| Detroit
News Personnal Ad's
Detroit News Local Weather Detroit News Job Listing Detroit News Classified Ad's Detroit News Comics Detroit Vipers Home Page Detroit Red Wings Detroit Lions Detroit Tigers Detroit Pistons Ted Nugent Sportsman Page Michigan Lottery Numbers Michigan House Of Representatives Michigan DNR Michigan Camping Info Michigan Internet Super Station Ted Nugent Ted Nugent Kids Camp |
.  . .
|
|
|
The new Tiger Stadium Construction WebCam 
Pat my Butt . |
||
  |
||
Concerts
WAYNE COUNTY
Magic Stick, 9 p.m. Sun.: The
Woggles and the Hentchmen. $7.
4120 Woodward, Detroit. (313)
833-9700.
Shelter, 5:30 p.m. Sat.: MU330.
$8. All Ages; 7 p.m. Mon.: System
of a Down with special guests
(Hed) Pe and Static — X. $10;
7:30 p.m. Wed.: Agent Orange
with Los Infernos and OS 101.
$10. Lower level of St. Andrew’s
Hall. (313) 961-MELT.
St. Andrew’s, 8 p.m. Sat.:
Sebadoh. $14. All ages. 431 E.
Congress, Detroit. (313)
961-MELT
OAKLAND COUNTY
Macomb Center for the
Performing Arts, 8 tonight: Tom
Jones. $38, $34 seniors, students.
Hall and Garfield roads, Clinton
Township. (810) 286-2222.
Magic Bag, 8 p.m. Sat.: Clancy
Brothers. $20; Thurs.: Club Show.
22920 Woodward, Ferndale. (248)
544-3030.
THE REGION
Ark, 8 tonight: Reno Brothers
(bluegrass) with special guests the
Special Consenus. $13.50; 7:30
p.m. Sat.: Kelly Joe Phelps, one of
the hits of the 1999 Ann Arbor
Folk Festival. $12.50; 8 p.m.
Tues.: Music-comedy team Teresa
Trull and Barbara Higbie. $13.50;
8 p.m. Wed.: Darden Smith and
Greg Trooper. $11; 8 p.m. Thurs.:
Singers-songwriters Lucy
Kaplansky and Susan McKeown.
$11. 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor.
(734) 761-1800.
Michigan Theater, 7:30 p.m.
Tues.: Brian Wilson. $45, $35.
603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. (248)
645-6666.
Palace of Auburn Hills, 7:30 p.m.
Wed.: Alanis Morissette “Junkie
Tour 1999” with Garbage
(alternative rock). $29.50
reserved. 2 Championship Dr.,
Auburn Hills. (248) 377-0100.
Classical/Jazz
WAYNE COUNTY
Churchill High School, 7:30 p.m.
Sat.: Livonia Symphony Orchestra,
conducted by Volodymyr Schesiuk,
presents “By George, By Josh,”
with guest artist, pianist, Joshua
Cullen, 15, playing George
Gershwin’s Concerto in F. $15. $8
children 12 years and younger.
Newburgh and Joy, Livonia. (734)
421-1111 or (734) 464-2741.
Duet at Orchestra Hall, Tonight:
Mutual Admiration Society Trio;
Mon.: Charles Scales{ Tues.:
Gwen and Charles Scales; Wed.:
Mutual Admiration Society Trio.
All performances at 8 p.m. 3663
Woodward, Detroit. (313)
831-3838.
Hagopian World of Rugs, 3 p.m.
Sun.: Detroit Chamber Strings from
Birmingham Unitarian Church
perform. Downtown Birmingham.
(248) 362-9329.
Historic Redford Theatre, 3 p.m.
Sun.: Motor City Theatre Organ
Society presents its Young Theatre
Organist Concert. 17360 Lahser,
Detroit. (734) 464-1314.
Orchestra Hall, 8 tonight, 8:30
p.m. Sat.: Detroit Symphony
Orchestra with Yan Pascal
Tortelier, conductor; Howard
Shelley, piano; 8 p.m. Thurs.: DSO
with flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal.
$48-$13. 3711 Woodward,
Detroit. (313) 576-5111.
YMCA Arts and Humanities
Building, YMCA Poetry-Music
Jam featuring musician Eugene
Chadbournel New York’s Bob
Holman, Los Angeles poet
Stellasue Lee and Detroit’s Chris
Tysh. $5. 51 W. Hancock (just
west of Woodward) in the Detroit
Cultural Center. For reservations,
call (313) 267-5300. Ext. 338.
OAKLAND COUNTY
Birmingham Unitarian Church, 3
p.m. Sun.: Detroit Chamber Strings
will present a concert titled
“Around the World in 80 Minutes.”
$20. 16 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe,
adjacent to the Grosse Pointe War
Memorial. (248) 362-9329.
Christ Church Cranbrook, 8 p.m.
Tues.: The Cranbrook Music Guild
presents the Endellion String
Quartet. Limited single tickets
available at the door for $25, 10
minutes prior to the concert. Lone
Pine at corner of Cranbrook,
Bloomfield Hills. (810) 751-2435.
Kingswood Auditorium, 4 p.m.
Sun.: Musica Viva and Cranbrook
present the 1999 Spring
International Festival of World
Music and Dance featuring The
Leipzig String Quartet. $25. 1221
N. Woodward, Bloomfield Hills,
two miles north of Big Beaver.
(248) 851-6987.
Kirk in the Hills, 4 p.m. Sun.: Kirk
Chancel Choir soloists perform
Broadway, opera, art and popular
songs and spirituals. $10, $5
students. 1340 W. Long Lake,
Bloomfield Hills. (248) 626-2515.
Southfield Centre for the Arts, 3
p.m. Sun.: Blackthorn performs.
Led by a native of Belfast, this
Celtic folk band performs
traditional Irish music. $10, $8.
24350 Southfield,Southfield. (248)
424-9022.
Temple Beth El, 3 p.m. Sun.: The
Lyric Chamber Ensemble presents
its 11th annual Piano Festival.
“Fedora and Friends” will feature
Lyric Chamber Ensemble founder
Fedora Horowitz and pianists
Michael Gurt, Tomoko Mack and
Kazimierz Brzozowski. $18, $15
seniors/students. 14 Mile and
Telegraph, Bloomfield Hills. (248)
357-1111.
MACOMB COUNTY
Macomb Center for the
Performing Arts, 7 p.m. Sun.: Big
Band ’99 — The Fabulous
Dorseys. The Jimmy Dorsey
Orchestra conducted by Jim
Miller, Nancy Knorr with the Pied
Popers and the Dorsey Dixieland
Band. $22, $20 seniors/students;
7:30 p.m. Tues.: Jurys Irish
Cabaret. Ireland’s longest running
show features the traditional
instrument ensemble Claddagh.
$24, $22; 7:30 p.m. Wed.: The
Irish Rovers. $24, $22. Hall and
Garfield roads, Clinton Township.
(810) 286-2222.
THE REGION
Hill Auditorium, 8 p.m. Thurs.:
The University Musical Society
presents James Galway, flute;
Phillip Moll, piano. 825 N.
University, Ann Arbor. (248)
645-6666 or (734) 764-2538.
Kerrytown Concert House, 8
p.m. tonight: Jazz at the Edge
Series features Dave Douglas Tiny
Bell Trio. $15 reserved, $10
general; 8 p.m. Wed.: Jazz at the
Edge Series/New Music Society
$15-$9. Shaw Lane, MSU campus,
East Lansing. (800) WHARTON.
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 4
p.m. Sun.: The University Musical
Society presents David Daniels,
countertenor, and Martin Katz,
piano. $35, $20. 911 N.
University, Ann Arbor. (734)
764-2538.
How to buy tickets
Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor;
(734) 761-1451.
Blind Pig, 206 S. First, Ann Arbor;
(734) 996-8555.
Bonstelle Theatre, 3424
Woodward, Detroit; (313)
577-2972.
Clutch Cargo’s, 65 E. Huron,
Pontiac; (248) 333-2362.
Detroit Opera House, between
Madison and Broadway off Grand
Circus Park; (313) 874-SING.
Detroit Repertory Theatre,
13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit;
(313) 868-1347.
Fisher Theatre, Second at West
Grand Boulevard, Detroit, (313)
872-1000.
Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward,
Detroit; (248) 433-1515.
Gem Theatre, 333 Madison,
Detroit; (313) 963-9800.
Gold Dollar, 3129 Cass, Detroit;
(313) 833-6873.
Hill Auditorium, 825 N.
University, Ann Arbor; (248)
645-6666.
Joe Louis Arena, 600 Civic
Center Dr., Detroit; (313)
983-6606.
Macomb Center for the
Performing Arts, Hall and
Garfield roads, Clinton Township;
(810) 286-2222.
Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward,
Ferndale; (248) 544-3030.
Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward,
Detroit; (313) 833-9700.
Music Hall, 350 Madison, Detroit;
(313) 963-7622.
Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward,
Detroit; (313) 576-5120.
Palace of Auburn Hills, 2
Championship Dr., Auburn Hills;
(248) 377-0100.
Pine Knob, Sashabaw off I-75,
Clarkston; (248) 377-0100.
Pontiac Silverdome, 120
Featherstone, Pontiac; (248)
645-6666.
Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318
W. Fourth, Royal Oak; (248)
546-7610.
Second City, 2301 Woodward,
Detroit, (313) 965-9500.
St. Andrew’s Hall, 431 E.
Congress, Detroit; (313)
961-MELT.
7th House, 7 N. Saginaw, Pontiac;
(248) 335-8100.
State Theatre, 2115 Woodward,
Detroit; (313) 961-5450.
.
.
Nightlife
For the week of March 5 - 11
Alvin’s, 9 tonight: Queen Bee. $5;
9 p.m. Sat.: Thoughts of Ionesco
CD release party with special
guest Fairchilp. $5; 10 p.m. Sat.:
Sultans of Sleaze, and the
Empresses of Erotica; 10 p.m.
every Sun: Sugar Shack (women
only please). $5; 10 p.m. every
Mon.: Hush Party. $5; 6 p.m. every
Tues.: Rhythm and Poetry, open
mike (6-8 p.m. sign-up). $5; 8 p.m.
every Wed.: Club Color. Old
school dance. Funk and disco. $1
drinks before 10 p.m. $5 (free
before 10 p.m.). 5756 Cass,
Detroit. (313) 832-2355.
Better Days Niteclub, 4 p.m.
every Sun.: Dirty Boogie. $5. 3919
Woodward, between Mack and
Warren, Detroit. (313) 567-7992.
Catch,`every Sun., Mon.: Joe Prus,
Ghost Town recording artist and
former guitarist of Roxx Gang.
8214 S. Telegraph and Ecorse,
Taylor. (313) 291-0020.
Garden Bowl, every Fri.: Bowl
Kat, Bowl with deejay Del; rock
and rockabilly; every Sat.: Rock ’n
bowl with deejay Gutterball. 4120
Woodward, Detroit. (313)
833-9700.
Gold Dollar, 8 tonight: Mt.
McKinleys, and The Go; Sat.:
White Stripes with They Come in
Threes, southwest Detroit’s finest
two-piece; Thurs.: Cockflowers,
Rhudabega, Paper Tiger. No
cover. 3129 Cass, Detroit. (313)
833-6873.
DePalma’s Ristorante, 7 p.m.
every Fri.: Mike Gabriel Trio. 7
p.m. every Sat.: “Scotty” Tullock,
piano. 7 p.m. every Mon.: John
Pullam, magician. Every Tues.:
DePalma Trio. Every Wed.:
Strolling Minstrels with David
Passalaqua and Francesco
Cavellini, accordion and mandolin.
Every Thurs.: “Scotty” Tullock,
piano. All performances begin at 7
p.m. 31735 Plymouth, Livonia.
(734) 261-2430.
1529 Broadway, 8 p.m. tonight:
Ivy Crown, Transparent Drive;
Sat.: Lanternjack, Mine, Bedford
Drive, Exaspirin; Wed.: Ruiners,
Voglio Capirlo. $3 cover.
Downtown Detroit (across from
Detroit Opera House). (313)
963-9151.
Holbrook Cafe, 10 p.m. every
Thursday: Mike Lake-Howard
Glazer Group. 3210 Holbrook, 3/4
mile from I-75, Hamtramck. (313)
875-1115.
Karl’s Cabin, Thurs.: Kung Fu
Diesel. 9779 Gotfredson,
Plymouth. (313) 455-8450.
La Bistecca Italian Grille, 8 p.m.
every Fri., Sat., Jim Edwards,
piano bar (old standards, Sinatra
variety); 6:30 p.m. every Wed.,
Thurs.: Brian Dishell, piano bar.
39405 Plymouth Rd., Plymouth.
(734) 254-0400.
Lili’s 21, 9 p.m. Sat.: Impotent Sea
Snakes with special guest
Broadzilla. 5756 Cass, Detroit.
(313) 875-6555.
Lucille’s, every Sun.: Benny and
the Jets band. 43711 Michigan,
west of I-275, Canton Township.
(734) 397-1988.
Marvin’s Bistro and Piano Bar, 7
p.m. Wed.-Sat.: Chuck Shelby on
piano. 15800 Middle Belt,
Livonia. (734) 522-5600.
Music Menu, every Mon.:
Simonson, Taylor, Tye (jazz).
every Tues.: Jazodity. every Wed.:
Thornetta Davis with Black Beauty
(rock). every Sun.: Sugarfoot (acid
jazz). 511 Monroe, Greektown in
Detroit. (313) 964-6368.
One X Warehouse Dance Club,
10 p.m. every Friday: Men 4 Men
(New York style dance party) with
dee jay St. Andy. 10 p.m. every
Saturday: Alternative Life with
deejays Cecil Gibbs and St. Andy.
2575 Michigan, Detroit. (313)
364-7040.
Parabox, every Sat.: Latin Nights.
Salsa, Merengue, Latin House.
1927 Michigan, Detroit. (313)
843-2579.
Rattlesnake Club, 8 tonight, Sat.:
Bizer Brothers (Jim and Randy).
300 River Place, Detroit. (313)
567-4400.
Shelly’s Place, 7 p.m. every Wed.:
The Dogs. 1460 Michigan, Detroit.
(313) 962-0654.
Soup Kitchen Saloon, Every
Tues.: The Dogs open jam session;
9 p.m. Every Wed.: Liquid Bros.
Every Thurs.: II-V-I Orchestra Big
Band. No cover. Free buffet. 1585
Franklin, Detroit. (313) 259-2643.
Sports Bar & Grill, tonight, Sat.:
Robert Penn. 166 Maple,
Wyandotte. (313) 285-5060.
Stonehouse, every Thurs.:
Immortal Winos of Soul. 19803
Ralston, Detroit. (313) 892-0125.
24kt Club, 9 p.m. every Wed.:
Free beginngers swing dance
lessons. 8:30 p.m. every Thurs.:
Latin night with salsa, merengue
and cumbia. 28949 Joy, (2 blocks
east of Middle Belt), Westland.
(734) 513-5030.
Woodbridge Tavern, tonight: Sgt.
Rock; Sat.: Jerry Sprague and the
Remainders. 289 St. Aubin,
Detroit. (313) 259-0578.
OAKLAND COUNTY
Bad Frog Tavern, 3 p.m.
Mon.-Fri.: Bad Hour. 555 S.
Woodward, Birmingham. (248)
624-9400.
C.K. Diggs, Tonight: Jumpcats
(blues); 9:30 p.m. Sat.: Roxanne.
(acoustic R&B). 2010 Auburn,
Rochester. (248) 853-6600.
D.L. Harrington’s Roadhouse,
Fri., Sat.: Intrigue (Top 40). 2086
Crooks, Rochester Hills. (248)
852-0550.
Edison’s, 8:30 tonight: Kathy
Kosins, vocal/piano/bass trio
(jazz); 9 p.m. Sat.: Phil Lasley,
saxophone/piano/bass trio (jazz).
No cover. 220 Merrill,
Birmingham. (248) 645-2150.
Envoy Cafe, 7:30 p.m. Wed., Fri.,
Sat.: Tola Lewis (through March).
33210 W. 14 Mile, West
Bloomfield. (248) 855-6220.
Four Green Fields Irish Pub, 9:30
every Fri.: Mike Ridley and Dan
Valeen; 9:30 p.m. every Sat.: Cliff
Erickson; 8:30 p.m. every Sun.:
Cliff Erickson; 8:30 p.m. every
Tues.: The Hits.; 9 p.m. every
Wed.: The Michael King Band; 9
p.m. every Thurs.: Jerry Sprague.
$3 cover after 8 p.m. 30919
Woodward Ave., Royal Oak.
(248) 280-2902.
Fox and Hounds, tonight, Sat.:
Blue Cat featuring Ken Maurphy.
1560 Woodward, Bloomfield
Hills. (248) 644-4800.
Frigate’s Inn, 9 p.m. every Thurs.:
Tim Flaharty open blues jam. 1103
E. Lake, Novi. (248) 624-9607.
Groove Room, every Fri.: Love
Factory. 9 p.m. Sundays, 3-D
reunion party. Rare 3-D T-shirt
giveaway. 1815 N. Main, at 12
Mile, Royal Oak. (248) 589-3344.
Hennessey’s Pub, Every Thurs.:
Val Ventro Blues Band. No cover.
49110 Grand River, Wixom. (248)
348-4404.
JD’s Key Club, 8 p.m. every
Tues.-Sat.: Dueling Pianos. 1 N.
Saginaw, Pontiac. (248) 338-7337.
Jimmy’s, Tonight: Roxanne; Sat.:
Jan Krist (acoustic rock
performers). 123 Kerchaval,
Grosse Pointe Farms. (313)
886-8101.
Memphis Smoke, 9 p.m. Sun.:
G.R.R. (rock); Tues.: Gordon
Bennett (rock); Wed.: Articles
(SKA); Thurs.: Immunity (reggae).
100 S. Main, Royal Oak. (248)
543-4300.
Mudee Waters, 8 p.m. every Sat.:
Open mike night. Instrumentals,
comedy, poetry. 2949 W. 12 Mile,
Berkley. (248) 543-5107.
New Way Bar, 10 p.m. Sat.: Sonic
Vibe, CD release party (original
rock ’n’ roll). 23130 Woodward,
Ferndale. (248) 541-9870.
No. VI Chop House, every Fri.,
Sat.: Class Act, Sinatra style with
a hair. No Cover. 27790 Novi,
Novi. (248) 305-5210.
Sterling Dance Club, every
Thurs.: Ladies night. Rochester at
Hamlin, Rochester. (248)
853-2353.
Woody’s Diner, Sat.: Randy Volin
and the Sonic Blues, winners of
Detroit’s best blues band 1997-98.
208 Fifth, Royal Oak. (248)
543-6911.
MACOMB COUNTY
Brickhouse Ale and Eats, every
Fri., Sat.: ’80s/’90s club dance. 7
p.m. every Sun.: Swing dance
lessons and open dance. Every
Tues.: Unplugged/open mike night.
Every Wed.: Americana bands; 8
p.m. every Thurs.: Open swing
dance in the Bricklayers Lounge.
7755 Auburn, Utica. (810)
323-9500.
Buster’s, tonight, Sat.: Just Us.
50935 Van Dyke at 23 Mile,
Shelby Twp. (810) 731-5755.
Cracker Jacks, every Sun., Tues.,
Thurs.: Karaoke hosted by Mary
Ann DeMoss. 34005 Gratiot,
Warren. (810) 792-6290.
Eljoe’s Restaurant Bar, 3-6 p.m.
Mon.-Fri.: Happy Hour. Open
Saturdays. Full dinner menu. Video
games, Fox Sports (many TV’s).
New management. At Romeo Golf
and Country Club, 14600 East 32
Mile (1/2 mile east of M-53/Van
Dyke), Washington. (810)
752-6765.
Fritt’s Pub, every Fri., Sat.: Live
Blues. every Wed.: Acoustic blues
night. every Thurs.: College night
with dance music. No cover. 77 N.
Main, downtown Mt. Clemens.
(810) 469-0878.
Gaelic Beer Works, every Thurs.:
Borkowski and Rosochacki. 5491
12 Mile, west of Mound, Warren.
(810) 751-1230.
Hayloft West, tonight-Sun., Thurs:
Our Masters: 49440 Ryan, Detroit.
(810) 254-4666.
Hot Rock Cafe, every Sun.: Join
some of Detroit’s hottest blues
players. Hoover just south of 10
Mile, Warren. (248) 966-5378.
Jack’s Waterfront: 9:30 p.m.
every Fri.: Nouveaute Trio. 24214
Jefferson, St. Clair Shores. (810)
445-8080.
JB Bamboozles, 9 p.m. every Sat.:
Borkowski and Rosochacki. 7280
12 Mile, west of Van Dyke,
Warren. (810) 574-1880.
JD’s Macomb Theatre, Fri.: A
benefit for the Triangle
Foundation! $5. Dressy attire; Sat.:
The return of “Son of Adam” and
“Code Bloom” to JD’s main stage;
9 p.m. Sun.: “Wax Taxin’ Dre” and
“DJ Gary Chandler” spin discs.
It’s college night; show your
college ID and get a discount on
your cover. Ladies free till 10 p.m.
31 N. Walnut, Mt. Clemens. (810)
913-1921.
Jimmy Dimitri’s, every Fri.:
Borkowski and Rosochacki (rock).
75 Macomb Place, downtown Mt.
Clemens. (810) 465-7800.
Newsroom, every Thurs.:
Borkowski and Rosochacki. 24200
Dequindre, south of 10 Mile,
Warren. (810) 754-6397.
Sports Stop Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.
Sat.: Blue Rose. every Tues.:
Detroit Blues Band. 22411 Mack,
between Eight and Nine Mile Rds.,
St. Clair Shores. (810) 776-6347.
Wired Frog, tonight: War Effort.
Leon Sugar Zenbabies. Special
benefit for Turning Point; every
Mon.: Open mike night. every
Tues.: movie night. every Wed.:
Karaoke. Every Fri., Sat.: Live
bands. 21145 Gratiot, Eastpointe.
(810) 498-9500.
Too Chez, 6 p.m. every Mon.:
Heidi Hepler, vocalist, and
Michele Ramo, guitarist/violinist.
27155 Sheraton, Novi. (248)
348-5555.
THE REGION
Arbor Brewing Co., Every Wed.:
Ann Arbor Irish Ensemble. Every
Thurs.: Al Hill and the Love
Butlers. Soulful swing, New
Orleans-style funk, and
boogie-woogie blues. 116 E.
Washington, Ann Arbor. (734)
213-1393.
Bird of Paradise, 5-8 p.m. every
Fri.: Paul Klinger’s Easy Street
Swingtet. $2; 9 p.m. every Sun.:
Paul Finkbeiner’s Jazz Jam
Session. No cover. 9 p.m. every
Mon.: Bird of Paradise Orchestra.
207 S. Ashley, Ann Arbor. (734)
662-8310.
Blind Pig, tonight.: Maschina with
Papa Vegas and Paper Plate. $5;
Sat.: Solid Frog with Slide off
Saturn and Sugar Pill. $5; Sun.:
Swing-a-Billy. 8-9 p.m. Dance
lessons. Dance follows with
deejay Del Villarreal $5. After 9
p.m., $3; Tues.: Blind Pig
Showcase: Pamela West, Sweet
Kelly, The Element and Lurch.
Free; Wed.: Solar; Thurs.:
Propeller with Kuz and the
Triggers. $4. 208 S. First, Ann
Arbor. (734) 996-8555.
Cafe Zola, every Fri.: live music.
No cover. 112 W. Washington,
downtown Ann Arbor. (734)
769-2020.
Cavern Club, Tonight: Al Hill and
the Love Butlers; 8 p.m. Tues.:
Barbara Jordon, Gary Charles,
Lucy Webster, Ken Bierschbach,
Dennis KIngsbury, Patrick power
and Chris Buhalis, all from
Michigan. 210 S. First St., Ann
Arbor. (734) 332-9900.
Casino Windsor’s Lounge, live
entertainment seven days a week.
377 Riverside.(800) 991-7777 or
(519) 258-7878.
Fenton Roadhouse, tonight, Sat.:
Bugs Beddow Band. 14284
Fenton, Fenton. (810) 629-3955.
Habitat, 9 p.m. Tues.: Al Hill and
the Love Butlers. Inside Weber’s
Hotel, 3050 Jackson, Ann Arbor.
665-3636.
Heidelberg Restaurant, Every
Fri.: Latino night with deejay
Carlos. Salsa lessons from
9:30-10:30 p.m. Music until 1:30
a.m.; Sun.: Swing night with the
11-V-1 Orchestra. $5 (half off
admission with dinner on main
floor). 215 N. Main, Ann Arbor.
(734) 663-7758.
Tap Room, 9:30 p.m. every Mon.:
Acoustic open mike, hosted by
Chris Buhalis. All acoustic
performers welcome. 9:30 p.m.
every Tues.: Johnny Reed & the
Nothin’ but the blues jam. Bring
your instrument or band. 9:30 p.m.
every Wed.: Open mike acoustic
and electric, hosted by the
Martindales. All styles of music
welcome. 9:30 p.m. every Thurs.:
Swing night with deejay Del
Villarreal. No cover any night. 201
W. Michigan, Ypsilanti. (734)
482-5320.
Vernier’s, tonight, Sat.: Irish
Month (through March). 8822
Vernier, Fair Haven. (810)
725-0361.
Jazz/Classical
WAYNE COUNTY
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, 9:30
tonight: Brenda Joy; 9:30 p.m. Sat.:
Claude Black Quintet; 7 p.m. every
Sun.: Screen Actors Guild/Awards
Party; 7 p.m. Mon.: Stu Goldberg’s
jam session; 8 p.m. every Tues.:
Dee Dee McNeil. Open mike; 8
p.m. every Wed., Jam session with
Scott Reiter; 8 p.m. Thurs., Jim
David Trio. 20510 Livernois,
Detroit. (313) 345-6300.
Big Fish, 8 p.m. every Fri., Sat.:
Tye-Kowalewski (jazz). 700 Town
Center, Dearborn. (313) 336-0350.
The Comfort Zone Jazz Club,
every Fri.: Free buffet at 5 p.m.
Happy hour: 5-8 p.m.; 8 p.m. every
Sat.: Party night; 5 p.m. every
Mon.: Live Blues; 5 p.m. every
Tues: Oldies; 6-8 p.m. every
Wed.: ballroom/hustle night; 5 p.m.
every Thurs.: Mix and mingle
party. Dressy attire. 17321 W.
McNichols (between Southfield
and Greenfield), Detroit. (313)
836-7464.
Churchill High School, 7:30 p.m.
Sat.: Livonia Symphony Orchestra,
conducted by Volodymyr Schesiuk,
presents “By George, By Josh,”
with guest artist, pianist, Joshua
Cullen, 15, playing George
Gershwin’s Concerto in F. $15. $8
children 12 years and younger.
Newburgh and Joy, Livonia. (734)
421-1111 or (734) 464-2741.
Duet at Orchestra Hall, Tonight:
Mutual Admiration Society Trio;
Mon.: Charles Scales; Tues.:
Gwen and Charles Scales; Wed.:
Mutual Admiration Society Trio.
All performances at 8 p.m. 3663
Woodward, Detroit. (313)
831-3838.
Fishbones, 10:30 a.m. every
Sunday: Jazzman Charlie Gabriel
and his group. 400 Monroe,
Detroit. (313) 965-4600.
Hagopian World of Rugs, 3 p.m.
Sun.: Detroit Chamber Strings from
Birmingham Unitarian Church
perform. Downtown Birmingham.
(248) 362-9329.
Historic Redford Theatre, 3 p.m.
Sun.: Motor City Theatre Organ
Society presents its Young Theatre
Organist Concert. 17360 Lahser,
Detroit. (734) 464-1314.
Orchestra Hall, 8 tonight, 8:30
p.m. Sat.: Detroit Symphony
Orchestra with Yan Pascal
Tortelier, conductor; Howard
Shelley, piano; 8 p.m. Thurs.: DSO
with flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal.
$48-$13. 3711 Woodward,
Detroit. (313) 576-5111.
The Ritz-Carlton, 7:30 p.m. Sun.:
Ensemble Galilei. $12, $11
seniors, $7 students. 300 Town
Center, Dearborn. (313) 593-5330
or (313) 441-2000.
Tres Vite Restaurant, every Fri.,
Sat.: Calvin Brooks. 2203
Woodward, Detroit. (313)
471-3500.
YMCA Arts and Humanities
Building, YMCA Poetry-Music
Jam featuring musician Eugene
Chadbourne, New York’s Bob
Holman, Los Angeles poet
Stellasue Lee and Detroit’s Chris
Tysh. $5. 51 W. Hancock (just
west of Woodward) in the Detroit
Cultural Center. For reservations,
call (313) 267-5300. Ext. 338.
OAKLAND COUNTY
Baci Abbracci, 9:30 p.m. every
Fri., Sat.: Alexander Zonjic and
Friends. 40 W. Pike, downtown
Pontiac. (248) 253-1300.
Birmingham Unitarian Church, 3
p.m. Sun.: Detroit Chamber Strings
will present a concert titled
“Around the World in 80 Minutes.”
$20. 16 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe,
adjacent to the Grosse Pointe War
Memorial. (248) 362-9329.
Christ Church Cranbrook, 8 p.m.
Tues.: The Cranbrook Music Guild
presents the Endellion String
Quartet. Limited single tickets
available at the door for $25, 10
minutes prior to the concert. Lone
Pine at corner of Cranbrook,
Bloomfield Hills. (810) 751-2435.
Copper Creek, 6:30 p.m. every
Tues.: The C-Notes Jazz Duo.
27925 Golf Pointe, Farmington
Hills. (248) 489-1656.
Encore, every Wed.-Sat.: Heidi
Hepler and Michele Ramo. 1801
S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Hills,
north of Square Lake in Quality
Inn. (248) 335-3790.
Fishbones, 11:30 a.m. every Sun.:
Allen Barnes Trio. 29244
Northwestern, just north of 12
Mile, Southfield. (248) 351-2925.
Kingswood Auditorium, 4 p.m.
Sun.: Musica Viva and Cranbrook
present the 1999 Spring
International Festival of World
Music and Dance featuring The
Leipzig String Quartet. $25. 1221
N. Woodward, Bloomfield Hills,
two miles north of Big Beaver.
(248) 851-6987.
Kirk in the Hills, 4 p.m. Sun.: Kirk
Chancel Choir soloists perform
Broadway, opera, art and popular
songs and spirituals. $10, $5
students. 1340 W. Long Lake,
Bloomfield Hills. (248) 626-2515.
No-Name Lounge, 7 p.m. every
Mon.-Sat.: Charles Boles, piano
jazz. 200 W. Big Beaver, Troy.
(248) 680-9797.
Southfield Centre for the Arts, 3
p.m. Sun.: Blackthorn performs.
Led by a native of Belfast, this
Celtic folk band performs
traditional Irish music. $10, $8.
24350 Southfield,Southfield. (248)
424-9022.
Steak ’n Ale, every Sat.:
Dixieland with Jubilation Run jazz
band. $4. Lounge area of
restaurant. 14 Mile at I-75, Troy.
(248) 588-4450.
Temple Beth El, 3 p.m. Sun.: The
Lyric Chamber Ensemble presents
its 11th annual Piano Festival.
“Fedora and Friends” will feature
Lyric Chamber Ensemble founder
Fedora Horowitz and pianists
Michael Gurt, Tomoko Mack and
Kazimierz Brzozowski. $18, $15
seniors/students. 14 Mile and
Telegraph, Bloomfield Hills. (248)
357-1111.
Too Chez, 6 p.m. every Mon.:
Heidi Hepler, vocalist, and
Michele Ramo, guitarist/violinist.
27155 Sheraton, Novi. (248)
348-5555.
MACOMB COUNTY
Fishbones Rhythm Kitchen Cafe,
9:30 p.m. every Thurs.-Sat.: Blues
performances by Paul Carey’s
Blue Band and the Red Mercury
Blues Band. 10:30 a.m. every Sun.:
Brunch showcases the jazz mastery
of the (saxophone) George Benson
Trio. 23722 Jefferson at Nine
Mile, St. Clair Shores. (810)
498-3000.
Jack’s Waterfront: 9:30 p.m.
every Fri.: Nouveaute Trio. 8 p.m.
Tues.: Dixieland and the Jazz Cats.
24214 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores.
(810) 445-8080.
Macomb Center for the
Performing Arts, 7 p.m. Sun.: Big
Band ’99 — The Fabulous
Dorseys. The Jimmy Dorsey
Orchestra conducted by Jim
Miller, Nancy Knorr with the Pied
Popers and the Dorsey Dixieland
Band. $22, $20 seniors/students;
7:30 p.m. Tues.: Jurys Irish
Cabaret. Ireland’s longest running
show features the traditional
instrument ensemble Claddagh.
$24, $22; 7:30 p.m. Wed.: The
Irish Rovers. $24, $22. Hall and
Garfield roads, Clinton Township.
(810) 286-2222.
THE REGION
Bird of Paradise, 9, 11tonight,
Sat.: Kurt Elling, featuring
Laurence Hobgood, piano, Rob
Amster-bass, Michael Raynor,
drums. $18. No cover. 207 S.
Ashley St., Ann Arbor. (734)
662-8310.
Casino Windsor, 8, 11 p.m.
tonight-Sun.: Ken Munshaw
(contemporary rock); 8, 11 p.m.
Mon.-Thurs.: George St. Kitts (R
and B). Riverfront, downtown
Windsor. (800) 991-7777 or (519)
258-7878.
Hill Auditorium, 8 p.m. Thurs.:
The University Musical Society
presents James Galway, flute;
Phillip Moll, piano. 825 N.
University, Ann Arbor. (248)
645-6666 or (734) 764-2538.
Kerrytown Concert House, 8
p.m. tonight: Jazz at the Edge
Series features Dave Douglas Tiny
Bell Trio. $15 reserved, $10
general; 8 p.m. Wed.: Jazz at the
Edge Series/New Music Society
$15-$9. Shaw Lane, MSU campus,
East Lansing. (800) WHARTON.
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 4
p.m. Sun.: The University Musical
Society presents David Daniels,
countertenor, and Martin Katz,
piano. $35, $20. 911 N.
University, Ann Arbor. (734)
764-2538.
Coffeehouses
OAKLAND COUNTY
Green Wood Coffee House, 8
tonight: Katie Geddes and The
Usual Suspects Concert and CD
release party. Free. 1001 Green,
Ann Arbor. (734) 665-8558.
Java & Jazz, 8 p.m. every Fri.:
Terence Lester. No cover. 19739
W. 12 Mile (Evergreen Plaza),
Southfield. (248) 443-0511.
Wired Frog Coffee House, Every
Tues.: Open mike night. 21145
Gratiot, just north of Eight Mile,
Eastpointe. (810) 498-9500.
Comedy
WAYNE COUNTY
Bea’s Comedy Kitchen, tonight,
Sat.: three shows each night
featuring Snow Cone, Downtown
Tony Brown and the Great Bo Bo
Lamb. $12. 541 E. Larned, Detroit.
(313) 961-2581.
Joey’s Comedy Club, 8:15, 10:45
tonight, Sat. 24.95 (dinner
package), $12 (dinner only); 7 p.m.
Sun.: Malone and Nootcheez.
$22.95 (dinner package), $10
(show only); 8 p.m. Sun.: Improv.
36071 Plymouth, Livonia. (734)
261-0555.
Marvin Bistro and Piano Bar, 7
p.m. every Fri., Sat.: Comedian
Marv Welch. 15800 Middle Belt,
Livonia. (734) 522-5600.
Second City, 6 p.m. (doors), 7
p.m. (show) Thurs.: The Crash
Test Dummies with Big Rude Jake
perform in benefit for the Midwest
AIDS Prevention Projects’ Dine
Out Detroit. The annual event helps
raise funds for AIDS education and
prevention. $30, $25. 2301
Woodward, Detroit. (313)
965-2222.
OAKLAND COUNTY
Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle,
tonight-Sun.: Paul Kozak. 269
Fourth, Royal Oak. (248)
542-9900.
MACOMB COUNTY
Bay Cafe, 8:30 every Wed.: The
improv group Void Where
Prohibited will perform Whose
Line Is It Anyway. 1729
Washington, corner of M-29 (23
Mile Road) and Washington, New
Baltimore. $5. (810) 725-2414.
Chaplin’s Comedy Club &
Restaurant, 8:30, 10:30 tonight,
Sat.: Tommy Sledge. Groesbeck,
south of 15 Mile, Clinton
Township. (810) 792-1902.
THE REGION
Mainstreet Comedy Showcase, 8,
10:30 tonight; 5:45-8:15 and 10:45
p.m. Sat.: Mike “Chainsaw”
Hessman. $10. 314 E. Liberty, Ann
Arbor. (734) 996-9080.
Kids
WAYNE COUNTY
The Marquis Theatre, 2:30 p.m.
Sat., Sun.; The musical Velveteen
Rabbit hops in town as
entertainment for both children and
adults alike as it is performed live
on stage (through April 25). It’s a
touching story of how toys become
real. 135 E. Main, Northville.
(248) 349-8110.
THE REGION
Flint Youth Theatre, 7:30 tonight:
(through March 13): Viola, written
by Jim McGinn. Part of We the
People: A Three-Play Exploration
of Racism in Our Society. $10, $8
children. Located in the Flint
Cultural Center. (810) 760-1138 or
(888) 8CENTER.
Wharton Center for the
Performing Arts, 11 a.m., 3 p.m.:
School House Rock Live! This
extravaganza features the musical
numbers of the popular Saturday
Morning cartoon such as
“Conjunction Junction.” School
House Rock Live! will educate
students in history, government,
English, math, and science in an
entertaining way. $15-$9. Shaw
Lane, MSU campus, East Lansing.
(800) WHARTON.
Upcoming
big events
Upcoming
big events, with numbers for ticket information.
Upcoming concerts
Alvin Ailey American Dance
Theater, March 19-21, mixed
programs. Power Center, Ann Arbor.
(734) 763-3333.
Kid Rock, March 19, State Theatre,
(313) 961-5450.
The Roots, 6:30 p.m. March 22. $21
adv., $24 at the door. State Theatre,
Detroit. (248) 645-6666.
Lyle Lovett, 7:30 p.m., March 23,
Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty,
Ann Arbor. (248) 645-6666.
New Orleans Klezmer Allstars,
March 24, Ark, Ann Arbor (248)
645-6666.
Steve Earle and the Del McCoury
Band, March 24. Michigan Theater,
Ann Arbor.
American Ballet Theatre, in Don
Quixote, March 24-28, Detroit Opera
House.
’N Sync, 7 p.m., March 25, Palace of
Auburn Hills. (248) 645-6666.
econoline crush, March 25, Blind
Pig, Detroit. (248) 645-6666.
Jeff Beck, March 26, Fox Theatre.
(313) 983-6611.
Ekoostik Hookah, April 3, Michigan
Theater, Ann Arbor. (248) 645-6666.
Susan Tedeschi with Shemekia
Copeland, April 3, Majestic, 4140
Woodward, Detroit. (313) 833-9700.
Collective Soul, April 6 at State
Theatre, Detroit. (248) 645-6666.
Joshua Redman, April 10, Ark. two
shows 7, 9:30 p.m. 316 S. Main, Ann
Arbor. (734) 761-1800.
Marilyn Manson and Hole, April 15,
Palace of Auburn Hills. (248)
645-6666.
Royal Hanneford Circus, April
8-11, Palace of Auburn Hills. (248)
645-6666.
Joshua Redman, April 10, Ark, Ann
Arbor, two shows 7, 9:30 p.m. (734)
761-1800.
Galactic: April 15, Blind Pig,
Detroit, (248) 645-6666.
98 degrees, April 17, State Theatre,
Detroit. (248) 645-6666.
Rod Stewart, April 17, Palace.
(248) 645-6666.
John Hancock Champions on Ice,
April 24, Joe Louis Arena, (248)
645-6666.
John Valby “Dr. Dirty,” April 30,
State Theatre, (313) 961-5450.
How to buy tickets
The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor;
(734) 761-1451
Blind Pig, 206 S. First, Ann Arbor;
(734) 996-8555
Bonstelle Theatre, 3424 Woodward,
Detroit; (313) 577-2972
Clutch Cargo's, 65 E. Huron,
Pontiac; (248) 333-2362
Detroit Opera House, between
Madison and Broadway off Grand
Circus Park; (313) 874-SING
Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103
Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. (313)
868-1347.
Fifth Avenue, 215 Fifth Ave., Royal
Oak; (248) 542-9922
Fisher Theatre, Second at W.Grand
Blvd., Detroit, (313)872-1000
Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward,
Detroit; (248) 433-1515
Gem Theatre, 333 Madison, Detroit;
(313) 963-9800
Gold Dollar, 3129 Cass, Detroit;
(313) 833-6873
Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University,
Ann Arbor; (248) 645-6666
Joe Louis Arena, 600 Civic Center
Drive, Detroit; (313) 983-6606.
Macomb Center for the Performing
Arts, Hall and Garfield roads,
Clinton Twp.; (810) 286-2222
Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward,
Ferndale; (248) 544-3030
Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward,
Detroit; (313) 833-9700
Michigan Theatre, 603 E. Liberty,
Ann Arbor; (248) 645-6666
Music Hall, 350 Madison, Detroit;
(313) 963-7622
Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward,
Detroit; (313) 576-5120
Palace of Auburn Hills, 2
Championship Drive, Auburn Hills;
(248) 377-0100
Pine Knob, Sashabaw Rd. off I-75,
Clarkston; (248) 377-0100
Pontiac Silverdome, 120
Featherstone, Pontiac; (248)
645-6666
Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W.
Fourth, Royal Oak; (248) 546-7610
Second City, 2301 Woodward,
Detroit, (313) 965-9500
St. Andrew's Hall, 431 E. Congress,
Detroit; (313) 961-MELT
7th House, 7 N. Saginaw, Pontiac;
(248) 335-8100
State Theatre, 2115 Woodward,
Detroit; (313) 961-5450
Wharton Center for the Performing
Arts, Shaw Lane, MSU campus, East
Lansing; (800) WHARTON
For the week of March 5 - 11, 1999
Stage
WAYNE COUNTY
Bonstelle Theatre, tonight, Sat.: The
comedy Our Country’s Good, set in
Australia 1798. It’s a triumph of the
human spirit against the forces of
oppression. 3424 Woodward. (313)
577-2960.
Detroit Opera House, 8 tonight,
Sat.; 2 p.m. Sat., Sun.: 7:30 p.m. Sun.:
The musical Sunset Blvd., starring
Petula Clark. $32.50-$65. 1526
Broadway, off Grand Circus Park.
(313) 237 (SING) or (313)
961-3500.
Detroit Repertory Theatre,
(through March 21): Camp Logan, by
Celeste Bedford Walker. 13103
Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. (313)
868-1347.
Fox Theatre, 2, 8 p.m. today, Sat.; 2
p.m. Sat.; 1 p.m. Sun.: Cats, the
musical, returns. 2211 Woodward,
Detroit. (248) 433-1515.
Gem Theatre, I Love You, You’re
Perfect, Now Change, musical
comedy through March 28. 333
Madison, Detroit. Call (313)
963-9800.
Grosse Pointe Theatre, 8 p.m.
Thurs.: (Thursdays-Sundays through
March). The Rainmaker by N.
Richard Nash. $13. 315 Fisher,
Grosse Pointe. (313) 886-8901.
Hilberry Theatre, A comedy, Light
Up the Sky (runs in rotating repertory
through April 1). 4743 Cass, corner
of Hancock, Wayne State University
campus, Detroit. (313) 577-2972.
Nicolo’s, 6:30 p.m. (seating)
Saturdays through March 27: Come
Blow Your Horn, a comedy by Neil
Simon. $35, $30 advance.
Nonsmoking dinner theater. 1630
Fort, Trenton. (734) 692-2638.
Trenton Theatre, 8 tonight, Sat.; 2
p.m. Sun.: South Pacific, a musical
comedy by Rodgers and
Hammerstein. $9, $7 seniors/students.
2747 W. Jefferson, downtown
Trenton. (734) 332-9166.
The Water Tower Theatre, 8
tonight, Sat.: The Plymouth Theatre
Guild presents The Sound of Music
by Rodgers and Hammerstein. $12,
$8 students. 41001 W. Seven Mile
(west of I-275 between Haggerty and
Northville roads), Northville. (248)
349-7110.
Wayne State University’s Studio
Theatre, 8 tonight, Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun.:
The Road to Mecca, a compelling
tale of human individuality. $8, $6.
Located downstairs from the
Hilberry, 4743 Cass Ave. at
Hancock. (313) 577-2972.
OAKLAND COUNTY
Aaron Deroy Theatre, tonight-Sun.:
The Midwest premiere of the
award-winning Never the Sinner by
John Logan. Winner of the 1998 Outer
Critics Circle Award for Best
Off-Broadway Play. $23-$13. 6600
West Maple, corner of Drake (lower
level), West Bloomfield. (248)
788-2900.
Baci Abbracci Theatre, 7:30 tonight,
Sat.: 2 p.m. Sat., Sun., 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Thurs. (through March 31):
Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, includes
pasta dinner. 40 W. Pike, Pontiac
(248) 745-8668.
Jet Theatre, 8 p.m. Sat.: 2, 7:30 p.m.
Sun.: Never the Sinner, by John
Logan, delves into the minds that
created the “crime of the century” —
the thrill-killing of 13-year-old
Bobby Franks by rich intellectuals
Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb,
themselves teen-agers. $18, $16.
6600 W. Maple, West Bloomfield.
(248) 788-2900.
Meadow Brook Theatre, 8 tonight,
Sat.; 6 p.m. Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun.:
Scotland Road, a Titanic thriller by
Jeffrey Hatcher. $26.50-$19.50; 2
p.m. Wed. (through April 4): World
premiere of A Gift of Glory. Edsel
Ford and the Diego Rivera Murals by
Karim Alrawi, directed by Debra L.
Wicks. $26.50-$19.50. Oakland
University campus, Rochester. (248)
377-3300.
Novi Civic Center Stage, 8 tonight;
3 p.m. Sat.: The Broadway musical,
The Wizard of Oz. All seats reserved.
45175 W. 10 Mile, Novi. (248)
347-0400.
Troy Playhouse, 8 tonight, Sat: Beau
Jest by James Sharman. $11. 205 W.
Long Lake, Troy. (248) 988-7049.
MACOMB COUNTY
Broadway on Stage, 8 tonight, Sat.:
The Theatre Murders! Originally
created as The Dinner Theatre
Murders, this newly reworked
version is an audience-participation
mystery that simply cannot be
anticipated. $13.50. 21517 Kelly,
Eastpointe. (810) 771-6333.
The Heidelberg, 8 tonight, Sat.: I
Hate Hamlet, by Paul Rudnick.
Dinner at 6:30 p.m. $24.95 (dinner
and show package), $11 (show only).
43785 Gratiot, Mt. Clemens. (810)
776-9844.
THE REGION
Ann Arbor Civic Theatre, 8 tonight,
Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun.: Romeo and Juliet.
$18-$5. 2275 Platt, Ann Arbor. (734)
971-AACT.
Capitol Theatre and Arts Centre, 8
p.m. Sat.: Macbeth, Shakespeare’s
dark, brooding drama. $25, $22.
Pentastar Playhouse (inside Capitol
Theatre) 121 University Ave. W.,
Windsor. (519) 253-7729.
Performance Network Theatre,
Thurs.: Animal Lovers Project
(through March 21). Thursdays pay
what you can. $15, $12,
seniors/students. 408 W. Washington,
Ann Arbor. (734) 663-0681.
The Purple Rose Theatre
Company, 8 tonight, Sat.; 3 p.m. Sat.;
2 p.m. Sun. (through March 20): The
Hole, a drama by Wendy Hammond.
137 Park, Chelsea. (734) 475-7902.
Singles
Tonight
WAYNE COUNTY
Wednesday Suburban Singles, 8
p.m.-12:30 a.m., Bonnie Brook
Country Club on Telegraph, south of
Eight Mile, Redford Township.
Proper attire, 21 and older. (313)
842-0443.
OAKLAND COUNTY
Bethany Rochester meeting, 8-10
p.m. in the St. Andrew Parish Center,
1234 Inglewood, Rochester. (248)
652-3860.
MACOMB COUNTY
Ballroom Dance Lessons, Gone
Dancin’, 1472 Gratiot, Mt. Clemens.
$5 per person/per week. Two
sessions, 7-7:45 p.m. and 7:45-8:30
p.m. (810) 783-5678.
Thursday
WAYNE COUNTY
Divorce Recovery Workshop, 7-9
p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church,
200 E. Main, Northville. (248)
349-0911.
Friday
WAYNE COUNTY
Westside Singles Dance, 8 p.m.-1
a.m., Burton Manor, 27777
Schoolcraft, Livonia. $3 before 8:30
p.m., $5 after. 21 and older, proper
attire. (734) 981-0909.
St. Anastasia Singles, 8 p.m., with
speaker Paul R. Vigeant, St.
Anastasia Singles, 4571 John R.,
Troy. Pizza served after. (248)
680-1667.
Saturday
WAYNE COUNTY
Claude Black Quintet, 9:30 p.m.,
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, 20510
Livernois, Detroit. (313) 345-6300.
Sunday
WAYNE COUNTY
Sunday Suburban Singles, 7-11 p.m.,
Bonnie Brook Country Club,
Telegraph south of Eight Mile,
Redford Township. 21 and older,
proper attire. (313) 842-0443.
Monday
OAKLAND COUNTY
Euchre, pinochle and dinner, 7 p.m.,
Tom’s Oyster Bar, 29106 Franklin,
Southfield. $5 to play, does not
include dinner. (248) 851-9909.
Al-Berdouni Restaurant, 5821
Chase, Dearborn; (313) 582-6116. Yet
another East Dearborn Middle Eastern
eatery, this one appealing to an insider's
following and a steady neighborhood
clientele. And for good reason. All the
Lebanese classics are executed with
admirable competence, and then there are
the surprises, the foods you don't see
every day, like lamb tongues in a bright
lemon and garlic sauce; sojok Oe
deliciously spicy, lemon-tinged beef
sausage; or gallaya Oe chicken or beef
strips sauteed with onions, tomatoes and
green pepper. A good show.
Alabazam!, 515 Ottawa Street,
Windsor; (519) 252-8264. Missed Mardi
Gras? Alabazam! will make you at home
with the Crescent City. With its fiery
front-and-center kitchen, it is most
decidedly dandified Creole, with titches of
Miles Davis, Chet Baker and
Toulouse-Lautrec thrown in for soulful
measure. Ah, that pollock, crawfish and
jumbo shrimp jambalaya, in a slurry of
andouille sausage and rising heat.
Amadeus, 122 E. Washington, Ann
Arbor; (734) 665-8767. serene afternoon
delight is this romantic vision of Poland --
"more like Chopin time than the Hamtramck load-on," is what one wag calls
it. Sip a Polish honey wine, or an Amadeus coffee whiffed with chocolate
and fresh whipped cream. Gaze, and graze, over specials like blueberry
pierogi, chilled fruit soups and grilled chicken marinated in wine and
fresh
herbs. A full, and very varied, Central European menu is served at lunch
and
candlelit dinner. Afternoon tea and pastries.
Andiamo Lakefront Bistro, Harbor 9 marina, 24026 Jefferson, St.
Clair Shores; (810) 773-7770. This adult waterbaby playground -- an utter
gutting of the lamentable Lido's on the Lake -- is the surprise of the
boating
season. Stylish in the extreme, jam-packed, raucous, delicious. Don't miss
the
Andiamo sampler smoked-fish platter -- divine; trademark incendiary
Hungarian banana peppers with anchovy-garlic sauce and grilled Italian
sausage; spit-roasted Long Island duck with sun-dried cranberries and
blackberry-brandy sauce; many others. Then catch your breath; gaze out
over the big-ticket yachts and glistening Lake St. Clair beyond.
Ardo's Grill and Chill, 27900 Hoover, Warren; (810) 582-0080. The
dining rooms are pleasant, but head for the friendly bar. Filets, strips,
kabobs
and lasagna, but do try piatzoes, gooey pizza-dough sandwiches, buried
under
scallions, lettuce and tomatoes.
Atwater Block Brewery, 237 Jos. Campau, Detroit; (313) 393-BEER.
This stunning microbrewery in the Rivertown District is enormous, loud
and
energetic. Made on site are many highly drinkable beers and food to match.
Don't miss Krausen Hell and Wisconsin asiago cheese soup; beer-marinated
grilled pork chop; Hells chicken wings.
Avant Garde 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham; (248) 594-4499.
Beautifully presented, natural, no-dairy, no-oil food, with very little
herbs,
spices or sauces is healthy, but often taste-free. Go for the vegetable
Napoleon, the jalapeno linguine and the soothing room.
Baron's Steak House, River Place Hotel, 1000 River Place, Detroit;
(313) 259-4855. Successful Detroit men -- as in mayors past and present,
auto and other manufacturing magnates, UAW brass -are the
8-by-10-inch-glossy theme at this pretty makeover of the ill-fated Louie's
on
the River. And what do fat cats eat? Beef! Huge cuts of certified Black
Angus in all its many cuts and sizes plus the full steakhouse regalia:
hearts of
iceberg, watery creamed spinach, Caesar, shrimp cocktail. And they'll pay
for it.
The Beach Grill, 24420 Jefferson, at Jefferson Beach Marina; (810)
771-4455. Loud and brash and gorgeous and sassy, the Beach Grill is the
bar-restaurant scene of summer, and fall and. ... While uneven, some of
John
D. Wesenbergs's menu soars: rosy-rare seared ahi salad; succulent sea bass;
great designer pizza.
Beans & Cornbread: A Soulful Bistro, Sunset Strip mall, 29508
Northwestern, Southfield; (248) 208-1680. Gird yourself for long, long
waits,
followed by potent platters of soul food that will have you waddling to
the
car. Owner Patrick Coleman and executive chef Willie Jackson have a
deserved hit on their hands, because they're serving all that classic Southern
comfort food, ratcheted up several notches. Joyous Jamaican jerk chicken,
moist and terrifically tangy babyback ribs, sensational fresh salmon croquette,
plus all the proper soul sides.
Bella Ciao, 118 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor; (734) 995-2107. The "beautiful
chow" here in this classic Ann Arbor Italiano may include a ragout of snails
in an herb/wine/cream sauce, open-faced lasagna layered with fruits from
the sea, or slow-roasted duck simmered with Michigan cherries. Outdoor
seating.
Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse, 2550 Takata Drive, Auburn
Hills; (248) 276-2337. This 650-seat cabin has big-buck pan-roasted chicken
($12.95) and a 22-ounce porterhouse ($24.95). But also rize-winning ribs,
and many fine beers from the brewhouse.
Big Rock Chop & Brew House, 245 S. Eton, Birmingham; (248)
647-7774. This remake of Norman's Eton Street Station brings the rugged
Pacific Northwest in, with dark wood, purple-rose-and-salmon sunset skies,
Native American prints and taxidermy. The food is rugged, too -- he-man
steaks, chops and the like -- and you'll pay for it. Some of the food is
worth
the heavy tariff; some of it isn't. Hand-cut and aged steaks are flawless,
sides like garlic-and-cheddar mashed and sauteed wild blue mushrooms are,
too. Check out the half-dozen superior beers brewed on the premises, then
drop upstairs and be buzzed into Got Rocks, the BR's very cool cigar
bar/cocktail lounge.
The Bluebird, River Street, Leland, Northern MI; (616) 256-9081.
Everyone comes to this local landmark. On a high-summer evening, as many
as 500 visit the windowed back dining room overlooking perennial gardens
and the glassy Leland River. Skip the crowds and hie to the live-action
bar
for the same sophisticated, multi-course menu as out back, or the more
streamlined one here. Wherever, you can't miss the Bluebird's call of
three-way Lake Michigan whitefish -- broiled with citrus butter is best
-- the
rarity of lightly fried bluegills or the gutsy but mellow maple-smoked
Leland
whitefish spread. And with thy fish? The Bluebird's sentimental,
sugar-crusted cinnamon rolls. A laudable wine list and the occasional Jim
Harrison sighting, too. Oh, and for great breakfasts, do drop into the
Early
Bird sister restaurant adjacent.
BO's Brewery & Bistro, 51 N. Saginaw, Pontiac; (248) 338-6200. It's
menu as bed sheet at the spanking-new BO's, but we unearthed only a few
nuggets amid the pans of fool's gold. Try the fiery, if salty, Cajun shark
stick
skewer, or the mushroom essence appetizer, or the obscenely pretty pizzas.
Hip bar-lovers will love the place's sleek good looks and el cheapo pricing.
Brigette's Cafe, Campus Plaza, 43253 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township;
(810) 226-0947. A gorgeous butter-yellow Middle Eastern gemstone, with
white linens, pretty dried flora, piped jazz and startling fresh, fine
food: Try
rishta, or brown lentils, dumplings and spinach soup; the marvelous
Mediterranean vegetable sandwich; soulful eggplant, zucchini and chickpea
stew and dazzlingly fresh and spicy raw kibbee. A find.
Buddy's Pizza, 17125 Conant, Detroit; (313) 892-9001. Other full-scale
Buddy's in Farmington Hills, Livonia, Warren and Waterford; carry-out only
in Bloomfield, Detorit, Royal Oak and Warren. For 50 years, Detroit's
legendary east-side pizza parlor with bocce ball court has spurred our
love
for heavy, deep-dish, cheese-oozing squares of heaven. Heavy? Each is
loaded with nearly a pound of cheese alone, and are, well, to die for.
Much
of the rest of Buddy's menu is not, consisting of mostly middling Italian
classics and one veggie sourdough pita my friend Cheryl is crazy over.
Pizza
is prized at Buddy's.
The Cabbage Shed, Frankfort Avenue, Elberta, northern MI; (616)
352-9843. It really is a cabbage shed, a sprawling, creaky old warehouse
dating from 1867. Chocked with old store signs and other mix-and-match
junque, the Shed is the hottest room-with-deck overlooking beautiful Betsie
Bay. Its fame? Raucous Sunday open-mike nights and blues rockers other
times (call ahead). Its food? An afterthought lunch of mostly decent burgers
and sandwiches. A full dinner menu sees Shed sirloins, broiled Great Lakes
walleye slicked with lemon butter, BBQ ribs and the usual bar-grub suspects.
A scene.
Cabbo Wabbo's Sunset Grille & Bar, 36217 Gratiot, Clinton
Township; (810) 792-7666. In a second-story aerie atop Dimitri's
Rendezvous, it's all in the hang-loose, Jimmy Buffett-ed atmosphere: an
18-foot great white shark, wild island prints, tropical flora, and wide,
open
windows that soar over Gratiot. It's sum-sum-summertime, after all, so
don't
kvetch too much about the "been there" food or the poorly timed service.
Best of show: jalapeno peppers, jutting plump shrimp and cream cheese;
the
Key Westerly conch fritters, and good if greasy Old English-style fish
and
chips.
Cadieux Cafe, 4300 Cadieux, Detroit; (313) 882-8560. Detroit's
unofficial Belgian social club, where long tables of bicyclists and rollerbladers
lay into steaming pots of mussels -- still sublime -- then wash 'em back
with
native beers (Duvel, St. Sixtus Abbey Ale, Lindemans Framboise). Much
other than mussels is regrettable, save deep-fried perch and tomato-y mussel
soup. Feather bowling in the side court.
Cafe Giverny, 370 S. Main St., Plymouth; (734) 453-6998. The
coffeehouse/creperie is French Impressionist pretty, but stay close to
coffee
and dessert. The crepes, save for the chicken-mushroom, are flavorless
and
stingy; the pasta salad with canned black olives should be double the size
for
$6.75.
Cafe Zola, 112 W. Washington, Ann Arbor; (734) 769-2020. Named for
writer Emile Zola, the lively, art-filled cafe draws denizens for flawless
sweet or savory crepes, airy, lemon-zested waffles and coffeehouse caffeine
and herbals from sun-up till late into the evening. Till 3 p.m., they may
do so
on American and Turkish soups (vegetarian or vegan), salads, omelets and
sandwiches. Sit at a stone table and watch Frida Kahlo watching you. A
find
that's been discovered -- complete with outdoor dining. Light coffeehouse
menu till late daily.
Casa de Espana, 6138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; (313) 895-4040. Eva
Graullera, says - even dating back to the late '80s, when she and Juan
ran the
intimate, if less ambitious, Bagley Cafe in Mexicantown - her focus has
been
the world of Spanish cuisine. It will continue to be so. We'll again dance
around Eva's menu of more than a dozen delectable tapas, the little plates,
or
tastes, of Spain: whole, head-on steamed shrimp, heady with bay leaf; bits
of
manchego, or sheep's milk cheese, paired with dried, tamely spiced sausage;
crispy, pan-fried potatoes swathed in potent garlic alioli; fresh boiled
sea
snails, or periwinkles, again imbued with bay leaf.
Caucus Club, 150 W. Congress, Detroit; (313) 965-4970. We decided to
ride the war-horse at this once-legendary landmark -- and were met with
some real disappointment: overloaded and bitter beefsteak tartare, cold
clam
chowder, crustless and lackluster Detroit baby-back embers, so-so Gulf
shrimp fettuccine. We also met some four-star flashback: tempestuous
Texas chili; perfect Dover sole in lemon, its flesh snow-white and fal-away;
and emerald creamed spinach that has no rival. Two vaguely English snugs
show some tiredness, but the powerbroker patina shows through. With some
overall fine-tuning, could the Caucus one day be legendary again?
Cedar Garden, 23417 Greater Mack, St. Clair Shores; (810) 778-5999
or (810) 778-8431. The opening of this relation to Oak Park's remarkable
Pita Cafe is cause for east-side celebration. Charlie Harajli, who launched
Pita five years ago with his brother-inlaw Ali, serves all the Middle Eastern
familiars, but also chicken shawarma with garlic sauce, a Pita trademark,
and
unusual finds such as sojok, spice-laden lamb and beef sausage. Also
addictive: raw kibbee topped with hashwi, or sauteed lamb and onions.
First-rate raw juice bar, too, in a room so clean it almost shimmers.
Channel Marker, 25419 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores; (810) 771-2333.
When wildly entertaining chef Carlo Bruno does his singing-and-cooking
Italian schtick, it's wonderful: luscious eggplant rollotina, angel hair
with
shrimp, walnuts and honey(!), platters of frutta didmare. A gold-standard
wine list.
Charly's 100 Michigan Ave., Charlevoix in Northern MI; (616) 547-1700.
Say SHAR-ley's, like Charlevoix, and you'll say "some of the most
sophisticated and sensuous food of our road trip." Karen Cook is a Malaysian
who operated Indian-Malaysian restaurants in Australia. Partner Paul Carter
spent years cooking at Palate Pleaser, the gourmet takeout in Birmingham.
Their menu is their life composite, with hints of the American Southwest:
melt-away-tender slices of black-charred barbecued duck breast, sided with
translucent crepes sprouting julienned jicama, red pepper, cucumber and
carrots, atop a crunchy wild rice stir-fry; racy, yet delicate, whitefish
fillets in
curry sauce, with a round of Indian salads, spiced rice and papadums (the
Indian cracker bread); Chinese-noodle-based Malaysian linguine. This is
visually stunning, heart-racing stuff, in a hip, angular room peering over
the
boat traffic on the Pine River channel.
Chef Charles', 147 River, Elk Rapids, Northern MI; (616) 264-8901.
Pizzas -- prime pies -- are the pulse of Charles Egeler's mostly take-out
menu on the main drag of quickly gentrifying Elk Rapids. "None of that
Gordon Food Service bucket brigade here!" attests one potent local palate.
Not with Charles' luxury add-ons like capicola, capers, calamata olives
and
pine nuts. Or his rather bready crusts: thin, Sicilian or regular; sesame,
garlic
or Parmesan. Or his "Pizzazz" pizzas: Danish cheeseburger, Bayou baby,
blazing barbecue and many more. Thick, to-order batard sandwiches, too,
and quickly queuing crowds.
Cherry Blossom, West Oaks II mall, 43588 West Oaks Drive, Novi;
(248) 380-9160. What had prompted our impromptu trip to Cherry Blossom
this night is, of course, our interest in Nagano, Japan, the site of the
Winter
Olympics. And lately, I've been intrigued by the burgeoning Japanese
enclave that has sprouted in Farmington Hills and Novi. We dawdle over
bits
of belly tuna and smoky river eel and burdock, a tough root vegetable.
And
chewy, succulent chicken skin yakitori, or skewers, and cooked radish in
a
gelatinous miso sauce, scattered with fried bonito flakes; and bony,
deep-fried flatfish. Surreal, serene and sublimely Japanese.
Cheers on the Channel, 6211 Pointe Tremble Rd., Pearl Beach; (810)
794-9017. Right across M-29 from the north end of serene St. John's Marsh
Wildlife Area sits one of Michigan's very best restaurants. Chef Mark Clark
concocts delicious, wildly imaginative food like chargrilled veal T-bone
with
sauteed morel mushrooms, rosemary butter and white hominy (!); fat and
sassy curried scampi with toasted almonds, raisins and ginger, so many
others. The wine listed has been cited for excellence by Wine Spectator,
and
upstairs there are two gorgeously appointed rooms, if you care to sleep
over.
Churchill Pointe Inn, 5700 Bennett Rd., Hubbard Lake; (517)
727-2020 or (800) 727-2078. It is impossible to have a bad time at Don
and
Sharon Geib's sprawling Wedgwood-blue find -- so close to the water we
can almost feel the spray of the speedboats, the swoop of the sailboarder
as
she dips and rolls. Some of chef Paul Lumberto's food is astonishingly
good,
given the inn's out-of-the-way location. Some of it is predictable, and
some of
it is woeful. Don't mist "campfire-style" tenderloin tips in Burgundy
mushroom sauce, the amazing house salad chocked with Belgian endive and
radicchio, or grilled chicken breast with hazelnuts and raspberry vinaigrette.
Warm and wonderful service, and seven guest rooms upstairs.
Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen, 54 S. Main St., Clarkston; (248)
620-6100. Notice which comes first in the name, and therein lies the Union's
gospel. Housed in a spectacular former Baptist church, dating from 1847,
the
Union serves up all the meeting-place attractions -- dozens of suds, billiards,
cool music -- along with a colorful menu of mostly sandwiches, homemade
sausages and nightly specials. Much of it is cold or lukewarm, and stumbles.
Sausages are a good bet, as is the fabulously retro mac and cheese. It's
fun,
though.
Country Epicure, 42050 Grand River, Novi; (248) 349-7770. Ten years
and one splashy, sunshiny makeover later, Karen Angelosante's landmark
eatery -- once in the "boonies" of now-bustling Novi -- has proudly stood
the
test of time: Now it's even better. I die for her "roast garlic 110" appetizer
with pesto, roasted peppers, marinated olive relish. And though there's
a
whole lot of dietary incorrectness going on here -- retro-chic pork medallions
with Granny Smith apples and brie, finished in butter, for example -- you'll
love it. Trust me. Throwbacks like chicken Tosca and delirious duck with
orange sauce cozily commingle with Szechuan chicken and shrimp Creole.
Fabulous, almost fawning, service, too. Everyone should have a CE on the
corner.
Cyprus Taverna, 579 Monroe, Detroit; (313) 961-1550. This Greektown
centerpiece has a decidedly Cypriot influence, which may explain why it
stands head and shoulders above the more redsauced, predictable Greek
rooms up and down Monroe. Owners Vassos and Eleni Avgoustis bring a
refined touch to light-as-air, broth-based avgolemono, or egg-lemon soup,
and
a bang to hot, roasted peppers marinated in olive oil and vinegar. Also
a
must: chicken lemonato, or herb-kissed chicken breast sauteed in lemon
sauce; afelia, or braised pork in wine and coriander; and lamb with
rosemarina or blackeyed peas and spinach. The soft blue taverna, filled
with
native artifacts, is a fitting oasis.
D'Amato's Neighborhood Restaurant, Washington Square Plaza
Building, 222 S. Sherman Drive, Royal Oak; (248) 584-7400. Coowner
Dennis Antoniello has amassed real star power here, in the former Durango
Grill nee Les Auteurs. The Ron Rea-designed room is smashing, and subtly
retro. The food is supposed to be in keeping, but is pure modern-day Italian.
Don't miss penne pasta with fresh tomatoes, Sicilian olives and capers;
simple, sublime green beans with olive oil, lemon, garlic and gorgonzola;
any
salad. There are misses, too: Italian sausage, peppers and roasted potatoes
swimming in olive oil; prosaic bread; so-so calamari. Still, D'Amato's
has the
power, and the potential.
Dakota Inn Rathskeller, 17324 John R, Detroit; (313) 867-9722. A
beery, teary Detroit institution at 60-odd years, the Rathskeller is about
as
authentically German as it gets, right down to those corny, and rousing,
weekend sing-alongs. The food seems not to be the point, but there is plenty
of all the German classics: brats, knacks, schnitzel and sauerbraten, and
the
best German potato pancakes I've ever eaten. Prosit! four forks for
atmosphere, fair for food.
for food
for atmosphere
Dave & Buster's, 45511 Park, Utica; (810) 930-1515. This
55,000-square-foot adult playground serves up a Million Dollar Midway with
interactive-simulator "rides," old-fashioned carnival games and the requisite
tacky prizes. Here, too, are billiards, championship shuffleboard and pages
of
astonishingly good food: Oriental pork potstickers, fine, fine "fiesta"
wraps,
and fresh shiitake mushroom pasta. Power up that D&B Powercard.
(FAMILY; CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED)
Diamond Jim Brady's Bistro, 26053 Town Center Dr., Novi, (248)
380-8460. Kin to the legendary DJB's saloon on Seven Mile in Detroit, any
time is the right time to relive the dream. Tom Brady is the front man,
but the
much-decorated Mary is the culinary brains of the family. Memorable
babyback ribs smoldering with chipotle sauce, broiled Singapore-style Peking
duck, enormous and powerful Caesar salad, richy-rich Atlantic salmon cakes,
heart-racing Swiss onion soup, any fish. A surprisingly prosaic exterior
belies
the treasure within. One of our very best.
Dick's Pour House, M-204, Lake Leelanau, Northern MI; (616)
256-9912. Richard Plamondon's vintage 1935 barroom is a big waders' step
back to then: an old-time wooden shuffleboard, schools of stuffed walleye,
trout and perch on the wall (with the local fishermen to ID them) and
white-glove ratings from the health department. Here are all sorts of
sandwiches, pizza and such, but don't miss chef Sue Mikowski's sought-after
soups: hearty creamy tomato with vegetables, chicken barley and thick,
dark
onion. And pies! The best from-scratch cherry I can remember, blueberry,
banana cream and more. Locals line up for the SRO Friday-night fish frys,
and if you go out on one of Cal Stier's Lake Leelanau fishing charters,
he'll
bring your catch back to Dick's, fillet it, and they'll cook it.
Dish,18441 Mack, Detroit; (313) 886-2444 This fun, funky broom-closet
offers sparklingly fresh and eye-poppingly good carryout: richly dense
five-onion soup or good-God! gazpacho; intense and racy "motor Martini"
salad spiked with vodka vinaigrette; calzones, pastas and delirious desserts
like triple-nut chocolate flan and raisin-studded bread pudding. A hit
-- expect
to wait, and maybe wait.
Dominic's Place, 37030 Jefferson, Harrison Township; (810) 954-1870.
Sometimes a culinary surprise may be no further than your neighborhood
biker bar, yet these days, there is nary an "I Love Mom" tattoo among the
regulars. Tim and Belinda Giacomini have brought a new identity to this
Macomb County outpost -- and simply the most stunning and thoroughly
unexpected cuisine you're likely to trip upon. Translucent, crispy-charred
Hawaiian jumbo shrimp; piquant red-pepper-mayonnaise'd Cajun steak bites;
flawless salads; kingly rack of lamb; grilled Atlantic salmon atop mashed
potatoes, sided with a silvery champagne sauce. The very young Giacominis,
and their servers, are also about as warm and unpretentious as this lakeside
neighborhood.
Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse, 7314 Douglas Lake Rd.,
Pellston in Northern MI; (616) 539-8588. Keep driving, keep driving. At
the
end of a dusty two-mile road, you will find Hoot Rudolf's red-stripped-neon
log roadhouse and pristine, pine-ringed Douglas Lake beyond. Inside, the
dark paneling and enormous fieldstone fireplace give way to the shock of
white linens and a very nice wine list. Sit on the screened-in porch, stare
at
the water and dawdle over rather heavily breaded fresh lake perch, veals
Judy Ann and Romano, and a classic and succulent charbroiled filet mignon
steak au poivre drizzled with Dijon-cognac cream sauce. A find -- and a
timeless sense of place.
Duet,3663 Woodward, in Orchestra Place; (313) 831-3838. Bold colors, a
hyper-thyroid cymbal, cooking-pot drum sets, Duet is surreally stunning.
So is
the eclectic modern American food -- everything from crispy duck wontons
to chargrilled lamb and strip sirloin.
Earle,121 W. Washington, Ann Arbor; (734) 994-0211. Bold colors, a
hyper-thyroid cymbal, cooking-pot drum sets, Duet is surreally stunning.
So is
the eclectic modern American food -- everything from crispy duck wontons
to chargrilled lamb and strip sirloin.
Edmund Place, 69 Edmund Place, Detroit; (313) 831-5757. In
rough-and-tumble Historic Brush Park, Joseph Thompson has lit a sparkling
candle of hope, here, in his courageously, gorgeously renovated Victorian
Gothic. Five multihued, plant-filled rooms burst with colorful still lifes
and
abstracts, floral tapestries, delicate lace. The food runs to mother's-love
sophisticated soul -- tangy barbecued ribs; fried, baked or dumplinged
chicken; orange roughy and lake perch; collards, mashed potatoes, mac and
cheese. A joyous, perpetual Thanksgiving Day feast.
El Comal Restaurante, 3456 W. Vernor, Detroit; (313) 841-7753.
Elda and Rafael Castellanos' remarkable little eatery may have moved to
larger, fancier digs, but not to worry. Success has only improved Elda's
Salvadoran, Guatemalan and Colombian cuisine. Even the standard
Mexicantown fare here is better than average. Don't miss pupusa, a
cornmeal cake filled with beans, cheese or fried pork; the golden hen soup
known as sancocho de gallina, or tamal -- cornmeal, pork and chile-pepper
sauce tied in a banana leaf. Laughably inexpensive, too.
Essence of Thailand, Sterling Center, 37702 Van Dyke, Sterling
Heights; (810) 978-0110. These days many Thai eateries have become
horrifically humdrum. Not this gem, where the essence is fresh -- you can
hear nonstop chopping in the kitchen -- and the focus is on the unusual.
Like
yum ka lim pee, a bracing steamed cabbage and pepper dish spiked with
chile pepper and lime juice; or khad nom gai, a savory, Thai-style French
toast; or barely breaded, lightly fried chile pepper squid ablaze with
jalapenos
and garlic. Owners/brothers Tongblong and Shina Ly have created an
unlikely oasis in a sea of familiarity.
Fiona's Tea House, 945 Beech, Detroit; (313) 967-9314. For the one
magical, fantastical fact about Fiona's Tea House is its location, a mirage
on
a slip of Beech Street, above the John Lodge freeway, several vacant-lot
throws east of Tiger Stadium. Here are fluffy brie and parsley omelets,
those
filled with havarti, vegetables and ham, and fresh-made waffles served
with
syrup and Fiona's raspberry-blueberry-apple compote. Don't leave without
sampling icy rose geranium sorbet, executive chef Alan Reid's tortes, or
Fiona's New Zealand pavlova -- a poof of crispy meringue, whipped cream
and fruit that, when placed on your tongue, simply floats away. Which is
what you'll do when you head for your car, a world above and away from
the John Lodge freeway.
Fishbone's Rhythm Kitchen Cafe, 23722 Jefferson, St. Clair
Shores; (810) 498-3000. "Let the Joy Begin" says the massive neon circle
at
the happening -- and fun -- Cajun-Creole Fishbone's. The menu is vast,
though uneven. Don't miss catfish beignets, seafood gumbo, "bronzed"
catfish, or potent "Pirate's Alley" olive salad. Large, loud, fast, furious.
Five Lakes Grill, 424 N. Main, Milford; (248) 684-7455. Noted chef
Brian Polcyn has brought the style and verve of Manhattan to this tiny
burg
in, of all places, a rehabbed furniture store. The menu belies the casual,
sweaters-and-khakis, small-town setting: gorgeous, mosaiclike pates;
caveman-size braised lamb shanks wreathed by green beans, lentils and
bacon; no-knife-needed barbecued beef brisket; libidinous rock shrimp
"cobbler" with lobster sauce; twin towers of baked Atlantic salmon looming
over Champagne sauce. Outstanding stuff, but of course. What did you
expect from Polcyn?
Flaming Kabob Cafe, Southfield Road and 12 1/2 Mile, in Southfield
Plaza; (248) 423-9777. His food is the gospel of Mouayad "Moe" Hermiz,
and he is its energetic evangelist. Hey, bragging rights are fine when
you
make food this fresh and first-rate fabulous. Mostly Lebanese, with some
Chaldean and Greek too, Moe makes everything from scratch, and most to
order. Don't miss the best falafel, chicken shawarma and garlic sauce on
the
planet, as well as flawless split lentil soup and many of Moe's daily specials.
A spotless, if tiny, jam-packed room, a raw fruit and vegetable juice bar,
and
an almost revivallike setting where customers and Moe praise the food alike.
Flying Fish Tavern, 6480 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield; (248)
865-8888. A strip-mall fish house complete with valet, warm and friendly.
Stay with fresh catch like grilled Jail Island salmon, pan-fried perch
and the
fabulous blackened whitefish burger.
Giovanni's Ristorante, 330 S. Oakwood, Detroit; (313) 841-0122. A
fire nearly put the kibosh on one of Detroit's greatest restaurant institutions,
but happily, Gio's is back and as four-fork wonderful as always. Sure,
there
are the trademark melt-in-your-mouth homemade pastas -- do not miss
angel-hair pomodori or heart-stopping spinach gnocchi. But what co-chefs
Anthony Polito and Joseph Bushnell do with nightly specials is extraordinary.
Portobellos with luxurious roasted garlic cream sauce; six manly grilled
lamb
chops on a sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, leeks and chianti; plump pink shrimp
tossed with hot banana peppers, garlic and tomato. And there is the Perle
Mesta charisma of its owner, Frances Cannarsa Truant and her gracious
son, Randy.
Golden Chopsticks, 24301 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores, (810) 776-7711.
For east-siders bemoaning the lack of fine Chinese fare in those parts,
start
lighting those flares. The world of Chinese cuisine -- Hunan, Mandarin,
Szechuan, Cantonese -- is made with great care and flavor, from a menu
boasting more than 200 items. There is much to recommend, but it would
be
a shame to miss anything with ginger and scallions, spicy Szechuan duck,
pork pan-fried crispy noodles, any sizzling rice soup, Singapore chicken
pie,
mini egg rolls. A revelation.
Gratzi, 326 S. Main, Ann Arbor; (734) 663-5555. Cavernous, convivial,
colorful, Gratzi has long set the stage for zesty Italian food, cooked
with the
verve of its setting. The menu, in great Italian detail, tells you exactly
what's
cooking: Maybe grilled sea scallops and portobello mushroom over angel
hair
with escarole, garlic and olive oil; or roasted leg of lamb with nicoise
olive
sauce; or, or, or. A sprawling modern classic with outdoor seating.
Great Baraboo Brewing Co., 35905 Utica Rd. at Moravian, Clinton
Township; (810) 79-BREWS. Beer, sex, rock 'n' roll and a menu that has
all
the quarters covered in Macomb County's first microbrewery. Great foaming
half-pints of five different brews, from the copper maltiness of Snake
Eye
Canyon Red Ale to the spritzy yellow King's Peak Caribou Wheat. And here
is some beautiful, if up and down, bar food: sensationally spicy housemade
sausage; large, zesty battered shrimp on a bed of julienned vegetables;
plump
"Victorian" focaccia inlaid with roma and sun-dried tomatoes, black olives
and dilled havarti. All in a sleek, Euroamerican room overshadowed by five
massive copper-and-stainless beer vats.
Hooters, 40300 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights; (810) 939-8199. A bright,
brash and bouncy fast-food romper room for men of all ages, but mostly
those entering or exiting puberty. They come to eyeball the pretty servers
in
their shiny orange short-shorts, and they come to eyeball their hooters.
Mass
quantities of greasy kid's stuff like "More than a Mouthful" burgers, ribs
and
deliciously meaty chicken wings. Most, however, is just plain bad. Is anyone
worried? I didn't think so.
Illusions Bar and Grill, 326 W. Fourth, Royal Oak; (248) 586-1313.
Roving tableside magicians are novel and mesmerizing, but did they make
our
server disappear? The wide-world menu -- empanadas, sashimi, fajita
caesar, Key lime pie, tiramisu -- is overwrought, often ill-executed and
needs
streamlining. Still, Illusions can be fun -- stick with the magic, the
high-tech
evening dance floor and something simple. (FAMILY DURING THE DAY
ONLY)
Il Posto, 29110 Franklin Rd. at Northwestern Hwy., Southfield; (248)
827-8070. Cushy, cozy and pricey, Il Posto can be exhilarating and
frustrating: Both food and elegant service can be wildly uneven. Standouts:
frito misto, lusty roast veal and pennette with eggplant, tomato and romano.
Ja*Da, A Barbecue Grille, 546 E. Larned, (313) 965-1700. Cushy,
cozy and pricey, The high-style, toe-tapping, jazz-themed Ja*Da draws chic
crowds for great live jazz and first-rate ribs, pulled pork, soul sides
and
perhaps the Northd' best fried catfish.
Intermezzo, 1435 Randolph, Detroit; (313) 961-0707. What a joy to
report that the hottest ticket in Metro Detroit is this smashing
glass-windowed showstopper in historic Harmonie Park. Stunning and
instantly popular when it opened in December, this Sohoesque Italian
showpiece is simply the last word at lunch and dinner -and weekends?
Fa-gedd about it. The food and airy decor are as stylish as this cutting-edge,
tablehopping crowd. Wear something black and pedigreed.
Jus' Bad Food, 25525 Sumpter Rd. at Willow, Sumpter Township; (313)
461-2153. Naming an eatery Jus' Bad Food is a risky proposition, one that
could backfire in a grease-fire flash if owner Dan Knight weren't so deft
in
the kitchen. Liver and onions, Friday frozenfish fries, fried chicken on
Sunday -- it's all American Dinner Table basic. But once you taste the
biggest, messiest ribs in memory, it just doesn't matter. And breakfast?
Enormous -- and soul-satisfying. JBF is as down-home as it gets: Note the
from-scratch biscuits and gravy, the homemade breads and the sky-high pies.
Note the sign on the massive coffee-cup out front. Jus' Bad Food. "Where
bad food tastes good."
La Cuisine, 417 Pelissier Street, Windsor; (519) 253-6432. How do I love
thee, Francois and Janet Sully? I had not been to La Cuisine in years,
had not
tasted so fine a classic French onion soup in all that time. Francois creates
bouillabaisse, his signature, saffron-fumed masterpiece. Or perhaps pork
filet
with prunes and brandy, or maybe Francois' duck confit.
Local Color, 42705 Grand River, Novi; (248) 349-2600. Five years in the
making, Local Color Brewing Co. soars over three floors and 19,000 square
feet. Mind-boggling.
Loco Bar and Grill, 454 E. Lafayette, Detroit; (313) 965-3737. Time
tells the Tex-Mex tale. From some so-sad early experiences rises a
Greektown Phoenix. Now there's the surprise of solicitous service, worthy
fodder like succulent lemon-butter bandito wings, sizzling beef fajitas,
ultra-riche ham-mushroom quesadillas, barbecue and a Bordertown cantina
feel that warms this cavern, especially at sundown.
Louie's Ham & Corned Beef Shop, 16661 Harper, Detroit; (313)
881-4250. Louie Ljumani sold this spit-and-polish little find to Steve
and Mark
Gojcaj five years ago, so Louie is no more. But, man, the name says it
all:
whopping ham sandwiches (ditto the corned beef), ham and three eggs (ditto
the corned beef) with the best hashed brown potatoes going, bean and ham
or split pea and ham soup, and a counter that fronts the action. Note the
cleanliness of the grill, the crowds, the purity of the food. An east-side
salvation.
Lucy's Tavern on the Hill, 115 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Farms;
(313) 640-2020. The crowds have diminished to a roar at this long and
impossibly narrow gathering spot, but barely. Everybody, it seems, loves
Lucy's, and no wonder: There's nonstop bar action with heavy pours, a
something-for-everybody menu -- half-pound burgers, Heart Smart stir-frys,
New York strips, wonderful Dijon-covered Lake Superior whitefish and
excellent pasta dishes. Even the service has evened out some, but in life,
there are no guarantees.
Mac & Ray's, 30675 N. River Rd., 2.7 miles east of I-94, Harrison
Township; (810) 463-9660. Smartlooking, energetic, exciting, this 16,000-foot
glass-and-mahogany sprawl overlooking Anchor Bay has it all -- including
a
grand-scale menu devised and executed by Jeff Baldwin: a gleaming oyster
bar, shellfish buckets, an entire page of fish and seafood main courses,
but
also soups, sandwiches, surf-andturf, name it. Do not miss the Lake Superior
whitefish planked on a maple board, saffron-kissed seafood stew, the
provocative andouille-and-chicken-rich chicken gumbo, many others. Despite
the raves, service and the food can sometimes falter. Sometimes.
Majestic Cafe, 4130 Woodward, Detroit; (313) 833-0120. In this
Mediterranean, Matissetinged artists' gallery, bow to cool white
bean/fennel/rosemary salad, whole-wheat Swiss chard pizza, any Moroccan
chicken (cold salad or entree), the pungent vegetarian burger and the
Majestic air itself, all Cultural Center regulars and arrivistes. Service
is
still
not kingly, yet so much better than yore.
Mandarin Palace, 1600 Rochester Rd., Troy; (248) 689-2123. Warm,
tranquil decor, kindly service and pure exotica executed with style and
flair .
. . Sonny Tsung's Chinese-Korean operation is a genuine discovery.
Sprawling-menu standouts: greaseless fried wontons, crispy fried squid,
divine hot and sour soup, Hunan chicken, an ethereal beef meatball dish
called Lion's Head, dozens more. You'll need help with the Korean-language
menu, but ask. They aim very high to please.
Mason-Girardot Alan Manor, 3203 Peter Street, Old Sandwich,
Windsor; (519) 253-9212. It is, at once, ethereal, serene, fun and lively.
It is
the return of the Alan family to the lovingly restored old house that began
as
a stately Italian Victorian in 1865. The manner is Turkish, tinged with
East
and North African, Cypriot, European and Indian cooking, reflecting the
family's multicultural heritage. The 10-course Turkish fest is a particular
delight.
Mediterrano, Concord Center, 2900 S. State, Ann Arbor; (734)
332-9700. Haven't we been climbing the Mediterranean food pyramid
seemingly since the pharaohs? Still, this paean to Spanish, Greek, French,
Italian -- even Moroccan -- ports of call is worth the travel. Don't miss
classic couscous bejeweled with lamb, almonds, raisins and harissa; intensely
spiced Moroccan sea bass or the beautifully busy house salad. Details
matter. All in a sun-splashed room brimming with rustic touches: copper
pots,
ancient photos, weathered washes, spectacular glass work.
Memphis Smoke, 100 S. Main, Royal Oak; (248) 543-4300. Real
Memphis barbecue, via Beale Street and the Mr. B's chain, with smokin'
live
blues several evenings. Expect loud, no-holds-barred partiers, fairly decent
'cue and all the fixins, expecially pulled pork, dry-rubbed ribs and the
best
greens going. A Royal Oak hit -- what isn't? -- in a lofty linoleum/exposed
ductwork/formica/dancing pig setting.
Michael's on Maple, 297 E. Maple, Birmingham; (248) 647-9379.
Michael Cleland is changing the image of his "upscale coney island" into
more of a "home-style restaurant." But his gist remains the same: huge
portions of very good, simple food, on the cheap. Terrific salads -- especially
the spinach or cobb -- nice deli and triple-decker sandwiches, and an egg
"McMichael" like you-know-who's. Avoid the dry and paltry hot turkey on
commercial whole wheat.
Milt's Gourmet Bar "B" Que, 10223 Whittier, Detroit; (313)
521-5959. Milt Goodson and crew cook up mighty fine barbecue on a
monster hickory-flamed grill out back. Smoldering slabs of beef and pork
ribs, roasted turkey breast as pink, sweet and juicy as it gets, chicken
the size
of bowling balls . . . good stuff. Remarkable, though, are Milt's homemade
desserts: apple praline and sweet potato pies, peach cobbler and a
sweet-tooth killer known as turtle cake.
The Mini Restaurant 475 University W., Windsor; (519) 254-2221.
Not so mini but mighty is Thanh (Tony) Lam's venerable bi-level Vietnamese
eatery. A vast menu will only confound, as no one, save Thanh, seems too
willing to guide you. Go with whatever tempts from the pages of deep- and
pan-fried noodles; congee, the soul-warming native rice dish; hot-and-spicy
curry, sate and roti.
Mongolian Barbecue,310 S. Main St., Royal Oak; (248) 398-7755;
and Ann Arbor, 200 S. Main, (313) 913-0999. Bill and Amy Downs let you
really do stir-fry your way: Help yourself to raw beef, pork, lamb, turkey,
chicken, fish, squid; add all the vegetables, oils and spices of your choice,
then hand your bowl to a chef at the massive grill. Within minutes, you'll
taste
whether you've created a dream or disaster. As one put it, "I haven't had
this
much fun in a restaurant since karaoke." Not for the easily intimidated,
or the
kitchen impaired.
Northern LIGHTS, 407 N. Fifth Ave., in Kerrytown, Ann Arbor;
(734) 913-4888. A cramped, quirky Danish cafe featuring some 33
smorrebrod, or "smeared bread" sandwiches popular in Copenhagen:
shimmering gravlaks, or Scandinavian cured salmon; avocado with baby
shrimp and spicy mayonnaise; matjes herring. A portion of profits is targeted
to assist local social outreach programs.
Oakland Grill, 32832 N. Woodward, Royal Oak; (248) 549-7700. Three
is not necessarily the charm at this spot, once home to America and the
Avenue Diner. Chef Louai Sharkas' wildly eclectic "American bistro" menu
has its stars, but often some shortcut or snafu imperils the promise. Don't
miss house-smoked salmon Napoleon, pistachio-crusted Black Tiger shrimp;
penne pasta tossed with broccoli rabe, caramelized garlic and anchovies.
All
served up in a romantic quasi-tropical room reminiscent of a 1940s' road
picture.
Opus One, 565 E. Larned, (313) 961-7766. At 10 long years, this
downtown power-broker landmark has never been better, or healthier.
Attention to detail and your utter welfare have long been the hallmarks
of
owners Jim Kokas and Ed Mandziara, and it shows in details both large and
little. From-scratch American-Euro fare, gorgeously presented by a staff
that
usually expertly delivers. Four-course dinner/theater packages, too, and
many
other personal touches.
Papa Vino's 33577 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights; (810) 978-8820. The
name is catchy, the decor is cheery and the food is very good for a chain
trattoria. Oak-fired pizzas, lotsa pasta, and a Sizzleini -- sizzling spaghetti
tossed at table with sausage, chicken, peppers and onions. Other Papa
Vino's: In Pontiac, at 3900 Center Point Parkway, (248) 333-3606; and in
Northville, at 17107 Haggerty Rd., (248) 449-4664.
Pat O'Grady's on the Grille, 18431 Mack Ave., Detroit; (313)
885-3141. Pat and Karla O'Grady's Down-East eatery is already a Plymouth
Rock for Grosse Pointe's landed gentry. In greens and maroons with miles
of
dark wood and brass chandeliers, it's clubby and homey. The food is in
keeping: steaks, burgers, perch, Lake Superior whitefish, escargot in the
shell, wedges of iceberg lettuce. Much of it is undercooked or over-, with
the
exception of the 14-ounce New York strip,the trademark club sandwich, the
terrific onion rings.
Pita Cafe, 25282 Greenfield Rd., Oak Park; (248) 968-2225. Charlie
Harajli and Ali Chahine's remarkable eatery serves up some of the freshest,
finest Middle Eastern food going. And the fruit and vegetable juices whirred
to order -carrot, frosty lemonade, apple, strawberry-banana-honey -- are
sensational. Lusty fool (fava beans with lemon, olive oil and garlic);
brilliant,
and huge, stuffed pitas (lamb sausage, chicken or lamb shawarma, falafel,
others); rollerbroiled chicken or lamb that is a refreshing new take on
gyros,
21 other entrees, plus all the fine "traditional favorites."
Pi's Thai Cuisine, 20940 John R, Hazel Park; (248) 545-4070. This
sad-looking, former burger joint, with just three tables and three backless
chrome stools at a tight-fitting counter, earns my highest rating for two
undeniable reasons: Pi Chinthanond's extraordinary (and extraordinarily
loving) food, and the soul of the place -- so close to the kitchen, you
yourself
become the very heart of it. So now the word is out. Even though Pi's
regulars -- and they are legion -- will want to boil me with the noodles.
Plunkett's, 28 Chatham Street E., Windsor; (519) 252-3111. This is the
20th anniversary of this soignee beacon just moments from the tunnel, this
dark and cozy bistro with the curvaceous bar, dramatic metal sculpture
and
comely crowds. Plunkett's is as modern and sophisticated as its lengthy
menu: potent garlic and goat cheese puree; pizza Picasso, with its base
of
perky pesto-olive oil and a trove ofelegante add-ons. Add to an exceptional
wine list vintage liqueur posters and sleek, Everyman urbanity.
Post Bar Woodward, 22828 Woodward, Ferndale; (248) 546-7678.
The legendary downtown Post springs forth north, bringing a gonzo,
grafitti-discouraging decor and food. Food! Imagine! Perfectly baked and
densely cheesy French onion soup, tasty pasties from Ralph's Deli in
Ishpeming, and lots of basic bar grub. Hot, happening and mostly no seating.
Priya, 72 W. Maple at Livernois, Troy; (248) 269-0100. If you want to
know about the strange and mysterious cooking of southern, not northern,
India -- it's spicier, with much cardamom, cloves, cumin seed, cinnamon
and
peppers -- eat here, as hordes of native Indians do. The daily midday buffet
is a great primer, as is thali, an endless traditional meal including entree,
soup,
many other dishes, breads and dessert. Don't miss sambar, a delicious
yellow-lentil soup; makhani, or tandoori chicken in a rich butter sauce;
and
tongue-tingling chana masala, a garbanzo stew. Or any of the signature
foot-and-a-half-long dosas, or crepes, made with a variety of flours and
fillings. Fascinating.
Red Hot & Blue, 33800 Van Dyke Rd., Sterling Heights; (810)
979-6400. A paean to Memphis, Elvis is King, so naturally hickory-pit
barbecue and the blues rule. Unfortunately, so does dry -- as in dry, lifeless
pulled chicken, beef brisket and ribs. Do lust, and pounce after, juicy,
tender
and utterly grand pulled pork, the biggest, prettiest house salad in memory
($1.79!) and great, gooey, good-God desserts. Fun, funky Memphis
memorabilia festoon the walls, and music fills the rafters.
Relish, 34555 W. 12 Mile, Farmington Hills; (248) 489-8852. I relish the
sun, and I relish Relish. What a sunny concept: Create more than 20 vibrant
relishes, sambals, chowchows, piccalillies and so on to rev the eating
experience. I'll say. Consider Oriental shrimp satay with a heady sambal
of
grated almonds, plum wine, cilantro and cider vinegar -- wow! Or fiery
chipotle-sun-dried cherry barbecue sauce drizzled on crispy griddled duck
--
wow again. Infinitely interesting contrasts in a sizzling, Ron Rea-designed,
Caribbean-SoBe setting.
Ristorante Nico , 851 Erie Street E., Windsor; (519) 255-7548. High
style and insouciance fill this tiny trattoria. Candles glimmer, people
shine.
Don't miss grilled eggplant, squid steaks, gnocchi tossed with wild
mushrooms, any fish.
River Kwai, 297 E. Maple, Birmingham; (248) 594-4939. Yet another
Thai place in Oakland County, but this is different. Really. For one, there
are
the owners, the unique mother-and-daughter combination of Pairin Tormala
and Sopa Tormala Mocny. There is also the food, some of which is
tried-and-true familiar, and some of which is gloriously different: exquisite
and bountiful holy basil frog legs, for instance, or the rightly named
"Noodles,
Face the Gravy," brimming with broccoli and collard greens and "faced"
with
pork. All in a small, spotless and sunshine-filled former Coney Island.
Really.
Rumors on the River, in the River House apartment complex, 8900 E.
Jefferson, Detroit; (313) 824-1000. The old Hoy Tin gets a shiny facelift
in
this sleek bar cum deli. Beauteous, and massive, salads, lots of sandwiches
on designer breads and a glass case with more salads, marinated peppers,
pretty pies and tortes. Check out the long, friendly bar, Don Farrah's
piano
stylings and grand slices of the Detroit River from anywhere.
Seoul Garden, 2101 15 Mile (at Dequindre), Sterling Heights; (810)
264-4488. Jay Park's stellar Korean-Japanese eatery in Sterling Heights
is all
Arizona-room-soothing, with knotty cedar paneling, white plaster walls,
lush
greenery and the dramatic, highly abstract art of Park's printmaker wife,
IhnKyung. Don't miss a trip to the sushi bar. Or to a table with a built-in
grill;
here you can sizzle your own kalbi (marinated boneless short ribs), or
bulgogi
-- barbecued beef cubes. Sensuous -- and sensational. Other hits: nack
ji
bokum, a scorching squid, pepper and dark chili dish; bibim bap -- a stone
bowl of cold beef, vegetables and egg; and the vegetarian "bento" box,
loaded with meatless treasure. A Sterling find. Rating:
Shanghai Cafe, 29555 Northwestern, Southfield; (248) 355-1881. A
stylish, contemporary vest-pocket specializing in regional Chinese fare,
some
of it stunning, most of it consistently good. Don't miss honey garlic ribs,
pot
stickers, many other appetizers; sizzling rice soup; General Tso's chicken,
Shanghai seafood gumbo and more. Beware the cloying whole pickerel with
garlic and black bean sauce, salty "mushroom medley," the occasional off
night.
Shin Shin, 978 University Ave. W., Windsor; (519) 252-1449. Nothing
spectacular to look at, but, my, the food. Go with a group and have an
ethereal, endless Szechwan feast, the art of chef/owner MingLi Hsu. Lively
green beans with near-burned garlic, hot chili paste and pork;
garlic-embedded Chinese eggplant; moo-shulike pork with silky scallions;
spicy whole deepfried/simmered pickerel. Julia Hsu's soft-spoken, loving
attention to patrons has us calling her "Julia of the Spirits."
Southern Connection, 18641 Wyoming, Detroit; (313) 861-1857.
Cavernous, with a garish mustard-yellow and ketchup-red paint job, the
Southern is nonetheless an oddly homey, soulful cafeteria. Much of the
true
soul food suffers a steam table or heat lamp, so expect some overdone-ness.
Not so with the made-to-order fried catfish, some of the best I've ever
eaten.
All the usual sides, like collards, yams and cornbread, a slew of antique
farm
and home implements, and all manner of Detroit police officers.
Sweet Lorraine's Cafe, Marketplace Building, 303 Detroit St., Ann
Arbor; (734) 665-0700. If I had but one to choose. ... No one does "eclectic,"
whether in food, wine or atmosphere, better in A2 than Lorraine Platman
and
her husband, Gary Sussman. Riotous colors, eye-popping cracked tile and
walls of art. And all sorts of mind-boggling, multicultural choices. Salads
are
musts. So, too, are palate tinglers like "kamikaze" mussels, sesame'd "dragon"
noodles and spicy Jamaican jerk steak. Many, many finely chosen world
grapes, too.
Symons General Store, 401 E. Lake St., Petoskey in Northern MI;
(800) 711-6487. Creaky, weathered floors and a way-up-there pressed-tin
ceiling. Aisles and shelves and racks of every sort of rare and wonderful
gourmet goody: crocks of world olives, imported pastas, oils, vinegars,
jams,
jellies and hard-to-finds like Neal's Yard Dairy cheeses from London.
Downstairs, sit among the bottles in the Symons family's cavelike and
carefully stocked wine cellar. Here, a small cafe -- Cask 401 -- serves
gorgeous soups, salads and baguette sandwiches, and entrees like grilled
shrimp over Tuscan fettuccine with honey-mustard thyme sauce and sugar
snap peas; or pomegranate-glazed quail over risotto. Wine with your meal
should be allowed by August.
Takesushi, 1366 Walton, Rochester Hills Plaza, Rochester Hills; (248)
652-7800. Enter and you can almost feel your blood pressure drop.
Takesushi is small, austere, serene, whether you sit at the long, predominant
sushi bar or one of eight tables. The menu, a whopping, laminated placard,
displays full-color photos of a mind-boggling 43 appetizers, 36 assorted
sushi
and 28 entrees. The sushi is flawless, glistening, a joy. The kinoko soup
for
two is the lusty, woodsy essence of mushrooms, the tempura terrific, the
thin
and heavenly marinated beef slices known as negima the best nonsushi dish
here. The feeling of calm and well-being will follow you to the freeway.
Tapawingo 9502 Lake St., Ellsworth in Northern MI; (616) 588-7971.
What becomes a legend most? Harlan "Pete" Peterson and his "restful
place," which many consider not only the best restaurant Up North, but
in all
of Michigan. (Indeed, Peterson was a finalist in this year's James Beard
Foundation Awards for best chef in the Midwest.) Nothing but you is left
to
rest: Not the immaculate, just-expanded gray-shingled house. Not the
unpretentious but expert staff. Not the lakeside setting, so bucolically
beautiful, with a verdant sloping lawn leading to rippling St. Clair Lake;
it
seems, as one said, "almost choreographed." Peterson's "Modern American
Cuisine" travels to world tastes -- Thai, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Mexican
--
and uses perfect, locally grown foodstuffs whenever possible. Evenings
are
long-planned summertime events, but do consider Tapawingo's special lunch,
served now through Labor Day. With an average price of $21 for three
unforgettable courses, it is the bargain of summer: Imagine a tower of
cool,
silken smoked salmon tartare on a bed of paper-thin cucumbers and streaks
of pea puree. Move on to rosy-rare duck salad with mixed greens and mango
and a piquant Chinese barbecue vinaigrette. Finish with impassioned fresh
passion fruit and strawberry sorbet. Let Pram Acharya choose from the
prodigious wine cellar. Tapawingo: Ethereal and extraordinary.
Thai Bistro, 45620 Ford Rd., Canton Township; (313) 416-2122.
Phrommet and Noi Phromthong's uncommonly fine, sun-filled eatery delivers
Thai food that makes my heart race. Vividly fresh, beautifully presented,
flavors perfectly balanced. Don't ignore exquisite pla rad prik, whole,
deep-fried red snapper inlaid with sliced jalapenos and crispy-fried sweet
basil; meltaway pan-fried fresh noodles; barbecued Thai pork whiffed with
cinnamon and star anise; outrageous red and green curries, velvety-rich
Thai
pudding. Thai soars to the heavens, but loses a half-star for occasionally
forgetful service. That's all.
Tre Lune, 7117 Fieldcrest, Green Oak Township; (810) 220-3533. Let the
bunny-huggers beware! We're on the hunt for zebra and elk and antelope,
oh
my! Which is a specialty at this sprawling, European-family style home
in the
wilds of Green Oak Township. For the record, zebra tastes like pork. Tough
pork, and you'll pay for it, too -- $28.95. You'll also pay $29.95 for
roasted
rack of lamb, its apricot Dijon crust so thick and undercooked, it overwhelms.
Which seems to be the Tre Lune philosophy, with a dozen appetizers, nearly
40 entrees, and two dozen more specials recited by our waiter. Service
is
kid-glove special, but ultimately, there's an imblance between the kind
of
experience you'll have and the big bucks you'll pay for it.
Tribute, 31425 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills; (248) 848-1313. You
may shell out $75 or $80 per person, sans tax and tip, for the Tribute
experience, but, trust me: This is money very well spent. Which is why
Tribute has been drawing Detroit power brokers and the upper-end hoi polloi
since it opened in April.Takashi Yagihashi's French-Asian cooking is serene
and usually transcendent, from roasted and smoked foie gras with crackling
rhubarb and pristine pear to potato-encrusted sturgeon with a riotous array
of
vegetables. The setting is predictably showstopping, and showstoppingly
elegant, even with its casual air. A front-and-center wine vault holding
thousands of bottles for the list of 450 offerings. An easy 4 stars.
TV's Diner, 2441 Fort, Trenton; (313) 671-9005. Tracey Wipp and Victor
Stroia are two of the sweetest, most honest people working. So it's nice
to
see them at home at their homey and ultra-cheery TV's. Good, basic food
that's hard to find Downriver has TV's tuned to the right channel: real
turkey
cut from the bird, authentic corned beef sandwiches, terrific ribs, lake
perch
(not ocean!) and Coke in classic glass bott les. You gotta love TV's.
Twingo's, 4710 Cass, Detroit; (313) 832-3832. Twingo's, Twingo's is a
star, a coffeehouse cum matchbox-size eatery, spectacular looking in the
extreme -- small, fun, racy. A French-cafe short sheet turns up whopping,
baguette-laden sandwiches, salads, a couple of soups, very fine madeleines,
scones and owner Geoffrey Kalich's grandmother Virginia's classic apple
pie. Breakfast, too! Twingo's is simple, fresh and oh,so affordable, with
nothing more than $7. Stars, comets, surrealism and the best CD selection
also make Twingo's the room of the moment.
Van Dyke Place, 649 Van Dyke, Detroit; (313) 821-2620. "Does
anyone even go to Van Dyke Place anymore?" sniffed my friend the
misguided. For the sensuous VDP, in an opulent, turn-of-thecentury Parisian
townhouse, remains one of Detroit's finest. Chef Keith Supian sees to it
by
serving modish haute cuisine such as butter-rich North Atlantic salmon
whiffed with fried basil; baked paillard of chicken with fig, apricot,
currant
and pineapple stuffing; blood-rare filet mignon swathed with Stilton cognac
butter and sided with foie gras. The setting is in keeping, with miles
of silk
moire and velvet, intricate hand-tooled plasterwork, Watteau and
Fragonard-ish paintings. A classic.
Vintage Bistro, 18450 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms; (313)
886-9950. You've got to love Vintage Bistro: The atmosphere's right for
romance. Deep, red-leather booths and frosted shell sconces add to the
romantic decor of Vintage Bistro. How do I love thee? Let me begin with
Louis' lamb shank, one night's special - a heroic, baronial globe of meat
so
moist, so tender, so brazenly braised and burnished, I shudder at the memory
of it. It is crowned with a multicolored tumble of julienned carrots, parsnips,
rutabaga and other wintry vegetables. The scent of rosemary perfumes the
air. Its tariff, a laughable $16.classic.
Zanzibar, 216 S. State, Ann Arbor; (734) 994-7777. Eyeball the
color-drenched, jungle-esque mural, a bow to Henri Rousseau. Go
"pan-topical" with spice-flared tours of Malaysia, Mexico, North Africa,
Thailand. Here are chile-rubbed pork taquitos, "many-flavored" shredded
duck salad, and three-way satay, played out in a lively, island-hopping
setting.
Outdoor seating, too.
.
Site Designed By: Paul R.Mays
Updated .
.
_______________________________________
Scores
For Information On How To Join
P.O.O.L.
press gif to Go To Oldies Unlimited
