Showing posts with label Detroit Beer Week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Detroit Beer Week. Show all posts

Monday, October 21, 2013

The Week We Ate (The EID Week in Review)

OVER IT. *snap snap* 

ICYMI:
~IT'S MOTHERFUCKING BEER WEEK, YO. [DBW / EID]
~Several Detroit businesses, including Hacienda Mexican Foods, foodjunky, and Detroit Mini Donut, are in the running for a $250,000 Chase Mission Main Street grant. They have to reach 250 public votes by November 15 to be considered for one of 12 available grants by the panel of top business professionals, so help them out with a quick vote. [EID]
-You could save your life a lot of time by checking in with my weekly events round-up to see what cool stuff is coming up. [EID]
-With the chilly weather, the fall foliage, and Halloween fast approaching, it's time to hit your favorite cider mill while it's the peak season! And these are the best ones out there. Also, it is now officially official: Blake's Hard Cider Co. cider house and winery is now open for business! [EID]
-And let's not forget The Dexter Cider Mill, the oldest continuously-operating cider mill in the state of Michigan. [EID]

THIS JUST IN: You are all officially over Slows. So 2010 called and wants its listicle back. Travel + Leisure names SLOWS BAR BQ one of the best mac + cheeses in America, begging the question: IS it though? Is it REALLY? Is it even the best in Detroit at this point? Or metro Detroit if you have to be snippy about the arbitrary 8 Mile border? And what did you say? In a word, no. [T+L / EID FB]

Everyone's trying to Make Detroit Happen. [WXYZ]

Bourdain promises to show people a Detroit they've never seen before. So, POP-UPS! [MLive]

Our very own Joe Robinson of Bailout Productions won first in the nation on Thrillist's search for the best Bloody Mary! Next he will be going to New York to do a Food Network Chopped brunch and compete for the title of America's Best Bloody. Congrats, Joe! I think this calls for a Bailout Bloody Brunch pop-up somewheres! (Green Dot Stables mayhaps?) [Thrillist]

The 5-month-long process has finally come to an end: Detroit City Distillery has been approved by the city of Detroit! They expect to open sometime in 2014 in Eastern Market. Read more about them here. [DCD FB / Metromode]

Great Lakes Coffee in Midtown now has a beer and wine to go license. [GLC FB]

The government shutdown affected not just Batch Brewery but every single brewery (both those trying to get licensing as well as ANY new product for distribution) in the country. [MLive]

Oh hey, Rock City Eatery gets some love from Thrillist, including their selection of Michigan craft beers from breweries like Dark Horse Brewing Co. and New Holland Brewing Co. AND that soon-to-be-be-famous mac and cheese in a parmesan bowl. [Thrillist]

B. Nektar Meadery is having one HELL of a Devil's Night release party. [B. Nektar]

The Woodward Hall beer hall popped up during the Tigers home ALCS serving beer from Michigan breweries. The Tigers are done but is the beer hall? Or will they come back for other special events in the future? (Indoor beer halls sure are better than outdoor ones what with their indoor plumbing and freedom from the tyranny of Michigan weather.) [Woodward Hall FB]

Marcus Market in Midtown got one hell of an exterior overhaul from the same folks behind the La Feria facade. Marcus Market, you are now officially a part of the Detroit Design District at Cass and Canfield! [EID FB]

THIS guy. (Tunde, that is.) Detroit News gives some love to Revolver and chats with co-owner Tunde Wey, a Detroit personality, if you will. (And you will.) [Detroit News]

Progress is progressing at downtown's Bagger Dave's. [Det Reg News Hub]

Here's a nice feetch on MotorCity Wine. [Metro Times]

The pastry chef's name is actually Kevin, not Eric (as originally printed), but otherwise a fitting review for the stellar The Stand Gastro Bistro. [Detroit News]

Hiller's Markets are taking some cues from Papa Joe's Gourmet Market and Whole Foods Market Ann Arbor getting all fancified. [Crain's]

According to the Metro Times, these are the best bars in greater metro Detroit. [MT]

The new 7-Eleven is looking quite a bit a lot Whole Foods-y. [Design Taxi]

National Pizza Month
Gizmodo has publishing this *AMAZING* pizza map showing where the closest pizza chains within a 10-mile radius are anywhere in the United States. Take a look at the full map on top - Michigan bleeds orange for Little Caesars. [Gizmodo]

The pizza cocktail now exists. (To be fair, despite the name that promises something wacky and potentially disgusting, it's basically a riff on a Bloody Mary with better marketing. But that doesn't make for a good Buzzfeed story.) [Buzzfeed]

Friday, October 18, 2013

[EID Events] October 18-November 2


ONGOING

DETROIT BEER WEEK
~$15 Food + Beer Combinations at Traffic Jam + Snug, October 17-27 (check their Facebook page for hours)
~Beer Flight + Pulled Pork Slider Special at St. Cece's Pub, October 17-27 (check their Facebook page for hours)
~Sammie, Soup + Beer Combo Special at Mudgie's, October 17-27 (check their Facebook page for hours)
~Rock City Eatery Food + Beer Specials featuring Dark Horse, October 17-27 (check their Facebook page for hours)
~Afternoon Delight Daily at Woodbridge Pub, October 17-27 (check their website for hours)
~Three-Course Menu at the Jefferson House for $20, October 17-27 (check their Facebook page for hours)
~Short's Tap Takeover at Foran's Grand Trunk Pub, October 18, 4-9 p.m.
~Orange + Black Party at Woodbridge Pub, October 20, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
~New Holland Double-Header at Woodbridge Pub, October 21, all day
~Kill All the ZomBEES at Foran's Grand Trunk, October 21, 4-8 p.m.
~Wheelhouse Detroit Progressive Bike Dinner, October 22, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
~Jolly Pumpkin Night at the Sugar House, October 23, 5 p.m.
~Arbor Brewing Company Tap Takeover at Foran's Grand Trunk Pub, October 23, 4-9 p.m.
~Wednesday Night Trivia with Beer Fest Ticket Giveaways at Woodbridge Pub, October 23, 8-10 p.m.
~Cans for Cans at Green Dot Stables, October 24, 5 p.m. to midnight
~Arbor Brewing India Beer Dinner at Woodbridge Pub, October 24, 6:30 p.m.
~Beer Fest Hangover Brunch at Woodbridge Pub, October 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

THIS WEEKEND 

Grand Opening Octoberfest Party at Great Lakes Coffee, Midtown, October 18-19
In celebration of their new beer and wine to go license, Great Lakes is having an Octoberfest party with German beers, wines, and food. Traditional dress is encouraged. Also sign up for their new beer/wine/coffee of the month clubs.

Windsor Craft Beer Festival, Windsor October 18-19
Right on the other side of the Detroit River lies the exotic land of Windsor-Essex, and lo and behold they brew beer there. Can't wait for Fall Beer Fest in Eastern Market? Get prepped the weekend before with this celebration of craft beer heritage in Windsor-Essex in historic Olde Walkerville.

WindsorEats Bikes + Beers Cycling Tour (Beer Fest Edition), Windsor October 19
Visit local beerie establishments by bike then end your tour at Windsor's inaugural craft beer festival.

(revolver) Dinner with Rubbed, Hamtramck, October 18-19
The European-style deli and sandwich shopping opening soon in Corktown will present this five-course dinner at (revolver). Two seatings are available each day.

Theatre Bizarre: The Procession, the Masonic Temple, Detroit October 18-19
New this year is a Preview Gala on Friday night. Limited tickets are available for this intimate event where masks are mandatory and masqueraders are led through a strolling dinner and scheduled performances. On Saturday, join the Procession.

West Village Biergarten, West Village, Detroit, October 19-20
Hatch Detroit and the Villages of Detroit present this pop-up beer garden to introduce Phase II of the Detroit Lions Living for the Neighborhood Initiative in West Village.

Halloween Harry Potter Hogwarts Feast at the Old Town Hall, Farmington October 19
Off the Beaten Path Books presents this Harry Potter-themed Halloween feast in Farmington. Dress in your wizardly best and allow the sorting hat to decide if you are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or (shudder) Slytherin. (There are only 25 seats per table so not everyone can be Gryffindor.) There will be house tables and house cups, butter beer, and readings from the Harry Potter books. Artisan Knitworks in downtown Farmington will also have knit kits available to make your own house scarves and earn your house extra points (okay, so houses will be sorted in advance). Tickets are $25.

Sweater Weather, Boston-Edison, Detroit, October 19
This event is hosted by 826michigan and will be held inside a historic mansion in the Boston-Edison district. Food by Righteous Rojo.

Sweetest Day, October 19
People still do this?

Kung Food Pop-Up Dinner After the Shanghai Ballet, Music Hall, downtown Detroit October 20
Following the performance of The Butterfly Lovers (China's own Romeo and Juliet) by the Shanghai Ballet at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, enjoy a dinner with local Asian food pop-up Kung Food. Combo tickets are $50.

Sundaylicious, MotorCity Wine, Corktown, October 20
This Sunday's food feature is a raw bar from Chef Robert Scherer of the London Chop House.

AND BEYOND 

Pumpkin Carving Competition and Party at Corner Brewery, Ypsilanti, October 22
This family-friendly pumpkin carving competition comes with prizes, free hot cider for the kids, and beer specials for the grown-ups. 

Michigan Brewers Guild Fall Beer Festival, Eastern Market October 25-26
As if this needs any kind of explanation.

Gathering of Ghouls, Corktown, October 26
Batch Brewing Company and Corktown Cinema present this Halloween party with libations from Batch and Anthology Coffee, food from Supino Pizzeria, a music from local DJs/musicians. Oh yes, it's a dance party. 

Halloween Dance Party and Costume Contest at Corner Brewery, Ypsilanti, October 26
Same day, another dance party on the other side of the planet as far as Detroiters are concerned but home to however many millions of you live in Ann Arbor Metro. No cover charge, prizes for best costumes, spooky sounds by Halcyon Sound and Wax Kings DJs, a haunted beer garden, and specialty Halloween brews on tap. 

Kung-Food at St. Cece's, Corktown, October 29
In collaboration with Food for All Seasons. 

Wines of the World: Germany at the Rattlesnake, Detroit Riverfront, October 29
The Rattlesnake's 25th anniversary Wines of the World wine dinner series continues with the oft-misunderstood wines of Germany and an exceptional menu. 

Special Devil's Night Release Party at B. Nektar, Ferndale, October 30
B. Nektar will release two new meads, the Smoked Pumpkin Caper and Devil's Juice, with food by Green Zebra Truck, prizes for best costumes, and a Rocky Horror Picture Show screening. 

Wrestlemania Halloween at Green Dot Stables, Corktown October 31
Break out your '80s spandex for a Wrestlemania Halloween at everyone's favorite slider joint, Green Dot Stables. There will be food and drink specials and theme music. 

The Oakland's Second Annual Halloween Ball, Ferndale, October 31
Special menu of elixirs and poisons. Prizes awarded to the best dressed.

Dia de los Muertos at Imperial, Ferndale November 1-2
Remember when they did this last year and it was amazing? Well, they're doing it again. 

[EID Events] Detroit Beer Week


DAILY DBW SPECIALS

$15 Food + Beer Combinations at Traffic Jam + Snug, October 17-27 (check their Facebook page for hours)
All during Detroit Beer Week, Traffic Jam + Snug in Midtown is offering a $15 pick-and-choose pairing menu featuring any of their beers paired with one of the following dishes featuring their very own house-made beer, house-made cheeses, and house-made breads, all day every day through October 27! So local it comes from the same address!

Sammie, Soup + Beer Combo Special at Mudgie's, October 17-27 (check their Facebook page for hours)
For the full run of Detroit Beer Week, Mudgie's is offering a $15 combo deal for a sandwich, soup and beer combo all day every day! Sandwiches will be made with beer-braised meats and soups with beer bases. Plus Mudgie's will have different daily specials made with beer infusions for Beer Week!

Beer Flight + Pulled Pork Slider Special at St. Cece's Pub, October 17-27 (check their Facebook page for hours)
All through Detroit Beer Week, St. Cece's Pub will offer beer shot flights (2-oz. pours of each of their eight draft beers) paired with pulled pork sliders for only $10! This special is good for lunch AND dinner.

Rock City Eatery Food + Beer Specials featuring Dark Horse, October 17-27 (check their Facebook page for hours)
All during Detroit Beer Week from October 17-27, the newly-opened Rock City Eatery in Hamtramck will offer food + beer pairing specials featuring Michigan's most metal brewery, Dark Horse Brewing Co.!

Afternoon Delight Daily at Woodbridge Pub, October 17-27 (check their website for hours)
For the full Detroit Beer Week run October 17-27, Woodbridge Pub will run the "Afternoon Delight" with $2 off drafts from 3-6pm, 7 days a week. They'll also have a draft beer and appetizer special combo for $10, all day every day!

Three-Course Menu at the Jefferson House for $20, October 17-27 (check their Facebook page for hours)
For Detroit Beer Week, Chef Justin Vaiciunas at The Jefferson House has created a three-course menu with Michigan beer pairings for only $20. This special DBW menu is available every day for dinner only.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17

Griffin Claw's Brewmaster Dan Rogers at Woodbridge Pub, 7-9 p.m.
Celebrate the launch of the fifth annual Detroit Beer Week at Woodbridge Pub with Brewermaster Dan Rogers of Griffin Claw Brewing Company (GCBC)! Dan has won dozens of gold and silver medals from the top beer competitions in the country during his time at Big Rock Chophouse and Brewery. From 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, we'll sample different Griffin Claw beers as Dan tells us more about the new Griffin Claw brewery, his signature beers, and a little bit about his brewing process. This is a very rare opportunity to speak one-on-one with the man himself!


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18

Short's Tap Takeover at Foran's Grand Trunk Pub, 4-9 p.m.
On Friday, October 18, Foran's Grand Trunk Pub will host a tap takeover with Short's Brewing Company from 4-9 p.m. featuring Funkin Punkin, Noble Chaos, Bourbon Barrel Aged Pig Pen, The Curl, Spruce Pils, Soft Parade, and Huma-Lupa-Licious.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20

Orange + Black Party at Woodbridge Pub, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
On Sunday, October 20, join us at Woodbridge Pub for a fall seasonal orange + black party! New Holland Brewing Co. will take over the taps with pumpkin beers, stouts and porters (get it????) plus there will be special themed culinary and cocktail concoctions all day. Get in the "spooky" spirit starting with brunch and going all the way through dinner with Pie-Sci! There is no charge for admission and you don't HAVE to wear orange & black to come...but you know you want to!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21

New Holland Double-Header at Woodbridge Pub, all day
For two nights straight Woodbridge Pub will feature special New Holland Brewing Co. events. On Monday, October 21, the second night of the New Holland double-header will be its own double header, with a New Holland beer and shot special - get any New Holland beer on draft (except for Dragon's Milk) and a shot of New Holland Artisan Spirits Beer Barrel-Aged Bourbon for $7. Monday night is also their weekly Slow Jams!

Kill All the ZomBEES at Foran's Grand Trunk, 4-8 p.m.
On Monday, October 21 from 4-9 p.m., join us at Foran's Grand Trunk Pub as we break out the bottles of B. Nektar for a night of zombie killing featuring Vanilla Cinnamon, Cherry Chipotle, Necromangocon, Orange Blossom, and Wildberry Pyment all in bottles and Zombie Killer on tap.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22

Wheelhouse Detroit Progressive Bike Dinner, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Join Detroit Beer Week and Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop on Tuesday, October 22 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. as we go on a progressive bike dinner through the city of Detroit! We'll start with a first course at Mudgie's Deli (with beer). We'll then move on to St. Cece's Pub for pulled pork sliders (and beer). And from there it's on to The Jefferson House for dessert (and beer). All in all you're getting a full three-course dinner with full beers at each venue, plus a guided bike ride through the city and along the beautiful Detroit Riverwalk with Wheelhouse Detroit!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23

Jolly Pumpkin Night at the Sugar House, 5 p.m.
Celebrate Detroit Beer Week with The Sugar House by drinking some beers from Jolly Pumpkin Brewery! Great deals on bottles all night, plus beer flights, special vintage beers and a brand new flavor never before on draft, and even some hard-to-get Leelanau Brewing Whaleback White!!!

Arbor Brewing Company Tap Takeover at Foran's Grand Trunk Pub, 4-9 p.m.
On Wednesday, October 23, Foran's Grand Trunk Pub will host a tap takeover with Arbor Brewing Company from 4-9 p.m. featuring Violin Monster, Bollywood Blonde, Sacred Cow IPA, Yipsi Gypsy, Buzzsaw, Phat Abbot.

Wednesday Night Trivia with Beer Fest Ticket Giveaways at Woodbridge Pub, 8-10 p.m.
On Wednesday, October 23, head to Woodbridge Pub for their Wednesday Night Trivia starting at 8 p.m. The grand prize is two pairs of tickets to the Michigan Brewers Guild Fall Beer Festival on Friday, October 25!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24

On Thursday, October 24 from 4-9 p.m., Foran's Grand Trunk Pub will host a tap takeover with Bell's Brewery, Inc. (Official) featuring: Hopsoulution, Wheat Love, Raspberry Ale, Spiced Stout, Java Stout, Q - Falls, Pianiste, Two Hearted, and Best Brown. There will also be surprise daily bottles in very limited quantities.

Cans for Cans at Green Dot Stables, 5 p.m. to midnight
Hit up Green Dot Stables on Thursday, October 24 for "Cans for Cans," when $1 of every can of craft beer sold will go to benefit breast cancer support.

Arbor Brewing India Beer Dinner at Woodbridge Pub, 6:30 p.m.
On Thursday, October 24, join Arbor Brewing Company owners Matt and Rene Greff at a very special beer dinner at Woodbridge Pub! The Greffs recently opened Arbor Brewing Company India in Bangalore, India, a sister brewpub to their Ann Arbor original, open since 1995. We're honoring this expansion onto another continent with an Indian-themed vegetarian-friendly beer dinner at Woodbridge Pub featuring recipes from the India brewpub and from their own personal recipe collection. This four-course dinner will be paired with some of Arbor's signature beers, including Bollywood Blonde.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26

Michigan Brewers Guild Fall Beer Festival

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27

Beer Fest Hangover Brunch at Woodbridge Pub, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nurse your Beer Fest hangover the right way: with bacon, Bloody Marys and beer! Woodbridge Pub is hosting a Beer Fest Hangover Brunch on Sunday, October 27 from 11am-3pm, following the two-day Michigan Brewers Guild Fall Beer Festival fiasco in Eastern Market Corporation. Bring in your ticket stub from Fall Beer Fest to receive 15% off your total bill (including booze). Each person MUST have ticket stub to receive discount!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

[EID Events] UPDATED October 3-November 2, 2013


The Sugar House. Photo by Nicole Rupersburg.


ONGOING

Plymouth Restaurant Weekthrough October 5
Has enough of restaurant weeks yet? Well, here's another one! This one's in Plymouth and features three-tier pricing.

Fall Flavor Weekends at the Henry Fordthrough October 6
Celebrate harvest season at the Henry Ford during their Fall Flavor Weekends featuring a variety of fall foods and related programming.

Bastone Brewery Oktoberfestthrough October 13
Bastone is now serving their annual Oktoberfest menu with their popular Rocktoberfest lager and special edition beer glasses.

TONIGHT

Fall Show Opening Reception at Rodin, Midtown October 3
The second best thing about art openings (aside from the ART, duh) is the booze. And Rodin has plenty of that. Check out the opening party from 6-8 p.m.

THIS WEEKEND

Free Lunch Friday (FLF), Detroit Labs, downtown October 4
Register now for a networky rah rah Detroit lunch thing at Detroit Labs next Friday. (Actually the free spots are all taken but you can still snag a non-free spot with a donation.)

8 Degrees Plato Two-Year Anniversary, Ferndale October 4
Celebrate two years of Tim and Brid and craft beer tonight from 4-8 p.m. with a free tasting featuring several Short's beers and some of their personal favorites, with Chicago-style hot dogs from Hippo's to go with the beer! Totes free. 

Manya's Birthday at Abick's Bar, Southwest Detroit October 4
Manya, the owner of Abick's Bar in Southwest Detroit, turns 90 years old today. Celebrate with her anytime this weekend at one of Detroit's oldest and friendliest bars. Read more about it here

The Greening Gala, Roast, downtown October 4
Yes, tickets are $500 each. Let's just get that part out of the way right now. This is a gala fundraising event for the Greening of Detroit and you either have the money or you don't. If you do, celebrity chef Michael Symon himself will be cooking using ingredients he'll source that morning from the Greening of Detroit's 2.5-acre farm in Eastern Market and locally-raised livestock in a five-course menu at his flagship Detroit restaurant Roast. 

Kuhnhenn Oktoberfest, Kuhnhenn Brewing Company, Warren October 5-6
There will be live music and German food in their tented biergarten and Kuhnhenn Festbier on tap. Time to break out the lederhosen! 

Hamtramck Neighborhood Arts Festival, Hamtramck October 5
Held over 26 locations with 50 artists, musicians, theatre, dance, readings and more. Grab a guide at Public Pool.

The DIA's Inside|Out Community Dinner, Gleaners Community Food Bank, the Villages October 5
This event, presented by the DIA in conjunction with Detroit Harmonie and Slows BAR BQ to benefit Gleaners, is on a wait list but it's worth a shot. This community dinner is the wrap-up event for the DIA's 2013 Inside|Out program; Gleaners was one of 13 locations in the Villages to host one of the images. 

Sundaylicious at MotorCity Wine, Corktown October 6
The weekly Sunday themed and pop-up dinner series at MotorCity Wine continues this week with Rubbed, a Euro-style deli opening soon in Corktown

The Great Lakes Regional Chili Cookoff, downtown Plymouth October 6
This 18th annual event features a huge chili cookoff with awards in several categories, a motorcycle show, music, kids' activities, and more.

NEXT WEEK

Big Dumb Tiki Party, the Sugar House, Corktown October 7
Celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Sugar House at their "Big Dumb Tiki Party" on Monday, October 7 starting at 5 p.m. with music from the Mexican Knives and the Hentchmen, exotic tiki coolers, cheap punch, and floral shirts. No cover. 

Ferndale Restaurant Week, October 7-13
More here.

Dine Drink Detroit, October 10-16
More here.

(revolver) October 11
The new communal-style chef's tasting dinner is now taking reservations for October 11 but hurry, only 35 seats are available. Read more about them here and make your reservations.

AND BEYOND

Jolly Pumpkin and North Peak Beer Dinner, Forest Grill, Birmingham October 14
Five courses featuring the beers of Jolly Pumpkin and North Peak as well as some Civilized Spirits. Tickets are $70pp.

The Great Pumpkin Feast at the Root, White Lake October 16
Every course features pumpkin as a highlighted ingredient with beer pairings from, naturally, Jolly Pumpkin Brewery. Seats still available.

Detroit Beer Week, October 17-27
New Official Beer Destinations now and events are being announced daily; follow the Facebook page for updates.
~Rock City Eatery Food + Beer Specials featuring Dark Horse, October 17-27
~Sammie, Soup + Beer Combo Special at Mudgie's all through DBW, October 17-27 
~Cans for Cans at Green Dot Stables, October 24 
~Beer Fest Hangover Brunch at Woodbridge Pub, October 27

Windsor Craft Beer Festival, Windsor October 18-19
Right on the other side of the Detroit River lies the exotic land of Windsor-Essex, and lo and behold they brew beer there. Can't wait for Fall Beer Fest in Eastern Market? Get prepped the weekend before with this celebration of craft beer heritage in Windsor-Essex in historic Olde Walkerville.

WindsorEats Bikes + Beers Cycling Tour (Beer Fest Edition), Windsor October 19
Visit local beerie establishments by bike then end your tour at Windsor's inaugural craft beer festival.

Theatre Bizarre: The Procession, the Masonic Temple, Detroit October 18-19
New this year is a Preview Gala on Friday night. Limited tickets are available for this intimate event where masks are mandatory and masqueraders are led through a strolling dinner and scheduled performances. On Saturday, join the Procession.

Halloween Harry Potter Hogwarts Feast at the Old Town Hall, Farmington October 19
Off the Beaten Path Books presents this Harry Potter-themed Halloween feast in Farmington. Dress in your wizardly best and allow the sorting hat to decide if you are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or (shudder) Slytherin. (There are only 25 seats per table so not everyone can be Gryffindor.) There will be house tables and house cups, butter beer, and readings from the Harry Potter books. Artisan Knitworks in downtown Farmington will also have knit kits available to make your own house scarves and earn your house extra points (okay, so houses will be sorted in advance). Tickets are $25.

Kung Food Pop-Up Dinner After the Shanghai Ballet, Music Hall, downtown Detroit October 20
Following the performance of The Butterfly Lovers (China's own Romeo and Juliet) by the Shanghai Ballet at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, enjoy a dinner with local Asian food pop-up Kung Food. Combo tickets are $50.

Michigan Brewers Guild Fall Beer Festival, Eastern Market October 25-26
As if this needs any kind of explanation.

Wrestlemania Halloween at Green Dot Stables, Corktown October 31
Break out your '80s spandex for a Wrestlemania Halloween at everyone's favorite slider joint, Green Dot Stables. There will be food and drink specials and theme music. 

Dia de los Muertos at Imperial, Ferndale November 1-2
Remember when they did this last year and it was amazing? Well, they're doing it again. Details TBA. For now, set those dates aside. 

Friday, September 20, 2013

[HOT LIST] Fall events



Not all falls are created equally. And this fall is about to put all other falls to shame. From spankin' new events to expanded old events, bon vivants have plenty of opportunities for dining and drinking in the coming weeks. Here are the highlights.

#1 Dine Drink Detroit October 10-16
In the afterglow of the grand dame of Detroit dining events, Detroit Restaurant Week, check out the brand-new Dine Drink Detroit. If the comparison had to be made, DDD is DRW's scrappy DIY cousin. And that suits these particular Detroit joints. Thirteen of Detroit's most interesting bars and restaurants that don't really fall into the realm of "fine dining" (as in, $32 a plate) will offer food and drink pairings for $15 each, no reservations necessary. Follow them on InstaBookEr via the hashtag #DineDrinkDetroit. Participating restaurants are: El Barzon, Great Lakes, Green Dot, Mercury Burger Bar, MotorCity Wine, Mudgie's, Ottava Via, Rodin, Slows, St. Cece's, Sugar House, Traffic Jam, Woodbridge Pub.

#2 Ferndale Restaurant Week October 7-13
Also hot on the heels of Detroit Restaurant Week is Ferndale Restaurant Week, a new effort by the Ferndale DDA chaired by Beth Hussey, co-owner of One-Eyed Betty's. It was important to Hussey to create the kind of event in which ALL Ferndale restaurants could participate, everyone from Treat Dreams and Easy Like Sundae to Assagi Bistro and Local Kitchen + Bar. So Ferndale Restaurant Week has options for breakfast, lunch and dinner in $10, $20, and $30 increments. Check out the very cool website to see the full list of 24 participating venues and what they will be offering, including the brand-new Public House, which just so happens to be opening to the public at 5 p.m. today.

#3 Hamtramck Food Week September 23-28
So hot on the heels of Detroit Restaurant Week it's actually happening at the same time, the first-ever Hamtramck Food Week, which starts on Monday, features ethnic cooking demonstrations, food history tours and tours of Hamtown Farms and Srodek's, a pop-up biergarten, as well as $10 dinners at participating restaurants. Plus, both Rock City Eatery and (revolver) will be open just in time!

#4 REVOLVE Detroit Art + Retail on the Avenue
REVOLVE Detroit's new Art + Retail on the Avenue makes its debut tonight as part of the Detroit Design Festival's Light Up Livernois event. Art + Retail on the Avenue includes four new permanent retailers, eight pop-up concepts, nine art projects, and additional programming and events. Check out the new Local Social Ice Cream + Good Cakes and Bakes, a combination ice cream shop and bakery, and Regal Cafe, a coffee shop and arts space, as part of the new permanent retailers on the Ave. Pop-ups include the Fresh Food Co-op with food from known pop-up food businesses the Batata Shop, Treats by Angelique, Beautiful Soup and Fresh Corner Cafe; True Indulgence, a specialty bakery; anf Fill-Anthropy, a pop-up nonprofit bar.

#5 Detroit Restaurant Week September 20-29
Since launching in 2009, DRW is still the grand dame of Detroit dining events. Add-ons this year include Jefferson House and Guns + Butter, and all the old favorites are returning. As always, prime time reservations fill up quickly, so make your reservations now or plan your outing mid-week to secure your spot.

Bubbling under Detroit Beer Week October 17-27 (events will be announced soon), Michigan Brewers Guild Fall Beer Festival October 25-26 (Saturday is sold out; Friday tickets still available);  Theatre Bizarre: The Procession October 18-19 (for the first time ever, Theatre Bizarre is hosting a Preview Gala the night before the main event, masks required; if you purchase tickets to both events, you will also receive a limited-edition signed and number giclee print from Theatre Bizarre artist John Dunivant entitled "Edgar Balloon" from his Expatriate Parade series)