West Bloomfield, MI February 2024 by City Lifestyle

West End Kitchen and Bar F E B R UA RY 2 02 4

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Love Local! I don’t know about you, but this time of year I am always torn between resisting the commercialization of another greeting card holiday and indulging in all the sweet excuses to enjoy the season. To do a Valentine’s Day date out or enjoy a cozy night at home? To buy a card or just say a kind word? I usually land somewhere in between. We’ll each arrive at different answers based on our preferences and personalities, but what we hold in common is an opportunity to make sure those around us know we love them. And regardless of how you choose to celebrate, we hope the pages of this month’s magazine will help you do just that as we celebrate and highlight what’s to love in your local community. “Love local” means your local businesses, those in your community—but it also means loving what is near, including those under your own roof. This month, we aim to help you do just that! Discover the flavors of fresh Middle Eastern cuisine at a local restaurant started by a West Bloomfield resident with a long history in the food world, treat yourself or your Valentine to a relaxing massage or skin treatment, or step out for Happy Hour with friends—it’s all here! While we teeter between the chill of winter and the excitement of spring, we hope you’ll be inspired to take a moment to come together with the people in your life—the ones in your home and on your street, and in your neighborhood and your community. We’ve always believed what we can do together is so much more than what we can do apart. And we continue to see that demonstrated through the many stories told in these pages month after month. Thanks for letting us be a part of the life you’re building, whatever that may look like. Our hope is that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before. Happy February!

February 2024 PUBLISHER

Joe Geagea | joe.geagea@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Amy Niezur | amy.niezur@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Eve Edwards C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

Amy Gillespie

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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inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

10 16

Featured

10 16 20

West End Kitchen and Bar

It's Always a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

On the Cover

Departments

West End Kitchen and Bar at 4135 Orchard Lake Road.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Spa Day BEAUTY

Local Limelight FOOD + BEVERAGE

Expert Help REAL ESTATE

Travel Journal TRAVEL

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Events

LaVida Massage

Advanced Skin Care and Massage Since 2009

Al Oumara Restaurant

Fresh, Made-From-Scratch Middle Eastern Cuisine Photography: Amy Gillespie

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1-4: Heroes Appreciation Breakfast honored local veterans. 5-7: Boys and their special dates danced the night away at High Tops and High Heels. Photography by West Bloomfield Parks

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WEST END KITCHEN AND BAR

It's Always a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY GILLESPIE

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

Celebrating almost one year in business at 4135 Orchard Lake Road, West End Kitchen and Bar continues to blend upscale dining with local neighborhood comfort. West End Kitchen and Bar is the kind of place you can come for Happy Hour or a special anniversary, according to Brent Hermiz of West End, and soon it will be the place to go for brunch as well. Pairing sleek, vibrant décor with an imaginative menu, West End Kitchen and Bar’s mission is 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.” The dynamic menu offers items ranging from the popular Wagyu Burger to Sweet Chili Salmon, but for Brent, “I really love our Happy Hour Ahi Tuna Tartare Tacos and our Mykonos Flatbread. We also make a killer Espresso Martini with vodka CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STB LO O M F I E L D

that is infused through vanilla coffee beans.” West End’s mixologists and chefs pride themselves on creating “inspired and inventive dishes and cocktails that cater to various palates and interests.” According to 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!’” Whether you are looking for a romantic evening with your Valentine, need help planning a special event, or are craving a new spot for brunch, West End Kitchen and Bar is here. After all, “it’s always a beautiful day in the neighborhood!” Discover more about West End at eatwestend.com.

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

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ADVANCED SKIN CARE AND MASSAGE SINCE 2009

LaVida Massage

of Commerce ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY GILLESPIE

S PA DAY | BEAUTY

Winter can bring dry skin, sore muscles from shoveling snow, and the seemingly endless gray days can make you yearn for a little something to treat yourself or a special someone this Valentine’s Day or anytime. Relief can be found at LaVida Massage + Skincare of Commerce, located on Union Lake Road. In business since 2009, LaVida promotes “personal well-being in an elegant yet casual environment” with certified massage therapists and licensed estheticians ready to customize treatments to meet your individual needs. “We offer full massage and advanced skin care services,” says John Hoose of LaVida. “We have 17 different treatment rooms available for our services, making LaVida Massage of Commerce one of the largest facilities in Michigan offering these types of services. Many of our therapists have been here since the beginning.” In addition to a variety of massage services from couples massage to sports and deep tissue massages, LaVida offers a wide range of skincare services. Hydrafacials provide “a full facial, microdermabrasion, peel, and hydration all in one comfortable session” and the result is healthy, youthful skin with improvements to fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Laser hair removal is another option, featuring the GentleMAX Laser by Candela which gives a comfortable, effective treatment using cryogen cooling. To book an appointment, visit lavidamassagecommercemi.com. CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STB LO O M F I E L D

S PA DAY | BEAUTY

A L OUM A R A Restaurant

FRESH, MADE-FROM-SCRATCH MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY GILLESPIE

Nazir Fayad has a long history in the food world. He began cooking at the age of 16, then traveled to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, cooking there for five years. He spent time cooking in Switzerland and the Czech Republic before moving to the United States, where after working at La Shish for a few years, he started his own restaurant, Al Oumara. Nearly 25 years ago, Nazir bought the location that would become Al Oumara, located on Maple Road in West Bloomfield. “I was the only

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FO OD + BE VE RAGE

one cooking at the time,” he says. “I had a partner for three months, and then I was on my own. As I built the business, I started hiring people step-by-step, building good relationships with the community and eventually being able to remodel.” Nazir relied upon his well-developed knowledge of cooking at Al Oumara. “I use all my own recipes,” he adds. “All from scratch—no cans.” Some of the meals served at Al Oumara include the boneless chicken, house-made hommous using the best sesame and fresh garlic, tabbouli, and baba ghannouge made with eggplant roasted in his gas-fired oven. The oven also produces warm, fresh pita bread to accompany your meal. Freshness is at the forefront of Nazir’s mind from appetizers to desserts, and everything in between. While running the restaurant, Nazir has made his home here in West Bloomfield. He is the father of two sons and two daughters, and over the years he has brought a number of other family members to the United States to help out in the restaurant before moving on to careers of their own. “Some are doctors now, some are engineers,” he notes proudly. At Al Oumara, you can find your favorite fresh Middle Eastern dishes whether for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a special event. Catering is also available. See the full menu at aloumararestaurant.com.

I use all my own recipes. All from scratch—no cans.

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Selling Your Home Part 3 THE OFFER

You have an offer on your house, now what? Price, terms, and conditions are your next considerations. Let’s say the offer is lower than you were hoping for, and you’d like to counter with a higher price. As the seller, you are not in a position to find out whether the prospective buyer can afford to pay more, but as your agent, I can call the financial institution for information on your buyer before you waste time on a counteroffer the buyer may not be in a position to accept. What about the closing? Setting the right date is important. Is the proposed date too soon, or would you like it moved up? Can you move right at closing, or will you need to work out an occupancy agreement with your buyer to give you time to move to your new home? On the other hand, the buyer may need to get into a new home quickly because they have already sold their home. If you are unable to accommodate them, the offer may not go anywhere, and you’re back to square one. Your agent will call the buyer’s agent and discuss the terms and conditions of the purchase agreement. Have you thought about details such as whether the appliances are included? Make sure everything is clear to avoid any problems down the road. It’s a lot to think about, but your agent is there to help you with these details. Contact me with your questions at evesellshomes@hotmail.com.

ARTICLE BY EVE EDWARDS

EXP E RT H E LP | REAL ESTAT E

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!

Winter 2024 ELL Session 3: Jan. 8 to Feb. 21 (6 weeks, Omit 1/15, 2/19) 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 - Wed | 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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ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Reservations For Two Dreamy destinations for couples looking to get away.

Finding a life partner just might be easier than finding someone you can travel with. Pace, patience and priorities all matter when organizing itineraries, straddling time zones and navigating new places. Do you like languid mornings with room service, wide sandy beaches and white-glove service? Or, do you prefer watching the sunrise in hiking boots, launching into eye-opening excursions and digging to find that hidden gem of a restaurant that serves local food to locals? When the stars align, both partners have an affinity for generally the same kind of vacation, or are willing to compromise. Enjoying travel with your mate is the icing on the (wedding) cake. Here are a few ideas for fabulously romantic getaways. Bon Voyage!

Traveling can be as stressful as it is sublime. Exhausting as it is inspiring. Traveling as a couple requires additional planning and communication with a healthy dose of patience. Much like marriage! But, waking up in a faraway place, exploring unknown terrain together and leaving your routine and all its trappings behind can be therapeutic. You both can take on new roles and release tired habits.

Write new vows over lunch or take a random nap because you can.

Share planning and talk about your goals for the trip. Do you want to completely unplug or will one of you need excellent wifi to call into a few meetings?

If you’re parents, consider setting boundaries for texting and phone calls so you can put the phone away and immerse in one another. Let the kids know you will be checking your phone at a certain time each day (and stick to that). Let the grandparents or caregivers handle the day to day drama.

Take turns charting a course for the day. On day one, you check museum opening times, get the timed tickets and find a nearby spot for a healthy lunch. On day two, you sit back and let your partner call the Uber and source out the perfect shopping district, walking distance to a park. Enjoy the ride, either way.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

Four Seasons Bora Bora FourSeasons.com/BoraBora

Privacy and so much blue water. Bora Bora, French Polynesia At the Four Seasons Bora Bora, bucket list overwater bungalows line a glassy lagoon, inviting early-morning swims off your own private dock with a bright breakfast table set on your patio overlooking Mount Otemanu. The morning air is like silk, with a lithe breeze promising more of the same. Later, meander down the shady paths of the resort to the Te Mahana Spa. With breathtaking lagoon and Pacific Ocean views from twin infinity pools, the treatment begins with local juices and fruit, a foot massage, and then continues with rebalancing rituals starring indigenous ingredients like skin-smoothing, Tahitian-black-pearl powder and detoxifying algae sourced from the ocean. A full body scrub, massage, and hour-long soak in a coconut bath will leave you thankful and grounded. You can connect with the underwater world by snorkeling with a resident marine biologist and leave a legacy by grafting coral to repopulate the sun bleached lagoon. Dinners at the Four Seasons Bora Bora offer the ultimate date night experience, and a private moonlit swim is the perfect nightcap.

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STB LO O M F I E L D

Montage Palmetto Bluff Montage.com/PalmettoBluff

A sanctuary for you and nature alike. Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina

Tucked away on 20,000 acres of conservancy property in South Carolina’s low country, this classic resort delivers quintessential southern hospitality at every turn, whether you stay in one of the private cottages dotting the winding walkways along the May River or at the Main Inn with views of a maritime forest or inland waterway. Dramatic giant oaks dripping with Spanish moss line the miles of shady paths for meandering and biking around dreamy Palmetto Bluff. Golf with a caddy at May River Golf Course, a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. Venture out by bike with a bottle of the finest Veuve Clicquot bubbly for a private picnic. Paddle, kayak or join an intimate cruise on a vintage

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

picnic boat along 32 miles of waterfront. Shoot clay targets on one of the elevated 5-Stands, or on the sporting clay courses winding through an expansive 120-acre facility. There’s tennis, pickleball, three pools, a fitness center or hikes with the in-house Naturalist to keep you busy. If being busy is not your idea of fun, spend a day in robes at Spa Montage. The May River Renewal is two and a half hour spa experience with exfoliation, a soak and Heart of the Bluff Massage. Dine at The River House, where charming wait staff from around the world serve elevated local fare, elegant cocktails and the most perfect bread service you’ll ever enjoy. It’s these thoughtful details at Montage Palmetto Bluff that make you feel like the day belongs to you both.

The Pendry Pendry.com

A perfect romantic getaway in a contemporary mountain enclave. Park City, Utah Create a perfect romantic getaway at Pendry Park City, a contemporary mountain enclave bringing the mastery of Utah’s awe-inspiring landscape to new heights. The ski-in / ski-out resort is nestled in the center of Canyons Village, with slopeside modernist design, luxury service and thoughtful amenities, ideal for a couple’s escape. With intimate and cozy après and evening settings by the fireplaces and firepits throughout the entire property and in-room, complete with live music, inviting meals and more. Book an extra special meal at KITA, the stunning Japanese

steakhouse and sushi restaurant, the ideal romantic setting. Pair with some pre or post dinner cocktails at one of the bars, or a relaxing couple’s massage post ski. Rejuvenate the body with Spa Pendry for a couples massage, a side-by-side personally tailored massages for two in the couple’s suite and enjoy the herbal steam room, relaxation spaces, complimentary refreshments, state-ofthe-art fitness center and access to the hotel rooftop pool and whirlpool, with stunning views of the mountains. A perfect place to unwind with a robe and glass of champagne. CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STB LO O M F I E L D

The Willows TheWillowsPalmSprings.com

A secluded escape surrounded by mountains. Palm Springs, California With only 17 guest rooms, The Willows feels like an exclusive private hideaway where you expect to see celebrities around the pool or world leaders hiding behind newspapers at the three-course breakfast on the patio. Originally a millionaire’s private luxury hideaway the Italianate style mansions were built side-by-side for best friends, captains of industry where they entertained movie stars and political giants. Dr. Albert Einstein and his wife were frequent guests. The seclusion, though just blocks from the Palm Springs village, is intoxicating. You’ll meet the most interesting people at the complimentary afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres in the charming sitting room and find a new friend in one of the many engaging reads on the shelves dotting the thoughtfully renovated property. Rooms include oversized tiled showers, priceless antique pieces and a turndown service to make you feel like the royalty you are. Situated at the base of rugged Mt. San Jacinto with views of the Coachella Valley, The Willows is a perfect base for exploring the Palm Springs mid-century architecture of Hollywood titans or hiking the Andreas or Big Morongo Canyons or nearby Joshua Tree. Open September through May.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

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A Handmade Date Night A date night at home is the perfect occasion to shower your loved ones with affection and appreciation. While storebought gifts and cards have their charm, there’s something incredibly special about receiving a handmade gesture. By opting for a handmade date night, you’re not just expressing love but also showcasing your thoughtfulness and effort. These handmade creations convey a personal touch that can’t be replicated.

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

Make it feel like an extra special at-home date night with thoughtful touches from the heart—and hands.

From-Scratch Pasta

Yield: 1 pound

what you need

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 4 large eggs

what you do 1. Mound the flour in the center of a work surface with a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork until smooth, then work flour into eggs with the fork. Use a bench scraper to work in the rest of the flour a little at a time. When the flour is incorporated, form the dough with your hands into a rounded mass for kneading. Lightly dust your workspace with flour and knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and rest 1 1/2 hours, or chill overnight. 2. To roll by hand, flour a clean work surface. Vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle and roll constantly with even pressure as it stretches for several minutes until as thin as possible, almost translucent. 3. To cut by hand, lightly fold sheets one at a time into thirds and cut to desired thickness. Recipe from MarthaStewart.com.

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FEBRUARY 2024

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S

FEBR UARY 7TH

Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, 6600 W Maple Rd West Bloomfield, MI | 6:00 PM Fathers and father-figures alike can enjoy a special night out with their favorite girls. Evening includes dinner, dancing, games, and more. Event repeats on February 8. Tickets are $35 for residents, $45 for nonresidents. Register at wbparks.org.

FEBR UARY 10 TH

Black Expo Orchard Lake Mall, 6445 Orchard Lake Rd West Bloomfield, MI 1:00 PM Presented by the West Bloomfield Diversity Task Force, the Black Expo brings together over 50 vendors, demos, resources and more. Free admission.

WORLD CLASS BEER, UNIQUELY OUR OWN

FEBR UARY 11TH

Snowshoe With Your Sweetie Recreation Activities Center, 4640 Walnut Lake Rd West Bloomfield, MI 2:00 PM Enjoy a guided snowshoe hike through the woods with your valentine, along with a campfire and s’mores. No experience needed, snowshoes will be provided. Register at wbparks.org.

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