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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy Holidays!

December 2023 PUBLISHER

Joe Geagea | joe.geagea@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Amy Niezur | amy.niezur@citylifestyle.com

The holidays are here and as the spirit of the season is among us, we often try to replicate what made the season feel so magical to us in our youth. The traditions we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child whether it is the smells, the sounds, the lights, the holiday activities or a combination of it all that reflect that best. Here in West Bloomfield, our diverse community celebrates a variety of special days, and we wish the very best to all of you. This month, we wanted to highlight the magic of the season and what our area has to offer that helps spread holiday cheer. We’ve compiled a list of ideas for celebrating the season, both for giving back to others as well as for ourselves, and also some delicious suggestions for holiday entertaining boards to suit every taste. While this season can be beautiful for some, it can be painful and lonely for others, especially those who have recently lost a loved one. In the true spirit of the season, let’s take care of those in our community that need assistance or who are alone. My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace and that we all remember to take care of each other, extending grace, empathy and love. Happy Holidays! JOE GEAGEA, PUBLISHER @WEST_ BLOOMFIELD_CIT YLIFEST YLE

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Brandon McDaniel, Angela Broockerd CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Amy Gillespie, Janie Jones

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

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Proverbs 3:5-6 West Bloomfield City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Bloomfield 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 West Bloomfield City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

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inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Holiday Entertaining Boards

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Local Experiences

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Athlete Life FI T NES S

Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Chef ’s Selection FO O D + B EV E R AG E

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Events

Delight Your Guests with these Creative Party Pleasers

20 Warrior Way

Celebrating Over 26 Years of Practical Martial Arts Instruction

24 The Naughty List

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Janie Jones Elevate your holiday entertaining with our ideas for snacking board inspiration.

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DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1-4: Connect got a taste of Bavaria with the Oktoberfest celebration on September 21. 5-7: Camping fun for the family at Camp Out at Marshbank Park on September 22. Photography by West Bloomfield Parks

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C I T Y SC E N E

DECEMBER 2023

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

Tis the season for tinsel, twinkling lights, and celebrating the holiday season! Partake in any one of our picks for local holiday happenings and rejoice in the joy and festive spirit around town! For those looking to give back this season, we have some ideas for you as well.

Our Picks for Holiday Happenings MENOR AH IN THE D: Celebrate Chanukah with the lighting of a 26-foot

menorah in Campus Martius on Thursday, December 7. 800 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI CAPUCHIN SOUP KITCHEN: Give back this holiday season by volunteering or donating to Capuchin Soup Kitchen. 1820 Mount Elliot St Detroit, MI WAYNE COUNTY LIGHTFEST: Over 100,000 lights and themed displays provide holiday entertainment through Hines Park in Westland through December 24. 7651 N Merriman Rd Westland, MI LIGHTHOUSE OF OAKLAND COUNTY: Adopt a family to spread holiday cheer, volunteer, or donate and feel good knowing you have made a difference in your community. 46156 Woodward Ave Pontiac, MI HOLIDAY PER FOR MANCES AT THE HAWK: The Hawk in Farmington Hills presents two festive shows, a dance showcase featuring music of The Nutcracker, and a winter concert from the Farmington Chorus. 29995 W 12 Mile Rd Farmington Hills, MI

Scan for more photos and the full list.

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Amy Niezur Amy is the editorial coordinator for West Bloomfield Lifestyle.

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Holiday Entertaining Boards D E L I G H T YO U R G U E S T S W I T H T H E S E C R E AT I V E PA R T Y P L E A S E R S

It’s time to celebrate! Delight your guests and indulge your creativity by crafting tempting entertaining boards that can serve as both the perfect appetizer and an easy way to feed a crowd. We have some ideas to get you started, from classic charcuterie and vegetable platters to unusual twists such as a hot cocoa board or a tempting array of donuts and pastries, perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunches. Make ours—or invent your own!

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD AND AMY NIEZUR PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

The Peanut Butter Nutella Smear Board ingredients: • Peanut butter (consider flavored peanut butters, such as honey or cinnamon) • Nutella • Mini chocolate chips and/or peanut butter chips • Caramel sauce • Apple slices • Graham crackers • Parchment paper

directions: Place a piece of parchment paper on top of the board. Using a spatula, smear peanut butter on one side of the board using short, repetitive strokes. Do the same on the opposite side of the board using Nutella. Sprinkle mini chocolate and/or peanut butter chips on top of the peanut butter and Nutella. Drizzle caramel on top. Serve with sliced apples and graham crackers.

The Veggie Crudite Board ingredients: • • • • • • • •

Cucumbers, cut in long slices Celery Red peppers Tomatoes Cauliflower Sugar snap peas Variety of veggie dips, 3 total Fresh herbs, for garnish

directions: Place three different types of veggie dips on board. Build around the dips by placing the cucumbers and celery in multiple layers as the base. Add red bell peppers and tomatoes around the board to add pops of color. Finish by layering cauliflower and sugar snap peas and garnish with fresh herbs. CONTINUED >

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Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board ingredients: • Fig jam • Honey • Variety of cheeses (try a mix of harder and softer cheeses, as well as mild and sharp) • Salami or meat of choice • Olives (provide a variety) • Nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or pistachios • Grapes, berries, and/or persimmon • Crackers • Fresh cranberries and rosemary, for garnish

directions: First, place the jars of jam, honey and olives on the board. Next, place the cheeses on opposing sides. Follow with meats and fruits. Layer in crackers, nuts, and seeds, and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries.

Tips for creating the perfect board: • To create a quick pastry platter for breakfast or brunch, layer donuts, cinnamon rolls, or other pastries with sprigs of rosemary for garnish (shown on page 14). • Start with the larger items first and build around those. If using jars on the board, place those first. • Be sure to have enough foods to fill the space. It is best to overfill so that the board doesn't look sparse. Stack, stack, and stack some more. • Use a variety of colors and textures when choosing food items. Pick cheese with color and patterns, fruits and veggies that come in a variety of textures and colors and a protein that can make a statement. • Be sure to place similar colors away from each other to help give symmetry.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Sweet Treat Cocoa Board ingredients: • Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries • Mini marshmallows • Hot cocoa mix • Chocolate-covered pretzels • Chocolate-covered cherries or blueberries • Chocolate-covered graham crackers • Chocolate-covered biscotti • Hot cocoa bomb • Holiday cookie cutter

directions: First, place your favorite holiday cookie cutter on the board. Fill the cookie cutter with mini marshmallows. Next, layer the large items. Begin with the chocolate covered biscotti and build around that using berries. Pile the berries high. Next, add a variety of chocolate covered treats on opposite sides of each other between the mounds of berries. Be sure to add touches of berries around the edges. If space allows, place hot cocoa on board. Otherwise, set bowl full of hot cocoa mix and any additional hot cocoa fixings adjacent to the board.

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WARRIOR WAY CELEBRATING OVER 26 YEARS OF PRACTICAL MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTION

ARTICLE BY BRANDON MCDANIEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY GILLESPIE

AT H LE T E LIF E | FITNESS

Warrior Way was founded in 1997 by three martial artists who had a dream of creating a school that focused on practical martial arts like Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing. The school grew from only a few dozen students in a small building with most of the classes taught by one of our founders, Harvy Berman, and his two partners, to now, over 26 years later, with over 500 active members and more than a dozen instructors. In 2003, we added a Muay Thai instructor, Matee Jedeepitak, with the highest accolades in the country to lead our kickboxing program. Alongside Matee is his top student Avan Bashi, who helps instruct the Muay Thai program. The lineup of Warrior Way’s instructors includes Angelo Popofski and myself,

Brandon McDaniel, who are two of Michigan’s most experienced Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructors and competitors. Our kids program began as a twice-weekly program that focused on teaching children Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai while focusing on character development. Today the program has grown to twelve classes a week and we are now able to separate students by age and experience. This allows us to give students more one-on-one attention while keeping the focus on using martial arts to teach children the importance of discipline, hard work, courage, and perseverance. I am most proud of the amount of people Warrior Way has positively impacted. We have been able to grow over the years without losing sight of our mission, which is to “use the martial arts to improve people’s lives, through reality-based self-defense, fitness, mental clarity, and community.” Traveling throughout the Metro Detroit area, I constantly come in contact with past and present members of the Warrior Way community, and I know that we are having an impact. If you think Warrior Way would be of interest to you, I welcome you to come out and observe a class, meet our highly qualified staff, and see how the Warrior Way community can benefit you. Email warriorwaymartialarts@gmail.com or call at 248-960-4884 to set up a time to visit.

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CHOCOLATE and WINE The Key to a Successful Wine and Chocolate Pairing Lies in Finding the Right Combination of Flavors and Characteristics.

Pairing wine and chocolate together can be a delightful sensory experience that can elevate the flavors of both. While the concept of pairing wine with food is well-known, pairing it with chocolate may seem unconventional at first. However, when done correctly, it can create a harmonious balance where the flavors of the wine and chocolate complement and enhance one another. Wine and chocolate have a lot of similarities to each other. Both contain flavanols (antioxidants) and polyphenols (compounds found in plant-based food) that are good for you and have anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics affect flavor so it’s somewhat challenging to pair wine and chocolate together. The more polyphenols, the more pronounced the bitter taste. For example, if you sip a delicious dry red wine alongside a hunk of dark chocolate, the wine will start to taste bitter and sour. The taste imbalance is coming from the heightened levels of flavanols (different types of tannin) found in both chocolate and wine that end up clashing against each other on your tongue. While it might sound counterintuitive, a good rule of thumb is to pair a wine that is “sweeter” than the chocolate itself. “Sweet” doesn’t refer to dessert wines alone. In the wine world, the term “sweet” is often used to denote ripe, fruit-forward flavors in a wine. These characteristics provide a nice balance to the bitter flavors of cocoa. Both wine and chocolate can have intense, dry flavors. In order to find the right balance, it’s best to choose wines that are a little bit softer and juicier than the chocolate you’re pairing it with. We’ve done the footwork to find several wines that partner well with chocolate. Here are our guidelines for matching chocolate with wine and a few of our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. We hope you’ll try them and then get inspired to experiment and create your own.

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

CREATING THE PERFECT PAIR DA R K CHOCOLATE Bitter to semi-sweet dark chocolates, that are 50 to 100% cacao, have intense, bitter flavors, and earthy to fruity undertones. Match the intensity without adding more dryness by pairing these chocolates with full-bodied, yet fruit-forward wines. Pairs well with: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Port, Merlot, Shiraz, Barolo

MILK CHOCOLATE Milk chocolate is typically creamier and sweeter with flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and cream. It requires a wine that is light to medium in body, with a ripe fruit character. Pairs well with: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sweet Riesling, Ice-Style Wine

WHITE CHOCOLATE White chocolate has a sweet, buttery flavor with notes of cream and honey. Sweet white and rosè wines help cleanse the palate of the rich flavors from white chocolate, as does sparkling spumante like Moscato d’Asti. Pairs well with: Sweet Riesling, Moscato, Semi-Dry Sparkling Whites, Gewurztraminer

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

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

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 32

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STBLO O M F I E L D

DECEMBER 2023

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

Offering all the comforts of home. Fairmont Senior Living of Farmington Hills offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services tailored to the individual needs of each resident who calls our community home.

DECEMBER 1ST

Ho Ho Holiday Lunch

C O NNE C T, 33230 W 1 4 M I L E R D WE ST B LO O MF I E L D, M I 1 1 :30 A M Calling all seniors! Enjoy a festive holiday lunch along with a performance by the Detroit Tap Repertory, sing-along, and photos with Santa. For more information, visit wbparks.org . DECEMBER 10 TH

Hand-Crafted Christmas Open House

O R C H A R D L A K E MUS E U M , 39 5 1 O R C H A R D L A KE R D O R C H A R D L A K E , MI | 1 :00 P M See a display of handmade decorations and learn the history of handicrafts from DuAnne Sonneville. From knitting to crochet, and from applique to macrame, there is plenty to discover! For details, visit gwbhs.org . DECEMBER 19 TH

Winter Solstice Fairmont Senior Living offers a continuum of care, meaning residents can avoid the stress of having to change their living situation as their needs change. Instead, our residents are able to enjoy the comfort of aging in place with a familiar and friendly staff and a consistent, comfortable environment.

29681 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 fairmontfarmingtonhills.com 34

EVE N TS

R E C R E AT I O N AC T I V I T I ES C E NT E R , 4 6 4 0 WA L NUT L A K E R D WE ST B LO O MF I E L D, M I 5 :0 0 P M Celebrate the shortest night of the year and the return of longer days! Hike and explore along a lantern-lit trail. For details, visit wbparks.org .

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