[HOT LIST] Raw | Vegan | Organic

These should really all rightfully be their own separate categories, but this ain't California and we ain't dreamin'. For a person adopting the raw and/or vegan and/or organic lifestyle, the options in metro Detroit are just a wee limited. BUT! They do exist, and that's why we're here, so here they are.

Photo courtesy of Detroit Zen Center, Hamtramck

1) Living Zen Organics Hamtramck
The Detroit Zen Center, in what is probably the most ethnically diverse (and more significantly, integrated) square mile of Michigan lovingly referred to by locals as "Hamladesh," is a residential community of Buddhist monks and students who practice the Zen Buddhist lifestyle of daily meditation, manual work and arts. Living Zen Organics is their on-site raw vegan cafe and store that is used to support the Center. They carry local and organic products and also sell their own goods at Eastern Market on Saturdays (and Tuesdays through summer). They're only open on weekends; check out their Facebook page for the weekly menu. The kale chips and their Sunday brunch are the must-haves.

2) Harry's Health Bar Livonia
This raw/vegan-friendly spot inside Zerbo's Health Foods store is a real find. Raw tacos, anyone? Wash them down with some "Green Energy:" strawberries, pineapple, apple, kale, spinach, dandelion, ginger, raw power, coconut water and agave nectar (the fruit overpowers the greens; it's much better than it sounds). All raw juices and smoothies are made with certified organic fruits and vegetables, and all other ingredients are carefully "screened and researched to assure you of optimal benefit." We appreciate the looking out!

3) The Treehouse for Earth's Children Farmington
The Treehouse is a health market that sells vitamins, organic bulk herbs, organic produce, natural remedies, biodynamic gardening preparations, alternative therapy books and other resources. They run Sunday health seminars, workshops led by health consultants, and have an on-site massage therapist. They also have a vegetarian deli and a raw food buffet Sundays from 1-6 p.m. Raw carrot cake, please!

4) Sprout House and MacRobiotics Grosse Pointe Park
An organic grocery store and vegan/vegetarian cafe that serves over 50 different antibiotic-free foods, including homemade soups and sandwiches. Order something fresh from the counter or grab something pre-made out of the cooler for lunch on the go. Try their Mediterranean Tofu Sandwich, packed with spices and leafy greens on hearty whole grain bread. For those on board with "the whole raw thing" but not on board with giving up certain animal byproducts, check out their raw cheese counter.

5) The RAW Cafe Midtown, Detroit
Welp. If the raw movement is going to gain momentum anywhere in metro Detroit, it's going to be in Midtown. The RAW Cafe serves soups, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and all RAW (all caps, like the name, for emphasis). Owner LaKeta McCauley is passionate in her feelings that a raw, organic, vegan diet will nourish the body and even treat cancer; she should know, she went through it herself. She acquired certifications as an herbalist, blood cell analyst and natural health practitioner, wrote a book, and opened the Cafe where she serves unprocessed, untreated, enzyme-rich and nutrient-dense food. Everything is uncooked, organic and vegan; if you're a raw food n00b, start with their popular wraps.

Bubbling under  DROUGHT raw, organic, cold-pressed juice (Eastern Market vendor, Detroit) Inn Season Cafe (Royal Oak), Avalon International Breads (Midtown, Detroit), Om Cafe (Ferndale), Misho Juice (Dearborn), Mind Body and Spirits (Rochester), Cacao Tree Cafe (Royal Oak), Red Pepper Deli (Northville), Golden Gate Cafe (Highland Park, Detroit)

Upcoming Dining Events

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Thursday, March 19th: DYP Mixer at Fishbone’s

Join Detroit Young Professionals (DYP) after work at Fishbone's Rhythm Kitchen Café in Southfield.Enjoy networking and intelligent conversation with young professionals in the festive atmosphere of the New Orleans French Quarter delivered with a Midwestern twist. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres.

Where: Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café, Detroit
When: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Tix: Free admission, no need to RSVP
http://www.detroityoungprofessionals.org/

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Thursday, March 19th: Cowley’s Anniversary Wine Tasting

Celebrate Cowley’s 6th Anniversary on Thursday, March 19th with six courses prepared by Chef Zachariah Peterlin with wine pairings and lecture by Sommelier Michael Larranaga
Reservations Required
248-474-5941

Where: John Cowley’s & Sons Irish Pub, Farmington
When: 7:00PM-10:00PM
Tix: $30.00 (excluding gratuity)
http://www.johncowleys.com/

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Tuesday, March 24th: Black Star Farms Wine Dinner

Enjoy The Very Best Of Michigan

We're pleased to welcome Lee Lutes, Winemaker from Black Star Farms Winery, for a memorable evening of fine food and wine.
Our Chefs have designed a special menu that highlights the unique characteristics of each wine, and showcases food products indigenous to Michigan. Each course will be paired and served with a wine that perfectly complements it from Black Star Farms Winery of Michigan. Lee will be describing the pairings as well as provide information and background on each selection.

Please call for reservations. Seating is limited, so please reserve early for this event.

Where: Maggianos Little Italy, Troy
When: 6:00PM-9:30PM
Tix: $55.00
248-205-1060

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Tuesday, March 24th: Bell’s Brewery Beer Tasting

Join us as we present Rex Halfpenny & Larry Bell for a tasteful discussion on Bell’s Brewery Beers. Rex will discuss the history and style characteristics while you sample a number of beers. $20 will get you light appetizers, your first pint from our taps, the style samples, and Rex’s Informative Oration.

Reservations Recommended
(248) 474-5941

Where: John Cowley & Sons Irish Pub, Farmington
When: 7:00PM-10:00PM
Tix: $20.00
http://www.johncowleys.com/

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Tuesday, March 24th: South America Wine Tasting

Featured wines of South America. Taste five wines and enjoy light appetizers and a fun-filled evening with Sommelier Robert Bassett. Tax and gratuity included.

Where: Enoteca Campo Marzo, Detroit
When: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Tix: $30.00
http://www.enotecadetroit.com/

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Wednesday, March 25th: Detroit Synergy Supper Club at the Rattlesnake
(click on link above for info)

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Wednesday, March 25th: Detroit Wine Organization Wine Down Wednesday

A Tribute to the Award Winning Movies and Wines of Francis Ford Coppola

With two wineries in California, one in Sonoma and one in Napa, Francis Ford Coppola has shown he can make incredible wine as well as highly esteemed movies. We will be showcasing a collection of wines from both The Rubicon Estate Winery and The Rosso & Bianco Winery.

Francis Ford Coppola is best known as the FIVE-time Oscar winning Director, Writer, Producer of such films as "The Godfather" trilogy, "Apocalypse Now", "American Graffiti", "The Great Gatsby". In honor of the 36th anniversary of "The Godfather" winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, come join us at Opus One Downtown for a fun and different Wine Down Wednesday. There will be DVD givaways, Trivia contests and more!!

View the wine list at our web site.

Where: Opus One, Detroit
When: 6:00PM-8:00PM
Tix: $40.00 members, $45.00 non-members
http://detroitwine.org/

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Thursday, March 26th: Leaders Workshop with the DYP at Fleming’s Steakhouse

Don't miss this dynamic professional development workshop, where you'll gain valuable tools and insight on how to enhance your leadership skills. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Complimentary appetizers.

Join us to hear from:
Faris Alami, Founder and CEO of Integration Systems Management, a popular speaker at Chambers of Commerce, Schools and Conferences, Faris Alami has been a featured speaker in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, Washington D.C and New Mexico. Named 2008 Diversity Business Leader by CORP! Magazine and 2008 Automation Alley Member of the Year Finalist.

The Workshop:
Provide participants with insights and tools on how to strengthen their skills to be part of the next generation of leaders. Steps that you should take to be part of the next generation leaders of the organization,

1. Learn insights with interactive exercises "what does it mean to part of the next generation of leaders"
2. Specific steps to become part of the next generation of leader
3. Implementation plan starting with what you can today to become part of the next generation of leaders.

Thursday, MARCH 26, 2009:
6:00PM-6:30PM - REGISTRATION
6:30PM-8:00PM - WORKSHOP
8:00PM-9:00PM - MIXER

Where: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Birmingham
When: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Tix: $8.00 advance, $10.00 at the door
http://www.detroityoungprofessionals.org/

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Saturday, March 28th: Micro-Brew and Wine Tasting at Black Lotus

Four (4) tastes of four (4) different Micro-Brewed Beer, two (2) tastes of wine and munchies for $15 per person. Ladies, if your husbands (or significant others) like Beer, this is the event that will allow you to be in the same place at the same time. Also, you ladies can learn more about beer, as well.

Drink What You Like.

Where: Black Lotus Brewery, Clawson
When: 6:00PM-10:00PM
Tix: $15.00
http://themahoganytasters.ning.com

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Saturday, March 28th: Dips and Sips for the Movement Against MS at Bella Vino Winery

You are cordially invited to attend our first annual “Dips ‘N Sips For The Movement” at Bella Vino Winery, 350 Eureka, Wyandotte, MI 48192 (www.wine-dotte.com)

A prepaid donation of $20 per person will gain you entrance to the tasting and all the fun.
We will be “sipping” an array of several white and red wines that are made right at Bella Vino’s. There will also be a selection of refreshments for “dipping” provided by MS volunteers.

Please plan to attend and share this experience with other wine lovers and support a wonderful cause. This will be an excellent opportunity to network, taste some excellent wines and have fun with chances to win some great prizes. Spring is almost upon us and what better way to help celebrate then by raising our glasses and sampling some first class vino!

Please reserve your tickets now by either visiting www.wine-dotte.com or emailing Cindy Dildine at cindy.dildine@basf.com

Where: Bella Vino Winery, Wyandotte
When: 7:00PM-9:00PM
Tix: $20.00 advance
www.wine-dotte.com