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Last Updated:
Feb 2nd, 2010 - 13:42:13 |
Motown Mix Tape
The Real Best of Detroit 2009
Best Detroit-Made T-Shirt: Made In Detroit
The Made in Detroit clothing line has been around for awhile. Everybody knows the Made in Detroit logo and it is perhaps the most recognizable logo in Detroit fashion history, all the while showcasing Motown work ethic. Therefore, it’s only fitting that the hardest rocking man in the music business bought Made in Detroit where the hardest working people in the world wear it.
In the past we’ve worn the Made in Detroit gear for fashion ... because we like the logo. We think it looks even cooler in more recent times and now sport the logo as a call to arms. “Yes, WE were Made in Detroit and yes WE are proud, mother fucker!” At least that’s what we think. And we all know that’s what Kid Rock was thinking when he bought the brand and still is thinking, as he loves Made in Detroit as much as Real Detroit does.
Recently, Kid Rock and Wayne State University came together to create a limited edition Wayne State University/Made in Detroit T-shirt featuring the trademark logo embedded in the Wayne State moniker. All the proceeds from the sale of shirts will go directly to the Kid Rock musical scholarship fund.
Made in Detroit makes every kind of clothing item you can dream up. They have an extensive line of T-shirts, jackets, hats, hoodies and beaters. They have clothes for men, women and toddlers in a wide array of colors and bitchin’ designs.
You can find Made in Detroit clothing at retail shops throughout Michigan including Incognito, the Road Show and Showtime Clothing. Or you can visit the official website at www.madeindetroit.com for the full line of Made in Detroit clothing. | RDW
Best Roller Derby Girl: Honey Suckit
She is the valkyrie of velocity, the comely comet whose juggernaut jamming at the Masonic Temple and elsewhere has made her a perennial crowd favorite and a jewel in the diadem of the Detroit Derby Girls. SHE is Honey Suckit of the Pistolwhippers — and her near-unanimous selection as your fave dervish of the rink didn’t surprise us or anyone else. A charter member of this select Motor City sorority, the Suckit wench (AKA, Jennifer Edwards) has repeatedly shown that even a tiny package can deliver enough explosive energy to make a difference. “I love roller derby and it has permitted me to push myself physically and mentally,” Edwards remarked to RDW. Skate and destroy, babe! | RDW
Best Festival: Comerica Cityfest
We know times are tough. We get it. Luckily, Detroit has the most kick-ass festivals ever. However, the festival that reigns supreme is easily the Comerica Cityfest. With tons of food from the area’s best restaurants, and local businesses selling their goods, there’s always tons of stuff to do at the festival. Yet, while we love eating and shopping, the free music is the most awesome part of the festival. National acts such as Cat Power, Kings of Leon and the All American Rejects have graced the stage at Cityfest. If you’ve never been then you’re missing out. We can’t wait to see what Cityfest has in store for us all this year. | RDW
Best Media Quote In The Last Year: “Ya’ll done set me up for a comeback” Kwame Kilpatrick
This one is the gold standard of Kwamyism’s, uttered by a man who is steeped in ghetto speak. Our former mayor, a mix of Biggie Smalls and Mark Twain, came up with this doozy at the zenith of his pathetic run as pope of Detroit. How does one in his position and predicament actually come up with this stuff? Watching Kwame was like watching Michael Jordan in his prime, it’s once in a lifetime. | RDW
Best Feather Bowling: Cadieux Café
Originally played in Belgium, The Cadieux Café is the oldest home of feather bowling and until 2007 was the only place to host the game in the United States. The premise is simple, but the strategy is another matter. Take a small wooden ball, which closely resembles a wheel of cheese, roll it down a concaved dirt lane and get your ball as close to the feather as possible, hence Feather Bowling. Now that you know the game, head over to the Cadieux Cafe, grab a beer, maybe some grub in the form of their famous mussels and hit the lanes for a night of fun. | RDW
Best Bumper Sticker/Slogan: “I Love Gay Porn”
This bumper sticker sure made the rounds at the Real Detroit office and gave us all endless laughs. It seemed as if at some point everyone had a turn driving around with an “I Love Gay Porn” sticker on the back of their ride (usually without the driver’s knowledge). Some of us wondered why we were getting strange looks from fellow drivers and why people were riding our asses (puns intended). But, hey, we love gay porn and we roll with it. | RDW
Best Neighborhood To Get A Steal On A House: Anywhere In Michigan
With an unemployment rate that rivals France and the fourth worse housing market for foreclosures in the nation, you could go just about anywhere in the great state of Michigan to find a bargain. Looking through the ads for Detroit proper is like strolling through a dollar store. If you're one of the lucky ones who still has a job and has got the cheddar, now is the time to buy! | RDW
Best New High-End Hotel: Westin Book-Cadillac
This legendary Italian Renaissance-style hotel, built in 1924, has finally regained its former glory after a long-awaited restoration. Guests can enjoy the ornate architecture and history of this stunning building, as well as the breathtaking views and luxurious amenities. On the hotel’s ground floor stands one of Detroit's hottest new restaurants in Iron Chef Michael Symon’s Roast, plus relaxing spa treatments and upscale dining at Spa 19 24 Grille, the sophisticated atmosphere of the Motor Lounge and casual fare of the Boulevard Room. | RDW
Best Skate Park: Modern Skate Park
Skateboarding, BMX, inline skating … Modern has it all! If you are a shaggy-headed, baggy jeans wearing skateboarder this is where you’ve got to hang out! Prices for memberships are fair and you can even get private lessons. After some lessons, take a step up to the big boy leagues and start skating like your Tony Hawk. The Modern Skate Park has a lot to offer in the ways of ramps, ledges and a gigantic bowl which will leave you flat on your back if you're not good enough. You can also purchase all of the supplies like boards and skates that you could possibly ever need.
Best Michigan-Made Product: Better Made
We all know that supporting Michigan is more important now than ever. Although there are tons of awesome Michigan-made products — Better Made is the clear winner. Over the years Better Made has outlasted 22 local competitors and taste even better because they always use locally grown potatoes! Because of their delicious taste, Better Made products have a loyal following ... not just here in Detroit and in Michigan in general, but extending well beyond. Not only do they make the most delicious potato chips but they also make pretzels, pork rinds, tortilla chips, beef jerky and more. Ok, who’s hungry for some salty goodness?
Best Place For A Wedding: Lavdas Wedding Chapel
“The White House” of Warren, as its commonly referred to by locals, is one of the most beautiful places to exchange vows on the Eastside. The stately pillars and beautiful gardens make for ideal photo opportunities. The grand piano and curving staircase add to the elegance inside the chapel. Whether you desire a intimate and personal wedding with close family and friends, or have your sights set on 14 of your best buds beside you at the alter, Lavdas Wedding Chapel and the coordinators and event planners that work there, can handle it all.
Best Place For A Wedding Reception: Roostertail
Both the Palm River and Marine rooms are exceptionally beautiful, luxurious spaces that exude elegance and style and their outdoor gazebo completes any summer wedding. A wedding at the Roostertail is something of a status symbol, located at the crest of Lake St. Clair on the Grosse Point-Detroit border, the surrounding scenery (lake view) only adds to the decadence. The menu is upscale, featuring dishes that range from oysters to fillet and dozens of tasty choices in between, their coordinators will treat you like royalty and in the end you’ll feel like royalty. The Roostertail is a complete package!
Best Energy Drink: Red Bull
Nowadays Red Bull is a staple in everyone's diet. It lets you party just a little bit longer, helps you get up and go to work and of course it tastes absolutely delicious when mixed with vodka. It’s like legal cocaine that won’t give you a nose bleed! And you’d better believe that at least a few cans were consumed while putting together this very issue. So thanks Red Bull, for helping some of us at Real Detroit make deadline week after week!
Best Pop: Jones Soda
Not only is Jones Soda incredibly fun to drink with tasty flavors such as Green Apple, Blue Bubble Gum, Fufu Berry and Strawberry Lime but the vintage looking glass bottles make you look super cool while sipping on one. Jones also carries an interesting line of other drinkable products. And let’s not forget that each Jones bottle has a different picture that Jones fans and drinkers can submit. Did you see the recent Jones Cola bottles with our very own Chris Chelios on them? Very cool.
Best Car Wash: Jax
Jax has been around since 1953 and offers the finest car washes in Michigan. Jax offers “Duel Service” car washing which lets you choose between a full service car wash or express exterior only car wash. Jax wins a "Best Of" every year here at Real Detroit. It’s a difficult feat to stay on top, but Jax manages to make it look easy. With summer just around the corner you’ve got to keep your ride looking good so pay Jax a visit, they’ll take care of you.
Best Limousine: Luxury Limousine
If you’re looking to be pampered, Luxury Limousine is your only option and that’s why they won "Best Limousine" by a landslide. Their services include weddings, anniversaries, proms, birthdays, graduations, concerts, sporting events, airport transportation, bachelor or bachelorette parties, funerals and nights out on the town. Luxury Limousine is dedicated to allowing the customer to make an entrance. Looking for a stretch Escalade? Or a stretch BMW X5? Or maybe you’re interested in a stretch H2 Hummer? They’ve got them and they’re guaranteed ready when you request them.
Best Bank: TCF
It’s happened to all of us. You go out late Saturday night, get a little drunk and blow all your cash. Or you have one of those weird jobs that pays you on a Saturday and you don’t want to go to the party store to cash your check because they charge you. This is when TCF bank slides in for the rescue. TCF is open a glorious seven days a week and has branches everywhere. Finally going to the bank isn’t a huge pain in the ass and you can get some cash to have some Bloody Marys on Sunday morning. Wait ... that's not a normal Sunday morning thing to do. Or is it? Either way, TCF wins Real Detroit's title for "Best Bank."
Best Tattoo Parlor: Motor City Ink
You know when you run into somebody who just got a tattoo and they really want to show it off? You know that rumble of laughter you have to keep in your gut when they show you a really horrible tattoo that they are really proud of? A good way to avoid such a situation is sending all of your body altering friends to Motor City Ink in Warren, where qualified and quality artists whip up one-of-a-kind designs and permanently paint a piece of art on your body that will have your friends saying, “That’s totally rad” without an ounce of sarcasm.
Best Bowling Alley: Garden Bowl
Was there ever any doubt that Garden Bowl would take this category? I mean really? Can you think of something else cooler? We didn’t think so. Garden Bowl is top dog. It always has been and it always will be. Every night is a party from the DJs playing punk tunes to local bands rocking out right on the lanes. Leagues are available to join and if you get all tuckered out from bowling your ass off you can grab a slice at Sgt. Pepperoni’s to refuel.
Best Arcade/Game Room: Dave & Buster’s
So we’re all a little old for Chuck E. Cheese and is Major Magic’s even still around? We still love skee ball but we don’t want to look like creepy pedophiles playing skee ball with a bunch of kids. What do we do? We go to Dave & Buster’s of course! They’ve got our beloved skee ball, Dance Dance Revolution and so much more. Besides all of the amazing games Dave & Buster’s also has a delicious menu and they serve alcohol. Yes, it’s kind of like heaven.
Best Landmark/Monument: Joe Louis Memorial “Fist Of A Champion”
Sculptor Robert Graham’s magnificent tribute to boxer Joe Louis — a bronze fist that is almost godlike in its “captured” force and power — has graced the Woodward/Jefferson intersection for over two decades. A 24 foot long arm held in balanced suspension by bronze poles, it weighs 8,000 pounds and required a small army of workers during its 1986 installation. It is a work of art, a fitting salute to a great champion, a stunning surprise to those who see it for the first time, a source for humorous speculation (“When do we get one for Casanova?”), and something that doesn’t need to be “explained” after it’s described. In other words, it’s Detroit.
Best Thing About Living In Detroit: Local Music Scene
Perhaps the most impressive thing about Detroit is the fact that we have been so diverse musically over the years and, at the same time, managed to fit into the grand scheme of things over and over again. Whether it be the blues of John Lee Hooker, the R&B of Fortune and Motown, the proto-punk of the Stooges and MC5, the techno of the Belleville Three, the garage rock revival or the current electro pop meanderings of Deastro and others, the music of our city by default provides the perfect soundtrack to our lives.
Best Local Hotel: The Atheneum
Visitors looking for accommodations fit for the gods of Olympus need look no further than The Atheneum, located in the heart of Greektown. This recently renovated, all-suite hotel boasts spacious, luxurious rooms with stunning skyline views and available amenities like comfy king-size beds, jetted whirlpool baths and wet bars. Room service from none other than Fishbone’s Rhythm Café downstairs is available, but the location is within walking distance of the People Mover, Greektown Casino and all of the Greektown area’s many dining and entertainment options, inviting guests to step out and explore one of downtown’s most vibrant, bustling districts. Several room packages including Greektown Casino credits, dining offers and Detroit Symphony Orchestra tickets are available.
Best Overrated Thing About Detroit: The Detroit Lions ‘09 Season
Hope springs eternal they say, and this couldn’t be truer in the NFL. Even though last year’s season of 0 and 16 still permeates our cerebral cortex, there is the longing of hitching our wagons to a contender. But remember kiddies, this is Lions country, and given our position in the draft and the caliber of players Detroit acquired, mediocrity always seems to find its way to our beloved Honolulu Blue and silver. At least we still have tailgating at Eastern Market ... see you there.
Best Underrated Thing About Detroit: Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO)
Leonard Slatkin is pretty much all I need to say here. Coming to the DSO in '08 for a five year run as Music Director, Leonard is world renowned. We truly believe that the vast majority of the public does not realize what an honor it is to have this man in our backyard; our gritty little city should be beating a path to the front steps of the DSO ticket box office to watch this miracle unfold. I’m talking about a man who composed an interpretation of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven for god's sake. Do yourself a favor, call the DSO (313.576.5111), score a couple tickets and take your favorite gal or guy out for one hell of a memorable night. Expand your mind square!
Best Detroiter You Love To Hate: Detroit City Council
“You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy, we must be cautious” stated Obi Wan. Most Star Wars geeks will have you believe he was referring to Mos Eisley space port, but I believe he spoke of The Detroit City Council. Detroit is in such dire straits, we have once again claimed title to the most dangerous city in the union. If this is the best leadership the voters can find, we are surely doomed.
Best Local Celebrity: Kid Rock
Giving this award to anybody but Kid Rock would be blasphemy. He’s everywhere and is always supporting Detroit (we need it). It’s not uncommon to see him in the audience at a Wings game, a Pistons game or a Tigers game. Last summer his smash hit, “All Summer Long” proved to be the anthem of the summer and every single radio station was playing it. Let’s face it. “All Summer Long” is still humming over the airwaves and will definitely have some rollover success with this coming summer. It’s good to see one of our Michigan boys continue to make it.
Best Annual Event: Detroit-Windsor International Fireworks
The Detroit Fireworks are a blast each year. It’s one of the most spectacular and the largest fireworks displays in the nation with more than 100,000 pyrotechnic effects lighting up the international skyline over the Detroit River. Everybody knows in Detroit we go big or go home! We know everyone is broke and some of us are jobless but the fireworks are totally free to watch! And although things are a little down in the dumps we still need to rage it, and the fireworks are a perfect place to do it!
Best And Most Desirable Neighborhood: Birmingham
The quaint little town of Birmingham has remained the token upscale hood to inhabit for years in Metro-Detroit. Maybe it’s because of that old fashioned downtown area, that epitomizes the sentimental Midwestern main street down Old Woodward or the fact that it’s full of one-of-a-kind boutiques, salons and restaurants. It’s a lovely place to spend the day wandering in and out of shops or catching a matinee at the old Palladium movie theater. The streets are safe, the schools are quality, what more could you ask for?
Best Park: Belle Isle
There is something about mounting your faithful mountain bike and hitting the Detroit city streets on an early morning. After shooting down the back alleyways and over the abandoned graveled lots that once housed a family, you head for Belle Isle, racing over the MacArthur Bridge the Island starts to come into view. This is where the vision begins; Belle Isle is a constant beacon, a true inspiration to the possibilities of what this city can achieve when the stars are aligned. Imagine you're in the Grand Prix and take a spin around the track or go check out the beautiful fountain that resides in the middle of the island. The picnic areas also provide for great spots to BBQ and there is more than enough places to swim. This perfect park equals a perfect place to hang out.
Best Place To Swim: Gull Island
Whether you’re looking for a getaway to relax or checking out the annual Mardi Gras-style Jobbie Nooner blowout, the beautiful serene beaches and sand dunes of Gull Island go unmatched by any other local waterfront. It’s the largest of the four Michigan Islands and when it comes to the best place to dive in for a swim or enjoy nature on a hot summer day, Gull Island's your best bet.
Best Place To See The Sunrise: Lake St. Clair, VFW Park
In many cities, sunrise, if watched at all, is probably watched over boring fields, smelly farm land, lame suburban housing or ugly industrial parks — so how awesome is it that we get to watch it over a lake? Boo-ya, in your face you other cities without such aesthetically pleasing scenery by which to watch the sun sing good morning to all of us here. Lake St. Clair might not be great for swimming but as it turns out, there is no better place to start the day. Note to guys: Get with the program; keeping a lady out late (without trying to get in her pants) to watch the sunrise earns you major points (and increases coitus potential on the next date).
Best Place To See The Sunset: Coach Insignia
Talk about the perfect setting for a proposal (or run-of-the-mill romance) — a fancy dinner, wine or champagne and smooth tunes all complete with a backdrop of an international skyline at sunset. We're swooning just thinking about it. Coach Insignia has a view worth the pricey menu at any time of the day, but at sunset it becomes truly breathtaking — a mesmerizing experience with the same awe and appeal every time. As an aside: the food and wine are damn good too.
Best Local Charity To Volunteer At: Blight Busters
If everyone in this region was as focused as the group at Blight Busters we would have a lot less despair in the city. For over 18 years this non-profit has been enticing volunteers at a massive level and cleaning up the neighborhoods. Founder, John J. George, seeing a need that city government seems to either, not care about or simply lacking the necessary resources to deal with, has taken matters into his own hands and the hands of several volunteers. So log onto www.blightbusters.org , volunteer and do something for your fellow man.
Best Place To Go Jogging: Metro Beach
Metro Beach was voted the best place to go for a jog, and it’s easy to see why. The scenery of the trails along Lake St. Clair is decorated with all sorts of cute creatures, a prime spot for bird watching and the long jogging trail is mostly shadded. Another reason Metro Beach is the best? After you’ve worked your butt into shape, you can always take a cool refreshing dip in the pool, play a game of volleyball or just lounge around and work on your tan.
Best Place To Go Rollerblading: Stoney Creek
The scenic, six-mile long and winding paths are the best place to venture when seeking a good location to test your rollerblading skills. Gliding along against a backdrop of forests, fields and lakes, you won’t be lacking a variety of sights. There’s also plenty of places to take a break and picnic or barbeque. Even better, they allow pets, so you can be dragged the last few miles by a canine companion if you get too tired.
Best Place To Rent A Bike: The Wheelhouse
Located at Rivard Plaza on the RiverWalk, the Wheelhouse has everything you need to explore Detroit on two wheels. The Wheelhouse rents huge varieties of bikes, including cruisers, touring bikes, kids bikes and even tandems. Add-ons like child seats and trailers are also available for families to rent. But beyond just being a great rental shop, the Wheelhouse also sells and repairs bikes, and offers a comprehensive selection of biking accessories for sale. And if you want to go biking downtown, but don’t know where to go, the Wheelhouse runs guided tours, varying in length and intensity, through neighborhoods like Corktown, Grandmont Rosedale and Eastern Market.
Best Tennis Courts: Palmer Park
With 16 — count ‘em — 16 well-maintained tennis courts lining Woodward Ave. on the eastern edge of the sprawling Palmer Park, there’s plenty of room for organized groups or casual players to get their game on. Like an oasis alongside Metro Detroit’s main drag, Palmer Park features vast stretches of green space, including an 18-hole public golf course, basketball courts, athletic fields and more. On the western side of Palmer Park lies the private Detroit Golf Club, which features 36 holes of golf and — you guessed it — a variety of tennis programs led by professional instructors.
Best Basketball Courts: Joe Dumars’ Fieldhouse
The best place to pretend you’re a Piston would be in the home of a former one, well by home we mean Fieldhouse of course. Choose either of the two locations, Shelby Township offers 4 5x5 basketball courts and 3 4x4 courts or the Detroit location, which boasts 4 hardwood basketball courts with glass backboards, breakaway rims and Daktronic remote scoreboards housed in the old Agricultural Building — either facility will have you feeling like a pro on the courts.
Best Softball Field: Liberty Park
For almost 25 years Liberty Park has been the best place to partake in a good old fashioned game of America’s favorite pastime, baseball. With its eleven lighted fields you can come out and play day or night, and if you need to satisfy your competitive streak, you can join a league or organize your own or compete in tournaments. You could also just grab a beer and a hotdog at the Dugout Bar and enjoy the action from afar.
Best Volleyball Court: Southfield Civic Center
Forget the beach, the best place for an intense game of volleyball would have to be located at the Southfield Civic Center. They’ve got five adjacent, lighted outdoor courts and you can join a league or just pay to play for a few hours with friends. The courts are always bustling with people and the atmosphere is friendly, but here, they do take their game seriously so if you play with a passion this is the place for you.
Best Sunday Drive: Hine’s Drive
The seventeen-mile long road that follows the path of the Rouge River from Dearborn to Northville is the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Much of the roadway was constructed from land donated by Henry Ford, and along its entire drive are baseball and soccer fields, a hiking and biking path, fishing docks and picnic areas. If you’re a bit of a history buff, you’ll especially enjoy the variety of historic Mills that dot the path and the opportunity to get a glimpse of the cities' past.
Best Prosecuting Attorney: Kym L. Worthy
Sometimes when you have truth, justice and the American way on your side, it’s just not enough, fortunately for Detroiters and the suburbs we also have Kym L. Worthy. A graduate of The University of Michigan and receiving her law degree from Notre Dame, Worthy’s most worthwhile accomplishment just may be the final elimination of a parasite, which was Kwame K. Kilpatrick. If nothing else, Worthy has proved there still resides in this country, a tad bit of ethics.
Best City Council Member: Kwame Kenyatta
Fortunately the only thing Kenyatta shares in common with Kilpatrick is his first name. Having served the Detroit citizens for over four years, you rarely hear his name mentioned by the likes of Steve Wilson. The reason being, he’s not in it to further his own personal agenda; he is a solid port in the political hurricane which is Detroit politics. The difference between Kenyatta and the other parade of tabloid clowns that infect this city is he actually cares.
Best City Council Member Whacked Out Of Their Mind: Monica Conyers
Oh, Monica, where do we start? From, the infamous Shrek line to the way she carries herself on political junkets, Conyers is the template for what not to be in politics. If not for her husband, Representative John Conyers, Detroiters’ would have never voted her to council. She embodies all of which is wrong with Detroit politics, and society at large. When Larry David makes his sitcom about Detroit, Curb Your Corruption, Monica can play the wacky neighbor.
Best Attorney: Geoffrey Fieger
Based in Southfield, Geoffrey Fieger has done just about every single thing that an attorney can do and 100 times more. From his legal commentary on cable news networks to his unsuccessful bid for Michigan governor in '98, Fieger has taken his involvement and love of the law to another level. More importantly he takes great strides to care for the people that truly need to be defended. Although he became famous for defending Dr. Jack Kevorkian in the assisted suicide trials of the early '90s, Fieger should be recognized for all of the other work he has done as well. Whether representing victims of the Columbine High School massacre, reality show drama or a case against the City of Detroit for the improper handling of a 911 call, Fieger is a champion of the people. When all is said and done, Fieger, will be remembered on the same hallowed grounds that F. Lee Bailey, Gerry Spence and Thurgood Marshall stomped on. He’s like the A-Team, if you have a problem, if no one can help, and if you can find him, maybe you can hire The Fieger Team.
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