Unleash Your Inner Bookworm at the 6th Annual Detroit Festival of Books!

(Photos by: Debbie Maciolek, aka: Debography)

Attention, book lovers of Detroit! Mark your calendars for a spectacular literary extravaganza—the 6th Annual Detroit Festival of Books. On Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Market's Shed 5 will transform into a haven of imagination and creativity. The best part? Admission is absolutely FREE, so you can immerse yourself in the world of books without breaking the bank!

Step into a world of used, rare, and antiquarian books, where hidden gems and forgotten classics await your discovery. But that's not all! The festival is also a haven for vinyl record enthusiasts, comic book collectors, and fans of vintage board games and creative arts. There's something for everyone, and vendors from across the country will be showcasing their finest wares.

DJ Seven Whales will be proving the music and a variety of food vendors will be serving eats from their mobile kitchens and trucks. The Eastern Market is located at 2934 Russell Street in Detroit. The Festival will take place in Shed 5.  There is free parking all over the market so don't let that scare you away from checking it out!

~S

Win Tickets to The Aretha Celebrates Hip Hop featuring 8Ball & MJG, Xzibit, Tha Dogg Pound

 

Who: The Aretha Celebrates Hip Hop featuring 8Ball & MJG, Xzibit, Tha Dogg Pound.

What: Performing at The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre on July 1st, 2023.

Tickets are $35 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #HipHop.

Winners will be drawn and contacted on June 30th, 2023.

~S

24 hour GIVEAWAY: Win Tickets to See Skating Polly w/ Bugsy + Jacklen Ro + Two Way Petting Zoo at Small's

Who: Skating Polly w/ Bugsy + Jacklen Ro + Two Way Petting Zoo

What: Playing Small's on Wednesday, June 28th, 2023.

Tickets are $12 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Skating.

~S

My Unforgettable Dining in the Dark Experience at Detroit Club

Have you ever wondered what it's like to eat a meal without seeing anything? Well, I recently had the chance to try something truly special at the Detroit Club: Dining in the Dark. It's a unique experience where you enjoy a three-course meal while blindfolded. The room is dimly lit with candles, and a guide helps you navigate each course and tells you what you're eating.

When the first course arrived, I couldn't see it, but the guide described it to me. They also gave me tips on how to eat the food, whether it was finger-friendly or required utensils. It was a bit challenging at first, but I quickly discovered that wearing the blindfold heightened my sense of taste.

I opted for the vegan menu, and let me tell you, every dish was absolutely delicious. The starter was a tasty taco with a mix of soft and crispy textures—a delightful way to begin the meal. The main course surprised me with its bold flavors—a Shanghai stir fry that had me savoring every bite. And for dessert, I indulged in vegan ice cream and berry compote—a perfect balance of sweet and tart.

What made the experience even better was sharing it with a friend. We had a great time trying to guess the dishes and discussing the flavors. Dining in the Dark isn't just about the food; it's a full sensory adventure. It's perfect for a fun night out with friends or a unique and memorable date.

Dining in the Dark at Detroit Club gave me a new perspective on food. It made me realize how much we rely on our eyes when we eat. Taking away that sense allowed me to fully appreciate the tastes and textures of each dish. The vegan options were expertly prepared, showcasing the chef's culinary skills.

If you're looking for an extraordinary dining experience that challenges your senses, I highly recommend trying Dining in the Dark. They offer chicken, fish, and vegan options, and you can find Dining in the Dark pop-ups all over Metro Detroit, not just at the Detroit Club. Learn more and book your experience here.

~S

Hip In Detroit's Picks for the Weekend: June 23-25

We already told you about the Bowie Movie Nights at Reware Vintage. Here are some other fun things happening this weekend! 

Friday, June 23rd - Fell Ruin Record Release @ The Sanctuary: Fell Ruin has a new record out and they are performing it in full this Friday night at the record release show. Head to The Sanctuary for what we're sure will be an epic show. Fell Ruin will be joined by Oktas, Crune, Soros, and A Death Cinematic. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance here. Click here to check out the new record Cast In Oil The Dressed Wrought.

Saturday, June 24th - Koffin Kats 20th Anniversary @ Magic Stick: It's been 20 years since the Koffin Kats started playing music and this Saturday, they're celebrating this monumental anniversary. The band will be taking over the Magic Stick along with their friends in The Amino Acids, Suburban Delinquents, and Norcos Y Horchata. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online here. Doors open at 7 p.m., the music starts at 8, and all ages are welcome. 

Saturday, June 24th - Pride, Punk, and Ruth Ellis Benefit Show @ Small's: Celebrate Pride this Saturday night with four queer friendly punk bands at Small's. The lineup includes Low Lives High Places, Black Swan Dive Bomb, Killing Pixies, and The Antibuddies. Cover is $10 and proceeds are going to Ruth Ellis Center. 18+ are welcome and doors open at 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 24th & Sunday, June 25th - Astronomicon 6.5 @ Burton Manor: Earlier this year, Astronomicon 6 took over Burton Manor in Livonia. Unfortunately, Mother Nature brought some snow to town along with this fun convention, so some of the headlining guests were unable to attend. Lucky for you, this means that the Astronomicon team is holding a second event this year and big names like Kevin Smith & Jason Mewes are making their way to town for it! Also on the guest list are Ryan Hurst, Jeff Anderson, Brian O'Halloran, Jeremy London, Peter Dante, and many more. Check out the full list of celebrity guests here. In addition to the stars, there will also be awesome vendors, cosplay, concerts, and more. Head to Astronomicon.com for the full rundown of events and to get your tickets. 

Sunday, June 25th - Alicja-Pop w/ Pink Spit @ Outer Limits Lounge: This Sunday night you have a chance to see one of those bands that we keep talking about, Pink Spit. They will be opening up for Alicja-Pop at Outer Limits. Also joining them is Low Exposure. Get there early and stay late! The fun starts at 8 p.m.

~C

Get Ready to Shine at the Beyoncé Renaissance Day Party in Detroit!

 

Detroit is set to host an electrifying day party in anticipation of Beyoncé's highly anticipated show at Ford Field. For those who couldn't snag tickets to the main event, The Congregation has the perfect prelude. On Saturday, July 22nd, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., join RV Mendoza and THAW Parties for a disco-themed celebration dedicated to Beyoncé's Renaissance album.

This day party extravaganza will feature non-stop dancing, dazzling disco outfits, and an electric atmosphere that will captivate attendees. Whether you choose to arrive in your everyday attire or go all out with disco-inspired outfits, let your inner diva shine as we pay homage to Queen B's unparalleled talent.

In addition to the incredible ambiance, guests will be delighted to find a mouthwatering array of food available for purchase from the renowned Pink Flamingo Detroit. 

Join the Beyoncé Detroit day party at The Congregation and immerse yourself in the magic of the Renaissance. Secure your tickets early to ensure your spot at this unforgettable celebration of music, dance, and the incomparable Beyoncé. It's time to create memories that will make this summer truly unforgettable.

~S

Win Tickets to See ZelooperZ: Traptastic Tour

Who: ZelooperZ: Traptastic Tour

What: Performing at The Shelter on Thursday, June 27th, 2023.

Tickets are $20 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Zelooperz.

~S

Get Ready to Laugh: WDET Comedy Showcase Returns to Detroit!

 

The highly anticipated WDET Comedy Showcase, "What's So Funny About Detroit?" is back, and it's guaranteed to leave you in stitches! On Thursday, June 29th, head over to The Old Miami's amazing backyard in the Cass Corridor for an evening filled with laughter and hilarious performances by some of the city's funniest stand-up comedians.

Hosted and curated by WDET's Ryan Patrick Hooper, the host of CultureShift, this comedy extravaganza promises to introduce you to a talented lineup of comedians from around Detroit. But it's not just about the laughs - this event is a benefit for 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit's NPR station. By purchasing your tickets, priced at $25 per person, you'll be directly supporting WDET and contributing to the compensation of these incredible comedians who are vital members of the independent comedy scene and the larger performing arts community in the city.

Comedians include Jeff Horste, Josh Adams, Jesus Rodriguez, Sam Rager, T. Barb, and Blain Hill.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. Keep in mind that this show will be recorded live for a later airing on 101.9 WDET-FM, so your laughter could be immortalized on the airwaves! Don't forget to dress for the weather and bring your own blankets and chairs!

~S

Celebrate the Magic of David Bowie and Jim Henson at Reware Vintage!

 

Are you a fan of the iconic David Bowie and the legendary puppeteer Jim Henson? Well, mark your calendars because Reware Vintage is hosting an extraordinary event that brings together the brilliance of these two creative geniuses! They are hosting a free, partly family-friendly, in-store screening of two timeless classics that showcase the extraordinary talents of David Bowie and Jim Henson.

The Party kicks off at 3 p.m. with a special free screening of the 1986 classic, Labyrinth. This beloved film combines the magical storytelling of Jim Henson and the charismatic presence of David Bowie. Gather your loved ones, both young and old, and settle in for an unforgettable journey through a labyrinth full of adventure, friendship, and enchantment.

The screening will take place in-store at Reware Vintage, creating a nostalgic ambiance with their old-school AV cart. So bring your own drinks, snacks, and seats to make yourself comfortable as you immerse yourself in this fantastical world. This is an event designed for everyone, whether you're a kid with their grown-ups or a grown-up without kids. It's the perfect opportunity to introduce a new generation to the wonders of Jim Henson's puppetry and David Bowie's captivating music.

For the grown-up Bowie fans, they have a special treat. At 7 p.m., Reware Vintage will present a VHS screening of David Bowie's mesmerizing performance in The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976). Adapted from Walter Tevis' novel, this stunning science fiction movie showcases Bowie's unique ability to captivate audiences with his otherworldly presence.

Please note that this screening is exclusively for adults, as The Man Who Fell to Earth contains mature content. Bring your own drinks, seats, and snacks to enjoy this evening of Bowie's magnetic allure. Additionally, they will be treating everyone to a mix of Bowie music videos, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the legacy of this extraordinary artist.

Reware Vintage is the place to be for fans of David Bowie, Jim Henson, and immersive cinematic experiences. Join them for a day filled with magic, music, and memories as they bring everyone together to celebrate the creative brilliance of these two icons. Whether you're attending the family-friendly screening of Labyrinth or indulging in the adult-exclusive screening of The Man Who Fell to Earth, you're in for a treat. 

Reware Vintage is located at 2965 12 Mile Road, Suite 200 in Berkley.

~S

Hip In Detroit's Picks for the Weekend: June 16-18

Friday, June 16th - Bill Kozy's Rising Force @ Outer Limits Lounge: There are some bands that we will tell you to go see every time that they have a show and Bill Kozy's Rising Force is one of those bands. This Friday night they will be hitting the stage at Outer Limits along with Detroit 442 and The Strains. Cover is only $5 and the fun starts at 9 p.m.

Friday, June 16th - Small's Summer BBQ w/ Elvis Hitler: Small's is getting you in the mood for summer with a BBQ and a great show this Friday night! The lineup include Elvis Hitler, The Gas Hounds, and The Slot Rockets. Renegade Kitchen will be serving up the BBQ, with ribs, wings, brisket, pork, mac & cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread all on the menu. $12 gets you in the door and make sure to bring some extra cash for food too! (If you aren't hungry when you get there, you will be once you smell all the delicious smells!) 18+ are welcome and doors open at 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 17th - The Beggars' Release Show @ The Loving Touch: The Beggars have a new album out on Jett Plastic Recordings and they're celebrating the release this Saturday night! Catch them at The Loving Touch with The Hourlies and The Bad Magnets. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased in advance here. Doors open at 7 p.m. Keep an eye on The Beggars' bandcamp for the new album Stinks Like Rock 'N' Roll  here. 

Saturday, June 17th - Pee-Wee's Big Adventure @ The Senate Theater: Whether you're an 80's kid or just like weird, fun movies, you'll want to make your way to The Senate Theater this Saturday night! They will be showing Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985). Tickets are only $6 and can be purchased here. Doors open at 7 p.m., the organ overture starts at 7:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 8. 

Sunday, June 18th - Dead Father's Day @ Planet Ant: This Sunday is Father's Day, so if your dad is around, give him a call, give him a hug, give him a gift, or all of the above. If he's not around, you may want to check out Planet Ant's Sketch Show "Dead Father's Day". The show will be performed live on stage one time only, this Sunday at 8 p.m. Wondering what this show is all about? "Dead Father's Day is a sketch comedy show about fathers… dead fathers. And dead-beat fathers. And undead fathers. While we can't replace your dead dad with a robot one, we can give you a funny sketch comedy show on Father's Day." Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. Doors open at 7 p.m. 

~C

Planet Ant Theatre Stands Up for LGBT+ Rights in Hamtramck

 

Planet Ant Theatre, a beloved institution in the city of Hamtramck since 1993, has always been a welcoming home for the LGBT+ community. However, recent developments have posed a threat to the representation and rights of the LGBT+ community in Hamtramck. The passing of Hamtramck's resolution 2023-82, which prohibits the display of a Pride flag on any government-owned property in the city of Hamtramck, is a step in the wrong direction. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for the community to come together in support of our LGBT+ family and stand up for their rights.

In response to everything that happened this week, Planet Ant Theatre has launched a crowdfunding campaign through Patronicity to gather support for their ongoing efforts in expanding LGBT+ programming, providing a platform for LGBT+ voices, improving access to resources, and enhancing the safety of their facilities. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all contributions to Planet Ant Theatre are tax-deductible. By contributing to this campaign, you can play a vital role in defending LGBT+ rights and ensuring that their voices are heard.

In addition, Planet Ant Theatre encourages all Hamtramck businesses and individuals to join them in displaying a Pride flag on their private property as a sign of support for the LGBT+ community. By collectively raising the rainbow flag, we can demonstrate our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equality.

They are also putting together a big event to help raise money and bring the community together. On July 28th, Planet Ant Theatre will host a celebration of LGBT+ pride and visibility across all three of their stages: Ant Hall, Ghost Light, and The Independent Comedy Club. This event will serve as a powerful platform to showcase the resilience and diversity of the LGBT+ community. Follow Planet Ant on Facebook or IG to stay in the loop as details come out about the event.

If you're interested in getting involved and making a difference, please reach out to pride@planetant.com. Planet Ant Theatre welcomes your support and participation in their ongoing fight for LGBT+ rights and representation in Hamtramck and beyond.

Together, we can create a more inclusive and accepting society where love and acceptance thrive. By supporting Planet Ant Theatre's crowdfunding campaign and participating in their upcoming celebration of LGBT+ pride, we can make a meaningful impact and show the world that Hamtramck stands for love, diversity, and equality.

~S

Win Tickets to See Circle Jerks, The Descendents, and Adolescents

Who: Circle Jerks, The Descendents and Adolescents

What: Performing at The Fillmore Detroit on Friday, June 23rd, 2023.

Tickets are $37-$65 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Jerks.

~S

Win Tickets to See Sloan At St. Andrew's Hall

Who: Sloan

What: Performing at St. Andrew's Hall on Thursday, June 22nd, 2023.

Tickets are $25 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Sloan.

~S

Win Tickets to See Attack Attack! - The Dark Waves Tour wsg/ Belmont, Traitors, & Colorblind

Who: Attack Attack!-The Dark Waves Tour wsg/ Belmont, Traitors, and Colorblind

What: Performing at The Shelter on Sunday, June 18th, 2023.

Tickets are $23 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Attack.

~S

Win Tickets to See Modest Mouse in Grand Rapids

Who: Modest Mouse

What: Performing at GLC Live at 20 Monroe Saturday, June 17th, 2023.

Tickets are $45-$75 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Modest. 

~S

Hip In Detroit's Picks for the Weekend: June 9-11

Saturday, June 10th - Gravity @ Geary Park: Gravity brings skateboarding, food trucks, and art to Geary Park in Ferndale this Saturday! The event runs from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. While you're there, grab a bite to eat from Real Taco Express, Pizza Pazza, Jay's Dogs, Treat Dreams, or OC Snowcones. Then, check out the contemporary art fair featuring over 30 artists. Don't miss the skateboard, scooter, in-line, and BMX contests too, sponsored by Modern Skate & Surf. The contests start at 12:30 p.m. and go to 5 p.m. with open skate after until 6 p.m. Check out the full schedule of events here. Geary Park is located at 1198 Earle Blvd. north of 9 Mile west of Woodward in Ferndale. 

Saturday, June 10th - New Twenty Saints Release Party @ Outer Limits: New Twenty Saints are celebrating the release of their self-titled LP this Saturday night at Outer Limits Lounge.  Joining them for the night are Wild Shape and Keep On Trash DJ. $10 gets you in the door and the fun starts at 8 p.m. Give the new album a listen here. 

Saturday, June 10th & Sunday, June 11th - Motor City Pride: Pride comes to downtown Detroit this Saturday & Sunday! Head to Hart Plaza for a weekend full of fun events, with four stages featuring live music, drag shows, and more. There's also a parade on Griswold and Jefferson this Sunday at noon. Tickets are only $5 a day. Get your tickets and check out the full schedule of events here. 

Sunday, June 11th - Redford Theatre Backstage Sale: This Sunday afternoon, the Redford Theatre will open up its backstage to the public and will be selling all sorts of treasures. There will be vintage clothes, costumes, props, set pieces, and even marquee letters. Proceeds will go towards helping the theatre. The sale goes from 2 - 4 p.m. Get a sneak peek of some of the things up for grabs here. 

Don't forget, Taylor Swift is in town this weekend too! So if you're downtown Friday or Saturday, be ready for crowds of Swifties and increased parking prices to go along with them!

~C

Win Tickets to See The Struts at The Fillmore wsg Mac Saturn

Who: The Struts at The Fillmore wsg Mac Saturn.

What: Performing at The Fillmore Detroit on Friday, June 16, 2023.

Tickets are $29-$79 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Struts.

~S

Win Tickets to See Spitalfield wsg Shane Henderson and The Future Prefect and Rookie of The Year

 

Who: Spitalfield wsg Shane Henderson and The Future Perfect and Rookie of The Year.

What: Performing at The Shelter on Friday, June 16th, 2023.

Tickets are $22 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Spit.

~S

Win Tickets to See Zolita at The Shelter (with a VIP Package!)

Who: Zolita

What: Performing at The Shelter on Wednesday, Jun 14th, 2023.

+ a VIP package including

Zolita VIP Package

– Early Entry

– Cult of Girls Bandana

– Signed Special-Edition Poster

– Intimate Acoustic Performance

– Signed Polaroid with Zolita

Tickets are $20-$60 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Zolita.

~S

Win Tickets to See Big Wreck at St. Andrew's Hall

Who: Big Wreck

What: Performing at Saint Andrew's Hall on Thursday, June 15th, 2023.

Tickets are $20 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Big.

~S

Win Tickets to See Fleet Foxes: Shore Tour 2023

Who: Fleet Foxes: Shore Tour 2023 wsg Uwade

What: Performing at GLC Live at 20 Monroe, Grand Rapids, MI on Wednesday, Jun 14th, 2023.

Tickets are $38-$75 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #FleetFoxes.

~S

Sofa Stories Returns: Amplifying the Stories of LGBTQ+ Youth Experiencing Homelessness

 

Sofa Stories is back and it's better than ever! This groundbreaking project is dedicated to amplifying the stories of LGBTQ+ youth who are experiencing homelessness. Prepare to be moved and inspired as these powerful narratives take center stage.

Through a unique blend of live theatre and digital media, Sofa Stories brings attention to an often overlooked crisis. By shedding light on the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness, this project aims to foster understanding and create a world where no young person has to worry about having a safe place to call home.

The upcoming event, "Sofa Stories: OUTside," features six brand-new monologues co-created by LGBTQ+ youth with lived experiences of homelessness and talented LGBTQ+ writers. Their voices will captivate your hearts and minds, leaving a lasting impact.

Mark your calendars for a compelling evening of storytelling at Detroit Public Theatre on June 9th at 8 p.m. This free event, made possible through Detroit Public Theatre's Third Ave. Garage (TAG) residency program, offering a platform for artists and organizations dedicated to making a difference in our community.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the power of art and advocacy coming together. Reserve your spot now and be part of an event that celebrates resilience, raises awareness, and supports the ongoing work of Every Soul Arts/Sofa Stories.

For more information and to stay updated on this inspiring event, visit Sofa Stories' official website. Let's join forces to create a world where every LGBTQ+ youth feels safe, heard, and supported.

~S

Hip In Detroit's Picks for the Weekend: June 2-4

Saturday, June 3rd - Ferndale Pride: Ferndale Pride returns to Downtown Ferndale this Saturday! The event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. with events taking place on the west side of Woodward along 9 Mile. There will be food, music, drag performances, vendors, and more. Make sure you also stop by the pavilion at The Rust Belt Market to visit one of Christie's favorite dog rescues, Help Us Help Them. They will have adoptable dogs of all ages, shapes, and sizes there for you to meet. Get all of the details on this year's Ferndale Pride by listening to our podcast with founder Julia Music or head to FerndalePride.com. Admission is free and the fun goes until 10 p.m.

Saturday, June 3rd & Sunday, June 4th - Tied Down Detroit @ The Russell Industrial Center: Tied Down Detroit brings Negative Approach, Gorilla Biscuits, Drug Church, and more to The Russell Industrial Center this weekend for Tied Down Detroit. This two day fest features over 30 hardcore bands. All ages are welcome and doors open at 12 p.m. each day. Get more info here. 

Saturday, June 3rd - How D Fest @ Kelly's Bar: The first ever How D Fest is happening this Saturday at Kelly's Bar in Hamtramck! This country/cowpunk themed fest will feature a mechanical bull, lasso performers, vendors, live music, carnival games and a whole lot of fun. The music lineup for the night includes Loose Koozies, Beauville, Alison Lewis, & Don "Doop" Duprie. Cover is $20 at the door. How D Fest takes place from 2-10 p.m.

Sunday, June 4th - VegFest @ Eastern Market: Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, eco-conscious, or just love great food, don't miss VegFest this Sunday at Eastern Market. The event will take place in Sheds 5 & 6 and will feature plant based food, sustainable shopping, cooking demos, and kids activities. Admission is free and the fest happens between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Get all of the details here. 

If cars are your thing, you should know that the Detroit Grand Prix takes over Downtown Detroit this weekend. If cars aren't your thing, you should know to stay away from Downtown Detroit this weekend. Previously held on Belle Isle, the Grand Prix will now have cars racing and spectators spectating from Hart Plaza down past the Ren Cen. Check out the map here. 

~C

Alpino Detroit Offers a New Dining Option in Corktown

Whether you're looking for a dining option for a group or a new date night spot, check out Alpino Detroit. Located at the corner of Bagley & Trumbull in Corktown, Alpino Detroit is one of Detroit's newest restaurants, just opening its doors last month. The menu is inspired by the Alps, with ingredients sourced from hills, fields, rivers, and streams. Alpino prides itself on having a unique menu with ingredients sourced in "the most earth-friendly and humane ways". 

The menu at Alpino Detroit has options for both meat eaters and vegetarians, with vegan options available by making some slight changes. The first thing that caught our eye on the menu was the multiple cheese courses available as appetizers. A mountain cheese platter, a charcuterie board, and raclette all sounded like delicious options, as well as the cheese fondue which is just offered on Sunday. We opted to start with Mountain Cheeses, which were served with a house-made pecan toffee, apricots, and fresh bread. For our main courses, we went with Orecchiette (a vegetarian option) and Wienerschnitzel, which appeared to be the most popular item on the menu that evening. The menu also includes other pasta options, fish, steak, and sausage. Take a look at the current menu here. We also did our best to save room for dessert, and chose to split Panna Cotta and Chocolate Fondue, part of the reason why we opted to not try the Cheese Fondue on this visit. We left dinner absolutely stuffed, with food left on our plates despite our best efforts to finish every last bite. 

In addition to a refreshingly different food menu, Alpino Detroit also offers craft cocktails, a variety of beers, and a long list of wines. Whether you're going for a full meal or just drinks and snacks, we highly suggest giving Alpino a try. The restaurant also just opened their patio for the season and plans to have live entertainment. Check out the list of upcoming shows here. 

Alpino Detroit is located at 1426 Bagley St. in Detroit. Hours are Monday - Thursday from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 8 p.m. Make reservations in advance by visiting AlpinoDetroit.com.

~C