West Bloomfield, MI July 2024 by City Lifestyle

Explore West Bloomfield this summer

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer. There's just something about this season that brings about a sense of excitement and adventure.

While the other seasons have their charms, special occasions and beauties in their own way, I like nothing better than to soak in the warmth and sun of summer and leave the colder weather behind. The longer days, cook-outs, trips to the beach and slower pace all make summer the best season there is. As we all know, living in Michigan, we have to enjoy the warm weather while it lasts!

The pages in our Explore issue will help you make the most of the season in West Bloomfield. And even if summer doesn't mean nearly three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults), we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our summer bucket lists.

So, whether your idea of exploring is trying a new recipe on the grill, getting out the boat for a ride on the lake, dining on the patio of a new restaurant, riding your bike on the West Bloomfield Trail or enjoying a book at the beach, our wish is you find the time to make your summer dreams come true. If you need ideas, we have some for you in this issue.

Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month's issue will enrich and enliven your experience of West Bloomfield this summer!

JOE GEAGEA, PUBLISHER

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Joe Geagea | joe.geagea@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Marshall Zweig | marshall.zweig@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Todd Haight, Shelley Groh

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Simran Bajwa

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

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-2: Kentucky Derby Day at Connect Senior Center 3-4: Kids Komotion Concerts at Marshbank Park with Children’s Theatre of Michigan 5-7: Touch-A-Truck family event at Drake Sports Park Photography by West Bloomfield Parks

Robert W. Goodman DDS, MS

Sindy Goodman DDS, MS, MBA

Brandon Shoukri DDS, MS

Vagus Nerve: Body Wellness Connection

MICHAEL HUSMILLO CREATES TRANSFORMATIONAL

HEALING THROUGH THE VAGUS NERVE

ARTICLE BY SHELLEY GROH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA

You’ve heard that the gut is your second brain – but have you ever considered how your head and body connect, or better still, how your gut impacts your quality of life?

So many conditions – POTS, dysautonomia, vertigo, fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic fatigue, long-hauler’s syndrome, even ADD/ADHD – are linked to your vagus nerve.

It’s wild to think about. We go through life with thoughts racing through our brain and butterflies in our belly, without ever contemplating what’s going on. And yet this life on autopilot might be derailing our ambitions – and in need of a reboot.

That’s where Michael Husmillo comes in. He’s a Troy functional medicine doctor and the clinical director of Optimum Chiropractic Neurology Center (ocncenter.com) – trained in the chiropractic field with a specialty in functional neurology.

I have to admit, I’ve never been to a chiropractor; I’m afraid to crack my knuckles, let alone have my back tuned. But when Dr. Husmillo and I got talking about the vagus nerve, I felt my skin tingling. He might be the best-kept secret to great health, and I’m here for it.

The vagus nerve is the key to linking your brain and gut. It connects everything – brain, heart, lungs, stomach, intestines. What that means is, when this nerve is functioning well, it can improve your brain health, cardiovascular system and gut health.

I don’t know about you, but this would eliminate a lot of supplements in my medicine cabinet (not to mention co-pays at the pharmacy) and I would love the boost of energy.

The obvious first question is, “The vagus what?”

Imagine a string running from the top of your head to the root of your abdomen. 'Vagus' is the Latin word for wandering, and the vagus nerve is

the longest cranial nerve in the body, running from the brain to the large intestine. It literally wanders up and down your body, regulating all your internal organ functions – such as heart rate, respiratory rate and reflexes like coughing and swallowing.

We all know what it feels like when these systems aren’t functioning right. The good news is that there are ways to stimulate the vagus nerve to help treat a variety of disorders that impact our most important organs.

“I recall a particular child who was nonverbal,” says Dr. Husmillo. “The day the mother heard her sixyear-old child say, ‘I love you’ was very rewarding.”

He’s worked with patients who have Parkinson’s to slow down their tremors and helped people with cognitive decline improve their recall.

Dr. Husmillo works with people of all ages and is passionate about preventive care to address degeneration later in life.

“The future is now,” he says. “As people live longer, they experience constant decline. There is a lot we can do today to treat disease before it progresses.”

I think at this point, we all wish more doctors were experts in this area – especially if it means treating serious ailments without invasive procedures. Dr. Husmillo works to improve the nervous system with a natural and holistic approach. Yet he is often a patient’s last call, after they’ve seen their primary physician and specialists – and they feel like they’ve run out of options.

People find their calling in a variety of ways. For Dr. Husmillo, it was a mentor early in his education. As an undergrad, he worked with Dr. Marian Diamond, a pioneer in neuroplasticity. Dr. Diamond showed him research she’d conducted with mice that proved if you gave the right stimulation, the brain could change. And then she

“I recall a particular child who was nonverbal…the day the mother heard her six-year-old child say, ‘I love you’ was very rewarding.”

challenged him to find a field to apply her research – and continue it – to see how it could work with people.

Twenty years later, our community is benefiting richly. Dr. Husmillo took what he learned to another level and has found a way to treat vertigo, ADHD, concussions, young children with developmental disabilities and even stroke patients in recovery.

“I look at why the brain isn’t functioning well,” he says. “People have different conditions; my job is to find out where the challenge is and then work with them to fix it.”

Dr. Husmillo starts with an in-depth examination to fully understand a patient’s current situation. That includes tests for food allergies and organic acids, a comprehensive hormone analysis, a 24-hour neurotransmitter test, an adrenal stress index, and a comprehensive stool analysis.

But Dr. Husmillo's exam goes much further. For example, just from the way your eyes move, Dr. Husmillo can tell what part of your brain is fatigued. “I look for subtleties,” he says.

Treatment might include eye exercises to improve spinal and brain health, balance exercises and nutritional recommendations.

“People rely too much on doctors and don’t question anything. You can get stronger. You can stimulate your mind, change what you put in your body and improve your quality of life.”

One fascinating application for Dr. Husmillo’s specialty is with long COVID-19. Because of the way COVID attacks the vagus nerve, it can lead to swelling, mental health issues and heart complications. Dr. Husmillo has seen patients have a chance at a better life through treatment and exercises targeting the nerve.

“We don’t give you meds,” he says. “We get your nerve happy.” His office's Vagus Nerve Recovery Program, a comprehensive lifestyle, nutrition and brain connection program, is designed to optimize vagus nerve functioning.

The best news is, there are things we all can do to keep our vagus nerve healthy. Get outside in nature – it helps slow the mind down. Turn off electronics and be present.

One of the most surprising methods to stimulate the vagus nerve is a cold plunge. When your body's exposed to cold water, it triggers the 'mammalian diving response,' an inborn physiological response that activates your vagus nerve, slows down your heart rate, and calms you down. While engaging in cold exposure may not be the most comfortable, research shows it's an effective way to improve heart rate variability and vagal tone.

Making vibrating sounds has been shown to be effective as well. The vagus nerve is connected to your vocal cords, and to all those muscles at the back of your throat, and it passes through your inner ear. So if you like to hum or sing—or even gargle—you can feel extra good about doing it, because you're exercising your vagus nerve.

“I call it a vagus nerve lifestyle. It helps with your heart rate, blood pressure and mental state,” says Dr. Husmillo. “My mentor always said that movement is life; that was her phrase. It’s so connected to how we live. If you move more, you’re healthier. And with movement, we can slow down the effects of aging and have more power in our health.

“I want people to know we’re here,” he says. “There are so many ways to understand health, your brain and your nervous system. You can improve your overall well-being.”

To talk with Dr. Husmillo, call (248) 885-8463.

LEARN MORE: Michael Husmillo, D.C, D.A.C.N.B, F.A.C.F.N., is a graduate of UC Berkeley, the Carrick Institute, and Life Chiropractic College West. He is a fellow of the American College of Functional Neurology.

CAN YOU REALLY RETIRE?

Here’s how to pay for the longest vacation of your life: Retirement

ARTICLE BY TODD HAIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA

Chuck Vercellone will never forget the day his father came home from work without a job.

“He was a pencil and paper draftsman his whole life. Then, one day, his company was bought out and he lost his job. There he was, in his early 60s, with no retirement plan or CAD

Chuck and granddaughter Sofia at the Troy Escape family entertainment center

“I want you to have confidence, to retire on your own terms, so you don’t have to go through what my father did.”

experience, nothing but a small IRA. He ended up working part-time as a janitor, cleaning restrooms and emptying trash cans. In those first couple of years, I watched him age a decade.”

It was a defining moment for Chuck, who vowed two things – to plan his own successful retirement and to help others do the same.

“It motivated me to really think about what I do for clients,” says Chuck, owner of Wealth Strategies Group in Troy. “Financial advisors don’t just move dollars back and forth. You're placing your financial future in our hands. We had better be serious about it.”

Successful retirement takes a plan, and that’s where he begins. Not an off-the-shelf, cookie-cutter one, either.

“Your plan should be personal to you. It should identify your goals, so you can understand what resources you’ll need to achieve them. If you skip the plan, how will you know if you’re making progress?"

Some experts quote “Rules of Thumb” when determining how much you’ll need for retirement. Chuck says that’s not always accurate. After all, everyone’s thumbs are different, and it’s the wrong question, anyway.

“How much you need depends on what you want to accomplish in retirement. That’s the real question. Do you want to travel? Buy a boat? Support favorite charities? Maybe you’ll need no more than your current income, but maybe you will. It depends on your goals. Let’s work that out, so you’re not surprised in the end.”

Every life change – marriages, career changes, even grandchildren – will impact that plan. That’s why he recommends annual reviews.

“I check in regularly with my clients to see what’s happened in their life that might affect their retirement goals, such as a change in employment, new grandchild or marriage or divorce in the family,” he says.

“Or perhaps you’ve just changed your objectives, which could alter how much you’ll need in retirement.”

And his best clients? "People who think they can’t retire. Those who don’t hear from their financial advisor regularly or have a current plan aligned with their goals. I get to show them they can retire.”

THE BEST TIME FOR A PLAN

Chuck also focuses on helping clients during key milestones in life:

1. Adult children starting out. Even if you invest, your college-age children have different goals and needs. Chuck can help them begin their careers with smart saving and investing habits.

2. Mid-career individuals and couples. If you’re in your late 30s or early 40s – about halfway to retirement – this is the time for a plan review that can identify new opportunities. A plan correction can project if you’ll be successful in retirement – before it’s too late.

3. Almost to the end of your career? Your life goals have changed, so your retirement expectations should adjust as well. Make the most of your final earning years with a fresh look at your plan before you reach the final stretch.

Chuck has all the credentials, of course. He is an Investment Advisor Representative of Sigma Planning Corporation, a Registered Investment Advisor and a Registered Representative of Sigma Financial Corporation, Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealth Strategies Group, LLC is not affiliated with Sigma Planning Corp. or Sigma.

That said, Chuck believes financial advising is about relationships as much as dollars and cents.

Debbie, Mia, Sofia and Chuck

“My best clients are people who think they can’t retire. Those who don’t hear from their financial advisor regularly or have a current plan aligned with their goals. I get to show them they can retire.”

“I build relationships with clients based on shared values. I take the time to explain everything, so they feel comfortable, confident and in control of their money,” he says. “I treat clients like family and friends.”

Today, he takes his own advice. Although not retired – or even near it – his plan allows him to spend time with his family, especially his wife Debbie, daughters Lauren and Allison, and granddaughters Sofia and Mia.

“We love the grandchildren,” he smiles. “They live not far from us, so we see them often. I’m experiencing what I want my clients to experience – the ability to enjoy life when you’ve carefully prepared.”

He also volunteers across the community, at Kensington Church and the Troy Chamber of Commerce, where he served on the Board of Directors and is currently a chamber ambassador.

He beams as he shares his oft-repeated line: “I help my clients add the initials RET after their last name. That stands for RETIRED.”

It's not just a saying. It’s a point of pride for the man determined to help others reach retirement with dignity.

“I want you to have confidence, to retire on your own terms," he says, "so you don’t have to go through what my father did.”

For a conversation with Chuck, call (248) 680-4622.

Chuck and Sofia make a colorful choice as they prepare to bowl, play in the arcades and eat during a night with the family at the Troy Escape family entertainment center

LINDA ROOSE TACKLES BARIATRIC SURGERY TO RESTORE HER HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Robotic procedure puts life back on track

ARTICLE BY TODD HAIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA

Linda Roose

There’s nothing better than a patient telling me we saved their life. We see them renewed and so grateful. I love it. I could keep doing this forever.

Linda Roose was enjoying a healthy lifestyle when the world came to a stop from COVID. Her work, exercise and nutrition habits changed overnight – bringing not just additional weight but a lifestyle that wasn’t optimal for the Troy resident.

“I run a business, I’ve raised three children and I’ve always been active,” she says. “Suddenly I couldn’t do the things I wanted to do.”

That’s when she met Beaumont physician David Chengelis, M.D., of Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery (dlcsurgery.com).

“I was doing well with the Beaumont Weight Management Group before COVID, so I reached out last year to see about other options. They asked if I had considered surgery.”

She discovered newer minimally invasive procedures could change her lifestyle – and her health.

“My blood pressure and A1C were trending up. That was my initial motivation for having surgery. But I used to be active with my six grandchildren. They like to play board games on the floor, and I couldn’t kneel down anymore. It was hard going to their soccer games. I was losing out on being part of their lives.”

Though initially nervous about the procedure, she found comfort in Dr. Chengelis’ approach. “He was so personable and patient with me. He has a confidence about him, and that gave me confidence this was the right decision. Plus, I liked that he operated robotically, so healing time and risk were more favorable.”

With over 30 years’ experience, Dr. Chengelis is a leading laparoscopic and robotic surgeon. He offers bariatric surgeries such as gastric sleeve and RNY gastric bypass and revision procedures to aid in weight loss. He also performs advanced, minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures for gallbladder

issues, hernias and gastrointestinal reflux. He recently served as president of the Michigan Bariatric Society.

And he’s performed several thousand weight loss surgeries – experience Linda could trust.

“It’s pretty exciting to see people change their life,” says Dr. Chengelis. “There’s nothing better than a patient telling me we saved their life. We see them renewed and so grateful. I love it. I could keep doing this forever.“

Only one percent of people who could benefit from this surgery are having it. Dr. Chengelis knows many more can experience a renewed lifestyle by taking that first step.

“Ask questions. Learn more. Look at the joy in those who have made this decision. You’ll discover you can do it, too.”

After surgery, life for Linda improved dramatically. “I was up and moving right away. I don’t know if it was because the surgery was done with a robot or I heal fast or Dr. Chengelis is that good – probably all three –but I was back to work quickly. People don’t even know I had surgery.”

Her greatest change? “Before, I couldn’t focus on preparing a healthy meal because my mind was always telling me how hungry I was. Now, my mind is quiet. I feel amazing. I have energy and my A1C, blood sugar and blood pressure are normal again.”

Linda spends more active time with her grandchildren now – including board games on the floor. And she’s conquered another goal: Riding her bicycle.

“I used to ride for miles every day. I wanted to ride again,” she says. “My goal was never about weight. It was about getting my health back. The bonus is, I like how people smile at me again.”

For the next informational session, call (248) 291-6516

KOOB S T O TAKEYOU AWAY

I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO!

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Blue Latitudes

BY TONY HORWITZ

Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before. The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.

The Island of Missing Trees

BY ELIF SHAFAIT

It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.

The Corfu Trilogy

BY GERALD DURRELL

Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise - My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The

Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy

Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.

Cutting for Stone

BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE

Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, Indian-American medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.

The Museum of Innocence

BY ORHAN PAMUK

The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.

AUSTIN TX

ARTICLE BY MINDY HARGESHEIMER

The capital city of Texas is best known for having a personality of its own, one bursting with foodie and fashion finds, outdoor activities and “Austintatious” art creations, a booming sphere of pro sports experiences (we see you Formula 1 and Austin FC), and seven days a week of live music to boot. Did we mention it’s sunny nearly 300 days a year? It’s time to GET AWAY!

The capital city of Texas is best known for having a personality of its own, one bursting with foodie and fashion finds, outdoor activities and “Austintatious” art creations, a booming sphere of pro sports experiences (we see you Formula 1 and Austin FC), and seven days a week of live music to boot. Did we mention it’s sunny nearly 300 days a year? It’s time to get away!

It’s no secret that people are flocking to Austin. What’s not to love about the warm weather, vast culinary scene and the ability to recreationally paddle board through the city limits? Add to that the attractive walkability it offers, letting you fuel your explorative side amid the hustle and bustle of the downtown scene without ever needing a ride.

Sunny most days of the year, Austin is recognized for a myriad of outdoor experiences which you can experience both in downtown Austin with scenic views of the skyline, as well as the surrounding area, including local treasure, Lady Bird Lake. Kayak, hike, bike and swim your way around the great Austin outdoors and enjoy one of the city’s most fantastic offerings that inspires people to get outside and play together.

When it comes to luxury accommodations, one of the most stunning hotels in Austin is the Commodore Perry Estate. This striking and historic property, once a 10,800-square-foot private mansion known to host Jazz era social extravaganzas, has been transformed into a modern and European-influenced spectacular resort now open to the public. Enjoy the architectural details, white-glove service, in-room Austin purveyor displays, and sophisticated, Southern-style meals.

Speaking of meals, Austin is renowned for pleasing palates, with an exceptional restaurant scene, including barbecue and tacos as its true soul foods. Pair your tacos with queso and the must-have margaritas for an authentic Tex-Mex meal, or indulge in Austin’s quintessential barbecue. It all started with Franklin Barbecue, helmed by Aaron Franklin who was the first pitmaster to win a James Beard award for Best Chef, which was inducted into the

American Royal Hall of Fame and was credited for ushering in a new era of food into the city. Austin’s slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone brisket is a mouth-watering experience not to miss.

Beyond barbecue and Tex-Mex is an entire mix of palate pleasers, from upscale Mediterranean and Asian to James Beard award-winning eateries. Geraldine’s inside Hotel Van Zandt is one of Austin’s iconic Rainey Street destinations. Equal parts restaurant, bar, rooftop and live music venue, Geraldine’s overlooks beautiful Lady Bird Lake and offers 4th floor cabanas, a nightly concert lineup and a chef’s contemporary menu.

Perhaps a hidden gem is Austin’s mark on the forefront of the booming food truck scene, a foundation for famed, award-winning chefs getting started before getting the funding to open their own brick and mortars. Whether you indulge in one in a gas station parking lot or parked next to a music venue, you’ll find them all over town, serving up a variety of dishes to be devoured.

But first you should start your day with a cup of joe from Jo’s Coffee. Known for its iconic “i love you so much” mural-clad exterior on South Congress Avenue, patrons come for the hot coffee, good food, cold beer and people-watching. The creative menu includes everything from its house blend to its Cowboy Cookie Cold Brew you can pair with a hash brown or local-favorite “migas” taco.

As for Austin’s retail and local maker scene, the possibilities are endless and elevated. 2ND Street District boasts a mix of boutiques and shops to get your fashion fix and new home decor. For the gentlemen, embrace the full district experience, shopping League of Rebels , a bespoke experience with tailor made lifestyle wear, or Bonobos , the pioneers of custom fit chinos. Then enjoy a fresh shave from Austin’s premier Finley’s Barber Shop

For the women, shop local and find the perfect gift for yourself or someone you love from Luxe Apothetique, then drape yourself in artisan jewelry from Eliza Page before falling for the modern designs from Blu Dot.

Follow some retail therapy, head over to Upstairs Circus , a unique concept where DIY meets the bar; pick your project, enjoy a libation, create a masterpiece and be merry.

Or shop The Domain district in North Austin, a newer shopping center offering upscale hotels and fantastic restaurants. Shop luxury brands such as Saint Laurent Paris and Gucci and reward yourself with sweet and savory bites from a multitude of eateries.

Nearby is the home of the new Austin FC Major League Soccer team, so you can take in a professional soccer match as part of your metropolitan experience, cheering on the club team partially owned by Matthew McConaughy. Even if you’re not a soccer fan, the energy is incredible, and the stadium is a stunner.

Other Austin districts worth checking out include well-known South Congress Avenue . You can stroll boutiques and additional eateries and check out the uniquely converted bungalows that now offer day and nightlife entertainment destinations.

While East Austin is a larger neighborhood, the depth of culture here is noteworthy. Six Square is Austin’s premier Black Cultural District near the beautiful grounds of the Texas State Cemetery.

And, as one would expect, you’ll find a plethora of great restaurants such as local favorites la Barbecue and Bird Bird Biscuit that was just listed as one of Yelp’s Top 5 restaurants to eat at in America.

Now let’s talk about live music. Whatever your scene is, you’ll find it here and, well, everywhere. From your airport arrival, to the open air around you, and then hopping from neighborhood to neighborhood, Austin is filled with live music. You’ll find musicians performing at world-famous festivals, intimate clubs, coffee houses, and even the corner taqueria. With hundreds of live music venues, you have plenty of options available to soak up the sounds.

ACL Live at The Moody Theater is home to the beloved Austin City Limits television show and hosts about 100 concerts year round. Tour the venue, select your show and find everything from country to rock, hip-hop, rap, jazz and blues.

With its true passion for its unparalleled live music scene, its championing of local creators and small business owners, and its celebration of its enriching arts and culture offerings, Austin avows a personality all its own and should be next on your playlist. We love it so much!

Photography

Aubrie Pick

Photography Visit Austin

AUTHENTIC MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

Whether you desire a special dining experience or have an occasion to share with your family or friends, Orchard Lake Mezza is the right place to enjoy real, exceptional cuisine.

You will love our Mediterranean dishes from Kabob, Shawarma, Hommous, Tabbouli, Fattoush to many other delicious fo ods.

4189 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD

WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI 48323

248.865.0000

ORCHARDLAKEMEZZA.COM

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

“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.

Aruba, Banana Foster

Aruba, Harold Making Banana Foster

Allegretto, Miso-Crusted Salmon

Aruba, Vegan Steak and Shrimp

“Several restaurants and lounges are available throughout the day for your eating and drinking pleasures.”

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 completes the experience by serving a special dessert of banana foster which he makes table-side for a spectacular end-ofthe-night show.

Venice, Italy

Venetian cuisine is characterized by its fresh seafood; however, Venetian people take pride in making food with fresh meats, fish, fruit, and locally sourced vegetables.

San Clemente Palace Kempinski

San Clemente Palace Kempinski, located on a private island, is the perfect getaway experience just off the coast of Venice and minutes from Piazza San Marco. Several restaurants and lounges are available throughout the day for your eating and drinking pleasures. The most important meal of the day is served at the Insieme Restaurant, open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. An open breakfast buffet surrounded by the church courtyard on the island, the buffet offers a wide variety of fresh vegetables, bread, cheeses, meats, and fruit; this fresh start to your day will leave you energized as you explore Venezia.

Venice, Fresh Bread

Venice, Buffet Entrance

JULY 1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 22ND, 29TH

Sensory Friendly Mondays at Lily Pad Spring Splash Pad

6200 Farmington Road, West Bloomfield | 11:00 AM

For park visitors who may find a regular day at the splash pad a little overwhelming, this special session is perfect for you. Sensory Friendly Mondays run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering limited-capacity visits where the Big Splash Bucket and other overhead spray features are limited. Hosted by West Bloomfield Parks. You can pre-register for tickets at wbparks.org.

JULY 2ND, 9TH, 16TH, 23RD

Food Truck Tuesdays

Recreation Activities Center, 4640 Walnut Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township | 11:30 AM

Bring your appetite for Food Truck Tuesdays, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the tent between the Library & Recreation Activities Center. The schedule includes Buoy's Coffee (July 2); Cousins Maine Lobster (July 9); Vedged Out (July 16); and DW's Street Eatery (July 23). For details, call (248) 451-1900.

JULY 9TH & 17TH

Carrabba’s 4-Course Wine Dinner

Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver, Troy | 6:30 PM

Prepare your palate for four courses, expertly paired to enhance each sip of wine. Savor authentic Italian flavors, paired with incredible wines. It’s truly the best of both worlds. It’s also the perfect time to relax with family, friends or co-workers while enjoying gifts compliments of the house. Visit Carrabbas.com or call (248) 269-0095 for details and reservations.

JULY 10TH, 17TH, 24TH, 31ST

Marshbank Music Series

Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Rd., West Bloomfield Township | 6:00 PM

The concert hill at Marshbank Park features live and free entertainment this summer. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. with food truck service from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. The 2024 lineup: Dan Rafferty Band-Rock/Pop Hits (July 10); ThunderBeards-ZZ Top Tribute (July 17); Detroit Retro Society-Soul, Funk, R&B and more (July 24); Mobile Dueling Piano-Interactive musical comedy (July 31). Carpooling suggested.

JULY 12TH

Veterans Meetup

Summer Picnic

Connect Senior Center, 33230 W. 14 Mile Road, West Bloomfield | 12:00 PM

Welcome, West Bloomfield and area veterans for this seasonal Veterans Meetup Summer Picnic, where you can enjoy one another’s company and swap stories. Lunch includes fried chicken, biscuit, coleslaw and dessert. Free for veterans with a fee for guests: R $11/NR $13 each. West Bloomfield Parks’ Community Transit bus pickup and return is available; call (248) 706-2411 to schedule your ride.

JULY 22ND-JULY 23RD

Baker College 2024 Summer Camps

Baker College, 420 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak | 9:00 AM

If your child is going into grades 9-12, keep them learning – and engaged – with Baker College's summer camps, featuring tracks in nursing, technology, business, math, science and writing. Students will love the hands-on activities and small-group activities as they advance their learning. The cost is $100/student. For registration and more details, email camps@baker.edu.

(248) 829-6637 • homecleanheroes.com/oaklandcounty

vacation VIBES

THIS EXOTIC COCKTAIL WILL TRANSPORT YOU TO PARADISE

Vacation time is just around the corner. We are dreaming of sitting on a secluded beach, sipping exotic cocktails with umbrellas in them. But why wait till vacation to enjoy a fun cocktail? This easy and refreshing classic will instantly transport you to paradise.

Piña Colada

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 oz cream of coconut

• 2 oz light rum

• 3 oz pineapple juice

• Juice of ½ lime

• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple

• 1/2 cup ice

• Pineapple wedge for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

Blend frozen pineapple and ice for a couple of seconds. Add in the liquid ingredients and blend until smooth. (To make thicker, add ice. Add pineapple juice if too thick.) Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Our dedicated team doesn't just provide assistance to our residents; we offer compassionate, unique, and personalized care that helps our residents live better.