We are creatures of habit on Sunday morning, from worshipping at “St. Starbucks” to having lunch at Dagwood’s - eating outdoors under those wonderful Coke umbrellas whenever possible. Today, though, one of our Sunday morning “Farmington study group” suggested an alternative: eating at Luigi’s, which also has outoor seating, front and back.
Just one problem: Luigi’s was closed this morning for a wedding. Wonderful for the happy couple, their families and friends, not so much for us. Wanting to be good sports, we did not insist on being allowed to take a table outside. Instead, we moved to Cedar, which also has outdoor seating. I was impressed by this cozy little corner off the main dining room. It opens onto Grove Street, but the Sunday morning traffic wasn’t overwhelming. Those big Coke umbrellas provided ample shade, and a good time was had by all.
We may have started another Sunday morning habit.
–Joni Hubred-Golden
Michigan Woman Blogger
24 Comments
July 7, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Cedar has great food, we find ourselves under those umbrellas about every 2 weeks or so. The hummus is the best and I could eat a Greek chicken salad every day! They are also don’t seem to mind our four legged friend under the table.
July 8, 2008 at 2:41 am
Three words: fatoosh tawook salad. It’s the best. Mr. Shawarma also serves a wonderful version of that salad, and they don’t charge for the garlic and pita!
July 9, 2008 at 3:33 pm
We found Mr. Shawarma to be very salty, maybe we hit them on an off night.
July 9, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Ok, I’ll start keeping an eye on this thread…..Chef Georgio is always drawn to those establishments that serve up the finest in food for the body and food for the soul when he doesn’t serve it up himself. Still haven’t found that Arabic oasis since La Shish fled back to Lebanon. Ah well, there’s no place like home. Aaahhhhh, ahwi!
July 10, 2008 at 2:43 am
Hope springs eternal – LaShish is about to get a new name (same executive chef):
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080709/NEWS04/80709081
July 15, 2008 at 12:10 am
Good. Their kibbee was so raw and delicious you’d swear they had the lamb tied up out back.
So I’m at the market on Saturday looking for Scott “I’m voting Yes but can’t give you at least three good reasons why” Stevenson, and I find myself buying bags of organic groceries from a Hillsdale farmer. He asks me what I’m going to make and I tell him and catch the ear of an employee of this restaurant who happens to be passing out advertising literature: http://www.happycow.net/north_america/usa/michigan/farmington/index.html#6520
Wouldn’t it be cool, by the way, if the restaurant was just a little closer to streetscape walking distance. Anyway, the young man asks me what I’m making and I tell him (in Arabic of course) the secret Lebanese dish you’ll never see on an American menu. Well, let’s just say he gained a new customer and I may have just gained a new sue chef gig.
It is a pleasure to serve…..
July 15, 2008 at 5:55 am
You must not have been looking too hard, George – I am not difficult to find at the market, ask anyone.
Why you’ve tagged me with your silly quoted nickname is puzzling. I given you a number of reasons why I’m voting “Yes”, but evidently you’re not listening. Or is it that any argument you can’t or won’t entertain qualifies as not “good” for you?
Did you get the “pun”? : )
1) I’m voting “Yes” on the streetscape because I believe it’s time to move off the dime and act in a positive, progressive manner, instead of standing on the sidelines and sniping, without adding substance. Those opposing this project, yourself included, have repeatedly failed to back up assertions of impending failure with independently verifiable fact, instead choosing to pontificate about how your “knowledge” puts you in superior position with regards to the argument, a notion I have yet to be convinced of.
2) I’m voting “Yes” on the streetscape because, after being involved in retail businesses for a number of years, and knowing a great many merchants and land owners in the city of Farmington and the struggle they face, I am convinced that this is a potentially effective course of action that is part of an ongoing and necessary attempt to help revive the retail shopping atmosphere so vital to our downtown’s success. The vast majority of downtown merchants agree, and have stated so.
3) I’m voting “Yes” on the streetscape because I’ve listened to those who are experienced in city planning, and they have made the case for this type of improvement to our downtown. That’s the process for me, George. I do my homework – without bias, honestly – and decide where I come down on the subject based on what I learn. Cryptic talk of conspiracies, unfounded gossip and manic disinformation campaigns don’t sway me like they do some others.
Having made your case, George for what you believe, I and many others are just not convinced. Too little substance behind the bloviation…
July 16, 2008 at 1:12 am
Scott, nice to hear from you. I knew you would get back to me; don’t be puzzled. See, in the brief communication we’ve had thus far, you’ve spent more energy on the opposition than on your own position. I have a lot more faith in you than that Scott. Believe it or not, I’m actually trying to help your supporters. This thing passes, I’ll be in line to lay the brick. This thing fails, you will be working with me and then you will know substance. Unless of course, you end up walking like the rest of those who apparently told the mayor if the vote doesn’t go their way.
But surely your position is more important than anything the opposition can muster up, isn’t it? Surely, yours is the position that needs to be passed, isn’t it? Surely, yours is the position that is most tenable, isn’t it? Common Scott, the election clock’s a ticking. Let’s hear what progressive really means. I don’t see that in the misleading and misinformation you hand out at the market. Unless that’s what is meant when the mayor says, “Do more with less and that’s exactly what we intend to do.” and then go out and ask for more money.
Don’t you have a lot more to say about what you believe and why? Sure you do. You guys have been working on this for what, four years now? So if you could just post your reasons in the correct forum then maybe we can have a logical, reasoned, intelligent discussion about what’s both right and wrong with your plan.
This is adventures in dining. I’m not satisfied with a Scott feast here. I can entertain your three arguments; it’ll hit you like a reclaimed brick wall.
Thank you for cutting and pasting your reasons into the proper forum.
July 16, 2008 at 1:25 am
A Scott feast… well, there are just too many places to go with that one.
George, here’s a tip my father gave me years ago. Or it’s quote from M*A*S*H, I sometimes confuse my father with Alan Alda, they looked a bit alike: When you invite abuse, it would be impolite not to accept it.
July 16, 2008 at 1:45 am
LOL. Why am I getting the feeling that I may get a couple of Scott fingers in my eyes? Hey Mo!
July 16, 2008 at 2:42 am
I will respond at length later when I have more time.. but for now let it suffice to say:
What she said!
“All right wiseguys, break it up!”
“Wooobwooobwooobwoob!”
July 16, 2008 at 3:12 am
LOL++
July 17, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Here’s an interesting adventure; not sure it belongs here but maybe someday it will show up.
My sons, wife and I recently enjoyed a bit of Grosse Pointe streetscape from a popular sidewalk cafe. Good food, awesome music (Frank babe, we love you), the aroma, and “yes” the sidewalk, all provided Italiano style, and this made for a good draw of patrons and cheer.
So I’m imagining of course, the possibilities, and as brought to us by our friends via the Streetscape “Smart” Edition, and asking myself, “Where can one find this in Farmington and why am I driving 45 miles to experience this?” Well, the answer I have so far on the first half is “you can’t” – no such establishment exists here, and for the second half, I consulted the “expert,” the owner of the cafe. It took less than 10 minutes. The man’s a magnet, and not of the freak variety. He “builda his establishment froma the ground up.” Including his sidewalk and his fence, which not just protects his patrons from the rush of traffic on Mack Ave, but more importantly, “becauza he invita them into his housa and wanna maka dem feel like it’s their own.”
To that I say “Gratzia” as we toast a shot of sambuca. Anytime I’m in this hood, I’ll be sure to drop in and ask mamma to maka me me something. And to those eateries on or near Grand River, especially those that have been around for 30 years or more, I say, “What’s a you problemo?”
July 17, 2008 at 5:42 pm
And that, my friends, is what the streetscape is all about – to encourage businesses like this one in Grosse Pointe to locate here, where the sidewalks are wide enough for outdoor entertainment and patrons feel safe and buffered from Grand River traffic.
Brian and I eat outdoors in Downtown Farmington at least three or four times a week in the summer. Cedar, Big Apple Bagel, Luigi’s, Dmitris, Starbucks, Dagwoods, Quiznos – all have outdoor seating. We would love to see more and would expect more to come with the comfortable, charming atmosphere the streetscape is expected to create!
July 24, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Wow, having just returned from “vacation” well, “I need a vacation.” (Arnold from T2)
I failed to mention on purpose, the owner’s response to my question as to what he would suggest for the downtown businesses. Suffice it to say his primary language, the physical response, was not positive and his verbal one, well, that wasn’t either – it was one word: “Farmington?”
We’ve got a lot of work to do, that’s for sure. Yes, wouldn’t it be nice to dine at home, well, I mean in the city in which you live. Would love to see a position that explains or a forum where we can express our imagination regarding, the type of businesses that streetscape is expected to attract and/or create.
Quizno’s is no Little Italy, and no sidewalk in the world would make that so or draw someone like me anytime soon, but something tells me that the would-be owner of Farmington’s future Little Italy would build his own sidewalk and raise his own fence before he asked for other people’s money. But these Italians, no offense, it seems like they hang out mostly on the east side.
Ok, so let’s see where/if anymore reasons have been posted to vote Yes, and why. Yikes, what an article on the former mayor!
July 25, 2008 at 2:34 am
“Quizno’s is no Little Italy, and no sidewalk in the world would make that so or draw someone like me anytime soon, but something tells me that the would-be owner of Farmington’s future Little Italy would build his own sidewalk and raise his own fence before he asked for other people’s money.”
Ask the owner of Little Italy if he likes what Northville has done to their downtown. He didn’t pay for that all himself. And yet it brings folks downtown, where they shop and relax and yes, they eat. Many times, at his place. Thereby raising the amount of tax revenue the city receives and maybe even sparing it’s residents another millage increase. A time-honored process, and no more than Economics in it’s most simple form. And much closer to the definition of “win/win”.
The “would-be owner of Farmington’s future Little Italy” has already researched coming here – and found that (surprise!) having to start up a new business in town and THEN having to pay to build new city infrastructure around it – “issa too esspensive” (accent, mine)(sorry).
So, he goes elsewhere, where the city and it’s residents have the pride and forethought to invest in their own city first, thereby encouraging him to do the same in hopes of gaining the business of those very folk. Simple concept, really. Works well, too.
July 25, 2008 at 6:16 am
Okay, quick side note: I’m at an unnamed hotel in another state far to the east (all very mysterious, I know), and as Brian was flipping channels, we spotted a feature on Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum.
They could have left out the barfing machine, but the rest of the story worked well.
Back to your bad accents, sorry for the interruption.
July 29, 2008 at 2:55 am
Scott, I tried to be nice – the owner of Little Italy couldn’t give a flip about Farmington, Northville, or anything else on the west side. Irrelevant comparison, my man.
Something tells me you haven’t had the real experience of a meal in the barrio, after dark even. Bricks and mortar aren’t the draw unless you are looking for a throw down.
Something also tells me that Little Italy would trade something they do very well, like build a sidewalk, for a tax break. I wonder if he/she was offered that? No, they just went somewhere else like businesses look to other states besides Michigan.
By the way, have you been up to Lexington to see what one business owner transformed single-handedly? Puts Northville to shame.
Pride, forethought, simple, hmmm…..save that for later (Beetle Juice). I want to hear to more about the recent eastern adventure…..
July 29, 2008 at 3:57 am
That the owner of a restaurant in Grosse Pointe doesn’t give a flip about any other community is, indeed, irrelevant, because he’s not here to speak for himself. Actually, I didn’t take “ask the owner” literally, I thought Scott was just taking some sort of dramatic license…
As for Lexington, that’s an awfully big place for anyone to have transformed anything single-handedly. But I’ll bite – what’s the name of the business? I’d like to know more.
The recent eastern adventure involved grandchildren. Don’t get me started, I’m crazy about all three. But we did visit Gettysburg, which has to be the single biggest tourist trap ever built. What I found really interesting was how patient people were. The streets are very narrow and not particularly well ordered. We made a number of wrong turns, waited too long at a light or two, and heard no honking horns, no yelling or inappropriate finger displays. I found this quite refreshing.
July 29, 2008 at 5:29 am
You assume a lot, George. Ever see “The Bad News Bears”? : )
Eating in the “barrio” – after dark? More times than you can imagine (I’m older and more widely travelled than you must think..). But, I’m not going to take my wife and kids there – regardless of the quality of the offerings. Somehow not worth the potential “adventures in dining”!
YOU made the reference to Little Italy. But my answer was irrelevant? Hmm.
July 29, 2008 at 5:36 am
I’m sorry, I was assuming (couldn’t help myself) that the “Little Italy” you were speaking of was the restaurant of the same name in – you guessed it – Northville.
And yet, the point is still valid.
July 30, 2008 at 2:20 am
I only go to Northville for apple cider. Otherwise, Northville can stay in Northville. I see no point there.
The point with the east sider was a good lesson about capitalism and one man’s creativity: he built his unique business from the ground up, he covered all his own expenses, and by his good works, energy, and most importantly, service to others, attracted his patrons from home and nearby communities. He also inspired businesses on the block to do the same; sort of like how neighbors compete to have the best light display during the winter holidays.
The point on the barrio was the neighborhood draw not the dirt or busted up roads that often lead into them. And sidewalks, what’s that? Well that is if you spend a lot of time in the southwest, where in one state, it is required by law to have the letters USA on the license plate.
Lexington is also anonther fine example. Continue the adventure here at http://www.lexmtc.com/
And I wholeheartedly agree that drivers are much nicer east of Cleveland. Why is that? It seems the finger is our State’s driving symbol for hate. My gosh; even when I do end up driving out east, oncoming drivers actually let me turn left when the light first turns green. I’ll drive downtown Boston over Detroit anytime.
July 30, 2008 at 5:41 am
Because my Go Live software has developed the bad habit of quitting every time I try to open a file (trust me, this is a Very Bad Thing), I have had time on my hands this evening. My apologies in advance to anyone who is struck blind by the sheer length of this post.
After poking around a bit, I discovered that Lexington is, indeed, a fascinating city. I’ve never heard of The Lex, but any place that brings in B.J. Thomas has my stamp of approval. Interesting that the owner had enough juice to buy a city block – although the economy and real estate market in 1992 might have been more friendly. I loved the ‘hometown boy returns’ angle of the story and the way he built a sense of history and craftsmanship into the place. Just like what the Cowley family did when they tore down the old bar and made a $1 million-plus investment in the current restaurant. They brought in wooden fixtures salvaged from buildings in Ireland. The bar is gorgeous.
There is an aspect of Lexington’s history that I found interesting. Apparently, a storm destroyed 3 Lexington docks in 1913, and freighter traffic stopped. According to a Web site maintained by the local business community: “Lexington built a harbor of refuge in the 1970’s. There are many boat slips, restaurants, park, picnic area, beach, and pier for everyone to enjoy.”
In other words, the city (I presume, it didn’t say “private business owners”) invested in improvements to make Lexington a destination, with amenities enjoyed by the public. They did this in the 1970s and over the past 30 years, it appears business owners took advantage of the improvements to build successful businesses.
Going back to our Italian friend in Grosse Pointe, who “built his unique business from the ground up…”. All true, I’m sure. However, business owners in Grosse Pointe start with a foundation unlike what exists here. While he worked his fingers to the bone, this restaurant owner did so with the support of a community that has invested in public amenities, walkable streets and carefully manicured improvements – something a little more than slapping a layer of asphalt on the road. In fact, and this may be old news, Grosse Pointe is establishing a DDA to finance – of all things – a parking structure, streetscape and the infrastructure to support additional development. The story is here: http://www.metromodemedia.com/devnews/grossepointedda0064.aspx Other stories available at Metromode seem to indicate this has not slowed development at all. Consider this as well, reported by the Grosse Pointe News:
>>”If a DDA and board of directors is established at the July City council meeting, as council members have been saying they want to happen, increased property tax receipts generated by rising property values in the district would be captured to fund improvements in the district. To that end, more than $11.7 million in upgrades to infrastructure, parking, traffic safety, utilities and streetscapes have been drawn up for the Village.
“We’re trying to stimulate substantial private development, create jobs and expand the tax base,” (city manager Peter) Dame said.<<
Capitalism once existed in this country without government support, but not today. Commercial traffic barrels down publicly (under)funded roads and bridges, businesses rely on public sanitation and clean water, parking spaces, passable and safe sidewalks, street lighting…among other things. Most of what government does has become invisible to us; we accept the privilege of living in a civilized world without fully understanding the cost. Which is not to say the current Michigan business tax structure is fair; it is not. Neither is saying the GP restaurateur “covers all his own expenses.” Because the foundation that facilitates his success was paid for by others, long before he opened the doors. I’ll bet he knows that quite well, too.
August 1, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Trust me, the grandfathers built Lex. Go to the Thomas show and then after the energy quiets down, write a column about what you learned, or rather, what you felt. And then imagine how that could take place at the Civic – Streetscape vote pass or fail. That would be real change and that would be moving Farmington forward. But that would also require a lot more juice as you put it, and someone with the ability to attract artists and the cajones to compete with the likes of the Royal Oak Music Theatre, which by the way, knows how to change. I read Cowley’s article yesterday, saw his picture. Just like little home town boy Lex, for that matter just like Mr. Little Ceasars, Mr. Cowley can transform an entire downtown block but I’m not getting the feel he’s the type anymore than Mayor Knol is capable of doing more with less by getting this job done with the current funds. Their foundation is shaky.
The points acknowledged between us are that successful businesses attract, especially if there is a balance between government and private enterprise.
GP owner layed his own foundation, literally. He drinks wine; doesn’t voice it. And all good points about the differences between our two communities. At the end of the day, GP owner takes in more than he pays out and that ultimately keeps him from moving. That is the Scott Stevenson simple economics. Uh oh, I’m pontificating again……
Did you notice that GP has a housing, property & tax problem far worse than Farmington? Government and citizens no doubt have spent millions over the years making that area a fine place to visit, go to school, and live. And yes, they want to spend/invest more via streetscapes and parking. They have the same question as Farmington? Will it really work?
Capitalism, government support? I suppose I inferred previously that someone can be an island and go it alone and if so I mispoke. I think we agree that the fact is one most always has to work with enough other people in order to get what they want, which means a healthy balance between private enterprise and government. For Farmington, I believe that also means if government is going to follow the business principle, they can’t do it cafeteria style. Do more with less? How about just doing the things you do now very well?
The boys and I are hopping on Amtrak next week for a long distance ride to the west. The Bush administration did something absolutely astounding this year: they actually increased rail funding by some five billion. I wonder how I’ll see these funds implemented? Hopefully, not from the bottom of the Mississippi. We all are concerned about our crumbling “infrastructure” (by the way, if I hear that word one more time I’m going to break a block of ice with my head), but does anyone see that our rail is even more in crisis than our roads and bridges? All this while oil profits soar beyond comprehension.
Something is very wrong here. And yet, the adventure continues….all aboard!