[Metromode] A New Breed of Restaurateur Pt. 2

Bastone. Photo by Nicole Rupersburg. 

The days of metro Detroit's restaurant empires are over. The latest breed of successful restaurateur is anti-corporate and anti-chain. They create unique businesses in unique spaces, care about people and preservation, and even managed to open some of Metro Detroit's most successful restaurants in the midst of the economic downturn.

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This is part two of a two-part series. This half focuses on Jon Carlson and Greg Lobdell, the development duo behind such popular metro Detroit spots as Bastone and Jolly Pumpkin Brewery and Cafe; and Mindy Lopus, owner of Tallulah and Bella Piatti in Birmingham, who is opening three new concepts in Grosse Pointe Park. Read part one here.

Metromix: Spring Beer Guide 2010

"Spring is in the air; time to drink some beer!

'Well, ANYTIME is the right time to enjoy some of Michigan’s award-winning locally-brewed craft beers, but the changing of the seasons inevitably ushers in a shift in the beer drinker’s (and brewer’s) tastes. We bid a fond farewell to the malty dark ales and head-spinning strongs that kept us warm all through the winter and open our arms to cloudy, refreshing wheat beers; hop-heavy pale ales; and crisp, light lagers. The weather outside is quite nearly delightful; it’s time for some solid patio-drinking!

'Light, refreshing, clean, crisp, citrusy -- these are the characteristics of a Michigan spring beer, and these are the places where you can get them:"

Read the rest of the article here.