Explore Grosse Pointe
ARTS + CULTURE
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN GROSSE POINTE
LIFE + CULTURE
BIRD EXPLORATION
A SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
FOOD + BEVERAGE
EAT YOUR WAY AROUND THE GLOBE
Explore Grosse Pointe
Summer in Grosse Pointe is like an American postcard, with its beautiful lake, iconic locations and scenery, and deep history. Add the Main Street of Kercheval, with the Village at its heart and the surrounding neighborhoods, and you have a place generations have called home. Grosse Pointe is my home, and it is an honor to live here and contribute to one of the most special places in the world.
My daughters, Mia and Ava, finished their first and second years of college and are home for the summer. The excitement of going away to college for them was palpable last fall. They started their independent lives, a new place and adventure, but something else also happened. An appreciation for home and our community. Ava was so excited to get home and back on the lake. She kept checking to ensure the wave rider would be in the water so she could go out and explore, enjoy, and relax. After tasting independence, Mia decided her room was no longer big enough and took over the entire basement to "have the space she needed" to enjoy the summer and summer job. No place like home, eh.
As we celebrate summer in Grosse Pointe, it's crucial to recognize the role of community members like Susie Stefani from Susies At Home. Susie, a board member of Main Street, a volunteer-driven organization, is instrumental in preserving our historic downtown and promoting local businesses. This summer, we're excited to highlight the numerous events and activities in the Village and throughout the year. It's a powerful reminder that our senses and memories are enriched when we actively support and engage with our local community rather than relying on impersonal deliveries.
Summertime is a time to explore nature and enjoy what is right around or above us! Just ask Rosann Kovalcik, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited. Rosann, her son Ryan, and their team bring a passion for nature and how we can enhance that experience and beautify your yard. Birds are such an amazing connection to enjoying the sights and sounds of summer.
We speak with Jenny Boettcher, President of the Grosse Pointe Chamber, about this year's sphere exhibit around town and the artists/businesses that sponsored and created it, adding more beauty and experiences around the Pointes. It's an issue dedicated to summer and exploring Grosse Pointe. Enjoy!
July 2024
PUBLISHER
David Mattaliano | david.mattaliano@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Paige Peabody | paige.peabody@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Susan Baldani, Margaret Carroll
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Kim Rensburg
DAVID MATTALIANO, PUBLISHER @GROSSEPOINTECITYLIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
business monthly
Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Looking for Grosse Pointe Run Sponsors
Support the Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Run this September! Availability to sponsor, place an ad, or donate in the Grosse Pointe Run Official Program is needed by July 15th. The program is delivered to Grosse Pointe homes in early September. The Grosse Pointe Run 5/10K and 1 mile fun run is Saturday September 21st 2024. All funds raised support local causes and high school seniors scholarships. Inquiries at RotaryGPRun@gmail.com. Runners register at www.grossepointerun.com
BOOK YOUR FORD HOUSE OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT TICKETS
Killer Flamingos Friday, July 19
Dave Hamilton Band Friday, August 9
Michigan Philharmonic Friday, August 23
Mike’s On the Water Snoopy Museum Charity Banquet Center
Mike’s On the Water is raising money for local charities! Take a tour of the Banquet Center and world class Snoopy Collection. A lifetime of collecting is now on exhibit and all proceeds go to a different charity each month. It’s a world class collection to view! Visit while dining at Mike’s On the Water located at 24530 Jefferson on the Nautical Mile behind Michigan Harbor/Colony Marine. For information www.mikesonthewater.com or call 586-872-2630
Dr. William Krieg, Dr. Brynn Jezdimir and Dr. Richard Frenchi
ARTICLE BY SUSAN BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM RENSBURG
Grosse Pointe Explore Downtown
Remember to look right in your community when searching for fun things to do. Many fascinating events are happening in The Village for people of all ages and interests. There’s a good reason why it’s known as the “Heart of the Points,” so let’s explore.
“I think everything starts with our beautiful restaurants, grocery stores, and lifestyle and gift shops all in one spot right here in the middle of downtown,” says Susie Stefani, who is on the board of Main Street, a volunteer-driven organization. “Its focus is on protecting and preserving our historic downtown by supporting the businesses there, bringing in new businesses, and hosting events for the community to enjoy.”
The annual Music on the Plaza is always a big hit. “We have different bands that rotate through weekly,” she says. “People bring their own chairs, sit outside, and enjoy the beautiful evening and the wonderful music.”
The Village Loop is now open as well. Classified as a social district, people can go into participating restaurants, order an alcoholic drink, and enjoy it while listening to the music, walking around and window shopping.
The annual Sidewalk Sale-ebration is another popular event taking place this year from July 26th through July 28th. “All of the different retailers come outside,” says Susie. “We have big tents right in the middle of Kercheval filled with great merchandise on sale. We also try to bring in local artists and vendors.”
Other fun surprises are in the works, such as a foam pit for children. “Restaurants will serve on the streets, and we’ll have a DJ too. We try to make it a fun day for families and friends.”
The organization is also working on an art installation that will be hung around the fountain in the plaza later this summer. “The theme of that installation will be ‘It Takes a Village,’ and the artwork will be interpretations by local artists of what ‘It Takes a Village’ means,” she says.
In the fall, there’s the Art Takeover Project. “We have a strolling art fair where local businesses are matched up with an artist through Posterity Art & Framing Gallery.”
"In a world where you can buy anything, why not buy the best? And why not shop local for it?"
Of course, the year’s big event is the annual Santa Claus Parade the day after Thanksgiving and the tree lighting, which usually includes a petting zoo with a couple of reindeer.
Main Street recently hosted a Monopoly-themed fundraiser. “We called it Main-Opoly, and there were many different experiences. Some people receive a chance card and may send a friend to jail or pay to get out of jail. Or, they might have been assessed for ‘property taxes’ to plant a new tree in town.” There was also a photo booth, a DJ, and other Monopoly-themed activities.
Main Street Mini Masters, held in April, was also successful. “We had a puttputt golf course that went down one full city block,” says Susie. “It was geared towards raising money to update our street banners and Christmas decor and paying for all the flowers planted around The Village. We’re also looking to install outdoor speakers.” All the money raised goes toward making the Heart of the Pointes an even more beautiful place so people will want to come and stay a while.
CONTINUED >
"Everything starts with our beautiful restaurants, grocery stores, and lifestyle and gift shops all in one spot..."
“As we always say, ‘It takes a Village,’ so we need our community to support the local businesses that are here because we wouldn’t have such a wonderful place to enjoy if there were none,” she says.
When people patronize local businesses, they support their neighbors, and that money then goes back into the community. People can also help continue the great experiences by donating to the Main Street Association.
“In a world where you can buy anything, why not buy the best?” says Susie. “And why not shop local for it? Walking around The Village with a bag from your favorite local store is way more fun than watching an Amazon delivery truck go by.”
Discover and explore all that The Village has to offer.
Facebook– The Village, Downtown Grosse Pointe
Instagram - @TheVillageGrossePointe
TheVillageGrossePointe.org
BIRD EXPLORATION
ARTICLE BY MARGARET CARROLL
Wild Birds Unlimited
Rosann Kovalcik was in high school when she noticed the sky and trees teeming with birds gliding, soaring, and singing. Since then, her life’s passion has been sharing her joy in birds with others, bringing color and song to the yards of her customers as owner of Wild Birds Unlimited. In August, she will celebrate 32 years of ownership.
“We bring people and nature together, and we do it with excellence,” is the mission statement of Wild Birds Unlimited. Rosann and her team, now led by her son and manager Ryan Blagdurn, are an important resource for the community, working with partners to provide outreach, education, and fun family events focused on birds and the beauty they bring to us.
Wild Birds Unlimited offers a wide selection of quality, made-in-the-USA feeders, houses, bird baths, field guides, and binoculars for identifying and watching the birds you attract.
Their retail store also offers a wide variety of gift products, including flags, art poles, wind chimes, statuary, and home decor. Their gift selection includes Michigan vendors such as tiles from Motawi Tile and Whistling Frog, food items from Cherry
Red Bellied Woodpecker
Republic, and personal care products from Little Flower Soap Company. And, of course, a full range of quality birdseed.
“We have excellent options, including ‘No Mess,’ allowing people to enjoy birds without cleaning up shells,” Rosann points out. ”You are also not paying for any shell weight, which means you are getting more birdseed for your dollar, which is a great value.”
Bird seed cylinders are also popular. “They are easy, economical, convenient, and last long,” Rosann says. The store also sells seed and suet treated with hot pepper, which is a deterrent for mammals but does not affect birds in any way.
Wild Birds Unlimited makes it easy for bird lovers to stock up, offering curbside pickup and optional delivery for all orders, plus exclusive savings and rewards for Daily Savings Club members.
Rosann is dedicated to promoting birds and their habitat. She is a frequent guest speaker at schools, churches, and garden and civic club meetings. Wild Birds Unlimited hosts a monthly coloring contest for children, featuring entries on the store’s Facebook page.
Rosann has led bird walks at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House for 30 years, with 204 bird species seen during that time. Upcoming walks are scheduled for October 12th and 26th during fall migration. Additional events will be added; check their store website for updates.
Rosann credits the support of the community of southeast Michigan that she serves for allowing her to do what she loves, sharing that devotion with Ryan to fulfill the mission of Wild Birds Unlimited
“Birds remain the driving force behind all we do at Wild Birds Unlimited,” Rosann points out. “I am so thankful to our customers, who make it possible. When you shop with us, you are supporting a small business that gives back to the community by donating the feeding station at Lake St. Clair Metro Park and the Bluebird House Trail at Belle Isle.”
Rosann encourages everyone to be attentive in their yard, looking for the sights and sounds of birds that can connect them to Nature.
WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED, 20381 Mack Avenue, GPW 48236 (313) 881-1410, or visit: www.wildbirdsgpw.com
Endangered Small Urban Sparrow
Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Trumpeter Swans, AuSable River
A SPHERE
INFLUENCE of
GROSSE POINTE CHAMBER'S NEWEST FUNDRAISER
Another exciting and fun art installation has rolled into the Grosse Pointe business districts. In the past, everything from fish and butterflies to dogs and hearts has delighted both children and adults. Now, through September, visitors will be able to enjoy 30 larger-than-life spheres created by local artists.
ARTICLE BY SUSAN BALDANI
“The depth of talent and creativity showcased by the artists is truly remarkable, and we’re excited to share this project with the community,” says Jenny Boettcher, president of the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce, who organizes the art exhibit. “The community loves the art installations, so we bring them back every three years.”
One of the sponsors of this project, Michigan Home Builders, chose artist Ryan Demattio for his unique design called Ribbon Fun that looks three-dimensional. “Another artist, Dan Draper, is calling his design GP Time Machine Clocktower that will look like a three-dimensional clock, showcasing the incredible creativity of our local artists,” she says.
Other participating talented artists are Karen Lynn Berg, Steven Lees, Annette Aquino, Glenn McCullough, Iris Steinberg, Bridget Sullivan, Pamela McShane, Michael Stapleton, Marty Brigid Distel, Jennifer Coleman, Scott Brown, Lena Duffy, and Johanna Curtis. “Each Grosse Pointe Public School system uses students and staff to paint their sphere,” says Jenny.
She encourages people to have a ball with the street art project, take photos and send them to the Chamber, post them on their social media sites, and tag the Chamber. “With former installations, we had a fan who took a video of his dog in front of every street art project and others who took videos and photos of their kids in front of each installation,” she says.
“The depth of talent and creativity showcased by the artists is truly remarkable.”
A map will be available online at GrossePointeChamber. com, and hard copies will be available at the Chamber Office at 106 Kercheval Avenue in Grosse Pointe Farms. Come out, not only to enjoy the art but also to support your favorite local businesses, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Bloomfield Hills | Grosse Pointe Farms since 1959
Bloomfield Hills | Grosse Pointe Farms since 1959
Bloomfield Hills | Grosse Pointe Farms since 1959
GROSSE POINTE
EAT YOUR WAY Around the Globe
Exploring culture through food
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS FULCHER
Food has always been at the forefront of humanity; after all, we need it to survive. But as people and trade developed, food has become so much more than survival. It has become an art in itself. Some areas hold onto tradition and nostalgia while incorporating new ideas and other cultural influences. If one truly wishes to experience the culture, there’s no better way to dive right in than over a meal.
Paso Robles, California Allegretto
Tucked into the rolling hills of Paso Robles, California, sits the Allegretto Winery and Resort. A unique hotel curated to showcase art worldwide and give visitors a relaxing, spiritual stay.
The Cello Restaurant & Bar is open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lunch menu highlights were the Muffuletta sandwich, Tuscan style, served with sun-dried tomato hummus, pistachio mortadella, salami Toscana, mozzarella cheese, roasted tomatoes, baby arugula, cello olive tapenade, and a house-made ciabatta roll.
CHRIS FULCHER AND SAVANNAH WOODS
Chris Fulcher and Savannah Woods are travel writers and photographers, having worked all around the world with various hotels in the Americas, Europe, and the Mediterranean. They are based out of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Allegretto, Muffuletta
Allegretto, Miso-Crusted Salmon
“If one truly wishes to experience the culture, there’s no better way to dive right in than over a meal.”
For dinner, plates of miso-crusted bay salmon served with ginger butter as well as their 8-ounce certified black Angus filet mignon, oak pit grilled, seasonal vegetables, dauphinoise potato, red wine Demiglaze with a horseradish mascarpone.
Ending the night with dessert, a “triple chocolate bomb,” a chocolate soufflé cake, raspberry dark chocolate mousse, framboise scented ganache, toasted almonds, fresh raspberries, and white chocolate curls.
Aruba
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, located at Eagle Beach, boasts the biggest private beach on the island. Here, there are four different restaurants on the property, each cultivating unique aspects of Aruba’s culture, encompassed by their famous Aruban hospitality.
Ike’s Bistro
Ike’s Bistro, open for breakfast and dinner, is an open-air location boasting a huge Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Menu highlights feature their homemade chia pudding made with coconut milk, chia seeds, agave, homemade granola, and berries, and a variety of smoothie bowls featuring the açaí peanut
butter bowl - made with açaí smoothie, freshly sliced banana, granola, seasonal berries, and peanut butter.
For dinner, some of our favorite highlights were the Filet Mignon, 6-ounces of beef served with mashed potatoes, vegetables, porcini mushroom sauce, and homemade chimichurri, and the Vegan Steak and Shrimp, which was made out of lentil steak with grilled New Wave shrimp served with potato wedges, steamed broccoli, and sesame-ginger glaze.
The Chophouse
While the atmosphere on Manchebo creates a feel of casual relaxation, for those looking for a more elegant evening, there is The Chophouse.
The star of The Chophouse and our favorite server was Harold Rasmijn, who received the Caribbean Employee of the Year Award in 2018.
Menu highlights were the lamb chops, marinated with garlic and herbs from Manchebo’s herb garden, and the Almond Grouper - a pan-seared grouper served with potato puree, green beans, and coconut white wine sauce.
Harold completed the experience by serving a special dessert of banana foster which he made table-side for a spectacular end-of-the-night show.
Aruba, Harold Making Banana Foster
Aruba, Vegan Steak and Shrimp
STAY CONNECTED TO
We Have Everything You Need to Start Feeling Better!
iCRYO Grosse Pointe offers a variety of services that are known to reduce inflammation throughout your body and minimize the pain you experience in your muscles and joints. All first-time guests receive a 1-on-1 tour of our center, to learn about the life-changing benefits of our services.
Meet the Owners!
INFRARED SAUNA
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 19TH
Outdoor Summer Concert, The Killer Flamingos
Ford House | 7:00 PM
Ford House’s summer concert series transforms the sprawling estate into a symphony of melodies under the open sky. Enjoy incredible talents while you lounge on the lawn with Lake St. Clair at your back. After nearly 30 years of performing, The Killer Flamingos have established themselves as one of the premiere bands in the Midwest. Tickets@FordHouse.com
JULY 21ST
i V INFUSIONS
War Memorial
Family Picnic
MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS i M SHOTS
iCRYO - Grosse Pointe 96 Kercheval Avenue Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
COMPRESSION THERAPY
The War Memorial | 4:00 PM
RED LIGHT THERAPY BODY SCULPTING NAD+ THERAPY
SECA BIOIMPEDANCE MEDICAL SCALE HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
OZONE UV i V THERAPY i V INFUSIONS
MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS i M SHOTS
SCULPTING
Local residents Kristen, an ICU Nurse, and Dominic, a local business owner, have joined the iCRYO family. Together, they form an unstoppable team! Their mission? To inspire their local community to live their best lives. Join them on this shared journey toward health and wellness.
Join us for a delightful picnic where the bonds of community are strengthened amidst laughter, food, and shared experiences. Spread out your picnic blankets on the lush green lawn of our center’s grounds, while a DJ plays some of your favorite summer songs. Vets and active duty receive 4 free tickets. WarMemorial.org
THERAPY
SECA BIOIMPEDANCE MEDICAL SCALE
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
AUGUST 3RD
Grosse Pointe Chamber, Grosse Pointe Art Festival
Kercheval on the Hill | 10:00 AM
Shop for one-of-a-kind works of art in all styles and media. This is an art retail shopping experience, where you can talk with the creators themselves about their artworks. By shopping at an art fair you support local creative small businesses. You will not be able to find these unique items on Amazon or in big box stores.
