Detroit Beer Week: October 11-20, 2012

Detroit Beer Week is scheduled for October 11-20, 2012.  I have never attended the event but am hoping that is an opportunity to savor some local brews.  My friends and I enjoyed a day on the lake this summer sampling Detroit brews.  We were definitely impressed.  

If you have been to the event, please let us know what you think.

Tour de Troit 2012

What is a 30 mile bike around Detroit with 2,500 riders?  Spectacular.   The ride through Mexican Town, Greenwich Village, Belle Isle, New Center and more provided a diverse view of Detroit.  The event was well orchestrated.  A definite must for next year.

About to start our journey

From MacArthur Bridge on way onto Belle Isle

Bikes resting while their rides enjoy the after party

Pausing for a photo

Girls' Day Biking in Detroit

My girlfriends and I met up in Detroit with our bikes and rode the Dequindre Cut from Gratiot to the riverwalk.  We took the opportunity to peek at the jazz fest and then gorge ourselves on some great food at Joe Muer in the Renaissance Center.

Great time!  Two things to note: First, there are not a lot of bike racks downtown. We did locate a few near Cobo.  Second, we went to Joe Muer in our biking clothes mid-afternoon but it is definitely worthy of a special occasion in a nice dress.  The food was excellent.

Bonus:  The parking on Gratiot is free and we snuck in some exercise while catching up.

Cadillac Urban Garden and Scarcyny Park in Mexican Town, Detroit

Business leaders in Detroit are taking an active role in improving Detroit.  From the M-1 light rail project funds to stepping away from the boardroom and into the library to help a child learn to read.  Ideal Group, a privately held company, in southwest Detroit (commonly known as Mexican town) has shown their dedication to the local community in numerous ways.  This week. I had the opportunity to see the results of their dedication first hand.  Members of the Ideal team shared the Cadillac Urban Garden and Scarcyny Park with me.

Cadillac Urban Garden is a community vegetable and flower garden located in an empty lot owned by Ideal and once used by businessmen visiting the GM Cadillac Facility.  GM donated containers from their Lake Orion assembly plant which Ideal repurposed as flower and vegetable beds.  The neighborhood residents are invited to help tend the garden on the weekends and take home vegetables for their families.  The garden adds beauty and nutrition to the community.

Scarcyny Park, once an empty urban lot, is now an active community gathering place.  The community gathers for live music, movies in the park, and even weddings.  Ideal continues to work with the community to improve the park and keep it clean.

Workers take a break in Scarcyny Park

Scarcyny Park

My Experience at Somerset Collection's CityLoft

Entrance to CityLoft

I stopped at Somerset Collection's CityLoft in midtown Detroit yesterday.  I was on my way home from the airport and didn't have much time before my hair appointment.  That didn't stop me from supporting retail in Detroit.  I purchased two bracelets (and even wore one to my hair appointment).  The collection is small and cramped but with a variety of merchandise from various stores and even hors d'oeuves and drinks.  The staff and patrons were full of energy and so was the rest of the city.  Campus Martius had live music, the square across from CityLoft was hosting an art fair, and the Fox Theater was presenting a concert.  Downtown was hopping on Thursday night.

CityLoft on Woodward Avenue

I hope that Somerset is testing the waters in Detroit and finding them to be enjoyable.  I would love to see some year round Somerset style in downtown Detroit.  If you haven't had the opportunity to visit CityLoft yet, check it out today or Saturday.  It will also be open August 16th - 18th.  

The 'dress' outside of CityLoft.  There are other paper dresses throughout downtown.

Somerset Collection's City Loft in downtown Detroit...and a Living Social discount....oh yeah!

Awhile back, I posted a link on the Detroit Expereince Facebook page to the Somerset Collection's City Loft events.  For three weekends this summer, Somerset Collection will be in downtown.  Oh yeah, that's right, our favorite fashions in our downtown Detroit.  Today, I noticed that Living Social has a $10 for $20 to spend at City Loft.  Click the link below to some get some savings through Living Social.  I will be in Detroit shopping at City Loft this weekend.  :-)

https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/408016?ref=conf-jp&rpi=72256652

Date Night: Cliff Bell's Jazz Club

If you are looking for a romantic date night or a way to impress your guests, take a step back into Detroit's glory days at Cliff Bell's Jazz Club.  Cliff Bell's originally opened in 1935 when Detroit was the place to see and be seen.  Like many of Detroit's treasures, it's doors were shuttered in 1985 during Detroit's decline and period of urban flight.  In 2005, the club reopened.  The owners respected much of the original architectural detail.  The curved wood ceilings, stage, and gorgeous bar provide an elegant and sophisticated ambience.  Combine the beautiful surroundings with live jazz and Cliff Bell's is a night to remember.  Oh...did I mention that the food is excellent as well?   

Cliff Bell's is within walking distance of the theater district, Ford Field, Comerica Park, and numerous restaurants and bars.  We actually capped off our night by walking down to Centaur for a martini.   

Family Outing: Detroit Tiger's Game

Great game today!  We took the kids to Comerica Park for a Tiger's game.  We won...yay!   It was a great game and the park offers wonderful views of downtown.  A definite must do again...even for non-sports nuts like me.

Date Night: Michael Symon's Roast

Last night, my husband and I dressed up and headed to Michael Symon's Roast.  It did not disappoint.  The atmosphere, food, and service were spectacular.  I had the lamb ragu and he had the rack of lamb while we split a side of fried brussel spouts.  Yep, that's right, deep fried brussel sprouts...delicious and fattening but we could still pretend to be eating healthy green vegetables.

The prices are what you would expect from a high-end downtown restaurant so be prepared to splurge. As a foodie, I think Roast is worth the extra money.  If you want to feel a little less guilty, make your reservation through OpenTable.com and earn some points towards $$$ off your next night out.

Roast could compete in Chicago or New York.  It is a true gem in downtown Detroit.

We walked around downtown for a little while after dinner.  The Lafayette gardens are just around the corner.  The gardens are open to the public during business hours.   We were a little late for that but peaked through the fence to check out the green space.  I don't remember the Lafayette building that once stood on the site, but I can appreciate the softening of the city that the green space provides.

Family Outing: Good Girls Go To Paris

In the spirit of exploring Detroit, we chose go to Good Girls Go To Paris for our Father's Day treat.  It is an amazing concept of wide variety savory and sweet crepes.  The kind of place that executed correctly could have lines out the door and down the block.  Unfortunately, this is not the case here.  The restaurant was dirty.  My husband and I found the two savory crepes we tried to be horrible.  The salmon was so salty that it was impossible to finish the crepe.  My husband's chicken was very unappealing.  Our kids both chose sweet crepes and they seemed better than the savory crepes.  Even so, we will not be returning!  Its too bad because it could have been an awesome treat.

We still managed to enjoy our Father's Day.  One bad meal can't spoil the entire day!

Photographing Detroit

Detroit is loved by photographers.  The decay, the revival, often side by side, provide countless opportunities for striking photographs. 

Reveal Your Detroit Opens today at the Detroit Public Library and will run through August 15th.  The photographs were taken by local Detroiters, including more than 50 Detroit-based community organizations.  I have been taking sneak peeks at a small sampling of the photo submissions online at the freep.com but can't wait to check out the exhibit.  If you make it before me, please let us know what you think.

This morning, I got up at 4am and headed to downtown to take a stab at revealing my Detroit.  I purchased a DSLR camera about a month ago.  I have always had a point-and-shoot so using the camera is a little like learning to speak for me.  With my camera, a large cup of coffee, and my newly gained knowledge from reading "Understanding Exposure", I managed to get the following pictures.  Both should have used a tripod so they aren't perfect, but hey, I had the camera in manual mode and managed to get a decent photo.  :-)

MGM Grand Detroit

Ren Cen from between Comerica Part and Ford Field

As I mentioned in my 'about me' intro when I started the blog, I was raised in a Detroit  suburb and almost never came to Detroit until about a 2 years ago.  Although, I am in Detroit a lot now, I still found being a woman alone a little intimidating.  I hope I get more confident (while remaining alert and safe) as my photography practice continues in Detroit.  I saw quite a few shots that I think could have been impressive but they either would have required me to park and walk alone for a ways or park in an area that seemed a little rough.  I was little too chicken to do it.  Rarely was there anyone on the street, but that is what made it so intimidating.  When I did see someone, I wondered why they were there.  Anyone else experience this?  How do you do it?  A photography buddy?

Rattlesnake Club

Last night, some out of town friends wanted to 'dress up and go out to dinner'.  I picked the Rattlesnake Club.  It was a first for all of us.  The location is nice and the atmosphere was fitting of an upscale downtown restaurant.  I am non-committal on the food,however.  It was good but not as good as I anticipated.  I am not sure how often they change their menu but I felt as though the food could have been spectacular with just a little refinement.  We will try it again but next time we will make sure it is a nice day so that we can enjoy the patio and river views.

Movement: Detroit's Electronic Music Festival

Movement, Detroit's Electronic Music Festival, had attendees dancing 24/7 in downtown Detroit last weekend.  My colleague, Nicole, stayed downtown at the Greektown Casino and Hotel so that she could soak up as much of the music, dancing, and excitement as possible.  Her take?  The event and surrounding parties were a lot of fun and full of energy.  Look below at some of the pictures she snapped and I am sure you will have to agree, even if techno isn't your thing. 

I have a little pride just knowing that Detroit was the birth place of the techno music genre.  I studied abroad for a year and was amazed that many of my European classmates didn't ask me about the auto industry, motown music, or drive-by shootings (my Mizzou classmates did even though St. Louis was fighting us for the murder capital title at the time); but instead, they asked me if I had ever attended a techno party in one of the abondonned warehouses of Detroit.  If techno music can help improve Detroit's image and draw in vacationers from across the Atlantic; I must thank the musicians and DJs for making it happen.     

 

Nicole and I both noticed something exciting last weekend.  The town was alive with people.  Movement, Race for a Cure, and Eastern Market drew huge crowds to Downtown Detroit.  The streets were alive with people walking, talking, and having fun.  It was a downtown showing its rivival.    

Date Night: Armandos in Mexican Town

My husband, Mike, and I take turns planning date nights.  It is free game to pull a heart off of the Valentine's Date Night map in order to get ideas.  Mike combined the map with a Living Social deal to take us to Detroit's Mexican Town last night.  We ate at Armandos on Vernor.  I was tempted to have ask him to write this blogpost since I must confess that I don't really like Mexican food and he loves it.  Remember that I made the Valentine's map and included Mexican Town so his date plans were not selfish.  The Mexican food was self-induced. 

Mike had never been to Mexican town.  He liked the experience but didn't think the food stood out as exceptional.  That being said, we will  probably go back and try another restaurant in the area.  My treat to him...and I do like Margaritas. 

Afterward, we drove around Corktown for awhile checking out the houses.  I was happy to see how many of the homes were inhabited.  If you aren't familiar with Detroit's neighborhoods, Corktown includes Slow's, the site of the old Tiger's stadium, and the train depot. 



Graffiti in Corktown



Detroit Bike Tour with Motor City Bike and Brew

Date Night #?  

(see date nights tab on blog for explanation of date night events)

Shortly after providing my husband with his Detroit Date Night Valentine's gift, I came across Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Tours.  I was so excited that instantly wrote my husband letting him know in bold large font that I really wanted to do a bike tour of Detroit.  My hubbie had secretly found a different bike tour company  and had been planning to surprise me later.  Romantic and sweet, yes...but let's talk about the tour that he still managed to surprise me with yesterday morning.

Motor City Bike and Brew:  Detroit Prohibition Tour

Entering the Dequindre Cut

Learning about a speak easy

The bike tours are led by the owner, Steve, with the aid of at least one helper (his wife, Laura, for our tour).  Steve obviously loves his job, people, and Detroit.  His enthusiasm combined with his research on the tour subject matter made the tour fun and engaging.  Despite the rain, we enjoyed biking Detroit and would definitely consider another tour.

The Prohibition Tour started at Motor City Brewing Works in midtown.  We wove through Wayne State's Campus, the River Walk, Dequindre Cut, and Belle Isle before taking a pass through Eastern Market and heading back to midtown for a lunch with local brews at Traffic Jam.  The entire tour was around 13 miles with several stops for prohibition history lessons.  The pace and length could be managed fairly easily by anyone in reasonable shape. 

Belle Isle

We will definitely head back to Detroit for some more biking as a couple and I will have my good camera in hand.  With the rain, I only brought my point and shoot.  I saw many great shots and can't wait to stop and try to capture them 'on film'.

I recommend Motor City Bike and Brew tours and suggest trying out urban biking in Detroit.   

30th Annual Downtown Hoedown - June 8-10, Comerica Park, Detroit, MI

This year is the 30th annual Downtown Hoedown.  It is also the first year that it will have a tickets ($20 each) and it is moving from Hart Plaza to the grounds surrounding Comerica Park.  I have been to the Hoedown twice and have to admit that the crowds and extremely drunk people were a turn-off for me.  Maybe the new venue will make it better?

http://wycd.radio.com/shows/wycd-downtown-hoedown/

Slows BBQ

Slows BBQ is a true Detroit experience.  Just down Michigan Avenue from the site of the old Tigers' Stadium and across the road from the majestic ruins of the train depot, visitors feel in touch with Detroit's history while feeling the excitement of today.  The decor is a contemporary take on rustic.  The restaurant is usually crowded with very long waits.  Plan to arrive early and use the time to check out the details of the decor and sample a local brew.  The BBQ is amazing.  My favorites are the baby back ribs and beef brisket, but people rave over every dish from the mac ' cheese to the salads.  Free street side parking is easy to grab, even on the busiest nights.

Some of our friends had plans to attend the Kid Rock benefit for the Detroit Symphonic Orchestra last night.  We met for a pre-show dinner at Slows and it didn't disappoint.  One member of our party was a huge Red Wings fan and received a treat when Chelios waited for his table within a few feet of our seats.

Building by across Michigan Avenue and slightly east of Slows.  We parked by it and I had to take a picture.    

Hope and Despair Abroad

I travel quite a bit for work and love to travel for vacation.  I think that my initial fascination with Detroit started as a nearby (and much more affordable) mini adventure.  The more that I experience it, the more that I love it.  

I recently returned from a business trip to Chicago.  We had taken our family there for vacation last year but this was my first visit since I started recording my adventures in Detroit.  At first, I felt a sense of despair.  Downtown Chicago is impressive by most measures.  It is full of museums, restaurants, live entertainment, and full of life with people walking, biking, and plenty of horns honking.  I felt overwhelmed with the work that it would take to get Detroit to measure up.  My despair only lasted for a short while though.

Detroit has its own unique treasures.  It has a history and it has a future.  The average visitor might not see its awesomeness now, but I have.  Cliff Bells has more class than the blues bar I visited in Chicago.  The Whitney is more unique and just as delicious at the restaurant on Michigan Avenue.  And for me, the most important part is that I can play a role in making it better.  This is my city and I am proud of it.  I look forward to having out of town guests.  Watch out Canadian in-laws, Mizzou classmates, and business guests...I have a treat for you the next time you are in town.

Banksy Graffiti Art at 555

Banksy's Packard Plant Art

555 salvaged a piece of the famed graffiti artist, Banksy, from the crumbling Detroit Packard plant.  The 2010 removal led to a lawsuit that has drawn to a close, and last night, the public was invited to attend a 555 event and view the art in person.  The venue, an old police station that is now used as studio rental space for Detroit's artist community, sits is the shadow of the Train Depot.

'Jailed' at 555

Banksy, an anonymous British graffiti artist, is famous for his work and associated political statements.  

Detroit Restaurant Week: Dinner at Atlas Global Bistro

A coworker and I hit the town Friday night for restaurant week.  It was our first time dining at Atlas.  Overall the experience was pleasant.  The waitstaff was professional and accommodated our special requests.  The food was well presented.  We both concluded though that we would be unlikely to return.  The food, although tasty, did not impress our palettes.  The atmosphere felt somewhat like a diner with a long bench seat and tables pressed closely together.  The overall dining experience did not leave us feeling like we should be asking the men in our lives to take us to Atlas on our next date.

Detroit Free Press Invites Readers to Share Their Portraits of Detroit

Readers Share Their 'Portraits of Detroit' with the Detroit Free Press

Check out the photos posted and post some of your own.  This is a fun way to see new perspectives of Detroit.

Incentive to Live in Midtown Detroit

http://www.livemidtown.org/

• New renters receive a $2,500 allowance of funding toward the cost of their apartment in the first year followed by additional funding of $1,000.00 for the second year.
• Existing renters receive a $1,000 allowance of funding for renewing a lease in 2011.
• New homeowners receive a $20,000 forgivable loan toward the purchase of their primary residence
• Existing homeowners receive matching funds of up to $5,000 for exterior improvements for projects of $10,000 or more.

Would this incentive help move you to midtown Detroit?

For me, I would need good schools and improved city services (safety being #1).

The Whitney Mansion, Restaurant, and Gardens

Our Visit

The Whitney, Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI

My sister, seven year old son, and I went to eat at the Whitney today.   The reservation was spurred by restaurant week but we knew that there was a risk we would end up with Sunday brunch.  Brunch was amazing.  Not one item on the buffet tasted old or too cold.  The variety was quite good: bacon and eggs to beef tenderloin and dill salmon.  My son is a very adventurous eater and his appetite has healthy due to our mid-afternoon reservation.  We were charged the full price of the brunch for him; so if your child is a picky eater, it would be a very pricy meal.  I felt it was worth the special treat for him.

The wait staff was excellent.  I had told my son about the house.  He asked our waiter about the secret passage.  The waiter not only explained the history of the house to my son, he also pulled back the carpet and opened the secret passage.  My son was in awe.  We finished by giving ourselves, with permission, a tour of the house.  I will definitely return for a date night with my husband or to entertain out-of-town guests.  

Whitney Mansion History

The Whitney Mansion is located on Woodward Avenue near downtown Detroit.  Completed in 1894, it is an impressive sight  even by today's standards.  The mansion was designed by Detroit architect Gordon W. Lloyd as a home for lumber Baron, David Whitney.  Construction took four years to complete at a cost of $400,000.  The mansion was home to the Whitney family until 1920 when it was sold to the Wayne County Medical Society and later a nurses association.

In 1980, Richard Kughan purchased the Whitney Mansion.  He converted the home into a fine dining restaurant, opened in 1986.  Kughan was a Detroit advocate and passed on his passion for the Whitney and Detroit through the sale of the Whitney to Bud Leiber in 2007.  Mr. Leiber is a former Chrysler executive and Detroit believer.  He maintains ownership today.

The Whitney is considered one of Detroit's fine establishments for its cuisine and exquisite design.  The home boosted 52 rooms covering 21,000 sq. ft.  It still has 20 fireplaces and the original dining elevator.  The exterior pink granite facade impresses viewers from first glance.

Poll Shows Detroit as America's Most Unfavorable City

A poll showed that Detroit has the most unfavorable rankings of any US city.  Only 22% of respondents saw Detroit favorably while 49% saw it negatively.  Only two other US cities had net negative ratings:  Oakland and LA.   Most favorable you ask?  Seattle, WA and Portland, OR.  ... and they get tons of rain.  Come on Detroiters...  We have to be able to beat them with our water front, variety of seasons, rich history, diverse population, and a little bit of TLC.  Let's get to work and show people how great Detroit can be! 

Click here to see polling data

Detroit Restaurant Week 2012: April 20 - 29

Detroit Restaurant Week

Enjoy a gourmet 3-course meal for only $28 at the following Detroit Restaurants during restaurant week

(excludes drink, gratuity, and tax) 

April 20 -29, 2012

Participating Restaruants

24Grille, Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
Andiamo Detroit Riverfront, GM Renaissance Center
Angelina Italian Bistro, Downtown
Atlas Global Bistro, Midtown
Caucus Club, Penobscot Building
Cliff Bell's, Downtown
Coach Insignia, GM Renaissance Center
Cuisine, New Center
Da Edoardo Foxtown Grille, Fox Theatre Building
Detroit Seafood Market, Paradise Valley
Fountain Bistro, Campus Martius Park
Iridescence, MotorCity Casino Hotel
La Dolce Vita, Palmer Park District
Mosaic Restaurant, Greektown
Opus One, Downtown
Rattlesnake Club, Stroh River Place
Roast, Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
Roma Cafe, Eastern Market
Saltwater, MGM Grand Detroit
The Whitney, Midtown
Wolfgang Puck Grille, MGM Grand Detroit

Belle Isle Spring Clean Up - April 28th

Every time I visit Belle Isle, it is a little bittersweet.  I see the graffiti and abuse and through it I see its original beauty.  My mind always drifts to what once was and I have visions of couples strolling, children laughing...   then I imagine what it can be.

Join the effort and help Spring Clean Belle Isle.

Flier from Belle Isle Conservatory:  http://www.belleisleconservancy.org/

Detroit News reports that Detroit's Garden Theater will be redeveloped with $750 state incentive

Detroit News Article

The Detroit News reported that Detroit's historic Garden Theater will be redeveloped with a $750k state incentive.  The plan it turn it into a live performing arts entertainment venue.  As an theater and historic building lover, I can't wait for it be complete!  I will try to stop by and grab a photo to post this weekend.  If you want to see one now, click on the link above.

Detroit Symphonic Orchestra

The first time that I had the pleasure of attending a symphonic orchestra concert, I was living in Manchester, England.  A classmate had an extra ticket to see the touring Detroit Symphonic Orchestra (DSO).   He knew I was from Detroit so he offered it to me for free.  I accepted and was amazed.  I can appreciate most music but I was not expecting my reaction to the orchestra.  The music moved me.  If you have never tried it, keep an open mind.  You might be surprised.

I have always wanted to attend a concert in Detroit. This year, I am going.  It will be my husband's first concert so I am carefully choosing the right one.  I want him to return with me many times.

Anyone attending the Kid Rock and DSO concert on May 12th?   Does it get anymore Detroit than our native Kid Rock and the DSO playing in our city?