West Bloomfield, MI October 2023

The Tastes of Fall

Welcome fall! With the changing seasons comes a change in what we are craving, and with fall that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite dishes and beverages around town.

We had the pleasure of getting to know the folks behind West End restaurant, and learned about what their fall menu will be boasting—from eye-catching cocktails to eclectic favorites, you are in for a treat. For those who are looking to eat healthy without the fuss, we have the scoop on Clean Eats, a local business dedicated to healthy eating. Of course, Middle Eastern food is iconic in our area, and this month we tempt you with the offerings of Orchard Lake Mezza.

We also included a few new recipes for you to try at home, whether you’re cooking for just your family or entertaining guests. Living in Michigan, we certainly get our share of apples, and we have a delicious recipe for you to celebrate that favorite fall fruit!

Food brings us all together, and whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable. As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around town!

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Joe Geagea | joe.geagea@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Amy Niezur | amy.niezur@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Eve Edwards

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Amy Gillespie

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

is a family owned and operated company established in 1917. Our high quality of workmanship has been handed down for four generations.

104 years of knowledge and experience produce not only the best quality work but also a total dedication to professionalism which is applied to every job.

Since we take pride in our work and our family business ethics, we consistently train our crews to ensure your project requests are personally met.

Patrice is your “styled” associate broker and licensed Realtor,® who is known for getting deals closed!

Patrice Henderson has found that integrity has been the foundation to success, creating long-lasting relationships with clients and a purpose for doing what she does. With her unique marketing plan for luxury homes including intricate home tour videos that excite buyers to purchase her clients’ homes, smart floor plans and so much more; she is able to help her clients net the most money from the sale of their homes. In addition, she is a Certified Waterfront Specialist for all of your waterfront real estate needs.

Patrice is much more than the average realtor – she’s a real estate broker. This means she’s highly knowledgeable in her craft of selling real estate, helping her clients and is held to a higher standard. She also has a supportive team to make sure that you get the world class service you deserve. So if you’re even just thinking about selling your home, be sure to reach out to Patrice Henderson for a COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION on what you can expect to sell your home for in the current market and what she will do differently so you don’t just sell your home but that you close with Patrice.

We have a huge selection of stone slabs in stock and many options to choose from... far more than what you can get when working through a renovation or cabinet contractor. Highest quality materials and craftsmanship with our superior customer service and generational expertise that you can only get from working with us direct!

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @west_bloomfield_citylifestyle

AUTHENTIC MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

Whether you desire a special dining experience or have an occasion to share with your family or friends, Orchard Lake Mezza is the right place to enjoy real, exceptional cuisine.

You will love our Mediterranean dishes from Kabob, Shawarma, Hommous, Tabbouli, Fattoush to many other delicious fo ods.

248.865.0000

ORCHARDLAKEMEZZA.COM

local experiences

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Our community is brimming with incredible food and drinks to indulge in and we’ve selected some of our picks that you must experience for yourself. Bon appetit and cheers!

LOCAL EXPERIENCES

VOLARE RISTORANTE: Impeccable Italian cuisine focused on fresh, quality ingredients. 48992 Pontiac Trail Wixom, MI

PATISSERIE PARMENTIER: Customized desserts for any occasion, from weddings to birthdays and more. 40001 Grand River Ave Novi, MI

SOZAI: Authentic sushi featuring omakase menus and multi-hour experiences of chef's choice delights. 449 W 14 Mile Rd Clawson, MI

CAFE SOUS TERRE: Cafe and bar that reflects the French cafes of the early 20th century. 445 W Forest Ave Detroit, MI

JIA LOUNGE: Craft cocktails, inviting ambiance, and Asian-inspired small plates and dishes. 24299 Novi Rd Novi, MI

Selling Your Home, Part 1

You’re in a four-bedroom home. You’ve been there thirty years. You raised your children there and watched them take their first steps. Cried when they went to school for the first time. You knew when they went to high school it wouldn’t be long until they go to college, and after that, they would be on their way. They went and left behind lots of stuff for you to store.

The first thing to do is to get rid of those things you stored—painful but necessary. Call the kids and give them a date to pick up what they left behind, or out it goes. Then it’s time to sort through the things you never use, but maybe someday you might. Get rid of things

you’re not taking to your next home. After that, the next step is to go through the house like a buyer. Make a list of each room and decide what needs to be done. Paint and new flooring go a long way with the buyer— maybe new countertops and hardware in the kitchen too. Now is also the time to have the furnace cleaned and checked.

Now go outside and check your landscaping for curb appeal. Make sure the shrubs are trimmed, no weeds, and looking good. Ask yourself—would you want to see the inside while driving by? Finally, make a list of all the updates you have made—roof, windows and so on. ARTICLE BY EVE EDWARDS

WE’RE CHANGING THE EXPECTATION OF EXTERIOR COATINGS, ONE HOME AT A TIME LET’S SCHEDULE A FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE NOW WHILE SPOTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE.

HIGHEST STANDARD OF SERVICE

THE VERY BEST ALTERNATIVE TO OLD-FASHIONED EPOXY

4X-STRONGER THAN EPOXY

Galileo: Scientist, Astronomer, Visionary

Exhibit Opens October 1, 2023 at Cranbrook Institute of Science

Often called the “father of observational astronomy,” Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was an Italian scientist, astronomer, and mathematician whose groundbreaking work in astronomy, science, and physics helped shape our modern world and ultimately paved the way for space travel.

Opening October 1, Cranbrook’s newest traveling exhibit, “Galileo”, explores the fascinating life and discoveries of the Renaissance scientist and mathematician at the Institute of Science, continuing through June 2, 2024.

Family-friendly and filled with hands-on experiments, visitors can immerse themselves in the ideas behind Galileo’s work. The exhibition features

educational STEAM activities and highlights the most important of Galileo’s findings, including his telescope, the first used to observe celestial objects. Visitors can also explore inclined planes and geometry, levers and scales, the pendulum and laws of motion, and gears and pulleys.

Tickets to Galileo are $8 for adults who are non-members and $6 for Institute of Science Standard Members. Children ages 2-12 and individuals 65+ are $5 each. Enhanced members and children under 2 are free. Nonmembers must also pay general museum admission.

For more information, visit science.cranbrook.edu

WEST END KITCHEN AND BAR

West End Kitchen and Bar has a mission—to “create a culinary haven where exceptional flavors, warm hospitality, and a vibrant community converge, leaving an indelible mark on every guest’s palate and heart.” Started by a group of friends who grew up in the area and frequented the previous tenant of 4135 Orchard Lake Road, Nectars Wine Bar, “We felt that the neighborhood deserved an upscale kitchen and bar once again that everyone could call home,” says Brent Hermiz of West End.

Where Exceptional Flavors, Warm Hospitality, and a Vibrant Community Converge

The team members behind West End, says Brent, “have all been involved in a diverse array of businesses, which on the hospitality side have included concepts from small cafes to full-blown restaurants, lounges, and everything in between—as close as West Bloomfield and as far away as west Michigan. We are blessed to have a passionate group who truly cares about hospitality.”

“West End blurs the line between upscale and local neighborhood comfort. It’s the kind of place you could come for Happy

Hour or for a special anniversary,” says Brent. “The ambiance and the menu selections are a perfect blend for the location. It just worked out so well organically for what the community needed!” At West End, guests can expect to find a wide-ranging menu of appetizers, flatbreads, salads, entrees, and desserts, along with a creative cocktail menu and extensive wine selection. Adds Brent, “Our food menu has been described as eclectic, with one guest saying, ‘When I don’t know what I’m in the

mood for, I know West End’s menu and specials will have something for me!’”

Brent notes that the Waygu burger is the most popular menu item, but for him, “I really love our Happy Hour Ahi Tuna Tartare Tacos and our Mykonos Flatbread. We also make a killer Espresso Martini with vodka that is infused with vanilla coffee beans.” Other highlights of the menu include a classic cut filet mignon, a honey baked feta appetizer, and a farro and roasted corn salad. On the cocktail side, guests will also find the Guavacita, which features West End infused Milagro Blanco, lemon, guava puree, muddled jalapeno, and a Tajin rim, and the Violet Fern, with Aviator Gin, infused pea flower simple, lemon, and bubbles. For dessert, options range from funnel cake fries to a crème brulée cheesecake.

At West End, says Brent, the atmosphere is lively and feels like home at the same time. “We bill ourselves as an upscale neighborhood kitchen and bar. The place is beautiful, filled with vibrant colors from the dining room out to our covered patio.”

For those planning an event, West End can help. “We’ve done anything from corporate events to birthday parties, engagements, and anything in between! We enjoy catering to our guests’ needs and are willing to adapt to what most special events call for.”

Happy Hour at West End runs Mondays through Saturdays, starting at 4:00 PM, and the kitchen is open late. Inquiries and reservations can be made at eatwestend.com . “Come see us soon,” says Brent. “It’s always a beautiful day in the neighborhood!”

ORCHARD LAKE MEZZA

Interested in the “World’s Healthiest Salad?” Or perhaps a savory plate of chicken shawarma is more to your liking? You can find all of this and much more at Orchard Lake Mezza, located in West Bloomfield on Orchard Lake Road.

Orchard Lake Mezza prides itself on serving delicious and healthy foods in a relaxing atmosphere. Using the freshest ingredients, Orchard Lake Mezza’s dishes are “carefully crafted to offer a diverse range of flavors and style, from classic dishes with a modern twist to unique creations that will tantalize your taste buds.”

Highlights of the menu include Middle Eastern favorites such as fattoush salad, falafel, kebab, and hommous, as well as more unexpected fare including Pizza Napoli, Seven Pepper Trout, stirfries, and pasta to please everyone’s taste. In addition to entrees, a range of sandwiches are also on offer, including hommous and grape leaves, chicken kofta, and chicken ghallaba. A variety of fresh raw juices and smoothies round out the options.

Planning a party? Orchard Lake Mezza offers party trays such as the Mezza King Feast, which serves up to 10 and includes hommous, baba ghannooj, tabbouli, lamb chops, kofta, chicken and lamb kebab, chicken and lamb shawarma, and sides. A catering menu is also available.

Visit orchardlakemezza.com for more information.

EATING CLEAN

LENA DABISH MAKES EATING HEALTHY EASY AND DELICIOUS

“In 2009, I weighed over 300 pounds due to simply not taking care of my health,” says Lena Dabish, owner of Clean Eats Healthy Fit Kitchen in West Bloomfield. “I started seeing a trainer who inspired me to not only change my life by taking charge of my health, but to start my business. My trainer (and still one of my closest friends to this day) suggested I build on my newfound passion and Clean Eats was quickly born.”

“Healthy eating is easy when you prepare yourself with the right foods,” says Lena, and her mission at Clean Eats is to do the hard work for you so eating right is a snap. “We deliver and offer customized pick-up every Monday and Tuesday from our kitchen on Commerce Road, and this summer we launched our Clean Eats To-Go concept. Right next to our kitchen, we opened a self-serve market where you can access our 35+ meals, proteins, salads,

healthy snacks, and drinks, seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. We also stock our ready-to-eat vegan and vegetarian meals at Woodward Corner Market—we’re making it easier than ever to access healthy, clean meals all made from scratch.”

Clean Eats’ meals are healthy, scratch-made, and incorporate organic vegetables when available. Additionally, any and all dietary restrictions and preferences can be accommodated, setting them apart from other meal prep companies. “We have a fantastic five for $50 meal plan so guests can enjoy a variety of flavors throughout the week,” says Lena. “Some of our fan favorites include Greek Chicken Bowl, Spicy Chicken with Sweet Potatoes, Very Teriyaki, and Muscle Lover with Piedmontese Beef.” With salads, sandwich kits, treats, and more, “You’ll never get bored with our menu.”

THE FLAVOR OF FALL

Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cure-all, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with this simple recipes.

APPLE GALETTE WITH CARAMEL DRIZZLE

Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/4 cup iced cold water

Filling:

• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices

• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Caramel sauce

• Optional: 1/4 chopped walnuts or pecans

INSTRUCTIONS:

Crust:

(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)

Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.

Filling: Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.

Assemble and Bake:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice-cream.

Learn English, meet new people & make friends at your West Bloomfield ELL class. Join us today to improve your language & connect with the community!

West Bloomfield Adult Education Register NOW for Fall ELL Classes!

Classes run from Sept. 5 through Dec. 20, 2023

Fall 2023 ELL Session 1: Sept. 11 to Oct. 18 (6 weeks, Omit Sept. 25)

PM LEVELS I, II, III - Mon/Tues/Wed | 6:30-9:00 p.m. | $50

AM LEVEL I - Mon/Tues/Wed | 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | $50

ADVANCED/INTERMEDIATE ENGLISH - Mon/Wed | 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | $225 CONVERSATION/PRONUNCIATION - Tues | 12:30-2:00 p.m. | $75 Students 18 and older are welcome from any district.

7071 Orchard Lake Rd, Suite 100; West Bloomfield, MI 48322 wbsd.org/departments/community-education (248) 539-2390 • DAWN.HANFORD@WBSD.ORG

West Bloomfield Adult Education

Do The Monster Mash With These Fall-Focused Cocktails Perfect For Halloween Festivities

spook - tails

ARTICLE BY SAM LAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

• 2 ounces cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane rum, silver rum can be substituted)

• 1 ounce Galliano liqueur

• 1/2 ounce lemon juice

• 1/2 ounce brown sugar & cinnamon syrup

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

• fresh nutmeg

Combine all ingredients except for the nutmeg in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Strain through a mesh fine strainer into a martini glass or other decorative glassware without ice. Shave fresh nutmeg over the top as a garnish and enjoy!

TOASTED MALLOW

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka

• 1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur

• 1/2 ounce Frangelico liqueur

• graham crackers

• marshmallows

Combine all ingredients except for the graham crackers and marshmallows in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Crush graham crackers in a plastic bag to make a fine powder. Coat half of a martini glass with your crushed graham crackers and strain your cocktail into the coated martini glass. Layer the top of the drink with marshmallows and toast with a crème brûlée torch. Enjoy!

PUMPKIN BRAIN PURÉE

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

OCTOBER 12TH

Group Hayrides

MARSHBANK PARK, 2805 HILLER RD WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI | 5:00 PM

Gather your group of up to 30 people to enjoy a private hayride! Reservations include hayride, cider, donuts, and four roll-up picnic blankets. Rides continue on October 13, 19, and 20. Register at wbparks.org .

OCTOBER 19TH

Underground Railroad Flight to Freedom RECREATION ACTIVITIES

CENTER, 4640 WALNUT LAKE RD WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 10:00 AM

The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society invites you to board the bus at the Recreation Activities Center to experience The Underground Railroad Flight to Freedom Tour, a storytelling re-enactment of the passage to freedom at the First Congregational Church of Detroit. Bag lunch following the tour. Made possible by West Bloomfield Parks. Registration required through West Bloomfield Parks.

OCTOBER 29TH

Trick or Treat Trail

MARSHBANK PARK, 2805 HILLER RD WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI | 3:00 PM

Halloween fun for the little ones! Enjoy a treat bag, cider, and donuts with your registration. Time slots begin at 3:00 PM. After the trail, try your hand at the pumpkin weight guessing content with prizes! Register at wbparks.org .