Discovering Myself

     I'm more than aware that I haven't updated this blog in almost a year. I would apologize for my lack of updating, but I sincerely doubt that there are very many people that keep up with this. Instead of apologizing, I'm going to explain. 
     I began this project in order to inspire to try out some new places in the city I call home. The city I love so much. I began this project with the motto of "if I can inspire only one person, my job is complete". I believed that this project had truly taken shape when about a year ago, a couple at the nearby bakery asked me what I knew about Detroit as they were tourists here. I smiled, welcomed them, and gave them the name of this blog. I left thinking, this is the point of writing about this kind of stuff! Life however, is not concrete, it is a constant ebb and flow of discoveries and knowledge.
     I started a Master's program in Education this summer, marking my second summer in the city. I worked with a GED preparation program for the youth of Detroit and I am now doing my student teaching at a major high school in the city. This experience has flipped my idea of Detroit Discovery upside down. I has humbled me in ways unimaginable. Who am I to be telling people what they should be doing in Detroit, especially lifelong residents? I continue to learn from the people of Detroit everyday, especially my students. They provide me with the real Detroit. Over the past 5 on and off years of my residence here, I have been chipping away at the city, slowly learning more. I can share what I have learned with people, but I will never be able to see it all and give pieces away like these lifetime residents can. 
    I'm learning that Detroit is more than a place, it's a state of mind. The bars, restaurants and events are great, but cannot compare to the people here. Running down the street in New York where people turn to avoid eye contact cannot be matched to the cries of "keep it up, girl!" you get in Detroit. The quiet "hellos" of other cities do not compare to the hand wave and "you alright?" that you get in Detroit (a phenomena I have only recently become cognizant of). As much as I would love to say that I know "soOoOoO much about Detroit", I don't. I'm learning more everyday, but frankly, I have been humbled to realize I will never learn everything. I can continue to share things I find awesome, but I need to change my mindset from Detroit tour guide, to documenting traveler. Maybe one day, I'll be about to consider myself a tour guide, but for now, like everyone who spent their childhood and adolescence in another place, I am discovering Detroit and the role I have here.

Sugar House

Sugar House

2130 Michigan Ave

www.sugarhousedetroit.com

   In  the past 6 months, I've been to Sugar House twice. Once with two of best lady friends for a low night of cocktails and once with my parents after dinner across the street at Mercury Burger. Both of the times were perfect for the low-key night of good conversation and fabulous drink that I was looking for. While Sugar House is not a place a could ever become a regular, but it's perfect for nights when you want to spend hours talking over 1 or 2 drinks. 

   The air of Sugar House is definitely interesting. It's dark but not eerie somehow. The abundance of taxidermed (is that a word?) animal heads on the walls give it an almost whimsical feel as opposed to a "cabin in the woods" feel. The heavy drapes and mere candle light really gives the place an old-time speak easy feel. Most patrons sit at tables that can only hold a max of 4 people, but the place never seems overly-crowded. Sugar House isn't your typical nightlife bar with customers standing 4 deep at the bar throwing their money to get a cheap drink. If there isn't a seat, you're waiting at the door until there is one.

   Sugar House serves only cocktails, well, occasionally there's a small plate, but it's definitely not a place you would go for dinner, but regardless, since it's pretty much only cocktails, you don't feel rushed to finish your drink and move onto the next place. With drinks about $10 a piece, who would want to rush that anyways? 

 Left to right: Hot Buttered Rum, uhhh, I have no idea, Fake Wood Teeth (awesome!)

**Dorky Ecology t-shirt not included. 

   The price however, is worth it. The drinks are made by trained professionals zesting lemon and muddling mint, not a "mixologist" who took some 20 hour online class. For the most part, to me, liquor is liquor is liquor, I'm not very good at saying, "yes! that's awesome gin!" not because I don't care, merely because I don't have the taste buds for most liquor and simply cannot tell a difference. With that being said, half of the liquors on the Sugar House menu, I have no idea what they even are... names like Cynar and Vieux Carre Absinthe jump off the page at me as having no idea what they are. Isn't that the best part though? Trying something new? Get out there and check it out!

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT.

-Amy

Angelina's

Angelina's

1565 Broadway

www.angelinadetroit.com

   Angelina's has quickly become one of my absolute favorite Italian restaurants in Detroit, it definitely ranks in the top 3. I've been to Angelina's on 3 different occasions (however, still have no pictures!) and every time I go, I have a better and better experience. 

   Sitting within walking distance of Comerica Park, the Fox theater, Ford Field and the Opera house, Angelina's draws quite the mix of crowds but has the wonderful charm of accommodating everyone. I've been to Angelina's on a first/last date, for an evening out with my parents, and as a place to wind down after a night out with friends that I really didn't want to end with me "accidentally" eating a full order of French toast at midnight, and felt like I fit in here on every occasion. 

   The place is a pretty good size. The front has nearly floor to ceiling windows which they open in the summer providing the place with an awesome "summer in the city" feel. They have a pretty sizable bar with the drink selection to match. The whole place has a warm feeling to it without being antique-y or tacky. 

   The food and wine selection covers all bases, nothing too stand out, but a few items to take note of. Standard items on the menu include your usual such as shrimp risotto or margarita pizza, but nestled in you'll also find rarer items such as squid ink pasta with scallops, or Wild Mushroom Mac n' Cheese. On my most recent trip to Angelina's I opted for their calamari and 2008 Napa Cellars. I was expecting calamari like I've always had before, fried crispy rings of almost nothingness. Why I continue to order these? I'm not quite sure... I was quite surprised with I received gigantic, thick, almost onion ring like calamari with a honey sauce. Without any hesitation, I can say by far the best I've ever eaten. I could actually see the meat! Not just the little fried bits of nothing I have had so many other places.

   Only down side to Angelina's is parking. As with any major city, places like this are iffy on parking lots. They have valet for $10-20 depending on the time and day, but for college students like me, I say find a place on the street a few blocks away and park for free. Take the longer route to the restaurant and see what you find along the way. Maybe it will be something even better. Love yourself, love your city.

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT.

-Amy

Hot Taco

Hot Taco

2233 Park Avenue

hottacodetroit.com

     Hot Taco is one of those places you walk by 100 times and every time say, "Hey! We should go there! It looks cool!" but then always forget about. Last night however, I was reminded of this adorable little taqueria. While out celebrating the Tigers win over the Yankees last night (!!!) at Town Pump about a block away from Hot Taco, a friend asked the bartender what kind of food they offered. The bartender gave him a short list but then mentioned that he probably had a better choice at Hot Taco, a sister business of Town Pump. The mention of the little place drew up memories of my stop a few months ago and immediately encouraged him to take the advice and get tacos.  Followed by an exclamation of "I have to blog about this place!"

Indian Physics PhDs love tacos, I guess. 

   After a short half block walk over to Hot Taco, I was again struck with love for the tiny taco place I have only been to but a handful of times. The place, has the one of a kind charm that you can't find in other mainstream taco places like Qdoba, or Chiptole. The menu is merely a chalkboard creating leeway with prices, and the shelf behind the counter contains a variety of Mexican sodas, bringing a kind of brightness, whimsical feel to the place.

    The menu is short, soft taco or burrito, but you have a pretty good range of options. Choices range from your basic chicken or pork ($2.50) to more exotic things like vegan ($3) or blackened shrimp ($3.50) as well as 5 or 6 others. Whatever your choice, they cook it fresh which leads to a bit of a wait, but the freshness is definitely worth it. 

     My favorite thing about Hot Taco however, is probably the hours it is open. 11:00am-2:00am everyday. Whether you are coming from a concert at the Fillmore, a crazy night of raging in Greektown, or celebrating a Tigers win at Comerica Park, Hot Taco will be open and waiting for you after and within walking distance, giving you a chance to finish of the night with a seriously good taco.

Nurses love tacos, too! 

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT.

-Amy  

P.S. Go Tigers!

Supino's Pizzeria

Supino's Pizza

2457 Russell Street

http://supinopizzeria.com/

I can't believe it took me this long, but I FINALLY checked out Supino's pizza. With a wonderful roommate who's sole reason for living is pizza (seriously, she once told me she will never love a man the way she loves pizza) I could not believe I had never been here. 

 

The place is TINY, the above picture was taken while standing on a chair at a table in the front window, but do not let that stop you. I'm being 100% serious when I say that this was probably the best pizza I had in my entire life. Their menu is divided into 2 sections; red (with sauce) and white (without sauce) pizza. We opted for the white, primavera- tomatoes, onions, artichokes, eggplant, spinach and mozzarella. I will admit, I was a bit skeptical about a pizza sans sauce, but it was not missed at all. Supino's pizzas are made on a thinner New York style crust in contrast to a Chicago deep dish style which I love. When given the decision of the 12" or the 18", go with the 18". I promise you, you will want to stuff your face with all of the cheesy, delicious goodness that is this pizza. Not to mention one slice is the size of your face. 

 

some girl and her face sized slice

While the pizza was the best I have ever had, I think my favorite part of the place was the atmosphere. Supino's was the most "Detroit" place I was all summer. The corners of the place are dirty, but not in a unclean way, but more so a worn one. The people are a collection of business men heading in for a rushed lunch, small families celebrating birthdays, farmers who have just closed their stands in Eastern Market, or 5'4" Biology/Environmental Science dorks. Multiple times during my visit, I looked out the front windows to see Eastern Market with it's small produce stands, to the small chunk of city skyline and had to remind myself I live here! I live in a pretty damn cool city with so much to offer and I am so grateful to be living in the center of it all.

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT.

-Amy

Great Lakes Roasting Company

Great Lakes Roasting Company

3965 Woodward Ave.

http://www.greatlakescoffee.com/

  

After a 3 month hiatus, Detroit Discovery is back up a running! It has definitely been a summer of discovery, both in and out of the city. I found many new "favorites" this summer, and I can't wait to share them within the next few weeks! My first summer find is Great Lakes Roasting Company. 

Personally, I think Great Lakes Roasting came at a perfect time in a perfect place. While Detroit has plenty of chain coffee places (Bigby, Starbucks, etc.) I find that the independent places not only provide a better cup of coffee, but a better more relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy them. The atmosphere of GL is definitely something I look forward to seeing more of in Detroit. Don't get me wrong, I love the "indie" vibe that a large chunk of Detroit has going on right now, I feel that to attract a more diverse audience, more sophisticated places like GL are going to start popping up. GL is one step up from the traditional Starbucks, while still being able to keep a very "local" feel.

   

Despite providing an excellent cup of coffee, which I will explain later, GL is in what I consider to be a perfect spot. Located on the corner of Woodward and Alexandrine, GL is within walking distance from the Medical Center, Wayne State and the residents of Midtown therefore being accessible to a number of different audiences. During the 4 or so hours I spent at a community table (love it!), I saw a group of architects pouring over the designs for a new building, multiple med students dressed in scrubs, a couple being interviewed by what seemed to be a local newspaper, two brothers planning a party, and an older woman calling places in search of a new apartment.  

First off, the place is huge. Probably twice the size of your average coffee shop, but that's the point I guess. GL is not just a coffee shop, but offers different wines, beers and appetizers as well. Personally I think the diverse offerings may eventually need to be narrowed down. The wide variety was a bit overwhelming. After ordering my coffee, I was confused on whether or not I should sit and they would bring my coffee to me like they were bringing other customers small plates, or stand awkwardly at the bar while they brewed my drink. I never found out which was correct... Despite this overwhelming choices and subtle awkwardness however, no complaints. 

I did my usual, asked the barista for suggestions and he seemed surprised that I asked. The place has only been open for 2-3 weeks, but I thought that would have a definite suggestion, I guess not. When I mentioned I wanted something with caffeine, he highly suggested the chocolate milk espresso. No words, can describe how delicious this espresso was. I'm usually not an espresso kind of girl, but this was awesome. Definitely had caffeine though, as I found myself perusing Facebook still fully conscious at 4 a.m. that morning. While I waited around for my drink, I glanced at the menu. Eclectic is an understatement. That week then where serving everything from scones, to squid ink on toast. I will definitely have to stop by for a light lunch, or late dinner sometime in the future.

Another great thing about GL is the hours. Too often around 8:30pm, I get the itch to head out to a coffee shop and get a in a few hours of studying when I realize that it will be closing in a half hour. GL is open until 11 every night (except Monday when it's open until 4:00pm... strange). 

Next time you are feeling a little classy, grab a couple friends and stop by Great Lakes Roasting Company. Grab a community table and take in the experience of the new people you are bound to meet--an experience I find to be very "Detroit". 

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT

-Amy 

    

 

Mercury Burger Bar

Mercury Burger Bar

2163 Michigan Avenue

Let me first begin by apologizing for my hiatus the last month. With finals in high gear, moving into a new place and starting two new jobs, my time for city exploration has been limited. Fortunately however, after two months, I was able to check out Corktown's new hot spot--Mercury Burger Bar! 

Immediately after walking into this place, I knew it was going to be good. The place opened about 2 months ago on or around St. Patrick's day, I'm not sure which... I love the wood and stainless steel combo with red accents. There are about 20 booths upstairs with a decent size bar, venture downstairs and you'll find about 10 more tables. They are currently working on an outdoor patio which I had the privilege of taking a look at. Brick paved surrounded by a wood privacy fence which gives it a pretty cool feel. You are able to maintain the feel of being in the city while not being fully exposed to Michigan Avenue which I liked a lot. We saw the beginnings of what looked like soon to be fire pits and place for a DJ. Definitely looking forward to that...

We headed back inside, took a look over the menu and immediately started conversing with the other people in the place. We stopped by Mercury after a Tigers game so the crowd was a bit sparse, but by no means unfriendly. Our small group of 4 had a debate with two of the guys sitting at the bar about the relevance of the Beach Boys in modern music, and our waitress was a total sweetheart. Seriously, when you go to Mercury ask for Karen. Not only did she offer me suggestions about what I should get, which I always love, she remembered me and my drink order the next time I came in about 2 weeks later. Realizing that she was a truly nice person in remembering me and not just searching for a little extra tip meant a lot and did not go unnoticed.

 Honestly--I was a bit apprehensive to try Mercury. I don't eat beef and I was a bit nervous about trying one of their veggie burgers. I mean this place is known for THEIR burgers, not some half-assed Boca burger they felt obligated to put on the menu. Thankfully however, I had a pretty wide variety of selections. I opted for the grilled cheese (with Munster--recommended by Karen!) with sauteed onions and tomato (went back last week and got a grilled bologna sandwich. Terrible but wonderful all at once). Delicious. My man Brian got an Eastern Market. Black bean burger with everything. He was kind enough to let me try it and it was like no other veggie burger I've ever had. No overwhelming "faux meat", veggie-esque taste but fresh and awesome. Our two other friends got the standard burgers which I was told were completely awesome as well. The four of us split garlic fries which were like nothing I have ever experienced. I was expecting regular fries sprinkled with garlic salt. No, no, no... Fries COVERED in minced garlic and oil. A garlic lovers paradise. I was in heaven.

 ^ My friend Mike after a Mercury Burger.

 Check out that expression of happiness!

Overall, I'd recommend one of Mercury's real beef burgers, from what I've heard, they are to die for. Personally though, I really, really, liked the grilled cheese. Also, do yourself a favor and get the garlic fries. No protesting about calories... Nike it up. "Just do it".

Mercury Bar is definitely a place to check out and to keep an eye on. I definitely see foresee this place becoming one of Detroit's hippest hang-outs. 

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT

-Amy