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Day Trip: Toledo, Ohio

If you live in Michigan and have traveled south, chances are you have been through Toledo. Most folks simply pass through on I-75, on their way to somewhere else. Today I’d like to give you just a few reasons why Toledo is a great destination itself. We had driven past the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library on Michigan many times, the large Art Deco structure always catching our attention, we promised to come back one day with the specific purpose of visiting the building. Today was that day, what an incredible jewel it is!

Toledo is nicknamed the “Glass City” and for good reason; many of the largest manufacturers of glass either began here or moved here from somewhere else. The city is the site of large supplies of natural gas and high silica content sandstone, two items necessary for glass manufacturing. Toledo was home to innovation in all aspects of the glass industry, here are a few companies you may recognize: Owens-Corning, Libbey Glass, Libbey-Owens-Ford, Therma Tru. I tell you this because glass is the highlight and major material used in the decor of the library and is simply amazing; plate glass, glass blocks, Thermolux and Vitrolite. There are inlays and murals, pillars and columns, glass in vibrant colors and varying textures. It is something to be seen! We entered the Central Court from the Michigan Street entrance, one look and I stopped in my tracks. The interior is a fantastic example of Art Deco design, in this case Vitrolite (an opaque, structural, flat glass wainscoting) covers the lower section of the walls in a beautiful suntan color with black accents. A continuous mural six feet high surrounds the room below the second floor windows. The designs are inlaid into 3/8 ” thick slabs of gray Vitrolite made by the Libbey-Owens-Ford glass company. The murals represent fields of knowledge such as literature, languages, religion, arts and sciences. The floor is terrazzo, a wonderful mix of tans, browns and rust colors. Everything here is done in the Art Deco theme, light fixtures, desks, tables and windows. As Kris took pictures I stood there with my mouth hanging open trying to take it all in. A very nice librarian came over and talked with us a bit and handed me a brochure on the Vitrolite Murals (which came in very handy for writing this piece). With a look of satisfaction and a smile on her face, she directed us up to the Children’s library, now I know what the smile was for.

We climbed the stairs to the Children’s library, as we came through the door we had entered a child’s literary paradise. A spaceship complete with two green aliens hovers from ceiling among planets in varied size and color, the front end of a vintage car sticks out of a wall, books are arranged by theme in in various exhibits. We walked further, through an arrangement of desks with computers, here a front end of a jeep provides seating for two, while sheep ride in the back, a large Cat In The Hat figure stands nearby as oversized toadstools invite you to have a seat. We passed through the final set of doorways in the room and found ourselves in the land of legendary fairy tales. Here the Vitrolite is jade green, the mosaics are brightly colored depicting the tales of Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, Pinocchio, Pied Piper, Rip Van Winkle and the like. Knotty Pine walls and shelves make the room warm and endearing, large stainless steel light fixtures remind you this place was built long ago. The subjects used in this room came from books selected by the librarians of the department. The Toddler room connects through a small opening, here you will find nursery rhymes and fables; Three Little Kittens, Sing A Song Of Sixpence, Little Miss Muffet……you get the idea. The detail is astonishing, all sorts of glass in more than 80 different colors and types were used in these pictures. The library has undergone expansions and changes through the years, thankfully someone had the foresight to preserve these rare and unique treasures. As I mentioned, the library underwent a huge expansion, as you walk back down the stairway you are able to view the original backside of the building. Again architects were thoughtful and preserved the original building while seamlessly blending the new addition with the old structure. Take the time to study the details, wonderful deco accents are found everywhere. Original light fixtures had been removed and stored through the years and have now been reused as tables in a lounge area. The rare book room is actually new, but you’d never know it, it has the same classic Art Deco details as the rest of the library.

Click Here for a slideshow of this incredible building.

Lunch time had arrived; when you are in Toledo, Tony Packo’s Cafe is the place to eat. If you are of an age to have watched the TV series M*A*S*H, you have probably heard of Tony Packo’s. In the show, as in real life, Jamie Farr who played Maxwell Klinger hails from Toledo, he often mentioned Tony Packo’s, sending curious viewers to the now famed restaurant. Sticking with our classic Toledo theme, we drove to the original location on Front and Consaul. This was a Hungarian neighborhood back in the day and Tony himself was a Hungarian American, he created the Hungarian hot dog back in 1932 and it was an instant hit. At lunchtime food is served cafeteria style, head to the counter, give your order, then pay at the register. We each had one of the infamous chili dogs; a homemade Hungarian hot dog (think sausage here), smothered in Tony’s own homemade chili, finely diced onions and a squirt of mustard, I know, it sounds like an ordinary coney island, but it’s NOT. There are all kinds of combinations available, ours came with sides and a cup of chili, the hot German potato salad is my favorite; warm and vinegar based, the potatoes are tender, not mushy, with bits of bacon mixed in. Kris’s favorite are the paprikas dumplings with gravy. We sat at a table in a small section up a few stairs, we couldn’t wait to dig in. The food was delicious as always, the hot dogs have a taste all their own. As you sit in the restaurant you will notice the walls are covered in autographed hot dog buns, yes I did say autographed hot dog buns! Back in 1972 Burt Reynolds was in town, he was the first “big name” to eat at Packo’s, when he finished his meal he signed a bun and the tradition was born. Today hundreds of buns line the walls, from movies stars and politicians to musician,s the collection of celebrities is impressive. Packo’s serves up great food with a side of kitsch.

The Toledo Museum of Art resides on Monroe Street in Toledo’s historic Old West End. The museum was founded by glass maker Edward Drummond Libbey in 1901 and moved to its current location in 1912. The building is done in the Greek Revival style and is quite lovely, the front is surrounded by gardens that include numerous sculptures. The museum boasts an impressive collection; over 30,000 works of art in 45 galleries and is internationally recognized. Me, I just like coming here and wandering around. My very favorite piece is in the west wing; Monet’s Water Lilies, I could stare at this painting all day. There are so many things I like about the TMA, in addition to paintings they have a wonderful array of other types of art; elegant vases, a fantastic Art Noveau fireplace surround, gorgeous crystal chandeliers and outstanding sculptures. They have furniture and entire rooms brought over from Europe, contemporary art and a charming cafe. Galleries flow from one to the next, each eye-pleasing with a mix of art forms creating a distinct harmony. In the 1933 museum expansion the Peristyle concert hall was added; the 1710-seat theatre is the winter home to the Toledo Symphony and Opera. As you would expect from the Glass City the TMA has an extensive collection of glass art, the collection is now housed in the Glass Pavilion across the street……. but we’ll save that and plenty more for another day. Toledo is just an hour drive from Detroit and makes a great day trip.

Tags: Glass City, Museum Of Art, Public Library, Toledo Art Deco, Toledo Ohio, Tony Packos, Vitrolite

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Categories Road Trips, Visit

Winter Blast

24 Feb

In 2005 the NFL and Superbowl committee created an event to kickoff the countdown to Superbowl XL being held in Detroit; thus Motown Winter Blast was born. The Blast has undergone many changes through the years, but is still something I look forward to every February. For a simple donation of a dollar or a can of food you can spend an afternoon enjoying the best parts of winter. We haven’t had much winter to speak of this year, but it showed up just in time to give festival-goers bright red noses and frozen toes. The area surrounding Campus Martius was bustling with activity, children’s laughter filled the air as they took a spin on rides at the Winter Carnival. Firewood burned in large barrels as visitors roasted marshmallows over an open flame, the combined scent of wood and burnt sugar filling the air. Folks in every shape and size donned their ice skates and gave it a whirl on the ice rink. Food trailers offered corn dogs, elephant ears and french fries while other vendors provided hot chocolate with a “shot” of something extra to keep you warm. I always like to look at the pieces in the Ice Garden, talented artists carve out beautiful sculptures representing the D in amazing detail. It was fun to watch individuals climb up into the ice chairs to have their picture taken, finding it near impossible to stay still long enough to get the shot; not only is it cold, but it’s slippery too! There are heated tents everywhere, you can pop in and out enjoying a Taste Of Detroit, merchant tables, or a performance by a local band. Detroit has an abundance of musical talent, much of it showcased into the night throughout the weekend. As we walked through the various tents I made notes of restaurants and items I’d like to try in the future…..

Back outdoors it was time for an ice skating exhibition at The Rink. Once cleared, the Zamboni gave the ice a fresh, smooth, glistening surface. Amateur skaters donned colorful, sparkly costumes and lined up to perform. I love this! I get the chance to stand along the rink wall and watch elegant skaters glide across the ice spinning and jumping to their favorite song. The audience is always appreciative and rewards their skill with whistles and applause. I was getting cold again so we ducked into the Compuware Building, if you’ve never been, stop in and take a peek sometime. The lobby is host to an amazing water feature, a shower of water drops down from way up high, landing into a shallow pool. As your eye travels upward you will discover a small group of colored glass pieces that always remind me of kites. What is usually a peaceful space has been transformed into the Kids Zone for the Blast. Shows, magicians, jugglers and puppeteer entertain children and adults alike. Oh yeah, it’s warm in there too! Back outside, we walked past the area looking for the dog sled demonstration, but it was time for snowshoeing instead. Standing on Woodward our stomachs reminded us it was time for lunch, the Hudson Cafe was just a short walk away. I am sorry to say that I never had the pleasure to experience Hudson’s Department Store in its heyday. By the time I was grown up the glory days were gone, I had never eaten a meal in the storied cafe. Kris on the other hand spent a great deal of time in the store and the cafe when he was a young boy; one of his fondest memories was eating a Hudson’s Special.

Newly opened, the Hudson Cafe takes it name from its location; it is directly across the street from where the legendary Hudson’s flagship store once stood. We stepped inside the modern open space and were greeted immediately. The current patrons were well dressed, us, not so much; on top of that we smelled like we had just come from an open fire….which we had. The cheerful hostess assured us we were just fine to dine there and asked us if we’d like to see a menu. Kris scanned it quickly, looking for any sign of Hudson’s signature dishes, there was one: the Maurice Salad. We decided to stay and were seated at a nice spot along the wall. Kris had told the hostess about the Hudson’s Special; which is actually a large portion of the Maurice Salad placed between 2 slices of white toast and cut into quarters; club sandwich style. Before we knew it one of the owners was at our table asking Kris for the details on the sandwich, he then offered to have the chef prepare one especially for him, how cool is that?? You can’t turn down an offer like that! Now we were left with more item to choose; the menu focuses on breakfast and lunch items, the red velvet pancakes were hard to pass up, but something about the graham cracker crumb french toast won us over. To Kris’s delight his Hudson’s Special arrived looking much the way he remembered, and even better, it tasted just as he remembered. As for the french toast, it was delicious; thick slices of custard soaked bread fried in butter with a crunchy coating of graham cracker crumbs. Topped off with a ribbon of sweetened cream cheese, we didn’t even use syrup. Our meal was truly enjoyable and the service was great. Next time you are looking for a new place for breakfast or lunch give the Hudson Cafe a try!

Tags: Hudsons Cafe, visit detroit, Winter Blast

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Categories Happenings

Snow Day !

21 Feb

It was a long wait, but at last the first real snowfall of the year had finally arrived. Upon discovering the fresh blanket of snow, we couldn’t wait to take one of our favorite scenic routes. We wandered through Rochester and onto picturesque Orion Rd, from there we went north on snowscaped and unplowed Lake George Road. A drive through the country is nothing unusual for us, generally we avoid gravel roads but once frozen over and covered with snow they become quiet and pleasurable. This is the kind of road you want to take your time driving down; you’ll wander past everything from charming cottages and old family homes to late 20th century styles and modern estates. The journey will lead you past decades old Tree farms and working farms complete with horses and cows. After a snowfall the landscape is particularly stunning; snow clings to bare tree branches, Evergreens sag with the weight of the snow. There is a new-found silence when Mother Nature drapes your surroundings in white fluff, all you hear is the sound of snow crunching under the tires. The road is twisty and changes elevation, creating a beautiful panorama, so we take our time as we make our way up to Dryden Road and the town of Metamora.

The White Horse Inn has been an active part of Metamora for over 160 years. Once known as the Hoard House, it has served as the village store, stage-coach stop, Inn and restaurant. The historic building has stood the test of time and has become a destination restaurant. Located off of Dryden Road east of M-24, you can’t miss the 2-story white wooden building on the corner in the tiny hamlet. A large black sign hangs perpendicular to the front entrance to let you know you have arrived at the White Horse Inn. We parked in the lot behind the building and walked around to the front door, it took a minute for our eyes to adjust from the bright sunlight outdoors to the dark wood interior. One look and you would swear you have stepped back in time; from the wood plank floor and thick beams to the stained glass lights and wagon wheels. Even the menu features items that have been around for generations. We were in the mood for a hearty sandwich so we ordered the patty melt, it was absolutely delicious. A thick and tender beef patty sandwiched between grilled rye, smothered in sauteed onions and melted Swiss, accompanied by crispy seasoned fries, yum! We ordered a salad with the house made mustard maple dressing, excellent. You cannot help spotting the dessert tray as you are waiting to be seated, the thought of which one to order weighed heavily on my mind throughout the meal. When the moment arrived to choose, the bread pudding easily won. We have been to a lot of restaurants in a lot of different places, but never have we seen a bread pudding such as this; thick slices of bread baked in sweet custard, scooped out and piled high in a footed bowl, drenched in a fabulous rum sauce, this is some seriously good stuff. Four people could share the bread pudding, or any of the desserts for that matter. What we couldn’t eat, we took home for later……

There is a cute little shop across the street from White Horse called Saltbox, be sure to stop in. It’s one of those charming gift/home stores that smells great as soon as you open the door. Filled with pretty things, it is a wonderful mix of new and vintage goods. Old stained glass windows hang from the knotty pine ceiling, refinished dressers and cabinets show off decorative glassware, candles, and unique objects. Upstairs is more like an antique store with all the usual suspects; dishes, linens, jewelry and the like. I enjoy pointing out the things I remember from my grandmothers house or even things we had in our own home when I was growing up. It was getting to be time to start heading back, still taking back roads we started down Haven road heading south and making one last stop in Romeo.

We are no strangers to Romeo, but with two turns off of Main Street we discovered something new. Something had caught Kris’s attention so we were heading around the block; on the street named St Clair sat a house with a sign that read Village Winery, really?? It was dark out now, and the lit up sign had attracted our eye, we had to stop and check it out. We were happy to find the door unlocked and the tasting room open for business, the owner was standing behind the counter and invited us in. The room was cozy and pleasing, the wine selection is on the left wall and larger than I had imagined. After chatting with the owner we learned he imports his grapes from all over and makes the wine in small batches right there. I am not a white wine drinker by nature, but I have to admit when I saw the Peach Chardonnay it piqued my interest, what’s more Romeo than a peach? We were poured generous samples of the clear aromatic liquid, with just one sip I was sold! It was good, really good, crisp and light with a delicate peach flavor. My only mistake was tasting a sweet wine first, though the others were quite good too, there is a reason you work your way up to sweet when doing a tasting…… Romeo had hosted a Chocolate event earlier in the day, Village Winery was a participant so there was a bottle of Chocoraz sitting on the counter; underneath the name on the label it says “candy in a bottle”, they aren’t kidding. We each had a shot of this decadent Port, there is no mistaking the presence of chocolate or raspberry in this divine concoction. Made in limited quantities, there were only a few bottles left, so we bought one of those too. It was almost closing time, we had tasted delicious wines and had pleasant conversation with the man who makes the wine. We will be back and next time bring friends along. The Village Winery was a great discovery, and one you are sure to enjoy too.

Tags: Historic White Horse Inn, Metamora MI, Scenic Drives

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Categories Road Trips

East Dearborn Delights !

16 Feb

Dearborn Michigan has the largest population of Arab Americans in the United States, so it is no surprise the Arab American National Museum is also located here. This is the only museum in the United States solely devoted to Arab American history and culture. Located on Michigan Avenue in East Dearborn, tiles in various shades of blues and grey adorn the entrance, large glass windows span the the front at the street level. We found a parking space right in front, and went inside. The sun had come out, flooding the lobby in natural light, the space feels bright and airy. After paying our admission we entered the museum, once inside we were greeted by multiple exhibits stored in recessed Moorish archways. Each arch was trimmed in beautiful dark wood with ornate carvings and covered with glass, my favorite was the musical instruments. If you stand in the center of the room and look straight up you will discover a lovely dome painted with traditional designs, below the dome is a level of arched windows allowing more sunlight to spill in, followed by a level of gorgeous tiles. This area has a wonderful sense of serenity about it.

Take the stairs to the second level, you will find yourself on a balcony overlooking the ground floor and an even better view of the museum dome. There are three main exhibits on this level beginning with “Coming To America”. The Arab world is huge; it includes 22 different countries that reach from North Africa to West Asia. This section tells personal stories of the brave souls who left their home in search of a better life; actual trunks, suitcases, handwritten letters, personal papers and photographs are on display. The museum is laid out in such a way that you travel through a sort of maze, I like it when exhibits are laid out in such a manner, it makes it simple to follow the time line and see things in their proper order. I can easily follow along, reading about the experiences of different people; how they arrived, where they settled, and the folks that helped them along the way. “Living In America” introduces us to Arab Americans themselves, many traditions live on through the generations, the exhibits here give you a peek at their lifestyle. “Making An Impact” shares the stories of Arab Americans whose contributions have influenced our way of life from inventions and academics to science and entertainment, athletes and labor leaders. Here is a list of Arab Americans you may recognize: Jamie Farr, Danny Thomas, Candice Lightner, Christa McAuliffe, Helen Thomas, Ralph Nader, Bobby Rahal and Kathy Najimy. You can even listen in on an amusing phone call between LBJ & Joseph Hagar the Lebanese immigrant who founded the Haggar Clothing Company in Texas in 1926. It’s really fun to walk through and learn about the people who invented every day things like the typewriter.The gallery in the lower level hosts changing exhibits. This is a really nice museum and a wonderful introduction to the life of Arab Americans, it’s always fascinating to me to learn about another culture.

There’s a restaurant in Dearborn that we absolutely love: Al-Ajami, located on Warren. The food here is amazing! We made it in for a late lunch, as soon as I walked in the door my mouth began to water. The smell of their homemade bread baking in the wood burning oven permeates the air, revving up our appetite. The decor is contemporary; a mural depicting an evening desert scene is painted on the far wall. Booths run along the perimeter, and tables fill the main dining area. We were seated in a large booth, water arrived immediately. No need for a menu, we know what we want: A Vegetarian Combo and a Chicken Shawarma sandwich. The waiter brought out our drinks a basket of fresh from the oven pita bread and a platter of pickled vegetables. I don’t think you will find a better pita bread anywhere; warm soft pillows of tender bread, a scattering of sesame seed on top, so fragrant and delicious, we nibbled a bit, then the main meal arrived. Falafal, grape leaves, mounds of hommous, taboluee and baba ghanouj, this is the good stuff, fresh and made from scratch. The Chicken in the shawarma is cut into flavorful chunks, pickles are added, it’s rolled up tight in pita and served with the best garlic sauce I’ve ever had. Warning: if you have the garlic sauce it’s best to invite the rest of your table to join you, or at the very least the people with whom you will be sharing a ride home with……. We ate till we could eat no more.

No visit to Dearborn is complete without a trip to Shatila Bakery. Located just a little east on Warren, this is a dessert lovers paradise. As soon as you walk in the door you realize this is no ordinary bakery. The center of the building is a cafe; largePalm trees are wrapped in white lights, the left wall is made into a water feature. One entire side is showcase after showcase filled with tantalizing treats. One section is traditional Mid-Eastern pastries; bakalava, bird nest, fingers and burma. Then there’s the French pastries……I have never seen a selection such as this; they are almost too pretty to eat…almost. What’s your fancy? Chocolate, kiwi, pistachio, strawberry or vanilla. They make cakes, mousse, tortes, tarts and cheesecakes. Are you more of an ice cream person? Not to worry, they have that too! This place is amazing, the pastries are delicious and the prices are unbelievably low.

Tags: Arab American National Museum, Arab Culture, Arabic Restaurant & Bakery, Dearborn MI

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Categories Visit

Detroit Deco: Kresge & Cliff Bells

13 Feb

On Thursday February 9th we attended the Preservation Wayne 2012 Membership Event at the former Kresge World Headquarters on Second and Cass Park. Preservation Wayne is changing their name to Preservation Detroit, with the new name there will be no mistaking what this organization is all about! Their tours are already scheduled for the upcoming season, with more on the way. Check out their website for more information.

We never pass up an opportunity to get a look at another one of Detroit’s beautiful historic buildings. First a little history: Sebastian S Kresge (SS Kresge) started out with two 5 & 10 Cent stores, in 1912 he incorporated the SS Kresge Corporation with 85 stores. By 1928 the company had outgrown its 18 story world headquarters at Adams and Park (now known as the Kales Building), so Sebastian hired Albert Kahn to design a larger headquarters. Opened in 1929, the result is a stunning limestone building; created in the shape of an E, the wings point away from the park, the 250,000 sq ft structure covers a city block. The central portion of the building is 5 1/2 stories tall, while the wings are only 4 stories, it is topped off with a copper-clad mansard roof and terracotta cresting, an excellent example of Art Deco design.

The first Kmart was built in 1962, SS Kresge died in 1966 and then in 1972 the offices were moved to their new headquarters in Troy MI. The old building was donated to a vocational school by the name of the Detroit Institute of Technology. Now known as the Metropolitan Center for High Technology and owned by Wayne State University, the space is home to several small businesses and the Detroit Department of Water and Sewerage. Ok, fast forward to Thursday.

We parked in the fenced in lot behind the building and entered through the back; the interior is granite, the floors were polished to a high shine. We found our way to the lobby crowded with people milling about the silent auction and food tables. Music played softly in the background, the light from the large chandelier played softly off the granite and multitude of brass accents. The lobby is just lovely; inlaid walnut paneling and architectural sculptures all done by Corrado Parducci are a feast for the eyes.The ceiling is divided into a series of squares, raised medallions are painted copper and gold, large windows overlook the park. Building tours were announced; the mass of attendees moved from the lobby to the hall waiting their turn to take the elevator up to the second floor. In the hallway intricate brass rails and banisters line the stairways, gorgeous Art Deco light fixtures decorate the ceilings, the elevator doors are amazing!

The executive offices are located on the second floor, Mr Kresge’s on one side, the VP’s on the other, we had the opportunity to see both. The offices are finished in stunning walnut paneling, in place of sharp corners you will find curves, the same goes for the hardwood floors. The ceilings are wet plaster, a raised design goes around the perimeter giving the room a formal feel, the original light fixtures still remain in Mr Kresge’s office. Next up to the fourth floor, this area was previously used as a laboratory complex, though it is unused at the present time there is hope a new tenant will lease the space. It was interesting to see the area, the best part was the wide array of Pewabic Tile, bright colors in pretty designs, it still remains.

It was still early, so we thought we’d end the evening with a nightcap at Cliff Bells, if you have never been put it on the top of your list of places to go. Located on Park Ave, the exterior is easily recognizable by the lovely wood and half-circle awning entrance. Once inside it is like walking onto the set of an old movie, some swank Art Deco club straight out of the 30’s, I almost expect to see Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby or Benny Goodman appear on stage. This place is incredible; triple cove ceilings, mahogany everywhere including the bar, the cool deco stage and large light fixtures hanging from chains providing just enough light to create the perfect atmosphere. One of the unique features I really love are the bar side tables, and ladies there is even a hook to hang your purse! A mural takes up the far wall, it fits the mood of the place perfectly, vintage photos and menus are enclosed in glass and hung on the wall to be enjoyed by patrons.

Cliff Bell’s was opened by John Clifford Bell in 1935, the building was designed by Albert Kahn and built by the Campau family. The club itself was designed by famed architect Charles Agree, and what a wonderful job he did. Through the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s Cliff Bell’s and the Town Pump Tavern anchored the ends of a lively district of pubs, clubs and burlesques up and down Park Ave, actually not too different from today (minus the burlesques), John ran the club until his retirement in 1958. Through the 70’s and 80’s it went through name changes including The Winery, La Cave, and AJ’s On The Park, until it closed permanently in 1985. In 2005 it was purchased by the current owners and a six-month restoration began. It re-opened as Cliff Bell’s and the rest as they say is history.

Recently discovered in a Detroit warehouse, the club is now home to a vintage Steinway Grand Piano that was purchased in 1960 by the City Of Detroit for Cobo Hall. After being stored for 25 years and 6 months of restoration it now sits on stage. In addition to great Jazz they also serves French-inspired cuisine for lunch, dinner and brunch, they offer great Happy Hour specials. If you are looking for an Ultra-Cool night on the town give Cliff Bell’s a try !

Tags: Albert Kahn, Cliff Bells, Detroit Jazz, Metropolitan Center For High Technology, Preservation Wayne, SS Kresge World Headquarters

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Categories Drink, Visit

DETROIT: Shiver On The River

8 Feb

Saturday February 4th was the Annual Shiver On The River on Belle Isle. Sponsored by the Friends of the Detroit River, Shiver celebrates Belle Isle and the incredible Detroit River. For this single afternoon each building on the island is open to the public, with the Casino building acting as the headquarters for the event. When I say Casino, I do not mean a gambling type establishment, it is simply a place for public gatherings. This building was designed by Albert Kahn in the Renaissance Revival style, built in 1907, it is constructed of brick and terracotta and is absolutely gorgeous. With its balcony, porches and numerous windows, it’s perfectly situated to enjoy a breeze off of the river.

The interior is just lovely; beautiful terrazzo floors lead to a mosaic tile pattern in the center of the main floor with 1907 in the middle. If you stand here and look straight up you will notice a duplicate circular pattern of glass block in the floor above, and directly above that on the second floor is a gorgeous skylight, each level allowing sunlight in to brighten the space. Take the marble stairs to the second floor to see the skylight, peer through the windows taking in the stunning view of the city in the distance. The building was filled with exhibits, displays, refreshments, arts and crafts and live entertainment. The casino is the best place to begin, you can get all the information on what is taking place in the other buildings on Belle Isle.

Resting upon the bank of the Detroit River is the Belle Isle Boat Club. Built in 1902 in the Spanish Colonial style, the white stucco and red tile building is eye-catching. The building is owned by the city of Detroit, since 2001 the Detroit Boat Club Crew has undertaken the task of refurbishing the building. The Detroit Boat Club was established in 1839 and is the oldest rowing club in North America. The interior of the building is in need of repair, at first you may be surprised by the peeling paint, crumbling plaster, and general disarray. Take a closer look; Beautiful walnut railings line the stairway with seahorses carved into the wood for the spindles, ornate plaster work decorates the walls and ceilings, the ballroom retains an air of elegance with its timber ceiling adorned with stencils. It just so happened that on this Saturday the building was overflowing with activity; Motown Madness, the Detroit Indoor Rowing Regatta was taking place, and there was standing room only! We came in on ground level, which is sort of the basement of the building; this is where they store the sculls. You can peek your head in and have a look at these long slender boats. I hope the term boat isn’t offensive…..They are really quite something to see. We took the stairs to the main level where all of the activity was going on, the ballroom had been transformed into an indoor rowing facility. Crowds of people were jammed in cheering on their teams, while the next group of competitors were warming up. The main floor is composed of several rooms, some private and cozy, others large enough for a banquet, all are being used by the Boat Club Crew. The second level has a balcony that overlooks the lobby and main entrance, along with an archway that allows you to view the ballroom from above. This is the best place to get a good look at the timber ceiling I told you about, it’s fabulous! There are more rooms for gatherings here and a really cool bar complete with anchor decor and swinging doors. The building is incredible, I can only imagine how opulent is was back in its heyday. The Boat Club continues to occupy and care for the building, they understand what a treasure it is.

We had heard the Coast Guard was doing an Ice Rescue demonstration, so we drove over to the building. A couple of boats were sitting in the garage, so we checked them out before going inside; we did a quick walk through, then back out to watch the demonstration. A good size crowd had gathered; first a dummy was placed in the water, coast guard members boarded their boat, paddled out to the victim, then proceeded with the rescue. It was interesting to see the type of equipment they have and the difficulty involved in a water rescue, not to mention the cold. Of course it was a success, the crowd rewarded their effort with a round of applause.

The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is home to family nature programs, locally found species of turtles, snakes, fish and birds and yes, the Fallow Deer. One of the things many people fondly remember about Belle Isle are the Fallow Deer that used to roam freely around the island. The 15 deer now call a one acre enclosure and barn home year round. I like to walk out and visit with them, if I’m lucky I get there at feeding time and have even had the pleasure of feeding them once. The nice day brought lots of folks out to the island and many of them came to see the deer. While a few seemed as interested in us as we were in them, most of them just seemed to be enjoying the sunshine and warm temperature. Back inside we made the loop around the nature center checking out the animals and exhibits. It was wonderful to see so many people having a good time, many discovering the center for the first time.

I would have to say Shiver On The River 2012 was a great success, I have never seen so many people come out for the event. I suppose the fact that it wasn’t really shiver type weather helped. We tried to get into the aquarium, which re-opened for the day, but the line reached out of the building and down the sidewalk past the conservatory! I hope if it re-opens, people will continue to show it support, it is such an amazing building both inside and out. There is always something going on in Detroit, get out and join the fun!

I have a secret to share with you: I had never been to American Coney Island on Lafayette before Saturday…..It seems we have always been a Lafayette family. In the spirit of the new year and trying new things it was decided we would have lunch at American. Opened in 1917 by Constantine “Gust” Keros, the restaurant is still run by the Keros family. Decked out in red, white and blue, the place was bustling with patrons of all ages. Plates of coney islands and french fries were lined up on the counter, waiters skillfully deliver them to the tables. These days in addition to the traditional coney you can also have homemade spinach pie, Greek salads, soup and gyros, they even serve breakfast now. We stuck with the original coney island and a loose hamburger; they arrived lightning fast. As good of a coney as I have ever had, the natural casing dog had that nice crunch on the initial bite, a generous topping of chili, mustard and onion all held together in a steamed bun…Yum! We sat way up front at the table right in the window, the perfect spot to watch the activity indoors and out. American Coney Island has been featured in numerous articles and on the Food Network, guests include movie stars, politicians, musicians and sports stars, it has been a Detroit favorite for decades.

Tags: Belle Isle Aquarium, Belle Isle Casino, Detroit Boat Club, Detroit River, Shiver On The River, visit detroit

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Categories Visit

DETROIT: Ford Field Tour !

5 Feb

Superbowl XLVI takes place in Indianapolis this Sunday February 5th, football is a popular topic this week. With that in mind we thought we’d take advantage of one of the behind-the-scenes tours of Ford Field. Walk Up Tours are available on Mondays and Fridays from January to July at 11am and 1pm. We parked in the structure next to Elwood Bar and Grill, walked across the street to the stadium and purchased our tickets. When the group was fully assembled our lovely tour guide began, as she spoke it was apparent she was not a local. Though she was born across the pond as they say, she has been in Detroit for 16 years, and has been at Ford Field since the beginning. She is a wonderful hostess who possesses a wealth of information about the stadium.

We began on street level; The 1920’s Hudson’s warehouse that was located on the stadium property now makes up the entire south wall of the structure, giving the stadium a bit of personality. The ground level is designated for restaurants, concessions and retail and plays homage to Detroit’s past. When J.L Hudson’s flagship store on Woodward was imploded in 1998 the bricks were recovered, cleaned and stored, then re-used to build Ford Field, how cool is that? A 7-story atrium is within the warehouse, at the southeast corner is a glass wall which provides a panoramic view of the Detroit skyline, one of the building’s many unique features. I couldn’t believe how big this place is, there is a ton of natural light flowing in through immense skylights, large glass windows and open corners giving it a light open feeling, almost like being outdoors. There are 132 suites located on four levels, with one level of Club seating. There are eight varieties of suites seating from 8-30 people. We got to check out a medium to large one, Wow! The view: awesome, great amenities, and best of all the seats are Lincoln Navigator seats, really! Talk about comfort; Visteon manufactured all of the seats for the stadium. It’s so much fun to do this kind of tour; we saw Press Row, fancy lounge areas and the top-secret NFL Instant Replay room. You overlook the entire field from up here, I have to admit I was in awe, it’s really a remarkable venue.

Opened in 2002, it took 32 months to construct at a cost of $550 million, it seats 65,000 people. They say it has the best sight-lines of any football stadium in the US, with no obstructed views. Because of the long cold Detroit winters a permanent dome was the best design. The structural-steel supported dome with its two 18 ft wide concrete columns is quite a sight! It’s interesting that the End Zones at Ford Field are East and West instead of the traditional North and South, special permission had to be granted from the NFL . The reason for that is sunlight can be a distraction to players, so precautions were taken to prevent that.

Next we took an elevator down to what is the most coveted portion of the tour: the locker room and of course the FIELD. We got off the elevator in what is the original basement of the 1920’s warehouse, pretty amazing eh? First up: the Visitors locker room, nice, cherry wood makes up the actual lockers, indoor/outdoor carpet, nice; the Lions locker room, whoa, it’s huge. Same basic amenities just housed in a much bigger space, there are 11 locker rooms in all. Time to head out onto the field, there are actually two tunnels, one for the visitors, so of course it’s smaller, and one for the home team; that’s the one we took. The tunnels, made of concrete slope downward; the field is actually 40 ft below street level. There is an excitement as you walk through, then all at once you see it, a vast green expanse stretching out before you, the size of. …..well…… the size of a football field! I looked around at my tour companions and every single one had a smile on their face. I don’t know what it is, but something about being in a place like this really brings out the kid in all of us.

We have been wanting to try a new place that opened on Park behind the Fox called Hot Taco. With neighbors like Town Pump, Centaur, Park Bar, Bucharest Grill and Cliff Bells, this is quickly becoming a popular destination district. The diminutive, contemporary space offers a variety of tacos and burritos designed for hit and run dining. A chalkboard and paper menus on the counter describe your options; the fillings are made up of interesting combinations of flavors. They offer three different tacos on a 3 for $6.00 special; the Hot Taco Chicken, Pork and Chorizo, that sounded good to us. We started with an order of chips and asked for a sample of each of their available sauces: Salsa Verde, Chipotle Sour Cream and Mango Salsa. Tacos are wrapped individually in small sheets of foil, we ate ours sitting at a counter along the window overlooking Park. We enjoyed all of them, I think the Chorizo was my favorite. Open from 11am to 2am you satisfy your taco craving almost anytime it strikes.

Tags: Detroit Lions, Detroit Tours, Ford Field, Hot Taco, Hudson's Warehouse

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Categories Visit

DETROIT: Lunch, Library & Leisure

2 Feb

The first thing on our Friday agenda was lunch at Supino Pizzeria in Eastern Market. We easily found street parking, and were relieved to find open seats available. This tiny space has a big reputation for excellent real Italian-style pizza. Order at the counter; selections are written on chalk boards. There are two varieties: Red, which comes with sauce and white which has no sauce. Choose from one of the many tempting selections such as The Supino with roasted garlic, black olives, chili oil, ricotta and mozzarella or the Bismark, it has fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and egg. There’s the always delicious Margherita: fresh basil, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and Parmigiano or our choice Primavera: tomatoes, artichoke, eggplant, onion, spinach and mozzarella. Or create your own, pies come in two sizes, 12″ or 18″.

We took a seat at a small table in the window and waited for our food to arrive. The space is set up in community fashion; long wooden tables encourage strangers to sit side by side and engage in conversation. It has a laid back, funky, market feel to it; black and white checkered floor, upside down wash tubs serve as light fixtures, large pieces of art work hang on the walls. The clientele runs the gamut from suburbanite and business professional to locals. Our salad arrived quickly, topped with homemade Lemon-Basil Citroneette, it was very tasty. The pizza followed shortly, the hand stretched dough took on more of a free form shape as opposed to the typical circle. Cut into four large slices, the crust has an initial crunch followed by a chewy deliciousness that only comes from great dough. The toppings are proportioned nicely, just enough of everything. It was mid afternoon and although the dining area had cleared out, there was still a steady stream of folks picking up a slice or a whole pizza to go. It can be crazy busy on market days, but they are open during the week too. Next time you’re in the mood for some really good pizza think Supino!

The Main branch of the Detroit Public Library was built in 1921. Designed by Cass Gilbert in the early Italian Renaissance Style, this place is gorgeous! The original entrance of this large stone building rests below beautiful archways that overlook Woodward Avenue. Once inside you will notice the richly painted ornate ceiling, tall columns and stairways, this lets you know that it is an important building. To the right is the HYPE Teen Center, individuals sit at available computers, as groups of youngsters gather together to play a video game or just catch up on the days events. Many areas of the library have been updated such as this space, without disturbing the original integrity of the architecture. In this room you’ll find a fireplace with a stunning tile surround and above that the Pictoral Map Of Michigan by Frederick J Wiley completed in 1923. Within the mural you will find the two Latin Mottoes: Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice and Tamen Fit Surculus Arbor, which translate into “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you” the present motto of Michigan, and “The shoot at length becomes a tree” the motto of Michigan when still a territory.

Next walk up to the third floor, pay attention to the detail in the ceiling on your way up; look carefully and you can find the seals of the City of Detroit, the state of Michigan, the United States and the University of Michigan, it’s absolutely amazing! On the third floor is Adam Strom Hall, here you will find another series of murals along the East and West walls. Whenever we come up here we like to take a seat on one of the benches to sit and stare for a while. Grand light fixtures strung from chains hang from the ceiling, stained glass windows are embellished with colorful scenes, ceiling panels glisten as light reflects off gold-painted rosettes. It’s all very intricate and awe-inspiring. The murals tell the story from the days of Cadillac’s landing to the evolution of man’s mobility. Walk around the third floor hallways and take it all in, get a good look at the grand staircase murals. When your neck has had enough it’s time to move on and forward in time to the North and South wings that were added in 1963.

Immediately you will recognize the clean lines and signature accents of Modern architecture. Here you will find large glass windows, brass railings in straight lines or circular patterns, wood panels and lush green plants. The space becomes bright, light and airy. In this section you will find the Burton Historical Collection. The emphasis here is placed on the history of Detroit and Michigan from the time of settlement in the 17th Century to the present. It also includes the Great Lakes area, New England, New France, the US and Canada. The Burton collection is mind-boggling; from the Ernie Harwell Collection to the original manuscript of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer Among The Indians to original pictures, drawings and manuscripts donated to the library from Laura Ingalls Wilder, you could spend an entire day right here. If you’re researching your family tree chances are you’ll find information here they house church records of baptisms, marriages, deaths, records from the military, immigration, obituaries and land records. All materials are reference and cannot leave the reading room, so plan on spending some time here when you visit. If you’re looking for rare books, first editions, vintage postcards, maps or photographs, they have it all. Be sure and step outside to view the incredible mosaics above the Cass entrance.

Time for a little coffee break. We did a post earlier in the year on Chez Zara located on Woodward near Campus Martius, since that time they have closed that location and opened a kiosk’s in the lobby of the Chase Tower. I have always liked the looks of this building; designed by Albert Kahn and built in 1959 it is definitely a great example of Modern Design. Purchased by Dan Gilbert in April of 2011 the building has undergone some sprucing up. We came in through the Woodward entrance, the contrast between the white of the walls and bright paint colors is really eye-catching, it works with all the natural sunlight streaming in the windows. The first floor is being transformed into a bit of a public space; casual seating areas are arranged around the perimeter, funky modern furniture invites you to sit and relax. A wonderful collection of automotive themed artwork from paintings to sculptures was on display. We went straight to Chez Zara to order our drinks, I stuck with their signature Nutella Latte; you just can’t go wrong with that choice, rich espresso with a hint of hazelnut and chocolate, creamy, warm and sweet goodness from first sip to last. Kris had straight espresso. We took our beverages over to a nearby seating area with a table and chairs overlooking the street scene. What a nice way to kick back and enjoy a little leisure time. Chez Zara is open Monday thru Friday for your coffee drinking pleasure.

UPDATE: Chez Zara has closed permanently.

Tags: Burton Historical Collection, Chase Tower, Chez Zara, Detroit Public Library, Eastern Market, Supino Pizza, visit detroit, Woodward Ave

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Categories Drink, Eat, Visit

Ann Arbor: For kids of all ages !

29 Jan

In the Winter months we like to catch up on our visits to local museums, on Sunday we drove out to Ann Arbor to do just that. The Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum is located right downtown in an old brick firehouse; with over 250 exhibits in 9 galleries, it is 4 floors of activity and fun! The museum welcomes adults as well as children; their mission is simple: Inspire people to discover the wonder of science, math and technology. As we came in the door we were greeted with the sounds of children and parents at play, moms and dads coax the kids to do this or that while taking a picture with their i phone. There’s so much to do in every direction, we started at the top and worked our way down. Upstairs in the Lights and Optics area is a string-less harp, pluck invisible strings with your fingers to hear beautiful harp tones created by a laser, walk into a small room and your movement is converted into a shadow of rainbow colors, teenagers have a blast with this. The Discovery Room is all about Michigan; examples of our native animals, plants, flowers and lake fish are all on display. The Country Store is a recreation of a 1920’s era store, complete with tin ceiling, vintage looking lights and wood plank floor you can put on an apron and work behind the counter or pretend you are a customer picking up your weekly supplies; either way it is a big hit with the kids. There is a Pre-School Gallery specially designed for children age 4 and younger, we watched through the window for a little bit as the kids and parents played together, nothing but smiles there.

Another exhibit shows how a building is constructed; One side wall takes you through from studs, to insulation to the finished wall and roof. I liked the World Around You Gallery, they have piano keys on the floor you walk on to play a tune, just like in the movie “Big”, you can also climb a rock wall here. The first floor was the noisiest with activity; here you will find a water table that kids simply cannot get enough of, what is it with kids and putting their hands in water? They have a full size ambulance you can climb right into, learn how a traffic light or electric motor works. The building has solar panels located on the roof, follow the process of how the sun warms water for our everyday use. Block Party is made up of hundreds of red foam blocks that allow you to construct your own creation; build something small on your own or work with a few friends to make a house. The exhibits are very well done, no matter your age everyone can learn something here. The basement is made up of a series of rooms that can be used for birthday parties, I saw more than one cake being brought in,what a great idea for a child’s birthday. The museum was getting more crowded as the day went on, it’s good to see people getting out and visiting, we should all take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy such things.

If you’ve been to Ann Arbor chances are you’ve been to or at least heard of Zingerman’s. What started out as a deli back in 1982 has grown exponentially into a food paradise. The deli is still housed in the original charming brick building; here you can shop for gourmet foods like farmhouse cheeses, estate bottled olive oil, smoked fish, varietal vinegar, salami, hearth baked breads, mustards, jams, jellies, coffee and teas…whew! Whether it is cheese from their own creamery or a Vermont cheddar, vanilla from Madagascar or one of their own brownies, Zingerman’s sells only the best. When you walk in the door you are surrounded by food; on the right are loaves of bread, bagels are slid over wooden dowels in stacks, brownies and cookies are also available. To the left is the refrigerated section, glass cases are filled with the finest meats and cheeses; liverwurst, peppered ham, breakfast sausage and Montreal smoked meat, cheese that comes from cows, goats and sheep. Zingermans deli has an aroma all its own! This is where you place your order if you are having a meal, menu boards hang from the ceiling, each one dedicated to a particular category; it’s nearly impossible to decide. I always enlist help from one of the friendly employees taking orders, I simply tell them what I am in the mood for, you know like roast beef or turkey and let them take it from there. Today Kris and I were going vegetarian, the woman who was helping us suggested a grilled sandwich with cheese, avocado, tomato, and green chilies for a little kick. For a side we picked a pasta salad and on her suggestion a salad with dark greens, radicchio, dried cherries and a shredded cheese. I paid at the register and we shopped around the tight quarters grazing as we went; a piece of bread with olive oil, a sample of tea, apricot jam, etc. There is no longer seating in the original deli, for that you either go outside when weather permits or you head to Zingerman’s Next Door.

The main floor of Next Door provides tables for dining and retail sales of coffee, desserts, candy and gelato with an incredible selection of each. We took the stairs to the second floor to the dining areas and waited for our food to arrive, which thankfully didn’t take long. The sandwich was huge, I took a first bite and delighted in the mixture of flavors, the crunch of the bread, the creaminess of the avocado, the rich cheese and the heat of the green chilies, yum! The pasta salad was delicious, the noodles were cooked just right. I’m so glad we took the suggestion to order the green salad it was extremely tasty. Zingerman’s Next Door can be a bit of a madhouse, but it’s always worth it to stop in. Here you can sample their incredibly creamy gelato, buy one of their gourmet chocolates, have a fantastic espresso drink or an extraordinary dessert; eat it here or take it home, we’ve never been disappointed. Kris grabbed an espresso to go and we were off to our next destination.

The University of Michigan Museum Of Natural History is located on campus in the lovely Ruthven Museum Building. Completed in 1928 the exterior of the building is constructed of brick and stone, step inside to the view rotunda with its beautiful plaster ceiling, marble floor, and wrought iron railings. The museum showcases Michigan’s pre-historic past, wildlife, anthropology and geology with 4 floors of exhibits. We took the stairs to the fourth floor to begin. The geology area has an extensive display of rocks and minerals, I love looking at the samples and always marvel at the variety of colors and textures. This floor also features artifacts from human cultures around the world. Down the steps we went, the third floor is all about Michigan; great lakes birds, native mammals, reptiles and amphibians are all here displayed in showcases. From the wolverine and squirrels to mallards and an entire family of possums. It’s interesting to see the detail of the animals up close but sometimes I wonder where they all came from….I try not to think about it too much. The second floor is the Hall Of Evolution and focuses on pre-historic life. Fossils, whale skeletons, and dinosaur bones, this museum hosts the largest display of dinosaurs in Michigan. Here you can get up close to a real Mastodon skeleton, it is enormous! When you look around, it is hard to believe these gigantic beasts once roamed the Earth. We made our final decent to the main floor where we came in. One more look around the rotunda and it was time to go. Ann Arbor has so much to offer from culture to dining, it’s close by and easy to get to, check it out!

Tags: Ann Arbor, Detroit Blog, Hands On Museum, Natural History Museum, University of Michigan, Zingerman's Deli

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Categories Road Trips

DETROIT: The Auto Show

25 Jan

Detroit is still the Motor City, no name is more synonymous. We still build cars, engines, transmissions, axles and millions of untold parts in the city and its metro. Once a year we have our own red carpet preview; The North American International Auto Show. While not a hidden gem by any means, it is one of the most iconic, Spectacular and historic events in Detroit. It is estimated to gross hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the metro area, and this year alone raised $3 million for children’s charity. Weeks of work and months of planning go into elaborate displays dedicated to what Detroit does best: build cars. Whether you’re looking for a Chevy Volt built in Hamtramck , a Chrysler 200 from Sterling Heights, a Mustang from Brownstown or an ultra exotic Falcon from Holly, they’re all here. For 105 years we’ve been proudly showing our vehicles to the world.

The first Detroit Auto Dealers Association Auto Show was held in 1907 at Riverview Park on Jefferson near the Belle Isle Bridge. The show grew from year to year, as it did, it moved from location to location; The Light Guard Armory on 8 Mile, Wayne Gardens Pavillion, and the Michigan State Fair Grounds. 1957 marked the first year international manufacturers displayed their vehicles at the show. In 1965 the Auto Show moved to its permanent home at Cobo Center. The show was (and still is) a huge deal for Detroit, in the old days manufacturers would transport the vehicles to the venues ‘under wraps’, the wraps would stay on until the show opening. The dealer showrooms often copied this tactic; showroom windows would be covered over as the vehicle lines changed over from year to year. It was a big deal when the new model year was unveiled. In 1989 the Detroit Auto Show officially became the North American International Auto Show, Detroit hosts the only domestic show to be distinguished as a Major International Show. In 2007 the DADA celebrated the centennial of the show which had grown from a regional event with 17 exhibitors to an internationally sanctioned show with over 90 exhibitors! With their headquarters located in metro Detroit, the “Big Three” have always been the life-blood of the city.

Kris and I ventured down to the NAIAS on a Friday morning hoping to beat the crowds. I love this time of year downtown; city streets are filled with cars bearing license plates from neighboring states, scores of people fill the sidewalks leading to Cobo, local bars and restaurants overflow with folks on their way to or from the show. It is more than just an auto show, it is an event. Manufacturers transform Cobo into an almost science-fiction type atmosphere; cars rest upon platforms and turntables at strange angles rotating to showcase every view. Entire sets and stages are constructed, there are multiple levels, funky lighting, lounge areas and music. As you pass from display to display beautiful models recite dialog pointing out the most interesting features of each vehicle. There are give-aways, free tote bags, and plenty of brochures to place inside. There is an electricity in the air here; American muscle is back and it’s cool; Boss 302 Mustang, a Supercharged ZR1 Corvette, Challenger SRT 8, the Charger SuperBee, ZL1 Camaro, even a 556 HP Cadillac CTS-V . Cars are exciting again, the lines are sleek, the colors are outstanding; the Black Diamond on Cadillac is rich with metal-flake, Ford paints cars in lime green and Grabber Blue, Chrysler has Header Orange, you should have seen the paint on the 2012 Hot Wheels Camaro, a cross between chrome and anti-freeze green it was wild! I like to do a bit of research before I write each post, while reading the history of the auto show I came across a quote I’d like to share with you: Detroiters have always endured, excelled and exceeded expectations. I think our auto industry is a perfect example of that.

For more Auto Show photos click HERE

Back in the “Mad Men” days there was such a thing as the “businessmen’s lunch”, it would last longer than the typical lunch hour, it usually included a cocktail, and took place in a restaurant with a club-like feel; dark wood, dim lighting, small space. The Caucus Club is located on the ground floor of the Penobscot Building, opened in 1952 it has been a long time favorite lunch spot for judges, lawyers, bankers and executives. The interior is dim, light by a series of Tiffany-style lamps, it consists of two rooms separated by a small kitchen, dark paneling, brass sconces, antiques and paintings decorated the spaces. The Caucus Club was opened by Les and Sam Gruber and was the sister restaurant to the world-renowned London Chop House. The Gruber brothers were well-known in the industry not only for their food, but for the talented young people they hired to perform at the Caucus Club. In 1961 Les received a call from Irwin Arthur in New York City, telling him of a young woman singer he thought would be perfect for him, Les agreed to give her a try. In February 1961 Barbra Streisand began singing in the back room of the Caucus Club for $125 per week. She performed there off and on from February to August that year. Sometime during her stay she was invited to be on the Jack Parr show, which of course kicked off her professional career.

It is a short walk from Cobo to Caucus Club, they serve lunch and dinner during the week and dinner only on Saturday. We were seated near the window, brought menus and glasses of water. The menu has changed little, you will still find menu items such as a Chef’s and Maurice salad, a tuna plate, the John Hancock and Old Glory sandwiches and of course their famous fresh lake perch. We chose the Waiters Salad; iceberg lettuce, julienne ham, turkey and swiss, a hard-boiled egg and tomato with the waiters dressing. Along with that a good old-fashioned club sandwich; nothing fancy, just turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on toast. The restaurant still caters to the business lunch crowd, people from nearby offices came and went while we were there. Bobby Flay’s Food Nation visited a while back and featured the Caucus Club sautéed Lake Perch and Oysters in Champagne Sauce. I am sad to report that after 60 years in business, Caucus Club closed their doors in late 2012.

The Buhl Bar is a throwback to the time when each one of the buildings in the Financial District had its own after work cocktail bar. The bar is definitely old-school, located in the Buhl Building it is open from 3 to 8pm Monday through Friday. This former bank lobby has been transformed into a relaxing place for a drink after a long day. With its dark wood, dim lighting and ornate plaster ceilings this cozy space has a distinctly masculine ambiance. We arrived shortly after the bar opened, we were the first customers of the day, old standards played softly in the background. We sat at the bar and ordered our drinks, as we sat there a few regulars began to trickle in. Tables by the window provide a view of The Guardian Building and activity on Griswold and Congress. After a short respite it was time to move along, but we will definitely be back.

Tags: Buhl Bar, Caucus Club, Detroit Skyscrapers, North American International Auto Show, The Big Three

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