Issuu

D E C E M B E R 2 02 0

FOOD + DRINK H O L I DAY B RUS C H E T TA REC I P E LI F E + C U LTU R E S O U N D T H E SI REN HAS A MIS SI O N

December “Revels”

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Tobin Clark | tobin.clark@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Karin Katz Eisenberg | karin.katzeisenberg@lifestylepubs.com

‘Tis the season for introduction!!

AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall L AYO UT DESINGER

I’M SO EXCITED TO INTRODUCE MYSELF AS THE NEW EDITORIAL COORDINA-

Jayme Emery

TOR FOR BIRMINGHAM LIFE MAGAZINE. Being born and raised in Bloomfield Hills,

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

I have long admired my next-door neighbor for its sophistication, charming downtown, gorgeous neighborhoods, excellent schools – and unparalleled shopping. I’ve been an avid writer for more than 25 years, beginning my career as a corporate

Karin Katz Eisenberg CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ron Leiberman

speech writer in the late ‘90s. Slowly but surely, my passion for writing lent way to different genres, including two children’s books (“There’s A Fly In My Soup” and “One to Ten and Over Again”), regular columns in the Detroit Jewish News and SEEN magazine, and professional blogging for both Eydis Magazine and Ask Dr. Nandi. At Michigan State University I studied sociology and psychology. Later, I earned a certification in relationship coaching and became an international relationship blogger with “A Sample of Love.” I’ve appeared as a relationship expert on numerous radio and TV shows and magazines, including Fox News Detroit, the Big Show starring Michael Patrick Shiels, the Andrew Brewer Show, Hour, Ambassador and C&J Newspapers.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Enough about me! I’m so excited for this new journey and to be able to support our local busi-

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

nesses. Never has “Shop Local” been more important. (The next time you feel guilty about

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

that shopping spree along Old Woodward or at Somerset, remember, it’s your civic duty!) I can’t wait to learn more about Birmingham, and for that I will need your help. Please let

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

me hear your story ideas of interesting neighbors, unique businesses, upcoming events, charitable organizations or anything else you’d like to see highlighted. I can be reached @ karin.katzeisenberg@lifestylepubs.com and am so looking forward to hearing from you! Thank you so much, and see you around town.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Warmly, ON THE COVER Model: Sasha

Karin Katz Eisenberg , Editorial Coordinator

Super from TENDER downtown,

wearing London open frill taffeta

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

top, silk gold rose skirt with drop sash and crystal dip earrings. Rupert Sanderson black silk platform sandal with a stone embellishment. Prices upon request. 4

Birmingham Life | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

Proverbs 3:5-6 Birmingham Life™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Birmingham Life™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES 10 Elite Caterer Nishan Andonian Continues to ‘Entice Nishan uses only the freshest of fruits and vegetables along with all organic products.

12 Whatever the Occasion, Bruschetta Fits Right In As Cohen says, “Guests will literally eat it up.”

14 Sound the Siren The Detroit Crime Commission

12 10

22 Road Trip to the Great White North Boyne Mountain, an all seasons resort

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Food & Wine

Locally Owned

Giving Back

16 DIY 22 Travel Destination 26 Inspired By 28 Culinary Creations 34 Lifestyle Calendar

AROUND TOWN else in the state of Michigan. Private appointments are available, as well as curbside and local delivery. They offer free gift wrapping, gift cards, bottled water, soda and are handicap accessible 271 W Maple Road Birmingham. Monday through Friday from 10am-6pm. 248-258-0212

PERSONAL SHOPPING Majida Sheena has had the pleasure of serving Neiman Marcus, Troy clients for the last 14 years. She prides herself on providing unparalleled service and the ultimate shopping experience. She’s always available to assist you throughout the store, both physically and virtually, especially with today’s times. Her greatest pleasure is servicing her clients by providing

LORI KARBAL

them with the ultimate shopping experience. To

October 2020 marked the 30th year of Lori Karbal

schedule your appointment experience today

et al. Originally, the store was home to an array of

she can reached at 248-979-5909.

cosmetics, body products and vintage jewelry, but over time they have become the preeminent giftware, houseware, apparel and accessories destination. They pride themselves on exceptional customer service, packaging, safe in-store purchasing, FaceTime, curbside and home deliveries. Lori Karbal has the perfect selection for your needs. (248) 258-1959 560 North Old Woodward, Birmingham. Monday through Friday 10:00am 6:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00am - 5:00 pm Sunday from 12:00pm - 4:00pm.

DANA ISHBIA’S “THE WRITE STUFF” Dana Ishbia has been in the printing and invitation business for over 25 years.

TENDER

Working from her home has brought a special warmth to her customers with many becom-

Tender has been in business and part of the

ing good friends. During this Pandemic, she has

community for 27 years strong. They pride them-

come to appreciate her clients more than ever.

selves on customer service. Their stylists live and

She has pivoted her business to accommodate

breathe fashion with each bringing their own per-

her shoppers by offering virtual and backyard

spective and fashion formula to your personal look.

meetings. She continues to offer invitations for

They have fashion labels not available anywhere

all occasions, thank you notes, monogrammed

Birmingham Life | December 2020

gifts, cutting boards, napkins etc and a wide selection of gifts for the holiday season. 248712-4040 writestuffprinting.com

JOY BY DELUX Joy by Delux is an amazing “holiday” pop up shop open the entire month of December that sells just about ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING for the holiday season. They carry fabulous Christmas trees and custom wreaths, menorahs, unique gifts for hostesses, teachers and all “next level” holiday decor. Holiday hours: are: Sun and Mon- by appt only Tues-Fri 11am to 5pm Sat- 11M-4PM Email-joybydelux@gmail.com for Chris P. And Jenny C. 2163 Cole Street, Birmingham MI

Would you like to get in touch with us? We

P U T YO U R C IT Y O N O U R M A P. Start a magazine & build a legacy.

would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

using

the

Life is short. Love what you do.

Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

LifestylePubs.com/OwnIt

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

FOOD & WINE

el ite c aterer n isha n a ndon ia n c ont i nues to ‘ent ic e NISHAN USES ONLY THE FRESHEST OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ALONG WITH ALL ORGANIC PRODUCTS. ARTICLE KARIN KATZ EISENBERG PHOTOGRAPHY NISHAN ANDONIAN

Organically grown and freshly purchases 10

Birmingham Life | December 2020

Nishan Andonian

Nishan has started pickling many of his vegetables

“WHEN IT COMES TO DINNER PARTIES AND CATER-

Each tomato used is handpicked

ING, NISHAN ANDONIAN IS IN A CLASS OF HIS OWN”. Some remember him from his days as the sous-chef at Bistro Joe’s back in 2012, while many now know Andonian as the amazing caterer to Detroit’s elite. Word of mouth has put him in high demand throughout the metro area. In 2014, he started Entice Catering (because, he said, one’s senses are “enticed” after eating his food) and he hasn’t stopped since. What stands out most about Andonian’s meals are the freshness of his produce along with the use of only the best organic meats and fish. Not only does he cater private parties, intimate dinners and large special events, he also delivers weekly and daily packaged meals to individual clients with specific dietary needs. Because people are traveling less and staying home more these days, Andonian is busier than ever happily preparing food from his new state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. For Andonian, it’s all about providing the whole experience – which sometimes even means setting his clients’ tables. He’s currently booking two to three weeks in advance. To reserve a spot for the holidays, email him at: nandon25@gmail.com.

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

LOCALLY OWNED

WHATEVER THE OCCASION, BRUSCHETTA FITS RIGHT IN AS COHEN SAYS, “GUESTS WILL LITERALLY EAT IT UP.”

FOR MANY, APPETIZERS ARE BETTER THAN THE MOST

Toppings

ELABORATE MAIN COURSE. These savory little bites are

Chop everything finely so the bruschetta is easy to

typically served before the meal, but done right, appetizers

eat. Display the toppings in decorative little bowls for a

or hors d’oeuvres can be the main event. Maybe it’s because

show-stopping presentation.

they’re so varied in flavor and texture. Bruschetta or crostini (little baguette bread toasts) are so simple, they hardly need a recipe. Simply start with a baguette or other small bread rounds baked until crunchy, then top with any (and every) thing under the sun. In her 30-plus years of events, caterer Annabelle Cohen has served bruschetta for breakfast with scrambled eggs,

+ Fresh tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, balsamic glaze drizzle and fresh shredded basil + Goat cheese (chevre) with honey drizzle and toasted almonds + Fig preserves, shredded Manchego cheese and kalamata olives + Sauteed mushroom slices, onions and garlic with shaved parmesan cheese

smoked salmon, avocado and cheese; for lunch as open-

+ Ricotta cheese, roasted eggplant, chopped onion and

faced mini-sandwiches with olive oil and caper tuna salad and

balsamic glaze (asparagus, zucchini and onion are also good

tomato; and for dinner with sliced medium-rare beef tenderloin

in combination)

with horseradish sauce. One of her favorite ways to present bruschetta is with a make-your-own bar in which she provides the toppings and baguette rounds or fresh pita wedges, and guests can help

+ Feta cheese, grape tomatoes, roasted red peppers and olive oil + Boursin cheese, smoked salmon, cucumber slice and fresh dill

themselves. With today’s extra precautions for gatherings,

+ Fresh and sun-dried tomatoes

she often has a masked and gloved helper build and serve the

+ Shaved parmesan cheese

bruschetta to party goers. As Cohen says, “Guests will literally eat it up.” Here are

+ Other cheeses including ricotta, goat cheese (chevre), fresh mozzarella and brie

Annabelle Cohen’s tips on building your own bruschetta bar,

+ Artichoke hearts

the perfect addition to all kinds of parties. Don’t be afraid to

+ Pitted olives

mix and match; Cohen says some of her best bruschetta are

+ Cucumbers

experiments gone right.

+ Cooked or smoked meats, fish and/or fowl + Chopped avocado with lemon

BRUSCHETTA BAR Bread Bruschetta and its first cousin, crostini, are basically sliced baguette rounds. Arrange them on a rimmed cookie sheet, drizzle or brush with a little bit of olive oil, and bake at 350°

+ Toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, pignolia (pine nuts) + Seeds like sesame, sunflower, squash (pepitas) + Roasted vegetables like red bell pepper, zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms, carrots

F for about 10-15 minutes, until lightly golden. They can be

+ Dried or fresh fruit or berries

served warm or at room temperature and topped with just

+ Fresh figs

about anything you want. Pita wedges also work.

+ Spreads like white bean hummus (recipe below) Drizzles + Extra virgin olive oil + Balsamic glaze (available at well-stocked groceries)

ARTICLE KARIN KATZ EISENBERG

+ Honey + Melted preserves like apricot, fig, marmalade

Birmingham Life | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

GIVING BACK

sound the SIREN 14

Birmingham Life | December 2020

ARTICLE KARIN KATZ EISENBERG

THE DETROIT CRIME COMMISSION, FOUNDED IN 2011, IS AN INDEPENDENT, NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT WORKS COLLABORATIVELY

THE DETROIT CRIME COMMISSION

WITH RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS TO CREATE SAFE COMMUNITIES FOR ALL CITIZENS TO, LIVE, LEARN, AND WORK. This is achieved by utilizing trained intelligence analysts and leading-edge software to prevent, identify and report violence related to gangs, human traffickers, and violent extremists. Its mission is to create a safe community for southeast Michigan residents. SOUND THE SIREN Last year’s event was very successful with over 200 attendees. This year we were hoping to repeat the event but because of COVID we are moving the event to a virtual platform, January 29, 2021 at 7:00PM Our plan is to invite attendees for a virtual happy hour that will include members from the Detroit Crime Commission to discuss the ways to break up these organizations along with a survivor telling her story on how she broke free.

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

DIY

bullet journaling 101

Let’s face it—in today’s so-much-to-do-

and-so-little-time cultural mindset, it can be hard to keep track of everything we need to do. Wake up—did you get enough sleep? Brush your teeth. Feed the kids. Feed the dog. Get ready for work. Make your lunch. Those are just six things to think about in the span of 15 minutes after your alarm goes off. With all of these things to keep track of and

our lives moving a mile a minute, anything we

THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO START ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE + ACCOMPLISHING YOUR GOALS

can find to streamline our obligations (and our thoughts) can be a lifesaver! Enter: bullet journaling. It’s equal parts calendar, meal tracker, diary, self care and, well, really anything else that you want to keep tabs on! The “mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity system,” coined by creator Ryder Carroll, can help you master the art of intentional living—any way you want to.

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ESTÉE JANSSENS

Birmingham Life | December 2020

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

DIY (CONTINUED)

Birmingham Life | December 2020

how-to how - to

page styles t ypes of pages in a bullet jour nal + Mood tracker

+ Spending log

+ Activity tracker

+ Bucket list

+ Exercise tracker

+ Reading list

+ Ideas list

+ Yearly goals

+ Chore list

+ Happiness log

+ Budget tracker

+ Sleep tracker

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

DIY (CONTINUED)

what you need There’s so much you can do here with just a notebook (you’ll probably want one with a dotted grid) and a pen! If you want to add some creative flair, consider incorporating markers, stickers and washi tape.

start simple When you start searching for bullet journaling on Pinterest, it can get really overwhelming really fast. Decide what is most important for you to keep track of and start with that! If you try to do too much at once, you’ll be less likely to stick with it.

make it your own The most important thing to remember is that it is for you and not anyone else. Use your favorite colors, doodle things that help

symbols s ymbol char t

A bullet journal really becomes what you make it. Use symbols that speak to you! Here are some basics to start with:

Task

Event Note

Complete

Birmingham Life | December 2020

you out and make it work for you!

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

TRAVEL DESTINATION

ARTICLE SUSAN BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY BOYNE MOUNTAIN

road trip to the great white north

BOYNE MOUNTAIN, AN ALL SEASONS RESORT

Birmingham Life | December 2020

OOKING TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE AND HAVE SOME FUN THIS WINTER? Then take a scenic drive north to Boyne Mountain Resort and

experience the magic of the season. What started out as a private little ski club in the 1940s by Everett Kircher, the Resort is now a four-season property with over 5000 acres of the best in accommodations and entertainment for the entire family. Everett’s son, Stephen, is the CEO and president and runs the resort along with other family members. Of course, skiing is their biggest offering, with over 415 skiable acres, 60 trails and 12 high speed lifts. “We have a tremendous amount of available acreage, which really allows people to spread out and enjoy the slopes,” says Erin Ernst, director of communications. “It has everything from the true beginner areas with magic carpet conveyors all the way up to expert terrain.” Another way to hit the slopes is with their newest offering, Sno-Go Bikes. “These bikes are pretty awesome if you’re looking to truly get on the slopes, but are not a skier or snowboarder,” she says. “They go up the chair lift and you can go down the slopes on them. There’s one board on the front and two boards on the bottom and you basically lift up your legs and steer with the handlebars just like a bike. They are super easy to use even on the larger slopes.” Another unique activity is their Zipline Adventures Tour. “We have a series of ziplines throughout the property, so guests start with a chairlift ride to the top of the hill and start there,” says Erin. “They are varying lengths and heights and then they go right over the heads of skiers and snowboarders with speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.” Tubing is also available. Since there’s a conveyor system to bring you right back to the top, you can have all the fun but none of the work of climbing up the hill again and again. For those who like to move a little slower in the snow, there are cross-country trails and a multi-use trail for snowshoeing and horseback riding. Ice skating is also offered. Ready for some indoor fun as well? Then, check out the 88,000 square foot Avalanche Bay, the largest indoor waterpark in Michigan. “We really worked hard on making sure it attracted older as well as younger kids,” says Erin. “There’s a big arcade inside and two eateries, and a full bar for mom and dad.” The waterpark is open mainly on the weekends during the winter season, but will be open daily over the holidays. Blocks of time are being reserved to keep the amount of people in attendance limited, as per COVID-19 guidelines. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

Of course, no resort would be complete without a spa. “We have the largest spa facility in Michigan with 19,500 square feet and 18 treatment rooms, so it has everything from hydrotherapy and facials to body treatments and massages,” she says. A full-service salon and an indoor/outdoor swimming pool are also open year round. If you’re hungry, there are a myriad of restaurants, cafés, pizzerias and taverns on-site. There’s fine dining in the main restaurant, but also plenty of grab and go type options from the Waffle Cabin and the very popular Happy’s Tacos truck that stops at the base of the hill. There are also Alpen huts scattered around the property selling hot dogs, sausages, and other quick bites. “The Eagle’s Nest, which is really a cool one, sits right on top of the hill, so it’s a true ski in, ski out, type of establishment,” says Erin. “It serves sandwiches and burgers and has a huge fireplace to warm up. There’s also a lot of historical and fun memorabilia there.” With over 400 accommodation units, guests can stay in everything from standard hotel rooms to condos and cabins with kitchens and multiple bedrooms. “Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa, which has 220 rooms and suites, is by far the largest accommodation we have on property,” she says. “Besides having the spa located there, it also has second floor access to the water park. It’s also our central check-in for all accommodations on property.” Boyne Mountain Resort is a great destination year round. Once the weather warms up, guests can enjoy its two golf courses, 11 tennis courts, a fly fishing outfitter for fishing in the rivers and streams in the area, and beach access on Deer Lake with all the true lake activities, including pedal boats. There are trails that are both paved and natural, and mountain bikers can even hook up their bikes to a ski lift to start at the top of the hill. There are also Segway tours, scenic chairlift rides, and a wakeboard camp in the summer. Everything is open to the public, so people can come for the day if they don’t have time to stay overnight. Boyne Mountain Resort is also focused on keeping guests and staff safe. “Since most of our activities are outdoors, we’re already well positioned for a lot of what is already required [for COVID-19],” she says. There is a section on its website devoted to winter operation plans and safety. “People tell us it’s a time to reconnect, whether during the holidays or just in general, when they come and stay with us,” says Erin. “They’re able to truly enjoy activities together as a family.” Boyne Mountain Resort is located in Boyne Falls Michigan. For more information, go to www.boynemountain.com or call 1.866.759.1472.

Birmingham Life | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

INSPIRED BY

Birmingham Life | December 2020

THE LOST ART OF T H A N K YO U NOTES ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

IN A DIGITAL WORLD OF EMAILS AND TEXTS, THE SIMPLISTIC, AND ONCE STANDARD “THANK YOU” CARD HAS FADED. Does that mean we are no longer appreciative and grateful for the nice gestures that are extended to us? Absolutely not! We are just caught up in those casual platforms of communication, that we don’t take the time to sit down and give the time and attention to craft our heartfelt thanks in a way that shows purposeful thought. The written word is proof on a page and this is valuable for so many reasons. Gratitude spurns happiness, but thankfulness is tricky; the only way it is known is if it is verbally acknowledged. Writing it down is evidence of that feeling. Putting words on a page is also more intentional than shooting off a text or email. Communicating your thanks in the common, oversimplified fashion isn’t necessarily bad, but setting aside time be “old-fashioned” with pen and paper, demonstrates the value you place on what has been done for you. Plus, handwriting is an extension of who you are as a person. It breathes your life onto the page. It exudes your voice, your spirit and your message in a way that is uniquely yours. With the holidays just around the corner, there is quite a fine line

HELPFUL “THANK YOU” TIPS Send a thank you within a week of receiving someone’s gesture Use “snail mail” Be specific: mention the particular item or action you are grateful for Be genuine Personalize it: colored writing utensils, hand-lettering, or cards made from family photos Think outside the box. If writing REALLY isn't your thing, send a video of you verbally thanking them.

between the gratefulness of Thanksgiving and the endless spending of money on the endless lists for Christmas for people who anxiously have the “gimmes.” It’s important to navigate those waters, to cultivate a giving spirit as well as an appreciative heart, and establish an attitude of thankfulness. Receiving such a novelty through the mail is both meaningful and memorable and sending a special gift like this is a blessing to both the recipient and the sender.

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

CULINARY CREATIONS

hea r t -wa r min g hea lt hy soups ENJOY THE COMFORT OF PLANT-BASED SOUPS AND STEWS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY ITZEL WIEWEL

Birmingham Life | December 2020

I in d

tze

wel at ItzelsKitc he n l Wie .co

"Cheesy" Broccoli Soup FALL IN BEND MEANS BRISK AND COLORFUL WALKS THROUGH DRAKE OR SHEVLIN PARK THAT HOPEFULLY LEAD TO A COZY SOUP WAITING FOR YOU AT HOME. This “cheesy” broccoli soup is an easy to prepare, one-pot type of soup. It has become a staple for my family during the colder months. You add all the ingredients and forget about it. It is homey, comforting, and the perfect healthy and reinvigorating meal for a cold or rainy day. I like chopping up crusty French bread into cubes and toasting them with a little bit of olive oil for fresh croutons to add on top.

i n g re d ient s + 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced + 3 carrots, diced + 1/2 yellow onion, diced + 4 cups broccoli, chopped + 32 oz. vegetable broth + 1 cup almond milk + 1/2 cup nutritional yeast + 2 Tbsp. lemon juice + salt and pepper to taste

i n st r uc t ion s 1. Peel and dice the potatoes, carrots, onions, and chop the broccoli. 2. Combine all the veggies and liquids in a pot. 3. Simmer on medium heat until all of the veggies are tender. 4. Smash with a food masher or fork. 5. Add salt and pepper to taste. 6. Top with homemade croutons for the perfect finishing touch. I usually cube a portion of a crusty French baguette or loaf and sauté with a bit of olive oil or bake until crunchy for simple, scrumptious croutons. Note: Don’t worry about the liquid not covering the vegetables completely, it is going to reduce down to be thicker.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

Hea r t y Beef( les s) St ew

+ 1 quart vegetable broth + 1-2 cups of water (enough to barely cover potatoes and veggies) + a couple of sprigs of rosemary and thyme + 1/2 tsp. garlic salt + 1 bay leaf

Hearty and healthy is the best combo. When my husband was craving a classic comfort stew, this recipe hit

+ 1 Tbsp. flat-leaf parsley, chopped + Salt to taste

the spot and he didn’t miss the beef! It tastes unbelievably like a traditional beef stew but is entirely plant based. At was inspired to try, and experimented until it came out

i n st r uc t ion s

just right. The combination of portobello mushrooms and

1. Dice a whole yellow onion and the carrots. Chop the

liquid aminos (or soy sauce) had the effect I was seeking.

celery, cube the mushrooms, and mince plenty of garlic.

Your kitchen and the whole house will smell amazing. May

2. Set the stove to medium-high heat and add the olive

your family enjoy this “beef” stew as much as mine does.

oil to a large pot.

(It goes perfectly with some crusty French bread.)

3. Add the onions and sauté for five minutes or so until

first, I was unsure how to get that deep beef flavor but

i n g re d ient s

softened, then add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for another five minutes. 4. Next, toss in the cubed mushroom and add the liquid

+ 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil

aminos. Let it sauté for about 10 minutes, using a wooden

+ 1 large yellow onion, diced

spatula (there are plenty of reasons to use a wooden spat-

+ 3 garlic cloves, minced

ula, but that’s up to you) to mix it once in a while.

+ 2 large portobello mushrooms, cubed

5. Continue adding the carrots, potatoes, celery, peas,

+ 1 Tbsp. liquid aminos (or soy sauce)

tomato paste, veggie broth, a cup or two of water (just

+ 4 colorful carrots (purple, white, orange), diced

enough to cover the potatoes), garlic salt, 1 bay leaf, and

+ 1 lb. baby gold potatoes

finely chopped flat-leafed parsley. Simmer until you can

+ 2 celery stalks, chopped

stick a fork through the baby potatoes.

+ 10 oz. frozen peas

6. Some lightly toasted crusty bread is highly recom-

+ 2 Tbsp. tomato paste

mended. Also, consider a bit of chili flakes for a kick. Enjoy!

Birmingham Life | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

JIMLIFE FITNESS

ART TABLES: HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS

2995 East Lincoln Birmingham, MI

Every Saturday 9-10am in December

39221 Woodward Ave

JimLife Fitness is offering themed

Bloomfield Hills, 48034

cardio kickboxing classes in an 8,000

Art Tables: Holiday Ornaments

square foot warehouse. Come with

Art Tables will have everything you

masks on dressed in theme or just

need to play, experiment, and cre-

come to put your endurance to the

ate individual artworks. A museum

test as you build strength and grow

educator will be on hand to provide

muscle. 248-835-2662 For theme

instruction. Each Art Table will be

information go to Jimmy’s Instagram

socially distanced. All participants

at: JimLife Fitness

required to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth. $35 per

table which seats 4 (ages 3+). Pre-

HOLIDAY NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

Wayne Historical Museum 1 Towne Square Street, Wayne, Mi

Join the Wayne Historical Museum for the annual town Christmas tree

registration required.

CAROLING IN THE CITY

Downtown Rochester , Main Street

lighting. They will have Santa for the

Enjoy live entertainment, sweets and, of

kids, cookies and hot chocolate, an

course caroling-all on Main Street with

animal petting farm, carriage rides

the backdrop of the stunning Big, Bright

and more. The event is free and open

Light Show. For more information or

to all. Donations accepted.

to get involved, contact Downtown

*This event may be cancelled at any

Rochester DDA. 248-656-0060

time due to the ongoing pandemic* *Masks mandatory*

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS EVE AT THE TOWNSEND HOTEL

LATHRUP VILLAGE TREE LIGHTING

Birmingham Mi 48009

27400 Southfield Road

The Townsend hotel is now taking

Lathrup Village, MI

reservations for brunch and dinner for

It’s almost time for the annual

Christmas Day, New Years Eve and

Would you like to get in touch with

tree lighting at city hall. Under the

New Years Day. Courses are fixed and

us? We would love to hear from you!

Municipal Park Gazebo, Santa will

reservations are booking fast. Masks

be on hand for a safe, socially-dis-

and CDC guidelines are all being

BirminghamMI using the Get In

tant visit. Free giveaways and hot bev-

followed. To make your reservation

Touch link and let us know what

erages available. Masks are required.

contact them at: 248-642-5999

you think.

*Social distancing required*

Birmingham Life | December 2020

100 Townsend St,

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$10 off our NEW Full Body Relaxation Session in our Member’s Lounge

Treat yourself to our NEW Massage and Foot Scrub 90 min experience and we’ll add hot stones for free!!

Each client who rebooks during reopening week receives $25 to use towards any treatment in October. (Waxing omitted)

(Inquire at front desk for coupon / $115 value)

“One needs to experience a good massage to know its benefits to the body and spirit.” All therapists at Spa Mariana are licensed with extensive, advanced training. Maciek believes that anyone performing massage at Spa Mariana should be able to accurately perform many of the advanced techniques that he has gathered during his career. Maciek personally instructs and evaluates each therapist, ensuring that Spa Mariana clients receive a specialty massage. His teachings impart his philosophy that, during a massage, each moment holds an opportunity for further relaxation.

Call 248.792.2050 now to reserve your Spa Tour + Mention this ad and receive a complimentary treatment

BIRMINGHAM SPA

BLOOMFIELD HILLS SPA

223 N. Eton St. Birmingham, MI 48009

6447 Inkster Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301

spamariana.com baf