MEDIA
Traffic reporter:
Jackie Paige, Fox 2.
Local radio station:
Channel 95.5, channel955.com.
Local radio news:
WWJ 950-AM, wwj.com.
Local news Web site:
Locally generated Web site:
Local TV anchor:
Carmen Harlan, Channel 4 WDIV.
Local TV newscast:
Channel 4 WDIV,
clickondetroit.com.
Local TV personality destined for prime time (tie):
Rhonda Walker, Channel 4 WDIV.
Karen Drew, Channel 4 WDIV.
Local talk-radio host (three-way tie):
Drew & Mike, 101.1 WRIF-FM.
Jim Harper, Magic 105.1-FM.
Paul W. Smith, 760 WJR-AM.
Local sportscaster:
Bernie Smilovitz, Channel 4 WDIV.
Local newspaper:
Detroit Free Press, freep.com.
Local weather forecast:
Chuck Gaidica, Channel 4 WDIV.
Local radio DJ:
Mojo, Channel 95.5.
Radio voice (tie):
Paul W. Smith, WJR 760-AM.
Jim Harper, Magic 105.1-FM.
Local radio station with the best playlist:
93.1 DOUG-FM, 931dougfm.com.
Local newspaper columnist:
Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press.
MUSIC
Jazz club:
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Detroit; 313-345-6300, bakerskeyboardlounge.com.
Place to hear bands:
The Magic Bag, Ferndale; 248-544-3030, themagicbag.com.
Used vinyl/CD store:
Record Time, Roseville; 586- 775-1550, recordtime.com.
Concert venue:
DTE Music Theatre; Clarkston, palace.net.
ETC.
Ice cream parlor:
Cold Stone Creamery, various locations, coldstonecreamery.com.
Antiques store: (opposite)
Odd Fellows Antiques, Berkley; 248-399-6098.
Window display:
Anthropologie, various locations, anthropologie.com.
Freebie (TIE):
Metro Times, metrotimes.com.
Belle Isle, fobi.org.
Michigan vacation spot (tie):
Mackinac Island, mackinac.com.
Traverse City, visittraversecity.com.
Independent hardware store:
Frentz & Sons, Royal Oak; 248-544-8111, frentzandsons.com.
New book selection (independent):
The Book Beat, Oak Park; 248-968-1190, thebookbeat.com.
Independent coffeehouse (three-way TIE):
Bean & Leaf, Royal Oak; 248-586-9602.
Cannella Patisserie & Crêperie, Birmingham; 248-203-9704, cannellapatisserie.com.
Java House Café, South Lyon; 248- 446-6080, sljavahousecafe.com.
Place to buy electronics:
Best Buy, various locations, bestbuy.com.
Magazine selection (tie):
Borders, various locations, borders.com.
Barnes & Noble, various locations, barnesandnoble.com.
Downtown District Shopping:
Birmingham, enjoybirmimgham.com
Place to find a bargain:
T.J. Maxx, various locations, tjmaxx.com.
Gift shop:
Independent: Catching Fireflies, Berkley; 248-336-2030, and Rochester; 248-650-3318, shopcatchingfireflies.com.
Chain: Hallmark, various locations, hallmark.com.
Optical Shop:
See, Birmingham; 248-723-1900.
New shopping:
The Mall at Partridge Creek, Clinton Township, shoppartridgecreek.com.
Company to work for:
Workplace atmosphere:
City to work in:
Birmingham, enjoybirmingham.com.
Company with the best perks:
Nursery/greenhouse (three-way tie):
Bordine Nursery, various locations, bordine.com.
English Gardens, various locations, englishgardens.com.
Telly’s Greenhouse, Troy, 248-689-8735, tellys.com.
Place to buy a greeting card:
Independent: Write Impressions, Royal Oak; 248-541-8921, writeimpressions-mi.com.
Chain: Hallmark, various locations, hallmark.com.
Used bookstore:
John K. King Used & Rare Books, Detroit; 313-961-0622, rarebooklink.com.
Toy store:
Independent: Adventures in Toys, Birmingham; 248-646-5550. Chain: Toys R Us, various locations, toysrus.com.
High-rise living:
Royal Oak
Coveted job:
Mayor of Detroit.
SERVICES
Dressmaker:
Katerina Bocci; design studio
in Shelby Township; 586-
247-3622, katerina-bocci.com
Gift-wrap services:
Independent: Lisa’s Gift
Wrappers, Royal Oak; 248-547-9094, lisasgift-
wrappers.com.
Chain: Macy’s, various locations,
macys.com.
Shoe repair:
Frank’s Shoe Service, Birmingham, 248-647-3530.
Divorce Lawyer:
Jessica Woll, Woll & Woll, P.C., Southfield; 248-354-6070, wollandwollpc.com.
Veterinarian (tie):
Gibraltar Veterinary Hospital, Gibraltar; 734-675-5020, gibraltarvet.com.
DePorre Veterinary Hospital, Bloomfield Hills; 248-646-1669, deporrevet.com.
Car repair:
Collex Collision, various locations, collexcollision.com.
Tailoring/alterations:
The Birmingham Tailor, Birmingham; 248-433-3703.
Limo service:
Metro Car; 734-946-5700, metrocars.com.
Florist:
Blossoms, Birmingham; 248-644-4411, blossomsbirmingham.com.
Gift registry:
Macy’s, various locations, macys.com.
Massage:
Spa Julianna, Plymouth; 734- 455-4445, juliannaonline.com.
Caterer:
Forte Belanger, Troy; 248-288-3300, fortebelanger.com.
Personalized service (three-way tie):
Neiman Marcus, Troy; 248-643- 3300, neimanmarcus.com.
Todd’s Room, Birmingham; 248-594-0003, toddsroombirmingham.com.
Nordstrom, various locations, nordstrom.com.
Dry cleaner:
Somerset Cleaners, Troy; 248- 643-0807, somersetcleaners.com.
COCKTAILS
Wine list:
Vinotecca, Royal Oak; 248-544-6256, vinotecca.com.
Beer selection:
The Berkley Front, Berkley; 248-547-3331.
Margarita:
Xochimilco, Detroit; 313-843-0179.
Martini:
Goodnite Gracie Jazz & Martini Bar, various locations, goodnitegracie.com.
Creative cocktails:
Goodnite Gracie Jazz & Martini Bar, various locations, goodnitegracie.com.
Michigan winery:
Leelanau Cellars, Omena; 231-386-5201, leelanaucellars.com.
Microbrewery (tie):
Woodward Avenue Brewery, Ferndale; 248- 546-3696.
Royal Oak Brewery, Royal Oak; 248-544-1141, royaloakbrewery.com.
Happy hour:
Kona Grill, Troy; 248-619-9060, konagrill.com.
Smoke-free restaurant/bar:
Crave Lounge, Dearborn; 313-277-7283, cravelounge.com.
Wine bar:
Vinotecca, Royal Oak; 248-544-6256, vinotecca.com.
Place for nightcaps after a show:
The Whitney, Detroit; 313-832-5700, thewhitney.com.
DINING
Restaurant for general excellence:
The Lark, West Bloomfield Township; 248-661-4466, thelark.com.
Restaurant ambience:
Iridescence, Detroit; 313-237-6732, motorcitycasino.com.
Greek:
Pegasus Taverna, Detroit; 313-964-6800, pegasustaverna.com.
View from a restaurant:
Coach Insignia, Detroit; 313-567-2622, mattprenticerg.com.
Dessert:
The Whitney, Detroit; 313-832-5700, thewhitney.com.
Sunday brunch:
Beverly Hills Grill, Beverly Hills; 248-642-2355.
Pancakes:
The Original Pancake House, various locations, originalpancakehouse.com.
Window seat:
Coach Insignia, Detroit; 313-567-2622, mattprenticerg.com.
Thai:
Sy Thai, Birmingham; 248-258-9830.
Attentive service:
The Lark, West Bloomfield Township; 248-661-4466, thelark.com.
Chinese:
Independent: Mon Jin Lau Nu Asian Cuisine, Troy; 248-689-2332, monjinlau.com.
Chain: P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, various locations, pfchangs.com.
Appetizers:
Small Plates, Detroit; 313-963-0497, and Royal Oak; 248-543-3300, smallplates.com.
Place for late-night dining:
Como’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, Ferndale; 248-548-5005.
Breakfast:
The Original Pancake House, various locations; originalpancakehouse.com.
Pizza (deep dish):
Buddy’s Pizza, various locations, buddyspizza.com.
Middle Eastern:
Phoenicia, Birmingham; 248-644-3122.
Indian:
Priya Indian Cuisine, Troy; 248-269-0100; priyarestaurant.com.
Barbecue ribs:
Slows Bar BQ, Detroit; 313-962-9828, slowsbarbq.com.
Sushi:
Noble Fish, Clawson; 248-585-2314.
Korean:
Shilla, Clawson; 248-655-0120.
Romantic restaurant:
The Lark, West Bloomfield Township; 248-661-4466, thelark.com.
Italian:
Independent: Bacco Ristorante, Southfield; 248-356-6600, baccoristorante.com.
Multiple locations: Andiamo, various locations, andiamoitalia.com.
Place to have dinner before a show:
Small Plates, Detroit; 313-963-0497, and Royal Oak; 248-543-3300, smallplates.com.
Japanese:
Independent: Musashi Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar, Southfield; 248-358-1911, musashi-intl.com.
Chain: Benihana, various locations, benihana.com.
Deli:
Steve’s Deli, Bloomfield Township; 248-932-0800; stevesdeli.com.
Soup:
Zoup!, various locations, zoup.com.
Seafood:
Mitchell’s Fish Market, various locations, mitchellsfishmarket.com.
Pizza (classic round):
Jet’s Pizza, area locations, jetspizza.net.
Casino restaurant:
SaltWater (inside the MGM Grand Detroit), Detroit; 877-888-2121, mgmgrandetroit.com.
24-hour restaurant:
National Coney Island, various locations, nationalconeyisland.com.
Coney Island:
Lafayette Coney Island, Detroit; 313-964-8198.
Steakhouse (TIE):
The Capital Grille, Troy; 248-649-5300; thecapitalgrille.com.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Troy; 248-269-8424, ruthschris.com.
French:
The Lark, West Bloomfield Township; 248-661-4466, thelark.com.
Mexican:
Xochimilco, Detroit; 313-843-0179.
Burger:
Red Coat Tavern, Royal Oak; 248-549-0300.
Carryout:
Independent: Steve’s Deli, Bloomfield Hills; 248-932-0800, stevesdeli.com.
Chain: P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, various locations, pfchangs.com.
Stop for lunch while shopping (tie):
P.F. Chang’s, various locations, pfchangs.com.
Olga’s Kitchen; various locations, olgaskitchen.com.
Place for a business lunch:
The Capital Grille, Troy; 248-649-5300, thecapitalgrille.com.
Soul food:
Beans & Cornbread, Southfield; 248-208-1680, beanscornbread.com.
SPARKLE
Estate jewelry:
Legacy, Birmingham; 248-723-9975, legacy-
estatejewelry.com.
Jeweler:
Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, West Bloomfield Township; 248-932-7700, and Novi; 248-465-2800, tappers.com.
Place to by a wedding ring:
Independent: Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, West Bloomfield Township; 248-932-7700, and Novi; 248-465-2800, tappers.com.
Chain: Tiffany & Co., Troy; 248-637-2800, tiffany.com.
METROPOLIS
Neon sign:
MotorCity Casino, Detroit, motorcitycasino.com.
Historically significant building:
Guardian Building, Detroit; guardianbuilding.com.
Scenic drive:
Lake Shore Drive, the Grosse Pointes.
Annual sporting event:
Tigers Opening Day.
Contemporary building (tie):
Renaissance Center; Detroit, gmrencen.com.
Compuware; Detroit, compuware.com.
SOCIAL LIFE
Place to learn to dance:
Sky Bar, Royal Oak; 248-543-1964.
Charity event:
NAIAS Charity Preview; Cobo Hall, naias.com.
Jukebox:
Gusoline Alley, Royal Oak; 248-545-2235.
Dance club:
Boogie Fever Café, Ferndale; 248-541-1600, boogiefevercafe.com.
New bar (tie):
Chen Chow Brasserie, Birmingham; 248-594-2469, chenchow.com.
V, MGM Grand Detroit; 313-465-1661, mgmgranddetroit.com/nightlife/v.
Neighborhood bar:
Dick O’Dow’s, Birmingham; 248-652-1135.
Mt. Chalet, Royal Oak; 248-549-2929.
Bar for business deals:
The Capital Grille, Troy; 248- 649-5300, thecapitalgrille.com.
Male gay bar:
Pronto!, Royal Oak; 248-544-7900.
Lesbian bar:
Como’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, Ferndale; 248-548-5005.
Karaoke:
Royal Kubo, Clawson; 248-588-2300.
Pickup bar:
220 Merrill, Birmingham; 248-645-2150.
Place to people-watch:
Somerset Collection, Troy.
Place to see a first-run movie:
The Palladium 12, Birmingham; 248-644-FILM, uptownpalladium12.com.
Casino:
MGM Grand Detroit, Detroit; 800-646-3387, mgmgranddetroit.com.
CULTURE
Museum:
Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit; 313-833-7900, dia.org.
Art Gallery:
C-Pop, Detroit, cpop.com.
Place to see an art film:
Main Art Theatre, Royal Oak; 248-263-2111, landmarktheatres.com.
PHYS ED
Athletic wear:
Dick’s Sporting Goods, various locations, dickssportinggoods.com.
Place to buy sports equipment:
Dick’s Sporting Goods, various locations, dickssportinggoods.com.
Gym:
Lifetime Fitness, various locations, lifetimefitness.com.
Pool hall:
Snookers Pool & Pub, various locations, snookerspool.com.
Yoga studio:
Yoga Shelter, various locations, yogashelter.com.
Outdoor tennis court:
The Sports Club of West Bloomfield, West Bloomfield Township; 248-626-9880, thesportsclubs.com.
Rink for pickup hockey:
Troy Sports Center, Troy; 248-689-6600, troysports.com.
Court for pickup basketball:
Joe Dumars’ Fieldhouse, various locations, joedumarsfieldhouse.com.
Public golf course (tie):
Rackham (above), Huntington Woods; 248-543-4040, rackham.americangolf.com.
Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club, Clarkston; 248-922-0300, shepherdshollow.com.
Indoor driving range:
Carl’s Golfland, various locations; carlsgolfland.com.
Outdoor driving range:
Carl’s Golfland, various locations, carlsgolfland.com.
Indoor Tennis Court (tie):
Franklin Athletic Club, Southfield; 248-352-8000, franklinclub.com.
Beverly Hills Club, Beverly Hills; 248-642-8500, beverlyhillsclub.net.
Bowling alley (tie):
The Garden Bowl (opposite), Detroit; 313- 833-9850, majesticdetroit.com.
Lucky Strike Lanes, Novi; 248- 374-3420, bowlluckystrike.com.
Baseball diamond (amateur):
Liberty Park, Sterling Heights; 586-978-9070, libertyparkofamerica.com.
FASHION
Women’s clothing:
Independent: Tender, Birmingham; 248-258-0212, tenderbirmingham.com.
Chain: Nordstrom, various locations; nordstrom.com.
Women’s evening wear (tie):
Saks Fifth Avenue, Troy; 248-643-9000, saksfifthavenue.com.
Nicole Miller, Birmingham; 248-433-0393, nicolemiller.com.
One-of-a-kind dresses (tie):
Linda Dresner, Birmingham; 248-642-4999, lindadresner.com.
Tender, Birmingham; 248-258-0212, tenderbirmingham.com.
Vintage clothing (three-way tie):
Paris, Royal Oak; 248-542-9594.
Bellocchio, Royal Oak; 248-541-8025, bellocchioresale.com.
Lost and Found Vintage, Royal Oak; 248-548-6154.
Accessories:
Oliver’s Trendz, various locations, oliverstrendz.com.
Men’s clothing:
Nordstrom, area locations, nordstrom.com.
Place to be fitted for a suit:
Independent: Carl Sterr, Birmingham; 248-645-6675.
Chain: Nordstrom, various locations, nordstrom.com.
Cutting-edge fashion:
Tender, Birmingham; 248-258-0212, tenderbirmingham.com.
Lingerie:
Harp’s, Birmingham; 248-642-2555.
Place to buy jeans:
Caruso Caruso, Birmingham; 248-645-5151, carusocaruso.net.
Place to buy a bridal gown:
Roma Sposa, Birmingham; 248-723-4300, romasposa.com
Children’s clothing:
Independent: Sprout, Royal Oak; 248-399-5560, sproutchild.com.
Chain: GapKids, area locations; gap.com.
LOCAL PRIDE
Locally produced food brand (tie):
Better Made Snack Foods, Detroit, bmchips.com.
Garden Fresh Gourmet,
gardenfreshsalsa.com.
Place to shop for local crafts:
Pewabic Pottery, Detroit; 313-822-0954, pewabic.org.
Best automaker:
General Motors.
Best car model (tie):
Ford Mustang.
Chevrolet Corvette.
Best automaker division:
Cadillac.
Detroit souvenir:
Made in Detroit (apparel), madeindetroit.com.
PEOPLE
Bartender (tie):
Carl (The Lark, West Bloomfield; 248-661-4466, thelark.com.)
Kimmy (Dick O’Dow’s, Birmingham; 248-642-1135.)
Local band (tie):
Killer Flamingos, killerflamingos.com.
Kid Rock, kidrock.com.
Future Michigan governor:
Dennis Archer Sr.
Local political dinner companion:
Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
Colorful character:
Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
Sports star:
Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons.
DJ:
DJ Powdrblu, myspace.com/powdrblu.
Stacey Pullen, staceypullen.com.
Best-dressed woman:
Rhonda Walker, Channel 4 WDIV.
Best-dressed man:
Carl Sterr (Carl Sterr Men’s Wear, Birmingham.)
Maitre d’:
Jim Lark (The Lark, West Bloomfield; 248-661-4466, thelark.com.)
Future Detroit mayor:
Roger Penske
Former Detroiter:
Madonna.
Publicity hound:
Geoffrey Fieger.
Chef:
John Somerville (The Lark, West Bloomfield; 248-661-4466, thelark.com.)
Local celebrity dinner companion:
Kid Rock.
Personal trainer:
Jennifer Gray; 248-761-2321, bodybyjenn.com.
Sommelier:
Madeline Triffon, Coach Insignia and others, mattprenticerg.com.
BEAUTY
Cosmetic counter:
Todd’s Room, Birmingham; 248-594- 0003, toddsroombirmingham.com.
Place for a makeover:
Todd’s Room, Birmingham; 248-594- 0003, toddsroombirmingham.com.
Hair salon:
Figo Salon, Birmingham; 248-723-7990, figo-salon.com.
Blowout:
Figo Salon, Birmingham; 248-723-7990, figo-salon.com.
Spa:
Margot’s European Day Spa, Birmingham; 248-642-3770, margots.com.
Makeup artist:
Todd Skog, Todd’s Room, Birmingham; 248-594-0003, toddsroombirmingham.com.
Manicure (tie):
Diva Nails, Bloomfield Hills; 248-593-8181.
Luigi Bruini, Birmingham; 248-723-1500.
Pedicure:
Nordstrom, Somerset Collection North, Troy; 248-816-7502, nordstrom.com.
Facial:
Margot’s European Day Spa, Birmingham; 248-642-3770, margots.com.
GROCERIES
Fish market:
Superior Fish Company, Royal Oak; 248-541-5220, superiorfish.com.
Fine spirits shop:
The Red Wagon Wine Shoppe, various locations, redwagonshoppe.com.
Place to buy a birthday cake:
Holiday Market, Royal Oak; 248-541-1414, holiday-market.com.
Place to buy produce:
Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, various locations, ninosalvaggio.com.
Gourmet market:
Papa Joe’s, Birmingham; 248-853-6263, and Rochester; 248-723-9400, papajoesmarket.com.
Wine store (tie):
Papa Joe’s, Birmingham; 248-853-6263, and Rochester; 248-723-9400, papajoesmarket.com.
Holiday Market, Royal Oak; 248-541-1414, holiday-market.com
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