Bella Piatti, located directly across the street from the Townsend Hotel in downtown Birmingham, serves lucious Italian fare. The salad (above) with oranges, red onions, arugula and goat cheese (not shown) was tasty, as well as the whitefish encrusted with potatoes and truffles over lentils. The ambiance is beautiful with murals, vintage-inspired chandeliers and even a mesh curtain (top, left) in the center of the restaurant for a private group. It’s worth a visit!
The spring 2013 issue of Detroit Home magazine features this year’s design awards.
It’s a treasure trove of information. The categories are expansive — from custom cabinets to railings to the use of antiques. You will find exteriors, interiors and even organized garages. In addition to showcasing the most talented people in the city, I particularly enjoyed reading about a new designer. Detroit Home honored Anne Strickland (above) with the “Rising Star” award. This creative 28-year-old is a Cranbrook and Michigan State grad and the owner of Port Manufacturing & Design. She designs furniture as well as interiors. Not only are her designs divine, but she has a personal flair exuded in her blog — http://www.portmfg.com/category/blog/
The Detroit Tigers played the St. Louis Cardinals during spring training at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, FL. Motown fans cheered the Tigers to victory with the final score of 3-0. The Tigers management graciously interacted with the fans. General Manager Dave Dombrowski posed with a fan (top left), while Manager Jim Leyland (lower right) autographed a ball for a young fan. The best part was the sunshine and the win.
GO TIGERS!
Sweet Lorraine’s transforms the classic macaroni and cheese dish into an innovative trendy delight. Sweet Lorraines Fabulous Mac n’ Cheez is located at the food courts at the Somerset Collection in Troy and at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills. Start with the classic dish and then pile on the toppings. It’s everything from jalapeno peppers to dried cranberries to olives. Or just go for one of the specialties like Macho Nacho — hamburger, onions, olives, bell peppers, tomatoes, pepper jack and jalapenos. The extreme veggie with broccoli, mushrooms, onions, spinach, bell peppers, tomatoes, Swiss and cheddar is quite tasty.
It’s not your mom’s mac n’ cheese!
photo credit: foodspotting.com
The Mosaic singers, of the Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit, are sensational. So it’s natural for them to perform Singsation. On March 1 through 3, 2013 these young artists will honor some of Detroit’s iconic figures in Singsation. “In Singsation, Mosaic singers captures the heart of the city and keeps the feeling of funk and soul music alive,” says Mosaic Founder Rick Sperling. Expect fabulous dance moves, melodic harmonies and soulful voices. Performances will take place at 8 p.m. on March 1 and March 2 and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 3. The Mosaic singers have performed at the White House and with legendary artists. For more information go to http://www.mosaicdetroit.org
Mosaic reports that 95% of the young artists involved in the program graduate high school and go to college.
On Friday, February 15th, the 10th anniversary Go Red for Women Luncheon will be held at the MGM Grand Hotel in Detroit. The luncheon raises funds for heart disease, the number one killer of women in the United States. This educational luncheon, hosted by the American Heart Association, raises awareness about heart health. This year’s keynote speaker is Star Jones.
As part of the executive leadership committee, we all donated purses with a theme to be auctioned at the luncheon. I choose to donate the “Shop West Bloomfield” purse since I’m active in the Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce. I filled a purse with many items donated by several generous store owners including, Be Free Apparel, Guys N Gals, Lolly Ella, Nancy’s Linens, Peek-a-Boutique, Stage Deli and Toyology. Those cute dolls popping out of the purse are tooth fairy dolls from Peek-a-Boutique!
Lolly Ella Jewelry in West Bloomfield is currently selling a heart bracelet where some of the proceeds will be donated to the Beaumont Health System’s Ministrelli Heart Center.
The newly renovated Maple Theater on Maple Road at Telegraph offers an upscale, homey atmosphere in Bloomfield Hills. In addition to the first-run movies (Argo, Zero Dark Thirty), there is a club seating — comfortable and spacious. One can also grab a cup of coffee, snack and even a cocktail from the bar. The coffee is from the Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company — purely Motown. Great Lakes Coffee will be opening another location on Jan. 30 in Lake Orion.
For the last 19 years, the residents of West Bloomfield have come together to honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Parents, teachers, students and community leaders all celebrated the vision and dream of this dynamic leader. The event started on January 20th with a walk down Orchard Lake Road, and then the participants gathered in the West Bloomfield High School Auditorium for a program. The student leaders and community officials addressed the crowd echoing King’s sentiment of a dream filled with peace, unity and inclusion. Superintendent Dr. Gerald Hill was clearly moved attending his first United We Walk Celebration. “We are here to honor the life of Martin Luther King and how he has made a lasting impression,” said Hill. The keynote speaker was David Merritt, a West Bloomfield High School graduate and fashion designer, who donates 20 percent of his revenue to fund college scholarships. Even the elementary students participated in the day. Their posters graced the tables at the entrance of the auditorium. This poster from Ealy Elementary school sums up the day perfectly — children from every race and religion holding hands.
Capture the allure of Paris this coming in weekend in Detroit. On Friday, Jan. 18 following the North American International Auto Show, patrons can attend the annual AutoGlow to benefit the Children’s Center, a downtown non-profit helping children in need. The Children’s Center 2013 AutoGlow at Ford Field will feature Parisian-inspired decor and French cuisine honoring Detroit’s French roots. The event is hosted by Lisa and Bill Ford and Nicki and Alan Mulally. To purchase AutoGlow tickets, call 313-262-1085 or visit the website, www.thechildrenscenter.com/autoglow
If you are not going to the event, you still can experience the French connection at some of these restaurants: Good Girls Go to Paris and Rodin Detroit.
For authentic French decor and accessories, shop at La Belle Provence in downtown Birmingham.
Au revoir!
Faygo pop and Sanders hot fudge are pure Detroit, but the hot dogs in Motown sure are special. Pile on the chili, mustard and onions and you have a Detroit Coney Island hot dog. Now in Canton, American Coney Island will open a new restaurant with a drive-thru — perfect for a quick fix. On January 12th at 44532 Michigan Avenue in Canton, customers can drive up for a Coney. As part of the opening celebration, the first 50 customers will receive a FREE hot dog, beginning at 9 a.m. Other specials will continue throughout the day.
YUM!
American Coney Island is a third-generation Motown family business, founded by Gust Keros in 1917. His son Charles and Charles’ daughter, Grace, are in the business. American Coney Island won the best Coney Dog in Detroit on “Food Feuds” on the Food Network and Travel Channel’s “Food Wars.”
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Fun, Fashion, Frivolity: An insider guide to Metro Detroit and beyond
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Fun, Fashion, Frivolity: An insider guide to Metro Detroit and beyond
Fun, Fashion, Frivolity: An insider guide to Metro Detroit and beyond
Motown Savvy 