My Food Review on Gina's Located in Clinton Township Michigan

Waking up this Sunday hungry as a horse, I had the taste for my usual first midday food choices of the week; brunch that is. Needing coffee and just the right combination of vittles to get my day started, I pondered on where to go.   Selecting a place I’d never dined at, I ended up at Gina’s located in Clinton Township.   

Upon entry I was greeted with some of the friendliest faces ever and was escorted to my seating area.  Small yet very cozy, this place was filled to its capacity. Watching others patiently waiting to be seated, I opened up my menu to view their featured selections.

After taking several sips of my coffee, I started with an order of their Cinnamon Raisin French toast. Let me just say how glad I am that I ordered it. The combination of the cinnamon, sweet spices, and the raisins together made for one great experience taste bud wise.    

Happy about my first choice and eager to try more items, I made their hash browns and Spinach Omelet created with Swiss cheese my final selections of the day.  My hash browns were freshly cut and not frozen.  In fact, I enjoyed them so much that I ate them all!  I was somewhat disappointed by my omelet.  It was rather bland.  Although the spinach was fresh, the combination of the Swiss cheese with the egg batter lacked the desired taste I was looking for.  I’ll most definitely give Gina’s another try. Perhaps I’ll try their amazing Cinnamon Raisin French toast with another omelet choice next time.

Discover Your Brand...A DO-IT-YOURSELF BRANDING WORKBOOK FOR AUTHORS by Emlyn Chand

Great writers published superb books.  In fact statics indicate that 309,957 titles were released in 2012 alone.  Some will celebrate a major accomplishment by making the New York Times Best Seller List. On the other hand, many will be disappointed due to not achieving their desired reach.

Like myself and many other writers unsatisfied with a low volume of sales due to not being highly recognized for our talents as authors, there’s one determining factor playing a vital role in it all.  Reasoning for it all has to do with placing a small amount of emphasis upon a marketing/branding plan or, the lack of putting one into place prior to release dates.  Placing all of the energy into writing and publishing the book, most writers assume that the title of a book will sale itself.   

There is a lot a work that goes into writing a book.  The same amount of effort that it takes to complete a title should also be applied to who you plan to sale it to and how your style of writing will be identified from all the rest.  For those lacking the foundation or knowledge needed to create one and haveing a clue where as to start, read Discover Your Brand by Emlyn Chand.   

Completing this book, the first thing that came to mind was a doctor’s exam.  Trained physicians check individuals thoroughly from head to toe from the inside out to ensure that everything is properly working.  This guide does the exact same thing for authors.  It allows writers the opportunity by providing specific directives the chance to thoroughly inspect their reads to ensure a higher desired target population reach.  

The author of three books for tweens, chapter six, Finding Your Genre, opened my eyes to realm of possibilities I hadn’t considered.  I had no idea how an incorrect classification of a book could result in a writer ever reaching his or her potential targeted audience. Thanks to Chand, I now know. 

To all writers whether seasoned or new, be sure to create a branding plan prior to releasing your forth coming titles and purchase Discover Your Brand to assist you with completing the process.

The 24Grille Located on Michigan Avenue in Detroit

Last Thursday’s weather here in Michigan was so cold that just about every school district was closed for the day.  Having an off day from the class room meant two things for me. One; I could make an early hair appointment and of course, case out my next restaurant within the south-east region on my usual mission to find some great eats.

Driving downtown, I ended up at the 24grille located on Michigan Avenue.  Upon entry, I was greeted by a young man and woman who displayed some of the most cheerful and welcoming expressions one would ever meet.   Enclosed inside of the WestinBook-Cadillac Hotel, the ambiance is purely sensual and the windows provide for a most decorative view for its incoming customers.

Highly satisfied with the selections from their menu, I decided on several appetizers such as their Salmon Tacos, and Lolli Pop Lamb Chops.  Both were edible however, what comes to my mind is their Risotto Croquette.  A deep fried potato served with spinach and asparagus topped with a creamy melted cheese sauce, it indeed is the appetizer to die for.

Due to having a little more room in my belly to eat just a little more, my final selection for this evening was their Corn Beef Reuben Sandwich served on multicolored rye. Big enough in my opinion to keep you good and full all day, the rye bread was crisp and the corn beef was good enough to take off the sandwich and eat it plain. The spin off for red cabbage instead of green made for one decorative creation. My experience at the 24grille in Detroit was most pleasurable.  For those who haven’t paid this fine dining restaurant a visit, be sure to make a reservation soon. 

The Power of the Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy PH.D.,D.D

It’s a “New Year” and a “New Day.”  At least that’s the attitude most of us carry for the first thirty one days out of the 365.  By February, were usually back to the same old routine.  Many of us desire a purposeful life full of meaning.  As humans, we all have various goals in life we’d like to actually see manifest.  A personal goal for one individual may be to have their health fully restored while another’s could be to eliminate excesses debt. Neither can be classified as right or wrong.   It simply boils down to what’s a priority for the individual during their present specific phase of life.

I can’t think of anyone off hand who doesn’t want to get better at something or, accomplish a lifelong dream. Perhaps the conflict overall for most of us was the ignorance of applying the proper mental channels needed to fulfill our hearts desires.

I never would’ve thought of it this way until I listened to this audio just this past week. In purest terms, this verbal formatted book is the overall recipe to any visionary’s mission. Usually, I can identify my favorite section of an audio or bounded book. Due to having so many “aha moments” as I listened, I simply couldn’t.  For those individuals desiring to improve health and finances, I highly recommend you focus on chapters five and 10.

Although The Power of the Subconscious Mind was first released in 1963, it still remains a best seller after 52 years. This is the kind of book that every kid needs to start reading no later than the age of 12.  And as for adults, start now by either reading or listening to the audio version of the late Dr. Murphy’s greatest guide today.   

Forgiveness 21 Days to Forgive Everyone for Everything

This year of 2014 sent me on a “literacy path” deemed necessary for my personal growth in multiple ways.  From increasing confidence; to the transformation of my mindset on a mission to understand my place as a human on this planet, I made it my goal to indulge in meaningful insightful text.  As I completed each one, I felt a sense of accomplishment knowing that the author had indeed achieved their purpose.

Understanding the views and the “Big” message being conveyed from this genre of books always came easy for me.  Having the necessary solutions to rid me of the multiple inner conflicts within myself was another. Unfortunately, I’d find myself feeling temporarily optimistic about breaking free from inner baggage and back to my regulated routine within weeks.  The problem with this is that I was not getting anywhere. As I think about it all, the first thing that comes to mind is the “hamster in the running wheel concept.”

Uploading this book on my kindle, I stated to myself, “What will make this one different from any of the others I’ve previously read?”  That was until I read it. In the bible, it clearly states that faiths without works are dead.  In the intro of her series on the OWN Network, Vanzant clearly states that personal “life work” was required for her to become her best self. Ladies and gentlemen, this book provides the templates necessary for you to conduct the “life work” necessary for letting go and truly forgiving.  Reading each section, I realized why she offered the “Forgiveness Series” on line.

People this is not another one of those self-help guides where you take notes and move on with your day trying to figure out how to shift and release your inner toxic captives.  The mandated assignments enclosed requiring effort, time, and repetitive practice indeed provide what is really required from the inside out to wholeheartedly forgive.  Realizing now that the act of forgiving is not an overnight process, I thank you Iyanla for providing the real template on how to get it done.

For individuals sincere about the process of exonerating in order to have an enjoyable and fuller life, pick this one up at your book store or upload it tablet or reading device.  This coming New Year, make it a 2015 resolution to not only forgive; learn what’s required by a renowned expert on what personal actions are necessary to see it through.     

My Last Food Review of the Year...Hands Down...Detroit Wright & Company Receives my 2014 Best New Restaurant Nomination

As the year of 2014 comes to a rapid close, I felt obligated to provide one more food review before the New Year.  Unlike the others, this one is somewhat unique.  In the heart of Downtown Detroit pass the YMCA on Broadway; to the direct right of it, you’ll see an alley with graffiti on the walls. Zipping down this narrow road in a hurriedly fashion, you’ll miss this chic and newly opened fine dining establishment slightly passed the airbrushed blocks.  Dare to look up and you’ll witness chefs in the window preparing the finest of works of arts. The establishment I’m referring to is none other than the Wright and Company located at 1500 Woodward.

Taking the elevator up to this eatery, my mouth dropped wide open to the extravagance of it all.  The décor of this place; short of nothing but superb.  Ending up here on a limb, I saw a photograph of their potato chips. Deciding they were a “must have” bathed in melted cheese, scallions, and tomatoes infused with homemade oil, this “spud dish” for a limited time satisfied my palate long enough for my next anticipated arrival.

As the server placed my main dish on the table, I stated to myself “yes!” due to the presentation of their “TunaTarte.” Crafted from a combination of Spicy Mayonnaise, Crispy Wontons, and Sweet Soy, ladies and gentlemen, this was no ordinary piece of fish.  Gone within ten minutes flat, I was most satisfied with this sultry selection.  I’m giving Detroit’s Wright & Company a four out of four stars and the 2014 nomination title of Detroit’s Best new restaurant.

It’s been a great year serving as one of Detroit’s “go-to” persons for dinning and food reviews.  I look forward to bringing you even more exciting critiques the year of 2015.   

My International Food Review on Keg Steakhouse & Bar Located in Windsor

This year for my birthday, I really wanted a dinner party.  Not just any dinner party, an international food party with some of my closest friends to celebrate with. Residing in Michigan and knowing that my birthday fell on a working weekday this year, I decided on the closes country to Detroit.  Yes everyone, I selected Windsor.

Conducting some serious research on restaurants that served and had an excellent reputation for steak, I choose Keg Steakhouse. Located approximately just five minutes away from Ouellette Street after passing through the Detroit/Canada tunnel, this place is very easy to find.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the server.   Mesmerized by the luxurious fire place located in the direct front, the hostess took us to our seats.    People I can’t even begin to tell you about the awesome selection of appetizers they had to choose from.  All I remember is that we ordered at least four of them from the menu and they were all indeed favorable.

Out of everything I ate this night, nothing could compare to the steak I ordered.  If I hadn’t known better, I’d suspect that this Filet Mignon was injected with butter prior to preparation.  This medium well cooked beef was dynamic in every way.  Tender, succulent, and savory, are just a few words that I can use to describe it.  My potato was absolutely yummy and the butter that accompanied it was most tasty. 

Hands down people, Kegs in my opinion makes the best steak period.  Do yourselves a favor everyone.  Get a passport, or enhanced licensed and give Kegs a try.  I guarantee you’ll make another visit after the first.

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