Saffron and Salt
Ashley Priest is the self-proclaimed chief spice officer of Saffron & Salt, a home grown condiment business based in Royal Oak. You can find her candied jalapenos, the signature product, in many local stores, plus the Royal Oak, Rochester and Clawson Farmers Markets. And she’s expanded to offer gems like firecracker carrots and sweet burn pickles, plus love bite cream cheese, the latest addition. Ashley’s done the canning for you, and you can enjoy the spoils!
What’s New? – Culantro
Alvaro Herrera, co-owner of Culantro Peruvian Eatery in Ferndale, stopped by to tell us about some Mother’s Day specials. They include a chicken and mashed potato dish called causa rellena and two desserts – gunabana mousse, made from a tropical fruit, and lavender tres leches, sponge cake soaked in lavender and topped with a creamy frosting. Culantro is open on Mother’s Day from noon to 9 p.m
Royal Oak Farmers Market
If you like Korean food, head to Noori Chicken in Clawson, a takeout restaurant famous for its Korean fried chicken and authentic sauces. If you’re interested in a fun night out, check out the adjacent gastropub, Pocha, which serves the same dishes, along with Soju, a popular Korean alcoholic drink, and Korean beer. Owner Andy Kwon said the business has gone “viral” over the last year, and people enjoy the festive, fun environment of the gastropub. You might have to wait for a seat, though – there are only 11 seats available.
Farmington Farmers Market
Walt Gajewski had a vision for the Farmington Farmers Market, and it came true. The well-attended market now has a pavilion with heat and bathrooms, and it’s doubled in size since Gajewski took over. Opening day is Saturday, May 4, and will feature the opening bell ringing, a color guard, a band, the mayor’s welcome and more. Each week has a different theme, including flower day Mother’s Day weekend, strawberry shortcake day and a corn roast.
Fired & Fused
From local art shows to commissioned pieces and mobile workshops, Helen and Frank share their love for fused glass far and wide. Their next adventure led them to a new space in Farmington, soon to be their studio. Here, they eagerly await the opportunity to continue their journey, inviting others to join them in the art of fused glass. Find them at local shows, workshops, and soon, at their new studio, with a grand opening May 4th
Noori Chicken | Noori Pocha
If you like Korean food, head to Noori Chicken in Clawson, a takeout restaurant famous for its Korean fried chicken and authentic sauces. If you’re interested in a fun night out, check out the adjacent gastropub, Pocha, which serves the same dishes, along with Soju, a popular Korean alcoholic drink, and Korean beer. Owner Andy Kwon said the business has gone “viral” over the last year, and people enjoy the festive, fun environment of the gastropub. You might have to wait for a seat, though – there are only 11 seats available.
Hook & Eye
Allison Kendzorski’s journey as a seamstress has led her to become the proprietor of Hook & Eye, located on 9 Mile in Downtown Ferndale. Specializing in bridal wear, Allison’s passion for gowns and dresses is matched by her dedication to understanding her diverse clientele, ensuring each gown tells a unique story.
Outside of the bustling wedding season, Hook & Eye welcomes appointments for all types of alteration needs. Additionally, for those captivated by vintage charm, the shop invites exploration during store hours, boasting a curated selection of timeless dresses and locally-crafted jewelry.
Bella Piatti Italian Restaurant
If you’re looking for a seat at Bella Piatti, a high-end Italian restaurant in downtown Birmingham, it’s best to call and make a reservation. The owner, Nino Cutraro, spoke with us about his popular eatery, which often hosts celebrities like Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci and many more. Here you can enjoy authentic Italian dishes like calamari, orecchiette con rapini, tagliatelle bolognese and more, plus weekly specials. You could also take your chances for a prime seat at the bar or on the new outdoor patio, both first come, first served.
What’s New? – Dolcetto Cheese
Lindsay Kennedy, owner of Farmington’s Dolcetto Cheese & Specialty Goods is a familiar face for Local Business News. We caught up with her to see what’s new, and she told us about some wine tastings, an upcoming ladies night and her partnership with Farmington Brewing to offer delicious grilled cheese sandwiches.
GOB Retail Games and Comics
Ryan Johnson has created a haven for gamers and comic enthusiasts alike at GOB Retail in Clawson, MI. Dive into a diverse collection of board games, role-playing games, manga, pop culture collectibles, and comics. With Michigan’s largest selection of board games, there’s sure to be something for everyone, from Dungeons and Dragons devotees, to those looking to host the next game night. Interested folks can join the gaming community for weekly events and game nights held in the game room at the store.
D’Marcos Italian Restaurant & The Backdoor Taco and Tequila Bar
Mark Mendola believes in re-imagining restaurants, and that’s just what he’s done with D’Marco’s and The Backdoor in downtown Rochester. D’Marco’s, which is celebrating its sixth anniversary, just got an oven to make wood-fired pizzas and renovated its dining room, and The Backdoor is literally the back door of D’Marco’s – formally a private dining area – featuring Mexican cuisine, 150 different tequilas and an intimate speakeasy vibe. Enjoy craft cocktails, Bourbons, wines and more at either place, as well a wide range of Italian and Mexican dishes.
Olive Thyme Catering
Amy Jean Thompson and her husband Matt Lange are from-scratch cooks at heart. They operated Ideal Bite Catering and the Ideal Bite Kitchen in Farmington Hills for years, but after the pandemic, they shifted gears to open Olive Thyme. The catering company operates out of a commissary kitchen on 11 Mile Road and offers catering for all occasions, plus seasonal pick-up items for the holidays (Cinco de Mayo is coming up). Olive Thyme also participates in Farmington events like the Harvest Moon Festival and some Farmers Markets, bringing along treasures like ground cherry jam and a special Farmington egg breakfast.
Great Lakes Pot Pies
Jannie Teitelbaum’s retirement project, making pot pies out of her home, has grown into a statewide pot pie company, with a kitchen and store in Clawson and hundreds of Michigan stores that carry the frozen pies. Chicken pot pie is the favorite, but there’s also beef, Italian meatball, vegetarian and even some gluten free options. Try out Great Lakes breakfast pies and desserts too. They have cinnamon sugar pie chips, cookies, apple pies and more.
Not Sorry Goods
At Not Sorry Goods, in downtown Ferndale, co-founders Dy-Min Johnson and Jess Minnick turn pre-loved garments found at thrift stores into bold statements, promoting authenticity and eco-consciousness. Their journey from kickboxing buddies to entrepreneurs embodies the...
Heights Brewing
Throughout 2021, Shawn MacDonell and Ryan Kavanagh worked on renovating the old Page’s Food & Spirits building in downtown Farmington, and the co-owners were finally able to open in February 2024. The brewery and restaurant features all gluten-free food and some gluten-free beers. Stop by for smoked meat specialties like pulled pork sandwiches, sliders and shredded chicken meat bowls or sandwiches. You can also enjoy gluten-free macaroni and cheese, and Ocorn bread, which Shawn said is a crowd-pleaser. Heights also has 11 beers on tap, with ciders and seltzers joining the mix in the next few weeks.
We won’t spam!