[Real Detroit Weekly] Brunch of Champions

"To paraphrase Joyce Kilmer, I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as brunch. Maybe it's because you can only get it once (sometimes twice) a week. Or maybe it's because it's the only time it is socially acceptable to binge-drink before 3 p.m. in polite company. Or maybe it's just because we love eating breakfast foods at non-breakfast times. Regardless, brunch is not a meal. It is an art. Here's some of our faves..."

Read the full article here.

Real Detroit Weekly: New Year's Eats

7 in West Bloomfield

To celebrate its one-year anniversary (they opened 12/1/2010), 7 in West Bloomfield is offering an all-inclusive evening of dining and dancing for only $60 per person (and that includes tax and tip). The four-course meal runs from 9 to 11 p.m. (limited seats are available). The upscale appetizer buffet will have shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, oysters Rockefeller, sushi, assorted cheeses, fruits and vegetables and a gourmet salad display.Options for the sit-down entree selections include filet mignon, pan-seared Chilean sea bass and lemon chicken piccata, all served with loaded whipped potatoes and a vegetable medley. And, of course, be sure to save room for dessert. There will also be party favors, a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, late-night snacks and a DJ spinning all night long. Cash bar; VIP booths and bottle service available. Call 248.737.9777 to reserve yours in advance.

Bookies Bar & Grille

Downtown Detroit's favorite entertainment destination bar, Bookies Bar & Grille, will be popping bottles precisely how you'd expect them to: with lots of music and booze. For their New Year's Eve party they are offering a $50 ticket, which includes an open bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (four hours to drink $50 worth of booze? EASY) as well as a late-night coney dog buffet, champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, and three floors of the hottest hip-hop, dance, house and top 40 mash-ups featuring DJ Technician and DJ Salvador Rivera. Watch the ball drop in Times Square on their HD TVs and 16-foot projection screen. Reserved seating and coat check is available, and a four-course prix fixe dinner menu is also offered for an additional $30 (not including tax or tip). Tickets can be purchased at bookiesbar.com.

Fishbone's

If Greektown's Monroe Street can substitute for the raucous French Quarter in Virgin on Bourbon Street (you'll only know that movie because it was filmed in Detroit, and not for any other reason), then Fishbone's Rhythm Kitchen Cafe is a wholly acceptable fill-in for the candy-colored hedonistic Creole vibe conjured by Mardi Gras. Fishbone's is a Detroit-styled homage to the voodoo jazz of the Bayou, complete with plastic beads and krewe masks. If you're looking for a New Year's Eve that requires a little less planning and preening — something as easy as, well, the Big Easy — head to Detroit's own Fishbone's. Enjoy their usual selection of fresh seafood and sushi as well as steaks, pastas and Creole cuisine, then kick back when the Brian Sheehan Band kicks off at 10 p.m., playing classic rock, new wave and original cuts on what is rumored to be a "sparking" guitar.

Gaucho SteakHouse

The only authentic Churrascaria in metro Detroit, this Brazilian steakhouse offers the kind of dining experience you won't get anywhere else. Your meal is presented in the Brazilian and Portuguese "rodizio" style where "gauchos" (meat carvers) bring a seemingly endless stream of fire-roasted skewered meats to the table (16 in all) and shave off unlimited portions to your pleasing — use the green and red chips to signify when you're ready for more or when you're throwing in the meat towel. Beef ribs, baby back ribs, lamb leg and chops, rump roast, bottom and top sirloin, chicken, sausage, pork tenderloin and more await you, along with their gourmet 30-item salad bar with accompaniments such as smoked salmon, salami, asparagus, and grana padano (a hard cheese similar to parmesan). The prix fixe menu is always $43.99 per person, and they will be open until midnight on New Year's Eve.

Bourbon Steak inside MGM

There are few other restaurants in metro Detroit that come even close to matching the atmosphere of sophistication and distinction of Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak inside the MGM Grand Detroit. This is not the kind of place you visit unless you have extra money you don't want anymore; that being said, the exceptional staff ensures that your experience is well worth the splurge. If you're after something a little more champagne and charcuterie and a little less bump and grind this New Year's, Bourbon Steak's indulgent tasting menu is calling to you. This special menu is $100 per person with an an additional wine pairing available for $50 per person (tax and tip not included). Start with an amuse bouche of caviar parfait, first course choice of lobster bisque or steak "Oscar," entree choice of prime rib or curried lobster thermidor and a Knob Creek malted milkshake with chocolate ice cream sandwich and salted bourbon caramel for dessert. Truly spectacular wine pairings include Moet & Chandon Cuvée Dom Pérignon 1992 and Louis Carillon Puligny-Montrachet Burgundy 2006. Dinner service is offered 5 p.m. to midnight and reservations are required.

Sangria Tapas Cafe & Sky Club

SalsaDetroit.com, Metro Detroit Salsa, NuestroDetroit.com and Cuatro Cirios Tequila are bringing you the kind of New Year's Eve celebration you can step, twirl and cha-cha your way through with Salsa Explosion. Sangria Tapas Cafe and Sky Club will be doing what they do best: creating a sexy-as-hell culture of Latin food, music and dance in downtown Royal Oak. Four DJs will be spinning salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton and top 40 tracks to keep your pulse pounding and your hips swinging until 4 a.m. Tickets are $25 at the door or $15 in advance or with dinner purchase, and include continental breakfast. Three-course dinner packages include one tapa, entree and dessert and range from $30-50 (paella for two is $70 and includes two tapas and two desserts). Prix fixe dinner packages do not include tax or tip. Make reservations for one of three dinner seatings at 248.543.1964; tickets for the party afterwards are available through salsadetroit.com and sangriaroyaloak.com.

Tom's Oyster Bar

As luck would have it, New Year's Eve falls on a Friday this year. For those of you out there unfortunate enough to have to work that day, never fear: your after-work happy hour is continuing as scheduled at Tom's Oyster Bar in Royal Oak. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. enjoy $4 martinis, $3 calls, $3 pints and $1 oysters. And since you're already here, stick around for their NYE lobster specials: an a la carte lobster tail dinner and a surf and turf with lobster tail and prime rib (specials will run 5 p.m. to midnight). They will still have the full board of fresh fish that they're known for, as well as their namesake selection of six different cold water raw oysters. They — you know, THEY — do say oysters are an aphrodisiac ... and who doesn't want someone to kiss at midnight? Just some things to keep in mind. You're welcome.

Andiamo on the Riverfront

The tricky thing about New Year's Eve is all too often trying to enjoy it safely. This year Andiamo on the Riverfront is offering guests a package that will allow them to pop bottles without worry and let the booze flow like water. Guests will start with a four-course dinner at Andiamo and afterwards enjoy the evening doing all of the pure and innocent things people do in hotels, such as play Yahtzee in a deluxe room at the Marriott Renaissance Center. Enjoy its stunning views of Detroit and Windsor, all for only $279 per couple (tax, tip and alcohol not included). Call 313.567.6700 for reservations. RDW

Originally printed here.

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

Upcoming Dining Events

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Monday, February 23rd: Winemakers Tasting with Charles Hendricks at Mon Jin Lau

Mon Jin Lau & Plum Market Present Winemakers Tasting with Charles Hendricks.

“Charles’ winemaking experience began in the Napa Valley in the early eighties. Over the last decade his cliental has grown to include such labels as Viader, Barnett, Regusci, Paoletti and Bacio Divino. His wine making style has created award winning wines coveted by wine collectors and celebrated by leaders in the wine industries.”

Join Mon Jin Lau as they taste over a dozen wines that include: Regusci, Hope & Grace, Thousand Foot, and many more.

Strolling Nu-Asian appetizers provided by Mon Jin Lau. Special pricing available through Plum Market.

Call 248.689.2332 and ask for Sharon or Bryan.
Limited Space Available…..All ticket sales are final.

Where: Mon Jin Lau, Troy
When: 6:30PM-8:00PM
Tix: $35.00 advance, $40.00 at the door (all-inclusive)
www.monjinlau.com

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Monday, February 23rd: Bacco Wine Dinner with Alberto Canella

Bacco Ristorante cordially invites you to attend a special dinner with Alberto Canella of Terre di Ger winery for a memorable evening of fine Italian food and wine.

His winery, Terre di Ger (www.terrediger.it), is located in the northeastern Italian region of Friuli, where the peaks of the Alps provide a dramatic backdrop for the exceptionally high-quality wines being made there.

Chef Luciano del Signore has again designed a special, six-course menu that highlights the unique characteristics of each wine, and showcases his distinct flair for Italian cuisine!
We'll be featuring three wines from Terre di Ger-- Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Franc, and a stunning, barrel aged Verduzzo called "Limine." Three additional wines, from different wineries, will complete the wine offerings: Brutell Franciacorta Brut sparkling wine, a hearty red Casale Triocco Sagrantino di Montefalco from Casale Triocco, and a deliciously sweet, red sparkling Brachetto d'Acqui from Convento dei Cappuccini.

Il Menu:
Stuzzichini (passed hors d’ouevres)
olive ripiene
--cheese & walnut stuffed olives
tartar di tonno
--ahi tuna with lemon, chives, and aioli
millefoglie con salsiccia
--oven roasted sausage and asparagus in puff pastry
all served with nv Brutell Franciacorta Brut Saten
Antipasto di Mare
insalata di gamberone
--Belgium endive salad with prawns, yellow pepper puree, radicchio, apple, walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette
served with ’07 Terre di Ger Pinot Grigio
Il Pesce
red grouper arrosto
--oven roasted Florida Red grouper, arugula pesto, and celery root puree
served with ’05 Terre di Ger “Limine”
Il Primo
--tagliatelle verdi al fagiano
homemade spinach pasta with pheasant ragú
served with ’06 Terre di Ger Cabernet Franc
Il Secondo di Carne
spezzatino di vitello
--veal stew with prosseco, wild mushrooms, and soft polenta
served with ’03 Casale Triocco Sagrantino di Montefalco
Il Dolce
--torta di banana
banana cake with chocolate ganache and caramel mousse
served with ’07 Convento Cappuccini Brachetto d’Acqui

A credit card deposit is required, and seating for this event is very limited so please RSVP promptly at (248) 356-6600.

Where: Bacco Ristorante, Southfield
When: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Tix: $95.00 plus tax and gratuity

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Tuesday, February 24th: DWO Wine Down Tuesday

Celebrate Carnival and Fat Tuesday

In honor of Carnival in South America, DWO will be featuring the wines of South America.

What better place in Detroit for a Carnival/Mardi Gras celebration than Fishbones in Greektown! Bring your beads, masks or even dress up and come celebrate with us on Fat Tuesday, February 24th.

Parking: Please park at the Greektown Parking Structure on Brush St. and enter thru the Antheneum Hotel. You will be directed from there.

Where: Fishbones, Detroit
When: 6:00PM-8:00PM
Tix: $40.00 members, $45.00 non-members
www.detroitwine.org
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Wednesday, February 25th: Detroit Synergy Supper Club at Taste Pizzabar
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Thursday, February 26th: A Night in Italy Wine Dinner at D’Amato’s

Featuring guest speaker Nicola Biscardo.

First Course
A vine ripened yellow tomato caprese, anise crusted goat cheese, mizuna micro greens, lemon basil oil
Wine: Vallerosa-Bonci Verdicchio Classico "Carpaneto"

Second Course
Scallop ravioli with trumpet royal mushrooms, wilted fresh spinach & leeks, pecorino toscano, crimini mushroom butter
Wine: La Meridiana Barbera d'Asti "Le Gagie"

Third Course
Roasted pheasant with smoked bacon, braised swiss chard, red & golden beets
Wine: Marchesi Biscardo Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

Fourth Course
Poached golden apple stuffed with hazelnut honey gelato
Wine: Bosio Mascato d' Asti

About Nicola Biscardo: NICOLA BISCARDO was borne in Verona on January 12th, 1972 in a family of wine makers. Raised in the land of Amarone, "I took my first wine class at the age of nineteen while I was studying Political Science at the college. It did not take me long to realize that my way was to continue in the family business of selling wine, so I switched to wine studies and I attended the master at the Italian Association of the Guild of Sommeliers. Now I am a professional Wine Taster, a Sommelier, a member of The Society of Wine Educators and not a politician. I moved to United States in 1997 and I lived in New York to market and organize the distribution of Conexport, a private consortium that represent some of the best small producers from different wine regions of Italy. Now I am back home in Verona, the city of "Romeo and Juliet" to spoil my vineyards and olive trees with my love and passion!!!"Alla Salute….!!!"

Chef: Myles McVay
Wine Director: Christian Stachel
Special Guest: Nicola Biscardo
Eagle Eye Imports: Jessica Engel

Where: D’Amato’s, Royal Oak
When: 7:00PM
Tix: $40.00 per person exclusive of tax & gratuity
www.damatos.com
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Friday, February 27th: Opus One Wine Tasting

On Friday February 27, 2009 from 6PM to 8PM Opus One Restaurant will have a special wine tasting with twenty different wines. The cost is $20 with advanced reservations which includes the wines and some scrumptious Opus One hot and cold hors d'oeuvres. We will have wine professionals available to discuss the wines. In addition, we will be selling the wines to go at retail pricing and below for those who attend the event. Those who do not make advanced reservations will be charged $25 at the door. See below for the wines that will be tasted on February 27th.

20 Wines with Hot and Cold Hors D'oeuvres

Some of the selections are listed below:

Whites
Sanford Chardonnay, Santa Barbara
Trivento Torrontes, Mendoza
Three Stones Sauvignon Blanc, Marloborough
Gordon Brothers, 'Kamiak White', Columbia Valley

Reds
Domine Drouhin Pinot Noir, Willamette
St Hallet Shiraz 'Faith', Barossa
Justin Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
Care Syrah-Tempranillo, Carenina (Spain)
Terrazes de Los Andes Malbec Reserva, Mendoza
Terre d'Oro Zinfandel, Amador

Where: Opus One Restaurant, Detroit
When: Call 313-961-7766 for details and to make reservations
Tix: $20.00 with reservations; $25.00 without
www.opus-one.com

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Friday, February 27th: Charles Hendricks Meet and Greet at Big Rock Chophouse

Wine Tasting & Meet and Greet with Winemaker Charles Hendricks of the Acclaimed Hope and Grace Winery

Got Rocks Ultra Lounge located on the 2nd Level of Big Rock Chophouse

The following wines will be offered at the tasting:
2006 Ten Mile White Chardonnay, Viognier, Chenin Blanc
2006 Ten Mile Red Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Barbera, Carignane
2006 Thousand Foot Pinot Noir
2005 Parcel 41 Merlot
2006 Rock & Vine Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Twenty Bench Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Hullabaloo Zinfandel
$60 per person to include above wines, appetizers, tax, tip, and valet

A Special Tasting Table featuring his top rated award wining wines, listed below, for Emerald and Diamond Members will be available. This is a great way to use your two complimentary monthly wine upgrades, a $25 value. Attendees who are not Emerald and Diamond Members
can purchase this upgrade for an additional $25 per person.

Regusci 2005 Merlot, Stags Leap
Regusci 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap
Hope & Grace 2006 Chardonnay
Hope & Grace 2006 Pinot Noir Sleepy Hollow
Hope & Grace 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

Where: Big Rock Chophouse, Birmingham
When: 7:00PM-9:00PM
Tix: $60.00 all-inclusive
www.bigrockchophouse.com