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Detroit Historical Museum, Good Girls Go To Paris, On The Rise Bakery

On The Rise Bakery is located at 6110 Mc Clellan at Gratiot, it is housed in a beautiful historic yellow brick building with Pewabic tile accents. Inside you will find large round loaves of fresh-baked bread, cupcakes, muffins, several varieties of cookies the size of saucers, and much more. It smells wonderful inside, everything looks delicious, prices are reasonable, and staff members are friendly and helpful. We were there on a late Friday morning, along with a constant flow of patrons coming and going. On The Rise is sponsored by the Capuchin Soup Kitchen; your purchase supports housing, training, counseling services, educational opportunities and self-help programs for men recently released from prison or those who have completed a substance abuse treatment program. I chose a loaf of Monastery White bread, great for sandwiches, or perfect french toast, and was not disappointed. Located outside the ‘tourist zone’ this is a fun stop for the more adventurous.

The Detroit Historical Museum was established in 1928 and is one of America’s oldest public museums dedicated to metropolitan history. We found a metered parking space on Kirby, there is also a pay parking lot adjacent to the building, the cost is $4.00. As you climb the few stairs to the main level you will currently find the Fabulous 5 display, in it is one of Diana Ross’ beaded dresses, I had no idea she was that tiny. Things are still done the old-fashioned way here and it has a quaint feeling to it. If you haven’t been here in ages memories will come flooding back as you wander the Streets Of Old Detroit or marvel at the Glancy Trains. The Motor City exhibit is a multi-faceted look at Detroit’s auto industry; covering invention, assembly, labor and suppliers. The centerpiece being the assembly line featuring the Cadillac Clark Street plant “Body Drop” acquired in 1987, and several vintage Fleetwoods.

In addition to the permanent collection there are a number of changing exhibits. I love the current “Saying I Do” Detroit Weddings showcase, it explores the traditions surrounding weddings and marriage of different nationalities found in metro Detroit. Over the years we’ve seen: Hudsons, Historic Movie Palaces, and vintage toys to name a few. Detroiter or not come check it out.

Good Girls Go To Paris Crepes is located right across Woodward from the museum and makes a great lunch stop. Park on the street and head inside the lipstick red walled dining space. The menu is posted on a large chalk board hanging on the wall, the Right Bank features sweet crepes, and the Left Bank savory. One of each is a nice combination, packed full of fillings these crepes are meant to be eaten with a knife and fork, large enough to share, we cut each in half and split. Our selections this time were the Janel, filled with eggs, swiss cheese, ham and pesto, and the Mary which is simply cinnamon, sugar and butter. It is astounding how something so simple can be so flavorful. Order at the counter then have a seat at one of the tables to wait for your food to arrive. Check out the French movie posters displayed on the walls, watch the activity on Woodward through large front windows to pass the time. It can get crowded, but the line usually moves quickly and I think it’s worth the wait. UPDATE: Good Girls Go To Paris is now closed.

Tags: Capuchin, Detroit Crepes, Detroit Historical, Museum

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Categories Eat, Visit

Roadtrip….M-29 to Lexington MI

26 May

Lexington Michigan is one of our favorite small town summer destinations. We made our first drive up for the season on Sunday, and Oh, what a day! The only way to get there is the scenic route of course, probably the best place to begin is New Baltimore. Located in the northeast corner of Macomb County the city rests on the coastline of Lake St Clair, specifically Anchor Bay. There is a small beach , a playground, and a dock for fishing or just staring off into the lake. They have a Sunday Farmers Market beginning July 17, fresh picked local vegetables and herbs, and lots of homemade goodies to choose from. From here get on M- 29, it will take you east, enjoy glimpses of the bay between cottages and restaurants, maybe stop in at a roadside vegetable stand, the road continues south through St John’s Marsh. Driving through the marsh is intriguing, there is water of some sort on each side of the road, look for wildlife in the marsh, swans and heron are a common sight. Finally you will head back north up the St Clair River. From here the scenery goes up a notch, the river is less obscured. Algonac is another little town on the water, it has a pretty riverside park where you can stop and stretch your legs. Marine City is the next teeny tiny little town, it has it’s own charm, and seems to be on the upswing. The historic downtown lies just east of M-29, paralleling the river. We stopped in at an old fashioned candy store called “The Sweet Tooth“, right on Water Street. It’s really cute inside, they have all the candies from my childhood; like giant Pixie Sticks, Zotz, Blow Pops, and those crazy Necco Candy Buttons; the little pastel candy dots that you end up eating as much paper as you do candy, yeah, those! It’s a place that brings a smile to your face everywhere you look. If it’s a nice day get a hand dipped Hudsonville Ice Cream cone and take it outside to Riverpark to enjoy. The view is as pretty as the ice cream is good. Bask in the scenery as you make your way, the river is a gorgeous bluish green, it was such a spectacular day for our drive the sunlight danced upon the water. Elegant Victorians, richly decorated Tudor homes and cottages are intermixed on the west side of the road, each looking like they belong, newly built mansions sit back in the distance. St Clair is next, this is a higher end town than the others, the residences here reflect money. Palmer Park is perfect for sitting and watching the freighters go by or taking a stroll along the boardwalk. The St Clair Inn has been around since 1926 and is on the National register of Historic Landmarks. All done up in it’s English Tudor style, it takes you back to a grander place in time. Stop in for a meal or stay for the weekend. Port Huron is the big city with the spectacular view, there’s just too much to list here, so look for a future post about it. I will say this, drive through the historic downtown, it is quite lovely, at its end veer right. Head back to the river and drive along taking in the sights of the Blue Water Bridge, sailboats, Canada, and of course Lake Huron. As you pass the Thomas Edison Inn follow Gratiot to continue the scenic path and avoid the malls and traffic of the everyday life. I believe it is 22 miles north on M-25 to Lexington, it is truly a one stoplight town, so don’t miss it! As you make your right turn at that light, you will suddenly feel like you are on vacation. In the distance is Lake Huron, all blue and picturesque, on the right are quaint shops, and restaurants. Lexington T-shirts and hoodies hang in doorways, tourists carrying double dip cones and sporting hats and sunscreen peruse the sidewalks. For all the years we have been coming here Sweetwater’s is where we eat, and what we eat is pizza, either a Sweetwater or a New York, and a Greek Market Salad, you can’t go wrong with an order like that. Sit outside and feel yourself relax, do some people watching as sun worshipers head to the beach. After you have eaten head to the lake yourself, there’s a extensive pier that takes you out in the lake, bordered by huge rocks floated down from Rogers City. It’s an excellent getaway that lets you enjoy one of our states most significant assets, our Great Lakes, and Lake Huron certainly is great.

Tags: Blue Water Bridge, Lake Huron, M-25, M-29, Port Huron, scenic drive, St Clair River

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Categories Eat, Road Trips, Shop, Visit

Heidelberg Project, Father Solanus, Cafe con leche

24 May

Within about a mile of Jefferson on Mount Elliot there is an interesting variety of places to see including two historic cemeteries, a riverfront park, East Riverwalk and our destinations of the day.

The Solanus Casey Center is located on Mt Elliot in Detroit. Inspired by the life and example of Father Solanus the center strives to be a place of pilgrimage, healing, reconciliation and peace. Father Solanus was well known in Detroit throughout his more than twenty years of service at St Bonaventure. His ministry of charity, comfort, and concern for the poor inspired the Detroit Capuchins to establish their Soup Kitchen which continues to this day. The center welcomes people of all religious backgrounds and all walks of life.

Park on the street, then walk through the garden on your way inside. When you enter the building through the beautiful glass doors you will notice an instant sense of tranquility. Skylights flood the lobby with sunlight and it draws you further inside. There is a small museum like section that tells the story of the life of Father Solanus that I believe anybody would find interesting. He spent his life in the service of others, in times of trouble and sorrow people sought his prayers and advice, many still pray to him today. The St Bonaventure Chapel is connected to the center and is open daily from 7:30-5:00pm. Be sure to wander in, religious or not you can’t help but admire the intricately carved wooden alter, the architecture is simple and elegant at the same time. Feel free to have a seat, it is a perfect place to meditate or reflect.

Just a short drive away is the Heidelberg Project, these two places couldn’t be more opposite. Here there is a sense of energy and controversy, it feels loud. The colors are bright, houses are painted with polka dots and numbers, found items are grouped together in unlikely collections. It challenges you in a way that is whimsical not offensive. Walk the two block area with an open mind, just have fun.

The Mission of the Heidelberg Project is to inspire people to use and appreciate artistic expression as a means to enrich and improve their lives, and to beautify and preserve the environments in which we all live, work, and play. Tyree Guyton created the Heidelberg Project 25 years ago, in an effort to bring positive change to his community and the city of Detroit. It began as an outdoor art project in the heart of a blighted neighborhood in Detroit, but has grown to be much more. Today the project is recognized as one of the most influential art displays in the country. It is a demonstration of the power of creativity and its ability to transform lives. Each day the project attracts visitors from all over Detroit, the nation and the world. It offers a seed of hope, a forum for ideas, and a bright vision for the future.

After all of the activity it was time to go to Southwest to Cafe con leche, this is the coffee shop I mentioned in an earlier post. It is one of our favorite places to go and have some sort of espresso drink, sit at a table in the window overlooking Clark Park,and watch. In warm weather or cold, Kris always gets a large Cubano, it is wonderfully rich espresso that is brewed directly into a cup containing raw sugar, so the espresso and sugar mix together, then it is stirred gently and enjoyed. My selection varies from visit to visit, but when it is cold outside you can’t go wrong with a Spanish Hot Chocolate. Owner Jordi comes from Barcelona Spain, so he knows how to make them right. Hot chocolate so thick, you can eat it with a spoon! It has almost a pudding like taste and texture to it, heck, it’s so good, get it anytime.

This cafe has a loyal following, regulars come and go at the same time each day, the baristas greet them on a first name basis, and ask “your usual”? It is comfortable and friendly, Spanish is the primary language being spoken, but people easily change back and forth to English, and there is usually a nice selection of music being played quietly in the background. They offer a small selection of mostly Mexican pastries, and they recently added Panini sandwiches. Located at 4200 W Vernor, it is a great place to kick back and relax and just hang out.

Tags: Capuchin, Coffee, Detroit art, Father Solanus Casey, Heidelberg, Southwest Detroit, St Bonaventure, Tyree Guyton

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Categories Visit

Eastern Market Flower Day , Sala Thai & CCS

19 May

Eastern Market Flower Day, the words can’t describe the spectacle that awaits. One who’d never been could not expect the the enormity, energy & beauty of this event. Mother nature provides the acres of eye candy, the shoppers,vendors & musicians provide the festival like vibe, a perfect combo for a great time .

After waking to the sound of rain hitting our bedroom window, we naively assumed we’d find easy parking and light crowds……wrong! It takes more than bad weather to deter flower day attendance. We parked a couple of blocks away, as soon as we hit the shelter of the outdoor sheds the umbrella went down and the shopping began. The mass of men, women, and children walked down the center aisles, the right and left sides a rainbow sea of color, Lilacs and Stargazer lilies perfumed the damp air. Annuals in flats and pots, trees, shrubs and vegetable plants as far as you could see. Vendors bundled up against the elements, drinking something warm and calling out prices. The sound of plastic sliding across the concrete as flats of Impatients and Petunias were loaded up. Smiles on the faces we passed, mini conferences between partners deciding between this or that, wagons piled three or four shelves high, not even pouring rain and 40 degress could dampen the spirit on Russell Street.

We walked the market twice, which was no easy task, and then it was time to warm up and get some food. We had parked on the side of Sala Thai, which is also located on Russell Street, the restaurant occupies an old fire station, and is enchanting inside. This is the very first place we ever had sushi or Thai food, we lucked out because both are delicious here. We have returned many times since and continually enjoy it. They make the best Fresh Rolls I have ever eaten, so we had to order them, Kris is nuts about the sauce they come with. We had the California Roll, a standard, and the N4, sorry, that’s what we know it by. Tender egg noodles, we order ours with tofu, in a spicy brown sauce covered with bean sprouts and crushed peanuts, delectable. I was satisfied with a pot of jasmine green tea, Kris went for the plum wine, each warming us up just right.

The College For Creative Studies was holding their annual student exhibition and sale at the Argonaut Building, so we thought we’d have a look. Floors 8-11 display the work of graduating seniors in each of the College’s ten studio departments. This is not your average art fair, CCS is one of the top design schools in the country, whether it’s ceramics, fashion, or painting, everything here has an urban feel to it.The work is exceptional, cutting edge, the prices, moderate. We found many things we would have liked to purchase, but they already had little red “sold” stickers on them. It’s worth a visit just to have a look at the caliber of work that comes out of CCS, and the view from the building isn’t half bad either! The sale continues through May 27.

Check it out !

Tags: art, College for creative studies, Eastern Market Flower Day, Sala Thai

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Categories Eat, Happenings, Visit

Shopping Pure Detroit, Midtown, West Willis

16 May

The day began with a trip to the Guardian Building, originally known as The Union Trust Company, it opened in 1929. Designed by Wirt Rowland and costing $12 million dollars this structure is a true work of art. With it’s combination of exotic marble, Pewabic and Rookwood tile, Monel metal and stone it is a true Art Deco Masterpiece. We stopped in at Pure Detroit to have a look around, we have been regular patrons since the opening of their very first store back in 1998. Owners Shawn and Kevin are dedicated to Detroit, and that is clearly reflected in their stores. The products they sell all represent the city, everything from T-shirts and hats to local food products, books and gifts. We then proceeded to have a coffee in the cafe, this is truly one of our favorite buildings, I never tire of staring at the intricate Aztec design, but more on that another time.

Our minds were set on lunch at Mid-town Shangri- La, a fabulous Chinese restaurant on Cass near Wayne State’s Old Main. We’ve had the Chinese, it is very good, but we come for the Dim Sum, you MUST try it sometime. I had never tried it before I had it here, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Basically it is small portions of food served in steamer baskets or on small plates, think appetizers, lots to choose from here. Depending on when you arrive, they may have the Dim Sum cart from which you can select the dishes you’d like, or they can be made to order. I would highly recommend the Shrimp Kau, fresh shrimp steamed in a soft noodle like wrapper, so simple, and so delicious. We also had the Curry Chicken Pastry, so good, I’ve never had such flaky pastry before, the Deep Fried Squid with Spicy Salt, I actually crave this dish, the most tender squid you will ever eat, and of course the Shiu Mai. A friend got this one day when we had lunch together, and it’s been a staple for us ever since. I can’t forget the Bubble Tea, it may look strange if you’ve not had it before, there are large dark colored Tapioca balls sitting in the bottom just waiting to be sucked up the oversized straw. Be sure to chew them! The Mango is my favorite.

There’s a great little up and coming district over on W Willis, also in Midtown, where Avalon International Breads resides. This is one of those places that once you discover it, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. Walk in the door and enjoy the scent of fresh baked goods, the industrial looking space is warmed up with walls painted the golden color of crusty bread. Large menu signs are suspended from the ceiling, and shelves of large chrome racks are filledwith items fresh from the oven; focaccia, loaves of Motown Multigrain, Poletown Rye, Greektown Olive and baguettes. The mouthwatering counter display of cookies, scones, Amazing Amazon Brownies, and Seriously Sticky Buns are all tempting, and make it nearly impossible to decide. Coffee, espresso drinks, hot chocolate, and smoothies are also available. Avalon has grown through the years, they also offer breakfast, homemade soup, grab and go sandwiches and salads. There are a few tables and limited counter space inside, when weather permits the patio offers multiple tables for outdoor dining. Everything is made with organic flour and tastes divine.

Joining Avalon on W Willis is Goodwells Natural Food Market, with fresh organic produce, pre-made salads and sandwiches, beverages, and supplements, it is a nice addition to the neighborhood. Next door is Flo Boutique offering womens clothing and accessories. On the corner is Spiral Collective, they sell works by local artists, and have a lovely selection of gifts, and books, Del Pryor gallery has a space inside too. I love to browse in this store, the selection of items is always changing, and is always top quality merchandise. Rounding out the district is the Willys Overland Loft project. The historic building has been converted to beautiful lofts, exposed brick and excellent views of the city come standard. We were lucky enough to get a personal tour of several different floor plans, 15 of the units have been sold so far. Right around the corner on Cass is the Curl Up & Dye Salon offering all types of hair and nail services, this part of Midtown continues to thrive, that’s good to see.

Tags: Avalon Bread, Chinese Dim Sum, Detroit, Detroit Bakery, Guardian Building, Lofts, Midtown, Organic food, Pure Detroit

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Categories Eat, Shop

Cobo Arena: Rolling Stones to Roller Derby

15 May

I still remember the first time Kris came home from a Detroit Derby Girls bout, it was at the Masonic Temple then, I believe his description was “It’s like I went to a burlesque show and a sport broke out, I’m not sure how it all works, but we’re going back!” We’ve been back…..A lot! We’ve made many friends along the way and we are repeatedly impressed with the work ethic, devotion and skill of these women. Derby is not for everyone, but most that have joined us really enjoyed it and many have returned.

If you are not familiar with roller derby in the new millennium, you should know it is not the same old derby that has women on roller skates taking moves from big time wrestling, and in Detroit, they skate on a flat track. It is an evening filled with excitement, kitsch, and fun. Let’s start with the names; Elle McFearsome, Summers Eve-L, and Roxanna Hardplace are a few great examples, imagine yourself yelling, “lets go Cookie”, as Cookie Rumble tries to break out of the pack during a jam. Announcers guide you through the bout, with their quick wit and derby knowledge you’ll never miss a grand slam. Except for team jerseys, players choose what they wear, some may choose to wear their panties on the outside, there are gold shorts, sparkly helmets, and fishnets in all patterns and colors of the rainbow. Derby is fun for all ages, during half time kids are invited onto the track to balloon race or hula-hoop, there’s also music, food, and alcohol…..what’s not to like?

We were back at Cobo Arena on May 7 to watch the Detroit Derby Girls take on the Naptown Roller Girls of Indianapolis. It was a great bout, Detroit took an early lead and never looked back, final score Detroit 147, Naptown 75. While I was there I got to thinking, the Detroit Derby Girls Championship game will be played on June 4, and that it will be the last public event ever to be held at Cobo Arena. In March of this year there was an announcement stating that the arena would be renovated into more exhibit and banquet space for Cobo Hall. My interest in Cobo was suddenly piqued, so I started doing a little, which turned into a lot, of research. What I learned both surprised and fascinated me.

Cobo Arena opened in 1960, and seats 12,191. The Detroit Pistons played here from 1961-1978, Mayor Dave Bing scored his career high 54 points against Chicago in 1971 at Cobo. On June 23, 1963, more than two months before the infamous March on Washington for Civil Rights, Martin Luther King Jr practiced giving his famous “Dream” speech right here to a large audience in Detroit. You may remember back in 1994 when Nancy Kerrigan was hit in the knee with a baton at the arena during a practice session for the US Figure Skating Championships. In August of 1968 Frank Sinatra performed here at a gala for presidential nominee Hubert Humphrey and then in October of 2008 Jay-Z held a free concert here in support of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama to encourage younger voters to register to vote. All varieties of sports were played here; basketball, hockey, soccer, and currently roller derby.

It is probably the concerts that people remember the most. Starting with Jerry Lee Lewis on May 17 1961 , Cobo’s entertainers read like a list of Rock & Roll icons; The Stones , Zeppelin, the Doors, Dylan, Hendrix, Joplin, The Who, Bowie, Nugent , Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Elton John & Springsteen all played here . From the sweet sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland , Sarah Vaughan & Tony Bennett to the arena rock of U2, AC/DC, Van Halen, The Police & of course, Kiss , all genres were represented . If you have a live album from Madonna, Kiss, The Doors, Seger, Kid Rock, The Tragically Hip, Journey, Yes, or Geils they were recorded in whole or part at Cobo .

There are lots of memories floating around that circular building on the river, if only walls could talk…..You still have one more chance to come down on June 4th when the Detroit Derby Girls play their championship game. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster, the Fox, and can be purchased at Cobo on the day of the bout. Come check out something new, and reminisce about the old.

Tags: Bob Seger, Cobo Arena, Dave Bing, Detroit Derby Girls, detroit rock concert, Kid Rock

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Categories Happenings

Pewabic Pottery, Russell Street Deli, Fou d’amour

9 May

On Friday morning the sun was shining brightly in the powder blue sky, clearly indicating a scenic drive along Jefferson was in order. It eventually leads you to Lakeshore Drive where Lake St Clair shimmers on one side and incredible mansions stand watch on the other. We took a slight detour over to Kercheval for a mid morning snack at Fou d’amour (which translates to Madly in Love) in Grosse Ponite Park. Scones are the specialty here, and they are scrumptious! There are several varieties available every day along with seasonal selections. Our favorite is the white chocolate coconut, a tender scone, moist with just the right amount of white chocolate pieces and coconut woven throughout, topped with a light glaze and more coconut. The quaint interior is decorated in vintage Victorian style, it seats only ten, with additional seating outdoors when the weather permits. They also serve light lunch and a carry out dinner selection one night a week. These are truly the best scones we have ever eaten, just ask Clint Eastwood, he’s had them sent to him in California!

Back to Jefferson and a stop at Pewabic Pottery. Founded in 1903 by Mary Chase Perry, today it is Michigan’s only historic pottery. The current Tudor Revival building has been operating since 1907. You have probably seen Pewabic pottery and didn’t even know it! The decorative tiles in Comerica Park, exterior tiles on the Guardian building, People Mover stations, the DIA, even the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is decorated with their tiles. Pewabic is known throughout the United States for their unique iridescent glaze developed by Ms Perry, and can be found in the finest homes in Detroit. Stop in and browse, the main floor has a showroom with items for sale, works from local artists and other pottery’s as well. You can also tour the studio itself, here ceramists are hard at work creating decorative items to grace any space indoors or out. Be sure and go up to the second floor, here you will find the history of the pottery, and the current exhibit pieces.

Eastern Market is home to all things food, besides the many stores, there is a great variety of restaurants. Today we decided to have lunch at Russell Street Deli, there is usually a line out the door on a Saturday, being Friday we were hoping for a couple of empty seats. We were in luck and landed two prime counter seats in the front window overlooking all of the activity on Russell. Tables are large here, it is not unusual to have several different groups of people sharing one table. Don’t be shy, sit down and see how easily the conversation flows. They serve an awesome breakfast here, besides egg dishes they make a raisin bread french toast with toasted pecans and fresh fruit, served up with Michigan Grade A Maple syrup, delicious! Their lunch menu is extensive, deli sandwiches, salads, and soups, all made from scratch. We had the sandwich special of the day, pulled pork with cole slaw and a vinegar type sauce all served on a kaiser roll, along with a house salad. Besides the french toast, I don’t think we’ve ever had the same thing twice.

Tags: Eastern Market, Grosse Pointe Scones, Pewabic Pottery, visit detroit

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Categories Eat, Visit

More Hamtramck: Polish Village, Polish Market, Bakeries

27 Apr

Having grown up with a great many Polish relatives, a good Polish meal satisfies both my stomach and my soul. Our favorite restaurant in Hamtramck is Polish Village Cafe on Yemans. Enter through the ground level door of this former hotel and make a left down to the basement. Pull the door open to reveal this tiny gem of a space cranking out authentic perogi, golabki (stuffed cabbage), potato pancakes, nalesniki (crepes), and many other dishes. The room exudes charm with it’s dark wood wainscoting, and Polish mementos, miniature lights line the beamed ceiling, the colors change with the season. Ever had dill pickle soup? If not, quiet that voice in your head that just said “pickle”? and try it. The line can be long , afterall, Bill Clinton and Pope John Paul II have eaten here, not at the same time of course….A seat at the bar and a nice Polish beer is a great way to wait for a table, recently a second floor was opened so the wait time is shorter. Polish Village Cafe does not make reservations, and only accepts cash. Seriously, try this place!

Joseph Campau is the main street running through Hamtramck, it is lined with restaurants, shops, bakeries, and bars, lots and lots of bars. The Polish Market is a pleasure to browse through, with halogen lighting and wide aisles, it doesn’t feel like your ordinary market. All sorts of Polish food products can be found here, along with other European foods. It’s entertaining to check out brand names you’ve never before seen and probably can’t pronounce !? Fresh produce, baked goods and meats line the perimeter of the store, while groceries are are beautifully lined up on shelves throughout the middle section.

You can’t leave town without visiting a bakery, Martha Washington and New Palace are both located on Joseph Campau. New Palace is larger and specializes in Polish and European style baking, while Martha Washington specializes in cakes for birthdays and weddings. You can find traditional items like Paczki and Chrusciki (angel wings) at both. The interiors look as though they haven’t changed since the doors opened, it is as though time has stood still, and it is a good feeling.

Tags: detroit tourism, hamtramck, polish food, polish village cafe

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Categories Eat, Visit

Hamtramck; Cafe 1923 & St. Florian

25 Apr

Whenever possible we like to go to Hamtramck the day before Easter. That particular Saturday is a busy day for this city within a city. Sidewalks bustle with people who grew up in the neighborhood, returning for a day of shopping and consuming Polish delights. Our first stop was Cafe 1923 located on Holbrook. Built in 1923, this former neighborhood corner store is now home to an eclectic coffee shop. Restored to it’s original beauty, the warm orange color on the walls nicely compliments the two toned tin ceiling with shiny silver trim. A picture rail runs along the wall from which artwork for sale is hung. The coffee here is quite good, they offer all of the standard espresso drinks. If you’re hungry, they serve sandwiches and dessert too. You have to try the individual chocolate bumpy cake, oh my, it’s the best we’ve ever had!

Now that we were loaded up on sugar and caffeine we were ready to hit the town, as they say. This day would not be complete for us without a visit to St Florian Catholic church on Poland Street. The church offers the Blessing of the Baskets on this day before Easter, and all seem to participate. Families toting baskets filled with decorated eggs, holiday bread, ham and wine greet one another on the church steps. Inside it is hard not to be awestruck by this 1928 architectural gem. The building rises eight stories above ground, but inside it feels like more. Stained glass windows in deep blues, red, purple and green glow with the sunlight beaming through. The dark blue ceiling is accented with gold leaf throughout, but it is alter that grabs your attention away from all of this. Embellished in gold with ornate spires reaching to the sky, it is a magnificent sight. The blessing is first spoken in English and then repeated in Polish, which this day was probably the native language of the majority of visitors. If you are interested, the St Florian Strawberry Festival is May 7 & 8, and they do offer tours of this historic church.

Tags: cafe 1923, hamtramck, saint florian, visit detroit

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Categories Drink, Visit

Detroit; Belle Isle Conservatory, Sunday Dinner Company

23 Apr

Spring is one of my favorite times of the year to visit the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle. It was built in 1904 and designed by famed architect Albert Kahn, and was modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. The conservatory occupies 13 acres of land, it features five horticultural houses, an outdoor Lily Pond, and formal perennial gardens. The tallest palms reside under the central 85 foot high dome. The showhouse display reflects the season and in the Spring features bright white Easter Lillies with their sweet scent, pastel tinted Azaleas, and brightly colored Amaryllis, just gorgeous. This is a wonderful area for wedding or family photos too. I just love the fountain area, it is so relaxing with the sound of water trickling down the rocks, a bench facing the fountain is a great place for a little respite. This is where the highest concentration of orchids are displayed, the conservatory houses many rare orchids that were transported here from Great Britain during the WWII bombing. The conservatory was named in honor of Anna Scripps Whitcomb who left her 600 plant orchid collection to the city.

SLIDESHOW

We crossed back over the Belle Isle bridge and made a left on Jefferson, it was lunch time. Our destination was The Sunday Dinner Company, a southern comfort style restaurant, open nearly a year now. The handsome building was formerly a post office, now transformed into an elegant dining space. The colors are warm, bright paintings grace the walls, the large front window overlooks Jefferson

Once you are comfortable at your table you are greeted by your server delivering salad and warm, delicious cornbread. Next you are escorted to the buffet where you choose from 6 or 7 dishes; Baked macaroni & cheese, fried corn, dirty rice and shrimp to name a few. Deep fried Louisiana Catfish, and Southern style buttermilk chicken are also included, and made to order. Fresh brewed sweet tea is complimentary and goes perfectly with your meal.

The owners go the extra mile for the community employing returning citizens and at risk youth, helping to change lives, and impact Detroit in a positive way.

The Sunday Dinner Company, 6470 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit 48207 PH 313-877-9255

UPDATE: Sunday Dinner Company is now closed

Tags: Belle Isle, Conservatory, Detroit, Sunday Dinner Company

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Categories Eat, Visit

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