Up for Detroit
On a recent day trip to Detroit, thanks to the Delta Air Lines Meeting Exchange and their partner, Visit Detroit, I was able to revisit one of my favorite places to explore from my childhood days in Toledo.
Our Delta flight to Detroit in less than an hour was convenient and easy and the hospitality in Detroit began with lunch at PARC (www.parcdetroit.com) in a lively downtown spot with outdoor summer activities happening all around us. I enjoyed the salmon salad and an Arnold Palmer.
If you are planning a trip this summer to Detroit, I highly recommend staying at The Element, a hotel in the heart of the city that is walkable to Detroit Tiger Stadium, Little Caesars Arena and many more destinations around downtown. The Element (www.marriott.com) is also home to one of the hottest clubs in Detroit, The Monarch Club, a rooftop bar beautifully appointed with vistas of all of downtown.
The Monarch Club (www.monarchclubdetroit.com) features a variety of signature cocktails and an impeccable wine list, and the celebration of our visit began with a champagne toast on the rooftop of The Monarch Club. We then headed to a hip street near Wayne State University called West Canfield Street, where we could have spent the entire day. This strip is a must see on your visit of Detroit.
Start with a stop at Bon Bon Bon (www.bonbonbon.com) to enjoy sweet treats from the “babes” (that’s what they call themselves) who run the store with more than 30 gourmet options of designer chocolates. We left with a sampler box of 12 (I recommend the s’mores chocolate).
Next door is Detroit native and White Stripe’s lead singer Jack White’s music store, Third Man Records, (www.thirdmanrecords.com) that he opened in 2001. It is without a doubt the coolest music store I’ve ever visited, featuring a record and novelties lounge, live stage, mastering studio and most impressive, an album pressing manufacturing facility. This is where you can press your own album featuring your own music–500 black vinyl albums would cost $3.25 per unit.
Two doors down, the fun continues with a visit to Shinola Detroit. Founded ten years ago, Shinola takes its name from the defunct Shinola shoe polish company. This American retailer produces watches, bicycles and leather goods. Add a Shinola watch to your next gift list. (www.shinola.com)
Our next stop was Detroit Vineyard and its tasting room, located adjacent to Ford Field where the Detroit Lions play. Detroit Vineyard brings in fruit from select vineyards throughout Michigan, showcasing the best of Michigan’s viticulture, right in downtown Detroit. A wine tasting flight of five wines featured a mix of sauvignon blanc, two offers of chardonnay, rosé and a red blend. Tastings are $20 to $25 and reservations can be made at www.detroitvineyards.com. You might also want to check out their wine club, as they can ship directly to you.
Our last stop was a beautiful dinner at Highlands Restaurant atop the Renaissance Center, the global headquarters of General Motors. The classic steakhouse had an epic wine list and a 360° view of downtown Detroit and Windsor, Canada. Be aware: The 72-floor glass elevator ride is not for the faint of heart.
While our group enjoyed three courses, I recommend the tuna crudo featuring crispy rice, avocado puree with fresno chili, baked crescenza ravioli with a hint of black truffle, crispy mushrooms and parmesan. My entre was a prime New York strip. I did take a very long look at the foie gras brulee, and you might, too.
Our day in Detroit ended with a quick Delta flight to CVG with ideas for a long weekend to explore the Motor City.
For more ideas on your weekend visit to Detroit, visit www.visitdetroit.com.
–Jackie Reau