Pasta Bowl in Detroit

Restaurants in Midtown and Downtown Detroit are popping up so fast even I can barely seem to keep up.  Having absolutely no complaints about seeking and looking for the latest new and authentic cuisine’s to try, the word had gotten out  about a new restaurant located on West McNichols cooking and serving up savory delicious food choices with one heck of an outside of-the-box theme.

Opening this past summer of 2014, the place I'm referring to is known for downhome cooking however, not soul food.  Dispelling the myth that African American chefs are only masters of soul food cuisine, Detroit's Pasta Bowl has proven to the city that this indeed is not the case. Specializing in Italian food, all of their authentic features are made with the freshest ingredients.   From the selected entrees made with either cream sauces or fresh tomato marinara, all are filled with flavor yet none are made nor prepared with salt.

Having a love and strong passion for family and friends, every title of each Italian dish is named after a person the owners admire and highly look up to.  Known as "Little Italy in the Hood", their infamous spinach and seafood selection made with a cream sauce is to die for.  I personally can’t seem to get enough of the "Spaghetti Sandwich".  Made with multiple layers of garlic bread, spaghetti, and cheese, this choice on the menu indeed brings out the inner child in me. For those as of yet who've not patronized Pasta Bowl in Detroit, be sure to do so. I guarantee you'll leave one happy camper.

 

The Punch Bowl Social on Broadway Downtown Detroit

Summertime in Detroit is always amazing.  With all of the positive transitioning taking place, downtown is definitely the place to network, mingle, socialize and yes of course, eat.  Several weeks ago, I along with friend of mind decided to try out one of the latest entertainment and food places to open its doors the later part of 2014.

Parking my vehicle on Broadway, I could not help but to admire the setup, structure, and architecture of one of Detroit’s new arrivals. For a moment, I thought I was downtown Chicago. The elevated windows allowed everyone to feel the summer breeze blown inward.  People had the choice to either eat inside or out on the patio while listening to the music being played inside.  Tables were reserved for birthday celebrations, friends and family gatherings, and of course dinner dates.   Who would’ve thought that all of this excitement would be taking happening at a place that provides bowling?  I am here to tell you that indeed it was.

Entering the Punch Bowl Social, I personally couldn’t help but to smile. The scenery and positive vibes upon arrival were both indeed contagious. Ordering a cocktail at the bar; I requested to be seated outside to soak up some of the gorgeous weather. Our waiter, a very fun and energetic individual, escorted us outside to the patio area.  For an appetizer, we started off with the Sweet Cilantro Wings.   Although the aroma of the chicken was mouthwatering, it was indeed deceiving.  I was most disappointed with the bland flavor and taste.  Even with additional sauce requested, it did not help much.

Thinking to myself “who could possibly mess up chicken,” I moved on to my next food choice under the “Share Plates” selection.   Deciding to take a categorical risk, I ordered the “Cauliflower Nachos.”  Having tried my fair share of various nachos with unique toppings in the past; this feature consisted of cilantro, crema queso fondito, a choice of chicken and pork, and of course cauliflower.   Assuming I had made another bad choice, I was wrong.  The combination of cauliflower, chicken, and creama queso was indeed a huge hit.  The flavor of the cilantro gave this dish exactly what it needed to meet my approval.   I was most pleased with this selection and would indeed order it again.

 People if you haven’t’ paid the Punch Bowl Social a visit, what are you waiting for?  Even if you don’t’ bowl, get on down there and enjoy yourselves before the hot season comes to an end.  

 

 

 

Baker's Keyboard Louge

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, located on Livernois is indeed one of Detroit’s historical monuments.  Jazz musicians such Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Colloway, and the legendary Miles Davis have all performed and entertained at this club that opened its doors in the early 30’s. To my surprise, after conducting research, I’d come to find that Bakers started out first as a sandwich shop in 1933, and began booking musicians in 1934. Making this discovery, I asked myself, “could this explain their solid reputation for serving up amazing down home soul food cuisine that comes often highly recommended?” 

Entering the lounge, you’re immediately taking back to a time when music was at its purest. Sitting at the bar with mutual friend, I asked to see the menu.  Due to frequently patronizing the lounge, I knew they had a reputation for making some of the best fried perch fish in the city. This day I was in the mood for a little turkey however; not prepared the traditional way. Sipping on my cocktail, I decided on their Turkey Chops and a double order of their signature greens with tomatoes and onions.

Once my plate was handed to me, the one word that immediately came to mind was, "wild!" The aroma of the food immediately awakened the senses of my taste buds.  As I prepared myself to put the "smash down" on this “mega plate” I thought to myself, "I hope everything taste as good as it smells." My greens as usual were fresh and not over powered by salt.  Prior to tasting my first chop, I was concerned about the possibility of them being overcooked and dry. After my first bite I was sold! They were crispy, moist, and some of the best chops I've tasted in a while. I was thoroughly satisfied with my experience at Bakers this day and highly recommend that everyone give them a try.  After-all the lounge was initially known for making great sandwiches prior to providing musical performances and lives entertainment.

 

 

      

 

Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles

With so many new places to eat popping up all over Midtown; one new restaurant on the northwest side opened its doors this past winter of 2015. Located on Livernois, rumor has it that people from all walks of life residing in Detroit are swarming like bees to honey to experience the taste of Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles. 

Owned by Detroit Lion Ron Bartell, I received recommendations from many individuals requesting that I pay a visit. With Social Media playing a big role, and many Detroiters flooding their Insta Gram time lines with the delectable southern cuisine food items; it was indeed time for me to see what the KCW buzz was really all about.  After-all, Detroit’s Mayor Mike Duggan had even approved.

Waiting on the rest of my dinning party to arrive, I used my spare time to peep out the magnificent scenery.  From the picture of the first African American President of the United States smoking a cigarette towards the bar, and the legendary Rap Group Run-DMC displayed on the multi-colored brown and red brick wall towards the dining area, the art work inside of the latest restaurant to make the Avenue of Fashion is most alluring.  The Marilyn Monroe portrait indeed makes a sight for sore eyes and compliments the state-of-the-art gorgeous lofty surroundings.

Anticipating the arrival of our final party member, we were squired to our table by our host and menus were provided with glasses of ice water by our server.  Making up our minds up about what to order was indeed a challenge due to the ongoing stares and pauses made at the “Waffle Combos” and “Southern Comforts” selections passing us back and forth to other dining room guest.  Members of our party decided on the following; the “Bam-Bam” consisting of a fried drumstick, thigh, with waffle choice included, the “Shrimp and Grits” made with scallions and bacon served over cheese grits, and the “Belle Isle Basket” which includes the choice of fried shrimp or catfish filets with a basket of chips. Finally, it was my turn to order and I decided on the red velvet waffle, three wings, and cheese eggs as my side item.  Known as the “Big Red”, this breakfast dish indeed fits true to its title.  I was most pleased with the portions provided.    

The chicken was piping hot, delicious and seasoned to perfection. The red velvet waffle was so rich and sweet that I devoured the majority of it without any syrup.   My eggs were fluffy, moist, and flavorsome.  I was thoroughly satisfied with my meal.  People, if you haven’t given the latest southern breakfast cuisine spot to hit the block of Livernois, it’s a must you give them a try.  You’ll need to exercise some patience and prepare to wait; however, I guarantee it’ll be worth your time.  

 

 

Go! Sy Thai Located in Midtown Detroit

What’s better than Thai Food?  A brand new Thai Restaurant in Midtown Detroit of-course.  Not even a year old, the word got out fast about a new place cooking up some mighty good Asian Cuisine in the area.   Curious about what this place had to offer, I made a pit stop to Go Sy Thai located on Cass Avenue prior to attending a networking engagement.

Assuming there would be ample room and space for one to sit down and dine on a Monday; man was I wrong! Filled to the max with locals and college students wanting to place “to go orders” or dine in, this gave me the opportunity to look over their menu several times.

My first instinct was to select the Panang. Made with bell peppers, eggplant, and green coconut curry.    Geared towards satisfying  the Spicer side of my taste buds; just when I was about to place my order, I change my mind and decided on the Egg Noodle dish.  Made with peapods, carrots, baby corn and a hint of garlic soya sauce; I requested a little beef be added as well.   

The combination of crisp steamed vegetables were absolutely delectable and full of authentic flavor.  The garlic soya mixed with the beef made this selection quite a hit.  The Egg Noodles were steamed perfectly.  An avid fan of Thai Food, my preference or personal choice usually with a Thai dish is the Drunken Noodle.  Thanks to tasting the Egg Noodle for the very first time at Go Sy Thai; I've had an edible change of heart.  Highly impressed with the food and atmosphere, I recommend everyone give them a try.

Wind Catcher (Chosen, #1) by Jeff and Erynn ALTabef

Juliet, a Native American teenager desiring the simple things in life ends up getting way more than she bargains for at sixteen.  Wanting the best education possible for her daughter; Summer, Juliet’s mom, switches her to a school that lacks diversity.  For poor Juliet, fitting in, has been no easy task. In-fact, it’s basically a lost cause. 

Sicheii, her grandfather, proudly embraces his native heritage.  Once very close to him, Juliet finds herself embarrassed by his cultural practices and way of life.   Like most working single moms, Summer does the best she can do to provide for herself and her only daughter.  Unhappy about her school change, Juliet becomes angry about her mom’s decision to have Sicheii house sit while she tends to work related business out of town.

Despising the whole private school experience; she decides the following morning to ditch school and avoid the phony atmosphere of Bartens High School.  Missing her old school environment and friends, she relies on her best friend Troy to help her escape her current reality. 

Unfortunately, their time together this particular day goes from sweet to sour due to an unexpected confrontation with some drunken teens.  Although the two of them safely escape the situation; Juliet, that same day notices some unique differences about herself that definitely distinguish her from the typical teen.  

No longer able to avoid the unique things taking place within her, Juliet finds herself discovering undisclosed secrets which result to her rekindling the bond she once had with her grandfather.  From discovering the truth about the murder of Medicine Man Roundtree in their local town; to realizing Sicheii's unconditional love and pure reasoning behind his "over the top" protection of her, Juliet's journey in the Wind Catcher keeps the reader turning the pages of this book anticipating more action to come.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adra's Review on Believe in Yourself by Dr. Joseph Murphy

Unfortunately in this world, people often get a kick out of seeing others not succeed.  The remaining portion rarely cares either way.   Most of us in life have dreams and aspirations to leave an unforgettable mark upon this planet prior to passing on. Too many times, we placed the role of faith towards our goals in the wrong hands.  As humans, we become so indulge with what other people may feel or believe about our ideas that we neglect or fail to realize that it all starts from within.

Many of us have amazing gifts that are needed to be shared with the world however; listening to other people, inner fear, insecurities, and lack of self-worth prevents us from pressing the start button.  We allow our minds and the company that we keep to convince us that what we have to offer simply isn’t worth the effort.  In laments terms, we simply just don’t believe in ourselves.

For those suffering from anything listed above or what I refer to as “the adversary,” I recommend you read this book.  From the beginning to the end, it provides the mental medicine one needs to retrain your thoughts for the better.  For those who ever thought that the images seen in their heads showing visualizations of manifested careers, or businesses were purely a glimpse of untouchable reason, this indeed is not the case. This was simply an unproductive thought from your mind telling you that it was unobtainable.  In-fact, the late Dr. Joseph Murphy states the following in the Make Your Dreams Come True Chapter of this read, “Imagination is the mighty instrument used by great scientist, artist, physicist, inventors, architects, and mystics.  When the world said, “It is impossible; it can be done,” the man with the imagination said, it is done!

For those needing to either build or rebuild inner confidence, read Believe in Yourself.  Never put your hopes and dreams into anyone else’s hands to create it.  The inner ability to achieve whatever you want out of life start’s within yourself.  Lastly the key to it all starts with the initial trusting and moving on a positive thought evolving from the inside aiming towards the outer for the greater good of all.