Saturday, June 27, 2009

BIG Food Brands Made in Michigan (I like food...can you tell?)

You're having a BBQ, and have to go to the grocery store. Let's say your list consists of pop (soda), potato chips, salsa, hotdogs/sausages and buns.

Coke/Pepsi products are usually brands of choice, however, FAYGO is also a great brand. Faygo has many flavors (I LOVE Rock n' Rye, myself) and is made right here in DETROIT! Not to mention, I hear if you visit the factory, you get a t-shirt that says "I'm a Faygo"...too cool!

Put down the super fancy chips and hotdog/burger buns and grab Better Made. Again, they also have many different chip flavors, bread products and a variety of snack foods...made in DETROIT! ...and available almost everywhere.

I LOVE salsa...LOVE IT! The best salsa I've ever had is made by Garden Fresh. They also make tortilla chips, guacamole, etc, in FERNDALE. Many stores carry the brand, but if you want to keep it Michigan, buy it at Meijer!

Now, onto the meat! Kowalski has made its home in Hamtramck for nearly 85 years. You can find their products in many stores and even have their own stores in Warren, Macomb, Hamtramck (of course) and Westland.


*As always, please send me your suggestions. I'm definitely NOT aware of all of the great brands made in Michigan.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

"Mom & Pop" Restaurants

FEATURED RESTAURANT:

THE PANINI PRESS
*GRAND OPENING *JULY 6, 2009*


28983 Woodward Avenue, Berkley (Southwest corner of 12 Mile Rd & Woodward)
http://www.thepaninipress.com/



Berkley:

Amici's Pizza
www.amicispizza.com

The Blarney Stone (super cheap beer and great greasy food)
www.blarneystonepub.us

The Berkley Front (great brew and great food)
I couldn't find an official website, so this will have to do:
http://www.pubcrawler.com/Template/ReviewWC.cfm/flat/BrewerID=407


Birmingham:

Java Hut - 207 S Old Woodward
(Also a location on 9 Mile in Ferndale)

Phoenicia Restaurant
www.phoeniciabirmingham.com


Royal Oak:

Red Coat Tavern 31542 Woodward Ave

Royal Oak Brewery
http://royaloakbrewery.com/

Vinsetta Grill 28028 Woodward Ave

Bastone
http://www.bastone.net/default.html

Ray's Ice Cream
http://www.raysicecream.com/

Lily's Seafood
http://www.lilysseafood.com/index.html

Ahan Thai 200 W Fourth St


Ferndale:

Como's
www.comospizza.com

Blue Nile (Ethiopian)
http://www.bluenilemi.com/

The Fly Trap
www.theflytrapferndale.com


Yes, yes, I know I'm really just focussing on Southeast Michigan right now, but this will all change as the blog grows...and I start getting suggestions from readers. For this particular post, I'm focussing on Royal Oak, Berkley, Birmingham and Ferndale. I'll try to branch out to different clusters of cities at least once a week, focussing on their "Mom & Pop" restaurants.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Suggestions Welcome

Please feel free to leave feedback or information on products that are grown/made/sold in Michigan. I look forward to hearing your suggestions!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Fresh FOOD! (and drink :)

All of us can very easily go to our local Meijer, Walmart, Target, etc to buy groceries. And, of course it's always great to shop at those stores...after all, they employ our friends, family, neighbors, etc. However, there are other places to buy vegetables, fruit, bread, plants, flowers and even beer.

Detroit's Eastern Market: Every Saturday you can find great deals on vegetables, fruit, bread, plants, flowers etc.
http://www.detroiteasternmarket.com

Avalon Bakery in Detroit: The BEST bread, bakery and lunches around!
I can't find an official website, so this listing will have to do:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/avalon-international-breads-detroit

Motor City Brewery (Detroit)...YUMMY beer and fabulous pizza!
http://www.motorcitybeer.com

Woodward Avenue Brewery, a.k.a. The WAB (Ferndale)...also great beer and fantastic menu!
Once again, I cannot find an official website, so this will have to do:
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/19/237587/restaurant/Detroit/Woodward-Avenue-Brewery-Ferndale

Royal Oak Farmer's Market
http://www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us/farmersmkt/

And, here is a link to a listing of Farmer's Markets across Michigan:
http://www.farmersmarketonline.com/fm/Michigan.html

Shop Michigan!

Michigan's economy is quite possibly the worst in the nation. However, great products are still made and sold here. This blog will explore many products from produce to jewelry and where to purchase them.