Party for St. Patrick’s Day in Detroit

Everyone knows that Detroiters LOVE to party!  One of the biggest parties of the year is St. Patrick’s Day.  With the holiday falling on a Saturday this year it will be by far the biggest St. Patrick’s Day party yet!  I would like to share with you some of the festivities that take part downtown for St. Patrick’s Day!

The 54^th Annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 2:00 pm.  The parade is full of great music and elaborate floats!  It starts on 6^th Street and Michigan Ave and disperses at 14^th Street!

The 30^th Annual Corktown 5K Race.  It starts at 12:00 pm on the day of the race!  It is a great way to get the day started and then settle in to watch the parade!

Detroit is home to many fine pubs that would be a perfect spot to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.   

A few of them are:

Old Shillelagh located on Monroe.  They are known for their HUGE tent party that they have thrown for at least the past 30 years!  Founded by John Brady in 1975 the Old Shillelagh has been a landmark in Detroit’s bar scene ever since.  

Town Pub Tavern located on W. Montcalm on the ground floor of the historic Park Avenue House offers a unique atmosphere and great camaraderie.  Since its inception in 1996 it has remained a downtown hotspot. 

Foran’s Grand Trunk Pub located one block from Campus Martius and Hart Plaza.  The pub captures the history of the building as The Grand Trunk Rail Road’s ticket station and offers an exceptional ambiance, great food, and a great selection of Michigan beer. You can also purchase a six pack to go!

These are just a few stops to make downtown! I would love to hear what you have planned for St. Patrick’s Day!  Please remember to Drink Responsibly………

In honor of this upcoming holiday I would love to support Detroit and raffle off this very festive Made in Detroit t-shirt!  For further details on how to win this T-shirt please visit my KT in the D Facebook Fan Page 

Good Luck!

What is Detroit’s Legacy…………

When you hear Detroit what is the first thing that comes to mind?  For some it may have a negative association, but I believe that Detroit represents more than what people give it credit for.  I would like to list a few (out of the many) examples of what Detroit has to offer and hopefully change some negative perspectives!  So the question is “what is Detroit’s legacy”?

1. Having ultimate sports teams and fans!  The Lions, Tigers, Wings, and Pistons have all had their fair share of some awesome seasons!  Regardless, the fans have stuck through the hard-times! 

2. Having Detroit and its surrounding cities be home to some awesome products!  Such as: Better Made Snacks, Carhartt, Faygo, Kowalski, Sanders, Little Caesars Pizza, Stroh’s, and Kellogg’s.  Check out this link for more info on the above products!

http://voices.yahoo.com/top-10-products-made-detroit-702515.html?cat=46

3. Having Detroit and its surrounding cities be home to many high profile celebrities! Including: Jerry Bruckheimer, Tim Allen, Alice Cooper, Francis Ford Coppola, Jeff Daniels, Eminem, Madonna, Ed McMahon, Jack White, Tom Selleck, Kid Rock, Bob Seger, and many more.   

4. The legacy of Joe Louis, who was originally from Alabama, but moved to Detroit in 1924, was one of the greatest prizefighters of all time!  Joe Louis still holds the merit of having successfully defended his title more times than any other heavyweight in history.  Joe Louis’s fist is now a memorable landmark in Detroit. 

 

5. Pewabic Pottery a National Historic Landmark and is Michigan's only historic pottery.  Founded in 1903 is known across the country for its emblazed pottery.  Pewabic pottery can be found in many great landmarks around Detroit.  

6. The Detroit music scene including Motown Record Corporation based in Detroit founded by Berry Gordy and home to artists such as: The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and Jackson 5.  Also, the Rock Era with legends including: Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, Grand Funk Railroad, Glenn Frey of The Eagles, Eminem, Kid Rock, and The White Stripes.  Detroit is also referred to as the birthplace of Techno music.

7. Bringing back the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. 

 

8. Festivities and venues that happen at Hart Plaza.  The largest two being the Downtown Electronic Music Festival (DEMF) and the Hoedown.  These two events draw fans from across the country!

 

9. The great architecture of the city.  With its numerous art deco, neo-classical, and federalist masterpieces it was once referred to as “The Paris of the West”.  

10. Being classified as the “Automotive Capital of the World”.  Enough said.   

Please vote below and list any opinions as well!  Can't wait to hear what you think Detroit's Legacy is!  

Friday Night Live at the DIA

The Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) is home to many timeless pieces from classic artists including Van Gogh, Picasso, and Rembrandt. Some of my favorites! However, last Friday night we went to check out the photo gallery “Detroit Revealed”. It was very moving as artists portrayed life in the Motor City over the past decade. There were great photos capturing the beauty in the now decrepit buildings in Detroit. We also viewed a short 3D film, Reimagining the Packard Plant. It is amazing how artists can bring to life their visions with the use of modern technology. The photo gallery and short film were very uplifting. I would also like to mention that the museum was packed, wall to wall with people, on a Friday night! You can never go wrong with a late night date to the DIA on a Friday (they are open until 10 p.m.)!

After the DIA we headed to Eastern Market to grab a bite to eat. We stopped in at Supino Pizzeria and had an awesome meal (we even ordered a whole pizza to go)! If you love pizza you are sure to enjoy Supino Pizzeria. They use fresh local ingredients and bake the thin crust to perfection. This restaurant was also featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives! Rumor has it they may be expanding in the near future!

After our great meal we headed over to Vivio’s across the street for a night cap! The night was filled with good times, good friends, and great drinks! Check out the slideshow of the night’s events!

I get the distinct impression many more people like me are embracing Detroit’s cultural splendors! I would love to hear all about them as this blog is a forum for engaging discussion about Detroit.

Diners Drive-Ins and Dives in Detroit

The popular show, Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, on the Food Network Channel has helped put many local Detroit gems in the national spotlight.  If you have not watched the show I highly recommend it!  Guy Fieri drives across the country looking for unique restaurants and samples one of their famous dishes.  Last Friday night I was in Midtown and decided to stop in at one of the restaurants Fieri visited.  Check out this picture of him pulling up to Traffic Jam & Snug!

Courtesy of Traffic Jam & Snug

Then check out this picture of me strolling up to Traffic Jam & Snug!

Even though this establishment has been around since 1964 it has a modern urban feel to it.  What is awesome about this restaurant is that they have their own roof-top garden, brewery, diary, and bakery.   They also purchase their produce from local vendors.  I highly recommend the zucchini bread to-go and the bread pudding to eat in!  Check out this video that gives a great overview of Traffic Jam & Snug. 

This is one of the many awesome restaurants to check out in Detroit.  Not only is the food awesome, but the ambiance is unique.  I would love to hear of some great restaurants you have visited in Detroit!  From Lafayette Coney Island to The Whitney the possibilities are endless....................