Lexington Michigan is one of our favorite small town summer destinations. We made our first drive up for the season on Sunday, and Oh, what a day! The only way to get there is the scenic route of course, probably the best place to begin is New Baltimore. Located in the northeast corner of Macomb County the city rests on the coastline of Lake St Clair, specifically Anchor Bay. There is a small beach , a playground, and a dock for fishing or just staring off into the lake. They have a Sunday Farmers Market beginning July 17, fresh picked local vegetables and herbs, and lots of homemade goodies to choose from. 
From here get on M- 29, it will take you east, enjoy glimpses of the bay between cottages and restaurants, maybe stop in at a roadside vegetable stand, the road continues south through St John’s Marsh. Driving through the marsh is intriguing, there is water of some sort on each side of the road, look for wildlife in the marsh, swans and heron are a common sight. Finally you will head back north up the St Clair River. From here the scenery goes up a notch, the river is less obscured. Algonac is another little town on the water, it has a pretty riverside park where you can stop and stretch your legs. Marine City is the next teeny tiny little town, it has it’s own charm, and seems to be on the upswing. The historic downtown lies just east of M-29, paralleling the river. We stopped in at an old fashioned candy store called “The Sweet Tooth“, right on Water Street. It’s really cute inside, they have all the candies from my childhood; like giant Pixie Sticks, Zotz, Blow Pops, and those crazy Necco Candy Buttons; the little pastel candy dots that you end up eating as much paper as you do candy, yeah, those! It’s a place that brings a smile to your face everywhere you look. If it’s a nice day get a hand dipped Hudsonville Ice Cream cone and take it outside to Riverpark to enjoy. The view is as pretty as the ice cream is good. 
Bask in the scenery as you make your way, the river is a gorgeous bluish green, it was such a spectacular day for our drive the sunlight danced upon the water. Elegant Victorians, richly decorated Tudor homes and cottages are intermixed on the west side of the road, each looking like they belong, newly built mansions sit back in the distance. St Clair is next, this is a higher end town than the others, the residences here reflect money. Palmer Park is perfect for sitting and watching the freighters go by or taking a stroll along the boardwalk. The St Clair Inn has been around since 1926 and is on the National register of Historic Landmarks. All done up in it’s English Tudor style, it takes you back to a grander place in time. Stop in for a meal or stay for the weekend. 
Port Huron is the big city with the spectacular view, there’s just too much to list here, so look for a future post about it. I will say this, drive through the historic downtown, it is quite lovely, at its end veer right. Head back to the river and drive along taking in the sights of the Blue Water Bridge, sailboats, Canada, and of course Lake Huron. As you pass the Thomas Edison Inn follow Gratiot to continue the scenic path and avoid the malls and traffic of the everyday life. 
I believe it is 22 miles north on M-25 to Lexington, it is truly a one stoplight town, so don’t miss it! As you make your right turn at that light, you will suddenly feel like you are on vacation. In the distance is Lake Huron, all blue and picturesque, on the right are quaint shops, and restaurants. Lexington T-shirts and hoodies hang in doorways, tourists carrying double dip cones and sporting hats and sunscreen peruse the sidewalks. For all the years we have been coming here Sweetwater’s is where we eat, and what we eat is pizza, either a Sweetwater or a New York, and a Greek Market Salad, you can’t go wrong with an order like that. Sit outside and feel yourself relax, do some people watching as sun worshipers head to the beach. After you have eaten head to the lake yourself, there’s a extensive pier that takes you out in the lake, bordered by huge rocks floated down from Rogers City. It’s an excellent getaway that lets you enjoy one of our states most significant assets, our Great Lakes, and Lake Huron certainly is great. 
Roadtrip….M-29 to Lexington MI
26 MayEastern Market Flower Day , Sala Thai & CCS
19 May
Eastern Market Flower Day, the words can’t describe the spectacle that awaits. One who’d never been could not expect the the enormity, energy & beauty of this event. Mother nature provides the acres of eye candy, the shoppers,vendors & musicians provide the festival like vibe, a perfect combo for a great time .
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After waking to the sound of rain hitting our bedroom window, we naively assumed we’d find easy parking and light crowds……wrong! It takes more than bad weather to deter flower day attendance. We parked a couple of blocks away, as soon as we hit the shelter of the outdoor sheds the umbrella went down and the shopping began. The mass of men, women, and children walked down the center aisles, the right and left sides a rainbow sea of color, Lilacs and Stargazer lilies perfumed the damp air. Annuals in flats and pots, trees, shrubs and vegetable plants as far as you could see. Vendors bundled up against the elements, drinking something warm and calling out prices. The sound of plastic sliding across the concrete as flats of Impatients and Petunias were loaded up. Smiles on the faces we passed, mini conferences between partners deciding between this or that, wagons piled three or four shelves high, not even pouring rain and 40 degress could dampen the spirit on Russell Street.
We walked the market twice, which was no easy task, and then it was time to warm up and get some food. We had parked on the side of Sala Thai, which is also located on Russell Street, the restaurant occupies an old fire station, and is enchanting inside. This is the very first place we ever had sushi or Thai food, we lucked out because both are delicious here. We have returned many times since and continually enjoy it. They make the best Fresh Rolls I have ever eaten, so we had to order them, Kris is nuts about the sauce they come with. We had the California Roll, a standard, and the N4, sorry, that’s what we know it by. Tender egg noodles, we order ours with tofu, in a spicy brown sauce covered with bean sprouts and crushed peanuts, delectable. I was satisfied with a pot of jasmine green tea, Kris went for the plum wine, each warming us up just right.
The College For Creative Studies was holding their annual student exhibition and sale at the Argonaut Building, so we thought we’d have a look. Floors 8-11 display the work of graduating seniors in each of the College’s ten studio departments. This is not your average art fair, CCS is one of the top design schools in the country, whether it’s ceramics, fashion, or painting, everything here has an urban feel to it.The work is exceptional, cutting edge, the prices, moderate. We found many things we would have liked to purchase, but they already had little red “sold” stickers on them. It’s worth a visit just to have a look at the caliber of work that comes out of CCS, and the view from the building isn’t half bad either! The sale continues through May 27.
Check it out !
Shopping Pure Detroit, Midtown, West Willis
16 May
The day began with a trip to the Guardian Building, originally known as The Union Trust Company, it opened in 1929. Designed by Wirt Rowland and costing $12 million dollars this structure is a true work of art. With it’s combination of exotic marble, Pewabic and Rookwood tile, Monel metal and stone it is a true Art Deco Masterpiece. We stopped in at Pure Detroit to have a look around, we have been regular patrons since the opening of their very first store back in 1998. Owners Shawn and Kevin are dedicated to Detroit, and that is clearly reflected in their stores. The products they sell all represent the city, everything from T-shirts and hats to local food products, books and gifts. We then proceeded to have a coffee in the cafe, this is truly one of our favorite buildings, I never tire of staring at the intricate Aztec design, but more on that another time.
Our minds were set on lunch at Mid-town Shangri- La, a fabulous Chinese restaurant on Cass near Wayne State’s Old Main. We’ve had the Chinese, it is very good, but we come for the Dim Sum, you MUST try it sometime. I had never tried it before I had it here, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Basically it is small portions of food served in steamer baskets or on small plates, think appetizers, lots to choose from here. Depending on when you arrive, they may have the Dim Sum cart from which you can select the dishes you’d like, or they can be made to order. I would highly recommend the Shrimp Kau, fresh shrimp steamed in a soft noodle like wrapper, so simple, and so delicious. We also had the Curry Chicken Pastry, so good, I’ve never had such flaky pastry before, the Deep Fried Squid with Spicy Salt, I actually crave this dish, the most tender squid you will ever eat, and of course the Shiu Mai. A friend got this one day when we had lunch together, and it’s been a staple for us ever since. I can’t forget the Bubble Tea, it may look strange if you’ve not had it before, there are large dark colored Tapioca balls sitting in the bottom just waiting to be sucked up the oversized straw. Be sure to chew them! The Mango is my favorite.
There’s a great little up and coming district over on W Willis, also in Midtown, where Avalon International Breads resides. This is one of those places that once you discover it, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. Walk in the door and enjoy the scent of fresh baked goods, the industrial looking space is warmed up with walls painted the golden color of crusty bread. Large menu signs are suspended from the ceiling, and shelves of large chrome racks are filledwith items fresh from the oven; focaccia, loaves of Motown Multigrain, Poletown Rye, Greektown Olive and baguettes. The mouthwatering counter display of cookies, scones, Amazing Amazon Brownies, and Seriously Sticky Buns are all tempting, and make it nearly impossible to decide. Coffee, espresso drinks, hot chocolate, and smoothies are also available. Avalon has grown through the years, they also offer breakfast, homemade soup, grab and go sandwiches and salads. There are a few tables and limited counter space inside, when weather permits the patio offers multiple tables for outdoor dining. Everything is made with organic flour and tastes divine.
Joining Avalon on W Willis is Goodwells Natural Food Market, with fresh organic produce, pre-made salads and sandwiches, beverages, and supplements, it is a nice addition to the neighborhood. Next door is Flo Boutique offering womens clothing and accessories. On the corner is Spiral Collective, they sell works by local artists, and have a lovely selection of gifts, and books, Del Pryor gallery has a space inside too. I love to browse in this store, the selection of items is always changing, and is always top quality merchandise. Rounding out the district is the Willys Overland Loft project. The historic building has been converted to beautiful lofts, exposed brick and excellent views of the city come standard. We were lucky enough to get a personal tour of several different floor plans, 15 of the units have been sold so far. Right around the corner on Cass is the Curl Up & Dye Salon offering all types of hair and nail services, this part of Midtown continues to thrive, that’s good to see.
Pewabic Pottery, Russell Street Deli, Fou d’amour
9 May
On Friday morning the sun was shining brightly in the powder blue sky, clearly indicating a scenic drive along Jefferson was in order. It eventually leads you to Lakeshore Drive where Lake St Clair shimmers on one side and incredible mansions stand watch on the other. We took a slight detour over to Kercheval for a mid morning snack at Fou d’amour (which translates to Madly in Love) in Grosse Ponite Park. Scones are the specialty here, and they are scrumptious! There are several varieties available every day along with seasonal selections. Our favorite is the white chocolate coconut, a tender scone, moist with just the right amount of white chocolate pieces and coconut woven throughout, topped with a light glaze and more coconut. The quaint interior is decorated in vintage Victorian style, it seats only ten, with additional seating outdoors when the weather permits. They also serve light lunch and a carry out dinner selection one night a week. These are truly the best scones we have ever eaten, just ask Clint Eastwood, he’s had them sent to him in California!
Back to Jefferson and a stop at Pewabic Pottery. Founded in 1903 by Mary Chase Perry, today it is Michigan’s only historic pottery. The current Tudor Revival building has been operating since 1907. You have probably seen Pewabic pottery and didn’t even know it! The decorative tiles in Comerica Park, exterior tiles on the Guardian building, People Mover stations, the DIA, even the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is decorated with their tiles. Pewabic is known throughout the United States for their unique iridescent glaze developed by Ms Perry, and can be found in the finest homes in Detroit. Stop in and browse, the main floor has a showroom with items for sale, works from local artists and other pottery’s as well. You can also tour the studio itself, here ceramists are hard at work creating decorative items to grace any space indoors or out. Be sure and go up to the second floor, here you will find the history of the pottery, and the current exhibit pieces.
Eastern Market is home to all things food, besides the many stores, there is a great variety of restaurants. Today we decided to have lunch at Russell Street Deli, there is usually a line out the door on a Saturday, being Friday we were hoping for a couple of empty seats. We were in luck and landed two prime counter seats in the front window overlooking all of the activity on Russell. Tables are large here, it is not unusual to have several different groups of people sharing one table. Don’t be shy, sit down and see how easily the conversation flows. They serve an awesome breakfast here, besides egg dishes they make a raisin bread french toast with toasted pecans and fresh fruit, served up with Michigan Grade A Maple syrup, delicious! Their lunch menu is extensive, deli sandwiches, salads, and soups, all made from scratch. We had the sandwich special of the day, pulled pork with cole slaw and a vinegar type sauce all served on a kaiser roll, along with a house salad. Besides the french toast, I don’t think we’ve ever had the same thing twice.
More Hamtramck: Polish Village, Polish Market, Bakeries
27 Apr
Having grown up with a great many Polish relatives, a good Polish meal satisfies both my stomach and my soul. Our favorite restaurant in Hamtramck is Polish Village Cafe on Yemans. Enter through the ground level door of this former hotel and make a left down to the basement. Pull the door open to reveal this tiny gem of a space cranking out authentic perogi, golabki (stuffed cabbage), potato pancakes, nalesniki (crepes), and many other dishes. The room exudes charm with it’s dark wood wainscoting, and Polish mementos, miniature lights line the beamed ceiling, the colors change with the season. Ever had dill pickle soup? If not, quiet that voice in your head that just said “pickle”? and try it. The line can be long , afterall, Bill Clinton and Pope John Paul II have eaten here, not at the same time of course….A seat at the bar and a nice Polish beer is a great way to wait for a table, recently a second floor was opened so the wait time is shorter. Polish Village Cafe does not make reservations, and only accepts cash. Seriously, try this place!
Joseph Campau is the main street running through Hamtramck, it is lined with restaurants, shops, bakeries, and bars, lots and lots of bars. The Polish Market is a pleasure to browse through, with halogen lighting and wide aisles, it doesn’t feel like your ordinary market. All sorts of Polish food products can be found here, along with other European foods. It’s entertaining to check out brand names you’ve never before seen and probably can’t pronounce !? Fresh produce, baked goods and meats line the perimeter of the store, while groceries are are beautifully lined up on shelves throughout the middle section.
You can’t leave town without visiting a bakery, Martha Washington and New Palace are both located on Joseph Campau. New Palace is larger and specializes in Polish and European style baking, while Martha Washington specializes in cakes for birthdays and weddings. You can find traditional items like Paczki and Chrusciki (angel wings) at both. The interiors look as though they haven’t changed since the doors opened, it is as though time has stood still, and it is a good feeling.
Detroit; Belle Isle Conservatory, Sunday Dinner Company
23 Apr
Spring is one of my favorite times of the year to visit the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle. It was built in 1904 and designed by famed architect Albert Kahn, and was modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. The conservatory occupies 13 acres of land, it features five horticultural houses, an outdoor Lily Pond, and formal perennial gardens. The tallest palms reside under the central 85 foot high dome. The showhouse display reflects the season and in the Spring features bright white Easter Lillies with their sweet scent, pastel tinted Azaleas, and brightly colored Amaryllis, just gorgeous. This is a wonderful area for wedding or family photos too. I just love the fountain area, it is so relaxing with the sound of water trickling down the rocks, a bench facing the fountain is a great place for a little respite. This is where the highest concentration of orchids are displayed, the conservatory houses many rare orchids that were transported here from Great Britain during the WWII bombing. The conservatory was named in honor of Anna Scripps Whitcomb who left her 600 plant orchid collection to the city.
We crossed back over the Belle Isle bridge and made a left on Jefferson, it was lunch time. Our destination was The Sunday Dinner Company, a southern comfort style restaurant, open nearly a year now. The handsome building was formerly a post office, now transformed into an elegant dining space. The colors are warm, bright paintings grace the walls, the large front window overlooks Jefferson
Once you are comfortable at your table you are greeted by your server delivering salad and warm, delicious cornbread. Next you are escorted to the buffet where you choose from 6 or 7 dishes; Baked macaroni & cheese, fried corn, dirty rice and shrimp to name a few. Deep fried Louisiana Catfish, and Southern style buttermilk chicken are also included, and made to order. Fresh brewed sweet tea is complimentary and goes perfectly with your meal.
The owners go the extra mile for the community employing returning citizens and at risk youth, helping to change lives, and impact Detroit in a positive way.
The Sunday Dinner Company, 6470 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit 48207 PH 313-877-9255
UPDATE: Sunday Dinner Company is now closed
Mexicantown, Southwest Detroit, Honey Bee, La Gloria & Camino Real
18 Apr 
On Friday Kris and I headed downtown for the day. We were in the mood for some really good Mexican food, so there is only one destination, Southwest Detroit. There is no other neighborhood quite like southwest, brightly colored murals grace the walls of buildings, homeowners paint the fences surrounding their yards with cheerful scenes. People are always out and about, it is very active and has a vibrant feeling about it. In this part of town big american pick-ups and SUV’s wearing giant chrome rims are a common sight. Vehicles are often multi-colored either by custom paint jobs or the mismatched fenders and doors that adorn them. This is a great neighborhood for the adventurous to explore.
Driving down Vernor there is one restaurant after another, mercados (markets) of all kinds line the sidewalks, as do panaderias (bakeries), and of course there are the Taco Trucks. We have eaten at a couple of them, just stand at the window, the menu is usually pretty basic; Tacos, quesadillas etc. with your choice of meat. Sometimes there is a fold out counter and a couple of stools where you can sit and enjoy your food, we usually just stand on the spot. This is simple mexican food that is quick, delicious and inexpensive!
Taqueria Camino Real
We had already decided where we were going to eat, Taqueria Camino Real, located on the corner of Central & Lafayette, for those of you with a GPS, here’s the address: 1100 Central, Detroit, 48209. We love this place! We have eaten here many times and the food is always good, most of the places in Mexicantown we find to be quite similiar, but here it is a little different. I’m sure each place has their own recipes for everything, and this one suits us. Here is our usual order: 1 Chorizo Taco, spicy and delicious, 1 llomo Tostada, the best llomo (spicy shredded pork) I have had anywhere, and the lunch cheese enchiladas, which are very moist and served with rice and beans. As soon as you are seated they bring the traditional chips and salsa, we always ask for a cup of any other salsa they have that day, sometimes they have 4 different ones. The verde seems to be a staple, and you never know what else they may have, they are all good. Pop is served in cans along with a nice big glass of ice. Looks good doesn’t it?
Inside Camino Real
LUNCH!
The interior is quite charming and the waitresses very nice. Prices are reasonable, we got all this for $11.00
Next up Honeybee Market, one of my very favorite stores to shop in. As you walk in the door you are greeted by mariachi music playing in the background, bright colors and wonderful scents in the air. Immediately you are face to face with samples of their own homemade chips, salsa, and one of the best guacamole’s I have ever had. Do partake, you won’t be disappointed. Be sure and check out the produce section; cactus, yucca, tomatillos, and a huge variety of peppers are available, everything looks so fresh and colorful. Need tortillas? This is the place; Crunchy, soft, corn or flour, tacos or tostadas, they’ve got them. We usually walk up and down each aisle, it’s fun to see all of the different labels and types of foods, I cannot get out of there without a tub of guacamole, chips, and something new to try. Ever had a rice pudding ice cream bar? Look in the cooler by the registers, you want Arroz con leche, mmmmm, so good.
Produce Section
Honeybee Market
Notice the Pinatas on the shelf
Counter at La Gloria
La Gloria Bakery on Bagley
Music Hall Jazz Cafe
11 Apr
Ceiling Detail
lounge area
On Thursday of last week we headed down to Cliff Bells to catch the Moth’s Story Slam. When we arrived the place was full and there was a line stretching across the front of the building, we needed an alternate plan…..Off to Music Hall; The Jazz Cafe at Music Hall presents live music in an intimate setting Tuesday through Friday evenings in the lounge area pictured. The room itself oozes elegance, there isn’t a place you can sit where your eyes will not wander the walls and ceilings. Happy Hour is from 5-7pm, there are free appetizers and drink specials. The Jazz Cafe also serves food, enjoy dinner or dessert in this lovely setting. Music varies from evening to evening, Ben’s Friends perform on the third Thursday of each month at 7pm.
I absolutely love this building, we were there the night it reopened after the restoration back in the 90’s, Mandy Patinkin performed, what a night! We have been here many times since, I have a sentimental attachment to this place.
Originally built as the Wilson Theatre in 1928 by Matilda Dodge Wilson , (think Meadowbrook Hall), Music Hall has been an active and vital part of Detroit history. Matilda, widow of automobile pioneer John Dodge wanted to create a place in Detroit for what she called legitimate (live) theater, and she spared no expense doing so. The exterior is done in Art Deco style while the interior is Spanish Renaissance. You may notice similarities to Meadowbrook hall as it was crafted by the same artisans.
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