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Unexpected Hamtramck ; Polish Disneyland, Art Center & Maria’s Comida

There are hidden gems all throughout Detroit & its metro area, today I am going to tell you about “Polish Disneyland”. Make your way to Caniff then North on Klinger and just before it takes a jog at Carpenter go left in the alley ….yep the alley, make another quick left and look up! A man by the name of Dmytro Szylak is the creator of this fantasy-land perched upon two garage rooftops. It is a collection of found and homemade objects whimsically arranged in a way that just makes you smile. Come check it out.

The Polish Art Center on Jos Campau was our next stop, I adore this enchanting shop where all things Polish can be found, seriously, if it’s Polish they have it. Books, maps and travel guides are nearest the entrance, about mid-store is one of my favorite areas, the food! Packages of cookies, jams, and candy in pretty packaging all calling to you to give them a try. There is one item I cannot resist, and if you like dark chocolate you MUST buy one. It’s a large rectangular chocolate bar in a cream and red wrapper made by E. Wedel , break off a square and let it melt in your mouth and you’ll know exactly what I mean. There is a beautiful array of Christmas ornaments and dolls, stoneware, amber and silver jewelry and music. I really enjoy walking around and looking at everything. This place is a mainstay in the Polish community, the owners are super friendly and helpful and very much involved in preserving Polish culture and traditions.

Time for lunch. Maria’s Comida, also on Jos Campau, is a restaurant that quickly worked it’s way up on our list of favorites. A Mexican restaurant in Poletown may sound a bit unusual, but that’s not all, they actually serve Mexican Asian Fusion!? Everyone here is treated like a regular and come to think of it they probably are, because once you’ve eaten here; you’re coming back. The space is modern and attractive, have a seat and look over the menu. We are hooked on the Chorizo & Chicken Burrito, you have to have the gazpacho green beans with it, so good. The Tres Leches Cake is the best we’ve had, the food here rocks! Keep an eye out, their homemade Salsa and awesome BBQ sauce are coming to a store near you. UPDATE: Maria’s Comida restaurant closed on August 18 2012. The space will be used as a manufacturing facility to continue producing Maria’s homemade salsa’s and BBQ Sauce. We wish them all the best!

Uhhhhh, Yummmm !!

Tags: Detroit Blog, detroit website, hamtramck, Polish culture, Polish Disneyland

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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.