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Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Summer Lunch Detroit Market Style

I have written about the Detroit Eastern Market Tuesdays before.  But, I love it so I am going to write about it again.  What I love about it, is that I can go on my lunch hour to shop, get lunch and just enjoy the sites.  Yes, I love going to Eastern Market on Saturday, but Detroit Eastern Market Tuesdays is a bit more quaint, with all that I need. 


                                                                
Vendors sell a variety of fruits, vegetable and herbs, some of which are grown in the city of Detroit.  Also on sale are ready to eat items, like soup from the Russell Street Deli, or you can grab a sandwich from the Green Zebra Truck.  There are tables set up for eating and sitting as well as an area for workshops.  A Yoga class was going on as I walked through the shed and it gave me a sense that this was not just a place to grab some food and get out, but a place to enjoy your afternoon.

When I arrived I went through my normal routine.  I do one loop of the entire area and take a look at what is being offered without buying a thing.  Then I go back and get my lunch and other items and sit down to eat.  This Tuesday, I grabbed a pint of fresh raspberries from the Blake's Farm stand ($2) and a cup of gazpacho from the Russell Street Deli ($3).  I paid only $5 for a fresh lunch and had a great experience as well.



I plan to make the Tuesday Market a part of each week (if I can).  And, I think you should too!

Detroit Eastern Market Tuesdays will run, July 9 through October 29 from 9am-3pm


Monday, June 24, 2013

All Hail the Mighty Kale!

Oh Kale Chips, how I love you!   Especially the Living Zen Raw Chips!  They are addicting, very very addicting.  Made with Kale, tahini, apple cider vinegar, tamari, leaks, lemon, nutritional yeast, garlic, flaxseed, they offer an amazing taste and a hearty crunch.

These kale chips are made by Zen Buddhist Monks in Hamtramck at the Detroit Zen Center



Wanna buy them?  Click Here!
I found these tasty kale chips at Goodwell's Market  on Willis St. in Detroit(one of my favorites written about in a previous post) and went back multiple times in one week to buy a bag, which I would eat in one sitting (yes, I have a problem, but at least I admit it).  They are sooooooo good.

They are worth the price, trust me.  

Last summer, in the midst of my kale chip addiction, they stopped selling them in stores and devoted their time to selling them at farmers markets only.  So, I would hit the market (Eastern Market in Detroit) as soon as I could only to find that they were SOLD OUT.  This was a hard time for me.  Then something magical happened.  I found them on Amazon!  YAY!

Although, they are once again back on the shelves at Goodwell;s Market.  I am assuming that the in store demand was high enough to deliver the product back to the stores.  So, you can find them there as well.

So, why eat kale chips?  Let's review the benefits of Kale.


1. Kale is low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat. One cup of kale has only 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat. It is great for aiding in digestion and elimination with its great fiber content. It’s also filled with so many nutrients, vitamins, folate and magnesium as well as those listed below. (obviously the nutrition content is different when you put things on it and make it into a chip)

2. Kale is high in iron. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef. Iron is essential for good health, such as the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen to various parts of the body, cell growth, proper liver function and more.

3. Kale is high in Vitamin K. Eating a diet high in Vitamin K can help protect against various cancers. It is also necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions including normal bone health and the prevention of blood clotting. Also increased levels of vitamin K can help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids help protect against various cancers.

5. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory food. One cup of kale is filled with 10% of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids, which help, fight against arthritis, asthma and autoimmune disorders.

6. Kale is great for cardiovascular support. Eating more kale can help lower cholesterol levels.

7. Kale is high in Vitamin A.Vitamin A is great for your vision, your skin as well as helping to prevent lung and oral cavity cancers.

8. Kale is high in Vitamin C. This is very helpful for your immune system, your metabolism and your hydration.

9. Kale is high in calcium. Per calorie, kale has more calcium than milk, which aids in preventing bone loss, preventing osteoporosis and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Vitamin C is also helpful to maintain cartilage and joint flexibility

10. Kale is a great detox food. Kale is filled with fiber and sulfur, both great for detoxifyingyour body and keeping your liver healthy.

Monday, April 8, 2013

I am in love with Willis (Street)


I realized today that I have not written about my FAVORITE lunch spot.  On the corner of Willis Street and Cass Avenue in Detroit's Midtown lies two gems - Goodwell's Natural Food Market and Avalon International Breads.  

It is really a fight inside my brain as to which one I will get my lunch from almost every day.  If I go to Avalon, odds are I will get the Mediterranean Chick Pea Salad, a Cosmic Cranberry Kombucha and a Vegan Granola Bar.  If I go to Goodwell's, odds are I will get a Famous Vegan Pocket Sandwich with Avocado a Cosmic Cranberry Kombucha and either dried mango or kale chips.  This is pretty standard unless I grab something off of the day old shelf at Avalon (I scored and hit the jackpot one day and there were four Vegan Granola Bars in a bag for $2…a total bonus) like date bars or scones.  Or, I change it up and get a soup from Goodwell's, which can happen on any given day depending on the choices.  Or I go crazy and go to both!


Photo credit AvalonBreads.net

The reason I love these two places is because of their food, ingredients, taste and local nature.  Avalon makes everything right there.  Goodwell's makes everything right there.  Each uses quality ingredients and since that is important to me, it works out well.  PLUS, the staff at each establishment is awesome.  Case in point…I was having a particularly ruff day at work when I arrived at Avalon for my lunch, late and tired.  I got my usual and noticed that the woman behind the counter gave me a little smile.  I smiled back not thinking anything of it.  When I got into my car, I decided to eat my granola bar while in the car because it was that kind of day.  When I opened the bag, there were two granola bars inside.  I was so happy!  It turned my day around completely and I have the woman at Avalon to thank for that!

Avalon is a bakery and makes wonderful breads and desserts, but they also carry coffee, salads, soups and sandwiches as well as some local products.  Their breads are sold all over Southeast Michigan.

Goodwell's National Food Market carries a variety of organic and natural grocery items as well as organic produce as well as soups, sandwiches, salads and other grab and go items.


Two musts!
Vegan Granola Bar from Avalon
Famous Vegan Pocket Sandwich from Goodwell's.

Eat It!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Take me to your leader...Javabot

This past week a co-worker and I visited The Roasting Plant, a new coffee establishment in the Campus Martius area in Downtown Detroit. It is truly unlike any other coffee establishment I have been to.

First let me say, that we got a great parking spot right outside, which I am sure added to our experience. Upon getting out of the car we were smacked in the face with the smell of roasting coffee. And, it smelled goooood. I really could have gotten back in the car right then, as I was pretty satisfied with the smell alone, but that wouldn't keep me awake in the afternoon. So we went in.

The glass tubes from the Javabot line the ceiling and drop into the middle of the shop. The Javabot as described on The Roasting Plant's website is, "A patented Roasting Plant invention, Javabot first holds 'green' beans in a series of clear storage columns. When it’s time for roasting, the beans are automatically measured out by weight and then “whooshed” into the roaster via bursts of air through clear pneumatic tubes." And then..."Once roasted, the beans are blown back into the columns where they rest for no longer than 48 hours, allowing their flavors to mature without decaying. Then they’re dispensed in first-in-first-out order into our brewer or retail bags at the peak of their freshness." Wow.

There are only two other Javabots in the country located at The Roasting Plant's two other locations, both in New York. New York and Detroit. Nice.

So, you walk up, you order your size or speciality drink, you specify to bean and if you want it supercharged (more beans used to make it stronger). I had a medium supercharge Ethiopian Harrar. Intense and smoky. I drink it black, it was good.

I really want to go back. Not only for the Javabot, which is quite fun to watch, and the whooshing beans that fly across the ceiling, but the great cup of coffee that was delivered to me all hot and yummy.

A friend of mine has been there everyday this week and I have a feeling he will be back there tomorrow...maybe the Javabot does more than make a good cup of coffee to get you coming back....

The Roasting Plant is located at:
Woodward Avenue
660 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 782- 4291



Photo Credit--Julie Phenis, Co-Creator, HeyGirlDetroit



Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Que Seva Seva...


OK, I know the real words, but I had to do it.

Instead of painting my whole night for you.  I am going to get right down to it. 
Seva's General Tso's Cauliflower is like crack.  Once you start you can't stop and you want to eat it every day. 
So good.  So good.  So good.

General Tso's Cauliflower-Photo Credit: detnew.com

I was at Seva for a party where the the food was chosen for me, which is good because I may not have chosen the same thing and then missed out.  The other stand out for me was Rennie's Peanut-Kale Salad (kale, carrots, butternut squash, red peppers in a peanut-cider marinade).  I Love Kale, so this is a natural win for me. 


The other thing that I realized is this…I HAVE TO GO BACK THERE AND EAT MORE.  I looked at the menu while I was there and there are so many things that I want to try…Mushroom Sliders, Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadilla, Yam Fries, and their Spinach Salad…I need to try them all.

In addition to their regular menu items, they have weekly lunch, dinner, drink and appetizer specials that also sound fantastic, like Red Lentil Coconut Curry Soup, which contains three of my favorite things all in one.

Now, you should know that Seva is a sister restaurant to the original Seva in Ann Arbor.  Each establishment specializing in Vegetarian Cuisine and has a full bar. 

I am upset with myself for not eating there sooner. 

At any rate, I am going there for lunch this week and I can't wait!  OH!  And, for those of you who like Kombucha, they serve Unity Vibration's (located in Ypsilanti, Michigan) Kombucha! Bingo!

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Research Tonight

Consume Detroit will be out on the town tonight to consume and I can not wait to share my findings with you. I will be hitting a few new spots and I know I will have good things to share. So make sure to check back tomorrow.

Where am I going? It's a secret.

In the meantime, I leave you with this simple breakfast yogurt treat...
1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
A pinch of Stevia
Two dashes of cinnamon
2 drops of pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup raw slivered almonds

Stir it up....YUM!!!!

I would post a pic but I ate it already! So here is a picture of a homemade Dutch Baby instead...just because it's pretty

Now off I go for a long run to make room to c o n s u m e.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Saturday Schnitzelbank?

Last night was my first time at the Dakota Inn (can't believe that!) and I want to go back again...already.  It was so much fun!  From the moment you walk in and see the architecture and the hear the whole place singing a song together (the words are projected on the wall), you know this is going to be a great place.

Dakota Inn--Located on John R in Detroit..Not far from Hamtramck , is Detroit's only authentic German restaurant and bar.

Since I was there with a group Germans (Jaegers and Koenigbauers) they guided me through the menu of traditional dishes.  We quickly ordered a pitcher of the Dakota Inn Red  and a cheese and sausage board which was served with pretzels and mustard.  Yum! Perfect! The cheese was a mellow Gouda and the "chub" of Summer Sausage was served with the the skin still on.  I loved it and so did everyone else at the table because it was gone quickly.

German Artwork on wall

And, now the piano player takes a request!  YAY...so, we heard a rendition of "The Entertainer" and many people in the crowd sang along.

Dinner is served!  I ordered the Kassler Rippchen.  A smoked pork chop, served with hot German potato salad and red kraut...outstanding.  The pork chop was like biting into a thick piece of ham.  We also ordered potato pancakes for the table.  They may have been the best potato pancakes I have ever had.  I could taste the butter they were sauteed in and the edges were so crisp.  My husband ordered the Rouldan, which is round steak wrapped around pork, onions and a pickle.  And, we ordered the Knackwurst for the kids.  I was not a huge fan of the Rouldan. I couldn't really taste the individual flavors, but I could see the appeal of the dish.   The Knackwurst was very good and tasted and smelled just like a good German sausage should.  I would like to taste the Bratwurst next time.

And, now...what we have all been waiting for SCHNITZELBANK!

What is a schnitzelbank?
"A Schnitzelbank is actually a woodworker's bench. One of the great Dakota Inn traditions includes a sing-along about the Schnitzelbank. This is a classic German drinking song. Every night, someone leads the crowd in a song that uses the Schnitzelbank as its centerpiece."

 
The words to Schnitzelbank displayed on the wall
 The crowd loved this song...we all sang along and I know I said every word incorrectly, but I don't care.  It was fun!  The man who lead the song, used an old cane to point the the next word.  So, fun!

And, to top it all off, they had a snowflake cutting contest.  They even supplied the paper and scissors.  All of the snowflakes are then displayed on the walls!

I love the Dakota Inn.  I will be back and I am going to practice the Schnitzelbank before I return!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Consuming Sunshine

Running on the Riverfront is a perfect way to end your day with sun like this! Get out early and enjoy!!

Surprisingly quiet and not too many people...come on all you auto show visitors, get out here!

Gotta ruuuunnmn....

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Bacon...Why I am not a Vegetarian

Where can you get the best bacon?  I am talking about prepared bacon with your meal.  Do you like thin and fatty?  Thick and meaty?  Peppery? Mapley? (Mapley is not a word)

I can't help it.  The Original Pancake House has my vote for the best restaurant bacon.  I would really welcome some comments on other establishments that offer good bacon, so I can try them out.  I am sure there are others out there and I want to make sure that I am making the best judgement.



Their bacon is thick and mapley with a little pepper taste on the backside.  It is sooooo yummy and even better when you dump some warm syrup over it.

My favorite bacon can be bought from Crestwick Farms.  It is Apple with Sea Salt and it is sooooo good. Crestwick Farms is located in Ravena, Michigan, but delivers to locations in the metro-Detroit area and some products are carried at Vince and Joes Market and other locations found on their website. At Crestwick Farms they have 100% naturally raised livestock, so you can feel good about your bacon!  AND, their products are Nitrite/Nitrate, MSG, Soy and Preservative Free and are created within their own facility and smokehouses.

On the subject of bacon, there is a strange phenomenon that happens when I eat bacon and drink coffee.  If I do them both simultaneously, my coffee tastes horrible.  This is a HUGE bummer as I love both coffee and bacon and most often just suck it up and drink bad tasting coffee.  I googled this and came up short.  Apparently this doesn't happen to anyone but me.



Good luck on your bacon and let me know if you find some really good restaurant bacon in Detroit and I will go eat it.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Ode to the Everything Bagel

The bagel that tempts me on the file cabinet...you know I hate you right?

I ate a vegetable laden, healthy lunch followed by a dream to hit the streets for a run, but then you looked my way and now I can't forget about you.



So, I gave in,  I did it.  I couldn't help it.  I ate you and now I hate you. 

I didn't need you...not at 3pm in the afternoon.  Nope.  But you sat there staring at me all day. 

Everything bagel, your ego is large as you try to be all bagels at one time.

You have won.  


Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Sweet and Spicy Jazz and Seaweed Salad

Jazz is in my ears and everything is right.  Each night (no kidding, ask my kids) I turn on 90.9 WRCJ to listen to the sweet sounds of Jazz.  Nothing is finer than ending the day with the sweet sounds of the instruments that sound so good together.  Weekday evenings are my favorite with Tony Mowad, who is the President and Founder of the Pittsburgh Jazz Society and also serves on the board of the American Federation of Jazz Societies. He plays great jazz (Pub Jazz) and has a great voice.  I love it.  My grandfather, David Saad was a true lover of Jazz.  He loved to sit and listen to live and recorded jazz, and used to tell stories of seeking out jazz overseas when he was serving in WWII.  I like to think I have his ear for music, especially Jazz.

While I sit and listen to Jazz this evening, I am eating seaweed salad and it occurred to me that Jazz and seaweed salad have a lot of similarities.  The are both silky yet have some texture and depth, they can be both sweet and spicy at the same time and they don't fill you up too much, so you always have room for more.

Try the two together or apart.  But if you get a chance, turn on WRCJ, close your eyes, lay back and enjoy the sweet sounds...





Good Morning!

Black Organic French Roast...a good bean, makes a great cup!



Monday, January 7, 2013

Barbeque, Baklava and a Bike

I realize it is the middle of January, but I was day dreaming of Spring the other day (yes, already) and all of this came to mind....
There is no doubt in my mind, I seriously love barbeque.  And, I am sure the thing I love about it the most is eating smoked fat.  Sure the meat part is good too, but I really like the fatty ends of just about everything, so chicken does not fit into my world of barbeque at all...unless I am eating the skin (Slow's has some smoked wings that are very good) then forget the chicken.

That being said, I have been to my fair share of Detroit barbeque establishments and I have one problem.  I like different things at each one.  If I were to build my perfect meal, I would have to go to several restaurants to do so.  And, maybe one day I will.  So, here is my ideal barbeque meal, complete with beverages and dessert.

My vision is this...me on a bike (basket on front) in the spring, traveling around the city, filling my basket with all of my barbeque meal components.  Once they are collected, I will take my goodies to the Detroit Riverfront, on the patch of grass next to Milliken State Park where there is a large hill.  I will sit atop the hill on a blanket and devour my meal while watching the freighters go by. Ahhhh....dreams.

The meal:

Beverage:  Since there are seasonal beers on tap everywhere, I will just put my favorite here. LaGunitas IPA.  It is very hop-py but very delicious! (It has been on tap at Green Dot Stables in the recent past)

Appetizer: Slow's BBQ Wings and Burnt Ends (Brisket) from RUB BBQ Pub.

Main Course:  (I am making my own combo meal here) Texas Style Beef Brisket from Slow's BBQ and a half rack of St. Louis Style Spare Ribs from Red Smoke Barbeque.

Dessert:  Baklava from Astoria Bakery-Greektown

Enjoy!!

Baklava from Astoria Bakery

St. Louis Spare Ribs from Red Smoke

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Happy New Year!

Welcome to the Consume Detroit blog.  I am creating this blog to share my passion for eating and seeking out new, fun and exciting things to do in Detroit as well as other tidbits.  I can't wait to share my thoughts views and the growth of one of the best cities around.  I consider myself a novice when it comes to restaurant and food reviews, but one with passion for eating, cooking and living and because of that, you may be able to relate to what I have to say here.  Thank you for visiting.  I hope to see you around town.