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Christmas At Historic Trinity, Elwood Bar & Grill

Located on Gratiot near Eastern Market is Historic Trinity Lutheran Church. Each December on the Saturday before Christmas they hold a Christmas Open House and German Market; we have gone a few times now, and I look forward to it every year. The architectural style of the church is 16th Century Pier-and Clerestory Gothic, it is opulent, magnificent and impressive. Erected in 1931, it has been the cathedral church for Detroit Lutheranism since its inception. The building is constructed of granite and Indiana limestone, the tower itself is a copy of the tower of the Monastery of Erfurt Germany, and soars 104 feet into the sky.

Once inside you will find the beauty of the church awe-inspiring. The alter rises 24 feet high and is the focal point; oak is intricately carved depicting bible figures and stories, the alter stone and baptismal font made of Botticino Marble from Italy are elegant. The light fixtures are amazing, large in stature and majestic looking they came from the Martin-Gibson Company of Detroit. The stained glass windows are incredible; designed and made by Henry Lee Willet of the Willet Glass Company of Philadelphia, the colors are vibrant jewel-tones that vary in intensity with the exterior light, the contrast between the stone walls and multi-colored windows is striking. The “Ruth” window is the only one of the twelve windows that bears Henry Willet’s signature. The Nave seats 300, if you have a seat in one of the pews you will notice all figures and decoration are scaled above eye-level, it was planned this way as to not distract from the ceremony of mass, I have to admit, I would still find myself looking up and about at the splendor of my surroundings. The original organ, a Skinner from Boston sits above in a loft, the organ pipes are are mounted on the wall to the left. To our delight the organist played Christmas melodies, treating us to the sounds only a pipe organ can make. The ceiling is a masterpiece of wood beams hand painted in traditional German patterns, get a good look at them from the second level.

Being the Christmas season, the church decorations are glorious! Holiday banners jut out from the side walls of the nave, a towering Christmas tree sits near the alter decked out in multi-color L E D lights, it is quite a sight. The decorations continue throughout the church; all together there are over 50 decorated Christmas Trees, 650 Angels, 250 Creches, and a variety of other decorations and doll houses. This is all spread out over several levels, be sure and go up to the organ loft, the overview of the church is stunning. The Christmas German Market is located on the second level, and worth every stair you climb. Large round tables are set up giving you a chance to sit and indulge in the free cookies, coffee and punch provided. A table selling traditional Christmas goodies such as Stollen and Strudel is always surrounded by eager customers waiting in line to buy some to take home to family and friends. Other tables sell specialty foods and imported items, you can even sit down and learn to make German paper crafts. Music was being played by the Motor City Sax Quartet and gave the room a festive feel.

There are many hallways and rooms to wander through, we like to take our time so we don’t miss anything. Tiny details are everywhere; a pretty light fixture at the end of a hall, Pewabic Pottery tiles scattered about in the floor, the stone pulpit and brass collection plates. The acoustics of the church are wonderful, I can only imagine how terrific a choir would sound. If you ever have the chance to visit, don’t pass it up.

The Elwood Bar and Grill is a 1936 Art Deco diner that sits on the corner of Adams and Brush behind the Comerica Park scoreboard. Originally located at the corner of Elizabeth and Woodward, which is how it got its name: El(izabeth)Wood(ward), owner Chuck Forbes had it moved in 1997 to it’s present location to make room for Comerica Park. This place is great! From the exterior of cream and blue enameled steel to the interior of light wood, terazzo entry way and globe shaped light fixtures, this place screams Art Deco. We parked for free at the adjacent parking structure and went inside for some lunch. After we arrived it started to get busy, as their was a matinee at the Gem/Century theatre. We sat at a high-top table near the window and looked over the menu, we decided on the Sunrise Salad: baby spinach and spring mix, topped with cashews, almonds, mandarin oranges, blood oranges and poppy seed dressing; the portion was large and it was very tasty. We also had the Club sandwich served on herb foccacia: along with the usual “club” fillings they put a wasabi aoli on it for a nice kick. The sandwich was large, enough to split, along with a generous portion of fresh hand-cut fries, soooo goood! The place underwent a complete restoration after it was moved; from the unique enameled steel fascade to the interior, Chuck Forbes always does things right. When you enter Elwood there is a cool terazzo floor with the year 1936 inlaid, if you look up there is a recessed map showing the streets of downtown where Forbes owns properties in the city; The Gem and Century, The Palms/State/Fillmore, The Colony Club and of course The Elwood. On a nice day you can sit outdoors, even better when the Tigers are in town, you can hear the game from the patio. Be sure and check the website for hours as they change from season to season. Next time you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind place for a meal, a snack, or a drink, check out the Elwood Bar and Grill.

Tags: Art Deco in Detroit, Elwood Bar & Grill, Historic Churches Detroit, Historic Trinity, Lutheran Cathedral, visit detroit

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Categories Eat, Visit

DETROIT: The Gem Theatre

20 Dec

Keeping with the Christmas spirit, we planned an afternoon with friends to see The All Night Strut Holiday Show at the historic Gem Theatre. The Gem and Century have a fascinating history; The 20th Century Club was built in 1903 by a prominent group of civic-minded women in Detroit, it was actually the first building permit issued in a woman’s name in the city, 24 years later the Century Club completed construction of the adjoining building, the Little Theatre. In 1928 the theatre was leased to the Motion Picture Guild, which operated the Little Theatre Chain, the theatre showed the first foreign film in Detroit. In 1933, because of the Depression, the women’s group was forced to leave the building. A beer garden then leased the rooms of the Century Building, it was called The Russian Bear, complete with a Russian menu and balalaika music, it operated throughout the 40’s.Through the years The Little Theatre had seven names including the Rivoli, Drury Lane, the Europa, and the Vanguard Playhouse. During the time it was the Vanguard, the theatre housed the professional residential theatre company founded by George C Scott. The Vanguard Playhouse continued to put on experimental theatre into the 60’s. In 1967 it was renamed the Gem and operated as an adult movie house, that closed in 1978. In 1984 Chuck Forbes purchased the Gem Theatre for $5,000, he also purchased the 20th Century Club; after an 18 month, $2.5 million dollar restoration the building was returned to its original Spanish Revival-style magnificence, on New Year’s Eve 1991 the Gem Theatre officially re-opened. When plans were announced to build Comerica Park and Ford Field the Gem and Century once again faced demolition. Fortunately for all of us the building completed it’s five block move to its current location on November 10, 1997, breaking the Guinness Book World Records as the heaviest building ever moved on wheels. The Gem Theatre celebrated its grand re-opening in the fall of 1998.

We arrived at the Gem and parked in the structure behind it for free. A walk around to the front reminded me of what an elegant building this is; reddish-brown brick with lots of stone details, the Gem has a wide entrance for theatre patrons arriving for a show. Three windows with elaborate stone work and balconies add drama to the facade. Six steps take you up to the lobby with its gorgeous pewabic tile floor and wainscoting, wooden beams and golden-colored walls give this area a cozy feeling. Enter the magnificent cube shaped theatre itself; the carpet was re-created from scraps of the original found in the basement, the opulent lighting fixtures and theatre seats were salvaged from the Ambassador Theatre in St Louis. The main floor features 4-person cabaret-style tables, the mezzanine is made up of 250 red velvet seats. Exquisite ceiling and proscenium panels have been reproduced in gold, ruby and sapphire, it’s absolutely amazing!

We grabbed ourselves a drink from the adjoining bar in the Century, took our seats, and the show began. The All Night Strut has played off and on at the Gem since 1991 and it’s always a hit. Four singers take you back in time to the 1930’s and 40’s with songs like Chattanooga Choo Choo, White Cliffs of Dover, Minnie The Moocher and I’ll Be Seeing You. Dressed in vintage clothing, they look perfectly at home in this beautiful historic theatre. From the first song on you will be totally entertained, they sing, they dance, they make you forget all the things you may have been thinking about when you entered the building. After the intermission a large sleigh was placed on stage, the actors were now wearing Christmas outfits, and the songs were holiday favorites. While the quartet sang and danced three musicians were also on stage playing the music live; there was a piano, bass and drums, they were awesome as well. Time flew by quickly and before I knew it the show was over.

With Christmas songs still playing in my head we drove over to Broadway for dinner at Angelina’s Italian Bistro. The four of us walked in the door to an empty restaurant, the host asked us if we had reservations, I looked around and thought “do we really need them?” Turns out many of the tables were reserved as Detroit theater was hopping! Between The All Night Strut at the Gem, Sister’s Christmas Catechism at the Century and Wicked at the Opera house, reservations were a good idea! We sat at a table by the window and watched the rain come down, it was just before 5pm but because of the weather it looked much later. The dining room is floor to ceiling windows, in the summer they open them up making it feel as if you are eating outdoors. Overlooking Grand Circus Park, The Detroit Opera House and Comerica Park, there is always something going on. The restaurant has a contemporary look and feel to it, in addition to tables they have a full bar that seats 35 and serves up many of Detroit’s local brews. The menu is filled with appetizers, small plates, house made pastas, pizzas and full entrees. At our table we enjoyed the Bibb Lettuce Salad; candied almonds, grapefruit and red onions over a bed of tender bibb lettuce, dressed with a tasty honey mustard vinaigrette. The Smoked Chicken Pizza was delicious; basil pesto on a thin parmesan crust with smoked chicken, mozzarella and caramelized red onion, excellent. One of our friends ordered the Seafood Risotto, it looked wonderful with plump shrimp and scallops in addition to the vegetables, he said it was very good. Oh, and I can’t forget the Butternut Squash Ravioli, simply to die for.

It was such a lovely way to spend a day; good friends, a good show, and good food. If only every day could be like this! Both the Gem and the Century offer wonderful entertainment in a spectacular atmosphere. Adult beverages and small plates are available before and during show times. In addition, the Century Club serves lunch and dinner at The Century Grille Restaurant located on the lower floor. The All Night Strut Holiday Show runs from now until December 31, don’t miss it! As they say….Have A Kool Yule!

Tags: Angelina's Italian Bistro, Dinner Theatre, Historic Theatre, The Gem & Century Club, visit detroit

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Categories Visit

A Night On The Town: Baker’s Keyboard Lounge Detroit

12 Dec

Weeks ago Kris was checking schedules and found a show at Bakers Keyboard Lounge we’d both enjoy, the square representing that Friday on our calendar was blank, so I quickly filled it in. We had the perfect place in mind to have dinner beforehand. The area of Livernois from 6 to 8 Mile Rd is known as the Avenue of Fashion. This commercial boulevard was the place to shop back in the day; storefront after storefront offered the finest fashions and accessories. Though still fashion-oriented this area of Livernois is now home to multiple galleries, independent businesses, cafes and Restaurants. 1917 American Bistro is located on Livernois at Outer Drive and is a great place to dine and listen to live music. We arrived before the rush, parking is offered in an adjacent lot or on street, we were greeted as we walked in the door and seated immediately. The dining area feels light and airy, large pieces of original artwork hang on the walls, the band was setting up in the front window space. The menu has a nice variety of entree’s, as we watched plates being delivered to tables we noticed the catfish was extremely popular. Offered Cajun style or blackened, both looked delicious so we ordered a piece of each, served with smashed potatoes and vegetable, we added the Veggie Stir Fry and shared both dishes. The catfish was fantastic, the Cajun had a wonderful crunch to it, the fillet itself was delicate and moist, the Cajun spice adding just the right kick. The blackened is smothered in spice and cooked in a cast iron pan, cooked perfectly it flaked easily with a fork and had wonderful flavor. The smashed potatoes had a hint of garlic that was just right, the veggie stir fry was excellent; fresh vegetables tastefully seasoned, cooked just right retaining a bit of crunch, piled high on a bed of rice, delicious! As we ate we noticed a line of hungry patrons beginning to form, the music was set to begin shortly. We finished up leaving no room for dessert which was probably a mistake as the selections looked divine, oh well, there’s always next time.

We would spend the rest of the evening at the legendary Baker’s Keyboard Lounge on Livernois in Detroit. Originally named Bakers in 1939, it is said to be the oldest Jazz club in continuous operation in the United States, how cool is that? Opened by the Baker family as a sandwich and beer restaurant in 1934, they soon added entertainment by local pianists. In 1939 son Clarence took over the club after his father suffered a stroke, in addition to local musicians he began booking folks from outside Detroit turning this neighborhood spot into a full fledged Jazz Club with shows nightly. The club was enlarged and in the 50’s the name was changed to Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, the club’s trademark was the piano shaped bar with mock piano keys lining the edges, it’s really something to see. Baker’s became a regular stop on the American Jazz Circuit and hosted many Jazz greats; Fats Waller, Tommy Flanagan, John Coltrane, Oscar Peterson, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Woody Herman, Nat King Cole, even Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn sang here. The 7 ft Steinway piano was a gift from Art Tatum who picked it out in New York and had it shipped to Detroit. Liberace even made the trip just to see the infamous bar. I knew that Baker’s had an amazing history, but the more I researched and read on the internet the more fascinated I became. The Baker’s website has a nice piece on the history of the club and is where I garnered much of my information. In 2011 new owners took over BKL and are in the process of bringing it back to life, from what we saw Friday night, they are doing a marvelous job.

Local artist Sky Covington would provide the evening’s entertainment with a Billy Holiday Review. We arrived early, as this intimate venue seats only 99. As soon as we walked in the door I could feel a change; the interior possesses an atmosphere all it’s own, like somehow the walls have absorbed and retained all of the memories of the past decades. We have been here before but I still love to pause and take in the bar, I like to imagine it back in the day when the who’s who of Jazz probably sat here until the wee hours of the morning, having a drink and telling their stories, I picture the room dim and smoky. We continued on and were seated in a tiny three-sided booth facing the stage. It looks just like what you’d imagine if you are a fan of old movies; Tiny booths lining the length of the room, a few cocktail tables set near the stage, towards the back of the room are tables where larger groups can assemble. Old photographs and paintings hang on the walls, the black ceiling is exclusive acoustic tile providing superior sound quality. The band took the stage and began to play, I knew we were in for a treat.

After a couple of numbers by the band which consisted of a piano, drums and upright bass, Sky took the stage. She had a warm rapport with the audience, she began by telling us a little bit about herself and a little bit about Billie, and then she began to sing. What came out of her was the heart of Billie Holiday and the soul of Sky Covington. She did not imitate Billie, though her voice had similar qualities, it was more like her interpretation of Billie. Her voice is clear and soulful, soothing and melodic. The room was becoming increasingly more crowded, many seemed to know her and would stop at the stage for a quick embrace. The first set went by too quickly so we decided to stay for the second. Many visitors used this opportunity to order their dinner; I have never seen so many plates of fried catfish come out of a kitchen! Plates were piled high with golden colored fillets, sides of yams, mac and cheese, fries, and greens accompanied them on large trays. Patrons dug into their late evening meal with a look of satisfaction across their faces. The second set began to a packed house, there was standing room only in the bar. Once again Sky’s voice filled the room with music and emotion. The crowd was more lively by this time and individuals would would talk to the singer from their seats. She performed Billies best know pieces like: My Man, Lover Man, and I Cried For You, her voice draws you in from the first note, songs less familar were equally sensational. We sat there completely engaged for several hours, thoughts never straying from outside the room. The other musicians on stage with Sky were equally talented, the piano player was outstanding, the Bass player, superb, the drummer played effortlessly. Each received loud rounds of applause after individual solo pieces. The entire evening was magnificent, I look forward to our next visit. If you like Jazz, you have to come to Baker’s and experience what Detroiter’s have been lucky enough to have in their own back yard for over 75 years.

Tags: 1917 American Bistro, Avenue of Fashion, Bakers Keyboard Lounge, Jazz in Detroit, visit detroit

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Categories Visit

Ferndale Funky Finds

7 Dec

Thanksgiving had passed, to get in the holiday shopping mode we took a drive over to downtown Ferndale. Located off the Woodward corridor this hip, urban city has a little bit of everything. Earlier in the year The Rust Belt Market took over the space formerly occupied by the Old Navy Outlet, we have been curious to see what it is all about, so it was our first stop. It was pouring rain, like every other car driving around we were hoping for a close parking place, we found one not too far from the entrance. We noticed many other people heading to the Belt and wondered if there was something special going on inside.

Pass through the entrance and you immediately know that yes, there is something special going on. A young couple took this large, mundane retail space and have worked a little magic. Completely unrecognizable as it’s former chain retail self, the interior has been transformed into a year round home for artists and entrepreneurs. A platform sits near the center and is a stage for musicians who perform each weekend. When we arrived a young woman with a lovely voice sat at the piano and played her songs; the volume was perfect, you could clearly enjoy her performance and still carry on a conversation with vendors. This is no Flea Market or Consignment Shop, there are no cheap or imported goods sold at the Belt. The vendors are hand picked, each vendor or shop, as I like to think of it, is run by the owner; the people who make the product are the same ones selling it.

I was completely taken in as soon as I came in the door; the set-up is very appealing, each little shop has it’s own distinct look, the aisles are easy to navigate without being set up in straight rows, the variety is fantastic. The goods offered are high quality and unique, yes there are vintage items but they are collections sold by people who collect and curate full time. Artists sell stunning paintings and photography, designers of jewelry and clothing show off their talents, one shop sells americana and vintage items unique to Michigan and Detroit; how about a candle made from an old Town Club pop bottle? I saw jewelery made from typewriter keys and old silverware, gorgeous carved clay tiles, handmade soaps and lip balms inspired by classic cocktails, people are so creative!

No market is complete without edible offerings, we grabbed some cookies from Butter & Flour & Sugar, oatmeal white chocolate with cranberries, Yum ! The Belt is also home to Henrietta Haus Coffee Roasters, Perkins Pickles, Pete’s chocolate from Hamtramck, and the place that stopped me in my tracks: Rock City Pies…..Yes, I literally stopped and stared at these awe-inspiring pies for about a minute, then of course I took a step closer so I could look some more. Whole pies are displayed in covered glass plates, you can buy them by the slice or take a whole one home. If I remember correctly they had Pecan Bourbon, Salted Caramel Apple, Pumpkin Whiskey, and a Cranberry something, it had a few slices removed revealing extraordinary height and a beautiful cranberry colored filling, how’s a person supposed to choose? We hadn’t had dinner yet, so we forced ourselves to walk away and continue considering our options.

I have to say The Rust Belt Market was a wonderful surprise to me, what a fantastic arrangement; 30 vendors every weekend, live music, amazing edibles and endless gift possibilities. I also appreciate the fact that for every dollar I spend here 100% stays in the local economy. The market is open Saturday and Sunday from 11-7, and an occasional Friday for a special event. I will definitely be back.

Looking at all the food made us realize how hungry we were, The Blue Nile just a ways down 9 Mile was calling our names. The restaurant is very attractive inside, soft lighting, beautiful woodwork,and the bright colors and art work of Ethiopia. If you’ve never had Ethiopian food, I highly recommend it; before you try it there are a few things you need to know: First, everyone eats from the same platter, basically it resembles an extra large round pizza pan, it has a layer of injera (Ethiopian bread made from Teff and water) which is then covered by mounds of specialty dishes. Second, you do not use silverware; this is where the injera comes in. Along with the platter you receive a basket of what appears to be large, very thin undercooked pancakes torn in half and folded. This is your fork; tear off a piece, hold it in your hand and scoop up one of the many delicious dishes. We go vegetarian here; yellow split peas cooked till tender in berbere sauce, collard greens, mixed vegetables including potatoes, carrots and green beans, I think the split red lentils are my favorite, delicious with a kick of spice. Don’t hesitate to just dig in and try everything, each dish is unique and flavorful. Kris has to have the Honey Wine with his meal, he says it compliments the seasonings of the vegetables perfectly. I am crazy about the Ethiopian Spiced Tea, there is no cane sugar in Ethiopia so they use a mixture of ingredients like Rose Hips, Cinnamon, Chamomile and citrus peel to make the tea naturally sweet, I like it both hot and cold. When you order the vegeterian feast they will bring you as much as you want, we had 2 servings of everything. Getting out of the booth we realized we should have stopped eating sooner…

A little window shopping was in order to try and walk off some of the fullness. Ferndale has a great mix of unique and independent shops; from apparel and jewelry to health food and home furnishings the shopping is plentiful. There’s a great store called Mother Fletchers, recently having moved a few spaces from their original location, they specialize in vintage clothing and accessories. I love walking up and down the aisles browsing through their well organized selection of goods. After wandering in and out of storefronts we found ourselves back at Rust Belt Market standing in front of, you guessed it, Rock City Pies. As full as we were visions of pie kept taunting us. Lucky for us the market was still open, though there wasn’t even a crumb left of the cranberry, Salted Caramel Apple was still available. We had a piece wrapped to go and made the drive home. Later that evening we indulged in our purchase, scrumptious! The top crust was chewy and almost cookie like, covered with melted caramel and coarse salt, it works perfectly with the sweetness of the thinly sliced apples, this choice was a winner.

Shopping in Ferndale is fun, come see for yourself!

Tags: Blue Nile, Detroit Blog, Ferndale, Rust Belt Market, Shopping in Detroit

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Categories Eat, Shop, Visit

Lansing Michigan

5 Dec

Centrally located in the southern portion of the mitten, is the capitol city of Lansing. Currently Michigan’s 5th largest city, it is home to the Michigan State Capitol Building, the State Supreme Court, the Library of Michigan and Historical Center, Thomas M Cooley Law School (the nations largest law school), various museums, and of course, nearby, Michigan State University. Detroit was originally the capitol of Michigan; In the War of 1812 Detroit was captured by the British, the United States re-captured Detroit in 1813, but fears remained about the capitol city remaining so close to British-controlled Canada. The capitol of Michigan was moved from Detroit to Lansing in 1847.

Faced with another mild November Saturday, we pointed the car west for a day-trip. Located along the banks of the Grand River, downtown Lansing features many of the things you find in a typical city; beautiful historic buildings, museums, a farmers market, little business districts, they also have a delightful zoo. Potter Park Zoo has 20 acres with over 100 different species of animals. It is open year-round, admission is free from November 1 to March 31. Parking in the huge lot was a breeze, being Thanksgiving weekend most folks probably weren’t thinking about visiting the zoo. The exhibits begin pretty close to the entrance and you don’t have a great distance to walk from one resident to the next. The river otters are usually entertaining to watch, unfortunately for us they looked as though they had just eaten a big lunch and were a snuggled in their hollowed log napping, they were still cute. Peacocks wander freely throughout the zoo, you’ll see them everywhere; on the ground, perched on fences, overhead on anything they can rest on. Their colors are stunning, from the classic turquoise and blue to pure white, they seem to get along with everyone. The meerkats were out in number and very active, they behave as though they are as interested in us as we are in them. Since I love animals we always visit the feeding and petting area, or Farmyard Edventures as it is called here. Pigs, burros, chickens, a yak, and goats; I was particularly fond of a very friendly goat with an underbite. Check out the Aviary, besides housing birds it’s a cool old building . All the major animal species are represented; Lions, penguins, rhino’s, 3 new Amur Tiger cubs were born in September. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors and visit with nature.

The R E Olds Transportation Museum opened to the public in 1981. Located on Museum Drive, it is dedicated to Ransom E Olds; inventor, entrepreneur and financier. Ransom Olds founded 2 local companies: Olds Motor Works in 1897, and REO Motor Company in 1904, you and I would know the latter as simply Oldsmobile. As the museum takes you through the history of the automobiles it also defines the history of Lansing itself, Oldsmobile operated in Lansing for 70 years. In addition to beautiful vintage automobiles, exhibits include personal effects of R E Olds and his family, multiple engines, dealer advertising, and items significant to the city. For a time R E Olds even made lawnmowers! In 1987 they added “Transportation” to the title of the museum, it now includes many of the Lansing area’s contributions to transportation such as wheels and other makes of automobiles. It’s a great museum and surely worth a visit.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE VINTAGE AUTO PHOTOS

You may have noticed by now that we like old things; with that fondness in mind we had lunch at Clara’s on Michigan Avenue. Built in 1903 it was originally the Michigan Central and Pere Marquette Railroad Station, thanks to preservationists it has been turned into a charming restaurant. The outside is Romanesque in design, it’s quite elaborate with cut-stone arches and towers, the inside is enchanting! The interior has a distinctly Victorian feel about it; softly lit by a series of crystal chandeliers and stained glass light fixtures, magnificent antiques reside throughout the space. The cathedral ceiling is made of wood, a bronze chandelier hangs from above. If you climb the steps to the second level you get a wonderful overview. The antique pieces come from a variety of sources; many are local to Lansing, when some of the mansions were torn down, pieces were salvaged and have found a new home at Clara’s. Other pieces have traveled across the Atlantic from places such as Belgium, Venice, Paris and England. Tiny white lights decorate the wooden trim for the holiday season and add even more loveliness. Since it is a restaurant, I guess I should talk about the food….The menu is HUGE, they serve everything from starters, burgers, soups and sandwiches to pizza’s and full entree’s. They also have a large selection of adult beverages. We had the Santa Fe Chicken Salad and it was delicious, the chicken was grilled and tender, the salad itself had a nice variety of ingredients and was nicely dressed. We had a BLT served with their special potatoes; they take a baked potato slice it into thick slices, then deep fry, really good! It was a very enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Before we left town we still had time to stop in at the Lansing City Market. We always enjoy visiting the local farmers market when we are in another city, it’s fun to check out the different local offerings. Sitting alongside the Grand River, the market is housed in a nice size, new, indoor building with places to sit and eat, or just rest for a bit, in the nice weather vendors set up outdoors as well. You can always count on at least a few samples of something sweet at a market, it made for a nice little dessert after our big lunch. Browse the aisles; produce from local farmers, gourmet foods, garden art and jewelry all vie for your attention. Vendors are friendly and like to engage in conversation. Because they not only sell, but either make or grow the product, they can answer any question you may have, that’s always a good thing. Booths were decorated for the holidays making it feel a bit festive. There’s so much to see and do in Lansing, we’ll be back another time to tell you about more. In the mean time, come see it for yourself.

Tags: Car Museum, Clara's, Historic Train Depot, Lansing Michigan, MI Capitol, Potter Park Zoo, RE Olds, Vintage Oldsmobile, Visit MI

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Categories Visit

Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe

30 Nov

When people are on vacation they seem to develop a certain sense of curiosity and adventure, they visit a museum or two, tour a mansion, they drive around a bit, see new things, maybe even try a new type of cuisine. I’d like to challenge you to take that same sense of adventure and do something you’ve never done right here in the metro Detroit area. Detroit is home to top museums, we have the second largest historic theatre district in the country, fine dining, art and culture. Men of wealth and power lived here, worked here, and changed the world from here, one of those men was Edsel Ford.

Edsel was the only child of Henry and Clara, he began working for his father at a young age and found the automobile business suited him perfectly. Edsel’s wife Eleanor lost her father at the age of twelve, it was then that her family moved in with her Uncle, J.L. Hudson. The fact that they came from affluent families paid a big part in their sense of appreciation for fine things. They were both known as extraordinary and generous, thanks to Eleanor their home is open to the public so we too can experience the beauty and elegance of the past. On an unseasonably warm November day we visited the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House on Lake Shore Drive.

Construction on the home began in 1926, it took one year to build and two additional years to finish the interior. The home was designed by Albert Kahn; the Ford’s traveled with Kahn to England to choose the style of home they desired, there they decided on a Cotswold style home. Paneling and fireplaces were purchased from manor homes across England, rooms were disassembled, shipped to Grosse Pointe, then the pieces were fitted into the home. The exterior is sandstone, vines cover the walls, the roof is made up of hundreds of pieces of slate. The home sits on 3,100 feet of Lake St Clair waterfront, the view is stunning!

Enter through the front door into the main hall, the ceiling is low, it is plaster with a beautifully carved pattern, the walls are sandstone, it feels cozy. A gorgeous Christmas tree sits in front of a large stained glass window. It is an old fashioned tree, green and flocked as if there had just been a snowfall. Elongated ornaments hang from the limbs, these were custom made for Mrs Ford by Ford Motor Company. The tree is a replica of one of Eleanor’s favorites they had put up for a party years ago, the ornaments are the originals. One of my favorite things about visiting this home is that it looks the way it did when the family lived here. These are their furnishings, dishes, books, the things they used in their everyday life. It is thanks to Eleanor’s forethought that we can visit her home; she put the house in a trust so that it would be open to the public. She was devastated when the nearby Dodge mansion was demolished, and did not want her home to share that same fate.

As you walk from room to room really look around, the paneling is 16th century oak, the carvings are finely detailed, the linen fold amazes me. The stained glass windows are 14th century, fireplaces are centuries old. The Gallery is the largest room in the home, measuring 25 x 60 feet this is where the family held large gatherings. Here you’ll find another carved plaster ceiling, English paneling and a huge Gothic chimney piece. This is a great time of year to visit, the house is decked out for the holidays, the Christmas trees are lovely and many of the ornaments are original. The Fords had purchased many paintings from significant artists, the ones that were donated to the DIA or were taken by the children have been replaced by reproductions, some originals still hang. Yes, the house is huge, but each room has it’s own feel, the rooms are decorated and arranged in such a way that they feel welcoming and comfortable. I think I like the dining room the most; furnished in dark Pine from a 1740 home in England, it is lit only by sunlight during the day and candelight and the glow of the fireplace in the evening, it is a spectacular room. The table is set for a holiday meal with Mrs Fords china; an elaborate lace tablecloth covers the wooden table, delicate stemware awaits the evening’s wine. Like many homes, they also had a children’s table, this one sits in front of the window overlooking the grounds.

The Fords raised four children here, the youngest William was only four when they moved in. Their bedrooms were redone as guest rooms after the children moved away, other rooms were updated as well. The modern room is a great example of Art Deco; done in the 1930’s it is still stylish by today’s standards. Everything for this room was custom made, much of it is built-in and bolted to the floor. The Steinway piano is custom made and one of a kind. If you like ultra modern style be sure and check out Henry’s bathroom; the walls are a grey glass called Vitrolite, it’s really cool. As you may have noticed by now, photos are not allowed inside the home. You are allowed to photograph outdoors and inside the garage, which is where we are heading next.

The home rests on 87 acres of land, on the property is the main house, gate house, power house, pool house, garage and the playhouse. If you can, walk around a bit outside, the exterior detail on the house is exquisite; simple things like downspouts and brackets are detailed and elegant. If you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of a passing freighter. The grounds were landscaped by Jens Jenson, he also designed the grounds at Henry and Clara’s home in Dearborn. The man made lagoon once opened out onto the lake, but was closed off for the family’s privacy. Be sure and see Josephine’s playhouse; it was a gift to her from grandma Clara in 1930. It is adorable; everything is scaled down to perfectly fit a little girl, it even has electricity and plumbing!

Walk a little further to the garage; it was built to hold eight cars, and there’s a turntable so you never have to back out of the garage. One of the most impressive vehicles is the 1941 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet, which was designed by Edsel himself, Frank Lloyd Wright called it the “most beautiful car in the world”. It is still one of the most highly thought of designs of all time. The Cabriolet, 1934 Brewster Town Car and the 1938 Lincoln Brougham were all owned by the Ford’s. Check out the kids go-karts. People from all over the world visit the Ford house, come see it for yourself.

For lunch we drove to the area of Grosse Pointe known as “The Village”. On the corner of Kercheval and St Clair is a little restaurant called TN Thai. They have a great selection of sushi on the menu, 35 different sushi rolls alone! We have not had their Thai as of yet, but every plate that went by looked appetizing. In the warmer months we like to sit out on the patio, but those days are gone now. We like to start with their Fresh Rolls, these are some of the best we’ve ever had; rolled tight and packed with delicious fillings like tofu, bean sprouts, noodles and cilantro. They serve a cup of soup with all meals, broth based, with bits of cilantro, it’s really good. We’ve never been disappointed with their sushi, and we’ve tried many varieties, today’s was no exception. I love the Jasmine tea either hot or iced, Kris prefers the raspberry iced tea, either way, you can’t go wrong.

Tags: Auto Baron Mansion, Edsel Ford, Grosse Pointe Shores, Historic home tour, The Village of Grosse Pointe, TN Thai, visit detroit

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Categories Visit

Vintage Hamtramck

27 Nov

Located within the city of Detroit, is the city of Hamtramck, only 2.1 sq. miles in size, it is Michigan’s most internationally diverse city. Known mostly for it’s Polish heritage, Hamtramck has many facets. Our plan for today was to check out the vintage shops in town. We parked in the centrally located parking lot behind the shops on the east side Joseph Campau, the mild temperature made it a nice day for walking.

There was a great deal of activity down one of the side streets; trucks, cables, and huge lights, a now familiar sight around the Detroit area, which means they are filming. Rumor has it GM is making a commercial for the Volt, which is built at the assembly plant right in Hamtramck. Using the city as a backdrop and featuring local residents, the commercial is supposed to air on Superbowl Sunday. Our first stop was the Record Graveyard on Caniff, dealing exclusively in vintage vinyl records, this is a vinyl collectors nirvana. I know nothing about vintage records, yet I find this place fascinating. The album covers immediately grab your attention, with just one look you can usually identify the decade the the album was released. The records are organized by genre; the male vocal selection is dominated by Frank Sinatra, Gene Autry, Country Western section, if you like Jazz, you’ve come to the right place. As I walk around and see names like Glady’s Knight and the Pips songs start playing in my head.(Are you humming Midnight Train to Georgia now?) I recognize the names of artists from my parents generation; Steve and Eydie, Frankie and Annette, Boots Randolph,I even saw Pat Boone. Movie soundtracks are always fun to look through, I find myself saying “Oh yeah, I remember that movie”. Lining the top portion of the walls is a collection of the more risque covers featuring scantily clad women in seductive poses.Back in the day it seems that the cover art was as important as the record inside and is now recognized as such. This is a great place to come and browse, you may even find a piece of your past that you want to take home. The building Record Graveyard now occupies is currently for sale, but the owners are committed to staying in Hamtramck, therefore it is a good idea to call before you make the trip! 313-870-9647.

Detroit Threads specializes in vintage items and new clothing by local merchants, along with records, CD’s and DVD’s. Every inch of the store is packed with merchandise, aisles are narrow and items are displayed floor to ceiling. I like to take my time, there is so much to see I usually have to walk through twice. New t-shirts and hoodies in all sizes and colors feature both Detroit and Hamtramck. The quantity of used clothing is vast; snazzy sport coats for men in tweed, shark skin and metallic lame, dressy coats for women in leopard print, wool and even fur.They have great accessories for both men and women including hats, shoes, purses and neck ties. When film crews are in town they often stop in when looking for vintage items. If you look carefully you can find cool items from Detroit icons like Vernor’s , Stroh’s and Kowalski. Detroit Threads is also well known for their extensive collection of LP’s, they have it all from local techno to disco and import records, local DJ’s are regular shoppers. They have a little bit of everything and each time you go there’s something new to see.

A couple of doors down at 10022 Jos. Campau is a shop called Lo and Behold. Only open for a few months now, the selection is quite random; old furniture, records, posters,knick-knacks, books, clothing, kitchen items, even an old saxophone; the plan is to transition more into records and books. It’s always fun to shop in a store like this because you never know what you’ll find. I always like it when there are several resale type shops grouped together, I can park once and browse for hours.

Keeping the vintage theme going, we had lunch at Polonia Polish Restaurant on Yemans. Serving up some of Hamtramck’s best Polish and Eastern European food for over 40 years, it has a loyal following. The inside is quaint, a mural depicting life in old Poland covers the back wall, tables and booths line the dining space, authentic Polish dishware is displayed on shelves, Polish music plays in the background. The front of the menu is a Polish Short Dictionary, it includes: Good Day, Please and Thank You, and of course, Kiss Me and I Love You. The phrase is first written in English with the Polish next to it, now if I only knew how to pronounce it……. The combination plate gives you a bit of everything; pierogi, kilebasa, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and golabki, it’s so good! My mouth waters just thinking about it. We love potato pancakes so we ordered those too. Fried to a crispy brown outside, tender and moist inside, slathered with sour cream of course, delicious. Back in 2009 Anthony Bourdain filmed a segment here for the Travel Channel and introduced a whole new audience to the restaurant.

On our way back home we made one last stop at Bozeks Market on Caniff, not that we needed anything, it’s just fun to look around. The store specializes in central and eastern European foods, especially Polish. The selection of chocolates and sweets is huge; the packaging is pretty, pictures on labels aid in determining what each item is, I’d like to try one of each. Fresh produce, meats and breads are all reasonably priced, everything looks good. Many of the shoppers speak their native language to store employees, the language sounds soft and kind. Besides food you can find cosmetics, magazines and newspapers written in Polish along with liquor packaged in attractive bottles. Before leaving we revisited the candy aisle and indiscriminately chose a candy bar to share, I’m not sure exactly what it was, but it sure was good!

Tags: Antiques, hamtramck, polish food, resale, vintage clothing, vintage vinyl

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Categories Shop, Visit

The Fabulous Fisher Building

23 Nov

In August 1927, ground was broken for a new building that would be home to the offices of Fisher and Company. Having purchased seven acres, and employing architect extraordinaire Albert Kahn, the Fisher brothers spent $9 million dollars to create The Fisher Building. A little background here; the seven Fisher brothers developed the closed body for auto manufacturing, you may remember GM cars had “Body by Fisher” at one time, these are the men responsible for that. They amassed fortunes, so money was no object in creating what they wanted to be the world’s most beautiful office building. Often referred to as “Detroit’s largest art object”, it is one of those places you have to see to believe.

Enter the building from from Grand Blvd or Lothrop for the most impressive view. The main arcade is 30 feet wide 44 feet high and 600 feet long, this place is incredible! It’s difficult to decide what to focus on, my eyes are usually drawn to the towering art deco chandeliers first; ranging from 5 to 8 feet tall they hang from the center arcade and softly illuminate this work of art. Everywhere you look there is something beautiful; 3 original mosaics enhance the grand arcade, solid bronze medallions are laid into the floor, 40 different varieties of marble from all over the world, brass and bronze decorate the interior. The elevator doors are incredibly detailed and vary from floor to floor. Geza Maroti was brought from Hungary to Detroit by Eliel Saarinen to work on Cranbrook, while he was here Kahn hired him to work on the Fisher. Maroti hand painted the frescoes, he also created the lunettes, plaques and mosaics.

Take the stairway to the second floor; here you can get an up close view of the magnificent chandeliers. From this level you can really appreciate the intricate floor patterns, notice the same architectural design is repeated throughout the building. Walk up to the third floor, now you are in the thick of things. Find yourself surrounded by hand painted decor; there are 60 nude figures painted on the ceiling of the arcade, no two are alike, dozens of eagles, hemlock, and oranges fill up the space. 40 % of the ceiling is gold leaf, and from here it is stunning. Standing in the archway at the end of the hall you are completely surrounded by decoration, it’s tempting to reach out and touch the walls, but don’t! When you have had your fill of sightseeing on the third and second floor return to the main floor for a snack and a little shopping.

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Start at Stella International Cafe for a beverage and a snack, carry it over to the lobby that is across from the Fisher Theatre. Have a seat at one of the tables, make yourself comfortable and just sit there and take in the surroundings. This is my favorite little area, the ornamentation here is insanely gorgeous. The blending of marble and bronze, exotic sconces and more chandeliers, wow! While you are sitting there think about this; this was built as an office building, seriously. Since the 20’s regular people like you and I would come here to shop, have a bite to eat, maybe see their dentist or accountant. Men would smoke their pipes, couples would dress up to attend a show at the renowned Fisher Theatre. Looking to do a little shopping? Stop in the Detroit Gallery of Contemporary Crafts, if you are looking for something unique, you can find it here. From glassware, pottery and jewelry to clothing and art objects their selection is first class. While inside note the amazing Pewabic Pottery flooring. If you’re looking for something Detroit, then by all means stop in at Pure Detroit. T-shirts, music, Sanders, Faygo, Pewabic Pottery, and a great book selection; chances are if it’s a Detroit thing they have it here.

You may not know this but the Fisher building connects to the Albert Kahn building and the old GM building through a series of underground corridors, how cool is that? You have to check it out; from the lower level of the Fisher building follow the the tiled corridors from building to building, they even made these pretty. I love the mailboxes that are built into the walls and the drinking fountains that can be found here and there. This is a great convenience on those cold winter days. We usually come up through the Kahn building, another fine example of beautiful design. Once outdoors take the time to really look at the Fisher building, the main tower is 28 stories, it was originally covered with gold-leaf tiles, but has since been replaced with tiles made of green terracotta. If you listen to WJR you have heard them say they are coming to you “from the Golden Tower of the Fisher Building”, now you know why. Since 1928 this golden tower has brightened the Detroit skyline, that same year Albert Kahn received the Architectural Leagues Silver Medal, designating this as the most beautiful structure of the year. In 1989 the building was designated a National Historic Landmark. I invite you to come and experience it for yourself, it is a must-see Detroit landmark!

Time to eat! We drove a few blocks over to Baltimore to Northern Lights Lounge, you can park in their lot or right on the street. The sign out front is indicative of what you will find inside, that cool 50’s lounge style. They do a nice job with it, great retro furniture and lighting, and shuffleboard too. There’s a roomy sitting area in the front, seating is laid out in a way that makes it easy for small groups to converse. The dining area is large and offers regular or high top tables and booth seating. All the old standards were represented on the lunch menu, we had the cobb salad with their spicy homemade ranch dressing. The salad was huge, thick strips of ham, turkey and swiss cheese were placed on top alongside halved hard boiled eggs; the dressing was good, I liked the kick of spice it added. The sandwich decision was little harder, the Baltimore Burger caught our eye, so we gave it a try. Similar to a Big Boy the burger was topped with cheese, onions, and thousand island dressing, it was served with a pile of seasoned fries that were crisp and tasty. Our waitress couldn’t have been nicer and the service was quick. It’s a good place to keep in mind when you are in this section of the city.

Tags: Albert Kahn, Detroit Bar, Detroit Blog, East Grand Blvd, Fisher Building, New Center

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Categories Visit

Cranbrook Art Museum, Village of Franklin

16 Nov

After two years and much anticipation, the Cranbrook Art Museum re-opened 11-11-11 with their first exhibition in the renovated space. Designed by Eliel and Eero Saarinen and opened in 1942 the museum was due for some sprucing up. Additionally the museum was expanded by 20,000 sq. ft. with the attachment of the new collections wing. To celebrate the grand re-opening the museum is offering expanded hours and tours, lectures and events for 11 days, and each day the museum will be open for, you guessed it, 11 hours.These special tours are only offered until November 21, don’t miss your chance to see the vault! Kris was itching to get in an old car and go for a scenic drive; between the two lane roads, magnificent homes, and remaining fall color, a trip out to Bloomfield Hills fit the bill perfectly.

We didn’t know what to expect when we got to Cranbrook, would there be parking, would there be a line to get it, would it be so crowded we wouldn’t be able to see anything if we did get in? We were pleasantly surprised when we found a great parking spot right by the museum, and then again, when we walked right in. Our timing was right on, as there was a tour of the vault, aka the collections wing at 1pm. The new exhibit is called “No object is an Island”, it was an interesting pairing of artists who previously went to Cranbrook with today’s contemporary artists.

We had just enough time to finish looking around when the guide gathered us together to go down to the vault. It was all very surreal to me, like being in some Hollywood film where a big heist is about to take place. We entered through the curved steel door to the faint sound of a tripped alarm in the background. The door slid closed behind us and we started our walk down the concrete block hallway. It is all so modern and high-tech looking, a grey maze of dimly lit hallways, the ceiling has a cage like covering suspended over it, art objects are displayed in small rooms behind a glass walls, it feels very futuristic. We were taken into different rooms where the collections are stored; the brilliance of the new wing is that whatever is not on view in the museum is stored in a manner where it can be easily accessed and observed by students and the public community when desired. It was a fascinating tour.

We continued our lovely drive, stopping in at the Village of Franklin. This tiny enclave oozes charm, from the historic homes to the quaint shops, it’s hard to pass through town without stopping. We were ready for lunch and the Franklin Grill and Tavern looked very inviting. Built in the 1840’s the building was originally home to the local carriage and blacksmith shop, the uses changed over the years and in 2001 it became the grill. The building is painted barn red with pretty white trim, the outside is adorned in Autumn decor. The inside has a sort of rustic-contemporary feel to it, a wood rafter ceiling and the same barn red colored walls works well and feels very comfortable. The menu changes with the seasons, and supports Michigan farmers. Everything sounded delicious, and every plate that went by made us rethink our selection. Finally we settled on the Art of Sicily sandwich; artichokes, mushrooms, spinach, and red onion all grilled and placed on a wonderful focaccia bread then topped with mozzarella and a balsamic marinade, it was sooooo good! Served alongside were the best sweet potato fries I have ever eaten. Thick, steak cut pieces of sweet potato, so crispy on the outside, there was a nice crunch biting into them, yet moist and tender on the inside. The Turkey Stretch salad was wonderful too; roasted turkey breast cut into thick strips placed on a bed of fresh baby spinach, sprinkled with toasted walnuts, dried cherries, the perfect amount of goat cheese and a tasty chive vinaigrette, it was outstanding. $8 for the sandwich and $12 for the salad, not bad, the quality of food is worth it. It was a really nice experience, the staff was great, the atmosphere relaxing, and a menu that left us wanting to come back soon.

We left the car parked in the back parking lot and walked over to the Franklin Cider Mill. Completed in 1837, the mill has been a staple of Franklin for generations and has a huge local following. We make at least one trip here each Fall, you are always guaranteed hot donuts and great cider. The outside has that great cider mill appeal; quaint historic structure situated on a river, offering everything from apples, jams, local honey, caramel and candy apples and Michigan squash to pies, scones, breads, and their famous cinnamon spice donuts. They only serve the one kind of donut here, which makes it easy for people who have a hard time making up their mind. We purchased our donuts which were handed over to us in a brown paper bag, you could feel the heat coming through. By the time we made our way outdoors to eat them, a small grease stain had formed on the bottom of the bag, assuring us that they would be excellent! We ate two each and washed them down with cups of cider. Standing on the small wooden deck with an empty cup in one had and remnants of donut on the other, I looked around the place; dozens of mallards floating in the river waiting to be fed, the last remnants of Autumn color in the trees, hold out stacks of pumpkins and cornstalks and the combined scent of apples and fried donuts in the air. Wearing only a light jacket in November, going for one last ride in an old car for the season; it doesn’t get much better than this.

Tags: Cider Mills, Comtemporary Art Detroit, Cranbrook Are Museum, Franklin Grill, Saarinen, Village of Franklin

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Categories Eat, Visit

DETROIT: John King Books, Mexicantown

12 Nov

For as long as I can remember I have loved books, from fairy tales and nursery rhymes to Dr Seuss and Nancy Drew, my childhood was filled with stories, and I have never lost my affection for them. Once I learned to read on my own, I never stopped. I love the way a book feels in my hands, the sound of opening a brand new hardcover to the first page, placing my favorite bookmark between the pages, you’ll never be able to convince me to give that up for some electronic device. Located in Detroit, west of downtown on Lafayette, in what used to be a glove factory, is an amazing store by the name of John King Books.

The store is pretty easy to spot, it’s four stories tall, painted light blue, and sits near the Lodge Freeway. There is a small lot alongside for free parking. Enter through the front doors; here, inside the lobby, is where you will find an assortment of free books, yep, free, but bring your own bags. Enter the actual shop through a single glass door, you have to make a quick right turn and then you are in the thick of things. Take in a deep breath, appreciate the scent of thousands of books, the sheer volume is mesmerizing, where do you start? It really doesn’t matter, just enjoy the fact that you are here, and begin the process of wandering four floors of the written word.

John King is Michigan’s largest used and rare bookstore, directly behind the main building is a smaller one that houses the sizable collection of art books and a rare book room, this building is open by appointment only. People come from all over to peruse shelf after shelf, every subject and category is represented; you can take something home from Henry James, Betty Crocker, Shakespeare, and Michael Connelly. Mixed in the store are framed prints, maps and postcards displayed on walls, glass showcases contain other types of vintage treasures. The floors are old and wooden they creak as you cross from section to section. It’s quiet in here, almost like a library; quite a contrast to when this was a factory filled with workers and the sound of industrial sewing machines. The space is mammoth, large cast iron radiators line the walls but are unable to keep up with the chill that emanates from the outdated windows. Dozens of fluorescent light fixtures are suspended from the ceiling, turn them on while you are browsing, but be sure to turn them off before you leave. Each floor has a map as you come through the door, or you can pick one up from the desk when you enter the store, it is a very handy tool. There are clerks scattered on the different floors to help you out if you are looking for something specific, I recommend wandering aimlessly on your first visit.

It’s easy to lose track of time, but my stomach reminded me it was time to eat. We made the short drive over to Mexicantown and stopped in at Evie’s Tamales. Sitting on Bagley as it has for over 25 years, Evie’s is, of course, famous for the tamales. We chose a table in the compact restaurant, glanced at the menu, then placed our order. We had to get the Tamales, the menu listed several varieties that had my mouth watering, but they only had the pork. Let me say, they were absolutely delicious! It is no wonder this is the place to get Tamales. The rest of the food was standard, good Mexicantown fare. They also do a big carry-out business here as you can buy Tamales by the dozen, fresh or frozen.

It was a nice day so we walked up and down Bagley and stopped in at a few of the shops. We both love the colors and style of Mexico, so bright and lively. We went into the local party supply store, Creaciones Lina, and found ourselves surrounded by pinata’s; many hang from the ceiling in different shapes and sizes to choose from. Mickey and Minnie Mouse pinata’s stand on the floor about 4 feet tall, they even had a Cinderella pinata that little girls would go crazy over. Custom pinata’s are what they are known for, whether it be a character, a logo, or a person, just bring them a photo and they will custom build it.

While visiting Mexicantown be sure and drop by Xochi’s Gift Shop. As soon as you step in you detect the rich smell of leather, Xochi’s has a really nice selection of cowboy boots. I am charmed by the tiny Mexican trinkets; miniature versions of food on minuscule plates, toy vases, minute guitars, cowboy hats and chili peppers. Having recently celebrated the Day Of The Dead the selection of skulls and skeletons was at it’s peak, my husband liked these the best; he found them both fascinating and beautiful. The store carries Wrangler Jeans, authentic apparel and handicrafts of Mexico, it’s all lovely. From traditional costumes and cowboy hats to the hand-painted ceramics and terracotta. Toward the back of the store you can find larger pieces and engaging paintings of Mexico. Everything here is vibrant in color and feels cheerful.

There was a bit of a chill in the air, so it was a necessity we stop in at Cafe Con Leche for one of Jordi’s special Spanish Hot Chocolates. I’m telling you, you’ve got to try one! So heavenly, so rich and thick and chocolately. This is seriously good stuff, eat it with a spoon.

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Categories Visit

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