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All Aboard! Destination Holly

The Village of Holly is located in the northwest corner of Oakland County. Primarily known for the Michigan Renaissance festival and the Annual Dickens festival, this town has plenty to offer year-round. Saginaw Street is the main street through the village, and what a charming one it is; Victorian-style red brick buildings line the sidewalk, indeed the city looks straight out of Dickens. The town’s personality has changed throughout the years; good things are happening, new businesses are moving in and people are coming to Holly to shop, eat and have a good time.

The Detroit Model Railroad Club is located in the old theater on Saginaw, they were having an open house so we thought we’d check it out. Wow, what an amazing set-up! The railroad is 1/4″ to the foot, referred to as “0” scale among railroaders. In layman terms that means that the model of a 40 foot long boxcar will be 10 inches long. The amazing display depicts the fictitious Detroit Union Railroad, a freelance double track line running from Detroit to Dorrance MI. The detail is captivating; a downtown complete with hotel, gas station and train station. Tiny figures wait for long silver passenger trains, others stroll past minuscule buildings. Vintage passenger cars, buses and taxi’s are at the ready to take the townsfolk where they need to go. Mini street lamps and billboards complete the scene. Trains travel from the city to the country and into the mountains, I counted four levels of tracks. The scenery is beautiful; bridges cross over a river, tunnels cut through the jagged rocks. Signs of life in the country include cabins, wells with diminutive red pumps and horses. You have to look closely, but there is something going on everywhere; a truck that lost a load of tires, policemen chasing down a bad guy. And of course, the trains! It’s very relaxing to watch their travel, notice how they slow down as they go up in elevation, they even sound cool. Check their website for open house dates.

We stepped outside and headed south towards more shops and restaurants. We ducked into the boutique right on the corner called My Sweet Holly, in addition to home goods they have a large selection of Made In Detroit merchandise. A few doors down is one of the newer stores called Great Lakes Marketplace. A Made In Michigan grocery store featuring; Guernsey Ice Cream, Sanders, American Spoon, Cherry Republic, and loads of other food products, both big name and independents, native to the mitten state. When we came in the door a cheerful woman was handing out samples of her homemade candy, the dark chocolate espresso crunch was to die for! (I couldn’t leave the store without buying some….) Up front you can order an espresso drink or a double dip of your favorite ice cream. It was cool to see so many locally produced food items in one place. I am told beer and wine will be stocked soon! At the back of the store is a hallway connecting to the Great Lakes Artisan Village. What a marvelous find! Here you can purchase artwork crafted by Michigan artists, often using a Michigan product. They have a little bit of everything here; gorgeous jewelry, funky birdhouses, watercolor paintings and folk-art. A nice selection of books written by Michigan authors, intricate woodwork and sculptures for indoors or out are found throughout the space. If you’re looking for something unique, chances are you’ll find something here. The back of the store has been turned into a mini theater; on weekends they offer Movies In The Village featuring silver screen classics. What a fun idea! Most of the shops interiors retain their historic charm; some have exposed brick walls and wooden floors, most have tin ceilings, it really adds character.

We crossed Saginaw St to Bittersweet Cafe to catch some lunch. We had become quite hungry from shopping and staring at all the different food products at the marketplace. As we looked over the menu it was easy to be distracted by plates of mouth-watering food passing by. Finally a decision was made; the Vintage Pastrami sandwich and a Maurice Salad. The restaurant has classic Victorian appeal, again complete with an ornate tin ceiling. Up by the register is a glass case filled with scrumptious looking desserts. Passerby’s stop in for a coffee to go and linger over the selection. Our food arrived; the salad was a very generous size. Mixed greens with chopped turkey, ham and swiss, I liked the addition of black olives. The dressing was homemade and excellent. The sandwich was served on grilled pumpernickel bread; two slices filled with thinly sliced pastrami, swiss cheese, red onion and pepperoncini topped off with a creamy horseradish sauce, yum! We enjoyed our time in Holly and are already planning a return trip to visit their array of antique shops and other stores. I just may have to have more of that dark chocolate too….

Next time you’re in the mood to visit a quaint little town with pretty streetscapes, good restaurants, and great shopping, head on over to Holly.

Tags: Day trip, Holly Michigan, Made In Michigan, Michigan Artists, Oakland County, visit detroit

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Categories Road Trips, Visit

DETROIT: Autorama; Customs, Candy and Chrome

9 Mar

Detroiter’s have had a long-standing love affair with the automobile, this has always been and probably always will be a car town. Every winter for the last 60 years hundreds of custom vintage vehicles roll into town showing off the final results of time, labor and money…….lots of money. This my friends is what we call Autorama! The Michigan Hot Rod Association held the first Autorama as a way to raise money to build a local drag strip, the show took place at the U of D Field-house with 50 cars. In 1956 the club hired Don Ridler, a professional promotions agent, the show took off from there. Don brought in musical acts and bands such as Bobby Rydell, the Big Bopper and Mitch Ryder. Celebrities such as Adam West, Wolfman Jack and William Shatner made appearances along with wrestlers, Tigers and Red Wings. It was always the cars that were the real stars of the event. After moving to various locations through the years, Autorama found a permanent home at Cobo Hall in 1961. Don Ridler died an untimely death in 1963, thus the Don Ridler Memorial Award was created, honoring the “Best In Show”. This is the most prestigious award on the show circuit, 2012 marked the 49th Ridler award; the winner, Dwayne Peace took the trophy and a check for $10,000 for his 1955 Ford T-Bird.

I have been coming to the show for years, I think Kris has been coming since before he could spell C A R. My perspective is that of an admirer of the time and hard work, beauty and creativity these folks put into their cars, the end result is astounding. I am always taken aback walking into Cobo, the show is enormous. Fresh paint glows under bright lights, chrome is polished to a high shine, proud owners display photo albums taking you through the restoration process. Row after row of custom paint jobs; metalflake is one of my favorites. Painters rule; from stripes and flames to flip-flop colors and original artwork the cars themselves are unique pieces of art. Interiors get a makeover too; upholstery comes in all colors and fabrics here, so much more fun than the gray of today’s cars. Some of the cars start out life as one kind of car, after a body man has had his way, it takes on a completely different appearance. For example, a hard top may now be a convertible, several feet of length may be eliminated, grills, hoods and taillights may be exchanged for something completely different. What I love about Autorama is that individuality is encouraged, and even rewarded. The funkiest ones get the most attention! Someone even made a watermelon themed pickup truck…… They painted the outside watermelon green, the interior is well, watermelon pink, didn’t miss a detail, the engine compartment even had a watermelon in it.

I walk the aisles in awe of the men and women who take on such a project, the cars are beautiful. Often mirrors are strategically placed on the floor reflecting the underside of the vehicle. Oh, and the engines! From stock to high performance everything is finely detailed; color keyed pieces, braided fuel lines and chrome valve covers. Speaking of chrome, here it reigns supremely; Grills, bumpers, moldings, pipes and wheels, a chrome polish salesman’s dream come true. The same cannot be said for the lower level of the show. The basement showcases what are known as “Rat Rods”. These are the vehicles you will often see in primer; vintage pick-up trucks, street rods and lowered sedans, they have an appeal all their own. It surprises me how much money can be spent on something you want to look like no money was spent on it. I especially like the really old ones that have some sort of artwork on the door, or the name of the company that owned the truck, with just enough paint left of the lettering that you can barely make it out, I think it’s cool! This year there were about 1000 cars on display, I heard attendance for the weekend was 151,000 people; I’m not surprised, after all, this is the Motor City.

Click here for more cool car photos.

We weren’t sure where we were going for lunch, when we walked back to the car from Cobo we saw Finn & Porter about 100 feet up on the left, perfect! Located in the lobby of the Double Tree hotel, Finn & Porter offers 2 dining spaces, the main dining room is not open for lunch, so we ate at the Finn & Porter Round Bar. We were seated at a table by the window, I love that. The room is contemporary in decor, lots of windows on two sides give you a front-row seat to the happenings on the street. We had just missed the Soul food buffet, served from 12-2, so we ordered off the menu. With lots of good sounding items we decided on the Baby Iceberg Salad: a wedge of iceberg lettuce , diced red onion, crumbled apple-wood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles topped with a green goddess dressing, delicious. The Italian Panini was filled with thinly sliced meats, yellow peppers and tomato, the bread was grilled perfectly giving it a nice crunch. Home made potato chips served alongside were excellent.

Bear Claw Coffee is located in the lobby of the hotel, we stopped in for a warm beverage before heading out into the cold and what had become snowy day. With our drinks in hand we took a seat in the hotel lobby, the couches and chairs were very inviting. Hilton spent $90 million on the restoration of this hotel. Originally opened in 1917 it was known as the Pick-Fort Shelby Hotel. In 1927 the hotel expanded adding a 22-story tower designed by (you know who..) Albert Kahn. The hotel was one of Detroit’s top luxury hotels back in the day, in 1983 it was placed on the National register of Historic Places. One day I’d like to take a good look around the place, I’ve seen photos of a restored ballroom that were just stunning! We enjoyed our little respite, drinking our coffee and talking about our favorite cars. Even if you’re not a car lover give Autorama a try sometime. Celebrities, Pin-ups, toys and tools there’s something here for everyone. Great for a dose of nostalgia, art and design .

Tags: Albert Kahn, Car Shows, Detroit Autorama, Finn & Porter Round Bar, Historic Pick-Fort Shelby Hotel, visit detroit

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Categories Happenings

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

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: 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

Christmas At Historic Trinity, Elwood Bar & Grill

3 Jan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Categories Eat, Visit

Detroit: Historic Boston Edison Holiday Home Tour

27 Dec

Detroit is home to several historic neighborhoods; through the years some of these neighborhoods have put together annual home tours, one of my favorites is the Boston-Edison Holiday Home Tour. The Boston Edison Historic District is made up of over 900 single family homes encompassing four streets: W. Boston Blvd, Chicago Blvd, Longfellow and Edison between Woodward and Linwood. Most of the homes were built between 1905-1925, popular architectural styles of the time include: English Tudor Revival, Greek Revival, French Provincial, Italian Renaissance and Prairie style. The location of the neighborhood and close proximity to Henry Ford Hospital made it a desirable place to live, many of the wealthy movers and shakers of Detroit took residence here: Henry Ford, SS Kresge, B Siegel, Horace Rackam, Ira Grinell, James Couzens, Ty Cobb, 4 of the 7 Fisher brothers, Joe Louis, Berry Gordy, and Walter Briggs, to name a few…….They say that Mr. Sanders and Mr. Vernors, who both lived on Boston Blvd, one day combined Sanders Vanilla Ice Cream and Vernors ginger ale, they liked it so much they decided to name the concoction after their shared street, thus creating The Boston Cooler.

The home tour is a fundraiser for the Boston Edison association, proceeds go to their general fund, with a portion put aside for beautification projects in the neighborhood. This is a well organized tour; tickets are only sold in advance, you choose your tour time when you order your tickets. The tour begins at Sacred Heart Seminary; here you check in and trade your ticket for a tour book, at your designated tour time you climb aboard an awaiting school bus that takes you to all five homes. Tours are limited to 30 people, you have your own personal tour guide who actually lives in the neighborhood, they can tell some great stories! As the bus travels through neighborhood streets your guide will point out significant houses; The Charles T Fisher house at 18,000 sq ft is the largest house in Boston-Edison, the SS Kresge home built in 1914 in the Mediterranean Villa style is the largest lot in the neighborhood, on your left is the former home of JL Hudson, you get the idea…..the list of families who lived here is quite impressive.

We had brought along a friend who is working on getting her architecture license, we were sure she would enjoy the homes as much as we would. Our first stop was on Longfellow Ave, a charming 3-story home built in 1920. Purchased only 4 months ago, the current owners have done a lovely job making it their own. The Pewabic tile fireplace surround is superb. Over to Boston Blvd next, first occupied in 1920, the current owners have lived here for two years, this house still has its original built in Frigidaire, and a stunning Pierpont mirror in the upstairs hall.The decorative plaster in the living room is splendid and gives the room a formal feel. Chicago Blvd was next, this home was built in 1919 in the Georgian Revival style, current owners have lived here since 1994. Through the years they have done an amazing job keeping the original features of the home while personalizing it, they have wonderful whimsical collections all through the house. This home retains its original tile roof and window shutters. Just across the street was house #4, a gorgeous English Tudor built in 1928. I have a soft spot for the Tudor style, and this one took my breath away. Heavily textured plaster work throughout the home, the fireplace mantel and surround in the living room features an intricate design that matches the molding around the ceiling, the dining room boasts 2 sets of french doors and a raised plaster design that forms a ring on the ceiling. The current homeowners bought the house five years ago. The last home on the tour was on Edison Ave, built in 1914 the current owner has lived here since 2003. While the exterior is an example of American Eclectic style, the interior has definite Arts and Crafts influences, another style I love. I’d have to say the dining room was my favorite room in the house, the Arts and Crafts style prevailed here, from the stained glass light over the dining room table, to the furniture itself and the leaded glass windows. The french doors leading to the living room carry over the same leaded glass pattern as the windows and are enchanting. I was glad to see our friend was as enthused as we were in each home. Many people are unaware of the the array of historic homes and neighborhoods in Detroit.

After visiting the last home on the tour, our bus took us back to Sacred Heart Seminary; here we could have cookies in the Cardinal Mooney room, and check out old photos of the historic district and it residents. When finished, we walked down the hall to the seminary chapel. Bishop Gallagher had the seminary built in 1924 in the English Tudor and Gothic architectural style. The chapel itself is Gothic and features stunning stained glass windows imported from Munich Germany. The Fisher brothers were chief donors in the building of the sanctuary, I would say no expense was spared. The sanctuary furniture, choir stalls and credence table are all carved from solid oak, the craftsmanship is incredible. The floor from the front pew forward to the wall is Pewabic Tile, I have never seen it so shiny! The sanctuary window above the alter is a true piece of religious art, I can’t imagine how astonishing it would look with the bright sun shining through it. It’s the kind of place you walk in and the pure sight of it makes you draw in a breath, after staring for a little bit you begin to breathe normally again. I have been in here maybe a dozen times and I still do that. I like to take a seat near the entrance and watch the look on people’s faces as they enter the chapel, everybody seems to have the same reaction, like they can’t believe what they are seeing. Every inch of the chapel is beautiful, from the ceiling panels and chandeliers to the alter piece and floor.

The cookies seemed to rev up our appetite, we wanted to take our friend somewhere she had never been for lunch before, so we chose Traffic Jam & Snug on Canfield and Second. The menu is huge and vegetarian friendly so everybody can find something they like here. Inside there seemed to be a buzz, it was more crowded than the typical Sunday afternoon, then I remembered: Traffic Jam was recently featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. This place is wonderful; the large interior is decorated in an eclectic style, vintage items hang on the walls and sit on shelves. They have their own in-house bakery, micro-brewery, and dairy….they make their own beer, cheese and ice cream! Traffic Jam was actually the very first Brew Pub in the state of Michigan. We were seated in a roomy booth and given the task of deciding what to eat, they have their regular menu and a specials menu, they don’t make it easy do they?

Between the three of us we ordered the Traverse City Salad, the Tex-Mex Lentil Burger, and the Pork Loin Kamatsu Salad. The Kamatsu Salad was featured on D,D & Dives; it’s a panko encrusted pork loin pan fried, topped with salad greens, arugula, berries and red onion. It is dressed with a fresh herb vinaigrette and garnished with hot sauce jelly beans, it is excellent! The pork loin is fork tender and the combination of flavors really works. The burger was large and very tasty, as was the TC Salad. Kris enjoyed a cocktail and we girls reveled in the house brewed Java Porter. It has that nice deep porter color and flavors of coffee and chocolate, so good! Our favorite Traffic Jam dessert is the Carlotta Chocolatta; a slice of rich chocolate cheesecake topped with the best coffee ice cream I’ve had, all doused in house made dark chocolate hot fudge. Though our mouths said “get it”, sadly none of us had any room to spare in our stomachs. There’s always next time!

Tags: Boston Edison Home Tour, Gothic Architecture in Detroit, Historic Chapel, Historic home tour, Historic Neighborhood, Sacred Heart Seminary, visit detroit

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Categories Happenings

DETROIT: The Gem Theatre

20 Dec

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Categories Visit

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

12 Dec

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

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

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

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

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

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Categories Visit

Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe

30 Nov

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Categories Visit

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