath of the park is designated as a Research Natural Area.

Cruising the Great Lakes

By Scott Atkinson

The big boats are back: Here’s what you need to know

MMelvin Phillips has traveled all over the world — by land and by sea. The 76-year-old Detroit retiree takes at least one cruise a year and has relaxed and sightseen on the big boats everywhere from the Caribbean to the Baltic Sea to the Nile River. But in 2022, he opted for a cruise a little closer to home.

“Great Lakes cruising is just getting started and it’s something new, and I always wanted to get a visitors’ perspective of our stock in Detroit,” he says.

Phillips was a passenger on the Viking cruise line ship that is the largest currently sailing the Great Lakes, but it’s far from alone. Over the past five years, the lakes surrounding Michigan have begun to play host to more and more cruise lines and ships, with more and more coastal cities coming on board as ports of call.

“It was a great cruise,” Phillips says of his eight days cruising four of the five Great Lakes. He started in Toronto on Lake Ontario and from there visited Port Colborne and Point Pelee on Lake Erie before a stop in Detroit. The boat then headed north up Lake Huron to Alpena and Mackinac Island and ended in Milwaukee on Lake Michigan.

Dave Lorenz is the vice president of Travel Michigan and the chair of Cruise the Great Lakes, an alliance built through the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers. He says the alliance was formed in 2018 as a way to help increase tourism, including cruising, on the

lakes. “We felt that we need to do more to market the Great Lakes area both to consumers and to cruise lines [as] a great place to take a cruisehe says."

It worked. Since that initial effort, eight cruise lines have come on board with 11 ships currently in operation, visiting 34 ports of call. The more companies and cities that get involved, the more incentive other cruise lines — and port cities — have to get involved as well, Lorenz says.

“It’s the Burger King-McDonald’s philosophy of ‘Hey, if they’re going to be on that corner, we’re going to be on the opposite corner,’” Lorenz says.

The ship Phillips sailed on might be the largest on the lakes so far — and it’s certainly big at 665 feet long — but it’s still quite a bit smaller than what most people think of when they imagine an ocean-faring cruise ship. That’s because the locks that allow ships to enter from the ocean through the St. Lawrence Seaway can’t hold a boat longer than 740 feet.

And having smaller ships is part of what Lorenz says gives cruising the Great Lakes its own special charm.

The Viking ships, for example, have a maximum capacity of 378 passengers, compared with larger cruise ships on the ocean that carry around 3,000 passengers. “So it’s a much more intimate experience,” Lorenz says.

While they’re smaller, that doesn’t mean they lack the same comforts as other cruise ships. There are pools on deck (with fresh water), dining, drinks, and other amenities. The Octantis, one of Viking’s ships, even has a submarine that can show passengers an underwater view of the lakes they’ve never seen — including, if they’re lucky and conditions are right, an up-close view of shipwrecks.

It also doesn’t mean they’re exactly new. Lorenz is quick to point out that this isn’t the first time cruising has existed on the lakes. It just went a bit dormant for a while.

He points to one ship in particular, the Columbus, a German ship that sailed into the Great Lakes for the first time in 1997. “And that ship is still around and occasionally comes into the Great Lakes. Most of the cruising was done by international ships, and this was a really unique way for them to offer their travelers a North American experience,” Lorenz says.

The Columbus (it has since been renamed the Hamburg), however, was far from the first cruise ship on the lakes.

In the 1800s, ships were an expedient way to travel great distances in the Great Lakes region, and many big boats offered passengers the opportunity to travel in style. One of the earliest records of such travel is from 1847, when Thurlow Weed, editor of the Albany Evening Journal, set off on a steamer in Buffalo, New York, bound for

Chicago for the River and Harbor Convention. “I am afloat, for the first time, on Lake Erie, in that magnificent steamer, the Empire,” he wrote, referring to the 265-foot ship he was on, which featured a main cabin that was 230 feet long as well as salons for men and women, a bar, a library, and live music. “In ascending to her beautiful saloon we found some three hundred ladies and gentlemen grouped around upon sofas, divans, etc., as luxuriously as on board of our own splendid Isaac Newton and Hendrick Hudson [other luxurious steamers].”

In 1895, Mark Twain boarded the SS Northland in Cleveland for a trip to Mackinac with Maj. J.B. Pond, his booking agent. Pond wrote, “All that has been said of this fine ocean ship on the Great Lakes is not exaggerated. Across Lake Erie to [the] Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the St. Clair River is a most charming trip.”

Cruising continued to climb in popularity, peaking in the mid-20th century. But as other forms of transportation became more popular, cruising died down. The last cruise ship on the Great Lakes was retired from regular service in 1967.

“We had a lot of cruise ships on the Great Lakes back in the 1940s and ’50s and early ’60s, and they were all right here in this vicinity,” says John Jamian, director of port operations at the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority. “So it’s kind of cool that all these years later they’re coming back to this area.”

Jamian says Detroit currently is a one-day stop for cruise passengers who come into the area,

What You Need to Know:

Cruise Lines: American Queen Voyages, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Pearl Seas Cruises, Plantours Cruises, Ponant, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Vantage Deluxe World Travel, and Viking

Price Range:

Most cruises start at about $5,000 per person and can cost more than $10,000. But there are cheaper options. St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, for example, offers fournight cruises starting at around $2,000.

Length of Cruises: Cruise lengths can range anywhere from a few days to two weeks.

(Should you opt to start your cruise in the Great Lakes and end in Argentina, you could take a 70-day Viking cruise, priced at just under $50,000.)

Cruising Season: May-September

More Info: cruisethegreatlakes.com

with excursions to places like the Henry Ford Museum and Detroit Institute of Arts.

Cruise the Great Lakes announced in May that they anticipate 25,000 cruise passengers on the Great Lakes this year, a more than 20 percent jump from 2022. On the U.S. side of the lakes, they say cruising will account for $235 million in economic impact from onshore spending and purchased tickets, an 88 percent increase from 2022’s total of $125 million.

As more cities and cruise lines get involved, Lorenz says, prices should start to drop. That’s good news for potential cruisers, as Great Lakes cruises aren’t cheap, starting at around $5,000 and going up to about $10,000 per person (a 13day Viking cruise in the Amazon and Caribbean, by contrast, currently goes for about $4,000). Part of the reason has to do with the size of the boats on the lakes. Smaller boats might offer a unique

experience, but with fewer passengers in fewer rooms, combined with other factors like a limited cruising season, prices shoot up.

Mark Schrupp, executive director of the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, says the agency is currently having a local study done to measure the economic impact on the city. One of his goals, he says, is to have Detroit serve as a launch point for cruises, as it would bring more tourists and more money into the area, with passengers flying in from out of town, staying overnight in hotels, and eating at local restaurants. “When they’re here for just an excursion, they get in at 9 a.m. and they’re usually back on the water by dinnertime.”

Regardless of where the boats are launching from, Phillips says he’s on board. “Overall, I really enjoyed it, and I want to take another Great Lakes cruise in the future,” he says.

Top left: The Canadian Empress (St. Lawrence Cruise Lines) travels along the St. Lawrence River through the southern part of Ontario. Top right: The Le Dumont-d’Urville (Ponant) sits in the Gulf of St. Lawrence off Prince Edward Island.

Bottom: The Pearl Mist (Pearl Seas) steams up the Detroit River approaching downtown.

Great Lighthouses

Let

these historic buildings be your guide to Michigan’s maritime history

By Kaitlyn Hopkins and Jack Thomas

Did you know Michigan is home to more lighthouses than any other state? They are a beacon into Michigan history — with rich backstories featuring shipwrecks, ghosts, and other lakeside lore.

LAKE MICHIGAN

Point Betsie Lighthouse

Frankfort

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a 19th-century lighthouse keeper? Point Betsie offers insight into the solitary, often dangerous job. Walk through the keeper’s 1858 living space, the fog signal building, and the Boathouse Museum, open during select summer and fall months (guided tours are $5). For a more immersive experience, rent the Keeper’s Quarters apartment for an overnight stay.

Beaver Island Harbor Light

Beaver Island (west of Harbor Springs)

In 1856, the Harbor Light was built on Beaver Island at Whiskey Point, named after the area’s leading source of profit. During Prohibition, Lake Michigan lightship crews regularly stopped by Whiskey Point to party, which gave the island a bit of a lawless reputation. Today, visitors can learn more about the lighthouse with the Beaver Island Boat Co. on a ferry tour that departs from Charlevoix.

LAKE SUPERIOR

Rock Harbor Lighthouse

Isle Royale

The Rock Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1855 to prepare for the anticipated influx of miners intending to take advantage of Isle Royale’s

copper — at the time, exploration and mining were newly permitted under a treaty. Mining on the island saw booms and busts; eventually, the light was extinguished for good in 1879.

Big Bay Point Lighthouse Big Bay

Established in the 1890s, Big Bay Point Lighthouse is now a bed-and-breakfast. But stay if you dare — you might meet the ghost of William Prior, the first keeper. According to legend, Prior hired his son George to be his assistant. Just over a year later, George fell on the steps of the landing crib and died soon after from his injuries. On June 28, 1901, the heartbroken keeper disappeared without a trace into the nearby woods with his gun and some strychnine. The possibly haunted lighthouse is located on a rocky landscape between Marquette and Portage.

Stannard Rock Lighthouse

Lake Superior (24 miles from shoreline) Feeling lonesome? At least you don’t have to live here.

What Is a Crib Lighthouse?

The Great Lakes are famous for their offshore crib lighthouses. In this context, “crib” means a large wooden frame, constructed onshore. A crew tows it out by boat and fills it with stone so it sinks in place. This creates the foundation for the lighthouse.

Stannard Rock Lighthouse, nicknamed “the loneliest place in North America,” holds the national record for lighthouse farthest from the shore. Completed in 1882, it’s located on a hazardous reef that impacted navigation on Lake Superior. The exposed crib of the lighthouse is recognized as a top engineering feat in U.S. history.

Whitefish Point Light

Paradise

Established in 1849, the Whitefish Point Light is the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. The nearby shoreline is dubbed

“Shipwreck Coast” — more than a third of known shipwrecks in Lake Superior are here. The wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald (which inspired Gordon Lightfoot’s 1976 chart-topping hit) is 15 miles northwest.

LAKE HURON

Fort Gratiot Light Station

Port Huron

Built in 1823, the Fort Gratiot Light Station is Michigan’s oldest lighthouse. The original tower collapsed in 1828 due to its location and unstable design. In 1829, a new lighthouse was built by Lucius Lyon, who went on to be one of Michigan’s first

senators. The new lighthouse was much more stable, with heightened visibility as ships entered the rapids at the head of the St. Clair River.

Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse

Port Hope

The Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse was built in 1848. Twenty-eight years later, the first lifesaving station on the Great Lakes was built nearby. Both were welcome additions there are 105 known shipwrecks just offshore, and the station staged over 200 rescues in its 62 years of operation.

Rock Harbor Lighthouse was built on Isle Royale in 1855 to light the way for copper explorers and miners boating to and from the island on Lake Superior.

Beach Day Trips

Many getaways up to about three hours from Detroit shine with sandy beaches ripe for waterside escapes where you can enjoy hours of Pure Michigan fun this summer.

Here are a few recommendations on the east side of the state from contributors to Michigan Blue this magazine’s sister publication and the state’s waterfront lifestyle magazine.

Times listed are from downtown Detroit.

Luna Pier 44 minutes

Just off I-75 south of Monroe is a beautiful white-sand beach on Lake Erie that’s somewhat of a hidden gem.

“We don’t discourage anyone from coming here, and we enjoy visitors, but we don’t have any active advertising campaigns, either. It’s all just word of mouth,” says Luna Pier’s mayor, James Gardner.

Luna Pier is a tiny town 6 miles north of the Ohio state line, population 1,382. It’s one of those Michigan spots you just have to know about.

There’s not much here — just Luna Pier beach, a nice walking/fishing pier, and a building that looks vaguely like a lighthouse. No fuss. No flair. Just gorgeous views of Lake Erie sunrises. The town isn’t really set up for overnight tourists, but day-

trippers on a sunny summer day will find several charms, including a beach cafe with outdoor tables.

The red lighthouse building, built in 2012, makes for sweet photos, and it has restrooms and an outdoor shower. The Luna Pier Harbor Club Marina provides boat storage and dockage and is open to the public with a small bait shop.

The Luna Pier beach and pier are open year-round. To the south, Erie Marsh Preserve consists of restored wetlands off Lake Erie’s Maumee Bay, with 2.2-mileand 5-mile-loop hiking trails.

Ellen Creager

Lexington

1 hour 20 minutes

With scenic views, smalltown charm, stunning sunrises, and warm hospitality, Lexington offers inviting opportunities for fun and relaxation. Whether you’re a foodie, a golfer, or a beach lover, there’s a little something for everyone in this historic fishing village.

Lexington State Harbor has a beautiful waterfront beach, boating, beach volleyball, and a fun playscape for kids.

The harbor serves as a hub for biking, renting a pontoon, or taking a leisurely walk into town to visit the restaurants, gift shops, antiques stores, and ice cream parlors. For lunch

Michigan’s Thumb Ride

1.5-2.5 hours

The Thumb may not be the state’s most popular beachtown destination, but the peninsula promises a quiet, scenic getaway with plenty of natural attractions. Three state parks preserve the Lake Huron shore, the southernmost, Lakeport State Park, located just north of Port Huron and the others, Port Crescent and Sleeper state parks, nestled on the tip of the Thumb.

Hiking trails at the three parks wind through unspoiled dunes. Shorebirds dive into the Lake Huron surf. Whitetailed deer hide anxiously among the trees. And it’s not unusual to spy a Great Lakes freighter passing by.

Amy S. Eckert

Bay City

1 hour, 50 minutes

to the Thumb, was built on lumber. Giant pines from the surrounding lands were floated, sawn, stacked, and transported along the Saginaw River from more than 100 mills. Later, it was a hub for shipbuilding, including for the Navy during World War II, and automaking.

With a population of just about 33,000, Bay City has relaunched itself with tourism at its core.

With a great restaurant collection ranging from no-frills family-style eateries to Chicago chic, riverfront festivals and cruises, and a reputation as home to Michigan’s largest one-stop antiques store collection, the city offers all the makings of a great summer beach destination.

Bill Semion

Port Austin

2.5 hours

miles of hiking trails, and a meandering 900-foot boardwalk that provides scenic views of Saginaw Bay. It’s also one of only seven dark-sky preserves in Michigan, with awe-inspiring starlit night skies.

Port Austin’s biggest yearround draw is its scenic waterfront and related recreation. The busy harbor area includes a marina, parks, a welcome center, and other amenities. The half-mile-long break wall is popular for walking, fishing, or just taking in the view. Check out Oak Beach County Park or McGraw County Park for more beach life.

or dinner, try Steis’s for pizza or Wimpy’s Place for a burger. Stops at the Lexington General Store or Oh Fudge Shoppe will round out your day.

On Friday nights during the summer, Music in the Park attracts locals and visitors who come armed with lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy outdoor concerts in Patrick Tierney Park, located at the harbor. With the free entertainment, food trucks, and splendid beach views, it’s a delightful way to unwind.

Jamie Patrona Fabbri

Bay City State Park features more than 1,000 feet of beach and over 2,000 acres of wetland woods and is a nationally recognized birding hot spot. It is also near Saginaw Bay’s abundant walleye fishing and downtown Bay City attractions. One park trail leads to wildlife viewing at Tobico Marsh, among the Great Lakes’ largest wetlands. After sunning and swimming, hop on a bike to explore the trails that connect to the 17.5-mile Bay County Riverwalk Trail System.

The visitor center is home to many park programs and offers an electric tracked wheelchair and a free 80amp electric vehicle charging station, which was a state park first.

Bay City, where Michigan’s Mitten attaches

Outdoors adventurers love the Port Austin community of about 700 residents because it sits along the sparkling blue waters of Lake Huron.

Plus, its unique northern tip location along Michigan’s Thumb offers stunning views of both a Great Lakes sunrise and sunset.

“We’re a hidden gem with outdoor activities, arts and culture, and great restaurants, including fine dining, and places to stay. It has an ‘Up North’ feel that’s an easy drive to get to,” boasts Jill Babcock, Port Austin Area Chamber of Commerce officer and local business owner. The most buzzworthy park for day or night is Port Crescent State Park. Its highlights include 3 miles of sandy beach shoreline, 5

The Port Austin Reef Light, first lit in 1878 and still operational today while it undergoes renovations by a nonprofit lighthouse association, shines as another local attraction. It’s located about 2.5 miles offshore from the Port Austin State Harbor, and pontoon boat tours to this grand “Castle on the Lake” can normally be scheduled for Saturdays during the summer season (unfortunately, 2023 tours are canceled due to construction). Those on the tour also can climb to the top of the seven-story lighthouse for panoramic views.

Kayaking has emerged as a big lure to town — especially trips to picturesque Turnip Rock, the delightful turnipshaped rock formation near the Lake Huron shoreline.

Tracy Donohue

For more Michigan lake articles, go to mibluemag. com.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Luna Pier, south of Monroe, is the closest beach from downtown Detroit on our list.

Port Austin has an Up North feel and it's easy to drive to, according to a Chamber of Commerce officer.

The Best of Michigan’s Beach Towns

1. Traverse City: Among Reader’s Digest’s 15 most underrated American cities worth a visit; home to one of Architectural Digest’s 39 most beautiful main streets across America; and No. 1 on Wallet Hub’s list of the best lake beach towns to live in.

2. Holland: Among House Beautiful’s 50 best U.S. cities to visit that look just like Europe and Architectural Digest’s 55 most beautiful small towns in America.

3. Grand Haven: One of Trips to Discover’s 16 best small beach towns in the U.S. for summer.

4. South Haven: One of WorldAtlas’ 15 most beautiful towns in America.

5. Charlevoix: One of Travel + Leisure’s 15 best lake towns in America.

6. Saugatuck/Douglas: Among Thrillist’s 20 greatest beach towns in America.

7. Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Ludington, Petoskey, Saugatuck, South Haven, and Empire: Among WorldAtlas’ nine cutest small towns in Michigan.

8. Munising, Grand Haven, Petoskey, Saugatuck, and St. Joseph: Among WorldAtlas’ nine most underrated towns in the Great Lakes region.* Kate Townley

Charlevoix’s downtown is on Round Lake, which connects Lake Charlevoix (bottom) to Lake Michigan (top).

BEER GETAWAYS

By

Mickey Lyons / Photos By Teri Genovese

Our drinks expert picks her top 10 breweries to visit in Traverse City and Grand Rapids

onsistently ranking in the top 10 beer-making states, Michigan is no stranger to the beer tourism industry. Craft breweries have blossomed all across the state in the past decade as training and apprenticeship programs, beer-making cooperatives, and craft enthusiasts join forces.

It’s easier than ever to find your favorite locally made session IPA or brown ale in party stores and craft breweries.

The Michigan Brewers Guild estimates that there are just over 300 independent breweries in the state, and more are added every month. Once concentrated around hubs like Grand Rapids and Detroit, they’re now dotted across the state, from beachside resort towns like Saugatuck to industrial centers like Pontiac. Wine, beer, and spirits trails abound all over Michigan. That makes it a breeze to whip up a beer-based tour itinerary just about anywhere you visit.

We’ve compiled some highlights from two of the state’s most popular beer tour destinations. Traverse City and Grand Rapids are relatively bicycle-friendly, and since many of the breweries are tucked together on the cities’ main drags, spending an afternoon brewery hopping is a relaxing way to see the city from a fresh perspective. Both cities have bike-and-brew trail maps available online, but since finding new favorites is part of the fun, a few minutes with a map and an internet search should help you plan out the ideal visit for your party.

Grand Rapids

The Michigan craft beer industry had some of its first taprooms in west Michigan, and the region continues to flourish when it comes to innovative and on-trend brewing. Global giants helped make Grand Rapids into Beer City USA, a title bestowed by voters in an online poll on Examiner. com in 2012 (and confirmed once again by USA Today in its 2022 readers’ choice awards). Almost 30 years after those early taprooms opened, beer culture is steeped into the city’s daily life.

Nearly 100,000 tourists visit Grand Rapids every year just to experience the vibrant beer scene. Bike and bus tours, hotel and brewery packages, and even an app celebrate all things sudsy, making it easy to put together a beer tour itinerary. The long-term megabreweries are easy to spot, especially when it’s new-release time and lines snake out the door, but there are loads of newer and less familiar places to check out, too. Here are just a few of the city’s many taprooms to consider when planning a visit.

1. KÜSTERER BRAUHAUS

The west side of the state is well known for its German and Dutch culture, so when this Bavarian beer hall opened its doors in August of 2022, it fit right in to the bustling strip of downtown Grand Rapids alongside mainstays like New Holland Brewing Co. and Jolly Pumpkin. Timbered ceilings, stacks of beer steins, and colorful flags transport imbibers to a cozy German setting, and the atmosphere is enhanced with frequent international music performances and televised soccer matches from Germany. The hall keeps 10 beers on tap, including several styles of bock beer, pilsners, and weiss beer. The brewery follows the strict German Reinheitsgebot, or purity law, using only malt, hops, water, and yeast to create its beers. grbrauhaus.com

3. TWO GUYS BREWING

With a motto of “We promise we’ve never made a beer we wouldn’t drink,”

TwoGuys — located in Wyoming, just outside of Grand Rapids — shows that it’s a laid-back and mellow kind of brewery. That doesn’t mean its selection of beer, cider, and seltzers is boring, though: Grand Rapids Magazine readers voted TwoGuys all the way to the top spot in 2020’s Battle of the Breweries.

TwoGuys boasts a deeper food menu than the average brewery, too, with housesmoked pork, beef, and turkey; homemade soups; and two pages’ worth of sandwiches, salads, apps, and tacos to satisfy just about any craving. Just a few miles down the road from downtown Grand Rapids, TwoGuys is worth the detour. twoguys-brewing.com

2. CITY BUILT BREWING CO.

In the shadow of the historic Sixth Street Bridge and nestled along the Grand River Edges Trail, City Built is ideally located for a pit stop on a long summer’s ride. A changing rotation of about 20 draft beers, plus house-made cider and kombucha, will satisfy even the pickiest drinkers. Looking to chase away a dry, dusty feeling on a hot summer day?

Try a Prague Underground Czech pilsner or a fruited sour. Other highlights from the menu include barrel-aged barley wines, hop-forward IPAs, and a pre-Prohibition-style porter that hearkens back to the city’s 19th-century heritage. citybuiltbrewing. com/beer

SPECIATION ARTISAN ALES

Speciation is a beer nerd’s beer bar. The brewers there take a bottoms-up approach, crafting their signature “wild beers” from natural yeast that is native to the environment, rather than starting with commercially grown strains of yeast. Speciation starts with basic, unfermented beer recipes, then allows the beer to ferment with natural yeast for anywhere from a few months to a few years. This means that every batch of its popular sour ales and beers is unique, the result of its serendipitous blend of yeasts and flavorings available at one given time. In addition to its beer and seltzer collection, which is ever-changing, the taproom also offers wildfermented, low-intervention Michigan wines. speciationartisanales.com

5. BREWERY VIVANT

A former funeral-home chapel may seem an unlikely place for one of Grand Rapids’ most celebrated taprooms, but the building’s lofty ceilings and ample space are ideal for elevated and friendly conversation at Brewery Vivant. For more than a dozen years, the brewery has been serving up Belgian-style beers with an emphasis on sustainable practices, local sourcing for food and drink ingredients, and convivial gatherings. Brewery Vivant mainstays like the farmhouse ale and Rapid IPA are supplemented with seasonal offerings focused on French- and Belgianstyle fruited sours and ales. breweryvivant.com

4.

Traverse City

Bikes, kayaks, pedal pubs, and bus tours: There are plenty of ways to venture out to some of the popular region’s many breweries and distilleries without having to get in your car. Several outfitters offer tours and group packages, including a combined bike and kayak tour from Kayak, Bike & Brew and a six-hour urban kayaking brewery tour from Paddle for Pints.

Many of Traverse City’s breweries are clustered downtown, along Front Street and radiating down to the SoFo (south of 14th Street) district, with just a couple of miles of road encompassing a dozen breweries, taprooms, and distillery tasting rooms. Stop in and share a sampler or grab some cans or growlers to enjoy a Lake Michigan sunset with a local brew in hand.

This four-hour pedaling and paddling tour of Traverse City is a great way to taste the city’s local beers and spirits. Hour Detroit photographer Teri Genovese says the tour guides are “beer connoisseurs” who act as the group’s “most responsible friend — keeping everyone safe while having an incredibly fun time.” Attendees bike the trail system and kayak the Boardman Lake and River, pausing for pints and bites along the way. Excursions start at $69 and include add-ons like waterproof bags and T-shirts. kayakbikebrew.com

Kayak, Bike & Brew

RIGHT BRAIN BREWERY

Housed in a nondescript warehouse along the shore of Boardman Lake, the plain exterior of Right Brain belies the spacious, colorful interior packed with pinball machines, Skee-Ball, hand-painted mugs, original art and murals — and of course, several dozen taps of the experimental beers, ciders, and seltzers that have earned Right Brain a reputation for wild and creative brews. The sky’s the limit for Right Brain’s zany concoctions. Whether sharp, creamy, dank, and dark or bright and fruity, there’s a drink here for every palate and mood. With a mission to “Keep Beer Curious,” the brewery curates a collection of flavors that decidedly delivers just that. rightbrainbrewery.com

2. NORTH PEAK BREWING CO.

The influence of North Peak on the craft brewing industry in Michigan is evident in the number of brewers who learned the craft there and moved on to build their own businesses. North Peak was one of the first microbreweries in northern Michigan, founded in 1995. By now, North Peak and its partner organization Jolly Pumpkin are favorites of beer drinkers all over the state. North Peak’s spacious taproom, housed in a former candy factory, has two floors of seating and ample outdoor space for large groups looking to sample its signature Diabolical IPA and Siren ale or any of a dozen or more rotating taps. pub.northpeak.net

3. SILVER SPRUCE BREWING

Homegrown talent Leah Tyrell and Scott Stuhr, the husband-and-wife team behind Silver Spruce, got their start in the brewing scene in Asheville, North Carolina, before moving back to Traverse City in late 2018. One of the city’s most family-friendly taprooms, it offers kids’ juice boxes but also features plenty of adult fare, including its brilliant and crisp German pilsner. Traditional brews are well represented here, making the brewery a great stop for anyone looking for an approachable, easydrinking beer crafted with precision and care. There’s also an on-site food truck. Bonus nostalgia points for the building itself, a former Family Video. silversprucebrewing.com

1.

FRESH COAST BEER WORKS

Over the course of a whirlwind six years, Fresh Coast has grown from a home brewers’ supply company, to a nanobrewery, to a taproom with frontage one block from one of Traverse City’s most walkable streets. The company’s evolution is still apparent in the decidedly unfussy exterior and interior decor, but it’s refreshing to see a brewery that hearkens back to the early days of bare-bones brewing. The emphasis here is on a solid selection of ales, porters, and other traditional beers, made meticulously with an eye for science. The homebrew supply store is also a great place to learn about how to become one of Michigan’s many independent home brewers. Friendly, knowledgeable staff are happy to help with challenges and questions for budding and experienced brewers alike. fcbeerworks.com

RARE BIRD BREWPUB

Variety is king at Rare Bird, a brewpub with (typically) six house-made brews and a selection of 30 or so other Michigan-made beers, plus a full liquor bar. State standouts like Short’s and Old Nation have shared space with lesser-known breweries like Wixom’s Drafting Table and Traverse City’s Brewery Terra Firma. Rare Bird’s own offerings include a gluten-reduced blood orange witbier, an award-winning coffee stout, and an intensely hopped IPA. The brewpub also has quite a few nonalcoholic options on hand. Midtour is a great time to pause for a dry-hopped nonalcoholic IPA, an alcohol-free stout, or a Dry Secco. The red-brick building’s interior is homey and welcoming, with woodpaneled walls and booths. rarebirdbrewpub.com

4.

5.

BIKES AND BREWS

Taking a trip to visit the state’s many breweries by bike requires a bit of planning, so we talked to an expert. Kelli Kavanaugh is the owner of Wheelhouse Detroit, a full-service bike shop in downtown Detroit that also offers bike tours of the city. She and her guides have plenty of practice navigating group rides to historic sites and to breweries in Detroit.

Kavanaugh recommends planning a 10-to-12-mile route at what she calls a “conversational pace,” where everyone riding is comfortable talking to the person next to them. For beginner cyclists, mapping out an itinerary that covers those miles in an afternoon is a realistic goal.

It’s also important, Kavanaugh says, to “definitely know your limits,” especially on a hot day. “If you’re not a big drinker, don’t go out expecting to drink an IPA at four different breweries, because that’s not going to work out well.” She recommends taking advantage of nonalcoholic options and hydrating well with plenty of water as you go.

Most importantly, Kavanaugh stresses that being aware of your route and your surroundings is crucial for a fun and safe bike tour. “Everyone else is not on your beer tour,” she says. “Everyone else is having a regular day, so be cognizant of that and respectful of other people in the world.”

Here are Kavanaugh’s tips for making the most of a bike-and-brew tour:

Get a tune-up. This is especially important at the beginning of the season or if you haven’t ridden in a few weeks or more. There’s nothing worse than struggling up a hill through squealing brakes and rusted chains.

Check your tires. Kavanaugh cites underinflated tires as the No. 1 hiccup on Wheelhouse’s tours. Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the range specified on the side of the tire and that they’re free of bubbles, dents, and cracks in the tread. Each rider should also carry one spare tube for their tires.

Designate a mechanic and a map keeper. Your mechanic should carry a basic set of bicycle tools, either a kit or a collection of pliers; Allen, standard, and torque wrenches; and flathead and Phillips screwdrivers. As for the mapmaker, Google and other satellite map technology work fairly well but are not 100 percent faultless.

“Hopefully someone in your group is a map nerd,” Kavanaugh says, and can keep everyone on the right — and the safest — path.

Dress for Michigan weather. Sunny skies can turn to a downpour in an instant here in Michigan. Wear layers and, if it looks like rain might appear, pack a spare poncho or rain jacket. No one enjoys beer when they’re drenched and shivering.

Wear a helmet! Always. If your feet are near the pedals, the helmet should be on your head and fastened.

Although biking and kayaking tours are mentioned in this article, and you cannot get a DUI in Michigan for riding a bike while intoxicated, Hour Detroit is not advocating for doing these activities while intoxicated. Please drink responsibly.

BAVARIAN INN LODGE

Guest Information: One Covered Bridge Lane, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 855-652-7200 | bavarianinn.com

Just over the covered bridge on the banks of the Cass River, the Bavarian Inn Lodge is a world-class getaway for couples and families alike. Their 360room resort includes whirlpool and family suites that offer guests more space for memorable occasions.

Enjoy four indoor pools (one specifically for adults only), three whirlpools, two water slides, a fun center with over 160 video games, and 18 holes of indoor miniature golf. The Lodge also has two on-site restaurants.

Since 1888, more than 20 million guests have come to feast on the worldfamous, “all-you-can-eat” family-style dinners at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant on Main Street.

Be sure to enjoy all that “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” offers while staying at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth. Plan your visit at bavarianinn.com.

VISIT FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

Guest Information: 260-424-3700 info@visitfortwayne.com

Located 160 miles southwest of Detroit, Fort Wayne is a city perfect for an affordable adventure. Fill your next getaway with outdoor exploration along 8-miles of riverfront in downtown Fort Wayne, the vibrancy of Fort Wayne’s art scene, new dining and entertainment destinations, and the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo –one of the top ten zoos in the US!

TRAVERSE CITY

Guest Information: traversecity.com

Respect. Connect. Celebrate.

This is an invitation to experience the best of Traverse City: the lakes, rivers, abundant trails through beautiful woodlands, and its vibrant agritourism. Traverse City provides a perfect backdrop to connect with loved ones, or just yourself. Known for the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, cherry orchards, and vineyards, this is the perfect place to celebrate the joys in life. Explore and find your own personal adventure. Find out more at traversecity.com.

Jason Mraz & His Superband is just one of the acts to catch this month at Meadow Brook Hall and other metro Detroit venues p. 62

Culture Calendar

Our carefully curated guide to the month in arts and entertainment

BY RYAN PATRICK HOOPER

AT THE MUSEUM

The Henry Ford stays hot in July with two stunning exhibitions

It’s not that bold to say that the Henry Ford Museum is a great design-centric museum right in our backyards, but it is important to acknowledge when our local cultural institutions have been on a hot streak with high-quality traveling exhibitions like the ode to Jim Henson a couple of years back and the stunning House Industries exhibit in 2017. And that perfectly describes The Henry Ford, which continues staying hot with two exhibitions: Lillian Schwartz: Whirlwind of Creativity and Julia Child: A Recipe for Life. Let’s start with Whirlwind of Creativity, which is an exhibit The Henry Ford is producing itself in its new collections gallery, which brings objects from its archives into

DON’T-MISS EVENTS

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

COMPILED BY LAUREN WETHINGTON

public view. Schwartz was best known for her experimental films and animation videos; she was an early adopter of computer-generated art in the mid-1960s, when few had access to such technology. “It was rare for artists to receive access to the types of advanced computers that Lillian Schwartz used at Bell Laboratories in the 1960s and ’70s,” says Kristen Gallerneaux, The Henry Ford’s curator of communications and information technology. “She worked at a time when artists were forced to defend computer art as legitimate while also actively trying to improve it.” With the Julia Child exhibit, A Recipe for Life, cooking show obsessives will get a behind-the-scenes look into the life of the chef, television personality, and author. The exhibition includes interactive spaces like a re-creation of The

JULY 1 • FILM

Black Girl: This 1966 debut from profoundly influential West African filmmaker Ousmane Sembène grapples with colonialism and racism as it follows the story of Diouana, a Senegalese woman who moves to France to work for a wealthy white couple.

Screened in French with English subtitles, the film is featured in conjunction with the DIA’s retrospective exhibition of work by British-Ghanaian photographer James Barnor. No cost with general museum admission. Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit; dia.org

JULY 7 • COMEDY

Dude Perfect: Boasting more

French Chef television set, complete with a vintage studio camera that actually works. Personal papers and favorite kitchen tools round out the exhibition. Julia Child: A Recipe for Life is on display through Sept. 10.

Lillian Schwartz: Whirlwind of Creativity is on display through March 2024. For more, go to thehenryford.org.

LAST CHANCE/ VISUAL ARTS Together & Apart challenges gendered ideas of abstraction at David Klein Gallery

There’s a terrible historic precedent of female artists working in abstraction often being left out of the mainstream discussion about the art form. The David Klein contemporary art gallery in downtown Detroit is aiming to change that with its current show,

than 58 million subscribers, sports comedy troupe Dude Perfect is one of the most popular acts on YouTube. Composed of five former Texas A&M University roommates, the group blends jaw-dropping stunts and trick shots with family-friendly humor. The show will feature some of the most popular stunts from the group’s Overtime series, along with fan-favorite segments and new surprises. $29+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com

JULY 7-9

• ART

Art in the Park: This Michigan tradition returns for its 43rd year this month, welcoming

Together & Apart: A Legacy of Abstraction

The title refers to a short story by Virginia Woolf, in which she writes of the artistic connection between friends whose paths mirror each other yet offer something unique. The show features Elise Ansel, who turns the work of “old master” painters of the 18th century into an entirely new visual language, alongside Detroit-based mixed-media fabricator Caroline Del Giudice, Alisa Henriquez, and multimedia artist Rosalind Tallmadge. It’s a show that stands out on its own merits as one of the best you can see in Detroit this summer, but the extra ammuni-

more than 400 artists to display their works in the heart of charming downtown Plymouth. Browse paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, photography, folk art, and more as you enjoy food, live music performances, and even activities for kids. No cost. Downtown Plymouth; artinthepark.com

JULY 8 • MUSIC

Melanie Martinez: This New York-based alt-pop phenom first rose to fame when she appeared on the 2012 season of The Voice Since then, the “Play Date” vocalist has sold more than 2.5 million albums and racked up billions of streams on Spotify

Learn about two extraordinary women at The Henry Ford this summer: Julia Child (left), who brought French cuisine to American TV, and Lillian Schwartz (below), a filmmaker and early computer artist.

tion of defying the historical odds of women being included in the conversation about abstract art gives this one an extra punch. Not to be missed.

Together & Apart: A Legacy of Abstraction is now on display at the David Klein Gallery in downtown Detroit through July 22. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday (noon to 5:30 p.m.). For more information, visit dkgallery.com.

SUMMER READING LIST

This book was released last year but was unfortunately overlooked in Detroit, which is shocking considering the impact architect Minoru Yamasaki had on the area. Best known for designing the World Trade Center, Yamasaki spent decades in Michigan, designing the new-formalist gem the McGregor Memorial

and Apple Music. She’ll support her newest album, Portals when she makes a stop in metro Detroit this month. $82+. Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, Sterling Heights; 313presents.com

album Ocean to Ocean when she hits the road this summer. Best known for ’90s singles like “Cornflake Girl” and “Crucify,” Amos is listed at No. 71 on VH1’s list of the 100 greatest women in rock ’n’ roll. $29+. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, Rochester Hills; 313presents.com

JULY 9 • MUSIC

Tori Amos: On the heels of a sold-out world tour in 2022, the eight-time Grammy Award-nominated vocalist and pianist will continue promotion of her 2021

JULY 14 • MUSIC

A grand-daughter’s story for young readers brings an architect’s life to light

Tedeschi Trucks Band: Led by husband-and-wife duo Susan

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Conference Center on Wayne State University’s campus and the slick One Woodward Avenue skyscraper overlooking Hart Plaza (a precursor to Yamasaki’s eventual design for the World Trade Center). In the picture book Shapes, Lines, and Light: My Grandfather’s American Journey, Yamasaki’s granddaughter Katie Yamasaki tells his story with the loving, caring touch that only a family member could offer. It doesn’t shy away from the discrimination

Minoru Yamasaki faced as a Japanese American man while he became one of the brightest architects in his field, leaving his mark in Detroit and around the world. Shapes, Lines, and Light: My Grandfather’s American Journey by Katie Yamasaki is out now via Norton Young Readers. Order it from your local bookshop.

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

On My Playlist

Eddie Logix presents the Detroit song of the summer

It’s a heavy crown to wear — creating the Detroit song of the summer. There’s little doubt, however, that producer Eddie Logix has achieved it with “Sushi,” a stand-alone track that came out shortly before his excellent Flight Risk EP back in May. The laidback house track is a perfect road trip tune, complete with a simple vocal hook that’ll become an earworm for you for weeks on end (“Turn me into sushi / Let the waves go through me”). Whether you’re playing this at a barbecue or making it your soundtrack for cruising Belle Isle this summer, Eddie Logix has it with “Sushi.” And if you dig that, you’ll enjoy the rest of his dance-centric catalog, too. The best way to support local musicians is to purchase their music via Bandcamp (get Eddie Logix’s at eddielogix. bandcamp.com) or buy physical media directly from them at a show.

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“Permanent Wave” by Alisa Henriquez is one of works that can be seen at the David Klein Gallery in Detroit this month.

year hiatus. Fans will also hear from TikTok singer-songwriter Jax and multi-platinum-selling pop star Max. $29+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston; 313presents.com

JULY 20-22 • ART

Ann Arbor Art Fair: Featuring nearly 1,000 artists and spanning 30 city blocks, the largest juried art fair in the country returns to downtown Ann Arbor this month. Three separate events constitute the show: the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original; the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair; and the Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair. Browse paintings, ceramics, jewelry, glass, sculptures, woodwork, and more while also enjoying live music, food, and activities. No cost. Downtown Ann Arbor; theannarborartfair.com

Sophia, Dorothy, and Rose as they take on the app-crazed 21st century in this hilarious new show by writer Robert Leleux and director Eric Swanson. $33+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak; royaloakmusic theatre.com

JULY 27 • MUSIC

Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, this Jacksonville, Florida-based blues rock band won a Grammy Award for its 2012 debut album, Revelator. Hear tracks from the band’s newest release, 2022’s I Am the Moon, when it heads out on a North American tour this summer. Singer-songwriter Ziggy Marley, son of influential reggae artist Bob Marley, will open the show. $39+. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, Rochester Hills; 313presents.com

JULY 15 • FILM

Touki Bouki (Journey of the Hyena): This 1973 fantasy drama by Senegalese director Djibril Diop Mambéty follows

two Senegalese lovers as they attempt to steal and scheme their way to a new life in France.

Inspired heavily by the French new wave movement, the film paints a rich portrait of 1970s Senegal and is considered one of the most important works in the history of Senegalese cinema. Presented in Wolof, Arabic, and French with English subtitles. No cost with general museum admission. Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit; dia.org

JULY 18

• MUSIC

Sad Summer Festival: Emo titans Taking Back Sunday will be joined by a bill of alt-rock contemporaries — including

Motion City Soundtrack, The Maine, Mom Jeans, Stand Atlantic, Hot Mulligan, and Pvris — for this one-day-only festival at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre. $49+. Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, Sterling Heights; 313presents.com

JULY 18-AUG. 20 • THEATER

Michigan Shakespeare Festival: Metro Detroiters will have an opportunity to view three classic plays during this monthlong festival at Canton’s Village Theater at Cherry Hill. Performances include two Shakespeare works — witchy tragedy Macbeth and lesserknown Jacobean play Pericles,

JULY 23 • MUSIC

Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa: Since the release of his debut album, Doggystyle, in 1993, rapper and songwriter Snoop Dogg has added actor, media personality, record producer, DJ, and businessman to his resume. He and “Black and Yellow” rapper Wiz Khalifa will stop at Pine Knob this month during their High School Reunion Tour, along with special guests Too Short, Warren G, Berner, and DJ Drama. $69+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston; 313presents.com

JULY 26 • COMEDY

Sam Hunt: After writing hit singles for the likes of Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, and Reba McEntire, this country singersongwriter made his solo debut in 2014 to widespread critical acclaim. Known for blending elements of R&B, pop, and country, Hunt is the first solo male artist to have four singles from a debut album reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. Hear some of those singles, such as “Take Your Time” and “Make You Miss Me,” when the artist arrives at Pine Knob this month with support from singer-songwriter Brett Young. $34+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston; 313presents.com

JULY 29 • MUSIC

Prince of Tyre — as well as A Flea in Her Ear, a farcical comedy written in 1907 by French playwright Georges Feydeau. $25 per play. The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, Canton; michigan shakespearefestival.com

JULY 19 • MUSIC

Big Time Rush: The Nickelodeon-born boy band reunites for its Can’t Get Enough Tour this summer following a nine-

Juno Birch: British drag queen, sculptor, and YouTuber Juno Birch draws inspiration from Tim Burton and Mars Attacks! to create her cosmically eccentric look. See her in the flesh when she brings her futuristic style and otherworldly sense of humor to Royal Oak Music Theatre this month for The Juno Show. $39+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak; royaloak musictheatre.com

JULY 27 • THEATER

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue: This parody of the iconic television show features male actors portraying everyone’s favorite seniors. Join Blanche,

Jason Mraz & His Superband: Best known for easy-listening chart-toppers like “I’m Yours” and “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry),” this Grammy Awardwinning singer-songwriter released his eighth studio album, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, at the end of June. Folk-rock band Raining Jane, guitarist and singer Molly Miller, funk artists Grooveline Horns, and special guest Monica Martin will round out the ticket. $39+. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, Rochester Hills; 313presents.com

JULY 29-30 • ART

Orchard Lake Fine Art Show: This two-day juried fair has brought more than 100 talented local and national artists to the heart of West Bloomfield since 2003. The event has been voted one of the country’s best art shows for 12 years in a row and also features food trucks, live music, and a children’s art competition. $5. 6900 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield; artsandeducationinc.org

Flickering Past

Once abundant in metro Detroit, drive-in theaters faded away by the 1990s. The lone survivor has gone high-tech for a unique cinematic experience.

BY RONALD AHRENS

IN MY FIRST JOB AT AGE 16, I assumed the exalted position of usher at a drive-in theater in my hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. One important duty was directing traffic at the box office on busy evenings. Another assignment found me patrolling the back of the lot, catching sneakins as they emerged from car trunks and making them buy tickets. It was a great summer in 1972 with unlimited free popcorn and smutty movies like Night Call Nurses, produced by Detroit native Roger Corman.

Drive-ins originated during the Great Depression after the discovery that otherwiseimpoverished families still spent money on movies. Metro Detroit’s first drive-ins were the East Side (1938) in Harper Woods and the West Side (1940) in Oak Park, both operated by General Cinema Corp. of Massachusetts. A key development in those years was RCA’s in-car speakers, which brought the soundtrack into the car, replacing speakers on fixed poles. Some drive-ins even provided in-car heaters for chilly evenings. By 1957, there were 3,700 drive-in theaters nationwide. West Side added to the formula in 1943 by installing a merry-go-round on its playground to occupy the kids before showtime and during intermission. By accommodating 1,800 cars, the Bel-Air, built in 1950 at 8600 E. Eight Mile Road, represented the supersizing trend. The theater also had a large-scale playground and a miniature train ride.

Theodore Rogvoy, the prolific Detroit-area architect, designed several theaters in the streamline moderne style. The Gratiot, a 1948 example from Associated Theatres Inc., featured a monumental screen tower whose street-facing facade was a three-stage water cascade. The wing walls beside the screen had portholes, which were also integrated into surfaces of the multilane box office plaza. Hosting 1,000 cars, the theater cost $375,000 to build on 22 acres and utilized $50,000 worth of projection equipment.

Chain owners like Nicholas George had driveins as well as conventional movie houses. George’s 1,800-capacity Galaxy drive-in rose from a site along Dequindre Road in Madison Heights (near Hazel Park Raceway) in 1963. It featured an allsteel screen tower and wing walls.

Nick Thomas, co-owner of Expand Marketing Group of West Bloomfield, is a grandson of Nicholas George and grew up working in the theaters. After his grandfather’s death in the early 1970s, the family continued their operation. Thomas says his favorite was the Fort George in Southgate but he “spent a lot of time at the Michigan” 2 miles away. He remembers doing maintenance in enclosed screen towers and being dive-bombed by birds nesting inside.

The family sold their indoor theaters to AMC in the 1980s, and the former site of the Fort George drive-in now hosts a Meijer store. “But we still own some of the drive-in properties to this day,” Thomas says, noting that the structures have been taken down for safety and liability reasons.

By the early ’70s, cinematic fare had changed from the former innocence of movies like Beach Blanket Bingo to triple features — “Held Over for a Second Big Week!” — of Corman’s “women in cages” flicks. “We didn’t play any of that because most of our locations were in communities,”

Thomas says. The Nicholas George screens continued to show first-run films, yet the narrow scope of material contributed to economic pressures, squeezing exhibitors who operated on low margins and would have preferred more-

frequent marquee changes.

“The areas in which these things were located were out in the sticks,” says Gary Ritzenthaler, the Oakland County software engineer whose avocational blog, Water Winter Wonderland, extensively documents amusements statewide drive-ins included. Ritzenthaler continues: “As suburban sprawl developed, land became very valuable.” Opening in 1955, the Troy drivein welcomed 1,200 cars at East Maple Road and Stephenson Highway, but it closed in 1984 and was demolished for commercial development.

Local authorities sometimes applied moral pressure as well. A contributor to Ritzenthaler’s blog recalls the East Side introducing soft porn with Corman’s formula of frontal nudity from the belly button up and full-body from the rear. The mayor of Harper Woods paid a denunciatory visit and insinuated the theater was noncompliant with building and fire codes.

“Drive-ins are rapidly becoming part of our nostalgic past,” Sumner Redstone told Newsweek in 1982. Redstone was then a major exhibitor whose National Amusements Inc. operated theaters in metro Detroit. “I foresee their extinction by the end of the decade.” He moved assets to Hollywood and became a powerful force in film and media.

A mass die-off occurred, but it wasn’t extinction. A few drive-ins hung on, making the expensive switch to digital projectors.

Ritzenthaler counts nine drive-in theaters still going in Michigan, including the Ford-Wyoming in Dearborn. Admission is $28 per car for any of the four screens — and no switching! Recent top attractions were Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant.

Besides the bright F-Max screen introduced last year in one of the four theaters, the Ford-Wyoming boasts Wi-Fi streaming and FM radio broadcasts to channel the audio through a car’s own sound system. This audio delivery ends another old tradition — namely, it’s no longer possible to forget the in-car speaker at evening’s end, pull away, and rip it from the post.

The Fort George drive-in, located in Southgate, was a popular destination for moviegoers in metro Detroit. Today, it’s the site of a Meijer store.

Dearborn’s Ford-Wyoming drive-in theater first opened in 1950. Today, it’s one of a small handful left in Michigan. In 1957, there were 3,700 drive-in theaters nationwide.

SAM WHITE DIDN’T FALL in love with Shakespeare by choice.

She fell in love with the Bard of Avon because her mother busted her for listening to Salt-NPepa’s “Push It” when she was just 8 years old.

“My mother made me read the complete works of Shakespeare as punishment,” White laughs. “Eventually, I started to like it and enjoy it. My mother planted the seed of theater and Shakespeare.”

That seed grew into Shakespeare in Detroit, a nonprofit organization White founded in 2013 that produces live productions at various sites throughout the city in an effort to make the Bard’s work more accessible. The first performances took place shortly after the city of Detroit filed for bankruptcy. Next month, Shakespeare in Detroit, which has engaged more than 14,000 audience members, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with free performances of The Tempest in Campus Martius Park.

White knew her mom would show up for those first performances at Grand Circus Park, but she didn’t expect over 500 people to attend as well.

In those early days of bankruptcy, there was discussion about the Detroit Institute of Arts and its vast collection being used as collateral to pay off debts. White says it was a critical moment, “a wake-up call for Detroiters that art is essential to life in Detroit.”

White has made art and theater essential in her life, too. It’s taken her from being a local kid from Seven Mile and Evergreen to becoming the first African American woman to direct a play at the Stratford Festival in Ontario, one of the most prestigious theater institutions in North America.

It remains rare for any American director to direct at Stratford.

“I have so many people that I grew up with in my neighborhood and in my school that have not had the opportunities that I’ve had,” White says. “Now it’s my job to always come back to Detroit and say, ‘This is what I’m doing internationally, and you can do the same thing.’

“I won’t be the last person from Seven Mile to have an international career,” White says.

White is directing Wedding Band at Stratford, which has its opening night on July 14 and will be running at the festival through Oct. 1 at the Tom Patterson Theatre.

Wedding Band was written during the Civil Rights

THEATER

From Seven Mile to Stratford

Detroit native Sam White breaks new ground at the prestigious Ontario Shakespeare festival

incredible women, and we get to see a real love story with the middle-aged Black woman as the protagonist of a play,” White adds. “That never happens in American or Canadian theater, so I’m very excited to direct this play and tell this story.”

White says she was attracted to this play because it doesn’t let the monolithic narrative of “overcoming the racial odds” dictate the larger story. There’s beauty and hope and complexity in these characters, reflecting a reality of individualism in Black America that’s often whitewashed off the stage and off the screen.

She nods to the power of Childress’ work as the impetus.

“She didn’t negate the tragic circumstances. The beauty of the story, however, is that the character is radiantly happy at the end of the play,” White says. “That radiance is the thing that has sustained African Americans in this country for centuries. We’ve found [it] in church, in community, in singing, in the food that we eat and the sisterhood that we have. It’s quite incredible to tell a story like this that doesn’t lean into the tragedy but rather celebrates the radiant joy of these women.”

Last December, White’s mother passed away. When we talked, she was in the middle of rehearsals for Wedding Band with her first Mother’s Day without her mom looming on the calendar.

era by actor-writer-playwright Alice Childress, who holds the rare designation of being the only African American woman to have written, produced, and published plays across four decades. Her work continues to resonate with audiences today, with her canon enjoying a renaissance in recent years.

The play explores a relationship between a Black seamstress and a white baker against the backdrop of the First World War, the 1918 flu pandemic, and the deeply rooted racism of the Deep South in Charleston, South Carolina.

While their interracial love is a driving force of the play, White says, it’s the relationship between four women in the story that drives White. “I remind the cast about this all the time. While the subject matter and many moments of the play can be quite intense, the play is not a tragedy.

“We have four entrepreneurial women who drive it. I feel very lucky to tell the story of these

“Let me tell you — I’m so happy that I had the mother that I had because I’m a kid from Seven Mile and I’m directing at one of the finest theatrical institutions in North America,” White says. “It’s because my mother gave me the completed works of Shakespeare. It shaped my life. It shaped my connection to theater. It shaped the way that I tell stories.”

It shaped White as a person, too. Her family didn’t travel much when she was a kid, but theater was able to take her to places she could only dream of. Her mom made sure to feed her the classics and take her to see shows like A Chorus Line at the Fisher Theatre.

“Because she exposed me to so many things, I always knew there was a life beyond where I came from,” she says. “She was a good one, even though I was mad at her when she made me read all 37 plays in Shakespeare’s canon. I’m more grateful than ever that she gave me that.”

There’s one thing White’s mom, Janet, couldn’t change about her, though.

“I will say that I still listen to Salt-N-Pepa,” White laughs.

JULY 2023 65 Agenda

BRUSH AWAY YOUR FEARS AND ANXIETY TO A BRIGHTER & HEALTHIER SMILE

When it’s time to go to the dentist not everyone can easily brush away their fears or anxiety. According to a report in the National Library of Medicine, dental fear affects approximately 36% of the population, with a further 12% suffering from extreme dental fear. And anywhere between 50 and 80% of adults in the United States have some degree of dental anxiety, ranging from mild to severe.

But this might help alleviate some of those fears and is sure to make you smile – Hour Detroit has put together an amazing list of some of the best dentists, orthodontists, periodontists, and prosthodontists in Michigan to help reduce the stress that often accompanies you to the dentist and instead will put you in a chair of comfort, commitment and results.

With the help of Professional Research Services (PRS), a list was compiled of top dental professionals in metro Detroit. On the following pages, you’ll find the survey results based on the subjective judgment of licensed general dentists and dental specialists in the community. Once the surveys were returned, each nominee was carefully evaluated on the basis of the survey results, the legitimacy of their license, and their current standing with the Michigan State Dental Board and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Hour Detroit’s top dentists are all fully-licensed that been trained and continue to train at the top schools and universities in the country. They utilize the latest and safest technology and treatments to renew your oral health and help create a beautiful,

natural-looking, revitalized smile.

These dental professionals devote their career to providing patients with the best possible care.

A trip to the dentist can be a life-changing experience. And learning more about what dentists do and the care and comfort they provide should help alleviate any fear or anxiety you might have - and will certainly make you smile.

Disclaimer; On the following pages, you’ll find the survey results based on the subjective judgment of licensed general dentists and dentalspecialistsinthecommunity.Oncethesurveyswere returned, each nominee was carefully evaluated on the basis of the survey results, the legitimacy of their license, and their current standingwiththeMichiganStateDentalBoardandthe Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). ■

Endodontics

Sarmad M. Alyas-Askar

D.D.S., M.S.D.

Everest Endodontics

Troy

Ali Aminlari, D.D.S., M.S. A2 Endodontics

Ann Arbor

Vajra Bentur, D.D.S. Professional Endodontics

Southfield

Dominic G. Calek, D.D.S.

Goodis Endodontic Specialists

Grosse Pointe Woods

Tiffeny Chimelak, D.D.S.

Endodontic Associates

Novi

Ashley R. Coulter, D.M.D.

Signature Endodontics

St. Clair Shores

Nils E. Danielson, D.D.S., M.S.

Danielson Endodontics

Clawson

Timothy Daws, D.D.S.

Orchard Endodontics

Shelby Twp.

Gianni DeCarolis, D.M.D. Endodontics, PC

Dearborn

Derik P. DeConinck, D.D.S.

Michigan Endodontics, P.C.

Warren

Gerald C. Dietz Jr., D.D.S.

Endodontic Associates

Bloomfield Hills

Clay C. Dietz, D.D.S.

Personal Endodontics, P.C. Root

Canal Specialists

Troy

Craig Duhaime, D.D.S.

Endodontic Associates

Clarkston

Steven Edlund, D.D.S., M.S. Root Canal Specialty Associates

Ann Arbor

Todd V. Ester, D.D.S. Renaissance Endodontics, PLLC Southfield

Richard Gardner, D.D.S. Endodontic Associates

Ann Arbor

Michael A. Glass, D.D.S. Endodontic Associates

Rochester

George T. Goodis, D.D.S. Goodis Endodontic Specialists Grosse Pointe Woods

Brad G. Griffin, D.D.S. Renaissance Endodontics, PLLC Southfield

Gerald J. Halk, D.D.S. Goodis Endodontic Specialists Sterling Heights

Matthew G. Healy, D.D.S., M.S. Dexter Endodontics

Dexter

Bradley A. Hirschman, D.D.S. Advanced Endodontics Novi

Carolin F. Ibrahim, D.D.S. Everest Endodontics Troy

Jay Lang, D.D.S., M.S. Orchard Endodontics Shelby Twp.

Jeffery Marderosian, D.D.S. Professional Endodontics Southfield

Stephen T. McInerney DDS, MS

Root Canal Specialists 31100 Telegraph Rd. Ste. 120 Bingham Farms, MI 48025 248-540-9191 info@rootcanalspecialistspc.com rootcanalspecialistspc.com

Christopher McWatters

D.D.S., M.S. Root Canal Specialty Associates Ann Arbor

Kimberly K. Melegari, D.D.S. Signature Endodontics St. Clair Shores

Jeremy Michaelson, D.M.D. Endodontics, PC Canton

Drew Moeller, D.D.S. Elite Endodontics Lake Orion

Stephen Navarre, D.D.S. Endodontic Associates Clinton Township

Gabrielle Noory, D.D.S. Professional Endodontics Southfield

James Nowicki, D.D.S. Endodontic Associates Rochester

Susan B. Paurazas, D.D.S. Goodis Endodontic Specialists New Baltimore

Eric Richardson, D.D.S. Professional Endodontics Southfield

Ross C. Ryan, D.D.S. American Association of Endodontists Chesterfield

Robert Rybicki, D.D.S. Novi Endodontics Novi

Andrew Schoelch, D.D.S. Professional Endodontics St. Clair Shores

Mark Shallal-Ayzin, D.D.S. Endodontic Associates Waterford

Michael Shapiro, D.M.D., M.S. Root Canal Specialty Associates West Bloomfield

Louis Shoha, D.D.S. Professional Endodontics

Clinton Township

Steve Shoha, D.D.S. Professional Endodontics

Clinton Township

Dr. Chad Speirs

DMD

AetherEndo Integrative & Contemporary Endodontics 2101 E. 14 Mile Rd. Birmingham, MI 48009 248-307-7238 office@aetherendo.com aetherendo.com

Rachel Stockhausen D.D.S., M.D.S. Precision Endodontics

Livonia

James P. Thomas, D.D.S., M.S. Rochester Endodontics, PLLC Rochester Hills

Andrea Tory, D.D.S. Parkside Endodontics

Canton

Steve J. Vlahakis, D.D.S. Plymouth Endodontics Plymouth

Dmitry Vodopyanov, D.D.S., M.S. Root Canal Specialty Associates Ann Arbor

Thomas Vokal, D.D.S., M.S. Macomb Endodontics

Chesterfield

Mayank D. Vora, D.D.S., M.S. Roots Endodontics, PLC Brighton

Daron Yarjanian, D.D.S. Endodontics, PC

Dearborn

Hassan Yehia, D.D.S., M.S. Endodontic Center

Royal Oak

Edgardo Zuniga, D.D.S., M.S. University of Detroit Mercy Detroit

Dr. Dolores Baran, D.D.S.

Dr. Dolores Baran is a well respected dentist – and for good reason. While her educational credentials and professional accomplishments are quite remarkable, it’s the care she offers and the results she achieves that make her stand out.

Dr. Baran, a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, is a highly skilled dentist who has earned recognition and accolades throughout her career. She is also a kind, warm and caring person whom many of her patients call a friend.

In addition, she has also been active with charities over the years and has brought life-changing smiles to women who were victims of Hurricane Katrina, and to those seeking shelter and support through Lighthouse in the wake of domestic abuse and displacement. She continues to be involved with the Judson Center of Royal Oak, helping children with special needs.

Dr. Baran and her entire team provide state-of the-art cosmetic and general dental services to give patients a healthy, dazzling smile. “When treatment is diagnosed, not only is the function in mind important, but the cosmetic aspect as well to make sure it all looks great,” she says. “Our dentists and team utilize advanced technology, including sameday crowns and fully customized care to provide a comfortable experience with high-quality results. We also see emergencies on the same day and, if possible, do treatment on the same day.” Everyone’s time is valuable, and we try to make the most of it.

Dr. Baran also treats patients with migraine headaches using Botox. Many who do not get relief or don’t want to use medications have been getting great results with these injections. Royal Oak Smiles offers a full line of services, including Invisalign (invisible braces) restorative work, tooth gems, implants, wisdom teeth, sleep apnea, and sedation in many cases. ■

Michael Zuroff, D.D.S. FICD, FPA Endodontics, PC Dearborn

General Dentistry

Al Abdelnour, D.D.S. Levan Dental Group Livonia

Bassam Ali, D.D.S. Smile Dental Care Dearborn

Salam Awad, D.D.S. SmilePro Dental Dearborn Heights

David G. Banda, D.D.S. Cranbrook Dental Care Bloomfield Hills

David Banooni, D.D.S. Lifetime Dental Group South Lyon

Dolores Baran, DDS Royal Oak Dentist 1103 N. Main St. Royal Oak, MI 48067 248-548-1440 drbarancommunications @gmail.com royaloaksmiles.com

Murray S. Baruch, D.D.S. Baruch Dentistry West Bloomfield

William G. Bender, D.D.S. William G. Bender, D.D.S. Grosse Pointe Woods

Michael Berman, D.D.S. Berman Family Dentistry Plymouth

Robin Bernard, D.D.S. Lifetime Dental Group Canton

Ghada Beydoun DDS

Premier Dental 22701 Ann Arbor Trl. Dearborn Heights MI 48127 313-274-4422 premierdentalcaredh@gmail.com premierdds.org

Daniel R. Blazo, D.D.S. Advanced Smile Dearborn

Edward A. Borio, D.D.S. Edward A. Borio DDS Bloomfield Hills

Ana Brajak, D.D.S. Preferred Dental Practice Eastpointe

John F. Brucia, D.D.S. John F. Brucia, DDS, PC Warren

Sam Cohen, D.M.D. Parkside Dental Team Westland

Steven Cohen, D.D.S. Parkside Dental Team Westland

Anita Dallo, D.D.S. Commerce Dental Group Commerce Twp.

Paul Darmon, D.D.S. Paul Darmon, D.D.S., PC Beverly Hills

Christopher E. Degenhardt, DDS Degenhardt Dental 2877 Crooks Rd., Ste. A Troy, MI 48084 248-643-6551 info@degenhardtdental.com degenhardtdental.com

Tim DeMeulenaere, D.D.S. Preferred Dental Practice Eastpointe

Robert DiPilla, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. DePilla Dentistry of Birmingham Birmingham

Jeffrey Dunwell, D.D.S. Dunwell Dentistry South Lyon

David Eberhard, D.D.S. Eberhard Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Utica

Horacio Falcón, DDS Falcón Dental Group 20690 Vernier Rd. Harper Woods MI 48225 313-884-3050 info@falcondentalgroup.com falcondentalgroup.com

Mahmoud Farhat, D.D.S. Zenith Dental Care Dearborn

Daniel C. Fischer, D.D.S. Fischer Family Dentistry Garden City

Bruce Fisher, D.D.S. Plymouth Family Dentistry Plymouth

Danielle Gehlert DDS Clairpointe Family Dental 23995 Greater Mack Ave. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 586-775-1040 clairpointe@hotmail.com clairpointefamilydental.com

Kelly M. Giera, D.D.S. Mosaic Dental

Troy

Marc S. Globerman, D.D.S. LakeView Family Dental West Bloomfield Twp.

Raphael V. Goldstein, D.D.S. Goldstein Dental Group, PLLC

Novi

Linda Goodman, D.D.S. MayFair Dental Associates Farmington Hills

Jeffrey Grabiel, D.D.S. Newingham Dental Center

Birmingham

Howard L. Graef, D.D.S. Howard L. Graef, D.D.S. and Martina S. Richardson, D.D.S. Clawson

Kevin Groth, D.D.S. Groth Dental Bingham Farms

Steven D. Gustafson, D.D.S. Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry Royal Oak

Kevin Homer, D.D.S. Edward Street Dental, P.C. Madison Heights

Alexander J. Hunt, D.D.S. Distinctive Dental Smiles Brighton

Brian J. Hunt, DDS Dr. Brian J. Hunt, DDS 24641 Jefferson Ave. St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 586-772-7373 info@brianjhuntdds.com brianjhuntdds.com

Veronica Jabero, D.D.S. Amazing Dental Southgate

Stephen E. Jacobson, D.D.S. Jacobson Dental Group Walled Lake

Jeffrey Jaghab, D.D.S. Drs. Jeffrey and Stephanie Jaghab & Associates

Northville

Stephanie Jaghab, D.D.S. Drs. Jeffrey and Stephanie Jaghab & Associates

Northville

Martin G. Janower, D.D.S. Janower & Monkman Dentistry Madison Heights

Amanda M. Sheehan, D.D.S.

Dr. Amanda M. Sheehan feels a sense of pride and satisfaction when one of her patients walks out the door of Oakland Family Dental with a lifechanging smile. “I’m proud to help patients regain their confidence,” she says.

Since opening Oakland Family Dental in Waterford in 2016, she’s made it her mission to treat patients with care and compassion from the moment they walk in the door until they flash their new, confident smile. Oakland Family Dental offers a full slate of services: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, sleep dentistry, sedation dentistry, and dental implants.

Dr. Sheehan is known for her dedication to education; she graduated summa cum laude from Franklin Pierce College, received her doctorate from SUNY at Buffalo, and received her certificate in dental oncology from the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in 2012. She’s the recipient of a Diplomate in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and the American Board of Oral Implantology. She’s also among the few dentists in North America who have achieved a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, and she holds the title of Faculty Director at the Resnik Implant Institute, where she mentors colleagues on implant surgery and prosthetics. Most recently, she became the first female dentist in Michigan to obtain board certification in implants. By continuously proving her dedication to her field and her patients, Dr. Sheehan has established herself as one of Michigan’s premier dental providers. ■

Kulbir (Nikki) Jassal, D.D.S. Glowing Smiles Dental

Troy

Harry L. Joboulian, D.D.S. Levan Dental Group Livonia

David Kam, D.D.S. Lifetime Dental Group Canton

Kyle Katynski, D.D.S. Michigan Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Troy

Joel Kerwin, D.D.S. Hartland Smilemakers Hartland

Mark W. Langberg, D.D.S., M.A.G.D. LakeView Family Dental Southfield

James S. LoPrete, D.D.S. Bloomfield Hills Dental Group Bloomfield Hills

Kevin Malerman, D.D.S. Lifetime Dental Group West Bloomfield Township

Michelle L. Maltese, D.D.S. Paint Creek Dentistry Rochester

Christopher J. Manduzzi, D.D.S., P.C.

Christopher J. Manduzzi, DDS, PC Utica

Michael J. Marderosian, D.D.S. Farmbrook Dental Group

Bloomfield Hills

Karen P. Meyers, D.D.S. Karen P. Meyers, DDS

Birmingham

Mitchell S. Milan, D.D.S. Birmingham Center for Cosmetic Dentistry

Birmingham

Renee C. Miller, D.D.S.

Renee C. Miller D.D.S. & James M.

Cooper D.D.S. Grosse Pointe Woods

Jonathan Miodownik, D.M.D. Jonathan Miodownik, DMD Southfield

Andrea B. Monkman, D.D.S. Janower & Monkman Dentistry Madison Heights

Robert G. Nakisher, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. LakeView Family Dental West Bloomfield Twp.

Peter Namou, D.D.S. Cranbrook Dental Care Bloomfield Hills

Justin C. Newingham, D.D.S. Newingham Dental Center Birmingham

Matthew D. Nona, D.D.S. Nona Dental Farmington Hills

Melissa Novetsky, D.D.S. Fischer Family Dentistry Garden City

William Palm, D.D.S. Palm Family Dental Huntington Woods

Mike Papastamatis DMD Rochester Dental

Aesthetics 1202 Walton Blvd., Ste. 220 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 248-651-0730 dentist@rochesterdentalaesthetics.com rochesterda.com

Meghan Polack, D.D.S. Preferred Dental Practice Family & Specialty Care Eastpointe

Martina S. Richardson, D.D.S. Howard L. Graef, D.D.S. and Martina S. Richardson, D.D.S. Clawson

Michael Saba, D.M.D. Brush. Rinse. Floss - Shelby Township Shelby Charter Twp.

Kevin Schierlinger, D.D.S. VanBuskirk Dental Troy

Bashar Sedki, D.D.S. B. Sedki DDS Commerce Township

Ricardo Seir, D.D.S. Parkside Dental Team Westland

Darshika Shah, D.D.S. Dentist R Us Troy

Amanda Sheehan DDS, DABOI, DICOI, MAGD, D.ABDSM Oakland Family Dental 4626 W. Walton Blvd Waterford, MI 48329 248-674-0384 oaklandfamilydental@gmail.com oaklandfamilydental.com

David Sorial DDS, FICOI, PC Smile Farmington Hills, PC 32931 Middlebelt Rd. Ste. 162 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-626-9915 smilefh21@gmail.com smilefarmingtonhills.com

Stephanie Stephan, D.D.S. The Hills Dental Studio

Auburn Hills

Scott Stinnet, D.D.S. LakeView Family Dental West Bloomfield Twp.

Mary Sue Stonisch

DDS, AAACD, FICOI Faircourt Dental Smile Studio 20040 Mack Ave. Grosse Pointe Woods MI 48236 313-882-2000 thesmileartist@comcast.net faircourtdental.com

Kenneth D. Thomas, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. Our Neighborhood Dentist Clarkston

Matt Thomas, D.D.S. Saad Oral Health & Beauty Birmingham

Doug Thompson, D.D.S. Integrative Oral Medicine Bloomfield Hills

Brittany VanBuskirk, D.D.S. VanBuskirk Dental Troy

Enkelejda Veizaj, D.D.S. Wyandotte Family Dental Wyandotte

Suela Veizaj, D.D.S. Wyandotte Family Dental Wyandotte

Gary J. Warr, D.D.S. Beacon Square Dentistry Southfield

John P. Warr, D.D.S. Towne Center Dentistry Waterford

Jeffrey E. Watzman, D.D.S. Edward Street Dental, P.C. Madison Heights

David Whalen, D.D.S. Cosmetic Dentistry Institute Troy

Mark E. Wolowiec, D.D.S. Farmbrook Dental Group Bloomfield Hills

David A. Wright, D.D.S. M.B.A., M.A.G.D.

David A. Wright D.D.S., P.C. Waterford

Natasha Yest (Atlevski-Gates) DDS Gentle Family Dentistry of South Lyon 546 N. Lafayette St. South Lyon, MI 48178 248-486-1730

gfd48178@gmail.com gentledentistsouthlyon.com

Dr. Natasha Yest (Atlevski-Gates) D.D.S., PLLC

From the warm and inviting reception area, to the gracious smiles from the welcoming staff, to the experienced, passionate and caring Dr Natasha Yest (formerly Atlevski-Gates), Gentle Family Dentistry of South Lyon provides a high standard of patient care that sets the office apart.

Dr. Yest has been practicing dentistry in Southeast Michigan for 19 years and has created strong relationships with patients and staff along the way. She has owned Gentle Family Dentistry in South Lyon for five years and has created an office, staff and experience that is truly unique and special.

“I have long had a vision of what a dental office should be and how patients should be cared for and what a deeply devoted team looks like,” says Dr. Yest. “I am dedicated to my staff and I want them to feel dedicated to our team and our patients. I want us all to feel joy and gratification in what we do.”

Dr. Yest also values and invests in state of the art equipment and using the latest and greatest procedures. Gentle Family Dentistry of South Lyon specializes in improving smiles through many services including general dentistry, teeth whitening, crowns and bridges, preventive care, pediatric care, Invisalign and more.

Dr Yest’s passion for the community that she lives and works in goes beyond the office doors. She sponsors local events, donates to local schools and participates in local parades in an effort to help support her community. ■

Gentle Family Dentistry of South Lyon

Dr. Natasha Yest (Atlevski-Gates) D.D.S., PLLC Owner 546 N. Lafayette South Lyon, MI 48178 248-486-1730

gentledentistsouthlyon.com

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Zaid Abu-Seir, D.D.S. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Michigan, P.C. Farmington Hills

Joe Alamat, D.D.S., M.D., M.S. Alamat Oral Surgery Group Shelby Township

Jonathon Anderson, D.D.S. Birmingham OMS, PLC Birmingham

Mark A. Azzopardi, D.D.S. Oakland Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center

Novi

Austin Be, D.D.S., M.D. Great Expressions Specialty Center

Warren

Norman Betts, D.D.S., M.S. Trillium Oral Surgery and Implantology

Plymouth

Chad E. Betz, D.D.S. Specialized Surgeons

Livonia

Gregg D. Bobier, D.M.D. Gregg D. Bobier, DMD Rochester

Thomas Bolten, D.D.S., M.D. Michigan OMS West Bloomfield

Nicholas Bournias, D.D.S. Michigan OMS West Bloomfield

Henry G. Bryan, D.D.S.

Henry G. Bryan Facial Surgery & Implant Institute - Renaissance Oral and Facial Surgery

Roseville

Robert N. Chames, D.D.S. Oakland Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center

Novi

Jeffrey S. Cohen, D.D.S. Lakes Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, P.C. West Bloomfield Township

Daniel Coke, D.M.D. Oakland Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center

Novi

Sean Peter Edwards M.D., D.D.S University of Michigan HealthOral Surgery Procedure Unit Ann Arbor

Yuksel Erpardo DDS, PhD Center for Implant Dentistry & Oral Surgery 28124 Orchard Lake Rd., Ste. 100 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-702-6622 info@c4implantdentistry.com drerpardo.com

Anthony C. Fasi, D.D.S. Michigan Oral Surgeons

Ann Arbor

Dalbert W. Fear, D.D.S., M.S. Legacy Oral and Facial Surgery Center Ann Arbor

Robert B. Felsenfeld, D.D.S. Felsenfeld Oral Surgery and Dental Implants Dearborn

Norbert E. Fernandez, D.D.S. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor

Adam Fisher, D.M.D. Lakeshore Dental Implant Specialists Eastpointe

Dexter K. Flemming, D.D.S., M.S. Michigan Center for Oral Surgery Southgate

Gary Forgach, D.D.S. ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers Southfield

Arvind Gulati, D.D.S. Novi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Novi

Anish Gupta, D.D.S. Lyon Dental Implants and Oral Surgery

New Hudson

John Hackenberger, D.D.S. Summit Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Grosse Pointe Woods

Curtiss P. Haskins, D.D.S., M.D. Oakland Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center Livonia

Joseph Hildebrand, D.D.S. Dr. Joseph M. Hildebrand DDS, PC Shelby Township

Paul Ho, D.D.S. South Shore Oral Surgery Brownstown

Marvin Jabero, D.D.S. The Center for Dental ImplantsOral & Facial Surgeons of Michigan Hartland

Robert C. John, D.D.S. Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons & Dental Implant Center Oxford

Bryan Johnson, D.D.S. Oral & Facial Surgeons of Michigan Clarkston

Anthony Kasper, D.D.S., O.M.F.S. Keystone Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, P.C. Clinton Township

P. Andrew Kissoondial, D.D.S. Oakland Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center

Sterling Heights

Jeffrey Knorr, D.D.S., MSBA Summit Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Rochester Hills

Vejayan Krishnan, D.D.S. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Michigan, P.C. Farmington Hills

Arshi Singh Lehal, D.D.S. Summit Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Rochester Hills

Nick Leone, D.D.S. Nick Leone, DDS St. Clair Shores

Claude LeRose, D.D.S., M.D. Summit Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Grosse Pointe Woods

Paul C. Lopez, D.D.S. Michigan Oral Surgeons Ann Arbor

Jeffery A. McFadden, D.D.S. Specialized Surgeons

Livonia

Brock McKinley, D.D.S. Henry G. Bryan Facial Surgery & Implant Institute - Renaissance Oral and Facial Surgery

Roseville

Jack Moores, D.D.S. Oakland Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center

Livonia

Ronald P. Morris, D.D.S. Downriver Surgery Center

Wyandotte

James A. Muller II, D.D.S., M.D. The Huntington Group, P.C. Huntington Woods

Degenhardt Dental

Generations of Experience Create the Degenhardt Difference

One of the first Google reviews of Degenhardt Dental in Troy perfectly sums up the longtime and highly respected practice: “The staff is like a family and patients are treated with care and kindness.”

It’s the Degenhardt Difference and it’s been that way since Dr. Ted Degenhardt (Dr. D) opened Degenhardt Dental in 1979. Later, two of his sons, Christopher Degenhardt DDS, and Stephen Degenhardt DDS, MS, joined the practice.

Dr. Chris Degenhardt is a graduate of Detroit Mercy’s School of Dentistry, is a current member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and has received post graduate training in Cosmetic, Implant, CAD-CAM and Sleep Dentistry. Dr Chris believes in using the latest technology to help provide the best dentistry has to offer while creating your perfect smile.

Dr. Ted Degenhardt, has been practicing general

and cosmetic dentistry for over 40 years and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. An important focus of his practice is providing oral appliance therapy to patients who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and snoring.

Dr. Steve Degenhardt is a board-certified orthodontist and is passionate about clear aligner treatment (Invisalign) for both adults and adolescents. He attended Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Degenhardt Dental’s state-of-the-art technology combined with their team’s passion for continuing education gives them great pride in delivering the gold standard of care to their patients.

“We recognize patients have many choices in healthcare these days, and it is our goal to exceed

their expectations,” said Dr. Chris. “Over the years, our practice has cared for patients, their children and now we are seeing the next generation of families. We invite you to experience the Degenhardt Difference!” ■

Brian Murphy, D.D.S.

Michigan OMS

West Bloomfield

Gregory M. Nielsen, D.D.S., M.D.

The Huntington Group, P.C.

Huntington Woods

Derek Nykiel, D.D.S., M.D.

Bingham Farms Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Bingham Farms

Leslie Orzech, D.M.D.

Premier Oral Surgery & Implants, PLC

Grand Blanc

Suzanne Pasternak, D.D.S., M.D. Superior Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Rochester Hills

Matthew Stephen Pinsky, D.D.S. Oral & Facial Surgeons of Michigan

Brighton

Aaron M. Pokorny, D.D.S., M.D.

Rochester Hills Oral Surgery

Rochester Hills

Carlos A. Ramirez-Neyra

M.D., D.D.S.

Center for Head & Neck, Maxillofacial & Reconstructive Surgery

Warren

Paul A. Renke, D.D.S.

Rochester Hills Oral Surgery

Rochester Hills

David M. Rombach, D.D.S., M.D.

The Huntington Group, P.C.

Huntington Woods

Aaron Ruskin, D.D.S. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Associates of Michigan, P.C.

Farmington Hills

Christopher Sanker, D.D.S., M.D. Michigan Oral Surgeons

Ann Arbor

Timothy Schmakel, D.D.S., M.D. Bingham Farms Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Bingham Farms

Russell Sclafani, D.D.S., M.D. Summit Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Macomb

Kathryn A. Sonpal, D.D.S. Rochester Hills Oral Surgery Rochester Hills

David Szandzik, D.D.S. Summit Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Grosse Pointe Woods

Gregory Thomas, D.D.S., M.S. Summit Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Rochester Hills

William L. Thompson, D.D.S., M.D. iCare Oral Surgery Commerce Township

Kyle Thorsrud, D.D.S. Southshore Oral Surgery Dearborn

Jeffrey Wasielewski, D.D.S. Trillium Oral Surgery and Implantology

Plymouth

Jeevaka Yapa, D.D.S. Yapa Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Southfield

Orthodontics

Maggie Anderson, D.D.S., M.S. Drs. Nolan & Guest Orthodontics Canton

Philip Badalamenti, D.D.S.

Badalamenti-Ferlito Orthodontics St. Clair Shores

Marsha Beattie, D.D.S.

Hersh-Beattie-Isenberg Orthodontics

West Bloomfield Township

Mark Berkman, D.D.S. Outstanding Orthodontics

Commerce Township

Mark A. Bieszki, D.D.S., M.S. Macomb Orthodontics

Macomb Township

Dr. Jen Bonamici Reynolds Orthodontics 1202 Walton Blvd. Rochester Hills MI 48307 248-344-8400 info@myamazingsmile.com myamazingsmile.com

Sri Sudha Boppana, D.D.S. Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates

Taylor

Thomas Borgula, D.D.S. Thomas Borgula, D.D.S., M.S., P.C. Shelby Township

George E. Bork, D.D.S. TDR Orthodontics

Birmingham

Richard Bruno, D.D.S. Bruno Orthodontics Clawson

Eric Brust, D.D.S. SBK Orthodontics

Taylor

Bridget Bushon-Miller D.D.S., M.S.

Sterling Orthodontics PLC

Sterling Heights

Thomas Chae, D.D.S. Rochester Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Rochester Hills

Hadi Daia, DDS MS, FRCD(C) Daia Orthodontics & TMJ Orthopedics 930 W. Avon Rd., Ste. 16 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 248-652-1244 smile@daiaortho.com daiaortho.com

Andrew DeHaan, D.D.S. DeHaan Orthodontics

Lake Orion

Archana Dhawan, D.D.S., M.S. Oakland Orthodontics Troy

Laura F. Edwards, D.D.S., M.S. Edwards & Schaefer Orthodontics Ann Arbor

Kathy Elias, D.M.D., Ph.D. Elias Orthodontics Utica

Cynthia L. Fee, D.D.S., M.S. Plymouth Orthodontics Plymouth

Thomas Fredal Jr. DDS, MSD Fredal Orthodontics 7827 25 Mile Rd. Shelby Twp, MI 48316 586-544-4440 info@fredalortho.com fredalortho.com

Richard F. Frenchi, D.D.S. Siddiqui Orthodontics Dearborn

Richard S. Friedman, D.M.D., M.S. Motor City Smiles

Royal Oak

Brad Gauthier, D.D.S., M.S. Rochester Orthodontics Rochester

Thomas Gebeck, D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Hummon & Dr. GebeckOrthodontic Associates PC Birmingham

Robert Goodman, D.D.S. Maple Orthodontics West Bloomfield

Daniel Gross, D.D.S. Your Smile Orthodontics

Huntington Woods

Christian G. Groth, D.D.S., M.S. TDR Orthodontics

Birmingham

Dr. Jamie Reynolds knows there’s more to orthodontics than straightening teeth because he has the privilege and thrill of seeing the “big picture” results every day.

“If we can change the way someone feels about their smile, it will have an impact on how confident they are,” he says. “That opportunity to change lives is what makes our job really special. And we want to make sure we give each individual the most aesthetically pleasing smile possible.”

Dr. Reynolds has been with Reynolds Orthodontics for 21 years. The practice now includes four locations - Novi, Rochester, Troy, and West Bloomfield offices - and another amazing and dedicated dentist - Dr. Jenn Bonamici. Their goal is to “provide cutting-edge orthodontic care with industry-leading treatment options and efficiency, while creating “Amazing Smiles” for our pa-

tients in an environment that is fun and affordable for our customers and rewarding for our team,” says Dr. Reynolds.

High on the list of priorities at the practice is avoiding unnecessary or invasive procedures. One example is the Damon Braces System, a cutting-edge combination of a special brace design and wire technology that allows orthodontists to wield gentler forces with greater comfort.

Reynolds Orthodontics also is among the top providers of Invisalign and Spark, which uses removable, clear aligners. “It’s a great way for those who aren’t keen on the idea of braces to get a beautiful, healthy smile,” Dr. Bonamici says.

The doctors invite you to schedule a complimentary smile assessment at any of their four state-of-the-art locations. ■

Jamie Reynolds, D.D.S., M.S.

Jenn B onamici, D.D.S., M.S.

Susie Guest, D.D.S., M.S. Drs. Nolan & Guest Orthodontics Canton

Michael R. Hardy, D.D.S., M.S. Metropolitan Dental Center Waterford Twp.

Aaron Havens, D.D.S., M.S. Havens Orthodontics St. Clair Shores

David Havens, D.D.S., M.S. Havens Orthodontics St. Clair Shores

Jessica Hazzard DDS, MSD Today’s Orthodontics 18444 Farmington Rd. Livonia, MI 48152 734-454-9200 jessica.hazzard@ smiledoctors.com todaysortho.com

Gregory Hummon, D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Hummon & Dr. GebeckOrthodontic Associates PC Birmingham

Mark S. Hunter, D.M.D. Mark S. Hunter, D.M.D. Northville

Rodney Hyduk, D.D.S., M.S.D. Ortho by Hyduk Troy

Amy Isenberg, D.D.S. Hersh-Beattie-Isenberg Orthodontics West Bloomfield Township

Nicole M. Jane, D.D.S., M.S. The Big Smile Orthodontics Livonia

Brynn Jezdimir, D.D.S. LakePointe Orthodontics St. Clair Shores

Thomas D. Jusino, D.D.S., M.S. The Smile Engineer Farmington Hills

Justin Kammo, D.D.S. Profound Orthodontics Bingham Farms

Scott Kanas, D.D.S. Kanas Orthodontics Rochester Hills

Zvi Kennet, D.M.D. Kennet Orthodontics Macomb

Alan J. Ker, D.D.S., M.S. Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan Clinton Twp.

Leen Khatib, D.D.S. SBK Orthodontics Ann Arbor

Kishawn Kole-James DDS Superior Orthodontics 22770 Kelly Rd. Eastpointe, MI 48021 248-313-4899 superiororthodontics @gmail.com superbraces4u.com

William Krieg, D.D.S. LakePointe Orthodontics St. Clair Shores

Maureen Kuhta, D.M.D. Aligned House of Orthodontics Birmingham

Michael Lanzetta, D.D.S. Lanzetta Orthodontics Taylor

John A. Lazarus, D.D.S., M.S. Lazarus Orthodontics Waterford

John J. Lupini, D.D.S., M.S. True Orthodontics, PC Wyandotte

Nawaf Masri, D.D.S. Masri Orthodontics Livonia

Jana Tumpkin McQueen, D.D.S.

McQueen Orthodontic Specialists Clinton Twp.

Janelle (Jayy) McQueen, D.D.S.

McQueen Orthodontic Specialists Clinton Twp.

Betsy Meade, D.D.S. Betsy Meade Orthodontics Ypsilanti

Jennifer K. Mertz, D.D.S., M.S. Grosse Pointe Orthodontics Grosse Pointe Woods

Charles F. Munk, D.D.S. Munk Orthodontics

Clarkston

Andrea Nakisher, D.D.S. Nakisher Orthodontics Farmington Hills

Kenneth A. Norwick, D.D.S. Norwick Orthodontics Dearborn

Stephanie Marie Oska, D.D.S. Stephanie Marie Oska, DDS, MS Macomb

Nick S. Palmer, D.D.S., M.S. Nick S. Palmer DDS MS PC Sterling Heights

Jerek Petrous, D.D.S., M.S. Petrous Orthodontics Royal Oak

Raphael R. Putrus, D.M.D., M.P.H., M.H.A. All About Orthodontics Warren

Nicholas Rafaill, D.D.S. Straight Smiles Orthodontics

Shelby Township

James Reynolds DDS, MS Reynolds Orthodontics 45500 W 10 Mile Rd. Novi, MI 48374 248-344-8400 info@myamazingsmile.com myamazingsmile.com

Rebecca Rubin, D.M.D., M.S. Lash Rubin Orthodontics West Bloomfield

Jacob Schering, D.D.S., M.S. Apex Orthodontics Canton

Lainie M. Shapiro, D.D.S. Outstanding Orthodontics Commerce Township

Prasanna-Kumar Shivapuja, B.D.S., M.D.S., D.D.S., M.S. Kumar Orthodontics Roseville

Brandon Shoukri, D.D.S. Dexter Orthodontics Dexter

Mamnoon A. Siddiqui, D.D.S., M.S. Siddiqui Orthodontics Dearborn

Bradley Stieper, D.D.S. SBK Orthodontics Taylor

Nicole Teifer DDS, MSD Today’s Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry 44110 W. 12 Mile Rd. Novi, MI 48377 734-454-9200 smile@todaysortho.com todaysortho.com

Ari G. Thanasas, D.D.S., M.S. Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan Clinton Twp.

Howard L. Tingling, D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Howard L. Tingling, DDS, MS Southfield

Algirdas Vaitas, D.M.D. Birmingham Orthodontic Specialists

Birmingham

Leah Vernacchia, D.D.S. Reynolds Orthodontics Troy

Gerald W. Wesley, D.D.S., M.S. Lifetime Orthodontics Clinton Twp.

Robert K. Wesley, D.D.S. Wesley Orthodontics Richmond

Dr. Horacio Falcón

Falcon Dental Group, known for excellence in dentistry in Harper Woods and the surrounding Grosse Pointe communities, is constantly looking for new ways to improve its five-star experience by putting patients at the center of the practice. Their ongoing commitment to advanced technology, a relaxing environment, and fully individualized treatment is what has patients returning to Falcon Dental Group for many years.

Dr. Horacio Falcón, a University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry graduate and owner of Falcon Dental Group in Harper Woods, has years of experience in both general dentistry and comprehensive dental treatments. Dr. Falcón, who has been recognized over the years for his clinical and leadership excellence, has extensive training in dental implants and aesthetic dentistry. He has been named a Top Dentist by Hour Detroit magazine for multiple consecutive years.

Over the years, Dr. Falcón has helped many of his patients transform their lives by enhancing their unique smile. He says he believes that people with great smiles are perceived to be more competent, attractive, sincere, confident, and sociable. “That’s the power of a great smile, and it’s rewarding to help people transform their lives” Dr. Falcón says.

Falcon Dental Group is all about the five-star patient experience. “We provide a relaxing and comfortable environment with state-of-the-art technology, from digital impressions to 3-D CBCT radiographs,” he adds.

Falcon Dental Group offers general dentistry — including aesthetic, sedation, and implant dentistry for the whole family. “I look forward to the personal relationships developed with treating people and strive to provide patients with the best experience,” Dr. Falcón says. “Never underestimate the power of a healthy, beautiful smile.” ■

James Williams III, D.D.S., M.D.S. Drs. Delaney, Root & Associates, PC Waterford

Nicole S. Wright, D.D.S., M.S. Plymouth Orthodontics

Plymouth

Brielle Zuzo, D.D.S. Zuzo Orthodontics

Plymouth

Pediatric Dentistry

Salwa Atwan, B.D.S., D.D.S., M.S. Salwa Atwan DDS, MS Pediatric Dentistry PC

Plymouth

Amit Batra, D.D.S. Macomb Children’s Dentistry Macomb

Samuel Blanchard, D.D.S. Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates

Taylor

Daniel M. Briskie, D.D.S.

Arnold Tracht, Daniel Briskie, & Lisa Goldberg, D.D.S., P.C. Rochester Hills

Mary Hannawa Calek, D.D.S., M.S. Children’s Dental Specialists

Troy

Sarah A. Carrico, D.M.D., F.A.A.P.D. Pediatric Dentistry of Brighton

Brighton

Andreina Castro, D.D.S. Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates

Taylor

Jeffrey S. Daulton, D.D.S., M.S. Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan Clinton Twp.

James Delaney III, D.D.S. Drs. Delaney, Root & Associates, PC Waterford

Molly Doyle, D.D.S. Motor Mouth Pediatric Dentistry

Dearborn

Madison Fantin, D.D.S. Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates

Taylor

Naila Farooq, D.D.S. Lakes Pediatric Dentistry Commerce Township

Renee Fraser, D.D.S. Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan Clinton Twp.

Lisa Goldberg, D.D.S. Arnold Tracht, Daniel Briskie, & Lisa Goldberg, D.D.S., P.C. Rochester Hills

Jason Golnick DDS, MS Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates 21213 Ecorse Rd. Taylor, MI 48180 313-292-7777 golnickpediatric@securedds.com golnickpediatricdentistry.com

Dawn Yuen Harvey, D.D.S., M.S. Toothworks Pediatric Dentistry Grosse Pointe Woods

Heather Marie Hoffman, D.D.S. Ann Arbor Smiles Ann Arbor

Sophia Huynh, D.D.S. Rochester Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Rochester Hills

Danny Kalash, D.M.D. Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates West Bloomfield Township

Youngjoo E. Kim, D.D.S. Tree Town Pediatric Dentistry Ann Arbor

Martin Makowski, D.D.S. Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan Clinton Twp.

Ray Maturo, D.D.S., M.S. Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry Ann Arbor

Amy B. Maxwell, D.D.S. Olde Orchard Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Novi

Ife Nwabueze, D.M.D. Children’s Dental Specialists Troy

Amy C. Parker, D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Amy C. Parker DDS, MS Southfield

Curt Ralstrom, D.D.S., M.S. Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan Clinton Twp.

Elizabeth Ralstrom, D.D.S., M.S. Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan Clinton Twp.

Jocelyn M. Robelli, D.D.S., M.S. Jocelyn M. Robelli DDS, MS, PLLC Roseville

Sonal N. Shah, D.D.S., B.D.S Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry Shelby Township

Basam F. Shamo, D.D.S. Motor Mouth Pediatric Dentistry Dearborn

Megan E. Stowers, D.D.S., M.S. Megan E. Stowers, DDS, MS, PLC West Bloomfield

Stacy Sullivan, D.D.S., M.S. Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Chesterfield

Michelle Tiberia, D.D.S., M.S. Macomb Children’s Dentistry Macomb

Arnold Tracht, D.D.S. Arnold Tracht, Daniel Briskie, & Lisa Goldberg, D.D.S., P.C. Rochester Hills

Joseph C. Tuazon, D.D.S. Tiny Tooth Dental Sterling Heights

David Vazquez, D.D.S. Motor Mouth Pediatric Dentistry Dearborn

Christopher Walsh, D.D.S. Clarkston Pediatric Dentistry Clarkston

Cari M. Zupko, D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Cari M. Zupko & Associates Beverly Hills

Periodontics

Heba Abuhussein, D.D.S. Great Lakes Family Dental Group Livonia

A. G. Alsaidi, D.D.S., M.S. Michigan Gum Docs Southfield

Lauren Anderson, D.D.S., M.S. Anderson Periodontal Wellness Bloomfield Hills

Monish Bhola, D.D.S., M.S.D. Advanced Periodontics & Implantology Plymouth

Suheil M. Boutros, D.D.S. Cambridge Dental Group Dearborn Heights

Julius Bunek, D.D.S., M.S. Michigan Implants & Periodontics Ann Arbor

Sandra S. Chang, D.D.S., M.S. Michigan Perio Canton

Dr. Jason Golnick, D.D.S., M.S.

The professionals at Golnick Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry P.C. have never had a reason to advertise or market their practice because of their long standing reputation, focus and commitment to preventive dental care that sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles for every child.

“The Pediatricians of Dentistry” - Dr. Andreina Castro, Dr. Sam Blanchard, Dr. Danny Kalash, Dr. Madison Fantin, Dr. Dina Tanbakuchi, Dr. Chad Zilich and Dr. Jason Golnick - are experts in dental care for infants, children, adolescents and special needs individuals. All of the doctors have extensive training in child development and behavior management and are active in organized dentistry and the community.

“The number of young patients requiring dentistry has always been intimidating and the needs are increasing,” says Dr. Golnick, who joined Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates in 1994 and worked alongside his father, Dr. Arnold Golnick, the founder of the practice for many years. “With limited pediatric dental practitioners available and an increasing demand for exceptional care for children, our greatest challenge is to accommodate and schedule patients efficiently. We value all our patients’ time and are committed to delivering excellent customer care and optimal results.”

Golnick Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry P.C. uses the latest advancements in dental equipment and technology available at each location where patients are treated comfortably using nitrous oxide, conscious oral sedation, IV sedation or under general anesthesia. Laser therapy is also available for lip and tongue ties and dental treatment without the indication for local anesthesia.

Dr. Golnick is a C.S. Mott Fellow in Pediatric Dentistry and has served as an adjunct clinical professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry. He also is an active staff member of Corewell Health and is past President of the Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. ■

21213 Ecorse Rd.

Taylor, MI 48180 | 313-292-7777

6405 Telegraph Road (E) Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 | 248-647-8656

2300 Haggerty Hwy. (1180)

W. Bloomfield, MI 48323 | 248-668-0022

golnickpediatricdentistry.com

David G. Darany, D.D.S., M.S. Periodontic & Implantology Associates

Dearborn

Linda L. Dobis, D.D.S. Periodontic & Implantology Associates

Dearborn

Omar El-Banhawy, D.D.S. M.S., FICOI Dental Implant Center of Royal Oak Royal Oak

Mark E. Frenchi, D.D.S., M.S. Mark Frenchi, D.D.S., M.S., P.C. Clarkston

Dalia (Dawlat) Hasso, D.D.S. Pinnacle Dental Group Monroe

Mark S. Isler, D.D.S., M.S. LakeView Family Dental West Bloomfield

Leyvee Lynn C. Jacobs, D.D.S. Ascension St. John Oral Surgery and Dental Clinic Detroit

Ana Janic, D.D.S. University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry Detroit

Mitchell D. Kaplan, D.D.S., Ph.D. Mitchell D. Kaplan, D.D.S., Ph.D., P.C. Ann Arbor

Amar Katranji DDS, MS Nemeth & Katranji Periodontics 29829 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 111 Southfield, MI 48034 248-357-3100 info@drnemeth.com drnemeth.com

Shelia Kennebrew, D.D.S.

Sheila Kennebrew, DDS Southfield

Arash Khoshneviszadeh, D.M.D. Royal Dental Center West Bloomfield

Bassam M. Kinaia, D.D.S., M.S., D.I.C.O.I. Michigan Periodontics & Implants Sterling Heights

Shilpa Kolhatkar, D.D.S., M.S.D. Advanced Periodontics & Implantology Plymouth

Samuel Korkis, D.D.S., M.S. Troy Periodontics & Dental Implants Troy

Lloyd W. Lariscy, D.D.S. Periodontic & Implantology Specialists Farmington Hills

Peter Leone, D.D.S., M.S. Periodontal Specialties Clinton Township

David Lipton, D.D.S., M.S. Michigan Dental Specialists Bloomfield Hills

Omar Mario Masabni, D.D.S. Awesome Dental Care Livonia

Stephen J. Meraw, D.D.S., M.S. Professional Periodontics & Implant Services Warren

Kelly Misch, D.D.S., M.S. Michigan Implants & Periodontics Ann Arbor

Anthony L. Neely, D.D.S. Renaissance Endodontics, PLLC Southfield

Joseph R. Nemeth

DDS, MACS Nemeth & Katranji Periodontics 29829 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 111 Southfield, MI 48034 248-357-3100 info@drnemeth.com drnemeth.com

Michael Ramos, D.D.S. Michigan Oral Rehabilitation and Periodontics

Rochester Hills

Abdullah Sayed, D.D.S., M.S. Pristine Periodontics and Implants

Birmingham

Khaled Sinjab, D.D.S. Doan Periodontics

Brighton

Jason G. Souyias, D.D.S. Periodontic Associates of Port Huron

Port Huron

Lindsey Steele, D.D.S., M.S. Jacobson Dental Group

Walled Lake

Jacob Steiger, D.D.S., M.S. Periodontic & Implantology Specialists

Farmington Hills

Patrick L Sweeney, D.D.S. Lakeshore Dental Specialists Eastpointe

Lauren M. Syrowik, D.D.S., M.S. Periodontic & Implantology Associates

Dearborn

Russell Thaler, D.M.D., M.S. Lifetime Dental Group Canton

Paul VanRaaphorst, D.D.S., M.S. Rochester Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC Rochester Hills

Whitney D. Weiner, D.D.S. Whole Dental Wellness

Birmingham

Steve L. Wolf, D.D.S. Legacy Periodontics & Implants Novi

Joanne Yihan, D.D.S., M.S. Rochester Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC Rochester Hills

Mark D. Zahn, D.D.S., M.S. Mark D. Zahn D.D.S., M.S., P.C. Ann Arbor

Samir F. Zakaria DDS, MSD Periodontics & Dental Implants Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology 37619 Pembroke Ave. Livonia, MI 48152 734-542-9904 zakariaperio.com

Aaron Zeevi, D.D.S. Periodontics Implant Dentistry, Aaron Zeevi DDS, MS Huntington Woods

Laura Zetu, D.D.S. Zetu Periodontics Rochester Hills

Jonathan S. Zora, D.D.S., M.S. Periodontic & Implantology Associates

Dearborn

Prosthodontics

David Bartolovic, D.D.S. Pointe Dental Group Grosse Pointe Farms

Benjamin Czerniawski D.D.S., M.S. Pointe ProsthodonticsDentistry & Implants by Dr. Ben Grosse Pointe Woods

Alexandra B. Plonka, D.D.S., M.S. Professional Periodontics & Implant Services Grosse Pointe Woods

Michael S. Wojcik, D.D.S., M.S. Periodontal Specialties Clinton Township

Andrew N. Dill, D.D.S., M.S. West Ann Arbor Dentistry Ann Arbor

Chady Elhage, D.D.S., M.S. Dental Implant Center of Royal Oak Royal Oak

Today’s Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Nicole Teifer is more than a highly respected and award-winning orthodontist; she’s also an author, guest speaker, and fashionista who understands that you are never fully dressed without the perfect smile.

Dr. Teifer has spent 14 years styling smiles as an orthodontist, and she says she still loves seeing the joyous reaction when new smiles are revealed.

“When we reveal a patient’s true smile, they feel lighter, more dazzling, and extremely confident,” Dr. Teifer says, “just like you when you’re wearing brandnew Jimmy Choos and heading to a fabulous event with your best friends.”

Dr. Teifer shares her four orthodontics offices with Dr. Jessica Hazzard and Dr. Owais Naeem. The doctors bring more than strong educational backgrounds and years of experience to the practice. They also bring their positive personalities and energy, proving that the process of getting your new smile can actually be fun.

“Our Dream Team cheers for our patients every day, and the constant efforts we make to ensure our patients are always happy,” she says. “We provide extremely outrageous service, and it results in a fun and rewarding experience.”

Todays Orthodontics offers both braces and Invisalign for children and adults. “Invisalign can provide a great option for children – 7 years old to teens,” Dr. Hazzard says. “When I’m speaking to a family we talk about what would be the best fit for their child – Invisalign or braces. Another thing we do is to get a child used to the office and have them feel comfortable in the surroundings, that way when they are ready for treatment, they will feel comfortable and not apprehensive.”

By choosing the modern treatments at Today’s Orthodontics, people won’t know that your smile is under development. “It’s a game-changer for our patients,” Dr. Teifer says. “When the treatment is done, we want them to feel ‘fully dressed’ with that perfect smile.” ■

Jessica Hazzard, D.D.S., M.S.D.

Nicole Teifer, D.D.S., M.S.D. and Owais Naeem, D.D.S.

Rami Elrefai, D.D.S. ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers

Southfield

Furat M. George, D.D.S. Enamel Dental Studio

Farmington Hills

Emily Giroux, D.D.S., M.S. Giroux Prosthodontics and General Dentistry

Sterling Heights

Douglas A. Henke, D.D.S., M.S. Douglas A. Henke, D.D.S., M.S. Farmington Hills

Rami Jandali, D.M.D., M.S. F.A.C.P. Dental Rehabilitation Center Southfield

Darnell Kaigler Sr., D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Kaigler & Associates Dental Detroit

Neil L. Matthews, D.D.S., M.S. Neil Matthews Prosthodontics

Rochester Hills

Ajay Ojha, D.D.S. Comprehensive Dental Clinic Sterling Heights

Jennifer Wiens Priebe, D.D.S., M.S., F.A.C.P. Prosthodontic & Implant Consultants West Bloomfield

Robert Stewart, D.D.S., M.S. Robert B. Stewart, D.D.S., M.S., P.C. Grosse Pointe Woods

Sharitha V. Uchil, B.D.S., M.D.S. SAAV Prosthodontics P.C. Livonia

Jonathan P. Wiens, D.D.S. Prosthodontic & Implant Consultants West Bloomfield

Eric M. Goldberg, D.D.S., M.S. Eric M Goldberg DDS MS Grand Blanc

Eric M. D.D.S., M.S. Eric M DDS MS

Lisa Kane, D.D.S. Cranbrook Dental Care Bloomfield Hills

J. D.D.S., M.S.,

Stephen J. Riedy, D.D.S., M.S., F.A.C.P. Michigan Prosthetic Dentistry

Prosthetic

Daniel M.S. Daniel Hammaker Novi

Daniel Hammaker, D.D.S., M.S.

Daniel Hammaker DDS, MS, Novi Prosthodontics

Novi

Jesse Kane, D.D.S. Kane Prosthodontics and Ann Arbor

Jesse Kane, D.D.S. Kane Dentistry Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry

Plymouth

Dr. Hadi Daia, D.D.S., MS, FRCD(C)

Daia Orthodontics & TMJ Orthopedics is responsible for many beautiful smiles in southeast Michigan. The Rochester Hills practice was founded in 1975 by Dr. William Molloy, a phenomenal orthodontist who recently retired. Dr. Molloy passed the torch in 2016 to Dr. Hadi Daia, an internationally acclaimed orthodontist, a fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and the American Board of Orofacial Pain. After Dr. Daia published his book, “Low Level Laser Therapy for Management of Temporomandibular Disorders,” in 2011 compiling years of research and clinical trials, he entered the practice of orthodontics.

“A smile can change our lives,” says Dr. Daia. “It is our introduction to impress at a job interview, a date, a graduation and walking down the aisle! We want to make this process as easy and efficient as possible in a fun environment operated by enthusiastic, experienced and gifted professionals.”

The facility at Daia Orthodontics & TMJ Orthopedics utilizes cutting-edge technologies to provide precise diagnosis and personalized, comprehensive treatment plans unique for every patient. As one of Invisalign’s Top 1% Diamond Provider and an expert in digital orthodontics, Dr. Daia and his team are equipped to offer several treatment modalities including discrete, clear aligners.

If you are struggling with TMJ, jaw pain, burning mouth syndrome or headaches, your consultation would be focused on navigating the complexities of the jaw, head and neck parafunction on neuromuscular and orthopedic approaches.

Dr. Daia invites you to schedule an evaluation to get a beautiful, healthy, functional smile. ■

Dr. Kishawn Kole-James, D.D.S.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1999, Dr. Kishawn Kole-James pursued postgraduate studies at Wayne State University and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2006. He completed a general practice residency at the VA hospital in Detroit in 2007.

He then went to work - following his passion and dream of helping his community.

“There is a need to provide quality dental care in my hometown of Detroit,” he says.

Dr. Kole-James served as Dental Director at Detroit Community Health Connection for seven years and served as an adjunct clinical instructor at the U-D Mercy School of Dentistry (2011-2013). He then received his Orthodontics Degree from Howard University in 2016.

Dr. Kole-James continues building on 17 years of experience in his dentistry and orthodontics practice to augment his orthodontic skill set. His comfort level with anesthesia, oral surgery, and orthodontics are skills that set him apart from many other orthodontists.

“As a native son of Detroit, I’ve been caring for patients in Metro Detroit and opening our two new locations is the culmination of a lifelong dream to serve my community,” he says.

The two new locations for Superior Orthodontics are in Eastpointe and Southfield. Both offices have been upgraded and remodeled to provide a Superior dental experience. Superior Orthodontics uses state-of-the-art technology, including evidence-based treatment employing lasers, tads, surgery, 3-D printing, and the latest mechanics in orthodontics to offer a Superior personalized experience to all his patients. ■

Ghada Beydoun, D.D.S.

Ghada Beydoun DDS is a strong believer in keeping up with the latest advancements in the dental industry so she can provide the best and latest care and services for her patients. But what the owner of Premier Dental Care in Dearborn Heights truly enjoys is getting to know her patients and helping them maintain or achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

“As a family dentist, I enjoy building relationships with families and interacting with them, not only on a day-to-day basis but over time,” said Dr. Beydoun, who opened Premier Dental Care in 2008. “After 27 years in the dental field, I appreciate the value of relationships with my patients. My goal is to provide our patients with the highest level of service for everything we do, from routine to cosmetic to urgent care, and getting to know our patients and understand their goals helps us accomplish that.”

Beydoun, who is also an expert at full mouth reconstruction, attended the University of Michigan for her undergraduate education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology/ Biological Sciences and won several departmental awards. After graduation, Dr. Beydoun earned her Doctor Of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Detroit Mercy.

Dr. Beydoun, a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and a grantee of the University of Detroit Mercy Department of Periodontology Award, is married to an Endodontist, and works with a team of specialists to create the perfect smile.

Premier Dental Care’s services include Invisalign, dental implants, veneers, crowns, bridges, and laser cleaning services. ■

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your Smile can be the source of your Joy.”

Dr. Brian J. Hunt provides the latest advancements in dental care in a safe and comfortable environment. He ensures that his patients receive the most effective and efficient care possible by using advanced technologies for diagnostics and treatment planning.

“Every patient has a unique smile and different needs, so we create personalized treatment plans, thereby providing the best solution for each individual,” says Dr. Hunt. “We offer general, implant, and cosmetic dentistry for the whole family. We can complete your entire treatment in our office with the one team you know and trust.”

Since a healthy smile begins with good oral health, Dr. Hunt focuses on preventive care to keep your smile beautiful inside and out. Starting with regular check-ups and cleanings, he will help maintain, diagnose, and provide treatment including white fillings, crowns, root canals, and more.

“We want to help our patients achieve the best smile possible,” says Dr. Hunt. That’s why he specializes in comprehensive dental care — to maintain the health and beauty of your teeth. Call the office today to start your smile transformation. ■

Dr.

CONNECTING STARTUPS WITH INVESTORS

DBusiness invites startups seeking capital to fill out a profile. From there, the profile will be reviewed, and, once approved, it will be sent to investors with a short summary and a profile link. If investors would like to learn more, they can connect directly with the startup via the information provided in the profile.

Our goal with Hustle and Muscle is to assist startups and accelerate economic activity throughout Michigan. All we ask is that the information provided be accurate. In the near future, we’ll provide editorial coverage of select deals once they’re finalized.

SIPPING PRETTY

From downtown to Midtown, here are 6 rooftop bars and lounges to visit while spending a summer in the city

BY LUANNE LIM

DOWNTOWN Tin Roof Detroit

The three-story bar offers bird’s-eye views of Comerica Park, making it a hot spot for preor post-Tigers game refreshments. The menu features “better than bar food” and house specialties that include Nashville hot chicken (cayennerubbed buttermilk fried chicken on Texas toast), world-famous wings and tenders, and street corn quesadillas. As for libations, Tin Roof’s drink list includes house cocktails like the whiskey-based Tin & Juice and a vodka, lemonade, and fruit creation aptly named Kentucky Kool-Aid, as well as draft beers and “Skull Heads” (60ounce shareable punchbowl concoctions). Visit any day of the week to catch daily food and drink specials, happy hour deals, and maybe even a concert or DJ on Tin Roof’s rooftop

The Monarch Club

Take an elevator to the penthouse of the Element hotel and drink at the highest rooftop bar in the downtown area. The Monarch Club opened in the historic Metropolitan Building in 2019. Featuring modern, sleek decor and four indoor and outdoor seating areas

The Tower, The Keep, East Court, and West Court — the elegant drinking spot offers picturesque views of downtown Detroit. Adding to the ambiance, The Monarch Club’s menu features exclusive cocktails, including the TMC Old Fashioned, with Elijah Craig bourbon, cola syrup, cardamom, and burnt orange, and The Marilyn, a tequila-based cocktail with coconut, strawberry, and lemon.

Visitors who prefer their refreshments sans alcohol can indulge in a specialty mocktail. For light nourishment, small plates and shareables are available.

33 John R Road; monarchclubdetroit.com

Hockeytown Cafe

Right between Little Caesars Arena and the Fox Theatre, Hockeytown Cafe is a mustvisit in the city proper.

Created by the late Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch in 1999, the local pub is an homage to the city’s 11-time Stanley Cup champs. Opt to dine inside, surrounded by jerseys and other memorabilia, or take libations to the sports bar’s rooftop patio for views of Comerica Park and Woodward Avenue. Hockeytown’s food menu consists of a variety of pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches. As for drinks,

beat the summer heat with one of the bar’s Game Time frozen cocktails or try the specialty beverage named Stanley’s Cup, an ode to the NHL’s most coveted prize. Visit on a game day to enjoy game day drink specials or stop by on Thursdays for karaoke nights from 8 p.m. to midnight. 2301 Woodward Ave.; hockeytowncafe.com

Bookies Bar & Grille

Just on the edge of downtown Detroit, you’ll find Bookies Bar & Grille. Located on Cass Avenue, the bar and restaurant has been serving patrons for over 11 years. Enjoy traditional bar fare on one of three indoor floors or indulge in a round of cold beverages on the rooftop patio. Bookies is open all year round and offers game day and happy hour food and drink specials in addi-

tion to its regular daily menu items. 2208 Cass Ave.; bookiesbar.com

MIDTOWN Motor City Brewing Works

Home to the Corktown Stout, the Honey Porter, and the Ghettoblaster, Motor City Brewing Works’ Midtown location also houses a beautiful rooftop patio. Located in Detroit’s Cass Corridor, across the street from Shinola and Third Man Records, the microbrewery serves its products on tap, in a bottle, or in a can. Pair a beer from the city’s oldest microbrewery with an artisan pizza or sandwich and enjoy the atmosphere of Detroit’s Cultural Center on the rooftop patio overlooking Canfield Street.

470 W. Canfield St.; motorcitybeer.com

GREEKTOWN Delmar Detroit

Head to the center of Greektown to find Delmar Detroit. Offering views of Monroe Street and the Detroit skyline, the rooftop lounge, restaurant, and bar offers a variety of sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, and tacos, as well as a selection of handcrafted cocktails. Every Wednesday, the rooftop bar hosts Unplugged karaoke and game nights. When the sun sets, Delmar turns into the go-to place for nightlife, hosting a variety of DJs and themed parties to celebrate the weekend. For a true VIP experience, Delmar Detroit’s Sidepiece Lounge can be booked for private events.

501 Monroe St.; @delmardetroit

 Enjoy the sun, stars, and Detroit views from Delmar Detroit (left) and Motor City Brewing Works (right).

 Head to HockeyTown Cafe to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the Red Wings, who have won more championships than any other professional sports team in Detroit.

stage.47 E. Adams Ave.; tinroofdetroit.com

DRINKS

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, DOWNTOWN

BY DOROTHY HERNANDEZ | PHOTOS BY CHUK NOWAK

The owners of SavannahBlue and Willow aim to preserve and pass on traditions of many kinds

AS A KID, J.D. SIMPSON would peer through the spindles of his family home’s staircase, looking down at the adults eating, drinking, and being merry.

“My penchant for entertainment came from my parents,” says the born and bred Detroiter. “They entertained as far back as I can remember. They would have wonderful parties, particularly Christmas parties.”

The images and sounds of flowing food and drink, lively music, and people dressed to the nines stuck with him, so when he got older, his parents let him throw the parties.

Entertaining these days for Simpson and his partners, Roger Yopp and Ron Scott, is more than a hobby. On a recent Saturday evening at their restaurant, SavannahBlue, and adjacent Willow, a stylish and sophisticated speakeasy, on Times Square in downtown Detroit, I could envision the stories that Simpson told me to be somewhat like what I was seeing unfold around me: people dressed to impress while feasting on generous portions of flavorful dishes such as sumptuous shrimp and grits, crispy catfish fritters with Cajun remoulade, and luxurious lump crab cakes; sipping on killer

cocktails; and being treated like royalty due to good old-fashioned hospitality.

Southern hospitality with a Detroit twist is SavannahBlue’s motto. The Detroit part of the equation comes from growing up in Motown, Simpson says. “Our friends were Motown kids.

We all went to school with [Motown artists’] children. They lived in the neighborhood. I remember Gladys [Knight], she took us to football practice every day. And then you had the Four Tops. I was in Levi [Stubbs] III’s wedding. He is one of my best friends.”

The kids of Motown legends had a coveted style about them. “They wore the coolest clothes; they had the coolest stuff, and that was just the style that they adopted from their parents, and we picked up a lot of that because they were our friends.” The business partners, who have been friends since childhood, wanted SavannahBlue and Willow to reflect that style, which they consider “an authentic Detroit style,” Simpson says.

The men have been in the hospitality game for more than two decades, starting at a time when Detroit wasn’t seeing the brisk development it sees now.

“We had businesses downtown at a time that you could throw a bowling ball down Woodward Avenue and not hit a soul,” Simpson recalls of the late ’90s and early 2000s, when separately, he and his now-partners ran businesses like TV Lounge, Club Network, and Lola’s, the first two being fixtures of the late-night scene and Lola’s a restaurant/jazz joint.

The Restaurant

The trio and Yopp’s wife, Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp (who has since passed away), decided to join forces to open SavannahBlue in 2016 after experiencing success on their separate hospitality ventures. Last year, they opened Willow, in the alley on the opposite side of SavannahBlue’s entrance.

At SavannahBlue, the menu still looks like it did when they opened the doors seven years ago — with some updates but the same inspiration.

“The dishes are certainly traditional-based dishes that are inspired [from] throughout the South. You’ve got New Orleans and jambalaya, and some of the Cajun inspirations, and you’ve got the fried chicken, which is just straight Southern cuisine,” Simpson says.

The chicken is done a little differently at SavannahBlue, he says. “We do a pounded-out white-meat breast as opposed to what you typically would get, which would be the bone-in pieces, and then [the breast is] deep-fried.” The dish is served with smoked turkey collard greens and candied sweet potatoes.

Simpson credits SavannahBlue’s creative spins on classic Southern food to the opening chef, Christopher McClendon, and McClendon’s teacher at Schoolcraft College, Shawn Loving, a renowned local chef and longtime friend of Simpson’s who helped guide the new restaurateur to the local dining scene.

These days in the kitchen, three chefs work together to oversee SavannahBlue’s food offerings, with Calvin Washington as the “overall orchestrator” dealing with ordering and processes,



Above: The Willow Old Fashioned includes maple simple syrup and smoked cinnamon. Right: The complex and fruity Michigan Blossom marries three types of booze (tequila, mezcal, and Amaro Nonino) with strawberry, raspberry, lemon, and oat milk.

Top right: See the People Mover pass by and check out photography of Detroit landmarks in SavannahBlue’s exposedbrick dining room.

Cinnamon sticks are lit with a blow torch to add a sweet and smoky essence to Willow’s spin on the old fashioned.

Lump crab cake, with roasted corn brussels slaw, grilled lemon, and Cajun remoulade.

Elijah Broughton as the jack-of-all-trades, and Mike Banks as the “culinary imagination guy that comes up with new dishes and experimental stuff.”

But there are dishes that have been there since the beginning, the ones that will go nowhere. “We call them ‘hitters,’” Simpson says.

One of those staple items is the shrimp and grits, which boasts a tantalizing interplay of flavors from Parmesan in the grits to Cajun spice on the shrimp. The grits were so creamy and well seasoned that my dining companion was perfectly content just eating the grits and forgoing the shrimp. Other signature items include the red wine-braised oxtails over saffron cheddar risotto and the catfish, as well as the greens and the mac and cheese. The last is a healthy portion of elbow pasta bathed in a silky milk custard with a pinch of black pepper; if I had one complaint, it was that there was not enough of that craveable cheesy crust on our portion.

Another standout was the lump crab cake, which didn’t skimp on the crab and was served with corn brussels slaw, grilled lemon, and Cajun remoulade. The grilled lemon is a prime example of the extra touches and details that mark the elevated approach SavannahBlue takes to its food; the extra step of charring the lemon brings both smokiness and brightness to the dish. The catfish fritters are served simply, with just a side of Cajun remoulade that accentuates the perfectly crispy and crunchy exterior thanks to the dredge in cornmeal.

“The bottom line is we sell Southern-inspired, fancy-plated soul food,” Simpson says. That sophistication and style extend to the rest of the restaurant, with its exposed brick, large windows that provide glimpses of the People Mover as it whizzes by, and striking black-and-white photography on the walls that depicts iconic Detroit sites such as Hudson’s department store and the Wright-Kay Building.

“We built SavannahBlue on a culture that is authentically ours. We have Black-influenced food; we lean into our culture … because it’s authentic to us,” says Simpson, who repeatedly emphasizes his pride in being a Detroiter and commitment to supporting Detroiters.

Simpson also believes in “investing in people that are young and that typically may not get the opportunities to work in the hospitality industry.”

“We’re able to give people chances. That’s one of the blessings about the business and one of the things we’re proud of,” he says.

One of those employees is Detroiter Lynsai Barnes, who’s been with SavannahBlue and Willow from their beginnings. She started as a server and quickly moved to bartending when management

found out about her bartending chops. When she expressed interest in management, they supported her and provided mentorship to help her take the next step.

“We’re big on the [idea that the] business should reflect what the city of Detroit looks like,” Simpson says. “We have the opportunity to disperse hospitality equitably, maybe more so than it’s been dispersed historically, maybe a little bit more than how it’s currently being dispersed.”

For example, Simpson dines out frequently, and sometimes he’ll find himself as the “only Black guy in the restaurant.”

“It necessarily doesn’t bother me, but it’s not necessarily reflective of the diversity of a worldclass city,” he says.

The Speakeasy

Willow is the perfect place to start or end your evening if you’re dining at SavannahBlue. Look for the gold-painted door with a willow tree etched into it in the alley on the opposite side of SavannahBlue’s entrance. You ring the doorbell, and the hostess beckons you into the intimate space with enough seats for 50 (reservations highly encouraged).

On the walls are photos of Motown icons and Black bartender and author Tom Bullock, as well as portraits of “Black Eden,” the historic resort town of Idlewild in northern Michigan.

The drinks here are unique with complex flavors and extra touches that elevate them, such as smoked cinnamon on the Willow Old Fashioned. The G.O.A.T caught our eye, but it wasn’t available when we came in before our reservation. The bartender told us they had sold so many of it the night before that they were out.

That cocktail is the creation of Barnes; her inspiration was a watermelon and arugula salad with goat cheese offered at SavannahBlue. She started to experiment with infusions and came up with a savory vodka. The infusion is an overnight process, and the result is then paired with watermelon, basil, and strawberry.

“When we come up with drinks, we have a small team, but everybody’s drinks are represented in the menu,” Barnes says. “They’re really intentional. They’re coming from our hearts, and we’re hoping that you’re gonna love them. These cocktails are labors of love.”

Forward Thinking

Looking ahead, Simpson hints at further expanding the business, potentially by opening a spot somewhere else in the city or utilizing a current empty space with a new concept.

“We’re trying to decide now what exactly that’s going to be,” teases Simpson, who received — along with Scott and Yopp — a James Beard Award semifinalist nomination in 2022 in the outstanding restaurateur category

While the longtime hospitality entrepreneur is thinking of what’s next, he’s doing so with an eye toward the next generation to keep the businesses going.

“Detroit is certainly on the upswing. It takes young, new, fresh ideas and fresh energy to keep the momentum. We have a responsibility to pass it on and bring some people forward so they can continue in hospitality, continue to get better.”

 From top: Red snapper atop red arborio rice in white wine tomato broth with andouille sausage; kale Caesar salad with shrimp.

Steve McElroy co-owns McElroy Farms, an 800acre farm home to 350 cattle in Hillsdale. It’s an early adopter of ecoregenerative approaches.

AGRICULTURE

Talking About Regeneration

Regenerative farming restores life to soil and helps the land heal

KARIN TIMEUS had been living in Hillsdale on the farm owned by her then-husband, Steve McElroy, for 11 years when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. The landscape was peaceful, bucolic — and loaded with agricultural chemicals.

Believing there was a correlation between her cancer diagnosis and the agricultural chemicals, McElroy reinvented his farm — which had corn, soybeans, and other crops raised conventionally ditching pesticides and fertilizers in 2002. By 2007, McElroy Farms was officially an organic operation. But another shift was coming.

“We heard origin stories of regenerative reassessment,” says McElroy and Timeus’ daughter Melanie, who directs the farm’s retail sales from Chicago. “By 2012, we officially let go of all crop farming and transitioned to ranching and grazing. We started with 10 cows. We noticed that farms we modeled our program after had made a switch because of an illness in younger people in their family. Endless numbers of deaths of people in agricultural settings are coming to light.” Today, Timeus, who since the couple’s divorce no longer lives at the farm, is a cancer survivor.

McElroy Farms is one of many agricultural innovators and early adopters using ecoregenerative approaches. The U.S. Department of Agriculture doesn’t track their numbers, but other good examples in southeast Michigan include Whitney Farmstead in Whitmore Lake and Boring Farms in Stockbridge.

“While definitions vary, I’d say that regenerative agriculture is a management approach that aims to restore the productive capacity of soil,” says Tim Boring, a sixthgeneration farmer appointed director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development earlier this year. “Highly functioning soil is going to have robust biological activity and cycling while having good aggregate stability and water-holding capacity. Those factors are going to reduce the dependency on external fertilizers, promote healthier plants, reduce susceptibility to drought, and likely improve the nutritional quality of food.”

Grazin’ in the Grass

“We let nature do its thing,” says Steve McElroy, who operates the 800-acre farm with part owner and herd manager Stephen VanDeusen. “We allow the cows to breed, birth, and eat naturally. Their bodies know what’s best. We do not plant, fertilize, or till any of our ground.”

The herd of 350 cattle “mob-graze” together on

BY ROBIN WATSON

about 600 acres with 30 sheep. Moms and babies stay together.

“We move the herd to a fresh pasture several times each day, so they always have new grass to eat and the ground can regenerate before they come back around to graze,” Steve says. “The physical act of each animal eating, stomping, and dropping manure on the ground is what sequesters carbon into the soil and heals the pasture. Even in the winter, they still graze,” he adds. “We supplement their diets by rolling out large bales of hay that we harvested in the summer, which keeps them happy and well fed until spring.”

Allowing the soil to rest and heal restores key life above and below the soil.

“Native birds and plants, insects, pollinators, and wildlife are flourishing on previously barren fields,” Melanie says. “When soil is healthy, alive, and porous, it can absorb and retain more rainwater. Our area is less affected by drought. We don’t risk flooding.”

As for the product, regeneratively raised meat offers a different experience from commodity meat that’s grained or only initially grass-fed, then grain-finished. “Grass-finished animals develop fat a little differently,” Melanie explains. “The fat has a hue. The meat may smell ‘earthy’ or ‘grassy.’” An animal that is “grass-finished” is fed exclusively grass and other forage for the duration of its life.

“The texture isn’t much different,” adds Nicholas Ponte, head butcher at Marrow in Detroit and owner of Salt & Smoke Butchery. “We see differences in fat percentage, flavor, etc., based on the time of year it was harvested.”

Metro Detroiters who don’t want to travel to Hillsdale can order frozen USDA-certified meat online at mcelroyfarms.com for a scheduled delivery to their doorstep for a fee of $10 to $12.

“We’re trying to close the gap between farms and metro areas that don’t always have access to meat not found in a grocery store,” Melanie says. “We service 300 households a year. A lot are repeat customers.”

Livonia resident Dorothy McGuire is one of them.

The retired nurse discovered McElroy Farms when she was looking for healthier meat produced by a farm using ethical practices. Her purchases brought back memories of how meat tasted when she was a child.

“I love that Melanie is trying to educate people,” she says.

Nick Vlahantones of Grosse Pointe has been a McElroy Farms customer for just over a year.

“My expecting wife and I were on a quest for the most nutrient-rich protein with the most bioavailable nutrients,” he recalls. “After a nationwide search for the purest meat source, we discovered McElroy Farms. Their process and ethos stood out from the rest.”

An Eye on the Future

Today, McElroy Farms is a thriving business with healthy soil, healthy animals, and loyal customers.

“McElroy Farms is participating in a multiyear holistic-management study with experts at Michigan State University,” Melanie says. “They are measuring the effect of our grazing practices on the soil and other factors, while also studying the well-being and sustainability of farm businesses. We hope this helps advance regenerative agriculture in our region.”

Steve McElroy and his daughter Melanie McElroy run a thriving business with healthy soil, healthy animals, and loyal customers.

HAVE QUESTIONS? WE HAVE ANSWERSOUR LOCAL EXPERTS ARE RELIABLE, CREDIBLE, AND ACCESSIBLE

Weall want to feel better, look better, and be the best versions of ourselves we can be.

But, let’s face it, we all travel a different road to get there, and some of us are better than others at avoiding the potholes and/or dangerous exits that we come across in our journeys.

Finding the right “mechanic” to prepare us for our journey is an important first step. Getting the right answers, being informed to make the important decisions, and trusting the people offering their expertise and advice will make for a much smoother ride.

But who can we trust? Alexa? Siri? Google?

Let’s see how that works.

Hey Google, “How can I be a better version of myself?”

Hope you have some time - there are 449,000,000 results. The first page includes a bunch of lists and “top 10” things you can do. “Exercise daily” is one of them - thanks, Google. Who knew?

To get the best results, we need to be more specific in our questions, be open to both short-term and long-term answers, and, most importantly, make sure our sources are reliable, credible, and accessible.

Welcome to Hour Detroit’s Trusted Advisors Special Section which helps answer many of your health and beauty questions with not only a reliable and credible source, but one located right around the corner. These local experts not only welcome answering your questions, but can offer more specific answers to your unique interests and can even provide easy and accessible solutions. 

Q: What cosmetic procedures are best to start with for patients concerned about achieving a natural-looking result?

A: Many are afraid of people noticing sudden major changes, so options offering gradual results are ideal. The concept of restoration helps me to best explain effective ways to achieve a refreshed look to my patients. Addressing volume loss in the frame of the face (temples, cheeks, jawline) gives lift and reestablishes proper contours for a

more youthful appearance. One of my favorite products is a unique injectable called Sculptra that replaces lost tissue by stimulating the patient’s own collagen production. Dermal fillers only given in the front of the face, or too much in one area, can appear more noticeable or unnatural if not balanced by treating the root cause of these changes.

Device-based treatments with little to no downtime like laser resurfacing, microneedling, and skin tightening also build collagen to improve fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

The use of medical-grade skincare products with ingredients like retinoids, peptides and antioxidants strengthen the skin and support inoffice treatment results.

Grosse Pointe Dermatology & Cosmetic Center

David S. Balle, M.D.

16815 E. Jefferson Ave., Suite 260

Grosse Pointe, MI 48230

(Inside Beaumont Grosse Pointe Medical Building) 313-886-2600

grossepointedermatology.com

Q: I have pain in my tooth and I’m nervous about going to the dentist. How do Dr. Askari and her associates manage and eliminate dental pain for patients?

A: We take pride in going above and beyond to prevent and relieve dental discomfort, whether it is related to an infection that is managed by proper diagnosis and use of antibiotics and pain pills, to controlling pain during a procedure.

Managing painful procedures is where a dentist stands apart from others. We use topical anesthetic and nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas. For patients who are

highly anxious, we offer sedation, either oral or IV, depending on the severity of anxiety. Oral sedation, using pills, produces a twilight state where patients have a faint memory, if at all, of the procedure and they are completely relaxed.

The IV sedation technique or sleep dentistry helps patients not only relax, but they sleep through the procedures and have no memory of the treatment.

A high level of anxiety can make you more sensitive to pain and it is a major reason why people avoid the dentist. Some patients are anxious because of a past traumatic dental treatment or they expect a painful procedure. We handle both their pain and anxiety. Our care providers are gentle, compassionate, and focused on our patient’s comfort at all times in our relaxing environment.

Aziza Askari, DMD

ComfortDentalSpa.com

248-306-8907

DearbornFamilySmiles.com

313-251-3518

LivoniaFamilySmiles.com

734-338-7140

Q: How does grinding and clenching my teeth affect my overall jaw health and looks?

A: When someone grinds and clenches their teeth, the jaw muscles work very hard and get built up - similar to a body builder who does curls for hours on end. This can create the appearance of a square jaw and can also lead to cracks in the

teeth to the extent where the cracks can cause tooth loss.

Other symptoms of grinding and clenching include ringing in the ears, and in many cases, migraine headaches.

A mouthguard made by a dentist can help protect the

teeth. Another option is Botox injections in the jaw muscles which can help alleviate the force of clenching. In many instances, Botox relieves ringing in the ears, migraines, and will give a slimming effect to the square jaw with continued application.

Q: Why should you have beautifully aligned and well-balanced teeth?

A: Having crooked or crowded teeth can not only ruin your smile but put you at risk of serious oral health problems.

Invisalign, the most trusted and popular brand of clear aligners, is a cutting-edge technology that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gently move the teeth into a healthy

Q:

and balanced position.

Canines are the guards for your teeth and have the longest roots for a reason because they protect the posterior and anterior (front) teeth.

Having the teeth properly aligned by uprighting them from the posterior and making the interior from V shape to U shape

and expanding them will make your canine teeth longer and create a proper and balanced bite.

The Elite Smile Center is one of the few local dentists to earn an Invisalign Platinum Plus and Double Platinum qualification, putting Elite Smile Center in the top 3 percent of all Invisalign providers in the world.

Royal Oak Smiles Dr. Dolores Baran, DDS 1103 N. Main St., Suite A Royal Oak, MI 48067 248-548-1440

royaloaksmiles.com

The Elite Smile Center Dr. Shakeel Niazi 1390 W Auburn Road Rochester Hills, MI 48309 248-299-8300 elitesmilecenter.com

I was told by my dentist that I may need aligner treatment to straighten my teeth. What should I do?

A: Aligner treatment is not new to orthodontics. In fact, several versions of aligners have been around since the 1980s.

Invisalign, the largest aligner producer in the world, was born in the 1990s with 14 million smiles treated and over $1 billion in R&D resulting in a sophisticated and advanced technology with amazing capabilities.

When engineered in the hands of a true expert (a boardcertified orthodontist), these capabilities can truly be brought to life, as they require a deep understanding of biomechanics and tooth movements.

A consultation with an orthodontist versed in several tooth movement techniques besides aligners could enlighten

you about what aligners could do to correct your smile and how it would effectively compare to other treatment modalities.

As one of Invisalign’s Top 1% Diamond Providers, Dr. Hadi Daia at Daia Orthodontics & TMJ Orthopedics sees the advancements in clear aligner therapy as a key player in the future of orthodontics.

Daia Orthodontics & TMJ Orthopedics

Dr. Hadi Daia, D.D.S., M.S., FRCD(C) 930 W. Avon Road, Suite 16 Rochester Hills, MI 48307

248-652-1244

smile@daiaortho.com

daiaortho.com

Restaurant Guide

Wayne

Al Ameer $$

LEBANESE • This Lebanese restaurant is a recipient of the prestigious James Beard America’s Classics Award. The Al Ameer platter is perfect for sharing: two grape leaves, two fried kibbeh, chicken shawarma, tawook, kabob, kafta,and falafel. 12710 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-8185. 27346 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights; 313-565-9600 L,D Mon.-Sun.

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, and didn’t change the character of the old-school restaurant, known for its steaks and pastas. 3401 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313-831-5940. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Andiamo $$

ITALIAN • Over the past three decades, Joe Vicari has established several Andiamo restaurants in metro Detroit, all inspired by the late master chef Aldo Ottaviani’s philosophy of seasonal, fromscratch cooking. The menus differ slightly at the different locations, but the constant is the fresh, housemade pastas — handcrafted by the trinity of “pasta ladies,” Anna, Tanya, and Angelina, who have carried on the tradition. The downtown Detroit location offers a breathtaking view of the Detroit River, while the Livonia location offers a comfortable and casual vibe. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit; 313567-6700. D Mon.-Fri., L,D Sat.-Sun. 38703 Seven Mile Road, Livonia; 734-953-3200. D Mon.-Sun.

Antonio’s Cucina Italiana $$

ITALIAN • The Rugieros have impressed restaurant guests for decades with authentic cuisine. Signature dishes include Gnocchi Rita and Chicken Antonio. There’s a full bar and a very extensive wine list. 2220 N. Canton Center Road, Canton; 734-981-9800. 26356 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights; 313-278-6000. 37646 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-994-4000. L,D daily.

Apparatus Room $$$$

NEW AMERICAN • The Foundation Hotel’s restaurant, the Apparatus Room, once housed the Detroit Fire Department headquarters. The cooking of chef Thomas Lents, who earned two Michelin stars while at Chicago’s Sixteen, is refined and highly skilled. 250 W. Larned St., Detroit; 313-800-5600. D Tues.-Sun.

Atwater in the Park $

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

Avalon Café and Bakery $$

ORGANIC BAKERY • The bakery’s mini-empire includes a café on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Its bread is also the basis for dishes such as avocado toast with tahini, thinly curled cucumbers, lime, and chili

FEATURED Cadieux Café

BELGIAN

This institution was like a slice of home for early Belgian immigrants. They serve 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; 313882-8560. D daily.

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; 313-974-6159. B,L,D Tue.-Sat. B,L Sun.

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge $$

SOUL FOOD • This iconic lounge serves soul food: beef short ribs with gravy, creamy mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet cornbread muffins. 20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-345-6300. L, D Tue.-Fri.

Baobab Fare $$

AFRICAN • With his New Center restaurant, Mamba Hamissi urges diners to venture into culinary territories they’d otherwise evade, like the Mbuzi starring a goat shank that is slow-roasted until the meat is so tender that it slides off the bone with ease. 6568 Woodward Ave., Ste. 100, Detroit; 313-265-3093. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Barda $$$$

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

Bash Original Izakaya $$

JAPANESE • From the proprietor of Canton’s popular Izakaya Sanpei comes a Japanese pub located in Woodbridge. Occupying the former home of Katsu, Bash maintains much of that eatery’s Asian-inspired décor, such as hanging lanterns and bamboo shades. Bash’s drink menu focuses on Japanese craft beer, while the food menu of small plates and sashimi includes Gyoza, Tempura Udon, and fried octopus balls called Tako Yaki. 5069 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; 313-7887208; L Wed.-Sat. D Tue.-Sun.

Besa $$$

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

Bobcat Bonnie’s $

GASTROPUB • The menu is eclectic, featuring fried goat cheese, fish tacos, Buddha bowls, and a barbecue bacon meatloaf — plus, plenty of vegetarian and vegan

YOUR COMPREHENSIVE RESOUR CE FOR DINING OUT IN METRO DETROIT

options, The weekend brunch, complete with a Bloody Mary bar and all the classics, is a big hit. See bobcatbonnies.com for locations and hours.

Bohemia $$$

NEW AMERICAN • The former member’s only lounge in this restored Romanesque Revival in downtown Detroit is now a posh restaurant open to the public (the downstairs bar is also open to the public). The stunning dining room reflects the club’s history while staying fresh and modern with local art on the walls and an Instagrammable seating area in the middle of the dining room with plush couches and trees lined with lights. The food is upscale but approachable such as the Nashville Fried Chicken and the lobster fettucini, which is worth every indulgent bite. 712 Cass Ave., Detroit, 313338-3222. D Wed.-Sat..

Brome Modern Eatery $$

BURGERS • This healthy spin on a classic serves neverfrozen, grass-fed, antibiotic-free, organic burgers. There’s beef, chicken, haddock, and vegetarian dishes but no pork, as the restaurant is halal. There’s also a cold-pressed juice bar. 22062 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-996-5050. L,D Mon.-Sun.

Bronze Door $$$$

NEW AMERICAN • One of the newest restaurants under the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group brand (in partnership with Tony Soave of Soave Enterprises) revives the well-known name of a Grosse Pointe staple from the mid-1900s. In the 1960s and 1970s, 123 Kercheval Ave. was home to the Bronze Door, which closed to make way for The Hill Seafood and Chop House. In 2021, it was born again as the Bronze Door, offering classic bistro fare like steak frites and house specialties such as Potato Pillows and Shrimp (butter fondue, sage, cracked pepper, pecorino Romano, and truffle). 123 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313886-8101. D Mon.-Sat.

Bucharest Grill $

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

Café Nini $$$

ITALIAN • This intimate spot offers well-prepared food that includes eight appetizers, more than a dozen pasta dishes, and 16 main plates, notable among which are tournedos di vitello — medallions of veal filet in a fresh mushroom sauce. The wine list is impressive as well. 98 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-308-3120. D Tue-Sat.

Cantoro Italian Market and Trattoria $$

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

Capers $$

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

Caucus Club

$$$

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

Central Kitchen & Bar

$$

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

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails $$

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

City Kitchen

$$

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

Cliff Bell’s $$

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

Common Pub

$

GASTROPUB Fans of Atlas Global Bistro, which shuttered in 2013, should be happy to learn that some of the principals may be found at this spot in the Belcrest Apartments. The well-edited menu includes duck fried chicken and a burger. 5440 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-2858849. L Tue.-Sat.

Coriander Kitchen and Farm

$$

GASTROPUB At this Jefferson Chalmers eatery, guests can rent fire pits and roast housemade marshmallows to make s’mores, or sip mugs of Hot Buttered

Rum. By day, grab a picnic table and dip hunks of grilled flatbread into creamy fish dip made with smoked white fish and lake trout and seasoned with herbs from the farm. 14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit; 313-822-4434. D Thurs.-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-oz. chicken breast, sauteed wild mushroom blend, wild rice, seasonal grilled vegetables, cooked in a Lombardo Ambra Sweet Marsala wine sauce. Simply delicious! 2415 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2261. D Thu-Sat. BR Sat. B,L Sun.

Cuisine $$$

EUROPEAN-INSPIRED

• Cuisine offers a romantic,

white-linen experience with the level of food, service, and ambience one might describe as timeless rather than trendy. Examples of the expertly prepared fare include the Thai snapper as well as the sea Scallops, featuring corn risotto, creamed leeks, and citrus butter.

670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit; 313-872-5110. D Tue.-Sun.

(Note: not wheelchair accessible.)

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

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

Detroit Soul $

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

Detroit Vegan Soul $

VEGAN The popular spot offers your classic soul food favorites but with plant-based twists — mac and cheese, maple-glazed yams, collard greens, and interpretations of catfish and pepper steak. 19614 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-766-5728. L,D Wed.-Sat.

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 Mon.-Sun.

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 shrimp pico and pan-fried calamari. Main entries include a beef short rib. 97 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-882-5299. L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.-Sat.

Eatori Market $$

SPECIALTY GROCERY • This stylish spot overlooks

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

El Asador Steakhouse $$

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

El Barzon $

MEXICAN-ITALIAN • Norberto Garita prepares Italian and Mexican cuisines alongside his wife, Silvia Rosario Garita. Authentic Mexican entrees include enchiladas

RESTAURANT LISTINGS 07.23

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 breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, or carry-out. 400 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-965-4600. 29244 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; 248-351-2925. 23722 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-498-3000. L,D (downtown), B, L,D Southfield and St Clair Shores.

Flowers of Vietnam $$

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

Folk $ NEW AMERICAN • A charming Corktown storefront dishing up an all-day brunch menu. It’s an offshoot of the Farmer’s Hand grocery and farmers market. The menu focuses on globally inspired dishes, like salads, quiche, and sandwiches — all beautifully plated and nutritious. Infused milks and frothy lattes are well sought after, too. 1701 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; 313-7422672. BR Wed-Mon.

FEATURED 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; 313-2096667. L,D daily.

Ford’s Garage $$

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

Giovanni’s Ristorante $$$

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

Grandma Bob’s $

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

Grand Trunk Pub $

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

RESTAURANT LISTINGS 07.23

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 along with Chicken Paprikas soup, a nod to the neighborhood’s Hungarian origins. 2200 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-962-5588. L,D daily.

Grey Ghost $$

NEW AMERICAN • The cuisine at this Brush Park hotspot isn’t easily defined, but the results are original and well-prepared — for example, the duck breast with cheese grits and fried shallots and pork tenderloin with gruyere spaetzle and dill pickle mojo. 47 Watson St., Detroit; 313-262-6534. D daily.

Highlands $$$

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

The Hudson Cafe $

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

Hungarian Rhapsody $$

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

Ima $

JAPANESE-INSPIRED Japanese-inspired fare with a Midwest emphasis. Ima tacos trade the traditional shell for a slice of jicama-stuffed spicy shrimp, roasted tofu, or garlic chicken. Appetizers include edamame, dumplings, and clams. 2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-5025959. L,D Mon.-Sun.. 4870 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-8839788. 32203 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248-7810131. L,D daily.

Ima Izakaya $$

JAPANESE-INSPIRED • Chef Michael Ransom has slowly and steadily built up his local chain of noodle shops over the past few years, and his latest one takes it up a notch with the izakaya concept, the Japanese equivalent to a pub. In addition to the staple noodles and soups that put Ransom on the map, the menu also includes grilled skewers from the robata grill such as Kawahagi Trigger Fish Jerky and Mini Kurobuta Pork Sausages. There’s also a tantalizing selection of cocktails and mocktails, sake, beer, and wine to make it a true izakaya experience. 2100 Michigan Ave., Detroit, 313-306-9485. L, D Mon.-Sun.

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 Shrimp Linguine Pomodoro contribute European flavors. 9215 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-332-0607; L Fri.-Sun., D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2012

Joe Muer Seafood $$$$

SEAFOOD • This reborn Detroit legend is stellar for a romantic evening or a quiet business lunch or dinner. Located on the main floor of the GMRenCen, it has sweeping views of the Detroit River and a menu that walks the line between old-time favorites and hipper Asian-influenced seafood, sushi and raw bar. There’s also a Bloomfield Hills location. There are reminders of the past as well: white-bean stew, 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 several fusion bowls as well like the Southwest topped with shredded chicken and housemade crema. 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-309-7946. L,D daily.

Jolly Pumpkin $$

BREWERY • Jolly Pumpkin’s brews rule the offerings, along with other Northern United Brewing Co. beverages, such as North Peak and Jolly Pumpkin artisan ales. Pizzas with creative toppings abound. 441 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-262-6115. 419 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-544-6250. D daily.

FEATURED

Leila

LEBANESE

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

The Kitchen by Cooking with Que $$

VEGAN • This eatery created by Detroit-based cooking blogger Quiana Broden serves lunches of smoothies, salads, and sandwiches. Broden also often offers live cooking demonstrations. 6529 Woodward Ave., Ste. A, Detroit; 313-462-4184. B,L,D, Wed.-Sat.

Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles $

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

La Dolce Vita $$$

ITALIAN • Traditional Italian cuisine is key at this Palmer Park hideaway. Recommended is the lake perch in white wine sauce, the veal scaloppine with artichokes, and the lasagna. 17546 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313865-0331. D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun.

La Lanterna $$

ITALIAN • The founder of Da Edoardo, the first Edoardo Barbieri, started it all in 1956 with a restaurant called La Lanterna. Now his grandchildren have revived it. Although the white and red pizzas — like Margherita, Liguria, and Da Edorado — dominate, there’s more, including a number of elegant pastas like the Lasagna Alla Bolognese. 1224 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-9628821. L,D Tue.-Sun.

London Chop House $$

STEAKHOUSE • The kitchen turns out classics like oysters Rockefeller, French onion soup, and sautéed perch. This is the place to come when you need to satisfy a craving for steak in elegant surroundings with hospitable service. 155 W. Congress St., Detroit; 313962-0277. D Mon.-Sat.

Lovers Only $

BURGERS The star at Lovers Only, located in downtown Detroit’s Capitol Park, is pasture-raised beef from Ferndale’s Farm Field Table, used to make its standout burgers. Other key ingredients, including baked goods, are local as well. There’s also craft

cocktails and beer. 34 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313986-1174. L,D daily.

Lucy & the Wolf $$

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

Lumen Detroit $$

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

Mario’s $$$

ITALIAN This Midtown Detroit classic dates to 1948. Linen-covered tables, framed paintings on wood-paneled walls, expert waiters clad in black tie, and tableside preparation survive here. Italian dinners always begin with an antipasto tray and continue through soup, salad, pasta, and entree. 4222 Second Ave., Detroit; 313832-1616. L,D daily.

Marrow $$

NEW AMERICAN • This West Village restaurant and butcher shop hybrid is an ode to meat, especially unusual cuts. Diners must walk through the butcher shop, bypassing cases of pastrami and sausage, before entering the restaurant. Offerings from a sample tasting menu include Roasted Bone Marrow and Lamb Kefta. 8044 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; 313-652-0200. L,D Thu.-Sun.

Maty’s African Cuisine $$

WEST AFRICAN A small storefront in the Detroit Old Redford neighborhood is decidedly Senegalese. Fataya, a deep-fried pastry with savory fillings, are reminiscent of an empanada. The star of the show is the whole chicken with yassa. 21611 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313472-5885. L,D daily.

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 Tue.-Sun.

Mercury Burger & Bar $

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

Metropolitan Bar and Kitchen $$ LATIN • The business brings a bodega-style market along with a neighborhood restaurant and bar to West Village. The menu highlights local and seasonal ingredients in dishes like the Buffalo Chicken salad with local greens and housemade blue cheese dressing and the Eggplant Sliders. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit; 313-4475418. L Wed.-Sat. D Fri.-Sat.

Michigan & Trumbull $$

ITALIAN-AMERICAN After a successful four-month run at Fort Street Galley, Michigan and Trumbull became one of the latest in a long line of Detroit-style pizza joints to open in the area. Not your traditional carryout joint, Michigan and Trumbull is housed in a

RESTAURANT LISTINGS 07.23

sleek, refurbished car-repair garage. The menu features square, deep-dish pies with Detroit-inspired names, such as Packard Pepperoni and Woodward White. 1441 W. Elizabeth St., Detroit; 313-637-4992; L,D Wed-Sat.

Mi Lindo San Blas $$$

MEXICAN • Heaping platters of seafood such as shrimp, octopus, and scallops, tell the story at this spot that brings a corner of Mexico’s seaside Nayarit region to southwest Detroit. On weekends when live music is added, the tables are often pushed back to create a dance floor. 1807 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-789-5100. L,D daily.

Monarch Club $$$

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

Mootz Pizzeria & Bar $$

ITALIAN-AMERICAN • Bruno DiFabio, a six-time World Pizza Games champ, rejects the label New York-style for his fare. “It’s authentic New York pizza,” he says. In a hurry? Grab a slice from Side Hustle, Mootz’s by-theslice counter next door. 1230 Library St., Detroit; 313243-1230. L Fri.-Sun., D Mon-Thu.

Motor City Brewing Works $

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

Mudgie’s Deli $

DELI • Seats are often filled in search of 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 Mon.-Sat.

Nico & Vali $$

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

Norma G’s $

CARIBBEAN • Lester Gouvia, the Trinidadian chef who brought us the famed food truck, opened a fullservice restaurant under the same name. Stop in for a plate of Chicken Pelau: a tasty blend of rice, diced chicken, squash, peppers, and golden-brown baked chicken. 14628 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-2902938. D Tue.-Sat.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2022

Oak & Reel

FEATURED Pao Detroit

FUSION

Visit this upscale Pan-Asian fusion restaurant for Asianthemed cocktails and dishes, such as creamy rock shrimp, charred octopus, filet mignon, and orange sesame salmon. Based in the former Michigan Oriental Theater, the interior combines new and old.

114 W. Adams Ave., Ste. 200, Detroit; 313816-0000. L Sun., D Tue.-Sun.

Hour Detroit’s Restaurant of the Year. The menu is seasonal and changes frequently. But in general, the crudos are pristine, the pastas are impeccable, and the seafood dishes are all well balanced and expertly prepared to accentuate the freshness and quality of the fish and shellfish. 2921 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-2709600. D Thu.-Mon.

Olin

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

Ottava Via $$

ITALIAN • Chef Ariel Millan sends out great thincrusted 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.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2018

Parc $$$

NEW AMERICAN Excellent food, exceptional service, and a crisp and formal but distinctly unstuffy atmosphere set this Campus Martius gem apart. Appetizer highlights include a bright and fresh tuna tartare and wood-roasted oysters. Creamy roasted garlic butter and lemon add a zippy touch to the roasted oysters. Main courses are exceptional, including an interesting blend of Italian food, woodgrilled whole fish, and organic Scottish salmon. There’s also a large selection of dry-aged gourmet steaks, wood-grilled and served tableside. The wine selection is impressive and caters to a diverse set of price ranges and wine drinkers, so you won’t be disappointed with any bottle here. 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-922-7272. L,D daily. BR Sat.-Sun.

Park Grill $$

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

Pegasus Taverna $$

GREEK The cry of “opa!” resounds in St. Clair Shores at the second edition of the longstanding Greektown restaurant. The resturant 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; 313-9646800. L,D Tue-Sun.

The Peterboro $$

ASIAN-FUSION • A contemporary take on AmericanChinese fare gives new life to the cuisine with robustly spiced dishes, including an “absurdly delicious” cheeseburger spring roll and a take on almond boneless chicken. 420 Peterboro St., Detroit; 313-833-1111. D Mon.-Sat.

Pho Lucky $

PizzaPlex $

ITALIAN • This pizza isn’t just authentic, it’s certified. PizzaPlex earned the title of Vera Pizza Napoletana, or real Neapolitan pizza, from Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana in Naples. Try the Margherita. Topped with mozzarella, basil, and EVOO, there’s nothing like a classic. 4458 Vernor Highway, Detroit; 313-757-4992. D Thu.-Sun.

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 Polish staple in Detroit, where there aren’t too many. 2990 Yemans St., Hamtramck; 313-874-5726. L,D daily. Not wheelchair accessible.

Portofino $

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2019

Prime + Proper $$$$

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

Rattlesnake Club $$$$

NEW AMERICAN This restaurant on the river remains one of the most appealing spots in town. The casually elegant space offers a range of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Dishes that typify its style include seared diver sea scallops, an 8-ounce filet, and a 16-ounce porterhouse. 300 River Place, Detroit; 313567-4400. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Red Dunn Kitchen $$

NEW AMERICAN • The Trumbull and Porter hotel’s spiffy restaurant is an ambitious undertaking, offering three meals a day. It is best experienced at dinner, with a la carte offerings such as foie gras-stuffed quail, smoked and marinated salmon collars, braised lamb leg, and bacon-wrapped duck breast with polenta. 1331 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; 313-887-9477. B,L,D daily except on Fri., which is B,L.

$$

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’re naming Oak & Reel

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.

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

Rocky’s of Northville $$

NEW AMERICAN • Menu includes shrimp cocktail, salmon pate, and broiled Great Lakes whitefish. Also try chipotle honey-glazed salmon. 41122 W. Seven Mile Road, Northville; 248-349-4434. L Tue.-Fri. D Tue.-Sun.

“At

“There’s something magic and organic that happens at Detroit Public Theatre! It happens when our audiences experience Detroit Public Theatre’s riveting stories on stage— stories that speak to all of us, stories that represent us in all our complexity, stories that make our city more connected.”

SALTY DOG

PHOTO BY REBECCA SIMONOV

Ingredients

2

Directions

1. Shake all ingredients vigorously until foamy.

2. Rim glass with finely ground Himalayan pink salt.

3. Pour drink over nugget ice.

4. Garnish with cherry/grapefruit twist.

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; 313-8422100. L,D daily.

Rose’s Fine Food $

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • The menu is straightforward, based mainly on fresh ingredients and from-scratch preparation. Breakfast eaters can choose from a variety of egg dishes, such as the Eggs and Cheese (soft scrambled eggs, herbs, and aioli). For lunch, there’s a selection of creative sandwiches. 10551 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-822-2729. B,L Wed.-Sun.

San Morello $$$

ITALIAN This Italian gem serves pizzas, pastas, and wood-fired dishes that draw inspiration from the coastal towns of Southern Italy and Sicily out of the Shinola Hotel. Think Tartufi Pizza with fontina and black truffle, handcrafted by James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini. 1400 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313209-4700. B, KL D daily.

The Sardine Room $$$

SEAFOOD • A seafood restaurant and raw bar, The Sardine Room is fresh, fun, and energetic, with a clean-line décor and a menu full of surprises. For starters, there is a Seafood Louie featuring jumbo lump crab, shrimp, egg, avocado, tomato, and bibb lettuce. Worthwhile is a grouper sandwich that’s available seared, pan-fried, or blackened. 340 S. Main St., Plymouth; 734-416-0261. D daily, BR Sun.

Savannah Blue $$

SOUL FOOD • Highlights at this upscale soul food joint include the twice-dredged fried chicken and the shrimp and grits. Shareables include perch fritters, okra fries, 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.

Savant $$$

FRENCH • In a cozy-yet-upscale interior with leather couches and an open kitchen, Jordan Whitmore and Rebecca Wurster, formerly of Apparatus Room, serve up rotating European-inspired menu items, including Champagne Chicken, an Apple and Arugula Heirloom Salad, Calamari, and — for vegan diners — Ratatouille Confit. 51 W. Forest Ave., Detroit; 313-285-9294.

D Fri.-Sat.

Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips $

SEAFOOD • Head to this Brightmoor spot for perfectly prepared fish and chips. The key to Scotty’s longevity is the batter that coats the cod, perch, shrimp, chicken, onion rings, and frog legs. 22200 Fenkell St., Detroit; 313-533-0950. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Second Best $

RETRO AMERICAN • The talents behind nearby Grey Ghost have unveiled a second, more casual spot with a retro spin in Brush Park. The menu of lighter dishes includes the Yogi Gyro with roasted root vegetable and coconut tzatziki, 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 nightly.

HAZEL’S 1 PEABODY STREET BIRMINGHAM 248-671- 1714 EATATHAZELS.COM

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 Holly-

day, 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 Wed.-Mon.

Seva Detroit

$$

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2020

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar

$$$

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

D Tue.-Sun

Slows Bar BQ

FEATURED Urban Ramen

$$

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, as well. This is a true Detroit classic in every sense of the term. Corktown location: 2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-9629828. L,D daily. Slows To Go in Midtown: 4107 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-309-7560. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Smith & Co.

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • This Cass Corridor bar and restaurant is housed in the old Smith Welding Supply & Equipment Company building — hence cement ceilings and exposed brick that evoke an industrial vibe. The menu features small plates, sandwiches, and entrees such as mushroom toast; braised lamb shank; the fried chicken bowl with sweet sesame sauce and kimchi; and the Smith Burger, soy-ginger marinated and topped with a fried egg. Beverage options include craft beer, wine, and fresh takes on classic cocktails. 644 Selden St, Detroit; 313-6381695. D Wed.-Sun.

Standby

$$

NEW AMERICAN • The libation menu — categorized by spirit — is longer than the food menu, but both food and drinks are equally emphasized. The fare ranges from small plates of marinated olives and tamari eggs to entrees such as grilled lamb kebabs and the house cheeseburger. 225 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-241-5719. D Wed.-Sun. Not wheelchair accessible.

The Statler $$$$

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

Supino Pizzeria $$

ITALIAN • Relax with one of the town’s best thin-crust pizzas — they come in more than a dozen variations, with or without red sauce. A few dishes from the La Rondinella menu made the list as well, such as paninis, salads, and small plates such as 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.

Tap at MGM Grand $

SPORTS BAR • More than 40 HD flatscreen TVs for sports fans, plus sports memorabilia. The menu features comfort food and pub classics: burgers, wings, and house nachos. Pizza and more upscale entrees are also available, as are more than 50 beers. Bring your family and friends for a very entertaining night on the town. 1777 Third St., Detroit; 313-465-1234. D daily.

Takoi $$

JAPANESE INSPIRED

Urban Ramen serves bowls of steaming broth filled with housemade, springy ramen noodles topped with fixings like bamboo, egg, pork chashu, and sesame seeds.

The menu also includes poke, salads, and sides such as garlic edamame and Japanese fried chicken.

4206 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-285-9869. L,D Mon.-Sun.

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.

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 with garlic, shallot rings, and grilled chicory. 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-723-1000. L, D Mon.-Sun.

Vertical Detroit $$$

WINE BAR • This wine-centric restaurant puts the focus on pairing Chef Alex Knezevic’s innovative cuisine with owners James and Rémy Lutfy’s nationally recognized wine program. The menu emphasizes locally sourced protein, seafood, and produce. A musttry for any wine enthusiast. 1538 Centre St., Detroit; 313-732-9463. D Wed.-Sat. Not wheelchair accessible.

Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine $$

CUBAN • An evening at this lively spot is more than just Cuban and Spanish dining. Appetizers and tapas include the outstanding Tapa de la Casa, pork leg marinated in mojo; a Spanish chorizo and fresh mushrooms concoction with garlic lemon sauce; and empanadas, a Cuban turnover filled with ground beef or chicken. 1250 Library St., Detroit; 313-962-8800. L,D daily.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits $

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

The Whitney $$$$

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

Wed.-Sun and high tea Sat.-Sun.

Wine Dotte Bistro $$

WINE BAR • This interesting wine bar and restaurant offers a view of the Detroit River. The menu includes coconut shrimp, lobster tails, tenderloin medallions, and lamb chops. The wine is displayed in a cabinet across one wall and it’s the main focus. 2910 Van Alstyne St., Wyandotte; 734-556-3195. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Wright & Co. $$

NEW AMERICAN • The collaboration between chef Marc Djozlija and Dave Kwiatkowski of the popular Corktown craft cocktail bar Sugar House gives new life to the second-floor space in the Wright Kay building. Small plates such as tuna tartare with pickled pears, and pork belly sliders with tomato jam and sriracha aioli are the focus. 1500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-9627711. D Tue.-Sun.

Yum Village $

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

Oakland

168 Crab & Karaoke $$

PAN-ASIAN • Don’t judge by 168 Crab & Karaoke’s unassuming strip mall location. It’s a unique experience that meshes food, karaoke, and pop party culture into a one-stop destination. As the name suggests, seafood is the main attraction here, specifically the seafood boils, which come with your choice of seafood (crab, clams, lobster, etc.), with sauce and corn and potatoes. 32415 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248616-0168. D daily.

220 Merrill $$$

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

Adachi $$$

JAPANESE-INSPIRED • Heading the kitchen is Lloyd Roberts, who has trained in the kitchens of celebrity chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Nobu Matsuhisa. Here, soy truffle broth is ladled over pork dumplings reminiscent of coin purses, and miniature tacos are filled with lobster, tuna, or vegetable pickings. 325 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248540-900. L,D daily.

Andiamo $$

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

Anita’s Kitchen $

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

RESTAURANT LISTINGS 07.23

Assaggi Bistro $$$

ITALIAN • Seasonal offers encompassing rustic Italian, country French, and authentic Lebanese are all created in the open kitchen. Standouts include Moroccan duck legs, porcini-dusted day boat sea scallops, and cioppino (seafood stew). 330 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248584-3499 D Wed.-Sat.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2005

Bacco Restaurante $$$

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

Bella Piatti $$

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

Beverly Hills Grill $$$

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

Bi Bim Bab $$

KOREAN • Though sushi and a small selection of Japanese entrees share the bill here, it’s Korean food at center stage — on barbecue grills, on which meat and seafood are grilled to order. Or come for the restaurant’s namesake. 43155 Main St., Novi; 248-3486800. L,D Wed.-Mon.

Bigalora: Wood Fired Cucina $$

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

Birmingham Pub $$$

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

Bistro Joe’s $$$

GLOBAL • Part of Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market, Bistro Joe’s is in a mezzanine overlooking the open kitchen and market. There is an eclectic list of dishes like spicy tuna “tacushi,” steamed mussels, and tasty flatbread pizzas. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-5940984. L,D Tue.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2003

Café Cortina $$$

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

Café ML $$

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

Capital Grille $$$

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

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, chicken parmesan, and a meaty branzino typify the menu. A cannoli cake layers sweet ricotta atop a spongy cake and a base of dark chocolate reminiscent of a Nestle Crunch Bar. 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, seasonal East Coast oysters, 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; 248-6474555. L,D daily.

Como’s $$

NEW AMERICAN • This Ferndale favorite reopened in May 2019 under the ownership of Peas & Carrots Hospitality with a trendier, fresher look. The warm, homey feel is still intact, but it’s ditched the old menu for — among other things — chef Zack Sklar’s square, deep-dish, Detroit-style pizza that’s leavened from a sourdough starter as opposed to commercial yeast. 22812 Woodward Ave., Unit 100., Ferndale; 248-677-4439. L,D daily.

Cornbread Restaurant & Bar $$

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

Crispelli’s Bakery Pizzeria $

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

Culantro $$

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

Diamond’s Steak & Seafood $$$

STEAKHOUSE • This Howell restaurant is the perfect location for ribeye, fresh gulf shrimp, or a classic cheeseburger. Plus, weekends boast a buffet-style brunch. 101 W. Grand River Ave., Howell; 517-548-5500. 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 standard selection of breakfast items, burgers, sandwiches, and lunch specials, but the real draw is the counter-side gourmet and pasta specials. Offerings include Veal Marsala and Chicken Milano. 25920 Greenfield Road, Oak Park; 248-968-4060. L,D Mon-Sat.

Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar $$

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

FEATURED Bar Verona

ITALIAN Modernized, madefrom-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 and Spaghetti al Basilico, and specialty pizzas, including The Verona and the Truffle Mushroom, as well as a selection of steaks and seafood dishes typify the contemporary approach to fresh and uncomplicated Italian cuisine. 500 Loop Road, Commerce Charter Township; 248-3875400. D daily.

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

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, 248-9243367. D Wed.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun.

Gran Castor $$ LATIN STREET • From the duo behind hit spots like Vinsetta Garage and Union Woodshop comes this vibrant Latin-American café and restaurant.Diners can choose to sit behind one of the two bars, a cozy café, or in the 245-seat dining room all decked in colorful textiles. At Gran Castor, the dining room is equally as decadent as the food and drinks served. Grab a $5 margarita between 4 p.m.-6 p.m. daily. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy; 248-278-7777. D Wed.-Mon.

Hazel’s

$$

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

Honcho $

LATIN FUSION • From the owners of Vinsetta Garage and Union Woodshop, this restaurant can be described as “Latin food that speaks with an Asian accent.” Menu items include a chicken burrito fried and tossed in a soy fish sauce and Korean pork tacos, featuring Woodshop pulled pork tossed in Korean BBQ sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds and Malay radish slaw. 3 E. Church St., Clarkston; 248707-3793. 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 — shark’s fin and bird’s nest soups, fresh abalone — as well as more customary items. One signature dish is stir-fried yellow grouper fillet with vegetables. 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.Sat.

J-Bird Smoked Meats $$

FEATURED

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, 248850-8060. L,D daily, BR Sun.

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

La Strada Dolci e Caffé $

ITALIAN • A slice of European elegance offers an impeccable little menu of Italian dishes and rich coffees and espresso. Paninis, delicious fresh green salads, hearty minestrone soup, pastas, pizzas, and decadent and artistically crafted pastries are prettily 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; 248-3734440. L Mon.-Fri. D daily.

Loccino Italian Grill $$

ITALIAN • Loccino is a “family-friendly” yet upscale Italian restaurant. Choose from fresh seafood, steak, chicken, and veal dishes, plus traditional pastas, pizzas, salads, and more. They also offer happy hour specials from 3-7 p.m. weekdays. A great special occassion place or delicious workday lunch spot for whevener you need a break from the office. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy; 248-813-0700. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

Lockhart’s BBQ $$

BARBEQUE • The heart of this joint’s authentic barbecue is the dry-rubbed meat smoker, which can smoke up to 800 pounds of meat at a time. Choices such as pork ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, burnt ends, and chicken are served atop butcher paper on metal trays for the true experience. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak; 248-584-4227. L,D daily. BR Sun.

ham; 248-540-0000. B,L Thu.-Sun., D Fri.-Sat. Tea by reservation. Lower level not wheelchair accessible.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

 2023

Madam $$$

NEW AMERICAN • Since opening in 2021, Madam has carved its niche with its global take on farm-totable 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.

Mare Mediterranean $$$$

SEAFOOD • Inspired by restaurants in Sicily where the catch of the day is the basis of dinner, this sophisticated restaurant from Nino Cutraro and his partner offers the freshest seafood flown in from the Mediterranean several times a week. You select the type of fish you want from the market in front of the open kitchen and how you want it prepared (acqua pazza, salt baked, grilled, or pan fried). It’s then served tableside in glorious fashion. Not to be missed are the Mare Tower and moussaka. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. 115 Willits St., Birmingham; 248-940-5525. D Tue.-Sat.

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 $$

BARBEQUE

• Offering wood-smoked meats served with the traditional sides of cornbread, buttermilk slaw, and mac and cheese, popular dishes include the Three Meat Sampler and JBird Gumbo, as well as St. Louis Ribs and old-fashioned JBurgers. If you love meat, this is your place. 1978 Cass Lake Road, Keego Harbor; 248-681-2124. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Joe Muer $$$$

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

Kaizen Ramen $

JAPANESE • A downtown Royal Oak space with exposed ductwork, orange booths, and a lively, floor-to-ceiling, black-and-white robot mural may not seem like the obvious choice for authentic Asian noodles. But this casual spot offers a variety of vegan and meat-based ramen dishes, as well as gyoza, poke, spring rolls, and karaage — Japanese-style fried chicken. Don’t skip out on desserts like mochi ice cream and cheesecake tempura. 411 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak; 248-677-1236. L,D Mon.-Sat.

Lao Pot $$$

CHINESE • In 2019, the owners of Madison Heights’ international market 168 Asian Mart opened Lao

Loui’s Pizza $

ITALIAN • Sure, you can now get a Michigan craft beer, but not much else has changed. And that’s a good thing. Parties dine on square pizzas with crisp crust, faintly charred around the edges. Hailed by food critics and Detroiters alike as one of the city’s most classic Detroit style pizzas, it’s well worth a trip. 23141 Dequindre Road, Hazel Park; 248-547-1711. L,D Thu.-Sun.

Luxe Bar & Grill $$

NEW AMERICAN • The simple menu at this Grosse Pointe Farms joint offers burgers on brioche buns and interesting salads and sides, as well as entrees typified by wild-caught salmon, prime filet, and Greekstyle lamb chops. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-792-6051. 115 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-924-5459. L,D daily.

Mabel Gray $$$

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

Mad Hatter Bistro, Bar & Tea Room $$

ECLECTIC AMERICAN • The whimsical setting inspired by Alice in Wonderland welcomes far more than the tea-sipping set with burgers and sandwiches, rabbit Porchetta, truffle risotto bites, and baked brie with pistachio, honey, and pomegranate. There are also pastries, of course. 185 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birming-

ECLECTIC AMERICAN • This eclectic American menu includes Gulf Shrimp Gratin, steak frites remarkably close to those at Paris bistros, and a housemade soft pretzel with roasted jalapeno-goat cheese dip. Or, try the beef short rib with shawarma spices, pistachio basmati, and pickled vegetables. 301 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-759-4825. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Mesa Tacos And Tequila $

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2008

Mon Jin Lau $$

ASIAN-FUSION • Explore such dishes as Singapore noodles, combining chicken, shrimp, chilies, and curry with angel-hair pasta; Mongolian beef; or seared scallops with lemongrass-basil Thai curry sauce. The patio opens up and the dining room transforms into a dance floor for weekly events. 1515 E. Maple Road, Troy; 248-689-2332. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

The Morrie $$ NEW AMERICAN • Music and munchies can be a great combination when served in the right proportions. Such offerings as the smoked chicken wings, smoked apple burnt ends and Detroit style pizza, as well as the requisite burger and steak, appeal to a wide demographic. The rock’n’roll-themed eatery also brought its much-loved American dishes and cocktails to Birmingham in 2019. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-216-1112. D daily. 260 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-940-3260. L,D Mon.Fri., B,L,D Sat.-Sun. BR Sat.-Sun.

SYLVAN TABLE’S

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE & SALTED VANILLA ICE CREAM

PHOTO BY REBECCA SIMONOV

Salted Vanilla Ice Cream (makes 1 quart; requires an ice cream maker)

1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream

1 3/4 cups whole milk

2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

1/2 cup granulated sugar

5 teaspoons glucose powder

1/4 cup milk powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

4 large egg yolks

Directions

Ice Cream

1. Follow the setup instructions for your ice cream maker.

2. Combine milk, cream, and vanilla paste in a pot and bring them to a simmer on the stove top.

3. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, glucose powder, milk powder, and salt, then add the mixture into the simmering milk.

4. Bring it to a boil.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks together, then slowly add the hot milk mixture, whisking all the time (this is called “tempering” the eggs). The egg mixture should reach about 183 F (84 C).

6. Strain the mixture into a bowl through a very fine sieve (“chinois”), and allow it to cool.

7. Add it to the ice cream maker to churn and freeze.

8. Store it frozen.

Note: Ice cream is also for sale at Sylvan Table!

Pastry Dough

(makes one 9-inch pie)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, semi-softened

1/2 cup cold water

2 cups sugar

Milk (for brushing)

Turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)

Filling

1/2 pound rhubarb, stalks removed, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 1/2 pounds fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed if frozen

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Cube the semisoftened butter and toss in the flour to coat all cubes.

2. Rub butter into flour between your palms until all cubes are flattened and mixture looks sandy.

3. Add the cold water into the bowl and mix until the dough just comes together.

4. Roll the dough into a log wider than it is long, wrap in plastic, and rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.

5. Preheat oven to 425 F.

6. Combine sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. Strain strawberries of excess juice (if using frozen) and add to the bowl along with the rhubarb. Toss to combine and set aside.

7. Roll out 2/3 of the pastry dough to fit the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges to a 1/2-inch overhang.

8. Roll out the rest of the pastry dough to the same thickness of the pie shell for the lattice top. Cut 10 1/2-inch strips using a knife or ruffle cutter.

9. Strain the pie filling of excess juice and fill the pie shell and dot with small pieces of softened butter.

10. Lay five lattice strips of pastry dough in one direction on top of the filling, making sure that they are evenly spaced. Fold back every other strip, then lay one additional lattice strip in the center, perpendicular to the other five. Unfold lattice strips over the new strip, then fold back the others, then lay another piece perpendicular. Repeat to create a woven lattice over the pie.

11. Trim any excess dough away, making sure to leave a 1/2-inch overhang matching the bottom shell.

12. Fold the pastry dough overhang under to create the crust edge, then crimp around the entire pie.

13. Brush the pie crust top with milk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper on the bottom rack of the oven for 15 minutes.

14. Open the oven to allow steam to escape and reduce the temperature to 350 F. Bake for an additional 30 minutes. If the edges are browning too quickly, you can cover them with tinfoil or place another sheet tray on the rack above in the oven.

15. Let the pie sit at room temperature for a few hours to set before serving. Serve with a scoop of salted vanilla ice cream.

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; 248-5560947. D Tue.-Sun.

Ocean Prime $$$$

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

One-Eyed Betty’s $$

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

O.W.L. $

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

Phoenicia $$$

LEBANESE • This long-standing upscale Lebanese eatery has clean, contemporary lines that complement the French door-style windows. Don’t miss the morel mushrooms or roasted garlic cloves with tomato and basil as an appetizer. The menu expands to unexpected items such as baby back ribs and single-servingsized local whitefish. 588 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-644-3122. L Mon.-Fri., D daily., BR Sun.

Pinky’s Rooftop $$

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

Pop’s For Italian $$

ITALIAN • It doesn’t sound fancy, but this Ferndale restaurant serves well-prepared, Italian dishes paired with an ambitious wine program. The fairly brief menu starts with a list of Neapolitan pizzas, then moves to pastas, but has all the classics to hit the spot. There are charcuterie boards and Italian desserts, too. 280 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-2684806. D Tue.-Sun.

Prime29 Steakhouse

is notable, as is the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. 6545 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield; 248-737-7463. D Tue.-Sun.

Public House $$

NEW AMERICAN/VEGAN This Ferndale spot reopened under new ownership and with a refreshed look in late 2021. Standout selections include its burgers, sharable plates like barbecued carrots, and craft cocktails and mocktails. It also features a special vegan menu and carries plenty of gluten-free options. 241 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-733-4905. D daily., BR Sat.-Sun.

Quán Ngon Vietnamese Bistro $ VIETNAMESE • This gem of a bistro in a hand-some space adds to the local Vietnamese offerings. Dishes such as cha gio (elegant little eggrolls), bun bo nuong sa (grilled steak atop angel-hair rice noodles), and banh mi made with fresh ingredients.

30701 Dequindre Road, Madison Heights; 248-2684310. 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; 248-865-0500. L,D Mon.-Sat.

Rochester Chop House $$

NEW AMERICAN • Two restaurants in one; Kabin Kruser’s and the Chop House. There’s a throwback roadhouse-style feeling about the Chop House, which has a menu divided between red meat and fresh fish and seafood. Signature dishes include calamari, Maryland jumbo lump crabcakes, and a large selection of aged steaks, rack of lamb, and steak/seafood combinations. 306 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-6512266. L Mon.-Fri., D daily

Ronin $$

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

Silver Spoon $$

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

Social Kitchen & Bar $$$

NEW AMERICAN • The energetic Birmingham spot allows guests a view of the kitchen action. It has a creative and varied menu typified by falafel lettuce wraps, fried chicken sandwiches, crispy Brussels sprouts, and salmon with braised lentils, crispy kale, and a mustard vinaigrette. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham; 248-5944200. L Mon.-Fri., D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Sozai

$$$$

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, Loch Duart salmon, and lamb chops with lobster fried rice. The service

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

RESTAURANT LISTINGS 07.23

Streetside Seafood $$

SEAFOOD • Small and cozy yet sophisticated, the restaurant has a pared-down menu of fresh fish and seafood on a seasonal menu. There are always two soups: a bisque and a chowder. Favorites include the oysters and bouillabaisse. A delicious restaurant for all palates to enjoy and feel comfortable in. 273 Pierce St.Birmingham; 248-645-9123. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

Take Sushi $$

JAPANESE • Crisp salads, miso soup garnished with the tiniest dice of tofu, sashimi and sushi, oversize bowls of soba or udon noodles, and all the familiar — and some not-so-familiar — entrees, combine together to make this spot special. 1366 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 248-652-7800. L,D daily.

Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro $$

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

Three Cats Restaurant $

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • Formerly a small café serving customers of the boutique Leon & Lulu, Three Cats is now a full-fledged restaurant and bar. Located in the former Clawson movie theater next door to the shop, the spot serves small, simple plates, including vegetarian and vegan options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The beverage menu features local selections, such as vodka from Ferndale’s Valentine’s Distilling Co. and wines from grapes grown on the Leelanau Peninsula. Patrons can even take home the colorful, quirky chairs or tables they’re dining at, as most of the furniture at Three Cats Restaurant is available for purchase. 116 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson; 248-288-4858. L,D Mon.-Fri., B,L,D Sat.-Sun.

Toast, A Breakfast & Lunch Joint $

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • It’s fun, it’s breezy, and the food at Toast, A Breakfast & Lunch Joint is very, very good. The house specialty smothered burrito has plenty of fans, as does huevos rancheros: fried eggs upon corn tortillas, pintos, and cheese. Toast, a Neighborhood Joint, the spinoff of the Ferndale original has a more elaborate setting pairing ’50s retro with sleek contemporary in a pair of rooms. The new menu features twists to comfort food. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-398-0444. 203 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-258-6278. B,L daily.

Toasted Oak $$$

BRASSERIE • The menu revolves around the charcuterie sold in the market next door and a list of hot grill items, such as grilled steaks with béarnaise sauce. In 2019, the restaurant earned a Wine Spectator magazine award for its outstanding wine program. Plus, just across the lot is Twelve Oaks Mall, should you fancy an evening of shopping and dinner. 27790 Novi Road, Novi; 248-277-6000. B Mon.-Fri., L,D Tue.-Sat.

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;313-723-1000. D daily.

Union Woodshop $$

BARBEQUE • Part of the ever-growing Union Joints restaurant group, this is a self-described wood-fired joint, where pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and beef brisket

come from the smoker, and Neapolitan-style crispcrusted pizzas from the wood-burning oven. And definitely check out the mac and cheese. There’s also a delicious kid’s menu for any youngsters in your party.

18 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-625-5660. D Tue.-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 served on pretzel buns, macaroni and cheese, the Chef Bowl with spaghetti and tomato basil sauce, pizzas, and brown sugar-glazed salmon. A restaurant that pays true homage to the city of Detroit. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley; 248-548-7711. L,D daily.

Voyager $$

SEAFOOD • Fresh seafood with emphasis on oysters is the premise in this hard-to-find location. The space entails convivially close quarters for such dishes as peel-n’-eat shrimp, chili crab spaghetti and grilled swordfish. The premium bar offers short but notable lists of beer and wine as well as craft cocktails. 600 Vester St., Ferndale; 248-658-4999. D Tue.-Sat.

Waves $$

FEATURED Sylvan Table

NEW AMERICAN

With a working farm on the 5-acre property, Sylvan Table isn’t just talking the farm-to-table talk.

The restored 300-year-old barn feels grand and vast when you step into the stunning space, but it is homey, welcoming, and inviting. The menu changes often to reflect what’s growing. Some of the staples include the trout — 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. BR Sat.-Sun.

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

Macomb

Andiamo $$

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

Barleycorn’s Public House $$

GASTROPUB • This casual spot offers a wide-ranging cocktail menu, craft beers, and elevated pub fare (try the Southerner, a buttermilk-soaked fried chicken, or the fish and chips). Located near Emagine theater, it’s an ideal spot to grab a burger and drinks before or after a movie. 50985 Hayes Road, Shelby Township; 586-271-8700. L,D Tue.-Fri., D Sat.-Sun.

Bar Verona $$

ITALIAN Scratch-made Italian favorites as well as fresh craft cocktails fill the menu at this stylish eatery. Homemade pastas, such as Giuseppe’s and Spaghetti al Basilico, and specialty pizzas, including The Verona and the Truffle Mushroom, as well as a selection of steaks and seafood dishes typify the modernized approach to fresh and uncomplicated Italian cuisine. 59145 Van Dyke Ave., Washington; 586-4730700. 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 — 900 at last count. 27626 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-675-2115. L,D daily.

Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar $$

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

Detroit Fish House $$

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

Gaudino’s $$

ITALIAN • The trending market-restaurant combo has a good example at this spot. It offers imported pastas and sauces, plus a butcher counter with sausages and a wine assortment. The menu offers pasta and pizza, salads, and entrees, including a Chicken Milanese. 27919 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586879-6764. L,D Tue.-Sat

Isla $$

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

J. Baldwin’s Restaurant $$$

NEW AMERICAN • The menu showcases talented chef Jeff Baldwin’s contemporary American food: cedarplanked salmon, chicken fettuccini alfredo with pesto, and herb-crusted chicken, with housemade breads. The desserts include chocolate bumpy cake, spiced carrot cake, apple cobbler, chocolate mousse layer cake, and banana foster bread pudding. 16981 18 Mile Road, Clinton Township; 586-416-3500. L,D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun.

Mr. Paul’s Chophouse $$$

STEAKHOUSE • This bastion of red meat as well as classic dishes is still going strong. Try old-school tableside presentations such as Chateaubriand and Caesar salad. There’s a solid selection of fresh seafood and pasta, too. The founding family still runs the place and emphasizes great hospitality and a heckuva good time. 29850 Groesbeck Hwy., Roseville; 586-7777770. L,D Mon.-Fri., D Sat.

Sherwood Brewing Co. $

GASTROPUB • Quality local ingredients raise Sherwood’s fare to well above “elevated pub grub.” Some notable choices include the hearty House Beer Chili, savory Better Made-crusted fish and chips, and spicy Buffalo Mac. Homemade extends to dessert, including Cashew Outside Cookies. This isn’t just bar food, it’s elevated bar food. 45689 Hayes Road, Shelby Township; 586-532-9669. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Steakhouse 22 $$

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

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Adds a patient from Shelby Township: “Everyone was friendly, polite, and professional. Every step was explained, all my questions were answered completely, and I was made very comfortable. The facility was just the right size, and it was very clean and well-organized. Dr. Black is very personable and extremely skilled.”

The mission at Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery is simple: to deliver excellence in clinical care and customer service.

Highly respected physicians Dr. Frank A. Nesi, Dr. Geoffrey J. Gladstone, Dr. Evan H. Black, Dr. Francesca Nesi-Eloff, Dr. Dianne M. Schlachter, and Dr. Robert A. Beaulieu practice throughout southeast Michigan and Flint, and hold affiliations with only the top accredited hospitals.

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Plastic Surgery take skill and training to a whole new level. Their unwavering dedication is evident in their multitude of professional affiliations, certifications, leadership and faculty appointments, strong association with accredited facilities, professorships, and the numerous textbooks they’ve authored.

Each physician has received awards and recognition for their deep commitment to continuously improving the field of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. They’re frequent lecturers both nationally and internationally. Additionally, they’ve authored numerous articles on surgical techniques, as well as textbooks and textbook chapters that set the standard for their field.

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Reconstructive Surgery: This is performed to improve the function or appearance of a face that’s abnormal because of congenital deformities (birth

defects) or developmental deformities (i.e. damaged from injury, infection, disease, surgery, etc.). Reconstructive surgery options include droopy upper eyelids (ptosis repair); thyroid eye disease (Grave’s ophthalmopathy); eyelid malposition, entropion and ectropion; eyelid reconstruction; eyelid lesions and skin cancer; orbital tumors and fractures; and blocked tear ducts.

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Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery, PC

29201 Telegraph Rd., Suite 324 Southfield, MI 48034

800-245-8075

eyelidpros.com

Testa Barra $$

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

Twisted Rooster $$

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

Vast Kitchen and Bar $$

NEW AMERICAN • Chef Nicole Justman heads the kitchen at this fresh spot that brings a touch of Birmingham to Shelby Township. A contemporary menu at Vast Kitchen and Bar includes pan-seared salmon and sous vide pork shank. 52969 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-991-6104. L,D Mon.-Sat.

Washtenaw

Bellflower $$$

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

Black Pearl $$

SEAFOOD • This seafood and martini bar is especially popular during patio season. But step inside for a host of craft cocktails, then stay for dinner. A seafood-dominated menu includes a notable roasted scallop dish. Non-seafood options include the eponymous burger, roasted butternut squash salad, and filet mignon. And make sure to order dessert.

302 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-0400. D daily.

Blue LLama Jazz Club $$

CREATIVE AMERICAN • Come to this swanky jazz club for the music, which includes headliners such as the Grammy-nominated Ravi Coltrane Quartet, but stay for Chef Louis Goral’s delicious food. Try the crispy foie gras PB&J with Marcona almonds and strawberry jam. There is also a delicious Sunday brunch with decadent orange blossom beignets and strawberry pancakes. 314 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-372-3200. D Tue.-Sat.

The Blue Nile $$

ETHIOPIAN • The real treat of the meal at this quaint Ferndale restaurant is that it’s scooped up with a spongy bread called injera, and all the lentils, often seasoned with an Ethiopian spice mixture known as Berber, and vegetables are equally delicious. 221 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-998-4746. D Tue.-Sun.545 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-547-6699. D Thu.-Sun.

Cardamom $$

INDIAN • Check out the Hyderabadi Biryani —chicken, goat, and vegetable dishes, in which the rice is first cooked then baked. All the Indian favorites are available at Cardamom, such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh, and warm, fluffy, made-fresh garlic naan. It’s the ideal spot for when you’re craving the classics. 1739 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-6622877. L Sun., D Tue.-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 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 Sun.

KouZina Greek Steet Food $

GREEK • The Greek “street food” at this Ann Arbor spot comes in lamb and beef, and chicken. Try the lentil soup for a delicious lunch or go for something more filling like falafel. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this excellent spot. 332 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734997-5155. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Mani Osteria & Bar $$

ITALIAN • This popular casual restaurant infuses freshness with lower prices than most osterias in the area. It’s a well-rounded blend of modern, eclectic Italian with classic standbys. The pizzas are hot, fresh and perfectly executed to suit your tastes. 341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-769-6700. L Fri.-Sun., D Wed.-Sun.

Miss Kim $$

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

Paesano $$

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

Seva Ann Arbor $$

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

Shalimar $$

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

Slurping Turtle $

JAPANESE • This fun, casual Ann Arbor restaurant, owned by celebrity chef Takashi Yagihashi, offers plenty of shareable dishes, such as hamachi tacos 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.

The Boro Dining Room and Bar $$$$

NEW AMERICAN • Much like the restaurant’s ambience, the cuisine at The Boro is both refined and relaxed. The Grilled Bone-In Pork Loin typifies the vibe. In flavor, the pork is reminiscent of a slab of tender brisket at a family barbecue. The loin is sweetened with a smattering of St. Louis-style barbecue glaze. In presentation and accoutrements, though, the dish is worthy of white-tablecloth status. 5400 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-6693310. B,L,D daily.

Yotsuba Japanese Restaurant & Bar $$

JAPANESE • The semi-circular sushi bar is the center of this restaurant. Sushi chef Bobby Suzuki has a loyal following for his precise nigiri rolls. There are also tatami rooms and conventional seating. 7365 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248737-8282. 2222 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor; 734-9715168. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Zingerman’s Roadhouse $$$ CLASSIC COMFORT • This eatery celebrates the food of various American cities, from fresh Maryland crab cakes to the delicacies of New Orleans. The buttermilk biscuits are beyond-this-world. 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-663-3663. B,L,D daily. FEATURED

Zingerman’s Delicatessen

SANDWICH/DELI

Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a household name for Michiganders, and a musttry staple in Ann Arbor. The temptations at Zingerman’s are endless: fresh breads and a menu of filling sandwiches, olive oils and housemade balsamic vinegars, chilies, and mustards. 422 Detroit St., Ann Arbor; 734-663-3354. B,L,D daily.

Dr. Shakeel Niazi

Dr. Shakeel Niazi and his team of experienced dental professionals at The Elite Smile Center in Rochester Hills have made a commitment to providing the latest in state-of-theart technology that not only brightens your smile but makes for a much more comfortable, affordable and overall successful experience.

The Elite Smile Center continues to set the standard for innovative care in the field of implant dentistry and is one of the few practices in Michigan to offer YOMI-enabled implant surgery, the country’s first robotically-assisted dental-surgical system and the next generation in implant surgery.

“YOMI provides assistance to the dental surgeon in planning and placing implants and is the least invasive, yet most precise and accurate method in dental-implant placement,” says Dr. Shakeel Niazi, who along with Dr. Umair Niazi, is a leading expert in using this amazing technology. “With YOMI, there is no cutting of the gums or bleeding during surgery. There also is little or no pain medication required after the procedure which allows for a much easier recovery.”

There are over 100 practices in the country now using YOMI and that number is growing daily and is the future when it comes to implant surgery.

YOMI combines the surgeon’s skill with the benefits of robotic surgery. “YOMI does not replace your dental surgeon,” says Dr. Niazi, a multiyear Top Dentist recipient since 2008. “Your dental surgeon holds on to and directs the YOMI instruments. Robotics are only meant to assist in achieving excellent outcomes and not replace the skill and expertise of your oral surgeon.”

Another example of The Elite Smile Center’s commitment to providing the latest in state-of-the-art technology is offering Invisalign, a cutting-edge process that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gently move the teeth into a healthy and balanced position. Your custom made aligners are worn weekly to gradually and safely straighten your teeth without any root resorption - the process in which the body breaks down and absorbs tissue surrounding a tooth - and enhances your smile over time. The typical length of treatment at The Elite Smile Center ranges from as quick as three months to a year.

Cosmetic dentistry services available include same-day CEREC crowns and bridges, gum disease therapy, TMJ, tooth restorations, and laser-assisted periodontal treatments, including Tongue and Lip Tie Release on infants so they can latch on for proper breast and bottle nipple feeding.

Dr. Niazi, who started Elite Smile Center in 1989, graduated from Cass Tech High School and went

to Wayne State University for his undergraduate studies before graduating from Northwestern University Dental School.

Dr. Shakeel Niazi takes great pride in offering complete dental care for the whole family.

“We stay up to date on all the best in state-ofthe-art technology and practices, while providing a warm, family-friendly environment for our patients,” says Dr. Niazi. “Our patients enjoy coming here and are very happy with the results based on not only feedback we get but also from Google Reviews (4.8 rating on Google Reviews).

We take great pride in what we do and are honored that many of our patients come from far away to experience The Elite Smile Advantage.”

The Elite Smile Center 1390 W Auburn Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48309 248-299-8300 elitesmilecenter.com

GARDEN TOUR – LACASA CHARITY EVENT

July 8, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Livingston County

lacasacenter.org/gardentour2023/

Relax amid the blooms and blossoms for a good cause. Stroll six private gardens throughout Livingston County and get ideas for your own outdoor spaces. Explore unique garden designs, including a 100-foot diameter circle garden, which features 12 geometric points and 14 species of Michigan native plants. Join in a Scavenger Hunt competition. Spend some time at Petals — located at the tour’s midway point — where you can sit a spell, enjoy light refreshments, socialize, and browse the Blooming Raffle display. All proceeds from this charity fundraising event help victims of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual violence at LACASA Center.

20TH ORCHARD LAKE FINE ART SHOW

July 29 – 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. artsandeducationinc.org

Rated one of Money magazine’s “Best Places to Live” and nestled next to the world-renowned Cranbrook Art Institute, art lovers return year after year to West Bloomfield’s rolling green hills and lavish views, providing an exceptional setting for HotWorks.org 20th Orchard Lake Fine Art Show. Showcasing nearly 140 renowned artists from all over the country, you’ll find something for everyone, in all price ranges. Voted 12 times as one of the top 100 juried art shows in America, we welcome you to enjoy live entertainment and great food from lemonade to lobster. The Youth Art Competition sponsored by Institute for the Arts & Education and Jeffrey Charles Photography encourages students, grades K-8/ages 5-13, to enter their original art for public display. Awards presented at the show include $250 cash prizes.

Ample free parking in the last, back half of the lot behind Beaumont Medical Center, 6900 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield.

PASSION FRUIT

July 21, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Takoi

2520 Michigan Ave., Detroit

takoidetroit.com/events

Passion Fruit is an annual summer series hosted by Takoi on its patio that runs from June and to September. The series is designed to connect three aspects that Takoi is passionate about — food, cocktails, and dance music.

For each event, Takoi curates a fine roster of local DJs, creates specialty cocktails using spirits from a brand collaborator, and serves it up alongside a menu of Takoi food classics.

Each month’s event is partnered with a charitable organization and a portion of cocktail sales is donated to that month’s charity. It is what Takoi refers to as “A Party With a Purpose.” At the end of the day, it’s all about raising money for a good cause while enjoying delicious food and drinks, and shaking a groove.

DRIVE FOR LIFE INVITATIONAL PRESENTED BY AHEAD

July 10, 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Oakland Hills Country Club

3951 W. Maple Rd., Bloomfield Hills beaumont.org/giving/events

The Drive For Life Invitational benefits oncology patient programs and services at the Walter & Marilyn Wolpin

Comprehensive Breast Care Center at the Royal Oak hospital and the Wilson Cancer Resource Center at the Troy hospital of Corewell Health East (formerly Beaumont). The day features a round of golf on the world-class championship courses of Oakland Hills Country Club. Golf pro Rick Smith will be on site providing tips for golfers and driving the pro shot for each south course foursome. Media partner 760 WJR will broadcast the Paul W. Smith show live from Oakland Hills. Included in the day, guests will enjoy breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour and buffet dinner. For more information, contact Mariana Keros at 947-522-0092, mariana.keros@corewellhealth.org

WAYNE COUNTY POLO & FASHION CLASSIC

July 15, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Nankin Mills Park

33275 Edward Hines Dr., Westland poloandprettywomen.com

Wayne County Polo & Fashion Classic will feature the greatest polo match with some of the best polo players in the sport.

Claire Sulmers, founder of Fashionbombdaily.com and the industry’s leading fashion blogger chronicling fashionistas of color, returns for her second year as the host of a stellar fashion show. Attendees will also enjoy live music and a picnic-style day party hosted by 3RY Magazine. Guests may bring picnic baskets or purchase food from various food trucks and vendors. A cash bar will also be on site.

The Polo and Pretty Women event is the talk of the town, and sponsors include a plethora of organizations dedicated to improving communities. Proceeds to benefit nonprofit Dave’s Choice Community Development ( daveschoicecdc. org) and nonprofit Detroit Horse Power ( detroithorsepower. org). So, join the fun: Wayne County Polo & Fashion Classic on July 15 at Nankin Mills Park in Westland.

TONY ROKO’S ART IN THE VILLAGE PRESENTED BY COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION

July 28, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

The Art Foundation

198 W. Liberty St., Plymouth beaumont.org/driveforlife

Join artist Tony Roko for a night of art and entertainment you won’t want to miss benefiting Art Foundation: Fostering Creative Minds.

Enjoy light bites and sips while viewing pieces from Tony’s collection and some of Art Foundation’s most popular pieces.

THE ASSOCIATION AT MEADOW BROOK THEATRE’S CONCERT & CUISINE FUNDRAISER

July 15, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Meadow Brook Theatre

378 Meadow Brook Rd., Rochester mbtheatre.com/concert-cuisine-2023

We are beyond thrilled to welcome The Association to the MBT stage this coming July 15, featuring hits such as, “Cherish,”

“Never My Love,” “Windy,” and more. This is a concert you don’t want to miss.

For tickets, call our box office at 248-377-3300 or visit Ticketmaster.com.

CRUISIN’ WITH KIWANIS OVATION YACHT PARTY

July 26, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Jefferson Beach Marina

24400 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores uticashelbykiwanis.org/event/cruisinwith-kiwanis/

Come and join us for an amazing evening aboard the Ovation yacht. We’re thrilled to invite you to experience a truly unforgettable sunset cruise on the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the Detroit skyline and the beautiful waterways that surround it.

The Ovation yacht is a luxurious vessel that offers the perfect setting for this unique event. With ample space and elegant décor, you’ll feel like royalty as you soak in the stunning scenery and enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks. This event is all about making memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll be treated to live entertainment, music, and other surprises throughout the evening. It’s the perfect chance to mingle with friends and family while supporting a great cause, local nonprofit Neway Works. Proceeds will aid Neway Works (newayworks.org) mission to empower disadvantaged teens through education and advocacy.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOUR MEDIA'S SPONSORED EVENTS AND SEE PHOTOS FROM THOSE EVENTS, VISIT HOURDETROIT.COM

Pope Francis Center Building Bridges Gala

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTINE M.J. HATHAWAY

THE POPE FRANCIS Center Building

Bridges Gala, presented by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers and Lear, featured a gourmet dinner, cocktail reception, and silent auction at Ford Field. The J. Addison Bartush & Marion M. Bartush Family Foundation, Jim Tobin, and Nettie Seabrooks were celebrated during the event. Proceeds from the event went to support the Pope Francis Center and its fight against homelessness in Detroit. For more on the organization, go to popefranciscenter.org

1. Susan and Andrew Richner 2. Rev. Tim McCabe, Jim Farley, Jim Tobin 3. Jennifer Serwach, Alexander Jakstys 4. James, Lindsay, Joan, Jim, Erin, and Matt Tobin

5. Brad Mikolajczyk, Frank Migliazzo, Mark Thomas 6. Emily Remington, Peter Remington 7. Joseph Bartush, Susan Bartush Cugliari, Stephen Cugliari

8. Jay Towers

9. Duane Tarnacki, Susan Minkus, Susan Richner, Dan Minkus, Andrew Richner

10. Frank and Gina Potenza, Val and Bill Wardle 11. Jim Dobleski, Rev. Tim McCabe, Pat Kidd

12. Rosana Garbacik, Sharon Johnson

04.20.2023

04.29.2023

Detroit Historical Society’s 100th Anniversary Celebration

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KEVIN BEAN

THE DETROIT HISTORICAL Museum was the setting for the Detroit Historical Society’s gala celebrating a century of collecting, sharing, and preserving the Motor City’s history. The evening featured dinner and dessert offerings throughout the museum, a raffle, and more. Guests were also invited to view displays and exhibits. During the event, five notable Detroiters — Ben Wallace of the Pistons, Lomas Brown of the Lions, broadcasters George Blaha and Ken Daniels, and anchorwoman Amyre Makupson — were inducted into Legends Plaza. This outdoor exhibit features the handprints and signatures of “individuals who have helped shape the culture of the region, state, and nation.” Proceeds from the event benefited the DHS’s many educational programs. To learn more, go to detroithistorical.org

1 Kevin Grigg, Ben Wallace 2. Alex and John Decker, Paul and Cheryl Van Tol 3. David Silver, Ciara Ginyard

4. James and Cathy Deutchman, Lomas Brown, Leslye and Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum

5. Richard and Rebecca Sorensen, Dana Sorensen, Grant Juth 6. Mitch and Sari Cicurel 7. Jimmy and Kelley Saros, Kathleen Nelson, Michael Fisher

8. George and Mary Blaha, Adrienne and AJ Bennett 9. Arn Tellem, Ben Wallace, George Blaha, Kevin Grigg

10. Corey and Sheena Boyd 11. David and Christine Cessante, Tiffani and Ron Patterson 12. Joe and Ginny Abramson, Lomas Brown

04.29.2023

Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Gala

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KEVIN BEAN

THE 22ND ANNUAL APACC Gala, “Resurgence,” at MGM Grand Detroit kicked off Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce’s annual affair included a blacktie dinner dance featuring live performances, a silent auction, door prizes, and more. The event celebrated the organization’s 23 years of facilitating business relationships among Asian and U.S.-based companies and promoting the economic advancement of AAPI. The keynote speaker was local artist Mike Han, who has made art for the Detroit Pistons, Ford Motor Co., ArtPrize, and more. Proceeds went to support the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce; to learn more, visit apacc.net.

1. David and Sylvia Wiegel, Matthew Morse 2. Chintan Ved, Suk-Kyu Koh, Glenn Gerhard 3. David and Jungho Kwon, Michelle and Charles Day, Mona and Steve Chang 4. Isha Bhatt, Ashok Sivanand, Vaughn and Andrea Walker

5. Dan Fiedler, Jing Yun Yang 6. Dilip and Aruns Paul, Kurt Best, Juliana Schnack 7. Priya Mann, Pina Vyas, Arthi Arjanna, Reshma Khed, Ruchi Gallardo

8. Leonie Teichmann, Sunni Samberg, Sung Moon, Ben Torres 9. Mona Chang, Jungho Kwon, Michelle Day, Shanna Johnson, Monika Grewal, Valencia Stoudamire 10. Christine and Bo Cheng, Mike Han 11. Kampou and Merit Sophabmisay, Alysia and Victor Green

FOR SEVERAL DECADES, a favorite summer pastime for visitors at Greenfield Village in Dearborn was taking a ride on the Suwanee steamboat that circled around a small island in the middle of an artificial lagoon as the rear paddle wheel churned through the murky waters. The intermittent blowing of the boat’s piercing steam whistle was a distinctive sound fondly associated with one of the country’s favorite tourist destinations.

After Robert Fulton successfully developed his steamboat, which first journeyed up the Hudson River in New York in 1807, steamboat traffic grew steadily on the Mississippi River and other river systems in the United States. While vacationing in Florida, Thomas Edison often traveled the inland waterways on a 19th-century steamer named the Suwanee

Because of Henry Ford’s admiration for the inventor, to whom the Henry Ford Museum and adjacent Greenfield Village outdoor museum were dedicated in 1929 as the Edison Institute (now called The Henry Ford), Ford salvaged the boat’s engine and had a 60-foot-long replica built for tourists to ride and enjoy.

The original Suwanee replica built in 1929 had eight cabins on its boiler deck, but due to its ungainly appearance, Ford had the Suwanee rebuilt without cabin accommodations.

On July 4, 1935, the boat, along with the Stephen Foster House, which lies above the banks of the lagoon, were dedicated.

Walt Disney, who had visited Greenfield Village in the 1940s, borrowed Ford’s idea and built a similar but larger steamboat called the Mark Twain that began giving guests rides when Disneyland opened in 1955.

The Suwanee was one of the last things Henry Ford saw on his final visit to Greenfield Village, when he observed the boat submerged at its dock during heavy rainfall and flooding on April 7, 1947, the day he died.

The boat was repaired and renovated more than once over the years, but it was finally taken out of service in 2004 and later dismantled.

The Henry Ford, the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in America, hosts more than 1.5 million visitors annually.

—Bill Dow