Bistro 82 is the new in place in Royal Oak, Mich. This new eatery’s decor is as sophisticated as the menu. Whatever we tasted was fabulous. Here is a sampling: (Clockwise) lamb spare ribs, dark chocolate tart, chicken pappardelle and beet salad.
I saw my buddy Chuck Bennett there from the Social D — another reason to note that it’s the place to be.
Healdsburg, California is a quaint town in the Sonoma Valley. It has a central plaza surrounded by boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and wine tasting establishments. We rented a house about five miles away with family for an enchanted vacation. Shopping, swimming and wine tasting filled our days. We stopped by Rodney Strong and purchased few cases. What a terrific getaway!
The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce recently held their annual Key to the Township Awards. There were five stellar winners:
FLORINE MARK Community Excellence for Business Person of the Year, President and CEO, Weight Watchers
NORMAN YATOOMA Community Excellence for Spirit of the Community, Norman Yatooma & Associates
MICHELLE LUTZ Community Excellence for Health and Wellness, Resident Farmer, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
WILLIAM BURNETT Community Excellence for Leadership, Chapter President, Macon-Thomas Tuskegee Airmen
SHANE PLISKA, Community Excellence for Young Entrepreneur of the Year, President, Planterra
These wonderful winners reach beyond their business and professional role to educate, mentor and sponsor others. Kudos!
The Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac, Mich. recently presented its annual luncheon and fashion show at the Royal Park Hotel. The auction items were as special as the fashions. The event raised funds for the remarkable programs that empower women and children. The Women’s Program has an emergency shelter, life skills and after-care initiatives. Ruth Spencer, local 4 News Anchor, was the master of ceremonies. Style and beauty expert Mary Alice Stephenson of Glam4Good directed the fashion show which included bona fide models and women who have participated in Grace Centers of Hope programs. Stephenson talked about the healing power of fashion. All the women looked ravishing in ball gowns from the trendiest designers. Renee Godin Agency provided the professional models. In the top left photo (below), Renee, in the blue dress, is surrounded by a bevy of models. The photo (below) on the lower left features the Grace Centers of Hope Models.
Kudos to all the other people who helped put on a fabulous event. Luigi Bruni Salon provided the hair and makeup, while English Gardens provided the centerpieces. Congratulations to Karen Bowman Williams on receiving the 2014 Angel of Grace Award. Testimonials described Karen as loving, caring and committed. A wonderful personal note is that Karen and Mary Alice grew up in Birmingham, Mich. and attended Seaholm High School together. The afternoon was extraordinary. Ruth Spencer noted that “The Grace Centers of Hope is a solution place.”
It’s not a sports team. It’s a casually chic restaurant in downtown Toronto. The Midtown Reds Tavern has exposed brick walls, wine bottle chandeliers and even a shuffle board. The unique atmosphere and delicious decor is worth visiting.
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Beaumont Health System‘s Emergency Room Physician Chris Hutchinson spoke at the University of Michigan Alumni Club. More than 50 alumni attended the event at a hospital off-site conference room in Troy, Mich. Hutchinson enlightened the crowd about concussions in sports. As an NCAA All-American as well as the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year at the University of Michigan, Hutchinson understands the topic professionally and personally.
He informed the crowd about the dangers of concussions, the long-standing effects and recognizing the systems. He cited the wise adage about playing sports after a head injury, “When in doubt, sit them out.” Thankfully, there are new protocols about returning to play.
One interesting tidbit is that the first person to bring awareness to this topic was President Teddy Roosevelt. (Check out the link on “How Teddy Roosevelt Saved Football” by the History Channel.)
Dr. Hutchinson’s speech was well received, interesting and informative. Although I’m not a U-M alumnus, my one reaction is: Go Blue.
With all the hype, I purchased the April issue of Vogue with Kim Karadashian and Kanye West on the cover. Frankly, it’s fabulous. The beautiful photography is by Annie Leibovitz, and there’s even some behind-the-scenes photos. I just love this one in Paris. The photos with baby North are adorable.
But not to be overlooked is the incredible fashion shoot by Mikael Jansson on the beach. Just look at this stunning photo below.
Also, in the magazine there are articles on the Deborah Jones, the new ambassador to Libya, who certainly has a difficult job. There are plenty of celebrities like Kate Upton and Emily Blunt included.
I enjoyed the tips about being fashionable in the sun with protective clothing like rashguards.
So, weigh in. . are you going to read and/or buy Vogue this month?
There’s a great product out for nursing moms created by Motowner Jackie Layne. It’s Baby Boobala, a nursing cover-up that’s chic and comfy. Currently this must-have nursing mom accessory is sold at Bella Belli and Lee Specialty, both in the Detroit area.
Check it out!
Some of Motown’s favorite mascots helped Beau the Bear celebrate his 5th birthday. Beau is the mascot of Beaumont Children’s Hospital.
Hooper (Detroit Pistons), Little Caesar (Pizza), Champ (Detroit Sports Commission) Rocky Raven (Royal Oak High School) Nessie (St. Andrew’s Society) and some furry friends from the Detroit Zoo all took part in the festivities.
Hooper (lower photos) high fives me and did cartwheels and flips to everyone’s amazement. The children were all smiles!
Here are some wonderful clips from the party.
Do you have a favorite mascot?
“Food is medicine,” says Joel Kahn M.D. I recently heard this cardiologist at a lunch and learn for Beaumont Health System employees. The most potent medicine is not always found in the pharmacy, but in your refrigerator. Fruits and vegetables are key to a healthy diet. His book, The Holistic Heart, offers many tips and secrets to treat and prevent heart disease. His message was inspiring, informative and humorous at times. According to Dr. Kahn, “Don’t buy your food where you buy gas!”
The Cricket Pages
Food and drink inspired by classic and modern literary works.
Beauty Blog
Chronicling the Chic, Classic and Casual Style Duchess of Sussex (the former Meghan Markle)
Fun, Fashion, Frivolity: An insider guide to Metro Detroit and beyond
Interesting stories about everyday moments.
Fun, Fashion, Frivolity: An insider guide to Metro Detroit and beyond
Fun, Fashion, Frivolity: An insider guide to Metro Detroit and beyond
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