The influence and history of the automobile in Detroit, the Motor City
Here are some facts about the automotive industry in Detroit.
Whether you’re joining the Woodward cruise or watching from the sidelines as a car fan, your appetite is sure to whet your appetite for the annual Woodward Dream Cruise taking place this Friday and Saturday.
More than a million people are expected to attend the two-day event, which has been held since 1995 and stretches for miles along Woodward Avenue from Ferndale to Pontiac.
Many restaurants along the route are prime vantage points for cruise car spotters. Some restaurants host special events such as car clubs and/or special food and drink menus that are timed to coincide with the annual event. (Note that some locations may also be closed for private events.)
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On Thursday from 3:30 to 6 p.m., retired GM concept and show car guru Jon Moss will be at the Vinsetta Garage in Berkeley, part of the Union Joints restaurant group and located at 27799 Woodward, for a book signing of the book “Keys to the Kingdom.” On Saturday, Vinsetta will be on the patio of Ferndale’s Tin Can Cocktails and offering tastings of the new Jobbie Nooner vodka sodas.
Restaurants in Ferndale include the Fly Trap, known as the “better diner” (open daily from 8 a.m.), Como’s (Detroit-style pizza), and the Emory. Further north on Woodward is the Whistle Stop in Pleasant Ridge. All areas are open during the Woodward Dream Cruise.
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Here are more events with food highlights
Cruise event in Birmingham
In downtown Birmingham, South Old Woodward will be closed off between Maple Road and Lincoln Street, where more than 240 vintage cars will be on display. Downtown Birmingham restaurants will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the event on Saturday. There will also be food trucks, such as the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group food truck, showcasing all of their restaurant brands.
M1 Hall
M1 Concourse’s Woodward Dream Show and Festival will take place Friday and Saturday. Located just off Woodward Avenue, M1 Concourse will feature 1964 cars, culture and entertainment, including Pontiac GTOs lined up along M1 Concourse’s Event Center Plaza. The event will feature live music from tribute bands, food from food trucks and family fun at the Meijer Family Fun Zone. There will be a German beer garden serving beer and giant pretzels. Several food trucks, including Green Lantern Pizza, will be on site. Tickets to the event are $35 (plus $5 fee) and $150 (plus $10 fee) for adults; ages 7-17 are $10 (plus $5 fee). Information and tickets: m1concourse.com.
Dream cruise in downtown Pontiac
From 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, the Downtown Pontiac Dream Cruise will take place along Saginaw Street near Pike. At 3 p.m., there will be a parade of classic GTO cars, along with other vintage cars on display. Nearby restaurants in Pontiac’s social district known as The Circuit include Alley Cat Cafe, Biscuits & Bourbon, Fillmore 13 Brewery and Kegger Burger. The food truck Po Sam’s Cafe will be located at the Flagstar Strand Theater. For more information, visit pontiac.mi.us.
Restaurants along the Woodward Route
While there are a wide variety of food and restaurant options on both sides of the 16-mile stretch of historic Woodward Avenue, here you’ll find a selection of a dozen options. Note that during the Woodward Dream Cruise, restaurants may change their hours or have special hours and offer limited menus.
Bills
39556 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
The eponymous Bill’s on Woodward in Bloomfield Hills, operated by restaurant owner Bill Roberts, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The cozy neighborhood atmosphere is complemented by a menu that includes an array of French bistro and Italian trattoria classics, as well as American dishes.
A highlight of the menu is the Harris O. salad, in honor of the late founder of Machus Red Fox. The salad consists of romaine and iceberg lettuce, crumbled Roquefort, bacon, tomatoes, red onions and a sweet and sour dressing.
For info: 248-646-9000 or billsbloomfieldhills.com
Crispelli’s
28939 Woodward Ave., Berkeley
Crispellis is half bakery, half pizzeria and is located on Woodward at 12 Mile Road. They serve their regular menu, have a tent outside and live music. No online or phone orders are available during the cruise, but you can take your food to go.For info: 248-591-3300 or crispellis.com.
Duggan’s Irish Pub
31501 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak
This popular spot in Royal Oak along the Woodward Dream Cruise route has put a roof over its north parking lot. Under the tent, there’s live music all day on Fridays and Saturdays and a full bar. There’s a small menu of Big Chiefs (a double-decker burger) and Little Chiefs (a burger with a patty), as well as hot dogs. There’s also a limited menu inside.For info: 248-549-3659 or dugganspub.com
Hazel’s
1 Peabody St., Birmingham
Cruise enthusiasts are in for a treat, as Hazel’s is serving lobster during the summer. Hazel’s transforms into its Lobster Pound menu, offering fresh lobster flown in from Maine that finds its way into menu items like lobster rolls and lobster bisque. The menu also includes oysters, shrimp and clam chowder, Hazel’s fried chicken and burgers.For info: 248-671-1714 or eatathazels.com
The Hunter House
35075 Woodward Ave., Birmingham
This iconic burger joint is a popular hangout on Woodward Street near a busy intersection on Hamilton Row. According to its website, The Hunter House has been serving its classic sliders and fries since 1952. It also serves breakfast daily.
For info: 248-646-7121 or hunterhousehamburgers.com
Imperial
22828 Woodward Ave., Ferndale
Here you can find Sonoran-style hot dogs. The bacon-wrapped hot dogs come in a variety of toppings. There are also vegan and vegetarian options. Imperial is also home to elote, street-style tacos, nachos and torta sandwiches.
For info: 248-850-8060 or imperialferndale.com
M1 Grill
50501 Woodward Ave., Pontiac
Located in downtown Pontaic, M1 Grill offers an extensive menu of its specialties. Its website lists the M1 Burger and Cali Burger as favorites. M1 Grill serves breakfast, a wide variety of sandwiches and wraps, soups and salads, milkshakes and more.
For info: 248-338-0228 or m1grill.com
Mountain hut
32955 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak
This restaurant has been a staple on Woodward for years. According to the online menu, Mt. Chalet offers burgers, soups, salads, tacos and other build-your-own dishes. For info: 248-549-2929 or mtchaletroyaloak.com
OWL
27302 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak
This small eatery offers Mexican-American fare for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night. OWL’s menu features a variety of egg sandwiches, eggs all styles, chorizo and sausage, burgers, chilaquiles, nachos, tacos and tortas.
For info: 248-808-6244 or owlwoodward.comPura Vida Jamaican and Costa Rican Cuisine
44768 Woodward Ave., Pontiac
As the name suggests, this Pontiac restaurant offers a mix of Jamaican and Costa Rican cuisine. The online menu features jerk dishes, tacos, salads, Caribbean dishes, and more.
For information: 248-775-5621 or puravidajamaicancostaricancuisinemi.com
Redcoat Tavern
31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak
Home of the classic 1/2 pound Redcoat Tavern Burger. The burger is a proprietary blend of beef and is served with tomatoes, shredded lettuce and special sauce on a toasted sesame seed bun, according to the menu. There are also many ways to customize burgers with different cheeses, dressings and sauces, toppings and bread/bun types.For info: 248-549-0300 or redcoat-tavern.com
Treating dreams
22965 Woodward Ave., FerndaleThis is where ice cream is fun. There are unique flavors and creations of the small batch ice cream. You’ll find favorite classics and new creations to enjoy. Treat Dreams also offers vegan and gluten-free options.
For info: 248-544-3440 or Treat-Dreams.com
Contact Susan Selasky, food and restaurant writer for the Detroit Free Press, and send food and restaurant news and tips to: [email protected]. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.
