Hour Detroit | May 2026 by Hour Media

wish you were here.

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MICHIGAN TO MAGICAL IN UNDER TWO HOURS

Jesse Speelman

Nicole Morisco

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FEATURES

31 30 Years/ 350 Covers

In recognition of Hour’s 30th anniversary, we look back on the people and stories we’ve covered since 1996.

38 At Home with Jeff Daniels

The actor, musician, and theater company founder reflects on a career built on breaking the mold in more ways than one. Plus, the Chelsea resident talks music, family, and his mission to support local talent.

44 Summer Events Preview

With warm weather right around the corner, here are 79 fairs, concerts, and festivals to look forward to from May to September.

P. 44 John Mellencamp’s “Dancing Words Tour

The Greatest Hits” stops at Pine Knob Music Theatre on July 16.

Business

History

Miles

Mental

24/SEVEN

Michigan

AGENDA

Listings 14 can’t-miss shows, films, and performances.

Essay

Ryan Patrick Hooper looks back on his 13 years with Hour.

Art

A Detroit industrialist’s lasting impact on the world of art.

FOOD &DRINK

Drinks

A new café and bar with a secret comes to Ferndale.

Anniversary Café Cortina celebrates its golden anniversary.

A foodie’s diary entries during a trip to Charlotte.

EDITOR’S LETTER

This month, Hour Detroit is celebrating its 30th birthday.

And while 30 isn’t old in people years, in an industry in which many publications don’t last a decade, it’s a milestone worth celebrating.

Over 350 issues, we’ve told a lot of stories. So instead of trying to sum them up in words — in an issue already packed with great content, including a feature on Jeff Daniels and our Summer Events Preview — we’re telling the story visually: 350 covers, plus reflections from some of the metro Detroiters featured on them.

We’ve come a long way since publishers John Balardo and Thomas Hartle, editor Veronica Pasfield, copy editor George Bulanda, and designers Shayne Bowman and Chris Willis produced those first few issues — without an office for the staff. “We had other full-time jobs,” Bulanda said in our 10th-anniversary issue. “Stories were delivered to my house. We’d drop off magazines in coffeehouses and bars. A lot of naysayers said this magazine was not going to last. But we all believed in this product.”

That belief still drives us. Today, Hour Media is a multimedia company publishing dozens of titles in seven states. We’ve grown from having no office to operating our headquarters out of our own building in Troy. But our mission hasn’t changed: to celebrate Detroit and the people who make it great.

“Hour Detroit has remained relevant because it continues to tell the stories of the city in a way that feels authentic and connected,” said chef Quiana “Que” Broden when we asked our cover subjects why they think Hour has endured.

We couldn’t do any of this without our staff and the hundreds of contributing writers, photographers, and stylists we’ve worked with over the years. When I asked Jim McFarlin, one of our most veteran contributors, to share his memories, he said, “I have been honored over the decades to pen cover stories for everyone from Dave Bing and Dan Campbell to Martha Reeves and Kid Rock. Detroit needs and deserves a publication like Hour Detroit — one that showcases our brighter side and all the things that make the Motor City special, all presented in glossy artistry.”

And finally, I’d like to thank you, our readers. Your support, feedback, and passion are why we do this. Here’s to 30 more years!

KATE WALSH, EDITOR KWALSH@HOUR-MEDIA.COM

VOLUME THIRTY-ONE / ISSUE FIVE

PUBLISHER: Jason Hosko

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Kate Walsh

DIGITAL EDITOR: Erica Banas

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Jack Thomas

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Will Reaume

COPY EDITOR: Morgan Brown

CONTRIBUTORS: Jim Bloch, Karen Buscemi, Serena Maria Daniels, Bill Dow, Ryan Patrick Hooper, Mickey Lyons, Danny Palumbo, Megan Swoyer, Lauren Wethington, Khristi Zimmeth

EDITORIAL INTERN: Kate Silverman

DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Lindsay Richards

ART DIRECTOR: Steven Prokuda

JR. ART DIRECTOR: Sabrina Seldon

CONTRIBUTORS: Jacob Lewkow, Chuck Nowak, Sal Rodriguez, Josh Scott

ADVERTISING

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

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION MANAGER: Crystal Nelson

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Alessandra Taranta

ACCOUNT MANAGER: Elizabeth Kowalik

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joe Salafia

SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGING EDITOR: Olivia Sedlacek

IT IT DIRECTOR: Jeremy Leland

DIGITAL

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY: Travis Fletcher

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Matt Cappo

SR. DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST: Luanne Lim

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST: Brian Paul

CIRCULATION

CIRCULATION MANAGER: Riley Meyers

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

MARKETING & EVENTS

MARKETING & EVENTS MANAG ER: Regan Wright

WEDDINGS ACCOUNT MANAGER: Karen Wilkie

MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR: Puja Trivedi

MARKETING & EVENTS ASSISTANT: Kayla Yucha

EMAIL MARKETING COORDINATOR: Mitch Ackerman

MARKETING RESEARCH

MARKETING RESEARCH DIRECTOR: Sofia Shevin

MARKETING RESEARCH COORDINATOR: Kristin Bestrom

MARKETING RESEARCH SALES COORDINATOR: Alexandra Thompson

MARKETING RESEARCH SALES ASSISTANT: Theresa Lowery

MARKETING RESEARCH ASSISTANT: Abby Galanty

PRS GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kendra Okamoto

MARKETING RESEARCH INTERNS: Ariana Biondo, Lauren Lienhart, Gwen Zych

BUSINESS

CEO: Stefan Wanczyk

PRESIDENT: John Balardo

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS: Kathie Gorecki

MEDIA ASSOCIATE: Lachlan O’Neill

SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE: Andrew Kotzian

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATES: Jenna Glod, Austin Schmelzle

DISTRIBUTION: Target Distribution, Troy

Je Daniels in 1996 (when Fly Away Home was released) and today (when you can see him on Shrinking).

Ryan Patrick Hooper catches up with the actor on page 38.

Live it up. Underground.

You may think you know Kentucky, but you’ll discover surprises at every turn. Explore exhilarating above- and below-ground experiences. Come and play where the future is bright and the adventures are never-ending. Y’all interested? Plan your trip to our new Kentucky home today.

MEGA CAVERN

UP FRONT

 P. 22 Miles Davis’s Detroit connection

Lynne Burgess-Holmes didn’t know many dads like hers.

When Lynne was growing up in the 1950s on Detroit’s west side, Leroy Burgess set aside an entire room of their house for his miniature train set. He built gas-propelled remote-controlled airplanes, and he’d gather kids from their neighborhood on Dexter and Columbus to take turns flying them.

In the summer, he took Lynne and her brother canoeing at Palmer Park. In the winter, they went ice skating at Belle Isle and the St. Hedwig’s ice arena. He could identify just about any plant by name in both English and Latin.

Leroy was born in Georgia in 1920 to a family of sharecroppers. He served in World War II before eventually relocating to Detroit.

Leroy brought home a steady living as a driver for the Department of Street Railways (renamed the Detroit Department of Transportation in 1974). And although he never made it past the sixth grade, he encouraged his children to attend college.

But a year or so into Lynne’s studies at Wayne State University, when she was 19, she would embark on a major business venture with her dad (and still graduate with a bachelor’s in business administration).

With just $10,000 after remortgaging the family home, Leroy and Lynne opened Enterprise Uniform Co. in 1971 on the corner of Woodward and Euclid. The idea had been brewing in Leroy’s head for some time: He saw the market for a brick-and-mortar that sold bus uniforms.

However, in its first two years, Enterprise struggled. The business was waiting on approval for the coveted payroll deduction system, which would allow drivers to purchase uniforms through smaller payments deducted from their paychecks rather than all cash up front.

But one of Enterprise’s first customers would bring good fortune for years to come: a postal worker and union steward who helped Enterprise get its first postal license.

“If it was not for the post office, we would not have survived,” Lynne says. “This was

Before MotorCity Casino opened in 1999, Lynne BurgessHolmes and a small team individually fitted more than 1,500 security guards in a 24-hour window.

Fabric of the COMMUNITY

BY JACK THOMAS

PHOTOS BY JOSH SCOTT

Enterprise Uniform Co. has been outfitting Detroit's frontline workers for 55 years

back in the ’70s, and it was a Black pride era. It was a blessing for us because the community supported us beyond belief.”

Soon after, her father befriended a man who oversaw purchasing for the security company that serviced the Highland Park Chrysler Plant. He gave Enterprise a small contract, which would eventually expand to cover factories in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Canada.

In 1974, the business relocated four blocks east of Woodward to its present storefront, 2862 E. Grand Boulevard.

By the late ’70s, Enterprise was responsible for the uniforms worn by Renaissance Center security. And by 1981, the store became so profitable that a second location opened in Atlanta. (It has since been sold).

In his time, Leroy became well acquainted with many local politicians and bigwigs, such as Erma Henderson, the first Black woman elected to Detroit City Council. (“He used to drive her around,” Lynne says.)

PROFILE

A major account for many years was JOWA Security, run by John T. Coursey, who was close with Motown Records CEO Berry Gordy and served as his security director when the label was in Detroit.

Lynne estimates that Enterprise has contracted with nearly every division of the city at some point. Getting a uniform at Enterprise became a rite of passage for Detroit Police Department recruits entering the force. Lynne has fitted numerous officers from hire to retire. For years, she’s known current chief of police Todd Bettison, who has been with the department since 1994.

Shortly after the city declared bankruptcy, Bettison was deputy chief. As Lynne recalls, the department was late on money it owed to Enterprise around that time. Bettison grew weary after multiple attempts to have the city satisfy the payment. “I’ll be right back,” he told her before leaving the office and simply withdrawing the money from his own bank account.

“That brings tears in my eyes almost right now thinking about it,” says Lynne.

Lynne’s daughter, Lai Holmes, now 35, practically grew up in the building. She still helps her mom out with clerical work but is currently planning to start her own wellness business. She likens her early memories of Enterprise to the film Barbershop.

“It was a place where everybody can go have a laugh and feel like they have some sense of family there,” Lai says. “Someone could have lost their job, then they come here and they can put food on their table for their families.”

Leroy retired from his business in 2006 and died just three years later, succumbing to dementia. In his memory, Lynne established the Leroy Burgess Scholarship. But unlike a conventional scholarship, the fund is reserved for students with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.9. Lynne thought Leroy would want the scholarship to go to young people who, like him, “had to fight their way for whatever [they] had.”

Today, Enterprise is the last remaining uniform store of its kind in Detroit. In late 2025, it earned a small grant as part of Detroit’s Legacy Business Project. The

350

Issues published over 30 years

254

Covers that featured people

newly elected Mayor Mary Sheffield recognized Enterprise and the other recipients as the “backbone of our neighborhoods for generations” in her speech at the ceremony.

Says Lynne, “I wanted to put [the award] up somewhere and say, ‘Detroit, thank you!’ Because it's a legacy of not just me. I didn’t do it by myself. I sacrificed a lot, don't get me wrong, but it took the community [to sustain us].”

Pro athletes on the cover. The first was Tigers outfielder Bobby Higginson; the latest was NBA star Jalen Rose (also known as one of U-M's Fab Five).

People who have been featured twice: Jeff Daniels (Winter 1996, May 2026), former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick (Feb. 2003, Sept. 2005), and former deputy mayor and mayoral candidate Freman Hendrix (March 1998, Sept. 2005)

Cover spotlighting a Detroiters star (Sam Richardson)

Lynne emphasizes the support and sacrifice made by her late mother, Ruth, to make Enterprise a possibility, in addition to her father's.



Many of Burgess-Holmes's customers know her simply as "Ms. Lynne."

If you visited Detroit in fall 1953, maybe you came to Briggs Stadium to catch a Detroit Lions game during their second NFL Championship Game-winning season in a row. Or maybe you came to Olympia to see the Detroit Red Wings, the squad that would take down Montreal in Game 7 to win the Stanley Cup in April 1954.

If you were trumpeter Miles Davis, you came to Detroit for the heroin. The cheap, crappy Motor City heroin.

This was the same Miles Davis who — beginning in 1945, when he was just 19 — played three years in the quintets of sax great Charlie Parker. The same Miles Davis who had finished second to Maynard Ferguson as the best trumpeter in jazz in DownBeat magazine’s 1952 readers’ poll.

But Davis had been busted in Los Angeles on a narcotics charge in September 1950 while playing with Billy Eckstine’s band. His arrest, the news coverage of his drug use, and his growing addiction to heroin made him almost unemployable.

He would struggle with alcohol and cocaine until he died in 1991, but both were manageable compared to his battle against the needle. In the Motor City, Davis finally got clean.

MILES in MOTOWN

BY JIM BLOCH

On what would be Miles Davis’s 100th birthday, we look back at how the famous trumpeter got straight in Detroit

Down and Out in Detroit

The trumpeter’s 100th birthday on May 26 provides an ideal time to look back to Detroit in fall 1953, when Davis, then 27, rolled into town.

Known for its sports teams and booming post-war automobile industry, Detroit was also a burgeoning jazz mecca. Twenty-eight jazz spots opened in Detroit during the 1950s, joining nearly two dozen that had debuted in the ’40s. Local luminaries like guitarist Kenny Burrell, drummer Louis Hayes, vocalist Sheila Jordan, and bassist Ron Carter were poised on the lips of national renown.

But Davis was scuffling. His club dates had dried up. He played in public once between August and December 1952. In 1949 and 1950, his nonet recorded the tracks that would become the legendary Birth of the

Cool, but the album wasn’t released by Capitol Records until 1957.

Two times in 1953, Davis tried to sober up at his father’s farm in Alton, Illinois, north of St. Louis. After the second effort failed, he headed for the Motor City. “I figured that even if I did backslide a little, then the heroin that I would get in Detroit wasn’t going to be as pure as what I would get in New York,” said Davis in his autobiography. “I figured that this could help me and I needed all the help I could get.”

Davis was putting words to pure junkie logic — that doing heroin would somehow help him kick heroin.

Despite the monkey on his back, musicians and fans welcomed Davis to the scene.

The dapper Clarence Eddins, co-owner of the Blue Bird Inn at 5021 Tireman Ave., hired Davis to play in the house band led by

HISTORY

Miles Davis performs with Charlie Parker at the Three Deuces in New York City, 1947.

saxophonist Billy Mitchell — and lent him clothes.

Davis ensconced himself in the Sunnie Wilson Hotel near the intersection of Grand River Avenue and West Grand Boulevard, one of the establishments that catered to Black entertainers.

He soon hooked up with a drug dealer named Freddie Frue, and his addiction deepened.

By November, strung out and broke, he would walk eight blocks to the Blue Bird for his gigs, where local trumpeter Willie Wells often played circles around him.

Things got so bad that Davis pawned his horn for drug money. He had managed to hang onto his mouthpiece and began borrowing the trumpet of Lonnie Hillyer, who lived near the club. Hillyer, barely a teen, would soon study under the great bebop pianist Barry Harris, a mentor of Detroit jazz musicians.

One night, Hillyer’s mom confronted Davis onstage and snatched back her son’s horn. “If he’s such great trumpet player, how come he does not have his own trumpet?” she asked the audience.

In another version of the story, Mrs. Hillyer allowed Davis to borrow Lonnie’s horn on the condition that he returned it to the Hillyer home each night.

The Detroit Detox

There is always a mystery about why one attempt at recovery suddenly works when so many earlier attempts have failed.

In Davis’s case, four intertwined factors helped straighten him out. The poor quality of Detroit heroin played a role. “(S)hooting it wasn’t doing nothing for me except putting more holes in my arms,” Davis said.

Appalled at the way Davis treated his girlfriends, a local gangster called him a “pathetic, pitiful, miserable” junkie who didn’t “deserve to live” — and helped shame him straight.

One of the trumpeter’s few idols was boxing legend Sugar Ray Robinson. “Sugar Ray looked like a socialite when you would see him in the papers getting out of limousines with fine women on his arms, sharp as a tack,” Davis said. But when Sugar Ray was training for a fight, he was

100% business. “I decided that was the way I was going to be … Sugar Ray was the hero-image I carried in my mind.”

look up to me and since they were clean it made me want to stay that way.”

The cleaner Davis got, the more he played, and the better he sounded.

“I really felt good for the first time in a long time,” Davis said. “My chops were together because I had been playing every night and I had finally kicked heroin.”

His gigs with Pontiac-born drummer Elvin Jones packed the Blue Bird.

“[Singer] Betty Carter used to come and sit in with [saxophonist] Yusef Lateef, [pianist] Barry Harris, [trombonist] Curtis Fuller and [trumpeter] Donald Byrd,” Davis said. “It was a really hip city for music.”

 Miles Davis's autobiography, written with Quincy Troupe, was first published in 1989.

Besides his fights, Robinson’s only connection to Detroit was the fact that at age 11, he had lived on the same street as Joe Louis, then 17. But the boxer set an example that Miles needed.

Detroit’s talented jazz players also gave Davis a boost.

“There were some good musicians in Detroit, and I was starting to play with some of them,” Davis said. “That helped me and a lot of them were clean. A lot of musicians in Detroit looked up to me because of all the things I had done. And so, one of the things that made me stay clean was that they did

The handful of months Miles spent in the Motor City in the early 1950s eventually enabled him to revolutionize jazz at least three times over the next four decades. He had already tamed bebop. By 1957, his blooming fame led Capitol to collect his nonet’s 7- and 8-year-old recordings and release them as Birth of the Cool, helping to ignite the cool jazz revolution. Davis replaced chords with scales as the basis for improvising and introduced fans to modal jazz with Kind of Blue in 1959. In Detroit, Miles said goodbye to his own hedonistic Mr. Hyde. Four years later, he celebrated his rebirth as “Dr. Jekyll” in the opening song of Milestones.

Detroit's Blue Bird Inn became a citydesignated historic district in 2020.

Earlybirds Club events frequently sell out, like this one at Ferndale's Magic Bag this past January.

Earlybirds Club: The Perfect Escape

BY ERICA BANAS

Founded in Chicago, this traveling event allows women to break away from their everyday grind — while still getting home at a respectable hour

The Magic Bag in Ferndale hosted a sold-out event on Jan. 30, but it wasn’t the typical intimate concert the small-capacity venue is known for. Instead, it was a special kind of dance party targeting women and genderexpansive people, particularly Gen X and millennials. The event was called the Earlybirds Club, and what set it apart from other dance parties is that it started at 6 p.m. and ended at 10 p.m. Why?

Because, according to the Earlybirds Club’s website, it’s “a dance party for ladies who have sh*t to do in the morning.”

A Brief History of the Earlybirds Club

High-school friends Laura Baginski and Susie Lee launched the Earlybirds Club in Chicago in 2024. (Lee, sadly, passed away in August 2025 after a five-year battle with metastatic breast cancer.) The two friends wanted to create an event where women and femmes could dance freely without having to deal with creepy folks (i.e., predominantly men) and still go home at a reasonable hour.

The Earlybirds Club has since expanded into a traveling event in cities all over the U.S. This unique event shows no signs of slowing, which is especially great

considering 10% of the proceeds go to a local women-centered nonprofit.

“It’s crazy how quickly these events sell out — ladies are clearly here for it,” said Baginski at the Magic Bag. “A 1,200-capacity event almost sold out after going on sale this morning. It shows there’s a massive need for an event like this all over the country and that there’s a lot of solidarity.”

Earlybirds music director Helean Lee notes, “It really feels like women need this. A very common response I often hear from people who attend is, ‘I never knew how much I needed this.’ Women are always saddled with so many responsibilities, and this is a place where they can be themselves.”

The Invisible Weight Women Carry

Among the merchandise sold at Earlybirds Club events and on its website are a number of items with the phrase “Remember who tf you are.” In a world in which women carry so many silent responsibilities, particularly in relationships with men, the phrase hits close to home.

Several medical journals, health resources, and other notable outlets have covered the disparity of household chores within heterosexual relationships. A 

January 2020 Gallup report found that women were more likely to shoulder the bulk of the responsibility when it comes to child care, as well as preparing meals, cleaning the home, doing the laundry, and making decisions about home decor.

A January 2021 Pew Research Center report revealed that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people (both men and women) worked from home, the gender gap in household responsibilities persisted. When it comes to household chores, 59% of women said they did more work than their male spouses or partners. This gap was even larger with child care, with 74% of women saying they manage the activities and schedules of their offspring rather than their male spouses or partners. Those responsibilities can be absolutely draining, and they were front-of-mind while I was at the Magic Bag for the very first Earlybirds Club event in metro Detroit. I saw women of all ages dance with abandon to hits from En Vogue, SaltN-Pepa, and Destiny’s Child. I scream-sang along with them to Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know.”

Earlybirds Club’s most recent trip to metro Detroit was on April 17 at The Majestic Theatre in Detroit’s Midtown, which has nearly three times the capacity of the Magic Bag. To check for future visits, go to early-birds.club.

PHOTO JOHN F. MARTIN

 P. 28 Soft light and a koi pond surrounded by natural beauty make this Grosse Pointe Shores backyard the ultimate place to relax.

Dispatches from the 45th Parallel

BY MICKEY LYONS

Exploring the Leelanau Peninsula’s one-of-a-kind towns and terroirs

It’s 45 degrees outside in October, rain is pounding in horizontal sheets onto the plate-glass window nearby, and I’m drinking a Bloody Mary with a smoked fish peeping out at me. Believe it or not, I’m in my happy place, and I’m about to willingly get in a car and be driven into the river.

This is the Leelanau Peninsula, the tippytop of the little finger of the Michigan mitten. It’s home to Traverse City, of course, but if you’ve only spent time there, I’m here to tell you to broaden your scope. Not that the area is a complete secret: Fish Town in Leland is one of the area’s most photographed spots, with its rustic fishing shanties lining the river now host to fishing charters, gift shops, and candy stores. During my visit, salmon fling themselves up the ladder by the dam in a frantic attempt to reach their spawning grounds upriver.

I’m at The Cove, a restaurant perched on top of the Leland River dam. The Chubby Mary may sound gimmicky, but it turns out that sticking a smoked chub (a small, slightly oily local fish) in the drink as a garnish is pretty darn tasty.

Sitting in a prime spot, watching the salmon leap and struggle, I’m approached by

the restaurant’s owner Rick Wanroy, who asks if I’d like to take a ride. We pile into his vintage 1960s-era Amphicar. While tourists and fishermen gawk at us from the shanties, Wanroy gleefully plows the car straight down the boat ramp into Lake Michigan before making a sharp left and steering us into the river at the heart of town. The salmon leap in droves ahead of us, and I’m not sure who’s more startled by the spectacle: me, the spectators, or the fish. It’s a uniquely Michigan experience, and I’m entirely charmed.

On the southern end of the peninsula — where it meets the mitten — lie Sleeping Bear Dunes and the town of Empire, which have been the epicenter of the peninsula’s tourism for generations. Still, there are plenty of chances to find a new favorite spot. I’ve been in the area several times over the last few years, and it seems that each time I go, there’s a new surprise around every corner. The amber sunlight flickering through the leaves draws intrepid explorers

With its picturesque grounds, Aurora Cellars is a popular wedding destination.

MICHIGAN WINE MONTH

to drive just a little further in search of the next stunning view.

Grabbing a burger for lunch at Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor (bring cash), followed by some charter or fly fishing — or a round (or two) of golf at one of the many courses with expansive vistas — may just make the perfect Michigan day. I’m partial to a stop at Lake Ann Brewing Company for a beer or a visit to Northern Latitudes Distillery for a bottle of Jack Pine Gin, a staple in my home bar. Then, I’ll try my hand at catching the elusive trout, steelhead, and salmon with a fly rod.

And then, of course, there’s the wine. Oh, the wine. The Leelanau Peninsula sits at the 45th parallel, the same latitude as France’s Bordeaux, parts of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and Italy’s Piedmont, all of which happen to make my favorite wines. They’re luscious and complex, and they tell a story of equal winters and summers, layering in the true richness of all four seasons along the way.

But that’s where the parallel — err, similarity — ends. Far more important than latitude is the terroir of a region. That’s what led to the area’s 1982 American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation. Millennia ago, the retreating glaciers that formed the Great Lakes carved out the drumlins, valleys, and hillsides of our state. When they retreated, they left rich deposits of sandy loam. The lake effect generally provides some insulation from the worst winter weather, and the hilly terrain drains well, allowing the vines to root deeply.

The area appeals to both long-serving winemakers and newcomers looking to make a mark. With more than 20 wineries and 1,000-plus acres dedicated to Vitis vinifera, the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail offers plenty of places for visitors to linger. Each stop bears a distinct flavor profile. “The glacial deposits make for diversity, hill by hill,” says Sam Simpson, co-owner of Aurora Cellars with his sister Taylor. On Aurora’s hills, their 2022 Grüner Veltliner and 2021 Blaufränkisch were recognized by VinePair as among the top 15 in their respective categories.

Accolades for Leelanau wine have been stacking up in recent years. At Shady Lane, winemaker Kasey Wierzba and I sample a sparkling Riesling that’s fruitful and dry, closer to a brut but retaining that Riesling oomph. It’s perfect for my dry, mineralloving palate. The 2022 vintage won double gold at the 2026 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. At the same competition, Leelanau Cellars received 23 awards, the most in its 52-year history. Wineries in the AVA took home dozens of medals, including six medals for Aurora Cellars.

“Some of the wines in this region are aging shockingly well,” Verterra’s Geoff Hamelin tells me.



A herd of 50 Indian runner ducks assist with pest control at Northport's Dune Bird Winery. 

Recently, new “employees” have become star attractions at Dune Bird: Last year, general manager Sarah Peschel brought in Indian runner ducks to help with pest control. Starting with an order of 15 eggs from Metzer Farms in Tennessee, she soon found herself herding 50 of the stump-legged, flightless birds from the vineyard to the barn and back every day. Peschel holds her arms out in a wide gesture and ushers the ducks through the blustery wind toward the barn. “Working in a sustainable way has always been at the core of it,” she says about her winemaking business. The ducks eat pests and create nutrient-rich waste, lessening the need for chemical intervention.

Blustery or not, in rain, snow, or worse, the Leelanau Peninsula has been enchanting visitors like me for generations. It’s not really about the weather, after all. In Michigan, we can’t always count on the weather to bring the heat. But here at the 45th parallel, the views and experiences shaped by the wind, water, and land will remain unparalleled.

It’s not just about the wine, although there’s plenty of that to be found at Dune Bird Winery (double gold, dry Riesling NV). The tasting room doubles as a gathering space and coffee shop, so kids or guests who choose not to imbibe can enjoy the frequent musical performances by local artists.

Writer Mickey Lyons samples grapes at Verterra Winery.

Cue the canopy:

A day bed with a canopy offers comfortable lounge seating. It’s from CAI Designs at the Michigan Design Center in Troy.

Overall style: “The fire feature is more contemporary in design, but the rest of the area is on the traditional/transitional side,” Kessler says.

“Note the upholstery’s classic navy blue piping. There’s a youthful, fresh look about it.”

Pleasing palette:

“We used a clean, white palette with blue accents,” Kessler says. “We wanted it spa-like.” Meanwhile, colorful flowers fill matte black pots that anchor the seating areas.

’Mallow moments:

The fire feature, from Montana Fire Pits, is fun central, especially when toasting marshmallows for s’mores.

Pillow talk: The blue-and-white accent pillows are from Serena & Lily (Birmingham).

Pave the way:

Large bluestone slabs connect the main bluestone terrace with the koi pond. The design of the pathway and terrace was a collaborative effort between Kessler and Bill Whetstone of Warren-based Greater Detroit Landscape Co.

Designing from the Inside Out

BY MEGAN SWOYER PHOTOS BY JOHN F. MARTIN

Grosse Pointe Shores homeowners’ exterior spaces get a new, inviting look

After living in their Colonial-style home for 20 years, a Grosse Pointe Shores couple turned to Tami Kessler of Tamara Kessler & Associates “to recreate spaces and freshen the interiors,” says Kessler, an award-winning designer.

One goal was to make everything lighter and brighter. They took out a wall between the kitchen and dining space, and the kitchen windows now extend down to the counter. Instead of featuring dark wood, “the kitchen now is white and bright with brass accents and white porcelain countertops,” Kessler says.

Similar changes were made to the family room, which was beige and teal with a couch in front of the door wall. “By lightening everything and not having a couch in front of the door walls, the outside was brought in,” she says.

After refurbishing the indoors, the couple wanted to head outdoors and create a relaxing respite from work (he’s an ophthalmologist, and she’s a realtor) as well as a nice entertaining

area for warm days.

Kessler started with a blank canvas, as there was pretty much “nothing there but a little patio and a simple koi pond,” she says. “They wanted something attractive, calming for morning coffee but interesting enough for parties, too.”

Kessler, the daughter of modernist architect William Kessler, who designed the Detroit Science Center, Detroit Receiving Hospital, and the W. Hawkins Ferry House, among others, could envision beautiful furnishings and decorative elements to make the most of the yard.

“We designed patio areas and had gas lines extended to the yard for a beautiful fire feature that they use year-round,” she says. Gorgeous landscaping with a pretty pathway to a nightlit koi pond with waterfalls adds to the appeal, all of which can be accessed from the updated family room and kitchen. “It just evolved beautifully,” she says. “It’s magical.”

Living large: “I wanted the furniture to be on the large side for extra comfort,” Kessler says. Most of the furnishings are from Restoration Hardware (now RH).

Finessing the family room: The family room is bright and airy, with a beautiful black-and-white rug (from Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy), furnishings in light shades, white walls and trim (with a gray shade — Sherwin-Williams’ Cityscape — behind the shelving), and a glass coffee table from Stark in Troy. The fireplace has a new cristallo quartzite surround, chosen for its elegance and soft, warm colors. Shelf accents include a large white vase, a colorful sculpture, and blue glass, all from Lori Karbal in Birmingham.

Mood makers: Lighting is key; lanterns (from Pottery Barn) provide a soft glow, while underwater lighting in the koi pond adds to the calming ambience.

can always be a fashion designer, but I need you to get a job that’s going to make you secure money.”

BEAUTY in All Things

BY KAREN BUSCEMI

PHOTOS BY SAL RODRIGUEZ

From her med spa to her debut apparel brand, Aya Restrepo understands aesthetics

As a child, Aya Restrepo was regularly compared to her sister, whose lighter skin and blue eyes were praised for their beauty. “They would say to me, ‘Oh, you’re getting pretty’ or ‘You’re getting there,’” she recalls. “I looked at beauty as a form of power. What makes people pay attention to this person versus that person? What makes it so powerful?”

She became “obsessed” with people’s features and their clothing. When she asked her mom whether she could become a fashion designer, her mom replied, “You

Heeding that advice, Restrepo, who moved with her family to Ann Arbor from Amman, Jordan, when the Gulf War broke out, graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy as a physician assistant, then went on to Johns Hopkins’ Physician Assistant Surgical Residency Program. She was recruited by the University of Michigan for cardiac surgery.

Along the way, she got married and had two children, finding it increasingly difficult to maintain the grueling hours required for cardiac surgery. She moved into aesthetics, training at Skin & Vein Center, performing multiple “mini facelifts” a day across three offices in metro Detroit.

A divorce forced her to once again reassess her life and open her own practice in a one-room rental at Cosmo Salon Studios in Troy — one month before the pandemic forced her to shut down. After years of building her business, she now runs her med spa, Glam Jail, from an 11room building in Birmingham. The name is a tongue-in-cheek reference to helping clients break free of societal expectations.

The rooms in Glam Jail — which have names like the Cloud Room and Feather Room — are individually decorated with an intricate mobile, luxe wallpaper and intriguing art. “Art changes the way people feel,” Restrepo says. “If you’re stressed out, you actually age.”

Restrepo is hyperaware that the quest for beauty can affect young women. “I have to



Glam Jail’s rooms feature distinct wallpaper and art, making it a uniquely stylish med spa.

tell a lot of [them] that not every line is a bad line — we need contours in our face,” she says. And if you want “your lips to enter the room before you do,” you’re in the wrong place. “That's not the point of why we do lip filler. It disappoints a lot of people, but I ethically feel better sending them home.” She also makes a point of celebrating aging by hiring women who are long past the expected retirement age, including her 82-year-old project manager.

In addition to opening her med spa, Restrepo has also fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer. In February, she hosted an invitation-only fashion presentation that debuted her eponymous capsule collection of made-tomeasure overcoats and jackets, sculptural silhouettes made from Italian double-faced cashmere, velvet, French tweed, and chenille.

“When I turned 40, I thought, ‘What are you waiting for?’” she says.

Restrepo went to Italy to visit factories and choose fabrics, aiming to create a line that was both timeless and a little quirky, with small runs to keep it unique. After Restrepo takes measurements and places orders, pieces are made in Italy and delivered eight to 10 weeks later. “It’s high end and hand finished,” she says.

The first collection, which she named Silk Petal & Stone to represent that women can be both soft and the rocks in people’s lives, ranges from $3,700 to $7,500 and is available to view at Glam Jail by appointment.



In February, Aya Restrepo debuted her own fashion line. The first collection is called Silk Petal & Stone.

- 30 years of defining luxurySOMERSET COLLECTION

BALENCIAGA BURBERRY CARTIER DAVID YURMAN FERRAGAMO GUCCI HERMÈS LOUIS VUITTON OMEGA PRADA ROLEX SAINT LAURENT TIFFANY & CO. ZEGNA

years covers

Looking back on the people and stories we’ve covered since 1996

BY THE HOUR DETROIT STAFF

WHEN THE FIRST ISSUE of Hour Detroit hit newsstands in May 1996, the city was far from what would later be called its comeback, revival, or renaissance — but the seeds were already being planted. That same month, General Motors purchased the Renaissance Center, signaling renewed corporate interest in downtown. In November, voters approved Proposal E, paving the way for three Detroit casinos, and Proposal S, a Wayne County tax increase to fund two new downtown stadiums: Comerica Park and Ford Field. Thirty years later, GM has moved its headquarters but remains ﬁrmly rooted downtown at Hudson’s Detroit. The homes of the Tigers and Lions have proven to be a resounding success. And per the 2023 census, the city’s population grew for the ﬁrst time since 1957 — or, in other words, the year the Lions won their last championship title to date.

Over the past 30 years, Hour Detroit has delivered far more than headlines. We’ve brought metro Detroiters in-depth, up-close stories about the people, businesses, and organizations shaping the region — from CEOs at the top of the corporate ladder to everyday people in the city and suburbs.

To give you a glimpse of that journey, we’ve gathered all 350 of our covers — along with quotes from some cover subjects — on the following pages. —Kate Walsh

 Denise Ilitch May 1999

“Lisa Spindler was the photographer, and she is brilliant. She deserves all the credit. I thought, ‘Wow, is that really me?’ A true glam shot. My kids today are like, ‘Mom!’ It meant a lot to me [to be on the cover] as it captured a very special time in my life, as well as capturing an important moment in our great city Detroit’s



Dave Bing July 2007

“I was truly honored and humbled to be on the cover of Hour Detroit magazine as Detroiter of the Year in 2007. During that time, I was building new homes in the North End near my business and serving as co-chair of Next Detroit Neighborhood Initiative with Walt Watkins. … What I was doing was never for recognition but because I felt very strongly about the need to support the neighborhoods and give back to my adopted hometown, the city of Detroit.”



Abdul El-Sayed January 2018

“I was so honored to be featured on the cover when I [ran for governor]. Hour has a pulse on the Detroit metro area, and I was so proud to share my vision for the state with readers. At the time, I was weeks away from being a ﬁrst-time father and looking toward a future we could build for my daughter and for the state. I have some of those same feelings this time around as we work to create a coalition for real change.

Congrats to Hour on 30 years!”

Martha Reeves



Scott Stinebaugh September 2017

“I remember being in Greece at the time the issue came out, and my phone began to light up with texts, emails, DMs people would send me photos of the cover on newsstands, in doctors’ o ces, in people’s homes, sometimes even months later. I was even stopped in public a couple of times asking if I was “that guy” on the cover of Hour. It was a tremendous honor.”



Martha Reeves July 2021

“It was one of the most exciting things that happened with any periodical here, any newspaper, any publicity that I received in the city or the world, really. Hour magazine was the most exciting of all. It was at my friend’s house, which is a very beautifully built colonial estate. I had a ﬁrst-class interview in Bobbie Gingiloski’s house. I felt like I was the resident of this colonial palace.”

 Jon Kung January 2022

“[The photoshoot] was during a really interesting and exciting time in my life with my TikTok blowing up … I think the coolest thing was when my friends were taking photos of the cover at airport lounges and stu and being like, ‘I can’t believe you’re out here.’ And I was like, ‘I can’t believe I’m out there either.’”



James P. Ho a November 1998

“A lot of my friends said, ‘What a great picture’ and ‘How nice it was [for you] be featured in Hour Detroit magazine.’ Yeah, I was very pleased with it.

[I received] many comments from friends in the union and in my personal life. It was certainly a nice thing to be featured in the magazine.”

 Nicole Myint (DJ Myint) January 2023

“It honestly felt surreal … I couldn’t believe I was looking at myself on the cover of Hour Detroit. … My ﬁrst thought was my mom. She was my biggest supporter, and I know she would’ve been telling everyone about it with the biggest smile. … Reading the article was really emotional, too. It captured not just what I do but why I do it — the love for music and the deep respect I have for Detroit and its roots. And being included alongside people like Roger Penske and Miguel Cabrera … that’s something I don’t take lightly.”

 Quiana “Que” Broden August 2020

“When I did the shoot, I had no idea it would become a cover. I thought I was simply taking photos with an amazing photographer as one of Detroit’s up-and-coming food businesses. Finding out later that I was on the cover — especially in August, my birthday month — was a complete shock. It made the moment even more special and unforgettable.”

 Holly Campbell November 2025

“The shoot was pretty dreamy. I went in a little nervous and left feeling like I had experienced being a professional model for a day. I loved every single second! [When the issue came out], everyone was so excited! My family teased me a little; Dan still calls me a supermodel. I got so many texts and still get screenshots of the cover when people see it in waiting rooms around town. It’s been so fun for all of us! Being asked to be on the cover was a bucket list item I didn’t even know I needed to check o . It was so special. It’s a pinch-me moment for the little girl I was and the woman I am. I am so thankful for the experience!”

JEFF

Two Emmy Awards and five Golden Globe nominations later, Jeff Daniels has never outgrown his Michigan roots.

By Ryan Patrick Hooper

JeffAtHomewithDaniels

Forty years ago, the Chelsea native moved back home for family reasons. It may be the best career move the constantly evolving actor, musician, and local theater company founder has ever made.

Portraits by Chuk Nowak

He left Michigan

in search of something bigger than working in his family’s lumber yard in Chelsea. That meant taking on the role of “struggling theater actor” in New York City in the late 1970s.

At times, it felt like the only role available. There were gigs on and off Broadway, but it wasn’t like the phone was ringing off the hook with acting jobs. Music became creative salvation “back in the days when you would stare at the phone, hoping the agent would call,” says Daniels.

“You sit down with that guitar, and you keep yourself sane creatively because no one wants you to be creative as an actor,” he recalls.

Like a great song, his career did come together eventually. Instead of following the traditional structure of verse-chorus-verse, one movie gig opened the door for another … and another … and another. His big-screen debut came with director Miloš Forman’s Ragtime and then with director James L. Brooks in Terms of Endearment, which was nominated for 11 Academy Awards in 1984

and won five, including best picture.

The following year, the 30-year-old could add “rising star” to his name when he played a lead role in Woody Allen’s The Purple Rose of Cairo, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination — and helped make the phone ring more consistently. Still, Daniels didn’t use the “s” word. “I got done with it, and I said, ‘I think I’m going to be able to make a living in this business,’ which is different than ‘I’m going to be a big star,’” he says.

Daniels still doesn’t see himself as a “big star,” even after decades spent as a bankable actor in major Hollywood productions. “I have never been married to that phrase,” he says, taking a beat to really think about his relationship with stardom over the years. “I’ve been around big names, but I’ve never considered myself to be one. I think that’s part of the Michigan thing, right?”

In fact, in 1986, Michigan pulled him back home. After a decade in New York and success in major Hollywood films, he returned to Chelsea with his family to keep his children (he has three) from growing up in a vapid

“I’ve been around big names, but I’ve never considered myself to be [a star]. I think that’s part of the Michigan thing, right?”

The 10-year Plan

Ten years. That’s the ultimate character arc for Daniels and his career — a decade at a time. With each successful film or gig on Broadway, like his role as Atticus Finch in the Broadway run of To Kill a Mockingbird, “you buy 10 years,” Daniels says.

“You do Dumb and Dumber … or you do Newsroom, and you buy 10 years because you’re riding that success.”

It happens in small

ways, too. His famous, Aaron Sorkin-penned “America is not the greatest country in the world anymore” monologue in HBO’s The Newsroom continues to be viral in a politically unstable world. It’s become a milestone moment in Daniels’s career — he says Sorkin wrote the scene in just a couple of days. Daniels recognized that it was special right away.

“I knew what it was, and I knew what it would

mean to my career,” says Daniels, who told Sorkin, “I’ve been waiting 35 years for someone like you to write me a speech like this.”

There are smaller viral moments, too, like a bit he did on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert — talking about his favorite sandwich to make at home (creamy peanut butter, crushed cheddar and sour cream chips, and barbecue sauce on a pita) — that recently resurfaced. “When things like that happen, you buy time,” he says.

Daniels says his

success comes from never letting people know what he was going to do next.

“I always went and did something completely different,” Daniels says. “I never did the same thing five times in a row and watched it peter out. I always thought a moving target was harder to hit.”

Eventually, he moved that target to Michigan, where his investment in growing the homegrown scene is abundantly clear.

“It’s what you do after that and whether you can maintain it,” Daniels says.

Given his legacy on the stage and screen, his commitment to building opportunities for others back home, and his constant search for that next creative outlet, it’s clear that Daniels’s impact will endure well beyond a decade.

Dumb and Dumber

Terms of Endearment

The Purple Rose of Cairo

The Newsroom

Pleasantville

101 Dalmatians

Music has been a constant in Jeff Daniels’s career from his early days as an actor in New York City in the late 1970s. The first track that inspired him to pick up a guitar?

“That would be Arlo Guthrie’s ‘Alice’s Restaurant,’ he says. “As I look back, it was someone who was writing funny. Here comes Guthrie with an acoustic guitar and a 15-minute song about a restaurant, and I loved it — I just loved it. That was probably the trigger for getting an acoustic guitar.”

Soon after, he was inspired by Elton John’s energy on his 17-11-70 live album, which was originally a live radio broadcast later released to the public and remains a gem in John’s deep arsenal.

“I was taking piano lessons at the time and not enjoying them, and then I heard that,” recalls Daniels. “If I’m going to play piano, I want to play like that. But then I bought an acoustic guitar, became an actor, and moved to New York, so I didn’t stick with it. But that was an album that opened me up.”

When Daniels finally landed in New York City, a friend introduced him to a whole new world of possibilities. “We were pulling bootleg albums of [Bruce] Springsteen from 1978 in Los Angeles at the Roxy,” recalls Daniels. “It was like, ‘Who is this?’”

And as dynamic and massive as those bootlegs are — capturing a young, energetic Springsteen on much smaller stages than you’d ever see him on today — for Daniels, it was all about the root of American blues at the end of the day, starting with the legend Robert Johnson.

The Man and His Music

“Now I’m into the Delta blues, and that’s when I went in and never came out,” he says. “Once I discovered the Delta blues and Skip James and Son House and all those guys, it was like, ‘Oh my god!’”

Daniels never stopped chasing that blend of humor and music onstage.

“Now I’m picking up on Christine Lavin, Steve Goodman, Loudon Wainwright, you know? Those guys who said, ‘It’s ok! You can be funny! Be entertaining!’ That all led to me playing an acoustic guitar onstage for 90 minutes.”

Hollywood vacuum. At the time, it was unheard of to not be in Los Angeles or New York. Today, his kids play a role in the businesses and creative outlets he’s built here.

The Purple Rose Theatre Company, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is named after the movie that gave him his big break. Over the past 35 years, it’s become a hub for homegrown talent hoping to build something locally instead of going elsewhere to launch a career, like Daniels had to do.

“It’s not easy, but we’re still here,” Daniels says. “I opened it thinking that maybe from this corner of the country, we could write plays and use actors from where we are because I used to be one of them before I went to New York and Los Angeles. That’s what regional theater needs.”

It’s also a spot for both serious and comedic plays, which Daniels says can be a rarity in regional theater. “I’ve always had an emphasis on comedy,” he says. “I mean, I was in Dumb and Dumber.”

The play he wrote decades ago, Escanaba in da Moonlight, which later became a film that he directed, represented local audiences and found a way to make them laugh. It follows a group of hunters in the Upper Peninsula.

“We had hunters showing up in orange with their hunting licenses on their back seeing the first play they had ever seen in their lives. That’s the perfect example of us writing about this corner of the country,” says Daniels. “We couldn’t kill that show. We brought it back three times. It ran for 16 months at the Gem Theatre in Detroit,” which made it one of the longest-running plays in Detroit history, according to Daniels.

Music has stayed with him throughout his career, too. Later this year, Daniels will open JD’s Stage Bistro, a restaurant and music venue near the theater — another chance to highlight voices from the Mitten State and around the Midwest.

Call it his AI antidote. “My hope is that there will still be a place where people can go to see human beings excelling at something that they can’t do,” says Daniels. “Where human beings have the imagination, and it’s happening right in front of you.”

The actor and his roles

Jeff Daniels is still a guy strumming his guitar, finding artistic expression between six strings. What’s changed is that he’s not waiting for his big break anymore. He’s got albums and tours under his belt, having been told years ago by an Ann Arbor music agent that instead of just plucking away on his front porch, he should play music onstage, where people would pay to see him.

We’re sitting in his barn-turned-music studio on his property in Chelsea, which is his musical playground of sorts. It’s the ultimate man cave (with a lot more taste and style). There are rows and rows of guitars behind him, each one with a story.

While he waits for the photographer to set up or for the next interview question, he’s quick to grab a guitar and start playing, telling stories as he goes. One of his prized possessions is a guitar that George Harrison himself played and signed for Daniels. He’s got a Martin guitar that was custom-made for him that he never plays, preserving its integrity.

Daniels has plenty on his docket this year as an actor, too. He’ll join the fifth season of Apple’s highly acclaimed

series The Morning Show alongside Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, where he’ll have a story arc as a self-made billionaire.

Later this year, he’ll star in Reykjavik as President Ronald Reagan. The historical drama centers on a summit in Iceland during the Cold War, where Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev (played by Jared Harris) met in an effort to defuse tensions. Fellow Michigan man J.K. Simmons is set to play United States Secretary of State George Shultz.

The most refreshing thing, however, is not what’s next, but Daniels’s willingness to look back on the roles that got him here, like his beloved comic turn as Harry Dunne in Dumb and Dumber alongside Jim Carrey in 1994.

Many actors of Daniels’s caliber may reject the idea of looking in the rearview mirror, but he’s got a solid sense of what his films have meant to people over the years — including his own family.

At the time, Daniels was billed as a “serious actor,” far from the “struggling” title he first settled into. The same Midwest instincts that led him to move his

operations back to Michigan steered him right back then.

“I wanted to do comedy, and my agents tried to talk me out of it,” Daniels says, recalling that they were worried that Carrey would overshadow him in a comedy. Daniels, however, had faith that some of his signature scenes in Dumb and Dumber — including the legendary toilet-clogging scene — would be enough to prove his worth on-screen alongside Carrey’s otherworldly physical comedy.

“We knew that 12-year-old boys would think it was Citizen Kane, but we weren't prepared for the No. 1 movie for six weeks,” Daniels laughs. “I still have the scrapbook of the 200 reviews for Dumb and Dumber, and there’s not one good one.”

And that famous toilet scene? That’s brought Daniels back to home and family in ways he didn’t expect.

“One of my grandchildren, who’s being potty trained, was shown the toilet scene in Dumb and Dumber We’re hoping that helps,” Daniels laughs. The toddler’s reaction? “’Well, if Pappy can do it, maybe I can.’”

SUMMER EVENTS PREVIEW 2026

Our curated guide to fairs and festivals, concerts and performances, art fairs, and Independence Day celebrations

COMPILED BY LAUREN WETHINGTON, KATE SILVERMAN, AND HOUR DETROIT STAFF

Shane Profitt and Lauren Watkins. $53+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston; 313presents.com

July 15

Firefall, and the Atlanta Rhythm Section. $75+. Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, Detroit; ticketmaster.com

Aug. 5

June 9

The Wallflowers: The long-running project of singer and multi-instrumentalist Jakob Dylan is best known for the catchy, Grammy Award-winning single “One Headlight,” which dominated airwaves for months when it dropped in 1996. Singer-songwriter Early James will kick off the show. $51+. Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor; ticketmaster.com

June 20

July 3

MUSIC

Paul Simon: The iconic singer-songwriter will perform his Grammy-nominated 2023 album, Seven Psalms, in its entirety when his Quiet Celebration tour arrives at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre in June. Simon will also perform a “greatest hits” set in the second half of the program. $53+. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, Rochester Hills; 313presents.com

June 13

An Evening with Wilco: The beloved indie rockers first gained widespread success with the release of their 2001 album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, which garnered the band two Grammy Awards and widespread acclaim. Hot Sun Cool Shroud, the band’s newest EP, was lauded by critics for its experimental sound and narrative lyrical style. $43+. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, Rochester Hills; 313presents.com

July 1

Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire: Boasting a combined 10 Grammy Awards and more than 180 million albums sold, these two icons of ’70s funk will treat audiences to a smattering of hits — including crowd-pleasers “September” and “All Night Long” — when they team up for the Sing a Song All Night Long tour. $57+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com

The Guess Who: The Canadian rock band behind radio hits like “American Woman” and “These Eyes” will tour for the first time in 23 years this summer with support from The Eagles’ Don Felder. $43+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston; 313presents.com

July 11-12

Luke Bryan: The award-winning singer and American Idol judge has launched more than 30 No. 1 singles, including “Play It Again” and “Country Girl.” He’ll share the Pine Knob stage for his Word on the Street tour with up-and-coming country singers

Sarah McLachlan: Promoting her newest album Better Broken, the Grammy Award-winning “Angel” singer and songwriter will embark on a North American tour with special guest singer Allison Russell, who will perform an opening set. $57+. Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, Sterling Heights; 313presents.com

July 16

John Mellencamp: Hear classic summertime anthems like “Jack and Diane” and “Hurts So Good” when the Rock Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter brings his greatest hits program to Pine Knob. $57+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston; 313presents.com

July 31

Jefferson Starship: The iconic arena rock band was formed in 1974 by former members of Jefferson Airplane, including singer and instrumentalist David Freiberg, who still performs with the band today. Opening performers include pop band Orleans, soft rock outfit

Damien Escobar: The genre-bending violinist earned admission to the prestigious Juilliard

CELEBRATING THE U.S. OF A.

May 29-31

Songs of America: Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and vocalists Melinda Doolittle and Jimmie Herrod as they perform jazz standards, Broadway favorites, and other classics that have shaped the country’s musical legacy. $20+. Orchestra Hall, Detroit; dso.org

July 2-5

Salute to America at Greenfield Village: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra partners with the Henry Ford to present this annual concert experience in the heart of Greenfield Village. The celebratory program concludes with a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with cannon fire and a patriotic fireworks show. Cost TBA. The Henry Ford, Dearborn; thehenryford.org

School of Music at just 10 years old — he was the youngest student to ever attend. Now Escobar mixes his classical virtuosity with elements of jazz, pop, R&B, and hip-hop to create an electrifying genre he calls “crossover violin.” $26+. Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, Detroit; ticketmaster.com

Aug. 7

Tori Amos: The influential singer-songwriter and pianist will make a stop at the Fox Theatre to perform songs from her new album, In Times of Dragons, as well as highlights from her 35-year career. Amos will be joined by indie singer and guitarist Bartees Strange. $53+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Aug. 19

Lindsey Stirling: After wowing audiences on Season 5 of America’s Got Talent, this violinist, songwriter, and dancer became a sensation on YouTube, where her viral music videos combine genre-defying music with elaborate choreography and jaw-dropping aerial stunts. Pop-rock band Pvris will also perform. $43+. Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, Sterling Heights; 313presents.com

Aug. 23

TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue: Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning groups team up for a co-headlining tour with special guest En Vogue, marking the first time

the iconic acts have toured together. The show celebrates decades of hit songs and lasting influence across R&B and hip-hop. $48.50+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston; 313presents.com

Aug. 26-27

Jill Scott: The threetime Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter performed as a spoken-word artist before she was discovered by Questlove, who invited Scott to join the band in the studio. She later went on to record six solo albums, including the recently released To Whom This May Concern. $70+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Aug. 28

Tim McGraw: The country superstar is one of the biggest names in the business, with more than 80 million albums sold and 25 No. 1 singles. Expect to hear hits like “I Like It, I Love It” and “Just to See You Smile” when he performs at Pine Knob with support from alt-country band 49 Winchester. $66+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston; 313presents.com

Sept. 6

Eric Clapton: Ranked No. 2 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list, the legendary performer dabbled in multiple bands (Cream; Derek and the Dominos) before launching his wildly successful solo career. Clapton will perform with a full backing band and special guest guitarist Jimmie Vaughan. $105+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com

MAJOR EVENTS

May 23-25

Movement

Celebrate Detroit’s sacred status as the birthplace of techno at this annual electronic music festival. More than 115 artists are slated to perform across six stages, including Australian DJ Dom Dolla, DJ and Hekate Records founder Sara Landry, and British DJ and producer Carl Cox. $217+. Hart Plaza, Detroit; movementfestival.com

May 29-31

Detroit Grand Prix

The annual IndyCar race returns to the streets of downtown Detroit this year and includes tech talks with industry insiders, food trucks, a car show, and more. Downtown Detroit; detroitgp.com

June 6-7

Motor City Pride

As Michigan’s largest Pride celebration, Motor City Pride includes a festival and parade full of color, song, and dance. In previous years, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel made appearances and gave speeches to crowds of more than 65,000 people. Hart Plaza, 1 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; motorcity pride.org

June 19-20

Juneteenth Jubilee

Detroit Freedom Weekend Networking opportunities and a grant competition to uplift Black entrepreneurs are highlights of this weekend event. There’s also a community fun run, a community and health vendor fair, interactive field games for kids and families, and a tour that explores the

Detroit River’s role in Black liberation. Robert C. Valade Park, 2670 Atwater St., Detroit; jubileeblockparty. wixsite.com

July 17-19

Thunder Over Michigan Air Show

While the aerial shows are the main attraction at this annual event, there’s plenty going on at ground level, too, including aircraft rides, ground displays, and a kids’ zone and exploration station. Proceeds from the event support the Michigan Flight Museum. Willow Run Airport, 801 Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti; thunderovermichigan.org

Aug. 15

Woodward Dream Cruise Line up along Woodward from Ferndale to Pontiac to see classic and sports cars drive by. Each community that borders Woodward decides on special events and activities that run alongside the Saturday event, with some taking place on Friday. woodward dreamcruise.com

Aug. 22-Oct. 7

Michigan Renaissance Festival

Take a trip back in time to a 16th-century European village that offers music, magic, juggling, and jousting performances. There will be more than 100 artisans at the marketplace and memorable characters including mermaids, fairies, knights, and more. Weekends Aug. 22-Oct. 4, Sept. 7 (Labor Day), and Oct. 2. 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly; michrenfest.com

Sept.

3-7

Michigan State Fair

The midway offers all kinds of rides, including a Zipper, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Ferris wheel. If rides aren’t your thing, there’s also a wide variety of fair games, grandstand events, agriculture contests and exhibitors, livestock shows, food-eating contests, musical performances (including the Michigan State Fair Superstar talent contest), and so much more. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi; michiganstate fairllc.com

Sept. 4-7

Detroit Jazz Festival

Spend Labor Day weekend listening to more than 60 live performances at the world’s largest free jazz festival. This year’s artist-in-residence is Grammy-winning saxophonist Joe Lovano. No cost. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit; detroitjazzfest.org

Sept. 4-7

Michigan Lottery Arts, Beats & Eats

More than 200 acts perform across nine stages at this four-day art, music, and food festival. There’s a juried art show, dozens of food trucks, and music of all genres, and it all ends on Monday night with a performance on the main stage by a well-known artist or band. (The music acts were not available at press time.)

Downtown Royal Oak; artsbeatseats.com

Detroit Grand Prix, May 29-31

IN DETROIT

July

African World Festival

Join the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for this 42nd annual cultural fest featuring live entertainment and shopping from more than 100 vendors selling food, clothing, art, and more.

July 10-12. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit; thewright.org

Light Up Livernois Fashion, Art, and Design Festival

This event celebrates the creative influence along Livernois Avenue. Shop from more than 300 merchants, watch live comedy, check out art galleries, and try local eateries. July 11. Along the Avenue of Fashion, between Six Mile and Eight Mile roads, Detroit; light uplivernois.com

Detroit Festival of Books

Shop used, rare, and unusual books, vinyl records, comic books, artwork, vintage board games, and much more at Detroit’s ninth annual book festival.

July 19. Eastern Market, 2934 Russell St., Detroit; detroit bookfest.com

FAIRS +

IN THE SUBURBS

May-June

Canterbury Village Medieval Faire

Aug.-Sept.

Arab & Chaldean Festival

Explore and celebrate Arab and Chaldean culture in the art gallery or at the fashion show. Shop the on-site vendor booths and enjoy music and dance performances as well as kids’ activities.

Aug. 1-2. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit; arabandchaldean festival.com

Hamtramck

Labor Day Festival

Kiss summer goodbye with a weekend of music, food, vendors, carnival rides, games, special events, and more. Traditionally takes place Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5-7. Joseph Campau Historic District; hamtownfest.com

Dally in the Alley

This annual community event celebrates life in the Cass Corridor with vendor booths, music performances, art displays, food, and fun. Sept. 12. Cass Corridor, Detroit; dallyinthealley.com

Take a step back in time to when knights, jesters, and princesses ruled the land. There will be roaming entertainment, including musicians, minstrels, pipers, and fire-breathers. Plus, you’ll find plenty of food in the Gaelic pub, including turkey legs. May 23-25, May 30-31, June 6-7. Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion; canterburyvillagemedieval faire.com

Grosse Ile Islandfest

This festival features activities like live music, helicopter rides, a petting zoo, the Macomb Street Parade, the arts and crafts show, and a carnival. May 29-31. Grosse Ile Municipal Airport, 9601 Groh Road, Grosse Ile Township; grosseileis landfest.com

The Original Michigan Lavender Festival

This is the event to attend if you love lavender. Here you’ll

find more than 200 artists and makers, food trucks, lavender-infused treats, and educational workshops. June 5-7. Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds, 195 Midway St., Imlay City; themichigan lavenderfestival.com

Ann Arbor

African American Downtown Festival

For 29 years, this event has celebrated the contributions of Ann Arbor’s historic Black Business District. Expect live jazz, pop, and dance music performances, mascot characters, and tons of vendors. June 6. Downtown Ann Arbor; facebook.com/AnnArborAADF

Lyon Township International Kite Festival

Watch gravity-defying kite stunts performed by professional flyers and enjoy live entertainment, food, and kids’ games and crafts. June 6-7. James F. Atchison Memorial Park, 58000 Grand River Ave., New Hudson; lyonevents.org

Motor City Irish Fest

Don your favorite green garb to enjoy Irish-inspired music, shop Irish retail and food, taste some Irish whiskey, and more. June 12-14. Greenmead Historical Park, 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia; motor cityirishfest.com

Opa! Fest

The 33rd annual festival celebrates all things Greek through authentic cuisine and folk dancing, cultural events, church tours, cooking demonstrations, a kids’ play area, and more. June 12-14. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 760 W. Wattles Road, Troy; opafest.org

Michigan Summer Beer Festival Michigan’s finest breweries will be on-site with samples of hundreds of Michigan beers. Food and live music by local bands are also on hand. June 13. Riverside Park, 2 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti; mibeer.com

Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration

This event celebrates freedom with free concerts along with food trucks, vendor booths, educational exhibits, and fun activities like a climbing tower and bounce houses. June 20. Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights; madison heightsjuneteenth.com

Taylor Summer Festival

Chase Rice, Zach John King, and The Family Tradition Band will perform during this annual summer soiree. Plus, there will be a carnival, fireworks, food, and more. June 25-28. Heritage Park, 12111 Pardee Road, Taylor; cityoftaylor.com

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest

This 41st annual event features a carnival and an open-air market, along with hot-air balloon rides and displays, fireworks, hands-on activities, food, and much more. June 26-28. Howell High School, 1200 W. Grand River Ave., Howell; michiganchallenge.com

AFRICAN WORLD FESTIVAL KENNETTE LAMAR CANTERBURY VILLAGE MEDIEVAL FAIRE AMANDA SHARP

African World Festival, July 10-12

Canterbury Village Medieval Faire, starting May 23

FESTIVALS

Trenton Summer Festival

Kick off the summer with hundreds of crafters, vendors, and musicians. The event features family-friendly activities, a beer tent, fireworks, and more.

June 26-28. Downtown Trenton; trentonmi.org

July

Royal Oak Taco Fest

Start your summer off with a healthy helping of tacos, cerveza, and tequila. The street-food fair will offer eats from more than 50 taquerias and other eateries, plus margaritas, a kids’ area, and five stages of live entertainment. July 2-5. Downtown Royal Oak; royaloaktacofest.com

Michigan Celtic Festival

Andersonville Road, Davisburg; oakfair.org

Farmington Founders Festival

Entertainment includes the Fido Festival dog agility event, a crafters market, kids’ activities, a parade, a beer tent, and a farmers market. New this year is a 5K run. July 16-18. Downtown Farmington; foundersfestival.com

Festa Italiana

At this three-day celebration of Italian heritage, enjoy authentic Italian food, wine, and beer, along with national and local entertainment, kids’ activities, fireworks, and much more. July 17-19. Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights; facebook.com/ festaitalianami

Sterlingfest

The fun kicks off on Friday with live entertainment, a beer garden, jousting, and art demonstrations. Saturday brings more live entertainment, including pipe and drum bands and the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic. Find Highland games and dance competitions, a carnival, food, and kids’ activities. July 10-11. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor; mi-celtic.org

Oakland County Fair

An off-road derby, micro wrestling, a rodeo, and monster truck displays are among the grandstand events at this year’s fair. Various types of games, a petting zoo, carnival rides, live entertainment, and other attractions will also be available. July 10-19. Springfield Oaks County Park, 12451

art installations, and two days of fireworks displays. Aug. 7-9. Ford Field Park, 22051 Cherry Hill St., Dearborn; dearborn homecoming.com

Dexter Summer Festival

Formerly known as Dexter Daze, this event will include art for sale, vendor booths, live music, activities for kids, and more. Aug. 7-8. Monument Park, Dexter; dextersummerfestival.com

Milford Memories Summer Festival

Among the activities and attractions at this small town’s big threeday extravaganza are a cornhole tournament,

American culture, expect to enjoy dancing, American and Arabic music, kids’ activities, and plenty of food, including falafel and Middle Eastern pastries. Aug. 7-9. St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church, 32765 Lyndon St., Livonia; saintrafka festival.com

Howell Melon Festival

It’s all things melon at the 66th annual melon festival. Race in the 49th Melon Run, enjoy live music and entertainment at the main-stage concerts, and taste the signature Howell melon ice cream. Aug. 13-16. Downtown Howell; howellmelon festival.com

74280 Fair St., Armada; armadafair.org

GreekFest 2026

Taste popular Greek food and pastries, enjoy music and dance performances, and shop at a vendor fair. Adults age 21 and up can enjoy the taverna, while families will find kids’ games, rides, and more. Aug. 21-23. Assumption

Greek Orthodox Church, 21800 Marter Road, St. Clair Shores; assumptionfestival.com

Chelsea Community Fair

Blake’s Sunflower Festival

Cut your own sunflowers, take Insta-worthy photos, and shop from more than 100 artisans.

Aug. 28-30, Sept. 5-7. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; blakefarms.com

Saline Community Fair

Tackle carnival rides, play midway games, shop the vendor market, and enjoy live entertainment in celebration of the arts. July 23-25. Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road, Sterling Heights; facebook.com/ sterlingfest

Aug.-Sept.

Clinton Township

Gratiot Cruise

This summertime tradition sees a wide variety of classic cars drive along Gratiot Avenue. In addition to the cars, there is also a Family Fun Zone, with food and art vendors, crafts, inflatables, and live entertainment. Aug. 2. Clinton Township; ctgratiotcruise.com

Dearborn Homecoming Festival

The 45th go-round of this annual community celebration will offer a carnival, musical performances, a beer tent, vendors, food trucks,

5K races, the Art in the Village art fair, a beer tent, live music, and plenty of kids’ activities. Aug. 7-9. Downtown Milford; milfordmemories.com

St. Rafka Church Summer Festival

At this celebration of Middle Eastern and

Armada Fair

At this year’s weeklong fair, expect a 4-H show and livestock sale, grandstand events including a monster truck show and demolition derby, midway games and rides, live entertainment, and much more. Aug. 17-23. Armada Fairgrounds,

Take on some fun fair rides and watch traditional grandstand events such as the figure 8 derby, demolition derby, tractor pulls, and more. There will also be animal displays and shows, a parade, and other activities.

Elliott’s Amusements will be on-site with its best rides and games for fairgoers to enjoy alongside livestock and animal displays, live entertainment, and grandstand events like the tractor pull. Sept. 2-6. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor; salinefair.org

Romeo Peach Festival

Aug. 25-29. Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, 20501 W. Old U.S. Highway 12, Chelsea; chelseafair.org

This festival has been a Labor Day weekend tradition for more than 90 years. There will be tons of peach treats and goods, of course, plus a parade, a carnival, live entertainment, and more. Sept. 3-7. Downtown Romeo; romeopeachfestival.com

ROYAL OAK TACO FEST KELSEY MENDEZ OAKLAND COUNTY FAIR COURTESY

Oakland County Fair, July 10-19

ART FAIRS

May-June

Kensington Art Fair

One hundred juried artists from across the country showcase their best work at this annual art show. There will also be hands-on activities and a variety of food trucks on-site. May 23-25. Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford; kensington artfair.com

Palmer Park Art Fair

Peruse the work of more than 100 juried artists, take in storytelling and book readings by local authors, grab a bite from a food truck, enjoy a beer in the beer tent, and much more. You’ll also find live music, dance performances, and hands-on projects.

June 6-7. Palmer Park, Detroit; palmerpark artfair.com

Chelsea Painters Art Fair

The 51st annual art fair will feature 16 award-winning artists selling original watercolor, pastel, colored pencil, and mosaic pieces, among other work. June 13-14. Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, 20501 Old U.S. Highway 12, Chelsea; chelsea painters.com

Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair

For 55 years, the Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair has featured local artists, students, and community arts associations. Donations and a share of profits go toward college scholarships, arts programs, organizations, and recreation in Royal Oak. June 27-28. Memorial Park, 31050 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; royaloakarts.com

July-Aug.

Art in the Park

This “signature Michigan event” will welcome more than 400 U.S. artists who work in painting, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, photography, and more for its 45th year. Plus, enjoy live entertainment, living murals, children’s activities, and theater shows. July 10-12. Downtown Plymouth; artinthepark.com

Orchard Lake Fine Art Show

Shop wall art, sculptures, home decor, wearable art, and jewelry created by artists from the Orchard Lake and West Bloomfield areas along with nationally

FIELD TRIP

Chihuly in Grand Rapids

renowned artists. You’ll find live musical performances and food, too.

July 25-26. 6925 Daly Road, West Bloomfield; artsand educationinc.org

Belle Isle Art Fair

Juried artists set up their best work in the shadow of the beautiful James Scott Memorial Fountain on Belle Isle. Guests can explore the art, of course, but there are also art projects to do, plus a beer tent and music. Aug. 1-2. Belle Isle, Detroit; belle isleartfair.com

Shelby Township Art Fair

This year marks the 43rd for this annual event, which attracts some 15,000 visitors to a marketplace with more than 100 artists and vendors. Catch live music, interactive art displays, and free crafts. Aug. 8-9. River Bends Park, 5700 22 Mile Road, Shelby Township; shelby artfair.org

Sept.

Art on the Bay

This arts and crafts show hosts vendor booths to highlight local artisans and businesses. Sept. 5-6. Walter and Mary Burke Park, 36300 Front St., New Baltimore; artonthebay.com

Running May 2 through Nov. 1, Chihuly at Meijer Gardens at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids will showcase dozens of glass master Dale Chihuly’s creative works both inside the galleries and outside throughout the gardens. Several of his innovative artworks have been on display at the facility for decades, and a variety of others were presented during two special exhibitions in 2002 and 2010. This exhibition will feature monumental outdoor installations such as Chihuly’s towering glass sculptures, vibrant Reeds, and other impressive pieces, plus original drawings that offer insights into his creative process. “His groundbreaking art creates unforgettable connections between nature, culture, and human creativity,” says Charles Burke, CEO of the cultural center, adding that visitors will surely “be captivated by the dynamic interplay between Chihuly’s spectacular art and our gardens’ natural beauty.” meijergardens.org/chihuly-at-meijer-gardens

INDEPENDENCE DAY

June

Liberty Fest

The city of Canton is celebrating Independence Day with a marketplace to shop, food vendors to try, carnival rides, midway games, two stages of live entertainment, and fireworks. June 18-20. Heritage Park, behind 1150 S. Canton Center Road; cantonmi.gov

fireworks display — brought to you by the same people who produce America’s Thanksgiving Parade. June 22. On the Detroit River, Detroit; theparade.org

Independence Fest

Expect live entertainment, a dog show, the Michigan market, food, and more. A fireworks display closes out the event. June 27. Clintonwood Park, 6000 Clarkston Road, Clarkston; indtwp.com

July

Clawson Fourth of July

This annual tradition offers five days of Fourth of July fun, including a concert in the park and an ice cream social on

June 24, a kiddie parade on June 27, a freedom run on June 28, a carnival and arts and crafts fair on July 3 and 4, and a morning parade and evening fireworks on July 4. Clawson City Park, 935 N. Custer Ave., and other locations in Clawson; clawson4thofjuly.com

Uncle Sam Jam Hinder, Queensrÿche, and a Queen tribute are among the bands lined up to perform at this celebration. Plus, you’ll find monster truck rides, a petting zoo, a carnival midway, and fireworks. July 9-12. Woodhaven Civic Center Park, 23101 Hall Road, Woodhaven; unclesam jamfest.com

Ford Fireworks Head downtown for the spectacular annual

Kensington Art Fair, May 23-25

By Mike Lerchenfeldt

Going to college is a signiﬁcant milestone for both students and parents. As your child prepares to embark on this new chapter, you will need to navigate a complex landscape of decisions, from choosing the right institution to managing ﬁnances and emotional readiness.

Asking the Right Questions

e ﬁrst step is to ﬁnd colleges that align with your child’s academic aspirations, personal preferences, and career goals.

While rankings are often a starting point, it is vital to look deeper into faculty ability, research opportunities, and curriculum speciﬁcs.

“Parents can help by asking questions rather than simply giving advice,” says Timothy Shanahan, distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Illinois Chicago. “Ask your child the following: How far away from home do you want to be? How big of a college do you want to attend? What do you want to study? What extracurriculars interest you? What did you like about the campus during your visit?”

G Navigating the College Maze: A Guide for Parents

Choosing a college is about ﬁnding a place where your child will thrive both personally and intellectually. Encourage them to visit campuses, talk to current students, and envision themselves in that environment.

“Today’s families are navigating a highstakes educational landscape,” says Shannon Flumerfelt, associate professor at Oakland University. “While we still value the ‘fun’ of campus life — the sports, the clubs, the late-night study sessions — there is a growing, quiet anxiety underneath. Parents are looking at a world where AI is displacing white-collar roles and tech jobs are shifting

PARENTS’ GUIDE TO COLLEGE

oﬀshore, and they are asking the hard question: Is the investment still worth it?”

In this new reality, a college’s true value is not just the degree itself; it is the career counseling, the writing centers, and the creative opportunities that teach a student how to be more adaptable than an algorithm.

Flumerfelt says the conversation around the kitchen table has changed. Instead of focusing on which campus has the best intramural sports or the most charming dorms, it is about survival in a shifting economy. Parents are naturally worried — about safety, about study-abroad protocols, and about whether their child will ﬁnd

a career on the other side of graduation. With the rise of artiﬁcial intelligence and the automation of traditional roles, the “safe” career paths of yesterday are feeling less certain.

“When parents send their kids oﬀ to college, they aren’t just looking for a syllabus; they’re looking for a safety net,” Flumerfelt says. “ at is why we see so many campuses now providing student ambassadors — peers who can give the real ‘boots on the ground’ perspective. From the quality of the cafeteria food and the gym equipment to whether the tech support is there when a laptop crashes at midnight, these ambassadors are the human face of the institution.”

Weighing the Costs

College aﬀordability is a crucial factor for most families. While the cost can be daunting, careful planning and exploring ﬁnancial aid options can make it manageable.

“Parents should not assume they will not qualify for aid,” says Lynn Dawson, a Chippewa Valley Schools counselor in Macomb County. “Key ﬁnancial steps include completing the FAFSA, searching for scholarships, and budgeting.”

e FAFSA decides eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. Universitybased work-study programs oﬀer on-campus employment that typically does not interfere with study time.

“ e secret to tackling college costs is looking exactly where you live,” Flumerfelt says. “Beyond the big national grants, there is a gold mine of scholarships sitting right in your backyard — think local Shriners clubs, the chamber of commerce, or even your hometown TV stations. If you are planning to stay in-state, the best move is to invest early through programs like MESP or MET.”

Graduation day sneaks up. Starting those conversations and savings plans now helps give your child the freedom to choose their future without the weight of massive debt.

“Don’t overlook the ‘hidden’ ways to cut costs,” Flumerfelt says. “Beyond academic and sports scholarships, students can work as research or residential assistants to cover housing. Even small moves, like fully using the cafeteria plan, add up.”

It is about being resourceful so the focus stays on the degree, not the debt. Look beyond well-known awards for niche scholarships based on academic merit, extracurriculars, or speciﬁc interests. It is essential to set up, follow, and communicate a realistic budget that encompasses tuition, housing, books, and general living expenses.

Managing the Transition

e move to college is an emotional transition for both parent and child. Your role will shift from a primary caregiver to a supportive mentor. It is important to talk openly about expectations, concerns, and anxieties.

“To help my oldest daughter through the transition, I made her a memory book,” Flumerfelt says. “It’s a simple way to minimize the emotional turmoil of leaving home.”

It is essential for parents to foster independence by teaching essential life skills like time management and problemsolving. While your child navigates their new autonomy, keep regular communication through calls or texts but respect their need for space. Remind them that it is normal to feel mixed emotions — from excitement to homesickness — and encourage them to seek out campus resources like counseling services if they feel overwhelmed.

“In order to be successful in college, every student must be able to manage their own time eﬀectively,” says Beth Wallis, an associate dean at Oakland University. “If your student is not already using the calendar app on their cellphone, I recommend they start using it to keep track of class times, appointments, assignment due dates, and special dates like ﬁnal exams. Bonus points if they synchronize it to their computer and other devices so that they always have access to it.”

Campuses today offer incredible support for freshmen, but parents play a huge role, too. Families often find success by setting up a regular check-in day once or twice a week. e idea is not to hover but to create a safety routine that keeps everyone connected and calm during that first big transition. ■

Baker College

420 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48067 | Enrollment Information: 855-487-7888 | baker.edu

For more than a century , Baker College has empowered students through a transformative, student-centered education that opens doors to lifelong academic and professional success. As one of Michigan’s private, nonprofit colleges, we foster an inclusive, innovative environment for those pursuing degrees from associate to doctoral levels. With degree programs in the fields of health sciences, nursing, computer science, information technology, education, and business, you can achieve your career goals. Built with flexible learning options, distinct Michigan campuses (Cadillac, Jackson, Owosso, Muskegon, Port Huron, Royal Oak, or online), a transparent tuition structure, and generous scholarship opportunities, Baker College makes it easy to find your fit. ■

THE STATS: Year founded: 1911 // Current enrollment: 3,955 // Student-faculty ratio: 9:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 60 // Number of master’s degrees offered: 16 // Number of doctoral degrees offered: 2 // In-state and out-of-state tuition: $13,950 // Percentage of students on financial aid: 87% // Awards/recognitions: 2024 Best Regional Universities Midwest Rankings, USNews.com . One of America’s Top Online Colleges 2025, Newsweek.com . Best Online Marketing Degrees of 2023, Forbes. // Affiliated colleges/satellite campuses: Baker College of Cadillac, Muskegon, Jackson, Owosso, and Royal Oak; Baker Online; The Culinary Institute of Michigan — Muskegon and Port Huron; The Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

College for Creative Studies

201 E. Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202 | Enrollment Information: 313-664-7400 | ccsdetroit.edu

For over a century, the story of College for Creative Studies has been intertwined with the story of Detroit — a city known for innovation, resilience, and boundless creativity. It started as the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts back in 1906 and quickly grew into a world-class institution that has nurtured generations of amazing creatives.

Today, CCS is a driving force in shaping the future of art and design, not just providing a creative education but setting students up to live a creative life.

There’s a reason why this institution is known as the place to be for serious creatives. The success of its students, both during their time here and in their future careers, is at the heart of everything the college does.

Eighty-one percent of CCS alumni are working in a field related to their major (83% knowledge rate). ■

THE STATS: Year founded: 1906 // Current enrollment: 1,208 // Student-faculty ratio: 10:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 12 // Number of master’s degrees offered: 6 // Subject matter expertise: Communication design and strategy, entertainment arts, fashion design, film, illustration, interdisciplinary art and design, interior design, photography, product design, studio art and craft, transportation design, fashion business management, art education, color and materials design, design for sustainability, user experience design. // In-state tuition: $55,790 // Out-of-state tuition: $55,970 // Percentage of students on financial aid: 98% // Awards/recognitions: Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education — Opportunity College. Niche — Best Colleges for Design in America and Best Colleges for Art in America. U.S. News & World Report — Best Grad Schools.

5

5 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Child for Independence

By Mike Lerchenfeldt

Preparing for college involves more than just academic readiness; it requires a focus on practical and emotional independence.

1. Foster Life Skills and Autonomy

Encourage your child to take the lead on decisions since they are the one who will live with their choices. Teach them essential skills such as budgeting, time management, and independent problem-solving before they leave home.

“Students must understand the value of picking and hanging out with friends who contribute to a healthy learning environment for their success,” says Shannon Flumerfelt, an associate professor at Oakland University. “The best thing you can do is let them make their own decisions and — this is the hard part — accept the consequences. Do not rush in to bail them out.”

Learning to take accountability now is what builds the resilience they will need for the rest of their lives.

Ferris State University

2. Establish a Connection Plan

To help your child feel secure while away, set a plan for staying in touch. Decide on a regular time for calls or visits to foster relationships at home without being overbearing.

3. Manage Practical Preparations

Alleviate transition stress by creating a comprehensive packing list. Ensure they have a reliable laptop, are familiar with online learning platforms, and understand the campus layout and where to find essential services like the health center.

4. Update Health and Safety Records

Before the departure date, ensure all health records are up to date and discuss health insurance coverage, campus safety measures, and the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings with your child.

“When it comes to the dorm room, prescription safety is often overlooked,” Flumerfelt says. “I always recommend students keep their medications in a small, secure safe. It’s a simple, initiative-taking step that ensures their health stays private and their essentials are protected in a busy, shared living environment.”

5. Encourage Prearrival Networking

Suggest that your child connect with their future roommate beforehand. Familiarizing themselves with at least one person and the general environment can make the first few weeks feel much more manageable.

“Sometimes you end up with a roommate who is a total tyrant, and that’s a tough spot to be in,” Flumerfelt says. “My advice? Do not wait — talk to your resident assistant at once to navigate it.” ■

For 140 years, Ferris state University stUdents have advanced through hands-on learning with expert faculty, preparing them to build meaningful careers and purposeful lives. Offering about 200 degree and certificate programs, Ferris State equips graduates with dynamic skill sets that fuel Michigan’s economic growth.

Nearly 8,000 Bulldogs call the Big Rapids campus home, where they find a vibrant community, 220 student organizations, and champion NCAA Division I and II athletics. Cutting-edge facilities put the latest technologies in students’ hands.

Beyond Big Rapids, more than 2,200 students benefit from online programs and Student Success Hubs in Detroit and across the state. With nearly one-third of attendees being first-generation students, Ferris State continues to break down barriers — supported by the Ferris Pledge, which provides eligible students a path to a degree with no out-of-pocket costs. ■ THE STATS: Year founded: 1884 // Current enrollment: 9,877 // Student-faculty ratio: 14:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 155 // Number of master’s degrees offered: 17 // Number of doctoral degrees offered: 4 // Subject matter expertise: Pharmacy, optometry, criminal justice, AI, cybersecurity, automotive, welding, engineering technology, dental hygiene, and nursing // Instate tuition: $14,420 // Out-of-state tuition: $14,420 // Percentage of students on financial aid: 88% // Awards/recognitions: Top Opportunity University (Carnegie Classification), NCAA DII football national champions, AI program was the first to be validated in Secure AI by the National Security Agency // Affiliated colleges/satellite campuses: Grand Rapids campus, including Kendall College of Art and Design, and five Student Success Hubs: Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY

BULLDOGS EARN MORE.

Ferris State University has earned the prestigious Carnegie Classification, proving you’ll gain access to career-focused programs that help you earn more throughout your career. Choose from 180+ breakthrough programs and build the skills to shape your future.

Grand Valley State University

1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401 | Enrollment Information: 616-331-5000 | gvsu.edu

Grand Valley State UniVerSity prepares each of its more than 22,000 students for a fulfilling career and a life of impact. It starts with more than 300 areas of undergraduate and graduate study and outstanding faculty members who focus on individual student achievement. Unique learning opportunities include studentdirected research projects, in-the-field training, and one of the best study-abroad programs in the nation.

The main campus in Allendale is home to modern classrooms and labs, outstanding fitness and sports facilities, a comprehensive library, and more. The Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus and the growing Health Campus put students in the heart of the central business district in Grand Rapids and along the Medical Mile. Finally, GVSU’s graduation rate and job placement rates are consistently among the highest in the state. ■ THE STATS: Year founded: 1960 // Current enrollment: 22,035 // Student-faculty ratio: 15:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 107 // Number of master’s degrees offered: 45 // Number of doctoral degrees offered: 4 // Subject matter expertise: Business, nursing, psychology, education, criminal justice, computer science, exercise science, engineering, marketing // In-state tuition: $15,872 // Out-of-state tuition: $22,588 // Percentage of students on financial aid: 96% // Awards/recognitions: Named to Forbes’s 2026 list of America’s Top Colleges. Named one of the Best Colleges in the Midwest for 2026 by The Princeton Review. Named one of the Best Colleges in America 2025 by Money

Turning What If Into WHAT IS

At Grand Valley State University, we turn aspirations into achievements and ideas into actions. By reshaping the future of education, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and continually evolving to meet the needs of those we serve, Grand Valley is turning what if into what is.

Kalamazoo College

1200 Academy St. • Kalamazoo, MI 49006 | Enrollment Information: 800-253-3602 | kzoo.edu

NatioN ally reN owN ed a N d globally orieN ted , Kalamazoo College is the home of the K-Plan , an individualized and integrated approach to the liberal arts and sciences. The K-Plan combines exceptional scholarship, study abroad, career development, civic engagement, and independent research in a flexible curriculum that allows students to make the most of their unique interests and gifts. At K, faculty and staff embrace its motto — “More in Four. More in a Lifetime.” — by offering students more opportunities to explore, more faculty and staff mentorship and support, and more preparation for meaningful careers that make a positive impact on the world. Wherever students want to go in life, their K-Plans can take them there. ■

THE STATS: Year founded: 1833 // Current enrollment: 1,278 // Student-faculty ratio: 10:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 32 majors, 22 minors, and 13 concentrations // Subject matter expertise: Nationally known for the K-Plan, which integrates a flexible curriculum with study abroad, experiential education, career preparation, and a senior integrated project. More than half of K students study abroad through K’s 50-plus programs // In-state tuition: $66,308 // Out-of-state tuition: $66,308 // Percentage of students on financial aid: 98% // Awards/recognitions: Named a Best Value College by The Princeton Review. Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. Student Scholar Program. Listed among the 45 Colleges That Change Lives.

University of Detroit Mercy

In 2026, The Wall ST ree T Journal/College P ulse ranked University of Detroit Mercy among the nation’s top 50 universities. UDM ranked No. 36, which makes it the top-ranked independent university in Michigan and the No. 2 Catholic university in the Midwest. Additionally, two UDM programs rank among the best in the nation according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs ranking: UDM’s online MBA in management program (No. 8) and online master’s in nursing program (No. 72). The university also ranked No. 22 nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges edition for Best Value Schools. In 2025, the Physician Assistant Education Association recognized UDM’s physician assistant program as the top in the country. Detroit Mercy Law also launched a fully online Juris Doctor degree in fall 2025, the first in Michigan. ■

THE STATS: Year founded: 1877 // Current enrollment: 5,778 // Student-faculty ratio: 12:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 107 // Number of master’s degrees offered: 41 // Number of doctoral degrees offered: 9 // Subject matter expertise: College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences; College of Business Administration; College of Engineering & Science; College of Health Professions & McAuley School of Nursing; School of Architecture & Community Development; School of Optometry; School of Dentistry; School of Law. // In-state and out-of-state tuition: $33,604 // Percentage of students on financial aid: 98% of undergraduates // Awards/ recognitions: The 2026 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranking has put UDM at No. 36 in the nation, seven places higher than last year. Two UDM online programs are ranked among the top in the nation in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs ranking.

It’s not about where you start. It’s about where you’re going.

Imagine a place where curiosity drives learning, the world is your classroom, and the friendships you make last a lifetime. Whether you have a path in mind or you’re still figuring it out, you’ll feel at home at K.

Explore your interests with our flexible curriculum, experience new cultures through our nationally recognized study abroad program, and gain realworld skills through research, civic engagement or an internship. Along the way, our faculty and staff will help you connect what you love to a career that’s meaningful to you.

Tom ’27

MAJOR: Business/Psychology

STUDY ABROAD: Dominican Republic

“I’ve been able to take classes in Spanish, philosophy, religion, history, business, psychology and classics. I’ve been able to figure out what I like—and what I don’t—which is a great part about waiting to declare your major.”

Andre B. Lacy School of Business

625 Butler Way, Indianapolis, IN 46208

Enrollment Information: 317-940-9221 | butler.edu/lacy-business

AT THE LACY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS at Butler University, academic rigor is intentionally paired with real-world experience. From their ﬁrst days on campus, students are immersed in authentic business environments that transform theory into practice and prepare them not just for careers but for immediate impact.

The Lacy curriculum is built on an experiential learning model that connects students, faculty, and more than 5,000 corporate partners. Signature programs such as the First-Year Business Experience and Sophomore Real Business Experience place students on collaborative teams to solve sustainability challenges, launch and manage real companies, and pitch ideas to industry professionals and mock investment panels. These experiences build résumés with tangible results long before graduation.

Career development is woven throughout the fouryear journey, which includes two required internships and personalized mentorship through Butler’s structured career program. Students also gain hands-on experience through student-led enterprises, global study opportunities, and nationally recognized initiatives such as the Student-Managed Investment Fund, which oversees millions of dollars from Butler’s endowment. With a 99% graduate placement rate, international opportunities across six continents, and a philosophy rooted in learning by doing, the Lacy School of Business puts students in the real world before they ever leave campus. ■

THE STATS: Year founded: 1855 // Current enrollment: 1,602 // Studentfaculty ratio: 17:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees o ered: 9 // Number of master’s degrees o ered: 4 // Subject matter expertise: The Lacy School of Business specializes in experiential, real-world business education paired with career-ready professional development, ensuring students graduate with both practical experience and proven skills. // In-state tuition : $48,900 // Out-of-state tuition: $48,900 // Percentage of students on ﬁnancial aid: 97.7% // Top three awards/ recognitions: Poets&Quants 2025 Best Undergraduate Business School Rankings (No. 1 Effectiveness of Career Advising, No. 2 Quality of Teaching, No. 8 Academic Experience, No. 36 Career Outcomes), 2026 USASBE Model Re-Emerging Program Award, U.S. News & World Report No. 21 Best Online MBA Program

Paying for college or career training

Starts witH

FAFSA

No matter your household income, it’s worth it to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (also known as the FAFSA). It’s the key to unlocking money for college or career training — including some scholarships that aren’t as income based as you might think (like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship & Community College Guarantee

Most families complete the FAFSA in 30 minutes or less. What you’ll need:

• StudentAid.gov accounts

• Social Security numbers

• Income and bank info

Don’t wait! Your senior could qualify for more than you expect.

Fill out the FAFSA today.

 P. 66 Learn the story behind the Detroiter who helped shape the Smithsonian.

THEATER

APRIL 29-MAY 17

Hamilton: The groundbreaking musical that turns the story of the American Revolution into a mesmerizing hip-hop opera will return to Detroit’s Fisher Theatre this month. Writer and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda received overwhelming critical praise when Hamilton debuted on Broadway in 2015 — and scooped up a record-breaking 16 Tony Award nominations (and 11 wins) the following year. $80+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; atgtickets.com

MAY 2

The Hobbit: Take a journey to Middle Earth with the Detroit Opera Youth Chorus as they perform an operatic adaptation of the beloved J.R.R. Tolkien tale. The family-friendly production features lovable characters, poetic storytelling, toe-tapping music, and all the wonder and warmth that made the book a timeless classic. $15+. Detroit Opera House, Detroit; detroitopera.org

MAY 6-JUNE 7

King James: A pair of Cleveland Cavaliers fans become unlikely friends in this play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph. Set across the 12 years between LeBron James’s 2004 rookie season and the 2016 NBA Championship, the story explores the many ways in which a shared love of sports

Don’t-Miss Events

BY LAUREN WETHINGTON

Save the dates for these shows, films, and performances this May

can act as a vector for deeper human connection. $52+. Detroit Public Theatre, Detroit; detroitpublictheatre.org

MUSIC

MAY 10

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons: Catch one last live performance by the original Jersey Boy as the 92-year-old vocalist heads out on his Last Encores tour. Valli racked up 29 Billboard Top 40 hits with the Four Seasons, including “December, 1963,” “Sherry,” and “Walk Like A Man.” $119+. Detroit Opera House, Detroit; detroitopera.org

MAY 17

Joe Jackson: The British musician, singer, and songwriter burst onto the new-wave scene in the late ’70s with hits like “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” and “It’s Different for Girls.” He’ll promote his new album, Hope and Fury, when he performs at the Masonic Temple

this month. $77+.

Masonic Jack White Theatre, Detroit; axs.com

ART

MAY 21-24

Apartment House 1776: Just in time for America’s 250th birthday, this collaboration between Detroit Opera and Cranbrook Art Museum imagines the nation’s colonial history as a chorus of voices drifting down from open apartment windows. The immersive experience was originally designed by artist and composer John Cage for the country’s bicentennial anniversary in 1976. $49. Cranbrook Art Museum, Bloomfield Hills; detroitopera.org

FILM

APRIL 27-MAY 6

Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival: This year’s festival kicks off with a special conversation with award-winning composer Marc Shaiman (Hairspray; Sister Act) as he discusses his time on Broadway, living in Hollywood, and his New York Times best-selling memoir. On May 3, Broadway legend Tovah Feldshuh will be on hand to discuss Tovah, the new documentary

chronicling her life and career. $12+. Berman Center for the Performing Arts, ,West Bloomfield; thejdetroit.org

MAY 7

The Road Home: This new documentary explores mental health issues, housing insecurity, and homelessness in Washtenaw County as recent federal funding cuts leave vulnerable populations with dwindling access to resources. A four-person panel will convene after the film concludes to discuss the themes and their potential solutions. Cost TBA. Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor; marquee-arts.org

MAY 15 AND 17

Harlan County USA: In 1973, budding filmmaker Barbara Kopple headed to a small town in Kentucky to film striking coal miners as they battled Duke Power Company for fair wages and safer working practices. Kopple ended

 Hamilton tells the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, played by Tyler Fauntleroy (center, left).

MAY 15-17

up spending years with the miners and their families, documenting their struggles through their own words and stories. Harlan County USA went on to win the Academy Award for best documentary in 1976 and set a new standard for nonfiction filmmaking. $13+. Detroit Film Theatre, Detroit; dia.org

DANCE

MAY 8

Dancing with the Stars: Live!: Performers from the hit reality competition show will flaunt viral dances and brand-new routines by Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mandy Moore when they arrive at the Fox Theatre this month. Hosted by actress, model, and dancer Elaine Hendrix, the show also features Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa, Pasha Pashkov, and Hailey Bills. $71+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

COMEDY & CONVENTIONS

MAY 8

Two Funny Mamas: Sherri Shepherd and Kym Whitley bring their hilariously relatable podcast to Detroit just in time for Mother’s Day. As real-life friends of more than 25 years, the duo offer unfiltered takes on motherhood, dating, relationships, pop culture, and everything in between. $64+. Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit; 313presents.com

Motor City Comic Con: Superfans can meet celebrities and industry professionals, discover rare collector’s items, and browse inspired artwork at this annual ode to comic books, games, TV, and cinema. Shaun of the Dead star Simon Pegg, The Boys’ Karl Urban, and WWE star wrestler Kane are just a few of the celebrities set to grace this year’s convention. $35+. Vibe Credit Union Showplace, Novi; motorcitycomiccon.com

MAY 22

Pete Davidson: Since leaving Saturday Night Live in 2022, the NYC-based comedian and actor has appeared in an array of films and television shows — including his old stomping grounds at SNL, to which he has returned as a host. $118+. Fillmore Detroit, Detroit; ticketmaster.com

MAY 23

Live, Lit, and Laughter: Kick off the holiday weekend with lots of laughs at this star-studded night of comedy at the Fox Theatre, hosted by MTV alum Kountry Wayne. The lineup includes fellow MTV personality Bill Bellamy, along with comedians DeRay Davis, Tony Rock, Kelly Kellz, Bubba Dub, and Foolish. $88+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com



To read Ryan Patrick Hooper's very first Hour article, go to hourdetroit.com/community/ midtowns-boys-in-blue

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO, I wrote my first story for Hour

It was a ride-along with the Wayne State Police, one of the rare campus police organizations that patrols the surrounding neighborhoods, too. The police force is one of the main reasons that the Cass Corridor and its Midtown rebranding have succeeded over the years.

As with many of my stories for Hour, I was late on that deadline. I sent flowers to the editor to apologize. “A man has never sent me flowers before,” he said.

In so many ways, I’m happy to give this magazine its flowers for its 30th anniversary, too.

When that piece was published back in February 2013 with gorgeous photos in a glossy, well-designed magazine, it was the first time I had ever seen my work reflected like that. It’s a writer’s dream in a lot of ways to have that fancy magazine feature laid out in just the right way.

And as sexy and ego-stroking as it is for the writer, I never forget that the most important piece is you — the reader. And the reality is that magazines like this don’t just exist anymore.

It’s a harder-to-find dream in this media landscape, although there’s hope that the next generation will find a way to embrace print media and keep it alive. I don’t know about you, but I still buy physical paper and love the feeling of it in my hands. If vinyl album sales can top more than $1 billion like they did last year (the first time this feat has been matched since 1983), why can’t the magazine stand make a roaring comeback?

That’s what makes Hour a special magazine to me and for this region. I’ve survived many editors and regime changes here (I’ll gladly toot my horn here, since that’s the only thing signaling to me that I might be alright at this), and Hour has weathered many storms. There’s nothing else like it in metro Detroit,

ESSAY

A FLOWER for HOUR

BY RYAN PATRICK HOOPER

Our resident culture columnist reflects on his role in Hour Detroit’s story

and it’s up there with other top regional magazines in the country.

And in the decade-plus that I’ve been here, I’ve covered everything — from the local police department to neighborhood changemakers to great local musicians (including Jeff Daniels this month!). I’ve been able to travel, too, including a trip to Nashville to cover the food and music scene and a wonderful visit to the gorgeous Blackbirch Cabin in Boyne. Hopefully, there will be much more of that this year.

The biggest honor is being able to write this column and having my editor, Kate, allow me to be quite vulnerable with it, sharing stories of my family and my personal experiences of growing up in metro Detroit.

I wrote about my complicated relationship with my mother last year, and many people approached me to talk about their own. They were liberating conversations that truly jumped off the page.

I wrote about my long-term relationship with a restaurant — The Fly Trap in Ferndale — and heard that regulars there were brought to tears by feeling a similar sense of camaraderie bellying up to the counter of this quirky brunch spot. With writing, the more specific you are about your own experiences, the more universal it truly is. And for any writer, it’s a blessing to have an outlet like Hour to share stories in. And in metro Detroit, we’re lucky to have Hour to bring us together.

Ryan Patrick Hooper is the host of In the Groove on 101.9 WDET Detroit Public Radio (weekdays from noon to 3 p.m.).

When Chase Robinson, director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, lectures at the Detroit Institute of Arts on June 7, his topic is sure to draw a few quizzical looks. Entitled “Detroit and Charles Lang Freer’s Vision for a National Museum,” the discussion centers on an overlooked Motor City masterpiece, its owner, and his influence on the nation, says William Colburn, director of the Freer House, Wayne State University in the city’s Cultural Center.

“It’s a Detroit story that’s untold,” he says of the house and the little-known facts behind the railroad magnate’s gift to the Smithsonian and the nation. Over the past 15 years as the house’s director, Colburn has aimed to bring that story to light.

“This street is just loaded with history and is unlike any other in the city,” Colburn says of the house’s location on East Ferry Street in the shadow of the DIA. Dating back to the late 19th century, the street still includes the best surviving examples of Victorian architecture in Detroit, according to Colburn. Beyond the residences of Charles Lang Freer — whom Colburn calls “a major cultural force" in Detroit at the time — and his friend, business partner Frank J. Hecker, who owned an adjacent house on Ferry and Woodward Avenue, the street is also home to important landmarks of Jewish, African American, and other cultural history.

Shingle-Style Simplicity

Built in 1892, Freer’s house was designed by Philadelphia architect Wilson Eyre Jr. Considered to be Michigan's most significant remaining example of shingle-style architecture, the house's design was a collaboration between Freer and architect Eyre. Noted American artists Dwight W. Tryon, Thomas W. Dewing, and Abbott H. Thayer, and Maria Oakey Dewing created original paintings and decorative paint treatments for the house interior. In The Charles L. Freer Residence: The Original Freer Gallery of Art, author Thomas Brunk writes, “Freer orchestrated a union of the highly refined aesthetic paintings and interiors with Eyre’s consummate simplicity

Landmark and Legacy

BY KHRISTI ZIMMETH

Detroit’s Charles Lang Freer House is an often-overlooked Motown masterpiece and the former home of the Detroit industrialist who helped facilitate the country’s first national art museum

of design and love of natural materials to create a home where Freer found refuge from the ugliness of his industrial life as a railroad freight car manufacturer. For Freer art was not an extravagance, but a necessity.”

The Original Freer Gallery of Art

Freer’s early interest in art can be traced to the Detroit Art Loan Exhibition of 1883, which featured works owned by business associates. He made his first recorded art purchase the following year and was later introduced to the etchings of James McNeill Whistler, which would have an important influence on his life and work. His original focus, according to Colburn, was on European prints, but shifted to contemporary American art, and later traditional Asian and Middle Eastern art, reflecting his growing global network and worldly interests. “He was one of the most cosmopolitan people in Detroit and the nation at the time,” Colburn says.

Freer eventually built one of the world’s best collections of Asian art, including important

Charles Lang Freer, photographed in 1916 by Edward Steichen.

The limestone and shingle exterior of the Freer House stand out on E. Ferry Street.

ART

examples of ceramics, paintings, metalwork, and sculpture, from Japan, China, Korea, India, and the Middle East, as well as American art and biblical manuscripts. In May 1906, he signed a deed of gift, bequeathing all of it to the Smithsonian upon his death. Now part of the Smithsonian Museum of Asian Art, the Freer Gallery of Art also contains the world’s largest collection of Whistler’s works, including the famed Peacock Room, originally housed with the rest of his collection in the house on Ferry until it was moved to the Smithsonian between 1920 and 1922. The Freer Gallery of Art opened in Washington D.C. in 1923.

People often wonder why Freer didn’t give the collection to the DIA, Colburn says. He traces that to the plans for Washington at the time and the development of a national mall that hoped to integrate the highest ideals of art and architecture. “Rather than see it as Detroit’s loss, we should see it as Detroit’s gift to the nation and Freer’s gift to the American people," says Colburn. At the time, the Smithsonian was a science-based institution. “Freer’s gift and vision literally transformed the Smithsonian into an arts institution,” he adds. The collection essentially turned into the country’s first national art museum, as well as the first art museum to be built on the National Mall.

Continuing Challenges

Why, then, has Freer’s Detroit home — “which he approached as if it were an art object itself,” according to Colburn — been largely forgotten? Colburn traces that to a number of factors. Owned by Wayne State University

since 1983, the house has functioned as headquarters of the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute since 1920. Rooms that once displayed masterpieces of American, Asian, and other art now house desks, conference rooms, and offices, as well as public spaces. “Merrill Palmer has been a very good and caring steward of the building,” says Colburn. “Wayne State has growing recognition of the significance of the treasure that it owns, but there is still a lot more to do to fulfill its potential.”

Detroit, he adds, also “doesn’t traditionally have a great track record for honoring and recognizing [its] own history.”

Another challenge is that the house is not accessible to the public except during lectures and special events. Although the garden, which was revitalized in 2018, is open to the public for viewing and contains plantings that reflect Freer’s originals and his ideals of harmony, simplicity, and beauty.

On the Horizon

Colburn is hopeful that the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Robinson’s upcoming lecture, and a recently received $550,000 in federal funds to support the house’s much-needed roofing and masonry repairs will draw attention back to the building and its ongoing importance to both the city and the country. As part of the observance, the Freer Gallery of Art, National Museum of Asian Art will also unveil The Making of a Museum in June, which will be on view for more than a year and include recognition and an explanation of Freer’s Detroit roots upon the institution. “Our museum is what it is because of the extraordinary philanthropy of Mr. Freer,” Robinson says. “The story of

Mr. Freer, the Freer House, and Detroit … is a really important story, particularly as we celebrate America’s 250th.”

Things are moving in the right direction, says Colburn, with awareness of Freer’s contributions and the building’s historical importance “finally taking hold within Wayne State, Detroit, and Washington. We’re hoping we can leverage all of it to ensure the house is properly maintained and more accessible, and give more people the chance to see where it all started.”

Chase Robinson’s lecture is scheduled for 2 p.m. on June 7 at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The lecture is free to the public with museum admission. Find more information about the Freer House at mpsi.wayne.edu.



The Peacock Room at the Freer House features the "Art and Money; or, The Story of the Room" mural painted by James McNeill Whistler.



Three giclee replicas of paintings by D.W. Tryon and A.H. Thayer are located in the main hall.

The courtyard garden is located on the west side of the house, and is open daily to the public.

Flood Law

As Flood Law marks its 24th anniversary, the firm is entering a new chapter defined by growth, investment, and a deepening connection to the city of Detroit. Its recent purchase of the Albert Kahn-designed Detroit Trust Co. building stands as both a business milestone and a meaningful vote of confidence in the city’s future.

The acquisition reflects more than the firm’s continued expansion. It places Flood Law within one of Detroit’s enduring architectural legacies, linking the firm’s next phase to a building that carries historic and civic significance. In a city where thoughtful redevelopment continues to shape the urban landscape, the restoration and reuse of such a property speaks to a broader commitment to preservation and progress.

Over the past 24 years, Flood Law has steadily grown its presence and reputation. This move signals where the firm is headed next: creating room for its expanding team, establishing a lasting home, and investing in a space that reflects both its ambitions and its roots in the region.

At the same time, the purchase contributes to the larger story of Detroit’s continued evolution. By reinvesting in a historic structure, Flood Law is participating in the momentum that is reshaping the city, honoring its past while helping support its future. The firm’s expansion is not only a marker of its own success but also part of the ongoing energy driving Detroit forward.

For Flood Law, the milestone is both professional and civic: a celebration of 24 years and a step into what comes next.

Established 2002

155 W. Congress, Suite 350 Detroit, MI 48226

248-547-1032 floodlaw.com

LEADER SHIP

Todd Flood Managing Partner

Company Milestones

Doshi & Associates

For five decades, Doshi & Associates, CPA, PLLC has served clients with a rare combination of technical excellence and personal trust.

Founded by Ken Doshi, CPA, in 1976 and led by Nisha Doshi, CPA, CFP, since 2000, the firm has grown into a premier full-service boutique firm recognized for its sophisticated tax strategy, thoughtful financial guidance, and an enduring commitment to helping clients navigate complexity with confidence.

Ken Doshi’s professional foundation was as exceptional as it was uniquely Detroit. Before launching the ﬁrm, he served as controller for Motown icons Invictus Records and United Sound Systems. He also managed Austin, Washington & Davenport under the leadership of Richard Austin, the pioneering Michigan secretary of state. Along with his experience at Touche Ross, now Deloitte, these roles helped shape the rigor, integrity, and vision that remain central to the ﬁrm today.

Since 2000, the firm has been led by Nisha Doshi, CPA, CFP, whose experience at PwC and Arthur Andersen brought an added dimension of global-caliber expertise to the practice. Under her leadership, Doshi & Associates has evolved into a highly respected accounting and wealth advisory firm serving more than 1,600 clients worldwide from its Bloomfield Hills headquarters.

As the firm celebrates its 50th anniversary, Doshi & Associates continues to set a high standard in the industry, offering elevated counsel, trusted partnership, and long-view stewardship sought by individuals, families, and businesses alike. Fifty-plus years in the making, and the firm is only just beginning to define and support its clients’ future success.

LEADER SHIP

Ken Doshi, CPA Senior Partner Nisha Doshi, CPA, CFP Managing Partner

Company Milestones

Golling Automotive Group

For some teens, washing cars is a way to earn extra spending money. For three generations of the Golling family, it has meant much more. It was the ﬁrst step in a lifelong career.

The story begins in 1966 when Bill Golling Jr. purchased his ﬁrst dealership, selling Volkswagens in Troy. After serving in World War II, he attended Hillsdale College on the G.I. Bill. Following graduation, he worked ﬁrst for General Motors and then Chrysler before opening his dealership.

Now celebrating 60 years in business, the Golling Automotive Group owns nine dealerships and employs about 600 people. After cutting his teeth on car washing at age 15, Bill Golling III, the president of Golling

Auto Group, graduated from Michigan State University and joined the business. Decades later, Michael and Matthew Golling followed in their father and grandfather’s footsteps, learning the business through entrylevel work at age 15, earning degrees from Michigan State University, then stepping into roles within the family company.

Over the years, the automotive business landscape has changed in many ways. The Golling family has gone from selling cars for as little as $1,995 decades ago to vehicles averaging nearly $50,000 today. Advances in technology, including AI, have improved eﬃciency, and the industry itself has evolved from standalone dealerships to large retail groups.

To remain competitive, Golling Auto has grown, too — growth that has been slow, sustained, and thoughtfully planned. Not only has the

group expanded its number of dealerships, but it has also expanded its oﬀerings to 11 car brands.

“Our vision of the future is to continue to grow, but I don’t ever want to get to a point where we’re so big that we lose that family touch,” says Michael Golling, the auto group’s vice president.

While the business has evolved, the family’s core values have remained constant. Staying active in the communities they serve is paramount. The Gollings don’t just work in these communities; they live in them. Their healthy relationships with local residents are closely linked to their business success.

Another cornerstone of the family business is exceptional customer service. In fact, the motto says it all: “Always there for you — that’s the Golling Difference.” This includes providing clean, updated showrooms and service centers with the latest technology to make customers feel welcome and confident when purchasing or servicing their vehicles. It means taking care of the staff, many of whom have worked for the dealership group for decades — happy team members serve as the first point of contact for customers and set a positive first impression. Above all, it means doing the right thing.

“We want to be sure that we do things honestly, that if we make a mistake, we make it right, and that we always try to look out as best as we can for our guests’ best interests,” says Bill Golling III.

And if one day soon you happen to see a teenage girl washing cars, she just might be one of four girls in the next generation of the Golling family heading down the same path as generations past.

Established 1966

2405 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomﬁeld Hills, MI 48302 golling.com

LEADER SHIP

Bill Golling President

Michael Golling Vice President

Matthew Golling Vice President

Now, 60 years after the business’s start, when customers enter a dealership owned by the Golling family, they can still expect to meet friendly team members ready to help them ﬁnd the right ﬁt.

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

FOOD & DRINK

Mexican Flavors in Ferndale

The sister-and-brother team behind the growing local chain Mezcal Mexican Bar & Kitchen has spent the past few years introducing Detroit diners to the regional depth of Mexican cuisine. Their newest project turns to another pair of daily rituals — coffee in the morning and wine in the evening.

Sandra Haro and Jose Granados opened Balam Coffee & Wine on March 16 at 207 E. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, on the same block as the original Mezcal location.

How the Yucatán Peninsula Influenced Balam Coffee & Wine

At Mezcal Mexican Bar & Kitchen, which also has locations in Midtown and Dearborn, the siblings have built a reputation for moving beyond familiar restaurant staples to spotlight regional dishes. The menu includes Northern Mexico-inspired aguachile de ribeye, enchiladas covered in Zacatecan-style mole rojo, and carnitas based on the family recipe their father once served at a small stand in Guanajuato.

Haro tells Hour that she and Granados wanted to create a space at Balam that evokes the airy, warm cafés one might find in Mexico City or Tulum, situated on the Yucatán Peninsula.

“We often go to Yucatán, and we love the people — we love how you feel over there,” says Haro. Balam, she adds, “reminds us of a little piece of over there.”

To accomplish their vision, Haro says the team sourced several pieces from Mexico,

BY SERENA MARIA DANIELS

From the team behind Mezcal, Ferndale’s Balam Coffee & Wine is a tribute to the bars and cafés of the Yucatán Peninsula

including sleek parota wood tables and seating made in Guadalajara and woven light fixtures from Yucatán. A wall of illuminated niches displays traditional Mayan ceramic sculptures that her family acquired during trips to the Mayan Riviera. The café seats roughly 30 to 35 visitors.

The name Balam means “jaguar” in the Yucatec Maya language. The jaguar is associated with strength, protection, and spiritual power in Mayan tradition.

What to Expect on the Menu

The drink menu reflects the same sense of connection to culture as the space itself, drawing inspiration from nostalgic Mexican sweets.

The mazapán latte nods to the crumbly peanut candy made famous by the brand De

 Cocktails like the Spirit Fire are available if you know where to look.

la Rosa. Another favorite, the chocolate Abuelita, layers Mexican hot chocolate with espresso. The Mexican wedding latte draws inspiration from the buttery pecan cookies often served at celebrations, flavored here with a traditional wedding cookie syrup.

Coffee beans are sourced directly from Chiapas, Mexico’s southernmost state. Alongside the drinks, guests will find pan dulce produced by a local baker, freshsqueezed juices, and light bites like wraps or charcuterie designed to pair with the wine menu.

As the day moves into evening, the space transitions into a wine-forward bar highlighting bottles from across Latin America. The list includes Argentinian pours like Trivento’s White Malbec and Santa Julia’s El Zorrito Natural Orange Chardonnay.

For those who know where to look, Balam reveals another layer. A hidden lounge serves cocktails highlighting agave spirits from across Mexico — from herbaceous sotol from the north to raicilla, an ancestral spirit from Jalisco — along with a selection of Mexican wines, still uncommon in metro Detroit.

With Balam, the siblings continue building on the cultural foundation they first introduced at Mezcal — one that brings more specificity and depth to how Mexican flavors and traditions are experienced in metro Detroit.

Balam Coffee & Wine is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closes at 9 p.m. on Sundays.

 Mayan culture is a focal point of Balam's interior.

HOSPITALITY from the HEART

BY DANNY PALUMBO

PHOTOS BY JACOB LEWKOW

On Café Cortina’s golden anniversary, we explore why the Farmington Hills locale remains beloved in metro Detroit

Fifty years later, Café Cortina's pasta is still handmade every day.

For 50 years, Café Cortina has remained a local beacon of Northern Italian food. The restaurant has also racked up numerous Best of Detroit wins here at Hour Detroit and was the second in history to earn our Restaurant of the Year designation back in 2003. Now, more than two decades later, I returned to see what makes Café Cortina an essential destination after all these years.

It was 1976 when husband and wife Rina and Adriano Tonon first opened the doors to the enduring Café Cortina, a restaurant built on familial love, Italian pride, garden-fresh food, and impeccable service. It was named for Cortina d’Ampezzo, which lies in the Veneto region of Italy where Adriano was from, a zone known for its rustic and hearty inland dishes — and the location of many of this year’s Winter Olympic events.

Café Cortina started as a family affair and has remained such, even after Adriano’s untimely death in 1993. Rina speaks fondly of her late husband: “We went to live in Italy for six months because I wanted to meet his family. Adriano was amazing and talented. Amazing with clients. We knew we wanted a restaurant together. This was always the dream for both of us.”

Many people thought Rina would close the restaurant after her husband’s passing. Instead, her oldest son, Adrian, came to her and said, “Don’t worry. I’m going to help you.” Rina, who believes that the restaurant business has to be in your heart, asked her son if it was in his. He confirmed that it was. Today, Rina, Adrian, and Rina’s

younger son Giancarlo help run this historic and prestigious Italian restaurant, which still finds ways to charm in an everchanging world.

At Café Cortina, expect all the hallmarks of Northern Italian dining — freshness, vibrance, elegance, and rib-sticking comfort with a little bit of theater. Read: This place is dark. Candles flickering on each table bring light to an otherwise pitch-black space. On a recent visit, I witnessed a waiter illuminating a patron’s menu with the flashlight on his phone; there are dimly lit restaurants, and then there is the cloak of seductive darkness that envelopes Café Cortina. Having dinner in such romantic lighting is exhilarating, a throwback to a time when dining rooms felt like stages (not well-lit classrooms), with the chefs, servers, and bartenders playing the

parts of a theater troupe’s cast.

A confession: I have long perceived restaurant service to be overrated, inconsequential to my reviews at large. Recently, however, my appreciation increased tenfold. Good restaurant service can comfort diners just as much as a delicately layered lasagna, and thankfully, at Café Cortina, you don’t have to choose between the two. I was called “signor” more times in one night than in my previous 40 years on this earth combined. Each time it was uttered, the word tickled me, but I also found it endearing. For a second, they had me actually believing I was Italian royalty.

Witnessing good service is a lot like watching a physical stage performer. I found myself particularly enamored by the movements of our waiter, Manuel, who fervently used his hands while he spoke. I

became mesmerized as they waved and circled, cutting through the air like the soft edge of a spoon slicing through an affogato warmly draped in espresso.

Café Cortina isn’t exclusively Northern Italian; it dives in and out of regions with swiftness — a Roman-style lasagna with braised beef, pine nut pesto, and béchamel; ravioli in a blush sauce that reads more American; a classic cacio e pepe; and an orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe that hails from Puglia, among many other Northern Italian classics, round out the menu.

A carpaccio with thin ribbons of Wagyu beef is showered with Parmesan and littered with briny jewels of fried capers. The Wagyu is sliced so thin that it appears translucent. Simple pan-fried artichokes (fiore di carciofi fritti) are served slick with

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Café Cortina offers a variety of event spaces, like the spacious garden room (right).

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The cacio e pepe is made with both pecorino and Parmigiano cheeses.



Chef Ernesto Antopia has led the kitchen at Café Cortina since 2012.

olive oil, stuck with sea salt and mint, and served with a small trail of lemon aioli spooned out by Manuel himself. It’s a style of service that’s becoming increasingly rare. Where have all the good waiters gone? To Café Cortina, I submit.

On to the pasta: A lasagna vincigrassi (which comes from the Marche region of Italy, nestled between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic Sea) is Café Cortina’s triumphant and signature dish. It comes with seven layers of eggy, handmade pasta sheets layered with ricotta, Parmigiano, mozzarella, fresh spinach, and a Veneto blush sauce, plus some basil aioli for good measure. I was astonished at how well this lasagna held its form. The layers of pasta are so thin, the lasagna itself so meticulously constructed, that every bite felt completely and utterly even. I do believe that this lasagna and a glass of red wine is what I’ll crave most from Café Cortina. The combination is pure, unadulterated Italian comfort.

Café Cortina has a very small selection of wine by the glass. The move here is to order a bottle, and you should embrace the bottle service wholly. I’d also suggest going for a cocktail up front — a Midnight Negroni proved to be perfect alchemy, the delicate sweetness from Campari tamed by the bitterness of Plymouth Gin. A good Negroni is all about the proper ratio of ingredients, and if anything, Café Cortina proves that the key to longevity is knowing proper balance.

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After dinner, diners have the option to jumpstart their evening with a dessert list that skews espresso heavy. Think affogato, flourless cake with espresso gelato, and crepes plopped with espresso Chantilly cream. There’s also a substantial amaro list present here, and I fully urge diners to partake. My personal order: Braulio shaken cold. Shaking this amaro turns the digestif into a frothy concoction that feels like dessert in itself. It’s a perfect finisher to the meal — and something that will put one’s

At a Glance: Price: $$$

Vibe: Intimate and old-worldly Service: Excellent

Sound level: Moderate

Dress code: None Open: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4-10 Friday and Saturday, 3-7:45 Sunday; closed Monday Reservations: OpenTable Parking: Valet and lot Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

stomach at ease. There’s an air of privacy to Café Cortina. Tables are spaced widely instead of being crammed next to each other. Conversations are private, hushed. The inhabitants of each table seem as though they exist in their own little homes. It’s a type of dining I haven’t experienced in quite a while, and by the time I looked at my watch, several hours had passed. I had gotten lost in the dramatic rhythm of this

restaurant like an emotionally resonant film score.

As I left, Manuel opened the door for me, gave me a final “signor,” and wished me well. Thoughtful hospitality has a way of making you feel remarkable, and that’s what this classic restaurant so consistently achieves. Fifty years may seem like a long time, but for the Tonon family, it’s just a blip. “Our clients are special,” says Rina. “We don’t want you one time. We want you forever. And your family forever.”

Café Cortina is celebrating 50 years with special events, including The Culinary Evolution - Annual Spanish Dinner on June 29 and its Anniversary Fall Dinner on Nov. 2. For more information, visit cafecortina.com.

Artichoke hearts are pan-fried and served alongside a lemon aioli.

The carpaccio is made with thin slices of Waygu and topped with fresh arugula and fried capers.

In early spring, as I leafed through my newly purchased copy of Eric Wareheim’s Steak House: The People, the Places, the Recipes, I was immediately drawn to the place that inspired the book — Beef ’N’ Bottle in Charlotte, North Carolina. So when I was invited to attend the premiere of Top Chef: Carolinas in Charlotte just a few days later, I was intrigued. Once I learned that two Michigan chefs with backgrounds at one of my favorite metro Detroit seafood spots are competing this season, it was the perfect excuse to check out the city’s burgeoning food and dining scene.

After a short flight, I arrived in Charlotte on a Friday afternoon ready to experience everything the city had to offer. My home for the weekend was the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, located near Bank of America Stadium, the home of the Carolina Panthers, in the heart of Uptown.

After settling in, I headed to Stagioni, an Italian restaurant tucked away in a historic Myers Park villa. The executive chef, Brittany Cochran, is a contestant on Season 23 of Top Chef — the sole Charlotte-based competitor. From the counter, I watched Cochran and her team of cooks muscle through a busy Friday service while I enjoyed a plate of mussels and more than one Negroni variation.

Saturday began with brunch at Ever Andalo, a Michelin-recommended spot in the NoDa neighborhood. The wine list is extensive and diverse, with brunch offerings to match. I learned here that oysters are part of a balanced breakfast and pair surprisingly well with the day’s first cup of coffee.

 Charlottebased Top Chef competitor Brittany Cochran helms the pass at Stagioni.

A Regal Visit to the Queen City

BY WILL REAUME

We went to Charlotte to cover the food and brews scene — and attend the red-carpet premiere party for Top Chef Season 23

That afternoon, I caught a Charlotte Hornets game, where they faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers on HBCU Day at the Spectrum Center. I found myself half-heartedly rooting for the Hornets, comforted by the knowledge that they pose no threat to the Pistons’ ranking. But it was North Carolina A&T State University’s drumline Cold Steel’s halftime performance that gave me a real reason to cheer.

Following a Hornets win, I ventured to South End, one of the hippest neighborhoods in Charlotte. In a city known for its strong brewery culture, I found a favorite in Wooden

Robot Brewery, where the selection of hoppy brews and light lagers provided respite to this weary traveler.

I entered a semi-fasted state on Sunday in preparation for my steakhouse reservation that evening. To take my mind off the gnawing hunger, I found myself back in NoDa, this time with the goal of exploring the neighborhood’s storefronts. There’s no shortage of thrift shops, small boutiques, and bookstores to keep you occupied for an afternoon.

At last, it was time to embark on my maiden voyage to Beef ’N’ Bottle to pay my respects to one of Charlotte’s oldest steakhouses. Its history dates back to 1958, and it has been in its current location for almost 50 years. The unassuming roadhouse-style facade keeps the interior safely guarded from modernity and ensures that only those in search of an authentic experience may enter.

Unlike any restaurant I’ve been to, at Beef ’N’ Bottle, my server was also my bartender, meaning the transition between dirty gin martinis was unencumbered and fluid. You won’t find the words “Wagyu” or “dry aged” anywhere on this menu, but you will

Opened in 2014, Stagioni is located in a historic mansion rumored to be haunted.

discover a collection of old-school cuts, like the underappreciated Kansas City strip.

The shrimp cocktail makes for an ideal appetizer. Six jumbo crustaceans come partially submerged in a horseradish-heavy sauce that will cleanse both your palate and sense of smell. The 12-ounce ribeye, like all steaks here, is crowned with a singular onion ring, which I recommend dipping in the savory juices.

After finishing the meal with a slice of warm apple pie with cinnamon ice cream, I made sure to get my server/bartender’s autograph on a pack of branded matches to commemorate the evening. I was thrilled to experience this bastion of meat, but the desire to return to my trusted Michigan spots, like Mr. Paul’s and Clawson Steakhouse, was also rejuvenated.

For the trip finale, Monday night’s season premiere of Top Chef took place at the newly reopened Carolina Theatre in downtown Charlotte. Before viewing the first episode, I had the chance to see Jennifer Lee Jackson, one half of the Michigan couple featured this season, walk the red carpet.

While I missed Jackson at the premiere, I had the chance to speak with her and her partner, Justin Tootla, a week later. Tootla, a

 Michigan native and Top Chef host Kristen Kish (far left) poses next to Jennifer Lee Jackson, among other cast members, at the season premiere.

Michigan native, and Jackson, originally from Georgia, met as students at the Culinary Institute of America nearly 20 years ago and both worked at Voyager in Ferndale. They went on to start their own pop-up restaurant, Bunny Bunny, before eventually setting off for Suttons Bay. Most recently, Tootla has been consulting in Miami for a friend, while Jackson holds down the fort in Suttons Bay. They are the first couple to compete against each other on the show, which posed challenges since they’d spent years cooking side by side.

“This was the first time in a decade that we didn’t have each other to lean on,” Tootla says. “We went into it as competitors, and we wanted to kind of rediscover ourselves.”

Although they couldn’t explore Charlotte and the surrounding area as much as they'd wanted to, the show allowed them to meet local farmers like PuckerButt Farms, the creators of the world’s hottest pepper.

The duo behind the popular pop-up have plans to return to Michigan, with the hope of building a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the future.

“We’re on the look for a permanent space back in Detroit or up north,” Tootla says. “Michigan is always home.”

I felt a similar call home to Michigan on the plane back to Detroit, but my first trip to Charlotte gave me a lot to reflect on. It’s a city rich in history and heritage with the restaurants to match, while also emanating a fresh energy usually found in newly developed cities. Carolina barbecue and Southern-style steakhouses will always have a home here, but so will the next wave of Michelin-starred restaurants and craft cocktails. There’s plenty to enjoy in the Charlotte of today, and I look forward to returning one day soon to experience the Charlotte of tomorrow.

DINING NEWS

What’s Cooking?

BY JACK THOMAS

Five new restaurants open in metro Detroit

Host Romeo

The sequel to Macomb County’s popular rotating chef concept Host Utica opened its doors on March 5 in downtown Romeo. Unlike the former, Host Romeo has a single kitchen commander: executive chef Jessica Phillips. Its menu will change seasonally, highlighting local produce; there’s also a bar serving beer, wine, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks. 209 N. Main St., Romeo; hostromeo restaurant.com

Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar

Located on the main floor beneath Bella Limone, from the same ownership, Little Bella’s opened to the public on March 26. Self-described as “a more intimate and energetic complement” to the upstairs Italian eatery, Little Bella’s serves pizzas, wine, and cocktails — plus appetizers like charcuterie boards, fritto misto, melted pecorino, gnocchi Genovese, lemon bucatini, handmade tortelloni, and roasted branzino. 100 S. Main St., Royal Oak; bellalimone.com

Little Liberia

Michigan’s first Liberian restaurant opened to the public on March 5 after years of anticipation. At the new East English Village establishment, chef-owner Ameneh Marhaba invites guests

to experience the food and culture of Liberia. The restaurant serves signature cocktails; standout dishes include plava sauce, roasted goat shank, groundnut stew, and fried fish. 16530 E. Warren Ave., Unit A, Detroit; littleliberia.com

Rock & Brews

The national rock ’n’ roll brand co-owned by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss made its Michigan debut on March 19 in Royal Oak. Rock & Brews features three levels — each with its own bar — with live music Thursday through Sunday. Featuring an array of classic rock memorabilia, the eatery serves classic bar fare, plus beer, wine, and signature cocktails. 208 W. Fifth St., Royal Oak; rockandbrews.com/ royal-oak

Konjo Me

A longtime pop-up serving Ethiopian cuisine is the newest addition to Detroit Shipping Co., a food court made from shipping containers in Midtown. Konjo Me celebrated its grand opening ceremony on March 14. The eatery offers custom platters (individual or sharable) with Ethiopian staples like injera (traditional flatbread), tibs (chicken or beef), asa (fish), misir (red lentil stew), gomen (slow-cooked collard greens), and more. 474 Peterboro St., Detroit; konjome.com

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Detroit

Adelina

$$$

ITALIAN • This relative newcomer to downtown Detroit features traditional Italian eats in a modern atmosphere, with house-made pasta and starters like focaccia, octopus, sausage and peppers, and a roasted Wagyu meatball. Entrées include lamb chops with house-made tzatziki, veal Parmesan, and branzino served with tricolor potatoes, salsa verde, and a tomato-based Livornese sauce. 1040 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-246-8811. D Tue.-Sun.

Amore da Roma $$

ITALIAN • Once the longest-operating Italian restaurant in Detroit, Roma Café was transformed into this Eastern Market staple by chef Guy Pelino in 2017. The menu features favorites like fried calamari, baked lasagna, and house-made paglia and fieno — a traditional pasta dish made with spinach and egg noodles. 3401 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313-831-5940. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Alpino

$$$

ALPINE •Taking inspiration from the Alps, this Corktown restaurant serves fondues, Swiss potato pancakes, stuffed pasta, and Wiener schnitzel. Enjoy your meal with wines from Italy, Slovenia, or Germany. The historic building has been repurposed and is now inspired by European countryside farmhouses, lending a cozy interior to the Alpine-inspired menu. 1426 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-524-0888. D daily, BR Sun.

Andiamo $$

ITALIAN • Centered on a commitment to quality, fromscratch cooking, Joe Vicari has turned his culinary approach into a local restaurant dynasty. Each location has a slightly unique menu, but they all feature fresh, house-made pastas. Dishes like the frutti di mare — a shellfish-forward seafood stew — and braised short ribs round out the menu. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit; 313-567-6700. D Mon.-Fri., L,D Sat.-Sun. 38703 Seven Mile Road, Livonia; 734-953-3200. D daily.

Apparatus Room

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • Located in the former Detroit Fire Department headquarters, the Apparatus Room at the Foundation Hotel once stored fire trucks and other lifesaving equipment. These days, you’ll find elevated fare made with local, seasonal ingredients. For starters, try the crispy pork belly or the heritage sourdough served with whipped butter and sea salt. As an entrée, the Michigan pork chop packs a savory punch, with farro, kale, and a sorghum jus. 250 W. Larned St., Detroit; 313-800-5600. B,L,D Mon.-Fri., BR,D Sat.-Sun.

Avalon Café and Bakery

ORGANIC BAKERY • What originally started as a small bakery specializing in organic breads has evolved into multiple cafés serving up artisan baked goods. Avalon’s Woodward location offers a variety of breakfast items,

such as the egg and cheese sandwich served on 313 bread. It also boasts a selection of muffins, with favorites like blackberry walnut and chocolate espresso. 1049 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-285-8006. B,L daily.

Babo

Save room for the broken pavlova, a sweet and savory combination made with strawberries, citrus mousse, and salmon roe. 4842 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-952-5182. D Wed.-Sun.

Basan

NEW AMERICAN • Nestled into a cozy space in Midtown Detroit, this all-day diner carries both breakfast and lunch fare. For a morning meal, try the chorizo breakfast tacos, which come with all the fixings. The Korean beef cheesesteak or buffalo chicken sandwich will handle any midday cravings. 15 E. Kirby St., Ste. 115, Detroit; 313-974-6159. BR,L daily.

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge

SOUL FOOD • This iconic jazz lounge offers up live music alongside good eats. Work your way through fried chicken, corn muffins, collard greens, and sweet potato pie while listening to live jazz music. 20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-345-6300. D Mon.-Fri.

Baobab Fare

EAST AFRICAN • This New Center eatery, founded by Burundian refugees Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, opened its doors in 2021. Choose from East African dishes like ugali — a traditional corn flour swallow served with an okra stew. The beverage menu is complete with a selection of fresh juices, coffees, and teas to complement any meal. For a sweet bite, try the coconut cream with mango coulis and fresh mango chunks. 6568 Woodward Ave., Ste. 100, Detroit; 313-265-3093. L,D Tues.-Sun.

Bar Chenin

$$$

WINE BAR • In the far corner of The Siren Hotel sits Detroit’s smallest wine bar. With only 10 seats and limited standing room, the bar’s cozy atmosphere pairs well with its rotating selection of natural wines and homestyle dishes. Enjoy a house-made assortment of ice creams, including unique flavors like Negroni, olive oil, and Underberg. For something savory, try the sourdough focaccia pizza or deli-style sandwiches. 1509 Broadway St., Ste. A-1, Detroit; 313-277-4736 (Siren Hotel). D Thu.-Mon.

Bar Pigalle

$$$$

JAPANESE FUSION • Just around the corner from Little Caesars Arena, you’ll find small bites and meat skewers prepared over a robata grill. Larger dishes are available, such as ramen-rub chicken wings or a fried chicken sandwich served on milk bread. It’s known for its inventive cocktails, with highlights including Then There Was One, made with rum and pandan, and Pear Pressure, made with shiso and mint gin. 2703 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-481-2703. D daily.

Besa

$$$

EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • The culture and cuisine of the northern Mediterranean are on full display at this modern fine-dining establishment. Try the tiropita to start — Besa’s take on the Greek pastry served with hot honey, sesame, and thyme. Taste the fruits of the Adriatic Sea with scallops accompanied by bacon, scallions, and mashed potatoes. 600 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-315-3000. D Mon.-Sat.

Bohemia

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • The former members-only lounge in this restored Romanesque Revival in downtown Detroit is now a posh restaurant open to the public. (The downstairs bar is also open to the public.) The stunning dining room reflects the club’s history while staying fresh and modern, with local art on the walls and an Instagrammable seating area in the middle of the dining room, featuring plush couches and trees lined with lights. The food is upscale but approachable, including the Nashville fried chicken and the lobster fettucini, which is worth every indulgent bite. 712 Cass Ave., Detroit, 313-338-3222. D Wed.-Sat.

Cadieux Café

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

$$$

FRENCH • In Brush Park, once known as Little Paris, you’ll find a haven for modern, French-inspired cuisine. Classic dishes like oysters and steak tartare share a space with heartier bites, like the striped bass and cassoulet. If you sit at the bar, try the pub-style burger that comes blanketed in melty cheese and can be ordered with one or two patties. 2915 John R Road, Detroit; 313-497-9200. D daily.

Barda

$$$$

ARGENTINIAN • Inspired by cuisine from chef Javier Bardauil’s home country of Argentina, this Core City staple emphasizes live-fire cooking and raw bites. The beets, thin-cut and formed into a rose, are dusted with raspberry powder. Beef takes center stage, with multiple cuts to choose from.

Caucus Club

$$$$

TRADITIONAL AMERICAN • Founded in 1952 as a sister restaurant to London Chop House, Caucus Club is where Barbra Streisand famously launched her singing career. This steakhouse has all the classics, from oysters Rockefeller to steak tartare, and, of course, a selection of prime-cut steaks, aged in a Himalayan salt-lined aging room. 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 entrées. But the Twice Cooked Egg is not to be missed. 15 E. Kirby St., Detroit; 313-818-3915. D Tue.-Sat.

Cibo

$$$

ITALIAN-INSPIRED • Cibo offers a “social dining” experience with shared plates, craft cocktails, and theatrical presentations. On the menu: pizzas, steaks, chops, seafood, and plenty of veggies. It’s located inside the Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown, an Albert Kahn-designed building that once housed the original WWJ radio station. 600 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-338-3529. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Cliff Bell’s

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

Common Pub $

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

Coriander Kitchen and Farm $$

GASTROPUB • At this Jefferson Chalmers eatery, guests can rent firepits and roast house-made marshmallows for s’mores or sip mugs of hot buttered rum. By day, grab a picnic table and enjoy creamy smoked lake trout whitefish dip, seasoned with herbs and paired with pickles and crackers. 14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit; 313-338-9466. D Tue.-Fri., D Sat., BR Sun.

Cork & Gabel

$$$

EUROPEAN-INSPIRED • This Corktown eatery takes the form of a 4,450-square-foot renovated beer hall and is an ode to filling European staples. Try the chicken marsala, featuring a pan-seared 7-ounce chicken breast, sautéed wild mushroom blend, wild rice, and seasonal grilled vegetables, cooked in a Lombardo Ambra Sweet Marsala wine sauce. Simply delicious! 2415 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2261. D Wed.-Sat., BR Sat., B,L Sun.

Cuisine

$$$

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

Dakota Inn Rathskeller $

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

Detroit Shipping Company

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

Detroit Soul

SOUL FOOD • A hidden gem on the city’s east side, Detroit Soul serves its namesake with a healthy twist. Owners Sam Van Buren and Jerome Brown draw from the recipes of their grandparents, who relocated to Detroit from Alabama in the 1940s. The turkey and collard greens are savory standouts, and yams are a sweet treat. This is the kind of place that every soul-food lover must visit. 2900 E. Eight Mile Road, Detroit; 313-366-5600. 14300 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-926-6305. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Dime Store

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

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

El Barzon

$$$

MEXICAN-ITALIAN • Norberto Garita prepares Italian and Mexican cuisine alongside his wife, Silvia Rosario Garita. Authentic Mexican entrées include enchiladas with a homemade green sauce made with tomatillo, jalapeño, 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, 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 New Orleans classics like gumbo and jambalaya or something more eclectic like jalapeño pepper jack cheese, flamed tableside and served with grilled pita bread. Or try the deep-fried alligator bites or catfish beignets. Check their calendar for live music to accompany your meal. 400 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-965-4600. fishbonesusa.com for more locations.

Flowers of Vietnam $$

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

Folk $

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2024 Freya

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN • Freya provides elegant, elevated dining served inside a warm and inviting space in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction district. Chef de cuisine Cole Lauri’s fixed-price dinners — which change daily and are available in five or nine courses — invite guests to tap into a world of flavors and sensations. There are also cocktail pairings and dishes that accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian diets. Co-run by 2023 James Beard semifinalist Sandy Levine, Freya made The New York Times’s list of the 50 best restaurants in 2022. 2929 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-351-5544. D Tue.-Sat.

Fusion Flare Kitchen & Cocktails

NEW AMERICAN/SOUL • Burgers and wings share the menu with classic Southern staples like catfish, yams, and greens on Detroit’s west side. Try the delectable shrimp plate starter — it can be ordered deep-fried, New Orleans-style (with Cajun seasoning), or sautéed in a scampi sauce with garlic butter and wine. 16801 Plymouth Road, Detroit; 313-653-3700. L,D Wed.-Sun.

Giovanni’s Ristorante

$$$

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

Golden Fleece

$$ GREEK • Spend a night dining in Greektown’s longest-standing restaurant, starting with a flaming saganaki and a joyous “opa!” Then, peruse the menu containing various Balkan comfort foods like chicken gyros, spinach pie, and french fries sprinkled with feta and oregano. 525 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-962-7093. L,D daily.

Grandma Bob’s

$ PIZZA • If you’re wondering what that psychedelic building on Corktown’s Michigan Avenue is, it’s a pizzeria known as Grandma Bob’s. Chef Dan DeWall, 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 daily.

Grand Trunk Pub $

NEW AMERICAN • Meats from Eastern Market and delicious breads anchor the hearty fare, which pairs well with a selection of Michigan beers. Staples include a Reuben with Poet stout kraut and the Ghettoblaster beer-battered fish and chips. 612 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-3043.; L,D, Tue.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun.

The Greek $

GREEK • The place to find modern Greek food, The Greek has all the favorites, from spanakopita to moussaka and gyros. Enjoy it all while sipping a strawberry shortcake martini or a spicy mule. 535 Monroe Ave., Detroit; 313-209-6667. L,D daily.

Green Dot Stables $

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

Grey Ghost $$

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

Highlands $$$$

STEAKHOUSE/NEW AMERICAN • On the top two floors of the Renaissance Center, Highlands is the concept of chef-owner Shawn McClain, a James Beard awardee and Iron Chef winner. Besides boasting one of the city’s most breathtaking views, the steakhouse’s offerings include three-course dinners with optional sommelier wine pairings. Its High Bar features an impressive selection of beers and spirits, plus elevated bar bites like the Hearth Burger. 400 Renaissance Center, Floors 71 and 72, Detroit; 313-8779090; D Mon.-Sat.

Hiroki-San $$$$ JAPANESE • Venture to the basement of the historic Book Tower building to enter Hiroki-San’s shoji-lined, mood-lit dining room. The menu includes an optional sake pairing and cocktails like the Genmaicha-Hai, a green tea-infused highball with lemon juice, honey, apricot, and seltzer. On the food side, enjoy small plates like the sweet and savory tako-age (deep-fried octopus), robatayaki and yakitori offerings, Wagyu steaks, and noodles. Sushi and sashimi can be ordered à la carte or as a “chef’s choice” platter. The wasabi is real. 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-597-8344. D Tue.-Sat.

The Hudson Cafe $ BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • The fresh, well-prepared fare from the kitchen of this breakfast/lunch spot has creative takes on the eggs Benedict theme, red velvet pancakes, and apple-walnut stuffed French toast, plus lunchtime sandwiches and salads. 1241 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-237-1000. 17101 Haggerty Road, Northville; 248-308-3793. B,L daily.

Iggy’s Eggies

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

Ima

JAPANESE-INSPIRED • This ramen hot spot has three locations and a Midwest emphasis. Ima’s tacos trade the traditional shell for a slice of jicama, stuffed with spicy shrimp, roasted tofu, or garlic chicken. Appetizers include edamame, dumplings, and clams. 4870 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-883-9788. 32203 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248-781-0131. L,D daily.

Ima Izakaya

JAPANESE-INSPIRED • Chef Michael Ransom has slowly and steadily built up his local chain of noodle shops over the past few years, and his latest one takes it up a notch with the izakaya concept, the Japanese equivalent of a pub. In addition to the staple noodles and soups that put Ransom on the map, the menu also includes grilled skewers from the robata grill, such as kawahagi trigger fish jerky and mini kurobuta pork sausages. There’s also a tantalizing selection of cocktails and mocktails, sake, beer, and wine to make it a true izakaya experience. 2100 Michigan Ave., Detroit, 313-306-9485. L,D daily.

Ivy Kitchen and Cocktails

$$$ NEW AMERICAN • This Black-owned restaurant was founded by Nya Marshall to bring fine dining to the East Jefferson Corridor where she grew up. The spot serves New American fare with international influences in a modern, elevated space bathed in neutral tones. The mezcal wings with pickled jalapeño and cilantro bring a Mexican kick, while dishes like the creamy Cajun pasta contribute New Orleans flavors. 9215 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-332-0607; L Fri.-Sun., D daily.

Jacoby’s

$$ GERMAN • Detroit’s oldest biergarten, Jacoby’s has been serving beer and traditional German fare since the late 1800s. Pick from more than 100 beers on the rotating drink menu: everything from German pilsners and hefeweizens to Irish stouts and craft brews. The food menu honors the restaurant’s roots with favorites like house-made potato pancakes, schnitzel, and German-style meatballs. 624 Brush St., Detroit; 313-9627067. L,D daily.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Joe Muer Seafood

2012

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

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

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

Ladder 4 Wine Bar

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

La Dolce Vita

$$$

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

La Lanterna

ITALIAN • The founder of Da Edoardo, the first Edoardo Barbieri, started it all in 1956 with a restaurant called La Lanterna. Now his grandchildren have revived it. Although the white and red pizzas — like Margherita, Liguria, and Da Edorado — dominate, there are more, including a number of elegant pastas like the lasagna alla Bolognese. 1224 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-962-8821. L,D Tue.-Sun.

London Chop House

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

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 daily.

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

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

Le Suprême

and Woodward White. 1331 Holden St., Detroit; 313-6374992. L,D Wed-Sun.

Mi Lindo San Blas

$$$

FRENCH • This Paris-inspired brasserie pays homage to the City of Light with its 1920s-inspired decor on the historic Book Tower’s ground floor. There are pastis, absinthe, France-themed cocktails, and over 300 wines. Standout dishes include escargots, honey-roasted duck breast, and trout amandine. 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-597-7734. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Lumen Detroit

$$$

MEXICAN • Heaping platters of seafood such as shrimp, octopus, and scallops tell the story at this spot that brings a corner of Mexico’s seaside Nayarit region to southwest Detroit. On weekends, when live music is added, the tables are often pushed back to create a dance floor. 1807 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-789-5100. L,D daily.

Mink

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

Mario’s

$$$$

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

The Monarch Club

$$$

ITALIAN • This Midtown Detroit classic dates back 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 with soup, salad, pasta, and entrées. 4222 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-832-1616. L,D daily.

Marrow

$$$

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

Mootz Pizzeria & Bar

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN • This West Village restaurant and butcher shop hybrid is an ode to meat, especially unusual cuts. Diners must walk through the butcher shop, bypassing cases of pastrami and sausage, before entering the restaurant. Offerings from a sample tasting menu include roasted bone marrow and local lamb ragù. 8044 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; 313-5130361. L,D Thu.-Sun. marrowdetroit.com for more locations.

Maty’s African Cuisine $$

WEST AFRICAN • A small storefront in the Detroit Old Redford neighborhood is decidedly Senegalese. Fataya, deep-fried pastries with savory fillings, are reminiscent of empanadas. The star of the show is the whole chicken with yassa. 21611 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-472-5885. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Medusa $$$

ITALIAN • A few short blocks from chef Anthony Lombardo’s SheWolf Pastificio & Bar is his latest project, Medusa, centered on Sicilian cuisine. The seafood-heavy menu and amaro-forward cocktail program look to honor the island’s culinary history. 644 Selden St., Detroit. D Thu.- 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, jalapeño, Muenster cheese, tortilla strips, and avocado. 2163 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-964-5000. L,D daily.

Michigan & Trumbull $$

ITALIAN-AMERICAN • Not your traditional carryout joint, Michigan & Trumbull is housed in a sleek, refurbished car-repair garage. The menu features square, deep-dish pies with Detroit-inspired names, such as Packard Pepperoni

shrimp cavatelli with chorizo and Calabrian chili. End the meal with Santa’s milk and cookies, a plate of assorted cookies with whole or chocolate milk. 25 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-774-1190. D Tues.-Sat., BR Sun.

Ostrea

$$$

SEAFOOD • Located a floor above the iconic London Chop House and with the same ownership, Ostrea offers refined seafood in a modern, casual environment with cocktails, beer, and champagne. Indulge in a wide selection of raw oysters or the Maine-style lobster roll with celery salt mayonnaise, stuffed inside a brioche bun grilled with Old Bay-infused butter. Choice entrées include the grilled swordfish, served as an acqua pazza over crispy fingerling potatoes. 536 Shelby St., Detroit; 313-403-2111. D Mon.-Sat.

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR



Parc

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 Lounge, Mootz’s by-the-slice counter next door. 1230 Library St., Detroit; 313-243-1230. L Fri.-Sun., L, D daily.

Mudgie’s Deli

2018

$$$

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 charred burrata. Main courses include an interesting blend of Italian food, wood-grilled steaks, and a red chile short rib. There’s also a large selection of dry-aged gourmet steaks. 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-922-7272. L,D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Pegasus Taverna

DELI • Sandwich lovers fill the seats for the house-smoked pastrami Reuben or the Brooklyn (beef brisket, bacon, and beer cheese). The dinner menu features meat and cheese boards, as well as build-your-own sandwich options. It’s a great place for a delicious meal any time. 1413 Brooklyn St., Detroit; 313-961-2000. B Tue.-Sat., L Tue.-Wed., L,D Thu.-Sat.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2022

Oak & Reel

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

Olin

$$$

MEDITERRANEAN • Enjoy small plates such as beef tartare, wild mushroom pâté, or potatoes bravas. Or try large plates like pumpkin gnocchi, chicken Milanese, or

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

The Peterboro

$$ ASIAN-FUSION • A contemporary take on American-Chinese fare gives new life to the cuisine with robustly spiced dishes, including an “absurdly delicious” cheeseburger spring roll and a take on almond boneless chicken. 420 Peterboro St., Detroit; 313-833-1111. D Mon.-Sat.

Pho Lucky

VIETNAMESE • This charming Midtown Vietnamese spot serves authentic fare emphasizing pho. Bowls of spicy broth with noodles, round steak, and meatballs come in several variations. Other noteworthy dishes 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.

Puma

SOUTH AMERICAN • Walk on into the casual cousin of chef Javier Bardauil’s Barda. Puma features traditional, approachable Argentine and South American eats prepared on the open-fire grill. Standouts include the hearty choripán (chorizo and chimichurri on a baguette), a selection of ceviches, and empanadas, plus refreshing cocktails. Live DJs are a regular source of entertainment. 4725 16th St., Detroit; 313-819-6804. D Thu.-Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2019

Prime + Proper $$$$

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

Prism

$$$

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

Sakazuki $$

JAPANESE • This street-level pub in Detroit’s Book Tower offers drinks inspired by Japanese anime, pop culture, and city life, with karaoke on Wednesdays. The food menu features a Wagyu dog, a burger, sandwiches, ramen, and the ekiben bento box: a boxed lunch traditionally sold at train stations across Japan. Choice cocktails include the Sailor Moon — Roku gin, lemon juice, sakura (cherry blossom), and lychee. 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-597-8344. D Tue.-Sat.

Saksey’s

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • This intimate cocktail lounge is a throwback to the original space, owned by Dan Gilbert’s father, Sam Gilbert, in the 1960s and ’70s. Try a miniature martini, like the savory Dill Turf Club, or build your own three-Teeny ’Tini flight. In addition to craft cocktails, find shareable bites, like the caviar and Bugles, and the bar burger — Saksey’s take on a Royale with cheese. 1550 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-546-1500; D Tue.-Sat.

San Morello

$$$

ITALIAN • This gem in the Shinola Hotel serves pizzas, pastas, and wood-fired dishes that draw inspiration from the coastal towns of Southern Italy and Sicily. The menu is handcrafted by James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini. 1400 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313209-4700. B,L,D daily.

SavannahBlue

SOUL FOOD • Dine on upscale soul food like red snapper and shrimp and grits. Shareables include catfish fritters and a Georgian hummus that substitutes blackeyed peas for chickpeas. There’s also a great bar. 1431 Times Square, Detroit; 313-926-0783. D Tue.-Sat.

Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips $

SEAFOOD • Head to this Brightmoor spot for perfectly prepared fish and chips. The key to Scotty’s longevity is the batter that coats the cod, perch, shrimp, chicken, onion rings, and frog legs. Cash only. 22200 Fenkell St., Detroit; 313-533-0950. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Second Best

RETRO AMERICAN • The talents behind nearby Grey Ghost have unveiled a second, more casual spot with a retro spin in Brush Park. The lighter menu includes a fried green tomato BLT and fried chicken sandwiches, accompanying drinks that were popular more than a few years back. 42 Watson St., Detroit; 313-315-3077. L Sat.-Sun., D daily.

Sexy Steak

$$$$

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

RESTAURANT OF

Selden Standard

THE YEAR  2016

$$$

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2020

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar

$$$

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

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

Slows Bar BQ

BARBECUE • The brick-and-wood original in Corktown gained a following for its pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. It expanded with a “to go” spot in Midtown. This is a true Detroit classic in every sense of the term. Corktown location: 2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-9828. L,D daily. Slows To Go in Midtown: 4107 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-309-7560. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Standby

$$ NEW AMERICAN • In a place where cocktails are king, there’s no shortage of food options. The fare — overseen by celebrity chef partner Matty Matheson — ranges from small plates of marinated olives and fried deviled eggs to entrées such as Thai pork skewers and the house cheeseburger. 225 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-241-5719. D Wed.-Sun. (Not wheelchair accessible)

Supino Pizzeria

ITALIAN • Relax with one of the town’s best thin-crust pizzas — they come in more than a dozen variations, with or without red sauce. Plus, try small plates like polpette and three delicious salads. Beer, wine, and cocktails add to the appeal. 2457 Russell St., Detroit; 313-567-7879. L,D Wed.-Sun. 6519 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-314-7400. L,D Mon.-Sat.

Sweet Soul Bistro

SOUL FOOD • The large menu includes homages to Detroit musicians, from Stevie Wonder Wonderful Wings to Aretha Franklin Fierce Catfish Bites. Also notable are the crab cakes. In the evening, the bistro transforms into a club. 13741 W. McNichols Road, Detroit; 313- 862-7685. L,D daily.

Takoi

THAI • Thai-Laotian fare might seem out of place in Corktown, but virtually everything on the menu has distinction. There’s a depth, concentration, and balance between heat and coolness, the range of spices, the delight of moving from one superb bite to the next. 2520 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-855-2864. D Tue.-Sat.

Tap at MGM Grand

SPORTS BAR • Tap has more than 40 HD flatscreen TVs for sports fans, plus sports memorabilia. The menu features comfort food and pub classics: burgers, wings, and house nachos. Pizza and more upscale entrées are also available, as are more than 50 beers. Bring your family and friends for a very entertaining night on the town. 1777 Third St., Detroit; 313-465-1234. B,L,D daily.

Townhouse

$$$

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

Vecino

$$$$

MEXICAN • The Midtown eatery offers a luxurious way to experience the regional foods served in Oaxaca and Mexico City. It is the first restaurant in the state to feature in-house nixtamalization — a 3,000-year-old process used to turn corn into workable masa. Its unique offerings include mezcal cocktails, tuna tostada, half red snapper, and broccolini in green mole. 4100 Third Ave., Detroit; 313-500-1615. D Tue.-Sun.

Vesper Books and Wine

WINE BAR • Nestled in a refurbished bank building in Core City, this half bar and half bookstore offers biodynamic wines by the glass or bottle along with small bites. Visitors can browse a diverse selection of cookbooks while sipping on both Old and New World wines. In addition to wine, the bar’s namesake, a vesper martini, is on the menu, along with various beers, ciders, and nonalcoholic alternatives. 5001 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-716-1708. L,D Wed.-Sun.

Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine $$ CUBAN • An evening at this lively spot is more than just Cuban and Spanish dining. Appetizers and tapas include the outstanding tapa de la casa, pork leg marinated in mojo; a Spanish chorizo and fresh mushrooms concoction with garlic lemon sauce; and empanadas, a Cuban turnover filled with ground beef or chicken. 1250 Library St., Detroit; 313962-8800. L,D daily.

Whatcha Wanna Eat Food Hall

FOOD COURT • Whatcha Wanna Eat is said to be the first Black-owned food hall in Detroit and aims to provide a platform to first-time restaurateurs in the city (producing tasty results for diners). Its seven restaurants feature a range of

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

The Whitney

$$$$

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

Wright & Co.

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • The collaboration between Marc Djozlija and executive chef Kyle Schutte gives life to the second-floor space in the Wright-Kay Building. Small plates such as wild caught walu, Michigan mushroom pâté, and grilled sea scallops are the focus. The menu highlights seasonal dishes with a composed shared plates concept. 1500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-962-7711. D Tue.-Sat.

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.

Wayne County

Al Ameer

LEBANESE • This halal restaurant is a recipient of the prestigious James Beard America’s Classics Award. The Al Ameer platter is perfect for sharing: chicken shawarma, meat shawarma, tawook kabob, and two kafta served with hummus and salad. See website for locations: alameerrestaurant. com. L,D daily.

Antonio’s Cucina Italiana $$ ITALIAN • The Rugieros have impressed restaurant guests for decades with authentic cuisine. Signature dishes include Gnocchi Rita and Chicken Antonio. There’s a full bar and a very extensive wine list. 2220 N. Canton Center Road, Canton; 734-981-9800. 26356 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights; 313-2786000. L,D daily.

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

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

Bucharest Grill $ MEDITERRANEAN-AMERICAN • This bustling casual sandwich shop, now with six locations, is a cult favorite

for its fresh Mediterranean fare, with 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 Involtini di Pollo “Da Edoardo”: prosciutto, spinach, and Parmigiano Reggiano-filled chicken breast sautéed in a sherry wine sauce and topped with fresh mushrooms. The wine list is impressive as well. 98 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-308-3120. D Tue.-Sun.

Cantoro Italian Market and Trattoria $$ ITALIAN • A restaurant inside the market serves great traditional Italian food. Do not miss the tagliatelle alla Bolognese: wide pasta with a meat sauce featuring ground veal, beef, sausage, and pancetta. It makes for a delicious Italian feast you can conveniently pick up on your way home. 15550 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth; 734-420-1100. L,D Tues.-Sat., L Sun

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe

2010

$$$ GASTROPUB • This jazz club features top guest musicians and an American bistro menu in a traditional interior. Starters include oysters by the half- or full-dozen and lump crab cakes. Main entrées include a beef short rib. 97 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-882-5299. L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.-Sat.

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 half a pound of grilled Black Angus beef, aged sharp cheddar, applewood-smoked bacon, and bourbon barbecue sauce. Other appealing dishes include shrimp mac and cheese and chicken wings. 21367 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-752-3673. L,D daily.

Hungarian Rhapsody

HUNGARIAN • This restaurant offers traditional Hungarian food like beef goulash and hortobágyi palacsinta, a type of meat-filled crepe. Or try the párizsi, a sautéed and breaded chicken dish. 14315 Northline Road, Southgate; 734-283-9622. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Karl’s Cabin

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

The Ledger

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN • Located in the former United Savings Bank building, this fine-dining restaurant features a seasonal, from-scratch menu and festive cocktails. For starters, try roasted Brussels sprout chips tossed in katsu or, for a real spectacle, the focaccia served with a candle made from tallow. Lobster rolls, Wagyu steaks, and Alaskan halibut round out the menu — plus photogenic desserts like the Ledger Cake with hazelnut mousse, salted caramel, and honey peanut praline. 306 S. Main St., Plymouth; 734-984-0020. D Tue.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun.

Lola’s Taco Bar

MEXICAN-INSPIRED • This fast-casual Mexican restaurant serves up tacos, burritos, bowls, and more with an emphasis on hospitality. The al pastor and steak tacos are cooked on a vertical spit, while the shrimp tacos are tempura fried and dressed with chipotle lime sauce, cilantro lime slaw, and onion. Margaritas on tap and light beers are available for refreshing drink options. 20195 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods; 313-332-0471. L,D daily.

Lucy & the Wolf

ITALIAN • This pizzeria offers a selection of drinks, salads, and wood-fired, hand-tossed pizza. The pizza menu is split between red sauces made with San Marzano tomatoes and white sauces made of whipped ricotta and Parmesan. Try classics like a margherita or Old World pepperoni pizza or sample the Honey Badger, with an enticing combo of Italian sausage, caramelized onions, and spicy honey. 102 E. Main St., Northville; 248-308-3057. D Tue.-Sat.

M Cantina

MEXICAN • This menu of tapas, tacos, and tortas features unique Nuevo Latino flavors curated by chef Junior Merino to represent his birthplace in Mexico. Be sure to try one of the signature craft cocktails, such as the Aviation SD with Roku gin, blueberries, bergamot, rosemary, and violet liquor, or try a specialty nonalcoholic cocktail. 13214 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-399-9117. L,D daily.

Nico & Vali

ITALIAN • This eatery offers favorites with unexpected twists. The artichokes and chilies appetizer boasts battered and fried artichokes with Fresno and jalapeño 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.

Park Grill

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

Polish Village Café

$ POLISH • Enjoy the warm comfort foods of Poland in this restaurant’s cozy atmosphere. The menu includes classics such as pierogi, pan-fried kielbasa, and dill pickle soup. Or try a bit of everything with the Polish Plate, which includes stuffed cabbage, pierogi, kielbasa, and sauerkraut. Finish off the meal with nalesniki, the Polish version of crepes. 2990 Yemans St., Hamtramck; 313-874-5726. L,D daily. (Not wheelchair accessible)

Polonia

$$ POLISH • In the heart of Hamtramck, this authentic Polish eatery is where Anthony Bourdain sampled a variety of classic dishes on his visit to Detroit. Diners will find favorites like dill pickle soup, potato pancakes, and city chicken. Or try the combination plate, which comes with stuffed cabbage, sausage, dumplings, mashed potatoes, and sauerkraut. 2934 Yemans St., Hamtramck. L,D daily.

Rocky’s of Northville $$

NEW AMERICAN • The menu includes shrimp cocktail, smoked whitefish pâté, and broiled Great Lakes whitefish. Also try the chipotle honey-glazed salmon. 41122 W. Seven Mile Road, Northville; 248-349-4434. L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.-Sun.

Roman Village $$

ITALIAN • The Rugiero family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1964. They’ve launched three additional Antonio’s Cucina Italiana locations. Roman Village is the original and features the signature Gnocchi Rita. 9924 Dix Ave., Dearborn; 313-842-2100. L,D daily.

Sana’a $

YEMENI • This authentic Yemeni restaurant is a hidden gem. Try the lamb haneeth: slow-roasted, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks marinated in an array of traditional spices, served on a bed of orange and yellow basmati rice with a side of zahawig (spicy red salsa). 13277 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-427-8424. L,D daily.

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

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 12 Mile Road, Warren; 586-576-0495. L,D daily.

Yemen Café $

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

Oakland County

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, specifically the seafood boils, which come with your choice of seafood (crab, clams, lobster, etc.) and sauce, corn, and potatoes. 32415 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248-616-0168. D daily.

220 Merrill $$$

NEW AMERICAN • Located in the old Detroit Edison offices, this restaurant features contemporary American cuisine. You’ll find classics such as shrimp cocktail and Caesar salad alongside miso-roasted sea bass and chicken Parmigiana. 220 Merrill St., Birmingham; 248-646-2220. L,D daily.

Adachi $$$

JAPANESE-INSPIRED • Heading the kitchen is Lloyd Roberts, who has trained in the kitchens of celebrity chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Nobu Matsuhisa. At Adachi, short rib bao buns are served with pickled cucumber and

fresh scallions, and miniature tacos are filled with lobster. 325 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-540-5900. L,D daily.

Andiamo

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

Anita’s Kitchen

$ LEBANESE • With pita pizzas and lamb chops, the Lebanese food at Anita’s Kitchen is some of the best around. And there’s vegetarian and gluten-free fare, too. It’s healthy, nutritious, and delicious. See website for locations: anitaskitchen.com.

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. 37646 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-994-4000. L,D Tue.-Sun.

At Anano’s

$$ GEORGIAN • At Anano’s celebrates the largely obscure cuisine of Georgia, a small country on the border of Europe and West Asia. Georgian staples like mtsvadi, a flame-grilled shish kebab, combine the flavors of both continents. Well known for its khachapuri, a type of cheese-filled pastry, At Anano’s offers the dish two ways. Other favorites, like traditional, Georgian-style salad and chicken dressed in a rich walnut sauce, represent the best the country’s cuisine has to offer. 29410 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills; L,D Tue., Thu.-Sun.

Aurora Italiana

$$$$

ITALIAN • This restaurant offers a sophisticated and modern take on Italian dining. Fresh pasta lays the groundwork for the rigatoni al Bosco: tenderloin tips, wild mushroom, and truffle demi-glace tossed in cream sauce. Other delectables include sausage and peppers, steak, and seafood. 6199 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248782-3000. D daily.

Aurora on the Lake

$$$$

ITALIAN • Located along Union Lake, this spin-off of West Bloomfield’s Aurora Italiana serves Italian fine dining in the space once occupied by It’s a Matter of Taste. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township; 248-360-6650. D daily.

Bar Gabi

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

Bella Piatti

spinach, kalamata olives, white wine, and tomatoes; and tagliatelle Bolognese stands on its own. 167 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-494-7110. D Tue.-Sat.

Beppé

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 this restaurant’s Italian fare. The menu of such dishes as gemelli pasta with fresh tomato sauce; salmon baked with

$$$

NEW AMERICAN/ITALIAN • This neighborhood eatery has a little something for everyone — from bar staples like burgers to refined dishes like lamb belly, steak tartare, or caponata made with roasted eggplant, olives, trumpet mushrooms, Calabrian chiles, thyme vinaigrette, Manchego cheese, and bread. The drinks program features refreshing spritzes and a rotating selection of über-drinkable Italian wines. 703 N. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-607-7030. L,D Sat.-Sun, D Tue.-Fri.

The Beverly

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • From the owner of Bar Pigalle, this new-American eatery features a menu of steaks, seafood, and charcuterie boards. Much like the food, the drink menu focuses on using simple, high-quality ingredients to create perfectly balanced flavors. Find unique takes on classic cocktails like daiquiris, margaritas, and Manhattans. 3180 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley; L,D Tue.-Fri., BR,L,D Sat., Sun.

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. It’s still serving crowd favorites like the BHG Burger and classic eggs Benedict. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills; 248-642-2355. B,L,D Tue.-Sat., B,L Sun.

Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina $$ ITALIAN • The pizza concept from chef Luciano DelSignore, a four-time James Beard Award nominee, features small plates, fresh pastas, wood-roasted meats, and a range of distinctive Neapolitan pizzas. See website for locations: bigalora.com.

Birmingham Pub

$$$

GASTROPUB • This stylish yet casual gastropub from the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group took over the former Triple Nickel space. True to its name, the restaurant’s bill of fare features pub classics taken up a notch, such as fish and chips served with jalapeño hush puppies and filet mignon with Parmesan truffle fries and zip sauce. 555 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-885-8108. L Tue.-Fri., BR Sat.-Sun.

Bistro Joe’s

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2003

Café Cortina

$$$

ITALIAN • For nearly 50 years, Café Cortina has been serving refined Italian cuisine in Farmington Hills. The family-owned restaurant is known for its handmade pastas and seasonal dishes inspired by an on-site garden. Don’t miss the signature millefoglie for dessert. 30715 W. 10 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-474-3033. L Sun., D Tue.-Sun.

Café ML $$

NEW AMERICAN • Café ML is contemporary in its decor and “globally inspired food.” Such dishes as short rib steamed buns, Chinese chicken salad, Singapore street noodles, and Korean fried chicken share the menu with

burgers, steak frites, and fresh seafood. Garage door-style windows open onto the patio on warm days. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township; 248-642-4000. D daily.

Capital Grille

$$$

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

Casa Pernoi

$$$

ITALIAN • Three months after its grand opening, what once was a multi-hyphenate concept, blending French, Asian, and Italian cuisine, soon defaulted simply to a cuisine most familiar to chef Luciano DelSignore: Italian. House-made pastas rolled by hand and a meaty branzino typify the menu. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham; 248-940-0000. D Tue.-Sat.

Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar

$$$

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

Clarkston Union $

NEW AMERICAN • Perhaps best known for its iconic Union Mac and Cheese (Vermont sharp cheddar and mild Pinconning cheeses with layers of penne rigate and a crispy breadcrumb crust), the downtown Clarkston staple lauded by Guy Fieri has been a longtime purveyor of American comfort foods. Located in an 1840s-era church, the restaurant provides much of its seating on pews. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-620-6100. L,D daily, B Sun.

Como’s $$

NEW AMERICAN • This Ferndale favorite reopened in May 2019 under the ownership of Peas & Carrots Hospitality with a trendier, fresher look. The warm, homey feel is still intact, but it’s ditched the old menu for — among other things — chef Zack Sklar’s square, deep-dish, Detroit-style pizza that’s leavened from a sourdough starter as opposed to commercial yeast. 22812 Woodward Ave., Unit 100, Ferndale; 248-677-4439. L,D daily.

Cornbread Restaurant & Bar $$ SOUL FOOD • 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. The bakery offers crusty breads, desserts, and meals to go. The Berkley location’s patio adds to the appeal. See website for locations: crispellis.com.

Culantro $$ PERUVIAN • Native Peruvian Betty Shuell brings a taste

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

D’Marcos Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar $$$ ITALIAN • Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, this family-owned establishment is known for its extensive wine list, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, and house-made pasta dishes like the beef tenderloin linguine with beef tenderloin tips, spinach, mushroom cream sauce, and Parmesan. It’s also connected to The Backdoor, a speakeasy-style taco and tequila bar. 401 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-759-4951. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Eddie’s Gourmet $$

NEW AMERICAN • Chef Eddie Hanna’s gourmet diner is a simple concept that works to perfection. The menu offers a standard selection of breakfast items, burgers, sandwiches, and lunch specials, but the real draw is the counter-side gourmet and pasta specials. Offerings include veal Marsala and chicken Milano. 25920 Greenfield Road, Oak Park; 248968-4060. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Elie’s Mediterranean Bar & Grill

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

The Fed

GASTROPUB • The Fed is an attractive restaurant with great food and a delightfully refreshing atmosphere. The menu crosses boundaries, with shareables like Spanish octopus and wild mushroom flatbread. Plus, the bright and airy bohemian-chic interior is highly Instagrammable. 15 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-297-5833. D Tue.-Sat., B,L,D Sun.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Forest

2009

$$$

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” entrées, as well as pizzas. 202 W. Main St., Northville; 248-924-3367. D Wed.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun.

Gran Castor

room is equally as decadent as the food and drinks served. Grab a $5 margarita between 4 and 6 p.m. daily. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy; 248-278-7777. D daily.

Hazel’s

LATIN STREET • From the duo behind hit spots like Vinsetta Garage and Union Woodshop comes this vibrant Latin American café and restaurant. At Gran Castor, the dining

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. 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 barbecue 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 restaurants dedicated to Asian food in the area offers some rare delicacies as well as more customary items. One signature dish is King of the Sea: lobster chunks, scallops, and grouper with greens in a garlic sauce. 27925 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills; 248-4892280. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

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

Imperial $

MEXICAN-INSPIRED • This menu features an impressive selection of tacos, from grilled chorizo sausage to chili lime grilled chicken. Plant-based pork and seitan options are available for non-meat eaters. Or order ahead for DIY taco sets for an at-home taco bar. 22828 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248-850-8060. L,D daily.

J-Bird Smoked Meats

$$ BARBECUE • Wood-smoked meats served with the traditional sides of cornbread, buttermilk slaw, and mac and cheese are on the menu at this meat lovers’ mecca. Other popular dishes include the Three Meat Sampler and JBird Gumbo, as well as St. Louis ribs and old-fashioned JBurgers. 1978 Cass Lake Road, Keego Harbor; 248-681-2124. L,D Mon.-Sun.

Joe Muer

$$$$ SEAFOOD • The Bloomfield Hills location of the iconic restaurant has a menu that emphasizes classic fresh fish and “Muer Traditions,” such as Dover sole and Great Lakes yellow-belly perch. There’s also a raw and sushi bar as well as premium steaks. 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-792-9609. D daily.

RESTAURANT

KouZina Greek Street Food $

GREEK • The Greek “street food” at this Royal Oak spot comes in lamb, beef, and chicken. Try the lentil soup for a delicious lunch or go for something more filling like the gyro bowl. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this excellent eatery. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-629-6500. L,D daily.

Lao Pot $$$

CHINESE • In 2019, the owners of the Madison Heights international market 168 Asian Mart opened Lao Pot, which specializes in Chinese hot pot cuisine. Hot pot is a traditional method of cooking using a pot of simmering broth, which sits in the center of the dining table. Lao Pot allows diners to customize and cook their meals right at their tables, combining great food and a memorable experience. 32707 John R Road, Madison Heights; 248689-9888. L,D daily.

La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar $$$

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

Lelli’s Inn $$

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

Lincoln Yard/Little Yard $$

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

Loccino Italian Grill $$

ITALIAN • Loccino is a “family-friendly” yet upscale Italian restaurant. Choose from fresh seafood, steak, and chicken dishes, plus traditional pastas, pizzas, salads, and more. It’s a great place for special occasions or a delicious workday lunch spot. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy; 248-813-0700. L Mon.-Fri., D daily

Loui’s Pizza $

ITALIAN • Sure, you can now get a Michigan craft beer, but not much else has changed. And that’s a good thing. Parties dine on square pizzas with crisp crust, faintly charred around the edges. Hailed by food critics and Detroiters alike as one of the city’s most classic Detroit-style pizzas, it’s well worth a trip. 23141 Dequindre Road, Hazel Park; 248-547-1711. L,D Wed.-Sun.

Luisa’s Artisanal Street Food $

ITALIAN STREET FOOD • The small restaurant offers a unique mishmash of influences — all with the grab-and-go convenience of “street food.” Standouts include the smoky mole chili, made with roasted chile peppers, green bell peppers, black beans, braised steak, and mozzarella. Plus, the slushies are to die for. 22851 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-677-3331. L,D Fri.-Wed.

Luxe Bar & Grill

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR  2025

Mabel Gray

$$$

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

Madam

2023

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • Since opening in 2021, Madam has carved its niche with its global take on farm-to-table cuisine, taking diners on a tour from Michigan to Asia to Europe. Staples from chef de cuisine Clifton Booth include mushroom dumplings, Spanish octopus, steak frites, and pasta dishes. 298 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248283-4200. B,D daily, L Mon.-Fri., BR Sat.-Sun.

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 classics, with a serious kitchen that offers traditional American dishes and hints of global influences. 474 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-712-4953. L,D daily

The Meeting House

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

Mesa Tacos and Tequila

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

RESTAURANT

Mon Jin Lau

market. Grab a tray and enjoy reasonably priced bites like its signature Noble Roll, made with grilled salmon skin, smelt roe, oshinko, egg, cucumber, and mayo. 45 E. 14 Mile Road, Clawson; 248-585-2314. B,L,D daily.

Noori Pocha

KOREAN • This retro Korean gastropub in Clawson will transport you to ’80s Seoul with its unmatchable aesthetic. The meal begins with complimentary tteokbokki, a rice cake cooked in a spicy red broth. From there, you can choose from a fine selection of imported beers and bang-for-your-buck entrées like the shareable buldak: spicy chicken and cheese served with jumeok-bap (rice balls with seaweed). 1 S. Main St., Clawson; 248-850-7512. D Tue.-Sun.

Oak City Grille

NEW AMERICAN • This downtown Royal Oak spot bridges the gap between bar food and upscale dining. Order a dressed-up sandwich or burger or elevate your dining experience with an 8-ounce filet mignon or lamb chops. The friendly price range makes anything possible. 212 W. Sixth St., Royal Oak; 248-556-0947. D Tue.-Sun.

Oak Parker

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

Ocean Prime

$$$$

SEAFOOD • At this upper-end steak and fish place and popular business lunch site, the menu features naturally harvested fresh fish and prime aged beef. Don’t miss the chocolate peanut butter pie or the carrot cake at this triedand-true metro Detroit spot. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy; 248458-0500. 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 béarnaise sauce, as well as a mouthwatering bacon burger. Weekend brunch features delicious house-made doughnuts. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale; 248-808-6633. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

O.W.L.

OF THE YEAR



2008

$$ 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. D daily.

Noble Fish

MEXICAN-AMERICAN • This Royal Oak spot offers sustenance for the early birds and 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 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

JAPANESE • For more than 40 years, this laid-back sushi spot has been serving traditional rolls, nigiri, and entrées like the chirashi bowl inside a downtown Clawson Japanese

$$$

LEBANESE • This long-standing upscale eatery has clean, contemporary lines that complement the French door-style windows. Don’t miss the portabella mushrooms or roasted garlic cloves with tomato and basil as an appetizer. The menu expands to unexpected items such as baby back ribs and single serving-sized local whitefish. 588 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-644-3122. L Mon.-Fri., D daily.

Pop’s For Italian $$

ITALIAN • It doesn’t sound fancy, but this Ferndale restaurant serves well-prepared Italian dishes paired with an ambitious wine program. The fairly brief menu starts with a list of Neapolitan pizzas, then moves to pastas, but has all the classics. 280 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248268-4806. D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Prime29 Steakhouse

$$$$

STEAKHOUSE • The 29-day aged prime beef, including the 24-ounce tomahawk bone-in ribeye, still stars here. There’s also Chilean sea bass and black pearl salmon. The service is notable, as is the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. 6545 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield; 248737-7463. D Tue.-Sun.

Quán Ngon Vietnamese Bistro $

VIETNAMESE • This gem of a bistro in a handsome space adds to the local Vietnamese offerings. Dishes such as chả giò (elegant little eggrolls), bun bo nuong chả giò (grilled beef with eggroll, vermicelli, mixed greens, plus sweet-and-sour sauce), and bánh mì are made with fresh ingredients. 30701 Dequindre Road, Madison Heights; 248-268-4310. L,D Fri.-Wed.

Redcoat Tavern $ BURGERS • The half-pound choice beef hamburger is always atop the list of local favorites. But a low-fat, high-flavor Piedmontese beef one is tastier than the original. This is the place for your burger craving. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-549-0300. 6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township; 248-865-0500. L,D Mon.-Sat.

RH Rooftop Restaurant

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN • Located on the top floor of RH Detroit, The Gallery in Birmingham, the American and Mediterranean-themed restaurant offers a wide array of chilled seafood, caviar, and steak. Sit among the live olive trees while enjoying the 14-ounce charred, Australian Wagyu ribeye or enjoy one of 16 specialty cocktails. 300 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-614-6984. L,D Mon.-Fri., BR,L,D Sat.-Sun.

The Rind

$$$

WINE BAR • Attached to Mongers’ Provisions in Berkley, The Rind serves signature cocktails from its full bar and offers wines by the glass, with a selection of more than 150 bottles to choose from. In addition to snacks that pair well with wine, like marcona almonds, tinned razor clams, and (naturally) cheese and charcuterie, there’s heartier fare like a flatiron steak and littleneck clams. 3125 12 Mile Road, Berkley; 248-468-4487. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Rochester Chop House

NEW AMERICAN • Enjoy 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 crab cakes, and a large selection of aged steaks, rack of lamb, and steak/seafood combinations. 306 S. Main St., Rochester; 248-651-2266. L Mon.-Fri., D daily

Ronin $$

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

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 

2026 Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse $$$$ STEAKHOUSE • Once the location of 100-year-old Rudy’s Market, this version of Rudy’s pays homage to the historic shop in the best way possible — by serving up high-quality food. Classics meet inventive cuisine here, with shrimp cocktail, burrata, and Hokkaido scallops available as appetizers. Chops and steaks are the highlight, with prime-quality fillets, ribeyes, and Australian lamb chops on the menu. After dinner, try the peach cornbread cobbler, an inventive take on a staple dessert. 9 S. Main St., Village of Clarkston; D Tue.-Sun.

Sambong $

KOREAN • Known for its signature naengmyeon (a Korean cold noodle dish), Sambong is a fully self-service restaurant with unique offerings like complimentary broth. Besides the naengmyeon (which features housemade noodles), additional standouts include japchae, bulgogi, bibimbap, and donkatsu. 5389 Crooks Road, Troy; 248-731-7859. L,D Wed.-Mon.

Silver Spoon

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

Social Kitchen & Bar

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • The energetic Birmingham spot allows guests a view of the kitchen action. It has a creative and varied menu typified by fried chicken sandwiches, crispy Brussels sprouts, and salmon with braised lentils, crispy kale, and a mustard vinaigrette. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham; 248-594-4200. L Mon.Fri., D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Streetside Seafood

SEAFOOD • The restaurant has a pared-down seasonal menu of fresh fish and seafood. There are always two soups: a bisque and a chowder. Favorites include the oysters and bouillabaisse. It’s a delicious restaurant for all palates to enjoy and feel comfortable in. 273 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-645-9123. L Thu.-Fri., D daily.

Sylvan Table

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • With a working farm on the 5-acre property, Sylvan Table isn’t just talking the farm-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, but some of the staples include the trout — seasoned with herb oil, salt, and pepper, cooked over a wood-fired grill, and served whole — and Chicken Under a Brick, which is cooked to charred perfection. 1819 Inverness St., Sylvan Lake, 248-369-3360. D Mon.-Sun.

Take Sushi

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

Three Cats Restaurant

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • Formerly a small café serving customers of the boutique Leon & Lulu, Three Cats is now a full-fledged restaurant. Located in the former Clawson movie theater next door to the shop, the eatery serves small, simple plates, including vegetarian and vegan options, plus local beverage selections.Patrons can even take home the colorful, quirky chairs or tables, as most of the furniture at Three Cats Restaurant is available for purchase. 116 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson; 248-288-4858. L,D Tue.-Fri., B,L,D Sat.-Sun.

TigerLily

JAPANESE • With an eclectic ambiance and extensive Japanese menu, TigerLily satisfies taste buds with sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and hot dishes like the yaki udon or Japanese street corn. 231 W. Nine Mile Road, Ste. A, Ferndale; 248-733-4905. D daily.

Toast

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH • It’s fun, it’s breezy, and the food is very good. Try the huevos rancheros: fried eggs upon corn tortillas, pintos, and cheese. Other favorites like the Trashy Hashy — a hash loaded with sausage and smothered with gravy — and the chicken and waffles can be found at both locations. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-398-0444. 203 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-258-6278. B,L daily.

Toasted Oak

$$$

BRASSERIE • The menu revolves around the charcuterie sold in the market next door and a list of hot grill items. In 2019, the restaurant earned a Wine Spectator magazine award for its outstanding wine program. 27790 Novi Road, Novi; 248-277-6000. B Mon.-Fri., L,D Tue.-Sat., BR Sat.-Sun.

Townhouse

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • This popular Birmingham spot for comforting new-American dishes has several exceptional offerings on its menu, such as the specialty 10 ounces of 28-day dry-aged beef hamburger on brioche. 180 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-792-5241. L,D daily, BR Sat.-Sun. 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-723-1000. L,D daily.

Union Woodshop

BARBECUE • Part of the Union Joints restaurant group, this is a self-described wood-fired joint, where pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and beef brisket come from the smoker alongside Neapolitan-style crisp-crusted pizzas from the wood-burning oven. And definitely check out the mac and cheese. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston; 248-625-5660. D Mon.-Sun.

Vinsetta Garage

JAPANESE • Crisp salads, sashimi, sushi, oversize bowls of soba or udon noodles, and all the familiar — and some not-so-familiar — entrées combine to make this spot special. The exceptionally warm service is unforgettable. 1366 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 248-652-7800. L,D Tue.-Sat., D Sun.

NEW AMERICAN • This restaurant, which is housed in a vintage car-repair shop, offers well-prepared comfort food classics such as burgers, macaroni and cheese, pizzas, and brown sugar-glazed salmon. The restaurant pays true homage to the city of Detroit. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley; 248-548-7711. L,D daily.

STAY DINE PLAY

Bavarian Inn Lodge

MICHIGAN’S BIGGEST WATERPARK & FAMILY FUN CENTER

Voyager $$

SEAFOOD • Fresh seafood with an emphasis on oysters is the premise in this hard-to-find location. The space entails convivially close quarters for such dishes as peel-’n’-eat shrimp, yellowfin tuna tartare, and halibut fish and chips. The premium bar offers short but notable lists of beer and wine as well as craft cocktails. 600 Vester St., Ferndale; 248-658-4999. D Tue.-Sat.

Macomb County

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. Between locations, the constant is fresh, house-made pastas handcrafted by the trinity of “pasta ladies” — Anna, Tanya, and Angelina — who have carried on the tradition. 7096 14 Mile Road, Warren; 586-268-3200. L,D Mon.-Fri., D Sat.-Sun.

Bar Verona $$

ITALIAN • Modernized, made-from-scratch Italian favorites curated by chef Lindsey Connelly, as well as fresh craft cocktails, fill the menu at this stylish eatery. Homemade pastas, such as Giuseppe’s, as well as a selection of steaks and seafood dishes typify the contemporary approach to fresh, uncomplicated Italian cuisine. 59145 Van Dyke Ave., Washington; 586473-0700. D daily.

Blake’s Tasting Room $$ NEW AMERICAN • Enjoy a variety of house-made hard ciders from one of the top-producing hard cider brands in the U.S., plus bar-food staples with a twist. It’s steps away from family-friendly seasonal activities at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill. 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; 586-784-5343. L,D daily.

Butter Run Saloon $

GASTROPUB • The solid American fare is beyond bar food (although the burgers are certainly noteworthy). There are escargots, perch, steaks, and a huge whiskey selection — more than a thousand at last count. 27626 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-675-2115. B, L,D daily.

Da Francesco’s Ristorante & Bar $$ ITALIAN • Founded by Italian immigrant Francesco Belcastro in 1990, Da Francesco’s has been run by family ever since. The restaurant offers up homey Italian dishes such as the rigatoni Mamma’s pasta and Steak Da Francesco, a prime New York steak chargrilled with olive oil, garlic, and oregano. 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

entrées, including bistecca di gancio, a sliced hanger steak with crispy Brussels sprouts and house bistro sauce. 27919 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-879-6764. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Host Utica $$

VARIOUS • With a rotating cast of culinarians that shifts every few months, Host Utica is a great place to constantly try something new — and get a first taste of concepts from up-and-coming chefs. The dining room has a full-service cocktail bar as well as brunch and dinner service, plus coffee and pastries. The building regularly holds culinary events and is home to a coworking office space. 7759 Auburn Road, Utica; 586-488-0134. D Tue.-Sat., BR daily.

Isla

$$$

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

J. Baldwin’s Restaurant

$$$

NEW AMERICAN • The menu showcases chef Jeff Baldwin’s contemporary American food: award-winning stone-fired pizza, boom-boom shrimp, burgers, and salads. The desserts include chocolate bumpy cake and spiced carrot cake. 16981 18 Mile Road, Clinton Township; 586-416-3500. L,D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun.

Khom Fai

THAI • This Macomb staple serves a modernized take on Thai food, seasoned with what they call “a dash of good ol’ Southern hospitality.” Sip a specialty cocktail, start with small plates like satay skewers, Rangoon, or sesame yellowfin tuna, and enjoy entrées like drunken noodles, red curry, or Khom Fai’s signature fried chicken. 48856 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb; 586-247-7773. L Tues., Sun., D Tues.-Sat.

Luigi’s Original Restaurant

ITALIAN • Family-owned since 1953, Luigi’s menu offers a sizeable number of options, including filet mignon, hand-tossed pizzas, and pastas. Finish the meal with traditional Italian desserts such as tiramisu or cannoli. 36691 Jefferson Ave., Harrison Township; 586-468-7711; D Wed.-Sun.

Mr. Paul’s Chophouse

a casual, neighborhood feel. It offers an array of well-prepared Angus steaks, plus seafood and pasta dishes. With the sizable lunch and portions offered at Steakhouse 22, good luck saving room for dessert! 48900 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; 586-731-3900. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Testa Barra

$$$ ITALIAN • Owned and run by chefs Mike and Gabriella Baldwin (of Food Network fame), Testa Barra is notable for its freshly made pasta dishes and favorites like Connie’s Lamb Shank, a fall-off-the-bone chop topped with red wine braise, stewed vegetables, polenta, and Asiago cheese. Its wine program is renowned, and the restaurant features 14 on-staff sommeliers to guide you through the list 48824 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb; 586-434-0100. D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun.

Vivio’s II Food & Spirits

$ SANDWICH/DELI • The second location of this Eastern Market classic shares some of the same menu but has its own unique offerings as well. Mainstays like the pub-style mussels and Bloody Mary menu carry over, but you’ll also find a focus on burgers and handheld bites. 3601 12 Mile Road, Warren; 586-576-0495. L,D daily.

Waves

SEAFOOD • Seafood covers most of the menu at this Nautical Mile favorite. It’s a tough task choosing between such popular appetizers as coconut shrimp, crispy grouper nuggets, and plump steamed mussels. Entrées include al dente pastas and protein options such as lamb chops and New York strip steak, plus lump crab cakes and beer-battered cod. 24223 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-773-3840. L,D daily.

Youngblood Vineyard

WINERY • Sitting on 25 acres of wine grapes, this winery offers year-round wine tasting with a menu that includes grilled bruschetta with tomato and mozzarella, artisan pizza, a harvest salad, and charcuterie boards. More than a dozen wines are offered by the bottle, glass, or 2-ounce pour as part of a flight. 61829 Ray Center Road, Ray Twp.; 586-770-5220; D Thu.-Sun.

Washtenaw County

Bellflower

$$$

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

Sherwood Brewing Co.

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 and ginger ale- or Coca Cola-roasted beets showed up on early menus as chef Dan Klenotic’s way of straddling the line of creole tradition and an imaginative style that is entirely his own. He was recognized as a James Beard semifinalist in 2024. 209 Pearl St., Ypsilanti. D Mon. L,D Tue-Sat., L Sun.

Black Pearl

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

Steakhouse 22

STEAKHOUSE • The late Nick Andreopoulos once spent time as a “broiler man” at London Chop House. His family stays true to those roots at this American steakhouse with

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

Blue LLama Jazz Club

CREATIVE AMERICAN • This elegant destination for live music and dining offers gorgeous, skillfully balanced dishes designed by a fresh team of chefs. The menu brings the

spirit and flavors of American jazz meccas like Harlem and New Orleans, along with flavors from Barbados and Puerto Rico, through an Afro-Caribbean lens. 314 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-372-3200. D Wed.-Sat.

The Blue Nile $$ ETHIOPIAN • The real treat at this quaint restaurant is injera, a spongy bread used to scoop the meal, eaten with your hands in traditional style. The lentil dishes, often seasoned with an Ethiopian spice mixture called berbere, and the vegetables are equally delicious. 221 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-998-4746. D Tue.-Sun. 545 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-547-6699. D Thu.-Sun.

Cardamom $$ INDIAN • Check out the Hyderabadi biryani — a chicken, goat, or vegetable dish 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, fresh-made garlic naan. It’s the ideal spot for when you’re craving the classics. 1739 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-662-2877. D Wed.-Sun.

The Common Grill $$

SEAFOOD • Founded by chef Craig Common, whose skilled work drew the attention of the now-shuttered Gourmet magazine and the James Beard House, this mainstay was acquired in 2022 by Peas & Carrots Hospitality. Chefs Zack Sklar and Josh Humphrey kept most of the beloved restaurant’s menu, such as the expertly prepared oysters and seafood dishes, as well as the coconut cream pie. 112 S. Main St., Chelsea; 734-475-0470. L,D Tue.-Sun., BR Sat-Sun.

Dixboro House

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN • Much like the restaurant’s ambience, the cuisine at Dixboro House is both refined and relaxed. Chef Garrett Lipar’s menu hosts rotating seasonal, from-scratch dishes that highlight local ingredients — pizzas, salads, seafood, and steaks served in a rustic barn that once housed The Lord Fox, an iconic restaurant in Ann Arbor’s historic Dixboro neighborhood. 5400 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-669-3310. L,D daily, BR Sat.-Sun.

Echelon Kitchen & Bar

$$$$

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

The Gandy Dancer

$$$$ SEAFOOD • At the Gandy Dancer, located in a historic Ann Arbor train station, guests can still be found celebrating as trains pass by. Known for its seafood, the restaurant features staples like creamy lobster bisque, applejack sea bass, and oven-roasted lobster tail. For meat-centric options, try the duck, served with a Grand Marnier demi-glace, or the prime-cut 14-ounce New York strip. 401 Depot St., Ann Arbor; 734-769-0592. L,D daily.

Jolly Pumpkin

such as North Peak and Jolly Pumpkin artisan ales. Pizzas with creative toppings abound. 311 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-913-2730. L,D daily.

Ma Lou’s

CHICKEN • This is Ypsi’s destination for all things fried chicken — try it as a plate, in the form of wings, or in the chicken and waffles, with classic Southern sides like collard greens, potato salad, and coleslaw. Ma Lou’s shines especially in its ability to craft the perfect sandwich, made with your choice of chicken or tofu. Try The Hot Chick, stacked with a combination of the ultra-spicy Nashville hot baste, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese, and jalapeño ranch. 15 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-905-7994. L,D Tue.-Sat.

Mani Osteria & Bar

ITALIAN • This popular casual restaurant infuses freshness with lower prices than most osterias in the area. It’s a well-rounded blend of modern, eclectic Italian with classic standbys. The pizzas are hot, fresh, and perfectly executed to suit your taste. 341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-7696700. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Miss Kim

$$ KOREAN • James Beard semifinalist Chef Ji Hye Kim‘s unique blend of modern Korean food highlights Michigan vegetables, from house-made kimchi to the tteokbokki (rice cakes). Standouts include a craveable Korean fried chicken and its plant-based counterpart, Korean fried tofu. 415 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-275-0099. L,D Wed.-Mon.

Palio

ITALIAN • Named for the historic horse race that takes place in Siena, Italy, this downtown spot has been serving up traditional Italian food since 1991. Here you’ll find favorites like the rigatoni bolognese and zuppa pomodoro — a creamy tomato soup made with leeks, fennel, and white wine. Save room for the espresso chocolate cake for an after-dinner treat. 347 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-212-1089. D daily.

Peridot

$$$$

VIETNAMESE-INSPIRED • This downtown Ann Arbor eatery offers both small plates and cocktails that incorporate ingredients like tamarind, Thai basil, Vietnamese cinnamon, and cilantro — with delightfully refreshing results. On the ever-changing menu, standout small plates have included ketchup fried rice and the savory kampachi and prosciutto: Italian dry-cured ham and amberjack sashimi. 118 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-773-3097. D Mon.-Sat.

Seva $$

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

Shalimar

BREWERY • Jolly Pumpkin’s brews rule the offerings, along with other Northern United Brewing Co. beverages,

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

Slurping Turtle

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

Spencer

WINE BAR • The food at this small but mighty spot is bright, fresh, and often surprising. The brief and very French menu changes frequently and is always imaginative. Previous dishes have included chicken liver mousse with violet mustard and grilled bread, as well as orange duck confit with North African spices. 113 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-3693979; D Thu.-Sun. (By reservation only)

Tabe $$

ASIAN FUSION • This upscale spot in downtown Ann Arbor has three floors, each with its own dining experience and menu. The first floor offers an expansive selection of Asian cuisine, while the second floor hosts the only omakase experience in Ann Arbor. Here you’ll also find an extensive selection of Japanese whiskeys and sakes, as well as craft cocktails and specialty teas. 209 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-987-1688; L,D Thu.-Sun., D, Mon.-Wed.

Tomukun

KOREAN • Featuring a Korean noodle bar and Korean barbecue side by side, the downtown Ann Arbor eatery is a destination for ramen, udon, and pho, plus traditional rice dishes like bibimbap. You can also order grill-it-yourself meals like short ribs, pork belly, and marinated chicken. 505 E. Liberty St., Suites 100-200, Ann Arbor; 734-995-8668 (Tomukun Noodle Bar); 734-369-2602 (Tomukun Korean BBQ). 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; 248-737-8282. 2222 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor; 734-971-5168. L,D Tue.-Sun.

Zingerman’s Roadhouse

$$$

CLASSIC COMFORT • This eatery celebrates food from around the U.S., from the New Mexico black bean and hominy burger to the delicacies of New Orleans. The buttermilk biscuits are out of this world. 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734663-3663. B,L,D daily.

Charity Calendar

HAVEN SEEDS OF HOPE GALA

May 1, 6 to 10 p.m.

haven-oakland.org/haven-events/seeds-ofhope-gala

HAVEN will host its Seeds of Hope Gala at the Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac, bringing together community leaders, advocates, and survivors. The evening supports services for survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault, with proceeds helping to provide safety, healing, and essential care throughout the community.

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW

May 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

gracecentersofhope.org/women-helpingwomen-luncheon-fashion-show

The Women Helping Women Luncheon & Fashion Show, hosted by Grace Centers of Hope, gathers guests for a luncheon, fashion show, and program stories. Held at the Royal Park Hotel, the event supports the organization’s Women’s Program, providing care, stability, and long-term transformation.

GUIDING HARBOR TEA AND TOUR

May 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

guidingharbor.org/upcoming-events

The Guiding Harbor Tea and Tour offers an afternoon of tea, refreshments, and connection in support of the Girlstown Residential Program. Guests will enjoy a program and guided tour. Proceeds help provide stability, care, and support for girls impacted by foster care.

WOMEN OF TOMORROW ANNUAL INSPIRING DETROIT DINNER

May 15, 6 to 9 p.m.

womenoftomorrow.org/event/annualinspiring-detroit-dinner-2

The Inspiring Detroit Dinner brings together community leaders for an evening of Michiganinspired cuisine and storytelling. Held at The Community House in Birmingham, the event supports Women of Tomorrow, empowering atrisk young women across metro Detroit through mentorship and life-skills programs.

LIGHTHOUSE’S 10TH ANNUAL RENT PARTY

May 7, 5:30 to 9 p.m.

lighthousemi.org/rentparty

The Rent Party, hosted by Lighthouse, revives a Harlem Renaissance tradition with an evening of jazz, cocktails, dining, and a silent auction. Held at The Treasury in downtown Pontiac, the event supports housing and shelter programs, helping to provide stability for individuals and families in need.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE SPOTLIGHT EVENT

May 20

jfsdetroit.org/spotlightregistration

Jewish Family Service will host its annual Spotlight event, supporting programs that assist individuals and families facing life challenges. The evening raises funds for essential services including counseling, basic needs, and care management, strengthening the community through compassionate, responsive support.

2.07.26

Oarsmen’s Ball

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE M.J. HATHAWAY

THE DETROIT BOAT Club Crew held its 187th annual Oarsmen’s Ball on Feb. 7 at the Jam Handy in Detroit. The event served as a fundraiser for the Friends of Detroit Rowing’s “Share an Oar, Share the Shore” campaign, which helps increase public access to the Detroit River and the sport of rowing. Featuring strolling appetizers, music, and a silent auction, the event has been ongoing since 1839. To learn more about this event and the Detroit Boat Club Crew, visit detroitboatclubcrew.org.

1. Dr. Henry Goitz, Dr. Lorraine Armstrong 2. Nick Scheckel, Izabella Wentzell 3. David Johnson, Eric Dilworth 4. Melanie Parks-Linford, Paul Johnson 5. FODR Board

6. Roman and Kathleen Lesnau 7. Diane and Brian Benz 8. Melanie and Eric Berger 9. Leslie and Sean Harrington 10. Julie Brennan, Kris Turnbull, Dixon Kirkland III, Holly Kargula, Tom Turnbull 11. Robert and Susan LaCasse, Gwyn and Gordon Koss 12. Nadya and Chip Thole, Dr. Henry Goitz 13. Ret. Cmdr. Theron Korsak, Lt. Col. Patrick Linford

Cocktails for a Cause Gala

PHOTOS BY AMI NICOLE

THE 2026 COCKTAILS for a Cause Gala took place on Feb. 13 at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester. Emceed by Charlie Langton and Sarah Thomas, the event raised funds for Friends of Foster Kids, a Shelby Township-based organization that provides personalized gifts to foster youths in metro Detroit every Christmas, as well as emergency services for foster children in need. This year’s Cocktails for a Cause was the most well-attended fundraising event in the organization’s history. More than 400 guests, including many local dignitaries, attended the gala. To learn more about the work of Friends of Foster Kids, please visit friendsoffosterkids.org.

1. Jennie and Robert Stoudemire 2. Kelly and Mayor Gus Calandrino, Lisa and Matthew Kaluzny 3. All Dignitaries 4. Sarah Thomas, Charlie Langton 5. Grace Militello, Sibylle Duda, Tara Haener 6. Brant and Tracey Perry, Sarah and Chris Shunk 7. Tracey Tradii, Phil Franzone, Kathy and John Higgins 8. Nicole and Greg Karmazin, Esther and Jacques Wolfe 9. Shannon and Tom Dawda 10. Vito and Hon. Laura Polizzi, Jacqueline Wright, Michael Balian 11. Kristen Tucciarone, Jim Spagnuolo, Enrico Tucciarone 12. Steve and Susie Pierik, Jodi Merlo, Greg Sudderth

The Great Dane Pub

The Great Dane Pub opened in December 2025 on Main Street in Royal Oak. Hearing owners Lisa and Mike Dimmer tell their story, it’s clear that success happened despite some snags. Having little experience in the restaurant business, they took a chance on owning a Voodoo Brewing Co. franchise. With the bright sign already up and the paper ready to come off the windows, they were informed of licensing complications with the state.

What to do? The couple raised six children in their 20-plus years together — it’s hard to present them with a situation that would stop them in their tracks. Instead, they pivoted.

“We decided to do our own thing with our family, and the Great Dane Pub just unfolded from there,” says Mike.

“Dane is our son, and the name just seemed to open up to Great Dane, with the idea of green plaid, brick accents, and warm wood finishes for the decor,” says Lisa. “We added floral touches for our daughters — Lilly, Violet, Poppy, Dahlia, and Daisy.”

The final component to lock in the eclectic British pub feel was the food. As the Dimmers solicited advice for the menu, they were fortunate to cross paths with Jared Bobkin, known for his appearances on Hell’s Kitchen. “He imagined it as a place to get fish and chips, bangers and mash, short ribs — traditional pub staples, but with lots of twists,” says Mike.

Coming from a scratch kitchen, those delicious twists include fresh pub pretzels, chicken rigatoni featuring handmade noodles, and several unique pizzas, including buttered chicken and a Stilton and pear pizza. Generous salads, burgers, several vegan options, and a delightful dessert menu featuring a sticky toffee pudding round out the menu.

The intimate dining room seats just under 100 guests, with a lively bar area and a wall of taps. A rotating selection of drafts includes craft beers from Michigan and beyond. The beverage menu also offers craft cocktails, with names like Moonlight Lilly and Velvet Violet — a nod to the Dimmers’ daughters.

Since its opening, the Great Dane Pub has attracted regulars, and Mike and Lisa are not shy about asking patrons what they like and don’t like. “One of our guests suggested we put gravy on the side of the steak and ale pie, and honestly, it made it so much better,” Lisa says. “We value opinions and are always open to making a better experience.”

With an awesome staff ensuring customers have a relaxed date night, a casual evening with friends, or an overdue generational gathering, the Great Dane is all about great food, cold brews, and good company.

“Our aim is to fill a need somewhere between the nightlife bars and the more formal dining spots in Royal Oak,” Mike says. Lisa adds, “I love seeing moms bring babies, too. I love that we can also have a family atmosphere.”

With family at the heart of the Great Dane Pub, it’s no surprise that diners praise the relaxed

ambiance and generous portions. It’s a welcoming spot to gather for craft drinks and comfort food.

The Great Dane Pub 112 S. Main St. Royal Oak, MI 48067 248-919-6330

thegreatdanepub.com

COTS Soup City Detroit 2026

BY KEVIN BEAN

THIS SIGNATURE annual fundraiser for Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS), presented by the Lineage Foundation for Good, took place on Jan. 22 at the iconic Roostertail in Detroit. The event brought together the region’s top restaurants, artists, and community champions for an unforgettable evening of flavor and purpose. Guests enjoyed signature soups, small plates, desserts, and warm drinks crafted to celebrate Detroit’s rich food culture, along with live entertainment, art, and a vibrant silent auction. More than a fundraiser, Soup City is a celebration of community, creativity, and compassion, with proceeds directly supporting COTS’ shelter and housing programs that help families overcome homelessness and build long-term stability. Learn more about COTS or donate at cotsdetroit.org.

1. Dr. Partha, Partha, Kali, Shaan, and Rakhi Nandi 2. Dionne Davis, Jennifer Vermeulen, Terri Draper, Samantha Banks 3. Paul Warren, Dori Griffin, Glenna Buehler, Debra Lee, Roary 4. Jodi Rodnick, Marcia Quainton 5. Rebecca Wolf, Ben Piper, Karisa Antonio 6. Sistahs Read, Wine and Dine: Detroit 7. Delphia Simmons, Sonya Nicks 8. Zach, Paige, and Joseph Blessman 9. Derick and Tanya Adams 10. Nicole Ezell, Shawn Manley, Jovan Jamison 11. Nicole Choinski, Johnetta Yarborough, Toy Reed 12. Liz Owens, Jennifer Floyd

PHOTOS

Quix Chocolate

QuixChocolate, an exquisite Ferndale chocolatier, is expanding into Ann Arbor this summer — and not just anywhere, but in the space once occupied by Kilwins. Could there be a better location? Those lamenting the loss of Kilwins on East Liberty, take note: One bite of a Quix Belgian chocolate, and you will be a forever fan.

Targeting a summer opening, Quix Chocolate will offer more than 40 varieties of hand-finished chocolates and European-style café fare, including Illy espresso drinks, real hot chocolate, milkshakes, and Guernsey ice cream.

Quix Chocolate opened in 2021, but its deep European roots date back to post-World War II Belgium, says owner David Ogloza. He notes that in 1949, Marcel Jeandarme and Mariette Quix launched Chocoladehuis Quix in the small town of Lanklaar, crafting chocolate from imported cocoa beans in the basement of their home. Their creations soon found their way into bakeries and shops across cities like Antwerp, Brussels, and Liège — and even beyond Belgium’s borders.

Under Belgian native Ogloza’s guidance, the chocolate found a new home in Michigan. Taking the Quix name as a nod to his maternal heritage, Ogloza brought the recipes, molds, and tradition with him.

“We don’t compromise on ingredients,” Ogloza says. “We use Callebaut Belgian chocolate because it’s creamier. All our fillings are made from scratch, and you can taste the difference.”

Indeed, rows of handmade pralines, confections, and seasonal delights are produced in small batches with meticulous attention. Traditional flavors like hazelnut praliné, caramel, and orange coexist with more adventurous creations, and special releases often reflect seasonal themes or local inspiration.

There are also fun twists on classics, from chocolate hedgehogs to hand-painted 3-pound chocolate turkeys for Thanksgiving and other figurines that capture both imagination and taste. There are even cheeky references, shapes, and flavors, such as the heart-shaped dark chocolate Heated Rivalry with mango-habanero ganache and the Immaculate Confection, a heavenly vanilla ganache poured into a Mother Mary mold, referencing a typical Belgian confection shape called guimauve.

The shop’s passion for bespoke craftsmanship — from molding and painting each piece to offering custom chocolates with business logos or personal artwork — sets it apart as both an artisan studio and a community favorite.

While Quix Chocolate can be playful, it takes

chocolate very seriously, with quality and variety being of utmost importance. “Our chocolates — 70% dark, 20% milk, and the rest white — are each paired with their fillings intentionally, like food and wine,” says Ogloza, who is constantly trying out new combinations to delight customers.

The Ferndale location has a retail liquor license and celebrates its heritage with selections of Belgian beers, European wines, and assortment boxes, one featuring a champagne bottle and treasure drawers of chocolate. Quix Chocolate also operates a shop inside Detroit Metropolitan Airport’s Evans Terminal and has 56 grocery partners.

Quix Chocolate’s journey from a Belgian family legacy to a local Michigan favorite illustrates how

tradition and modern creativity can combine to delight even the most discerning customer.

“I hope when people eat our chocolate, they have a moment of joy,” Ogloza says. “Like getting a small hug in each bite of chocolate.”

221 W. Troy St. #200, Ferndale, MI 48220 248-455-6504 | quixchocolate.com

Detroit Metropolitan Airport – Evans Terminal

Coming Soon: 107 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Quix Chocolate

FOR NEARLY 100 YEARS, the miniature Tauber Family Railroad has been one of the most popular attractions at the 125-acre Detroit Zoo, especially on a warm and sunny day.

Dedicated in 1931, three years after the zoological park opened, the train, a gift from the Detroit News, originally followed a 2.5-mile track that encircled the park and is said to have helped the zoo survive the Great Depression, charging just 5 cents and lifting visitors’ spirits.

Not everyone was excited by the train, however. Noise complaints from the residential neighborhood near the north end of the park led to the current configuration of two one-way tracks that run along the south side, with stations at each end.

The original locomotive and passenger cars were retired in 1948 and replaced with three new aerodynamic, Streamlinerstyle locomotives provided by the Chrysler Corporation in 1949, 1950, and 1951.

On July 30, 1980, one of the trains struck a gravel truck, injuring 31 people. Subsequently, in 1981, the state of

Michigan declared the railroad unsafe, and it was shut down. The trains returned to service in 1984, after Detroit News readers contributed $32,000 toward the $462,000 cost of refurbishing the railroad system. In 2008, the trains were refurbished again.

Today, the two trains with six open-air coaches serve more than half a million passengers annually on a seasonal basis. The $3, seven-minute rides begin at the Chrysler Main Station at the front of the zoo, and the return trip from the African Station at the back of the park is especially handy for tired visitors at the day’s end.

Detroit Zoo historians note that over the years, notable Detroiters and celebrities — including Henry Ford in 1941 and actor and comedian Tim Allen in 1995 — have served as guest engineers, surprising unsuspecting passengers. This year, the train will run from the end of May through Sunday, Oct. 25.

—Bill Dow

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