Best of Detroit 2016

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Services // Food // People // Shopping // Media // Leisure // Etc. // Credits


Each year, readers crown their “Most Likely to Succeed.” See who made the list.

Photographs by Roy Ritchie
Wardrobe styling by Rebecca Voigt
Prop Styling by Stephanie Potts


Services // Food // People // Shopping // Media // Leisure // Etc. // Credits

Wedding Photographer
// Craig David Butler Studios 

Wedding Planner (Tie) 
// A June Event 
// Shawna Eaton-Peplinski, Detroit (The Roostertail)

Dressmaker
// Janna Coumoundouros, Ferndale

Custom Framing
// Frame Art Gallery, Birmingham

Portrait Photographer
// Naturally Photography By Monni

Shoe Repair
// Frank’s Shoe Service, Birmingham; 248-647-3530

Tailor/Alterations 
// The Sewing Room, Utica

Caterer 
// Vince & Joe’s, Clinton Township and Shelby Township

Salon For A Makeover (Tie)
// Antonino Salon & Spa, Birmingham
// Nude The Salon, Birmingham

Divorce Lawyer 
// Jordan Dizik, Bingham Farms

Pet Grooming (Tie)
// Bark-A-Bout, Shelby Township
// Catherine’s Pet Parlor, Royal Oak

Florist
// Multiple Locations: Viviano’s
// Single Location: Blossoms, Birmingham

Dry Cleaner
// Huntington Cleaners, Huntington Woods

Veterinarian (Tie)
// DePorre Veterinary Hospital, Bloomfield Hills
// Gibraltar Veterinary Hospital, Gibraltar

Salon For A Blowout 
// Multiple Locations: 6 Salon, Birmingham and Royal Oak
// Single Location: Antonino Salon & Spa, Birmingham

Spa 
// Margot European Day Spa, Birmingham

Massage (Tie)
// Margot European Day Spa, Birmingham
// Wizard of Ahhhs Massage and Bodywork, Harrison Township; 810-599-1767

Gym 
// Multiple Locations: The Barre Code, Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Rochester Hills, and Royal Oak
// Single Location (Tie): The Fighting Fit/Crossfit Bad Boys, Wyandotte // Retrofit Studio, Royal Oak

Yoga Studio 
// Multiple Locations: Citizen Yoga, Detroit and Royal Oak
// Single Location: Explore Yoga, Troy

Salon For A Makeup Artist 
// Todd’s Room, Birmingham

Salon/Spa For A Manicure
// Margot European Day Spa, Birmingham

Salon/Spa For A Pedicure
// Margot European Day Spa, Birmingham

Salon/Spa For A Facial
// FACE Skincare, Bingham Farms

Hair Salon
// Antonino Salon & Spa, Birmingham

Barber — Independent
// The Berkley Chop Shop, Berkley

Transportation/Limo 
// LimoXpress, Dearborn

Doggie Day Care
// Single Location: Bark-A-Bout, Shelby Township
// Multiple Locations: Canine to Five, Detroit and Ferndale

Place To Dock Your Boat 
// Detroit Yacht Club, Belle Isle, Detroit

Realtor 
// Dana Cooper, Max Broock Realtors

Auto Detailing
// 
Detail Vehicle Appearance Specialists, Troy


Material Girl

We’re “living in a material world,” but Janna Coumoundouros is Detroit’s latest Material Girl. The Ferndale-based artist and photographer captured Hour Detroit readers’ hearts as Best Dressmaker. Her one-of-a-kind creations incorporate materials such as car seatbelts, and were displayed at the NAIAS Detroit Charity Preview. She also won the Detroit Institute of Arts Samurai Design Competition … and don’t forget that Hour Detroit dress made of paper a few years ago. She also takes things apart and reworks the materials into jewelry (think typewriter key earrings). Maybe the next time Madonna is looking to be in “Vogue” again, she’ll ask Coumoundouros to put some outfits together. shoplilacpop.com

Freeze Frame

The J. Geils Band’s 1981 “Freeze Frame” hit was not the inspiration for Monni Must to start a photography business. She had no idea that what she started in the wing of her house in 2001 would take her creative eye around the globe. Voted Best Photographer for two straight years, Must’s work has been showcased in four Living Witnesses books, where she photographed 400 Holocaust survivors. While she spent most of her days learning “dark room sweet-talk” with a 4×5 film camera, at age 62, she’s conquering the digital world. As her business name might suggest, she doesn’t ask subjects to strike fake poses. “Nothing screams ’80s more than the ‘head tilt resting in the palm of your hand’ pose,” Must says. naturallymonni.com

 


Services // Food // People // Shopping // Media // Leisure // Etc. // Credits

Restaurant for General Excellence 
// Selden Standard, Midtown Detroit

Restaurant Ambience
// City (Tie): Iridescence, Detroit // Wright & Co., downtown Detroit
// Suburb: Tre Monti Ristorante, Troy

Place to Have Dinner Before a Show
// The Whitney, Midtown Detroit

Place for Nightcaps After the Show
// The Whitney, Midtown Detroit

Restaurant Dessert (Tie)
// The Melting Pot, Troy
// The Whitney, Midtown Detroit

View From a Restaurant
// Coach Insignia, downtown Detroit

Sunday Brunch
// City (Tie): Dime Store, Detroit // The Whitney, Midtown Detroit
// Suburb (Tie): Social Kitchen and Bar, Birmingham // Toast, Birmingham, and Ferndale

Appetizers
// City: Wright & Co., downtown Detroit
// Suburb: Bistro 82, Royal Oak

Attentive Service
// City: Republic Tavern, Detroit
// Suburb (Tie): Bistro 82, Royal Oak // Tre Monti Ristorante, Troy

Beer Selection
// City: Hopcat Detroit, Midtown Detroit
// Suburb: One-Eyed Betty’s, Ferndale

Late-Night Dining
// City: Lafayette Coney Island, downtown Detroit; 313-964-8198
// Suburb: Imperial, Ferndale

Street-Level Window Seat
// City: Townhouse Detroit, Detroit
// Suburb: Bistro 82, Royal Oak

Fish Market
// Multiple Locations: Vince & Joe’s, Clinton Township and Shelby Township
// Single Location: Superior Fish Company, Royal Oak

Independent Coffeehouse (Tie)
// Astro Coffee, Detroit
// Great Lakes Coffee, Detroit

Romantic Restaurant
// City: The Whitney, Midtown Detroit
// Suburb: Café Cortina, Farmington Hills

Locally Produced Food Brand
// Imerman Cake Company

Ice Cream Parlor
// Ray’s Ice Cream, Royal Oak

Chinese
// Mon Jin Lau, Troy

Place for a Business Lunch
// City: Dime Store, Detroit
// Suburb (Tie): The Capital Grille, Troy // Townhouse Bistro, Birmingham

French
// Bistro 82, Royal Oak

Wine List
// City: Vertical, Detroit
// Suburb: Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room, Royal Oak and Shelby Township

Place to Take Out-of-Towners
// City: Selden Standard, Midtown Detroit
// Suburb: Vinsetta Garage, Berkley

Business Breakfast
// City: Dime Store, Detroit
// Suburb: Beverly Hills Grill, Beverly Hills

Japanese (Tie)
// Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse, Royal Oak
// Noble Fish, Clawson
// Ronin Sushi, Royal Oak

Indian
// Rangoli, Auburn Hills and Sterling Heights

Mexican
// City (Tie): Mexican Village, Southwest Detroit // Xochimilco Restaurant, Southwest Detroit; facebook.com/XochimilcoDetroit
// Suburb (Tie): El Charro, Fraser // Sagebrush Cantina, Lake Orion; mysagebrushcantina.com

Greek
// Pegasus Taverna, Greektown Detroit and St. Clair Shores

Italian
// City (Tie): Giovanni’s, Southwest Detroit // Roma Café, Detroit

// Suburb (Tie): Bacco Ristorante, Southfield // Luciano’s Italian Restaurant, Clinton Township

Middle Eastern
// Anita’s Kitchen, Ferndale

Korean
// Korea Palace, Sterling Heights

Thai
// Multiple Locations: Sy Thai
// Single Location Khom Fai, Shelby Township; 586-247-7773

Vietnamese
// Multiple Locations: Pho Lucky
// Single Location: Da Nang, Clawson

Gourmet Market
// Multiple Locations:  Vince & Joe’s, Clinton Township and Shelby Township
// Single Location: Holiday Market, Royal Oak

Steakhouse
// City: Prism, Detroit
// Suburb: Clawson Steak House, Clawson

24-Hour Restaurant 
// National Coney Island

Michigan Winery (Tie)
// Black Star Farms, Traverse City
// Chateau Chantal, Traverse City

Deli
Vince And Joe’s Gourmet Markets, Clinton Township and Shelby Township

Burger
// Macomb County: Shamrock Pub, Utica
// Oakland County:  Redcoat Tavern, Royal Oak, 248-549-0300; and West Bloomfield Township, 248-865-0500
// Wayne County:  Miller’s, Dearborn

Vegan
// City (Tie:) Detroit Vegan Soul, West Village Detroit // Seva, Detroit
// Suburb: GreenSpace Café, Ferndale

Fish ’n’ Chips
// City: Scotty Simpson’s
// Suburb: The Lodge Grill and Bar, Keego Harbor

Creative Breakfast 
// Multiple Locations: Toast, Birmingham, and Ferndale
// Single Location (Tie): Dime Store, Detroit // The Fly Trap, Ferndale

Vegetarian 
// City: Seva, Midtown Detroit
// Suburb: Inn Season Café, Royal Oak

Gluten-Free Menu
// GreenSpace Café, Ferndale

Cheap Eats
// Green Dot Stables, Detroit

Sandwich
// Mudgie’s, Corktown Detroit

Ribs
// Slows Bar BQ, Corktown Detroit

Coney Island
// Lafayette Coney Island, downtown Detroit; 313-964-8198

Sushi
Noble Fish, Clawson

Seafood
// City:  Joe Muer Seafood, downtown Detroit
// Suburb: Streetside Seafood, Birmingham

Locally Owned Bakery
// City: Avalon International Breads, Midtown Detroit 
// Suburb: Love and Buttercream, Royal Oak

Pancakes
// The Original Pancake House, Multiple locations

Classic Artisan Cocktails
// City: The Sugar House, Corktown Detroit
// Suburb: The Oakland Art Novelty Co., Ferndale 

Soul Food 
// City (Tie): Detroit Vegan Soul, West Village Detroit // Motor City Soul Food, Detroit; 313-863-7685
// Suburb: Beans & Cornbread, Southfield

Soup
// Independent: Russell Street Deli, Detroit
// Chain: Zoup

Pizza 
// Multiple Location: Buddy’s Pizza
// Single Location: Supino Pizzeria, Detroit

Barbeque 
// Multiple Locations: Bad Brads BBQ
//City: Slows Bar BQ, Corktown Detroit

French Fries
// Independent: Hopcat Detroit, Detroit

Bagels
// Multiple Locations: New York Bagel
// Single Location: Detroit Institute of Bagels, Detroit

Cupcakes
// Taste Love Cupcakes, Royal Oak

Cookies
// Love & Buttercream, Royal Oak

Doughnuts
// City: Dutch Girl Donuts, 313-368-3020
// Suburb: Donut Bar, Southfield, 248-595-8212

Bloody Mary
Vivio’s, Detroit

Pop-up Experience 
// Single Location: Revolver, Hamtramck
// Moving Target (Tie): Dinner Club (Matt Baldridge) // Katoi

Locally Made Beer
// City (Tie): Atwater Brewery, Detroit // Batch Brewing Co., Detroit
// Suburb: Griffin Claw, Birmingham
// State: Bell’s Brewery, Kalamazoo

Michigan-Made Wine
// Chateau Grand Traverse Late Harvest Riesling

Chicken Wings
// Sweetwater Tavern, Detroit

Deck/Outdoor Seating
// City (Tie): La Dolce Vita, Detroit // Townhouse Detroit, Detroi
// Suburb:  Townhouse Bistro, Birmingham

Carry Out 
// City: Bucharest Grill, Multiple locations
// Suburb: Motor City Meatballs, Warren

Food Truck
// Mac Shack

Raw Juice or Smoothie
// Beyond Juice, Multiple locations

Locally Made Spirit 
// City: Two James Spirits, Corktown Detroit
// Suburb: Valentine Distilling, Ferndale


Love Shack

“I got me a car, it’s as big as a whale, and we’re headin’ on down to the Mac Shack.” With apologies to the B-52s, whose “Love Shack” was all over the 1989 airwaves, metro Detroit fans take their jukebox money down to wherever this Best Food Truck is parked. Owner Chris Damon bought the business from the El Guapo folks (they shared “Best Food Truck” honors in 2015). Mac Shack may not be from the 1980s, but their beef-brisket-based dish is called the “I-80.” And they might not “Walk Like an Egyptian,” but their spicy chicken dish is called “Cluck Like a Buffalo.” Another trivia note: Detroit native Don Was produced “Love Shack.” macshackmichigan.com

Hungry Like the Wolf

For the third consecutive year, the venerable Clawson Steak House has Hour Detroit readers feeling “Hungry Like the Wolf” of Duran Duran’s 1982 hit. The Best Steak House (Suburb) kudos testify to the restaurant’s longevity: It was founded 58 years ago by Gregory Alex, who passed the business on to son Jim in 1986. It’s also certainly thanks to executive chef Jim Polk, who for 23 years has ensured quality, such as making sure all steaks are hand-cut each morning. Another blast from the past comes from the Mark James Band, who perform at the steakhouse Wednesday through Saturday, offering an atmosphere reminiscent of an old-time supper club. clawsonsteakhouse.com

Sweet Dreams are Made of This

The Whitney is one of Detroit’s oldest institutions, but its Katherine McGregor Dessert Parlor is new. Their treats were already a hit with Hour Detroit readers, who gave The Whitney the nod for Best Desserts (and a few other awards, too). Highlights include the Maple-Raspberry Croissant Bread Pudding and the Classic Carrot Cake, a Whitney tradition since the ’80s. They also serve a pine nut-flavored “White Pine” ice cream, an homage to the mansion’s eponymous lumber baron David Whitney Jr. Speaking of homages, the parlor is named after Whitney’s philanthropist daughter, and in her honor they have a “Pie It Forward” program that donates $1 from pie sales to Cass Community Social Services Center. thewhitney.com

 


Services // Food // People // Shopping // Media // Leisure // Etc. // Credits

Detroit Tigers Player 
// Miguel Cabrera

Detroit Lions Player 
// Calvin Johnson (yes, even after retirement)

Detroit Pistons Player 
// Andre Drummond

Detroit Red Wings Player 
// Dylan Larkin

Local Sports Star
// Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

Choice For A Local Celebrity Dinner Companion 
// Kid Rock

Top Domestic Auto Executive 
// Mary Barra, General Motors

Local Loudmouth
// Charlie LeDuff, Fox 2 News, author

Choice For A Local Political Dinner Companion 
// Mayor Mike Duggan

Detroit Ambassador (Tie)
// Dan Gilbert // Kid Rock

DJ (Non-Radio) 
// DJ Captn20 (aka Nick Haddad)

Local Comedian 
// Andy Beningo

Local Band — Covers 
// Rockstar

Local Band — Originals (Tie)
// Elsie Binx // Rio & The Rockabilly Revival // Ara Topouzian

Bartender
// Lance Sigler, 220 Merrill, Birmingham

Maître D’ (Tie)
// Zharko Palushaj, Tre Monti Ristorante, Troy
// Jeffery Pyke, Due Venti, Clawson 

Chef 
// James Rigato, Mabel Gray, Hazel Park

Cicerone
// Charles Sarnak, Sullivan’s Public House, Oxford

Sommelier
// Retailer: Ted Ross, Vince & Joe’s
// Sommelier Restaurant (Tie): Shaun Page, Wolfgang Puck Steak, Detroit // Zharko Palushaj, Tre Monti Ristorante, Troy

Personal Trainer
// Female: Deborah Linley
// Male: Brad Goodstein

Local Politician to Recall 
// Gov. Rick Snyder

Political Rising Star
// Mayor Mike Duggan

Independent Store Owner 
// Mary Liz Curtin, Leon & Lulu

Colorful Character (Tie)
// Charlie LeDuff, Fox 2 News, author // David C. McKnight, Emerald City Designs

Detroit Filmmaker (Tie)
// Tony D’Annunzio (Louder Than Love: The Grande Ballroom Story) // Christos Moisides, Tyre Corporation, Detroit // The Right Brothers, (Andrew Miller and Jamin Townsley)

Fine Artist 
// Tony Roko


Eye of the Tiger

“Yo, Adrian …” If the rock band Queen hadn’t reportedly denied Sylvester Stallone the right to use “Another One Bites the Dust” as the theme for his Rocky III movie, generations of impressionable young ears might not have been delighted (or tortured) by having Survivor’s 1982 smash “Eye of the Tiger” get stuck in their heads. And even though superstar Miguel Cabrera wasn’t even alive then (he was born in 1983), the eye of this Tiger was made for picking up on pitches and giving the ball a ride. Cabrera gets a double-header this year, as Hour Detroit readers’ favorite Detroit Tigers Player and Local Sports Star.

 


Services // Food // People // Shopping // Media // Leisure // Etc. // Credits

Place To Be Fitted For A Suit
// Independent: 1701 Bespoke, Birmingham
// Chain:  Nordstrom

Women’s Clothing
// City: The Peacock Room, Detroit
// Suburb: Wanderlust, Rochester
// Chain: Nordstrom

Women’s Evening Wear
// Independent (Tie): Marguerite Boutique, West Bloomfield Township // The Peacock Room
// Chain: Neiman Marcus

Fine Antiques (Tie)
// DuMouchelles, Detroit // Materials Unlimited, Ypsilanti // Oddfellows Antiques, Berkley

Big And Tall 
// Destination XL

Place For One-Of-A-Kind Dresses  
// The Peacock Room, Detroit

Vintage Clothing 
// City: Eldorado General Store, Corktown Detroit
// Suburb: Lost And Found Vintage, Royal Oak

Men’s Clothing 
// Independent: Claymore Shop, Birmingham
// Chain: Nordstrom

Athletic Wear 
// Lululemon Athletica, Ann Arbor, Birmingham, and Troy

Luxury Bed And Table Linens 
// Cristions Fine Linen & Down, Birmingham; 248-723-3337

Cutting-Edge Fashions 
// Guys N Gals, West Bloomfield Township; 248-851-1260

Children’s Clothing (Tie)
// Guys N Gals, West Bloomfield Township; 248-851-1260 // It’s So Me Boutique, Utica

Place To Buy A Cake  
// Vince & Joe’s, Clinton Township and Shelby Township

Lingerie 
// Bra-Vo Intimates, Royal Oak

Jeans (Tie)
// Caruso Caruso, Birmingham // Rear Ends, West Bloomfield; 248-626-4333

Place To Buy An Engagement Ring
// Multiple Locations: Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry
// Single Location:  Ahee Jewelers, Grosse Pointe Woods

Bridal Gown 
// The Wedding Shoppe, Berkley

Gift Registry 
// Bed Bath & Beyond

Place To Order Wedding Invitations (Tie)
// Lace Boutique, Troy // Lee’s Specialty, Bloomfield Hills

Store For Produce 
// Vince And Joe’s Gourmet Markets, Clinton Township and Shelby Township

Place To Buy Bridesmaid Dresses
// The Wedding Shoppe, Berkley

Furniture Store 
// Multiple Locations: Art Van
// Single Location: Hillside Contemporary Furniture, Bloomfield Hills

Place To Buy Stationery 
// Lee’s Specialty, Bloomfield Township

Vintage Antiques 
// Oddfellows Antiques, Berkley

Accessories 
// Multiple Locations: Charming Charlie
// Single Location: Lace Boutique, Troy; 248-740-5500

Farmers Market  
// City: Eastern Market, Detroit
// Suburb: Royal Oak Farmers Market

Candy Shop 
// Doc Sweets’ Candy Company, Clawson

Personalized Service 
// Champane’s Wine Cellars, Warren

Place To Buy Local Crafts (Tie)
// The Rust Belt Market, Ferndale
// Yellow Door Art Market, Berkley

Nursery/Greenhouse 
// Multiple Locations: English Gardens 
// Single Location (Tie): Bordine’s, Rochester Hills // Telly’s Greenhouse, Troy

Gift Shop 
// Leon & Lulu, Clawson

Place To Buy Appliances 
// Local Chain: Sargent Appliance
// Chain (Tie): ABC Warehouse // Sears

Fine Spirits Shop 
// Champane’s Wine Cellars, Warren

Jeweler 
// Multiple Locations: Tapper’s Diamonds And Fine Jewelry
// Single Location: Miner’s Den, Royal Oak

Estate Jewelry 
// Multiple Locations: Tapper’s Diamonds And Fine Jewelry
// Single Location: Miner’s Den, Royal Oak 

Fabric Store
// Haberman Fabrics, Royal Oak

Shopping District 
// Downtown Birmingham

Auto Dealership
// George Matick Chevrolet, Redford Township

Clothing Resale/ Consignment Shop (Tie)
// Consignment Clothiers, Northville // Everything Home Upscale Resale, Royal Oak; 248-629-7010

Independent Hardware
// Frentz & Sons Hardware, Royal Oak

New Book Selection 
// The Book Beat, Oak Park

Used Bookstore
// John K. King, downtown Detroit

Comic Book Store (Tie)
// Detroit Comics, Ferndale // Green Brain, Dearborn

Place To Buy Electronics — Independent
// American Jewelry And Loan, Detroit

Place To Buy Organic Produce
// Whole Foods, Multiple locations

Wine Store
// Macomb County: Vince And Joe’s Gourmet Markets, Clinton Township and Shelby Township
// Oakland County: Hills Fine Wine And Spirits, Bloomfield Hills
// Wayne County (Tie): Cost Plus Eastern Market, Detroit; 313-259-3845 // Merchant’s Fine Wine, Dearborn

Detroit Souvenir 
// The Detroit Shoppe, Troy

Place To Buy Musical Instruments
// Independent: Huber Breese Music, Fraser
// Chain: Guitar Center

Smoke Shop 
// Churchill’s, Birmingham and West Bloomfield

Place To Buy A Bicycle
// City: Shinola, Detroit
// Suburb: D&D Bicycles & Hockey, Multiple locations

Place To Buy Toys (Tie)
// Doll Hospital & Toy Soldier Shop, Berkley // Toyology, Royal Oak and West Bloomfield

Optical Shop 
// Independent: Roland Optics, Bloomfield Hills
// Chain: See Eyewear, Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Rochester, and Troy

Place To Buy Sports Equipment 
// Independent: The Varsity Shop, Birmingham
// Chain: Dick’s

Gift Wrapping Service
// Lisa’s Gift Wrappers, Royal Oak

Salvage Furnishings 
// Materials Unlimited, Ypsilanti

Beer Store 
// Macomb County: Champane’s Wine Cellars, Warren
// Oakland County: 8 Degrees Plato, Ferndale
// Wayne county (Tie): Discount Drinks, Wyandotte // Merchant’s Fine Wine, Dearborn

Ethnic Food Market (Tie)
// Honey Bee Market La Colmena, Detroit // Vince & Joe’s, Clinton Township and Shelby Township

Pet Supply
// Multiple Locations: Premier Pet Supply, Beverly Hills
// Single Location: K9 Specialties, Warren; 586-939-5960

Place To Buy Original Art 
// Robert Kidd Gallery, Birmingham

New Category:
Place to Buy Records 

// City: Third Man Records, Cass Corridor Detroit
// Suburb: Dearborn Music, Dearborn


Red, Red Wine

Like fine wine, some songs age well. Neil Diamond wrote “Red, Red Wine” in the late ’60s; it got new legs from UB40 in 1983. Eastern Market’s Cost Plus Wine shop has also aged well, and tied for Wayne County’s Best Wine Shop. They’ve given tasteful advice since Tim McCarthy opened it St. Patrick’s Day 1982. McCarthy’s son, Dan, now runs the joint. And red wine “makes me forget,” right? Good thing. We’d rather not be reminded of ’80s trends like wine coolers (Bartles & Jaymes, anyone?) or Blue Nun. 313-259-3845


Services // Food // People // Shopping // Media // Leisure // Etc. // Credits

Local Newspaper 
// Detroit Free Press

Local Radio Station 
// 101.9-FM WDET

Local TV Newscast 
// WDIV-Channel 4

Local Radio News 
// WWJ 950-AM

Radio Voice 
// Mojo, Channel 955 (WKQI 95.5-FM)

The Best Playlist 
// WRCJ-FM 90.9 Classical Days Jazzy Nights

Radio Program 
// Dave & Chuck The Freak, 101 WRIF-FM

Sports Play-By-Play (Tie)
// Dan Dickerson, Tigers Radio Network // Ken Daniels, Detroit Red Wings (TV) // Ken Kal, Detroit Red Wings (Radio)

Male Newspaper Columnist 
// Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press

Female Newspaper Columnist 
// Rochelle Riley, Detroit Free Press

Local Website 
// clickondetroit.com

Local Radio DJ 
// Mojo, Channel 955 (WKQI 95.5-FM)

Local Male TV Anchor 
// Devin Scillian, WDIV-Channel 4

Traffic Reporter 
// Ann Marie LaFlamme, WXYZ-Channel 7

Weathercaster 
// Dave Rexroth, WXYZ-Channel 7

Local Talk-Radio Host 
// Mike Valenti, WXYT-FM (97.1 The Ticket)

Local Sportscaster 
// Bernie Smilovitz, WDIV-Channel 4

Local Female TV Anchor 
// Carmen Harlan, WDIV-Channel 4

New Category:
Local TV Talk Show Host 

// Dr. Partha Nandi, WXYZ-Channel 7


Boys of Summer

Not that anyone needs reminding, but the last time the Detroit’s “Boys of Summer” won the World Series, it was 1984. And although a little voice in Don Henley’s head once said, “Don’t look back, you can never look back,” the voice of the Detroit Tigers, Dan Dickerson (part of a three-way tie for Best Play By Play), says otherwise. In an April interview with WJR, Dickerson cited the past as inspiration. “The fact that (the Tigers) were predicted to defend their title last year and finished last, there’s just a little extra motivation, a little extra drive in this team this year,” Dickerson said. Here’s hoping he’s right. detroit.tigers.mlb.com


Services // Food // People // Shopping // Media // Leisure // Etc. // Credits

Concert Venue 
// DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston

Michigan Vacation Spot 
// Traverse City

Charity Event 
// Auto Show Charity Preview Gala, Detroit

Dive Bar 
// City: The Old Miami, Detroit; 313-831-3830
// Suburb: Gusoline Alley, Royal Oak; 248-545-2235

New Bar
// City: Standby, Detroit
// Suburb: Whiskey Six, Grosse Pointe

Sports Bar 
// City: Tap at MGM Grand, Detroit
// Suburb: The Lodge Grill & Bar, Keego Harbor

Wine Bar
// City (Tie): Motor City Wine, Corktown Detroit // Vertical, Detroit
// Suburb: Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room, Royal Oak and Shelby Township

Private Golf Course
// Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Hills

Jazz Club
// City (Tie): Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Detroit // Cliff Bell’s, downtown Detroit

// Suburb: Dirty Dog Jazz Café, Grosse Pointe

Place To See An Art Film
// City: Detroit Film Theatre (DFT), at the DIA
// Suburb (Tie): Main Art Theatre, Royal Oak // Maple Theater, Birmingham

Male Gay Bar 
// Pronto!, Royal Oak; 248-544-7900

Female Gay Bar
// Como’s, Ferndale

Neighborhood Bar
// City: Abick’s Bar, 313-894-9329
// Suburb (Tie): Sullivan’s Public House, Oxford // Townhouse, Birmingham

Bowling Alley 
// Garden Bowl, Midtown Detroit

Special Event Venue
// The Roostertail, Detroit

Community Theater 
// Stagecrafters, Royal Oak

Bar For Business Deals (Tie)
// Bacco Ristorante, Southfield // 220 Merrill, Birmingham

Pool Hall 
// The Loving Touch, Ferndale

Place To See A First-Run Movie
// Multiple Locations: Emagine
// Single Location: The Maple Theater, Bloomfield

Bike Trail 
// City: Detroit RiverWalk/Dequindre Cut, Detroit
// Suburb: Paint Creek Trail, Oakland County

Annual Sporting Event 
// Tigers Opening Day

Public Golf Course
// Shepherd’s Hollow, Clarkston

Place To Hear Bands (Tie)
// City: Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit
// Suburb: The Magic Bag, Ferndale

Location For A First Date
// City (Tie): Belle Isle, Detroit // DIA, Midtown Detroit
// Suburb (Tie): The Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak // Townhouse, Birmingham

Comedy Club
// Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Royal Oak

Outdoor Festival
// City (Tie): Detroit Jazz Festival // Movement Electronic Music Festival
// Suburb: Arts, Beats & Eats, Royal Oak

Museum
// DIA, Midtown Detroit

Picnic Spot
// City: Belle Isle, Detroit
// Suburb: Stony Creek Metropark, Shelby Township

Happy Hour 
// City: Prism, Greektown Casino Detroit
// Suburb: Bistro 82, Royal Oak

Place To Learn To Dance
// Dance City, Birmingham

Indoor Tennis Court (Tie)
// Beverly Hills Club, Beverly Hills
// Franklin Athletic Club, Southfield

Casino
// Greektown Casino, Detroit

Running Route
// City: Detroit RiverWalk, downtown Detroit
// Suburb: Stony Creek Metropark, Shelby Township

Scenic Drive 
// City: Lakeshore Drive, Grosse Pointe Shores
// State: M-22

New Category:
Cigar Bar

// Multiple locations: Churchill’s, Birmingham and West Bloomfield
// Single location (tie): Got Rocks (in Big Rock Chophouse), Birmingham // Secreto Cigar Vault, Ferndale


Don’t Worry, Be Happy

In every life, we have some trouble, but when you worry, you make it double. Happy Hour in the ’80s alleviated worries with sweet concoctions like the slippery nipple, the piña colada, and that ultimate worry-melter, the Long Island iced tea. But you won’t find those ’80s staples on the happy hour menu at Royal Oak’s Bistro 82. Instead, look for $5 well drinks, draft beers, and wines, along with $3 snacks like the Wagyu Steak Slider and the Parmesan Pomme Frites. If you’re still worried by the time you leave, call Bobby McFerrin. He’ll make you happy. bistro82.com

Let’s Dance

For the fifth consecutive year, our Best Place To Learn To Dance has readers and their kids taking David Bowie’s 1983 advice. Dance City owner Rhona Fidler says, “Let’s Dance” to students of everything from hip-hop to ballet. And if you pine for the days of MC Hammer pants and doing the “running man,” their June 5 spring recital will be a throwback. dancecitybirmingham.com


Services // Food // People // Shopping // Media // Leisure // Etc. // Credits

Detroit Car Brand — Automaker
// Ford

Detroit Car Brand — Division 
// Chevrolet

Detroit Car Model
// Ford Mustang

Downtown Skyscraper
// Renaissance Center, Detroit

Detroit Cliché To Ban
// Detroit vs. Everybody

Best Loft Building (Tie)
// Waterview Loft – Port Detroit, downtown Detroit
// Willys Overland Lofts, Midtown Detroit

Private Club
// City: Detroit Athletic Club, downtown Detroit
// Suburb: The Village Club, Bloomfield Hills

Hotel 
// City: Greektown Casino Hotel, Detroit (soon to be known as “Jack”)
// Suburb: The Townsend Hotel, Birmingham

Best Sign of a Detroit Comeback (Tie)
// Midtown Revival // M-1 Rail (now known as the QLine)

Inner-Ring Suburb
// Ferndale

National Chain We Wish We Had Here
// In-N-Out Burger

Building Worth Saving 
// Michigan Central Train Station, Corktown Detroit


Little Red Corvette

“…Baby you’re much too fast.” Indeed, every “Little Red Corvette” (and any other color) that Chevrolet built was fast. But for this year’s Best Detroit Car Brand — Division, the ride of the ’80s was the Camaro IROC-Z. With its boxy yet sporty design, it suited the era. As Car and Driver put it in a recent roundup of the coolest cars of the 1980s, “The third-generation Chevrolet Camaro is a wheeled embodiment of the 1980s, the angular styling the perfect complement to that red-leather Michael Jackson jacket in the closet, the removable T-tops ideal for blow-drying that ’do on the go.” As the late legend Prince might say: “Move over baby, come on, give me the keys.” chevrolet.com


Services // Food // People // Shopping // Media // Leisure // Etc. // Credits

Teddy Demski // Producer
ChristaMara // Makeup artist
Marco Bertoldi // Hair styling
Michael Moran // Production assistant
Jennifer Pickering // Styling assistant
Larry Lambrecht and Sean Mouton // Photographer’s assistants
Livonia CAPA // Student actors

Shot on location at:
University High School, Ferndale
Props and wardrobe provided by:
Blossoms, Oddfellows Antiques, The Balloon Lady, Lost and Found Vintage, V-Male Detroit Vintage, The Getup Vintage, Ragstock