The Last Drag and the smoking ban in Michigan

Folks that are familiar with the bar scene all over Michigan will be headed out tonight for the last night of legal smoking inside Michigan's fine beer and liquor serving establishments.  Starting tomorrow, all the juke joints, holes in the wall, watering holes, pubs, taverns, clubs, lounges, and neighborhood bars will be under the watchful eye of Michigan's finest.  Having a cigarette indoors at one of these places will now be punishable by fine.  In order to celebrate this final night of cancer accelerating behavior, bar crawlers will be visiting all their favorites across Detroit's bergs, and I assume across Michigan, to smoke enough cigarettes to last them the total amount of time they plan to spend in a bar for the rest of their lives.

If you are one of the many then you have options for tonight.  In Ferndale, the Ruth Ellis Center and D. Erickson PR bring you the Take the Last Drag pub crawl.  The crawl will be lead by fashionable drag queens and will take smokers and non-smokers to all the hot spots like the WAB, Dino's and Como's.

At the Belmont Bar in Hamtramck owner Darren Grown will be hosting The Last Great Michigan Smoke Down to celebrate those who choose to smoke and those who don't.  Entertainment will be provided all night will a variety of Detroit bands.  Grown says that the party is to lament the loss of yet another personal freedom.  

Not all the last chance smoke events are against the ban.  In the same article it mentions The Magic Stick in Detroit will be ushering in a new era by having fun and celebrating both sides of the ban.  Also mentioned is the New Place Lounge in Dearborn.   

Whether you are for or against the ban I suggest you go out and celebrate tonight to support your local main street and business owners!

The Emory and Sneakers in Ferndale

On Saturday night I was priviledged enough to visit two local establishments in Ferndale for a first time and was not surprised that both impressed me with their atmosphere and service.

Let me first say it was a birthday party group, but we did not have reservations at either establishment, nor do I think they take reservations.  Both are located on Woodward in Ferndale but have distinctly different characteristics.

First stop The Emory.  Named after a Toledo, OH. farmer, Emory Johnson, it features hardwood decorations harvested from the farm it was named after.  It also incorporates many of the old materials gutted from the building during it's construction.  The recycling program is also a proud point for the purveyors of this find establishment.  It is funded by the restaurant and provides funds for the city of Ferndale.  Their pick-up/delivery vehicle runs on alternative fuel too!  Seems as though The Emory is doing their part for a greener Earth and I am proud to support a Michigan business like that.

I did not get to sample the food but checked the menu online and it looks like regular bar food... burgers, pizza, salads, sandwiches, appetizers and sides.  They also offer breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings 9-2pm.  Right now they are running a Tuesday special, burger and fries for $5.  For those of you night owls The Emory is open till 2am on the weekends and offers a full service bar with pool tables and a wicked juke box (Springsteen, The Killers and Hall and Oates).




Second stop Sneakers Pub.  Although Sneakers does not have a website detailing their history or menu I will take a shot at this one.  Deep, dark and old school.  Call it a dive, a hole in the wall, a locals spot, a beer joint, it's great.

Greeted up front with a looong bar and plenty of beers on tap including Pabst.  As you move back toward the stage... yes a stage, there are a few tables and chairs set up so that you can watch karaoke... yes karaoke.  And it was in full swing Saturday night.  Everyone and their sister was doing karaoke and loving it.  Songs I heard included "I like Big Butts", "Afternoon Delight"(performed that one), and "Don't look Back in Anger" (actually performed by a british guy that was raising awareness of karate kicks).



Great night supporting local Ferndale establishments that I will for sure go back to.  Plus a late night pizza from Como's in Ferndale.  They are open till 4am!

Red Wings, Metro Times Blowout and D'Mongos Speakeasy

Ladies and gentlemen of the Detroit Metro area. Tonight there exists a hodgepodge of things to do that kind of present themselves nicely. Plus with the clear blue, crisp skies it is a perfect time to get outside and get downtown to see a show, go to a game, or visit a Detroit bar or restaurant. So I have carefully put together the following itinerary for those of you looking to get out and go downtown for a night.

1. Head downtown in The Night Move - This is Detroit's Green Transportation vehicle. The bus itself runs on B20 biodiesel fuel which cuts emissions by 50%. They have also partnered with CarbonFund.org in order to help fund more ways to cut emissions. The bus goes between Royal Oak, Ferndale and Detroit with round trip tickets for $10. Plus this weekend The Night Move is providing FREE transportation around Hamtramck for the Metro Times Blowout (read on).

2. Metro Times Blowout 2010 - This event actually started last night but continues tonight and tomorrow night with 200 bands playing in 12 venues around Hamtramck, MI. The Metro Times is a Metro Detroit entertainment guide available for free every week and this is their 13th annual blowout celebrating local music. The music starts at 6pm tonight at Detroit Threads with music by the Detroit Techno Militia.

3. Red Wings vs. Nashville Predators - Tonight at 7:30pm the wings take on the preds at the Joe. Because of the Olympic break the season is two weeks shorter this year and there are only a few home games left going in to April (not counting the playoffs). I would fork out a few extra bucks for some good seats as this promises to be a gritty match up with most of the injuries for Detroit are behind them.

4. Go to a local bar! - After the wings win... or after an awesome blowout show... head downtown to one of Detroit's 100+ bars and restaurants. Don't know where to go? Check out the list at insidedetroit.org virtual welcome center. Inside Detroit is also a tour company that offers group or private tours around downtown and themed tours like the St. Paddy's Day pub tour coming up next week. My suggestion would be to visit D'Mongos Speakeasy, a small restaurant bar that is only open on Fridays. The distinctive interior was once described to me as a preserved version of "Liberace's living room."

Do it all... or just do one thing. Either way you'll be getting out of your house, having some fun and supporting some Michigan businesses! Let me know your itinerary or send some pics from your night out and I'll post them!

Good Food, Good Drink, Good Music, Good Fun and Good Feelings

Food, Drink and Music

I recently visited the legendary Memphis Smoke restaurant, bar and live music venue in Royal Oak to take in a concert by The Wall Clocks.  They described themselves as an indie rock band, but they are really so much more.  I witnessed some wicked guitar playing as the Clocks ran through some originals as well as a mini set of covers.  The crowd was small but appreciative and the food was amazing.  I highly recommend the Beef Brisket sandwich done Memphis Style (on a hamburger bun with cole slaw).  The brisket comes slathered in Memphis Smoke's sweet BBQ sauce.  I regret not bringing any of it home so much I sung the blues.  During a break the bassist of the Clocks handed us a bill for their album opening which was last night (Thursday) at the Hard Rock Cafe downtown.  Although I did not get to go I am sure it was good.

Drink and Fun

Last Saturday a few of us went out to watch the MSU vs. Iowa game at a local Ferndale establishment called Rosie O'Grady's.  O'Grady's is located on Nine Mile Rd. west of Woodward and is a huge bar with this awesome "$2 domestic pints during a televised Michigan sporting event" deal.  But the wait for a table was so long (2 hours) that we decided to pass for the time being and head to Dino's Lounge for dinner.  I strongly suggest the B.F.J. ( Big, Fat, Juicy) burger.  It comes stuffed with four cheeses and pepperoni and is served on a sesame seed bun with all the trimmings.  The only draw back to Dino's is their draft beer selection and beer prices (no specials).  But I made due with a bottle of Pabst.  

Halfway through dinner a live band started to play.  I do not remember their name but the lead singer was pregnant.  They were pretty good but the music was so loud that no one could hear anyone else at the table, whatever, if it's too loud you're too old I guess.

After dinner we went back to O'Grady's and had a few $2 Miller Lites as we watched the last second demise of the Spartans.  Then we turned on the Red Wings game, which was also a disappointment.  The table next to us at Rosie's was playing the quarters drinking game, and it took us three tries to get the channel switched to the Wings, but the place is so huge.  We saw a bus boy whose shirt said "Go To Guy" on the back... as he clearly was the go to guy.

Good Drink

Bud Light Golden Wheat is on special at The Rock On Third in Royal Oak.  Bottles are $2.50 for beer of the month.  It's sweet tasting, but still good, not quite Bell's Oberon, but like a cheaper version for when you can't taste anymore.

Good Feeling

I recently was gifted some underwear for helping run music at a wedding.  But these underwear are no fruit of the looms.  EXOFFICIOS Give-N-Go boxers are a high tech, breathable, boxer brief with something to prove.  Designed for rugged outdoor activity and camping, the Exo's, as I call them, keep you comfortable and dry all while offering tremendous support for the nether-regions.  I teach tennis for a living and these bad boys give me more than enough support with maximum comfort.  Guys, if you don't have a pair of these, get one.  That's right, just one.  Exos are good for at least two or three workouts without a wash.  Just for kicks, they were field tested and approved by the African Wildlife Foundation.

Wilco, Manoogian Mansion and a Tour de Ferndale

Wilco

Tonight at 7:30pm Wilco will play a show at the Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor.  Price for the tickets is $30, which is not bad for an act like Wilco.  Their most recent album, Wilco (the album) on Nonesuch Records is out now and will probably be featured at their show tonight.  I have never been to a Wilco show, but I've heard they are sweet.

Wilco (the alternative rock band) is a result of the split of the popular alternative country band Uncle Tupelo.  Jay Farrar went his way forming Son Volt and other solo projects while the rest of the members led by Jeff Tweedy formed Wilco.  The term "wilco" refers to the voice procedure term "will comply."  Find more history of the band and their music here.

Manoogian Mansion

The Mayor of Detroit is supposed to live in the Manoogian Mansion in downtown Detroit.  But Mayor Dave Bing does not want to.  It costs $160,000/year to maintain the 4,000 sq. ft. mansion that was a gift to the city of Detroit in 1966 by the Manoogian family, founders of Masco.  I say if Bing doesn't want to live in it, the city should sell it to a brewpub or microbrewery to transform it into a restaurant/bar/brewpub a la McMenamins on the west coast.  Bing maintains a condo in Detroit so that he could run for mayor.

Tour De Ferndale

Ferndale has some popular night spots.  The WAB, The Post, Como's, Dino's, they're all so crowded during the weekend.  But what about the other guys?  The bars that don't attract the young crowd on traditional bar nights.  I think those are the real champions of downtown Ferndale.  They are the heart and soul of any neighborhood.  They are legendary bars that can do without the glamor and glitz that the others relish in.  They have a history that you can't make up, and they have a cozy feel to them.  They make the neighborhood what it is. 

Thanks to Brett Callwood's review on metromix for the pic

My brother and I started our night off at Tony's.  A small sports bar with a strong baseball theme on Woodward Ave. north of 9 mile.  We sat down at old worn out bar that looked like it had seen some things next to some older gentlemen who were there for the Phillies vs. Dodgers playoff game. When we ordered our drafts (miller lite for me of course) they came in oversized pint-and-a-half glasses.  There was a simple piece of paper advertising the world famous chili for $3.50.  It seemed that most of the patrons had just finished either softball practice or a game and were there for a couple beers.  The total capacity of the place said 78.

After Tony's we walked in the freezing cold down to the New Way bar, also on Woodward but closer to 9 mile.  When we walked in the place was dark and there were only 3 people there.  One was the owner, one was the bartender, one was just a lady who said she was old enough to be our mom (she didn't look that old).  It seemed like a good place to see live music.  On the way out I picked up an add for the band Bazooka Jones that is playing there Saturday night starting at 10pm. We decided to have just one beer there (cash only, no tabs).  They were also watching the Phillies vs. Dodgers game.

The last stop on our Tour was the best.  We walked further south on Woodward, just north of 9 mile to Danny's Irish Pub.  There we picked up a game of darts (no points cricket) with a younger looking guy that seemed to be a regular.  The crowd here was younger but the feel was still neighborhood bar, cozy and dimly lit, and you probably wouldn't want to touch the floor with your bare feet.  The juke box was also a pleasant surprise, featuring albums from Iggy Pop, The MC5, The Jam and Operation Ivy.  There was an old guy at the bar in suspenders that looked like he didn't know where he was.  I am not sure if he could talk.

After losing $1 in darts and then winning $3 in darts we decided it was time to go.  It was still a work night for one of us.  But I was glad that we decided to leave the house on this Thursday night to plunge ourselves into the neighborhood bar scene in Ferndale.  They are not fancy, you won't find hot young coeds slurping vodka cranberry and it won't be crowded.  But you will find a community that loves to go out for some beer drinking, dart throwing and good times.

Night out at Four Green Fields

I have been wanting to visit this place for a while now and I finally got to go on Saturday night.  Four Green Fields is an Irish Pub located inside the shopping center at 13 mile and Woodward in Royal Oak.  It is nestled between the Secretary of State and a Thai Cuisine restaurant in the strip mall that also includes a Kroger, a Leo's Coney Island and Safety Town.

This week one of my best friends from college is visiting Michigan on his way to Memphis, TN. to visit another good college friend.  We decided that we would really hit it hard Saturday night and have a night on the town.  Well one of our friends bailed on us so it was just us two, no problem.  Well we got kind of a late start and decided to play it safe and walk to Four Green Fields.  As I said, I have wanted to check this place out since I moved back here.  It just seems like the kind of neighborhood bar that would be a good place for friends to kick back, watch sports and guzzle a couple dozen beers.  I was right... and wrong.

As we walked up the "bouncer" was talking to a bunch of either friends or co-workers that were sitting outside having a smoke break.  When he spots us he stops us and tells us there is a $5 cover.  Kinda steep if you ask me, especially when your bar is located in a strip mall next to Kroger.  But we pay and head inside.  There is a stage set up for a band, hence the cover, but we head straight to the bar.  Surprisingly the bar had a great selection of beers on tap.  The Irish bar staples were there, Guiness, Bass, Boddington's, Harp, plus there were a few other good beers you don't usually see on tap like Sam Adam's and Sam Adam's Lite.  Anyway, it was good drinking.

A couple friends meet us there for a drink or two and the band starts to play.  The set list was very interesting.  They lead off with some knee slappin' country mess and then "Hey Jealousy" by the Gin Blossoms.  Then just when I think they have some class they march out another country song.  Then back to 90's alternative, Better Than Ezra's "Good."  Their songs confuse me, but hey I can't stop thinking about them, so they must be doing something right.

Now, I do not consider myself super young.  But I will have to say that the average age in Four Green Fields on this particular Saturday night was probably mid 30's.  I am not saying there is anything wrong with that.  Those folks deserve a night on the town just as much as us young bucks do, it's just that now I know where they go.  When we first got in to the bar, there was a 30 something couple dancing.  And when the girl attempted to walk past me on her way to the bathroom she completed a half gainer on her way to the floor.  Then when the band started playing, all the cougars (older women on the prowl) came out of the woodwork.  Some attractive, most not, all singing and dancing.  Then the band made the best decision of the night.  They handed out two tambourines to the dancing cougars.  Four Green Fields has earned the nickname, The Cougar Den, from the two of us.

My friend and I did not stick around too long.  Instead we left, bought an 18 pack on the way home and proceeded to drink 1 beer before we both went to sleep.  Oh well, we don't party like we used to, but maybe that's a good thing.

I have a fever and the only cure is more... boogie?

Saturday night was the birthday celebration of my fiance's co-worker. The celebration took place at Boogie Fever on Woodward in Ferndale. We arrived before 9pm to avoid a cover charge but just in time to pay for an hour of public parking (whew).

I had pictured Boogie Fever to be a mid 70's disco club owned by a character similar to that of Jackie Moon straight out of Semi-Pro... and I was right. The entrance to the club includes two red velvet ropes and double doors with mirror square cut outs. Inside, the club boasts 3 bars, a huge dance floor with a raised, lighted stage to dance on and probably the largest disco ball in southeast Michigan, not to mention an assortment of disco balls ranging in size from softball to truck tire.

There is a list of rules that every patron must follow. This list is prominently displayed at the front of the club where your ID is checked. It includes such rules as

-strict 50/50 guys/girls ration enforced (sorry dudes)
-no wearing too much cologne (I happen to like this rule)
-no dangling gold chains (Really? In a disco bar? Not enforced)
-no push up bras... false advertising
-do not push tables together (fire code restriction)

Among others that I can't remember.

Once inside Boogie Fever I will say the music selection is fantastic if you like 70's pop, disco, rock, etc. Also, there are numerous projection screens which feature rare music videos for select songs (they don't make music videos like they used to).

The clientele at Boogie Fever encompasses quiet a diverse group of people. From 50 somethings who crave a blast from the past to 20 somethings looking for a themed party. There were guys all over with dangling gold chains, facial hair and sunglasses (we were indoors and it was dark out) and ladies wearing vintage 70's dresses and leg warmers. One thing is for sure. Everyone there is there to dance and have a good time.

Drink selection is good but all beer is bottled and $4.50 and most wells are $5.50. Cash only.

On this particular evening it happened to be raining outside and the table we were at seemed to be placed perfectly under the leaky part of the roof. Either that or the air conditioner, which seemed to be on non-stop, was leaking.

The highlight of the evening had to be the mass caravan to the dance floor by most of our party during the Michael Jackson HIStory Mega-mix. For a second I was in dance floor heaven, and then it got crowded. We fought for space on the raised dance floor with lights and I eventually threw in the towel and sought refuge at the leaky table.

Overall, I would recommend Boogie Fever to couples and singles that like to dance and have a good time. Bring lots of cash, your party hat and dancing shoes.

George Murphy's

As I trek my way around the bar scene in Detroit I feel obligated to include all the places that I go regardless of how awesome the story is that surrounds them.  This is one of those posts.  But wait, I knew George Murphy would be an interesting name to search for on Wikipedia.  Turns out this beloved bar was named after a man who attended Yale, worked for Ford, was an actor and dancer and later senator.  For his full biography click here.

George Murphy's is located off of 7 mile and is more like the 19th hole for Fox Creek Golf Course.  We were there on a Thursday night with some folks, there were about 8 or 9 of us in the group and then probably 3 other people in the bar.  The atmosphere was laid back, I don't think there was any music going, but that's okay we were entertaining ourselves with conversation.  

They did end up having cheap pitchers of Coors Light ($6) and a friendly staff.  But they closed and pretty much asked us to leave at midnight.  Unfortunately the man George Murphy is unable to enjoy the bar with his namesake.  If I do go back I want to see how much the staff really knows about the great George Murphy.