Motor City Miscellany
Real Best Of Detroit 2010, Best Annual Event: Movement
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Real Best Of Detroit 2010
Best Annual Event: Movement
First it was the Detroit Electronic Music Festival. (Any purist worth her weight in kandi beads will still refer to it as DEMF.) Next, it became Fuse-In. Now, the festival is simply known as Movement. Any way you spell it, Detroit’s biggest and most Earth-shattering music festival has continued to dominate the hearts and ears of our city’s most devoted cultural connoisseurs for one solid decade. Yes, there have been disappointments and troubling controversies (anyone else remember when the festival used to be a free endeavor?), but through the meandering management and shaky business dealings, Movement has always maintained a strong, steady, beating presence throughout the whole of the Motor City community. Indeed, its massive influence has drawn attention from electronic superstars like Moby, Diesel Boy and Richie Hawtin, not to mention the flocks of international electronic enthusiasts who arrive in droves for the festival each year, sometimes coming from as far away as Japan to dance, drink, drop X and let the majesty of Detroit’s techno and electronic music empire wash over them. It’s no act of exaggeration to say that envisioning a world without Movement is closely akin to an Orwellian dystopia. For as long as there is wax for spinning and people for dancing, our hearts will continue to beat as one every Memorial Day weekend in Hart Plaza.
While we wait with bated breath to see if the tri-county area can ever truly get its act together and form a functional regional transit authority, at least somebody’s taking a little initiative and introducing some form of safe, green, mass transit in metro-Detroit. The big, black, biodiesel bus known as the Night Move shuttles revelers between Royal Oak, Ferndale and downtown Detroit from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. every Friday and Saturday night (unless booked for private events). For $10 in advance (visit thenightmove.com for tickets), riders get unlimited rides all night. One-way rides are $6 at the door, which is still a better deal than taking a cab, not to mention that the Night Move is more spacious, probably cleaner and totally more fun. In addition to the usual Friday and Saturday routes and private events, the Night Move also provides service for special events like bar crawls, Lions home games, Tigers Opening Day, the Downtown Hoedown and the Movement festival. While politicians on both sides of 8 Mile continue to posture, stall and bicker, the Night Move is bringing the city and the suburbs together, one ride at a time.
Arguably, there’s nothing easy about a smith grind or backside disaster in the deep end of the bowl, but, somehow, the bros over at Modern Skate and Surf make these tricks look like a fucking piece of cake. And why shouldn’t MSS be the experts in this domain? After all, the board sports juggernaut has been servicing the Detroit area since ‘79, providing all kinds of long-haired, skinny jean wearing shredders with the opportunity to develop and hone their skills on some of the best ramps and boards in the business. Best of all are the semi-annual events and competitions held at all Modern locations — brilliant spectacles of skate culture that keep audiences effectively awed and (forgive the pun) floored. No fakie!
If you think giving chocolate as a gift is played out, you obviously haven’t been to Gayle’s Chocolates in Royal Oak yet. Gayle’s sells some of the most extravagant chocolate creations imaginable, from nearly-life-sized chocolate high heel shoes to beautifully-molded chocolate animals, cars, sports equipment, flowers and more. Whatever their hobby, interest or obsession, Gayle’s can whip up a chocolate novelty that will be just perfect for your special someone. Gayle’s also sells gift boxes, baskets and even chocolate piñatas — hollow chocolate figures filled with individually-wrapped truffles or other treats.
The best sign of Detroiters’ need for a city government overhaul is the election of Charles Pugh as the top vote-getter and, therefore, president of City Council. Not a career politician, the former WJBK-TV Fox 2 News anchor and WJLB FM 98 news director brings a fresh perspective to the council president seat, along with a sense of optimism. Pugh also made history as the first openly gay council president in Detroit history. As one of five new City Council members elected last fall, Pugh means business — a welcome change from the infighting, name-calling, tiara-wearing and bribe-taking that dominated headlines during the previous administration. We look forward to soon reading some (finally) positive headlines from our CC President ...
For someone whose only words of wisdom are “radio edit,” the Kid sure has bent over backwards and done a heck of a lot for his hometown, in ways that possibly even our elected leaders in Lansing couldn’t even hope to top. (Who are we kidding? We need to see a Rock/Nugent governor ticket this year, stat.) As if renewing Detroit’s significant place on the musical and pop cultural map for a new generation of dirty rockers wasn’t enough, Rock has also recently offered up about twenty grand to the flailing Arts, Beats, and Eats festival through means of sponsorship by his Made in Detroit label; a huge blessing for a Motown staple nearly ravaged by the bankruptcy of Chrysler. Here’s lookin’ at you, Kid.
M.L. Elrick and Jim Schaefer, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Detroit Free Press reporters who blew open the Kwame Kilpatrick text message scandal, have compiled some of the ousted former mayor’s finest (tongue planted firmly in cheek) quotations in this pocket-sized compilation. The book chronicles Kwame’s penchant for telling brazen lies, evoking race and religion when personally advantageous and, oh yeah, telling more lies. From the unintentional irony of numerous quotes from before the scandal broke to the raw, revealing text messages between Kilpatrick and Christine Beatty — not to mention several other women — The Kwame Sutra is unsettling, infuriating, frighteningly titillating and hilarious all at once.
The inclusion of “soda” is a slap in the face to us proud “pop” drinking Midwesterners, but hell, we’re more than willing to overlook a matter of semantics when delicious, thirst-quenching liquid majesty is the end result. With such a wide-ranging variety of flavors and types under the Jones Soda banner, it would be difficult not to quickly lapse into a wild, fantastical daydream upon encountering every flavor — kind of like being locked in Willy Wonka's factory, but with a bottle opener.
True enough, there won’t be any buckets of popcorn for which to place strategic — if sickening — bottom holes, but really, that’s what makes the DIA such a thoroughly original and classy date option. If it’s your first time out and about with the object of your affections, why not whisk him/her away to an evening filled with the aesthetic wondrousness of the DIA’s many collections? Your date is virtually guaranteed to peg you as a high-class, esoteric intellectual type, and the only challenge you should be expected to face is having to come up with an even more impressive second date location.
Rapidly shedding its reputation as “just a commuter school,” Wayne State is blossoming into the catalyst of an exciting period of growth and renewal in Midtown Detroit. Developments over the past decade like community partnerships, new dorms and the TechTown business incubator are breathing new life into the area, and linking the university to nearby cultural, business and medical institutions. Not only that, but Wayne State is also quietly renowned as a research university, with especially highly-ranked programs in medicine and law.
Best Cider Mill: Blake Farms
Chilled apple cider, spiced to perfection; the foliage fiery hues of red and orange, splashed through the concourse of the surrounding landscape like a Jackson Pollock painting come vividly to life. Nothing says “fall in Michigan” quite like an old-fashioned cider mill, and Blake’s is the best in the business. A family owned and operated staple of the Mitten’s seasonal diet since 1946, Blake’s is a must see, pure Michigan destination for apple bobbers of all ages, races and creeds. Group tours of the rustic facility are a prerequisite for cider enthusiasts; don’t forget to pick the orchards to your heart’s content, either.
Best Detroit-made T-shirt: Made In Detroit
You don’t even need to hail from Michigan to appreciate the instantly recognizable and highly iconic Made In Detroit logo. Nearly everybody these days is sporting it, and really, has there ever been a more vibrant, life-affirming way to pay homage to the city’s accomplishments and worldwide contributions? At RDW, we think not, and given the massive amount of those out there rocking the Made In Detroit T-shirt like a badass tattoo on a sailor’s bicep, we suspect you find the image most fitting, too. (Chest fitting, but also iconographically fitting, too.)
Best Michigan-made Product: Better Made
Let’s just sit down for a moment and try to envision any Super Bowl party, sports-watching event or general group house gathering without the aid of Better Made potato chips. You can’t do it, can you? It would be easier to imagine a house without a roof. (Although, to be fair, you can probably drive down McNichols to see one of those.) Indeed, Better Made has been satisfying our greasy, salty snack cravings since before even our grandmas were born, and continues, now in its eighth decade, to make the best go-to party food there is around.
Best Place For a Wedding: Roostertail
Elegance and fine dining come to life in the form of Roostertail, perhaps Detroit’s most regal contribution to the wonderful world of wedding locales. Situated along Marquette Drive, Roostertail is like a living, breathing version of the Titanic; but, you know, stationary, and without any of that messiness at the end of the evening. It’s the perfect place to be swept away in a fairy-tale romance, and the most enchanting way to say “I do” to your Prince or Princess Charming.
Best Place For a Wedding Reception: Penna’s
The Penna family is perhaps the most perfect clan to bless you in starting yours. As the proprietors to good taste and fine breeding, the Pennas have made their namesake’s banquet hall in Sterling Heights the must-have destination for your wedding reception. Watch with swelling pride as your guests file into the magnificent chambers of the banquet hall, and rest assured that this reception is the start to a beautiful marriage — a promise sealed with a kiss by the Pennas.
Best Car Wash: Jax Kar Wash
Jax Kar Wash is so dope, it makes the car wash in The Wash, which counts Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Eminem among its employee roster, look like an abandoned, rusted-over playground down in the ‘hood. And in a city where cars are king, ruling the vehicle roost like the alpha male in a lion pride, a top-tier car wash is absolutely paramount. In operation since 1950, Jax has been servicing the elaborate hoods and fins of classic cars from circa then to circa now, especially when the Dream Cruise is in full swing. We, for one, are impressed.
Best Limousine: Luxury Limousines
Are you the kind of downtown cad who prefers to arrive in style? For the millions upon millions of anti-Pinto elite among us, there’s no finer way to pull up to the side of a curb than from aboard a member of the Luxury Limousine fleet. Since we are sadly without much public transit here in The D, why not splurge on fine driving instead and rent a luxurious vehicle to escort you about the town? Not only will you not have the misfortune of fighting tooth and nail for a much-coveted parking space, but you’ll be the envy of every line-waiter on the block. Take that, pedestrianism!
Best Bank: TCF
Let’s be honest: your money is probably as important to you as your children. Maybe even more so, depending on how high your evil quotient at the moment happens to be. That’s why TCF is your pick for the best bank in Detroit. It’s a safe, reliable locale in which to place your hard-earned bucks for safekeeping, and also features some pretty outstanding loan deals and credit card opportunities. Don’t shove your lettuce in a sack with a dollar sign on it — let the professionals at TCF keep your bills crisp for ya.
Best Tattoo Parlor: Motor City Ink
If you’re looking for just the right location in which to commit to your first tattoo, Motor City Ink is the place to be. That’s because variety and versatility is the name of this parlor’s game, and you don’t need to rock just one specific style to walk away with a badass piece of colored flesh. Whether it’s hearts, rainbows, anchors or even a complicated portrait of our ex-girlfriend’s face, Motor City Ink is ready to needle it down for ya.
Best Bowling Alley: Lucky Strike
Bowling is one of the most original sports and fun-time activities out there, in that enjoyment can be rendered both with and without the assistance of imbibed alcoholic content. Paired with an original sport is an original sporting complex, and Lucky Strike in Novi is just the bowling alley to provide endless hours of entertainment, shit-faced or slightly less shit-faced. So round up your friends, bring your own ball (but not your own booze) or borrow one of Lucky’s, and spend a fun-filled evening splitting sevens and 10s.
Best Feather Bowling: Cadieux Cafe
Who knew a beloved Belgian pastime could still prove so relevant — not to mention invigorating — in Detroit rock city, circa now? But featherbowling over at Cadieux Cafe is the exact Belgian pastime in question, and it has proven its sustainability by delighting thousands all over the city. Whether it's individual or group action you’re looking for (re: league night), Cadieux is the ideal locale to make your featherbowling fantasies slip quickly into an inspired strike of reality. These are the lanes we truly love.
Best Arcade/Game Room: GameWorks
We hope you’ve got those thumbs and fingers nice and limbered up. Because over at GameWorks, you’re gonna need all the finger dexterity you can muster into a single session of UFO Catcher. Proving definitively that gaming isn’t just for those steeped in isolation, GameWorks is the best place we know of to take your unequivocal love of the virtual out of the basement and on to a social setting. Mingle with fellow gaming geeks and together, you shall render the universe safe from flying saucers. Thanks, GameWorks.
Best Thing About Living in Detroit: The People
Allow us to get all mushy on you for just a moment. The best thing about living in Detroit, aside from the reliable presence of Coney Islands on every corner and the fear-inducing notoriety that comes with introducing yourself as a Detroit native, we just love the people. In the face of aesthetic blemishes and failing financial stability, you make it all worthwhile. Let us raise a cold frosty glass of Stroh’s in cheers to you, Detroiters. No doubt about it: you truly are a cheer-worthy bunch.
Best Local Hotel: Atheneum Suites Hotel
Finding somewhere away from home to rest one’s weary head need not be an exercise in giant roaches and excessively humping neighbors through paper-thin walls. Enter the Atheneum, the finest of the fine when it comes to Detroit’s rooms of luxury for hire. Proudly trumpeted as “Detroit’s premier hotel” on the venue’s website, Atheneum just recently underwent a million dollar renovation, remodeling itself for the decades yet to come and continuing a commitment to bringing Michiganders the absolute best in hotel services and accommodations. Keep up the great work, Athey! (Is it cool if we call you that?)
Best High-End Hotel: MGM Grand
Not so very long ago, we would never have been able to imagine a Vegas-style hotel and casino combo landing right here in the Motor City, but by George, how fortunate we’ve been to accept the MGM Grand into our municipal fold. With accommodations that come in labels of “Luxury Rooms,” “Corner Suites” and “Executive King,” the housings at MGM aren’t so much rooms as they are miniature palaces. It’s the perfect way to get away without really having to get away — not too far, anyway.
Best Local Charity to Volunteer at: The Parade Company
The Parade Company offers opportunities for the best kind of volunteering — the kind that doesn’t feel like volunteering at all. The non-profit organization behind signature Detroit events like America’s Thanksgiving Parade and the Target Fireworks gives volunteers the opportunity to take an active part in bringing these magical, time-honored celebrations to life. With a little training, Parade Company volunteers can participate in float construction and costume sewing behind the scenes, or take to the streets as balloon handlers, costume marchers, float drivers and other exciting roles.
Best Local Non-Profit: Alternatives for Girls
This Southwest Detroit organization provides services for homeless and high-risk girls and young women, supporting them against violence and exploitation. AFG uses a three-tiered service model, reaching clients at different stages of life, each with unique needs. AFG Prevention reaches girls from ages five to 18, offering mentorship focused on self-esteem, rejecting drugs and abstinence through after-school or summer programs. AFG Shelter concentrates on assisting 16 to 21-year-olds with life skills, goal-setting and career planning. Finally, AFG Outreach provides on-the-spot interventions on the street to women engaging in high-risk activities, such as drug abuse and prostitution, giving them the tools to turn their lives around. AFG also provides walk-in counseling and shelter services, as well as a crisis hotline.
Best Place to Rent a Bike: Wheelhouse Detroit
Located at Rivard Plaza on the Detroit RiverWalk, Wheelhouse Detroit is smack dab in the middle of an urban cyclist’s dream: the beautiful, new Milliken State Park is just a few pedals away, there’s smooth riding on the RiverWalk from Joe Louis Arena to the west all the way to Belle Isle to the east, and it's a straight shot to Eastern Market via the Dequindre Cut Greenway to the north. And while its location couldn’t be better, that isn’t Wheelhouse’s only advantage — the riverfront cycle shop also boasts an impressive selection of bikes, from cruisers to tourers and even tandems, as well as accessories like kids seats and trailers. Wheelhouse also leads guided tours, varying in theme and intensity.
Best Attorney: Fieger Law (Geoffrey Fieger)
Every Detroiter has seen the commercials suggesting that they “Call Sam” if they get bitten by a dog or have a slip and fall accident. But what happens when you have a serious case and need to pull out the big guns? That’s when you call Fieger Law, the Southfield-based firm headed by Geoffrey Fieger and known for such high-profile cases as Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the Jenny Jones Show murder and Nathaniel Abraham. Characterized by confidence, tenacity and a stellar record for winning cases, Fieger and his team make up not only one of the most elite law firms in Michigan, but also nationwide.
Best Law to Pass in 2010: Coming Soon — No Smoking
Starting in May, Michigan will join 37 other states in banning smoking from public places, including bars, restaurants and workplaces — with a few exceptions, like casino gaming floors and cigar bars. That means that non-smokers can finally patronize the establishment of their choice without having to fret over the quality of the air inside, the odor of their clothing afterwards or the amount of tar accumulated in their lungs over the years. For smokers, it means a wonderful opportunity to spend more time in the great outdoors. So it’s a win-win, right? Not exactly. Rumor has it that the smoking ban will extend out 25 feet from any entrance to a restaurant, bar, or lounge. That means patios, sidewalks and decks will all be nicotine-free once the weather gets warm. RDW readers like the idea of an inside smoking ban, but we think policing the great outdoors crosses the line from common sense to completely out of control. We'll be the ones crouched behind a parked car, trying to bum a smoke off you this summer.
Best Local Weekend Getaway: Mackinac Island
Just a five hour drive and short ferry ride away, Mackinac Island is one of Michigan’s crown jewels and a place that every Detroiter should visit at least once in their lifetime. Far from the car culture of the Motor City, automobiles are banned on Mackinac, so getting around the quaint island is done by foot, by bicycle or by horse-drawn carriage. Entertainment options include shopping, golfing, boating, hiking and biking at Mackinac Island State Park, touring historical sites like Fort Mackinac and, of course, tasting some of the island’s famous fudge. Lodging is available at many charming hotels and bed and breakfasts — or, for the total Mackinac experience, the iconic Grand Hotel.
Best Cell Phone Carrier: Verizon Wireless
We’ve all seen the commercials with those coverage maps a million times now, and it looks like Detroiters prefer the red map to the blue one. Verizon has long been known for having reliable signal strength and quality. The company also offers a selection of phones for all needs and price ranges, from the cutting edge Motorola Droid smartphone to the popular LG enV series messaging phones, as well as robust multimedia service offerings like V CAST music and mobile TV.
Best Pet Supply Store (chain): Pet Supplies “Plus”
Pet Supplies “Plus” is the chain pet store that doesn’t feel like a chain pet store. Maybe that’s because the corporation is locally owned — based in Farmington Hills — or maybe it’s just because the stores are smaller and friendlier than those mega-chain shops. Yet, despite the fact that they aren’t the size of a Meijer, Pet Supplies “Plus” stores always seem to have just what you need, and you can get in and out quickly. They’re also everywhere, so whether you’re in Detroit proper, in the suburbs or even out in Ann Arbor or Flint, there’s a Pet Supplies “Plus” nearby.
Best Pet Supply (independent): Val’s Pet Supplies
With locations in Clawson and Troy, Val's brings together a caring staff and affordable merch. What more could you ask for? Val’s offers all of the typical necessities for dog and cat owners, as well as supplies for more exotic pets. Also, much of the inventory can be purchased in bulk, saving customers money and time. There’s no need to sacrifice service for value by shopping at big box stores when you can get both at Val’s.
Best Corner Store: Tummy Luv
Part of the lively, colorful Pronto! restaurant/bakery/bar complex in downtown Royal Oak, Tummy Luv is — as its name suggests — a place where patrons check their diets at the door and indulge their appetite’s every whim with its vast selection of sweet indulgences. With delectable classics like bumpy cake, deliciously rich, gourmet cupcakes and tarts piled high with luscious fruit, Tummy Luv has something to satisfy any sweet tooth. Gift baskets with freshly-made cookies and candies are also available, so you can share the Luv.
Best Haunted House: Erebus Haunted Attraction
Founded by brothers Ed and Jim Terebus, Erebus brings four stories of fear to downtown Pontiac every fall. Holding the Guiness World Record for longest walkthrough haunted attraction, the 30,000-square-foot Erebus features the kind of state-of-the-art terror technology that you would expect to find in a Disney or Universal theme park attraction, but right here in metro-Detroit. Innovative use of sound, light, air jets, elaborate props and giant puppets allow Erebus to take visitors out of their comfort zone, setting them up for big-time scares. Mutant gorillas, bottomless pits, moving walls and a giant dragon are just a sample of what awaits inside. A trip through the perilous, labyrinthine corridors of Erebus takes about 30 minutes ... assuming you make it out alive.
Best Cosmetology School: David Pressley School of Cosmetology
With locations in Royal Oak and Taylor, the David Pressley School of Cosmetology offers comprehensive training in cosmetology and esthetics. The well-trained, experienced staff gives aspiring cosmetologists the theory and hands-on training necessary for success in the field. Also, David Pressley’s job placement services, paired with its strong relationships with area salons and spas, ensure that its graduates not only get the skills they need, but also a job. Periodic seminars with prominent cosmetologists and salon owners keep students ahead of the latest trends and products.
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