September Dining News and Food Events

The latest dining news, plus food events this September and early October.
101
Baobab Fare owners Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere have launched a new line of single-origin beans from Soko, their coffee brand. // Photo courtesy Baobab Fare

Baobab Fare Launches New Coffee Line

Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, owners of Detroit’s James Beard-honored East African restaurant Baobab Fare — are launching a new retail line of Burundi coffee — Soko by Baobab Fare.

The new line consists of three single-origin bags of Burundi coffee beans — Gahombo (natural), Matongo (washed), and Muruta — which the brand says is the only decaf Burundi coffee in the world.

To celebrate, the Baobab Fare team is throwing a party in downtown Clawson, hosted by their roasting partners Sabbath Coffee Roasters. The coffee shop will be preparing exclusive coffee drinks made with Soko beans, plus a slushie made from Soko’s Hibiscus Ji. Additionally, Baobab Fare’s food truck Waka, will be on site serving up chapati and other Burundian street fare. It’s a food event you won’t want to miss. Sept. 21-22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., E. 14 Mile Road, Clawson, baobabfare.com 

Upcoming DIA Exhibit Explores Islamic Art Through Food

Muhammad Ali, Iran. “An Old and a Young Man and a Woman Having a Picnic” at the Detroit Institute of Arts’ upcoming exhibit. // Photo by Pernille Klemp

A new exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts will explore Islamic art through the lens of food and culinary culture. The Art of Dining: Food Culture in the Islamic World features almost 230 pieces, showcasing tableware; paintings depicting meals and food preparation; and historical cookbooks with recipes that are still in use today.

The multi-sensory experience also features “scent boxes,” allowing visitors to take in the aromas of rosewater, orange blossom, coffee, and cardamom.

The exhibit will be on display from Sept. 22-Jan. 5 and is free for residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties.

Gleaners Seeks Donations for 15th Annual Mow Down Hunger Campaign

From Sept. 10 through Oct. 1, Gleaners Community Food Bank is running its Mow Down Hunger campaign. Funds raised will go to programs with the goal of preventing child hunger. During this campaign, local outdoor equipment company Weingartz will match donations dollar-for-dollar for up to 1 million meals.

Donations can be made online at mowdownhunger.org, by calling 855-315-FOOD (3663), or mailing a check or money order to Gleaners Community Food Bank, P.O. Box 44050, Detroit, MI 48244-0050. Donations can also be made at all Weingartz stores during this time.

Andiamo Pasta & Chops opens at Partridge Creek

The local Italian franchise has opened another location in The Mall at Partridge Creek on Sept. 12, taking over the space once occupied by Brio Italian Grille. The Pasta & Chops concept features traditional Andiamo menu items — homemade Italian breads, pastas — plus steaks and seafood in what it describes as a “beautiful, casual setting.”

It’s the latest culinary addition to the outdoor mall in Clinton Township, which lost Bobcat Bonnies late last month after the location closed abruptly.

Yellow Light to Open in Michigan Central Station

The coffee and donut shop from Detroit’s eastside is opening its second location in Michigan Central Station this fall — making it the first food and beverage tenant to be located there since 1988. Read our full story here. 

Events and Happenings

Try Craft Beer and Wines at Dodge Park

Crafts on the Clinton allows visitors to sample local beers and wines, as well as enjoy live music, arts vendors, and food trucks. Featured vendors include Bell’s, Griffin Claw, Rochester Mills, Blake’s Hard Cider Co., and Tenerra Winery.

Proceeds benefit the Clinton River Watershed Council, which is hosting the food event in partnership with the City of Sterling Heights. Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion at Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, crwc.org/crafts

Michelin star chef Anita Lo will prepare dinners at Oak & Reel on Sept. 26 and 27. // Photo courtesy Oak & Reel

Michelin star chef preparing final Culinary Collective dinner at Oak & Reel

Michelin star chef Anita Lo was raised in Birmingham and rose to prominence as a contestant on Chopped All Stars, Iron Chef America, and Top Chef Masters. She’s at the helm at Oak & Reel’s final Culinary Collective dinner this year — a series that brings world class chefs to the restaurant’s kitchen — with proceeds going to local nonprofit Downtown Boxing Gym’s scholarship fund.

The six-course meal will feature dishes like crudo of alaskan spot prawn, kabocha gnocco, and miso marinated sablefish. Sept. 26-27, both seatings at 7 p.m. $250/ticket (includes dinner and beverage pairing). 2921 E Grand Blvd., Detroit, oakandreel.com. 

Ann Arbor Hosts its Third Annual Food Festival

Located at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, the festival is a celebration of Michigan food and agriculture. Events include a live seasonal cooking demonstration, cookbook swap, a vegetable competition, compost toss, and exhibitor booths from local food-focused community organizations. Food trucks, games, and live music from the Community High School Jazz Band will be on site for the food event as well. Sept. 26, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., no cost, 15 Detroit St., Ann Arbor, annarbor.org.

The Skip in Detroit to host Black Lagoon Cocktail Pop-Up

The Skip, located in downtown Detroit’s The Belt Alley, is one of 35 bars across North America to host Black Lagoon, a Halloween-themed cocktail pop-up created by bar industry veterans Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage.

Throughout the month of October, the bar will be transformed with an eerie atmosphere and spooky cocktails like the rum-forward Siren’s Song or Nightmare Fuel (made with tequila, Giffard Mangue, matcha, lime, Bitter Queens That spice bitters, and absinthe.) Oct. 1 – Nov. 5, 1234 The Belt, Detroit. theskipdetroit.com