The French Lady
Claude Bouly, owner and chef for The French Lady in Birmingham, explained that if you’re looking for fresh French food, her restaurant is the place to be. She sources meat and vegetables from local farmers, which means if there are no carrots available locally, she simply uses a different vegetable. The chef, who was born in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, brings her love of French cuisine and cooking to customers every day except Monday, with dishes like quiche, ratatouille, coq au vin and more. You can also find The French Lady at the Birmingham and Farmington Farmers Market during warm-weather months.
Two Unique Caterers & Event Planning
Kelli Lewton, owner and chef for Two Unique Caterers & Event Planners in Royal Oak told us about her 35-year-old business, which specializes in off premisis catering for large events like weddings and corporate parties. Two Unique offers a variety of foods and menu items, but the team is also well-versed in event planning and can help with everything from flowers and music to creative food presentation. For Thanksgiving, Two Unique offers entire dinners, sides and other food packages. Order via the website at twounique.com.
Peacock’s Poultry Farm
Lora Preston, owner of Peacock’s Poultry Farm in Troy, told us about her 95-year-old business, started in 1928 by her great grandfather, George Peacock. While no longer an active farm, the business sources fresh meat, fruit and dairy products from local farmers You can order turkeys for the holidays (right now, those turkeys are still walking around, versus the frozen ones you get from the grocery store), but the store also has meat, seafood, cheese, milk, vegetables and homemade items like soup and chicken pot pie. Peacock’s is also happy to cater your event, with options ranging from chicken marsala to pasta and potatoes.
La Pecora Nera – Farmington
Kal Jaafar is the owner/operator of La Pecora Nera in downtown Farmington, which debuted in August 2023. La Pecora Nera opened in Detroit in 2017 as an Italian deli featuring quality meats and cheeses, fresh vegetables, handcrafted dressings and fresh bread. The Farmington location has been well-received, with many patrons enjoying the eatery’s breakfast sandwiches, including the famous Detroiter. This fall, Jaafar looks forward to partnering with local businesses, enjoying the nearby pocket park and serving delicious soups, handmade by his business partner’s mother. Stop in for a sandwich like the popular Italiano, or just enjoy a coffee overlooking downtown Farmington.
Clementine’s Pastries
Melissa Lavender, owner of Clementine’s in downtown Mount Clemens, which is named for her grandmother, is happy to be celebrating her second year in business this December. The small-batch bakery is known for its cinnamon rolls, along with muffins, tarts, croissants and more. You can even get a savory croissant, just in case sweets aren’t aren’t your thing. You can also order mini pastries like bar bites, cream puffs and cannoli for special events. Right now, Clementine’s is offering an array of pumpkin treats for fall, plus a cranberry bar with white chocolate and cream cheese.
Orleans Sports Cafe
Jennifer Hawk, general manager of Orleans Sports Cafe in downtown Mount Clemens, spoke to us about the long-running business, which includes a full menu, plus pool tables, shuffleboard tables, dart boards and plenty of big-screen televisions for watching games. Stop in for the eatery’s famous pizza, plus salads, sandwiches and more, not to mention a full bar. Sunday football brunches start at noon, where you can enjoy a mimosa bucket or game day bloody Mary. There’s also plenty of room to host parties and events with up to 100 guests.
Never Forgotten Bakery
Local Business News caught up with Never Forgotten Bakery, which is carrying on the legacy of the longtime Sunflour Bakhaus in downtown Farmington. Located just a couple miles from the former Sunflour Bakhaus, Never Forgotten carries old world bread and German soft pretzels, based on Sunflour’s recipes, as well as cakes, cookies, cupcakes and more. Owner Michelle Neal made the leap to bakery ownership from the healthcare industry, opening Never Forgotten in January 2023. She hopes you’ll stop by soon, or look for her on Saturdays at the Farmington Farmers Market at the Dolcetto table.
Delightful Donuts and Cupcakes
Russell Hilgendorf, owner of Delightful Donuts in downtown Mount Clemens, was happy to talk to Local Business News about his fairly new business. His shop features a variety of donuts, including what he calls “everyday normal” donuts like Boston cream and glazed, but his bread and butter is out-of-the-ordinary finds like cherry and pumpkin cheesecake. His filled donuts, he explained, are not what you might expect. Instead of a round donut, he makes a donut shape and fills the entire ring, so you get filling in every bite. Stop by Wednesday through Sunday or call ahead for special orders Monday and Tuesday.
Papa’s Kitchen
Christina Kalfaian, owner of Troy-based Papa’s Kitchen, relayed the legacy of her father, Jimmy Papadopoulo, who immigrated from Greece and worked in the restaurant industry for many years. His Pink Greek Dressing was a favorite among customers, and Papa’s Kitchen offers that original-recipe dressing, along with three more made-from-scratch options. Not a salad lover? No problem! Check out the website for recipes incorporating meat, seafood and more. Find Papa’s dressings at local stores like Busch’s, Hollywood Market, Joe’s Produce and many more.
Berkley Restaurant Weekend
Berkley Restaurant Weekend in downtown Berkley is Oct. 6 and 7, and Katie Kutscher said it kicks off a month of fun events in downtown Berkley. This weekend, though, 15 eateries will offer specials and discounts for diners, and there is a free shuttle bus that runs throughout the event. Jill Kasle, founder of Bombshell Treat Bar, will host a popup featuring ice cream treats like Mummy Dearest, with cookies and cream ice cream and a cookie dough shell. Diners can also enjoy some healthy and delicious food at Be Well LifeStyle Center. The business’s cafe is offering 15% off smoothies for the weekend.
Troy Escape
Local Business News caught up with Troy Escape and its house restaurant, Eats and Crafts. Rebecca Bullock, corporate events and marketing manager, gave us the rundown on the entertainment center’s attractions, like bowling, laser tag and an arcade, as well as the company’s catered events and unique menu. Far from your typical bowling alley food, Eats and Crafts’ repertoire includes stuffed mushrooms, coconut shrimp and a full bar, including beer towers (the eatery’s answer to typical bowling alley beer pitchers). Whether you’re there for the attractions or the food, Troy Escape wants you to have a fun escape from ordinary life when you’re there.
Buddy’s Pizza
Wes Pikula, a Buddy’s veteran and now the chief branding officer, talked with Local Business News about the company’s original Detroit-style pizza. With 22 locations and one more opening soon, Buddy’s is a hometown favorite that’s been around for more than 75 years. Stop in and enjoy your favorite pizza, some salad and maybe a Buddy’s brew or Old Fashioned from the full bar. If pizza’s not your jam, sample Buddy’s sandwiches, chicken tenders and pasta dishes.
The Spice & Tea Exchange – Rochester
Local Business News talked with Phil and Maryanne Munroe, proud owners of The Spice &
Tea Exchange in downtown Rochester. They invite you to step into their specialty tea and spice store and enjoy the rich aromas of more than 80 custom spice blends and 80-plus loose teas. Take home an iced or hot tea of your choice made at the tea bar, or just enjoy it as you shop. You might come across some surprising finds, like Bourbon-flavored honey and other unique culinary delights. The couple is looking forward to Spice & Tea’s one-year anniversary celebration on Oct. 6.
Park 600
Boris Jovanoski, executive chef for Park 600, located inside the Royal Park Hotel in downtown Rochester, told us about the upscale restaurant’s offerings. There you can get anything from a great brunch to a steak or salmon dinner to oven-fired pizzas. Park 600 focuses on locally sourced food and changes its menu seasonally. Visit the eatery for upcoming events like the Maker’s Mark bourbon dinner, or stop by for drink and appetizer specials during happy hour.
Busch’s Fresh Food Markets
Local Business News talked with Doug Busch, owner and community development director for this family business, which goes back to 1975. With 16 locations, including one in Rochester and other metro Detroit and Ann Arbor area stores, Busch’s prides itself on supporting local farmers and food manufacturers. A central kitchen in Clinton ensures consistency in Busch’s baked goods and other fresh foods. The company also supports local charities through food and milk drives, and stays involved in community charities like Forgotten Harvest.
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