West Bloomfield, MI March 2022

Farm to Table Dinner Party F O O D + B E V E R AG E

SOU L CAFE GIV ES BACK M A R C H 2 022

your wellness

Our Priority

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734.283.7030 MON-FRI 10-8 SAT 9-6 SUN 12-5

March 2022 PUBLISHER

Joe Geagea | joe.geagea@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Amy Niezur | amy.niezur@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Home is Where the Heart Is Home. It is meant to be a place of retreat, rest, love, and a shelter from the outside world—a place where you can let your guard down and just be. Some homes feel just like that, and some can be filled with conflict and strife. It is never too late to change the climate of our homes.

In a world that can be cruel, let home be a place where we build each other up. Make a continual effort to teach with love, correct with love, and express love every day. Take time to enjoy all the small moments with family instead of getting caught up in all the daily tasks that can steal our attention away—to be truly present when spending time with our family instead of dividing our attention with technology or an endless to-do list. Although we usually aren’t perfect at accomplishing these things, it is worthwhile to strive for it every day.

March is our Home issue, and we celebrate home with warm food, ideas for entertaining, and inspiration for your space. Creating a home that you want to spend your time in isn’t easy, but we all know that the love we share in our homes is truly what matters most. From our home to yours, we wish you love, peace and happiness.

AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER

Zane Smith CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Amy Gillespie, Janie Jones, Liza Kue, Jason Cornish

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

JOE GEAGEA, PUBLISHER @WEST_ BLOOMFIELD_CIT YLIFEST YLE

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/ WESTBLOOMFIELD |

Proverbs 3:5-6 West Bloomfield City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Bloomfield area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Bloomfield City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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Four Generations of Trust & Service

MARCH 2022

inside the issue The Home Issue

30

24

16

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 Farm to Table

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

10

Business Monthly

12

Local Experiences

16

Party Planning

FO O D + B EV E R AG E

24

Locally Sourced

HO ME + DES IG N

30

Giving Back

34

Events

A Dinner Party With Farmhouse Flair

24 Durable Design

Warm Your Home with Cool Stone

30 A Community With Soul

Friendship Circle Provides Opportunities for Special-Needs Adults

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Janie Jones Delicious farm-to-table ideas for a relaxed dinner party at home.

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FO O D + B EV ER AG E

MARCH 2022

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen in the city.

1

1: Celebrating the 2nd birthday of Connect, West Bloomfield’s senior gathering place! Photos by: West Bloomfield Parks

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your social media photos with @west_bloomfield_citylifestyle

8

C I T Y SC E N E

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MARCH 2022

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Nail Trims at Premier Pet Supply Premier Pet Supply in West Bloomfield features Peticured, a nail trim service for cats and dogs, every Tuesday from 12:30-7:30 p.m. Call 248.325.9692 for details.

Scan to read more.

PhotographyPremier Pet Supply

A New You at Art of Dermatology Do you want your skin to look ready for spring? Art of Dermatology offers comprehensive services for all of your skincare needs.

Scan to read more.

Photography Art of Dermatology

Motor City Yarn Club Continues ...have you any Wool? yarn shop in Berkley continues its monthly subscription service for knitters. Each month, receive exclusive colors of yarn from talented dyers, pattern ideas, and more! Call the shop at 248.541.9665 for more information.

Scan to read more.

If you want to be included, send us a message!

Visit CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield to get in touch.

10

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

MARCH 2022

local experiences Locals recommending the best places and things to do in the city.

Elevate your home and give it a fresh look for spring! From DIY classes to unique home accessories, we have what you need.

Home Decor & Design AR T LEADER S GALLER Y: Beautify your space with original art, glass, and

home accessories. 33086 Northwestern Hwy West Bloomfield, MI EXPER IENCE COOKING: Learn to bake macarons, create tempting global street

foods, and more in an intimate home setting. Drake Rd Farmington Hills, MI EPIPHANY STUDIOS: Try hands-on glassblowing workshops for ages 6 and up, or shop for handmade wine stoppers, ring holders, bird baths and more.

770 Orchard Lake Rd Pontiac, MI CR OOKED TR EE FINE WOODWOR KING: Set your home apart with custom furniture and pieces for indoor and outdoor spaces, reclaimed from salvaged urban trees and rural barns. 559 Orchard Lake Rd Pontiac, MI AR WOR KSHOP: Every Saturday in March, create customized wooden signs, trays, boxes, and more! 207 E 9 Mile Rd Ferndale, MI

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Jason Cornish

Want to recommend a local experience?

Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

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F A R M

T O

T A B L E A DINNER PARTY WITH FARMHOUSE FLAIR ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

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PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

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“Chef Carter prepares a flavorful rub for tri-tip steak, with the unusual twist of smoking the meat over grapevines.”

Home evokes thoughts of gathering with friends and family and savoring a meal over laughs and stories. A dinner party is a great way to enjoy an intimate evening with the people you love, share delicious food, and deepen the relationships that matter most to you. When planning your party, start with the star of the show—the food!

Taking time to plan your menu well in advance allows you to keep your hosting duties stress-free. Focus your energy on the main course and dessert and keep the sides simple, such as a tossed salad of romaine, golden and red beets, a grating of cheese, and your favorite vinaigrette. Shopping for a variety of cheeses paired with baguette, toasted crostini, or crackers is another no-fuss option that guests will appreciate.

The Cheese Lady (33041 Grand River Ave in Farmington) and Plum Market (6565 Orchard Lake Rd in West Bloomfield) offer adventurous selections of cheeses. Select a variety of types, such as a hard cheese, a semi-soft, and a soft cheese, and strike a balance between mild and more strongly-flavored cheeses.

When it comes to décor, try a simple farmhouse theme. Keep the table simple and rustic, with neutral tableware, natural wood, and pops of color from floral or succulent centerpieces. Mother of Pearl, Aloe Vera, or Moonstones are good options for succulents that will add a unique touch to your table.

A luxe touch, such as gold flatware, elevates the tablescape. Warm white string lights and plenty of candles set the mood and add to the relaxed atmosphere. While planning your décor, don’t forget to consider all the senses and put together a playlist to serve as your dinner party soundtrack.

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PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

For the drinks, consider a wine-tasting theme with a variety of bottles to try or develop your own signature whiskey cocktail. Start with your favorite classic cocktail recipes and add your own touches to create something new and conversation-starting for your guests.

Swapping out one sweet addition for another (such as simple syrup for a fruit juice) or adding a touch of sour lemon or lime juice can be a great place to start.

A relaxed host is the best host, so don’t forget to set yourself up for a dinner party you can enjoy. Shop ahead, prepare dessert the day before, and start the party with an empty dishwasher and trash can to keep things from piling up. Treating yourself to a housecleaner before the event takes some of the dirty work off your plate as well. Ready to begin?

Chef Eric Carter shares two delicious recipes to inspire your menu. First, Chef Carter prepares a flavorful rub for tri-tip steak, with the unusual twist of smoking the meat over grapevines. Grapevine imparts a mild flavor to meat and can be enhanced by soaking the wood in wine, beer, or tea for 15-20 minutes before adding to the smoke box. For the perfect finish, end the meal with a fresh apple tart.

Chef Carter keeps this easy to prepare by calling for pre-made pie crust, but of course you could substitute your favorite pastry recipe. If you prefer, keep it simple by leaving dessert in the hands of your favorite bakery. Try Shatila (5741 W. Maple Rd in West Bloomfield) or Sweet Dreams (4153 Orchard Lake Rd in Orchard Lake) for sweet treats without the fuss.

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STEAK RUB FOR GRAPEVINE SMOKED TRI-TIP • • • • • • • •

3 parts brown sugar 3 parts smoked sea salt 1 part smoked paprika ½ part coriander ½ part chili powder ¼ part cayenne pepper ¼ part dried thyme ¼ part cracked pepper

Mix all spices and apply liberally to the tri-tip.

Allow to rest in the refrigerator for 24 hours before smoking over grapevines.

Recipe by Chef Eric Carter

APPLE TART • 12-inch pie crust • ½ cup sugar • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 4 cups chopped peeled apples • 2 tablespoons sugar • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon • ½ teaspoon nutmeg • 1 tablespoon butter Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix sugar and flour in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the apples. The sugar and flour mixture will not completely stick to the apples, and that is okay.

Spread the apple mixture uniformly from the center of the dough to within 2 inches of the edge. Fold edge of dough over apple mixture; crimp edge of dough slightly.

Mix 2 tablespoons sugar, the nutmeg, and cinnamon and sprinkle over the apples and the dough. Cut 1 tablespoon of butter into 5 or 6 pieces and spread on top of the apples.

Bake 27-32 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve warm, drizzled with caramel sauce.

Recipe by Chef Eric Carter

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PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

“A relaxed host is the best host, so don’t forget to set yourself up for a dinner party you can enjoy.”

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STBLO O M F I E L D

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GET YOUR YARD READY FOR SPRING! SPRING CLEANING Pick up twigs and branches that have fallen around your trees during winter to help prevent fungal disease.

INSPECT BRANCHES Note broken branches, branches without leaves or fungus or missing bark.

PRO CO FESSIO U NA & O RTEOU L, N-T IME S,

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D U R A B L E 24

DU R A B L E DE SIG N LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | HOME + DE S I GN

WARM YOUR HOME WITH COOL STONE

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY GILLESPIE

Formed from the earth itself, natural stone is an attractive choice to lend style and sophistication to your home. From the kitchen to the bath, to the fireplace and even your backyard barbeque, stone can be a great choice to uplift your space.

But how to choose? Marble (and its relatives limestone, onyx, and travertine) has key differences from granite, and appearance is only one consideration. The biggest difference between marble and granite lies in their porosity, durability, and hardness.

A metamorphic rock composed of carbonate minerals, marble is softer and more porous than granite, but its beauty lasts for generations. As a result, marble is better for low-traffic areas where durability is less of a concern. Luxurious and elegant, choose marble for fireplace surrounds, ornamental furnishings, and vanities. Marble is especially suited for bathrooms, as it lends an upscale, glamorous touch to an otherwise utilitarian space. Since marble is more prone to staining than some other types of stone, avoid it in kitchens and other spaces where food or drink may be spilled.

Granite is perfect for kitchens, as it resists stains.

Created from the cooling of molten magma, its crystalline structure makes it the ideal choice when you need a surface that can withstand abrasions and spills. Granite has minimal maintenance needs, which simplifies your household chores. As granite is the most durable stone for the home, it is great for high-traffic areas. Consider granite for dining tables, bar tops, flooring, and kitchen counters.

In recent years, bringing natural stone out of the home and into outdoor living spaces has become a popular trend. However, when planning a new barbeque surround or outdoor bar, the choice of stone is a crucial one. Marble, with its higher porosity, is not a wise choice for surfaces that are regularly subjected to

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Granite Source of Michigan 26530 W. 8 Mile Rd Southfield, MI granitesourceofmichigan.com

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LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | HOME + DE S I GN

D E S I G N

weather and dirt. Granite, however, has great heat tolerance, and its strength and resistance to staining make it wellsuited to the great outdoors. With our cold Michigan winters, soapstone is another option, as it handles temperature extremes with ease. Soapstone is softer than granite and picks up imperfections more easily over time, but that can add charm and character to your outdoor space.

Your local natural stone supplier can help bring your ideas to life. They cut and polish slabs to your requirements and can even help you with creative ideas for smaller off-cuts of stone, such as accents, shelves, or tops for smaller tables.

Granite Source of Michigan in Southfield offers a wide variety of natural stone products for your next home project, from bathrooms to barbeques. In addition to marble and granite, Granite Source stocks soapstone, limestone, travertine, and quartz. With over 10 years in business, their craftsmen are ready to help.

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STBLO O M F I E L D

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A Community With Soul ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZA KUE

Friendship Circle Provides Opportunities for Special-Needs Adults

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G IV IN G BAC K | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

To “see a person for their soul, and not the superficial layers that enclose us” is behind the mission of Soul Café, says Bassie Shemtov, director of Friendship Circle. The café, located on Drake Rd at Walnut Lake Rd in West Bloomfield, offers special-needs adults the opportunity to learn vocational skills in a working restaurant, and, as Bassie adds, gives them “a place where they are not only accepted, but welcomed and respected.” Soul Café grew out of the work of Friendship Circle, a local program offering recreational, social, educational, and vocational programming for people with special needs founded in 1994. Originally established to serve children, the program expanded in recent years to include Soul Café and Soul Studio, where special-needs adults learn real-life vocational skills through food service and the arts. At the café, participants learn valuable restaurant-focused and functional job skills and hone other “soft skills”, such as planning, organization, and dealing with work-related anxiety. At the studio, student artists are exposed to a variety of art media and processes such as ceramics, painting, and weaving, and even sell their artwork through the studio’s gallery. “The families of children we served at Friendship Circle were calling, asking for help,” says Bassie. “They asked, ‘What can you do for us now?’” While Friendship Circle had served many special-needs children over the years, what happens after they age out of the program? How can these individuals be supported as they grow into adulthood and still need help to be more independent? Bassie felt there was clearly a need to be met, both for the former participants of Friendship

Circle as well as other special-needs adults in the area. The feeling of isolation after leaving school, paired with the lack of available job opportunities, meant that a perfect solution would need to provide community, support, and work skills training in one location. Out of this desire to continue this mission of service, along with Soul Studio, Soul Café was born. Originally, the café was planned to be a simple cafeteria-style location, but the results soon exceeded expectations. Today, Soul Café is a “proper restaurant,” according to Bassie, offering fresh, made-from-scratch kosher cuisine. Tom Sheehan, one of the chefs at Soul Café, agrees. “The food we produce is 100% from scratch, and everything is made in-house under strict kosher guidelines.

We are completely vegetarian with dairy and eggs as the only animal products used.” Menu items include smoothies, breakfast items, pizza, sandwiches, and Bassie’s favorites, salmon sliders and Caesar salad. Often, the benefits of hiring special-needs adults are overlooked by businesses, according to Bassie. She stresses that although they need time and careful training, they are great employees and a positive addition to the community. Bassie notes that the welcoming environment fostered by Soul Café benefits the business, its employees, and the community itself. Further, not only do special-needs people learn usable work skills and how to become more productive and independent members of society, but the general public grows in its understanding and appreciation of this unique population. Tom agrees, saying, “(Special-needs adults) bring an energy and excitement to our workplace that alleviates

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Artists at work in Soul Studio.

“Soul Café grew out of the work of Friendship Circle, a local program offering recreational, social, educational, and vocational programming for people with special needs founded in 1994.”

the usual stress and angst that is normally a constant in a professional scratch kitchen. They are always eager to help and anxious to do things well. We have them do basic tasks such as portioning pasta, measuring ingredients for a recipe, or cutting bread for croutons. I have made it a priority to teach them the importance of cleaning and sanitizing their workstations after every task and staying focused on what they are doing in order to achieve the best results.”

Continues Tom, “The overall atmosphere of the café, as well as throughout the Friendship Circle, is one of acceptance,

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G IV IN G BAC K | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

kindness, cooperation, and fun. We all work hard, help, and support each other.” Community members looking to support the mission of Soul Café and its sister project, Soul Studio, are invited to drop by! Bassie stresses that the special-needs artists at Soul Studio love to chat with visitors about their work or invite them to shop in the artists’ gallery. Volunteering and donations are also encouraged, contact Friendship Circle for more information. Soul Café and Soul Studio Friendship Circle Farber Center 5586 Drake Rd West Bloomfield, MI friendshipcircle.org

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MARCH 2022

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in the city.

MAR CH 12TH

Antler Shed Hunt

Your Dream Kitchen FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATES • FULL REMODELING SERVICES Shelby Township • West Bloomfield • www.lafata.com • 586.930.1699

CHECK OUT OUR NEWLY RENOVATED WEST BLOOMFIELD SHOWROOM!

WE ST B LO O MF I E L D R E C R E AT I ON AC T I V I T I E S C E NT E R , 4 6 4 0 WA L NUT L A KE R D, WE ST B LO O MF I E L D, MI | 1 1 :0 0 A M Enjoy a late winter hike through the woods searching for antlers dropped by the area's many white-tailed deer.

Register at wbparks.org. For ages 5 and up. $5 residents, $10 non-residents.

MAR CH 13TH

Open House: West Bloomfield Tornado

O R C H A R D L A K E MUS E UM , 3 9 5 1 O R C H A R D L A K E R D, O R C HA RD L A K E , MI | 1 :0 0 P M On March 20, 1976, an F4 tornado damaged homes and businesses throughout West Bloomfield. Visit the newly reopened Orchard Lake Museum to see exhibits and videos detailing the event. Free.

MAR CH 17TH

Passport to Wine: New Zealand

A NDI A MO B LO O MF I E L D, 6 6 76 T E L E G R A P H R D, B LO O MF I E L D T WP, MI | 6 :30 P M Explore the wine, land, and culture of New Zealand in this illuminating program, featuring four wine pairings and tempting small plates. Contact Sommelier Andree Lux at 313.283.6790 for more information. $59.95 per person.

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How We Help Our Patients

Orthotics

Bunion

Plantar Fasciitis

Diabetic Foot Care

Ankle Pain

Pediatric Foot Care

Dr. Harshini Avula is a board certif ied foot and ankle surgeon with comprehensive training in both forefoot and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery.

Call us today to make your appointment.

5829 West Maple Road, Ste. 115

(248) 538-3030 | onwardhc.com