SIDE DISH
Gravity’s Constant — One of downtown Milford’s notable dining establishments is marking 10 years in business in the coming weeks. The joint is called Gravity, and owner Jim Eggl says his kitchen is busy preparing a 10th anniversary five-course meal at the casual upscale eatery that should be a highlight of the season. It will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3; for details, contact the restaurant. Gravity is at 340 N. Main St., Milford; 248-684-4223; gravityrestaurant.com.
Peetnik’s Paradise — Michigan is welcoming a hot new coffee company to help combat the chill this November. Peet’s Coffee and Tea, a California-based specialty coffee and tea company, announced the opening of seven new stores. In collaboration with Zingerman’s Bakehouse, a Michigan institution known for its unique desserts, Peet’s plans to bring its high-quality coffee to the Detroit and Ann Arbor areas just in time for the holidays. The company prides itself on offering superior quality handcrafted drinks and local bakery goods. For more about upcoming locations, see peets.com.
Best Buddy’s — For the first time since the 1990s, Buddy’s Pizza has opened a new store, this time in Shelby Township. Designed to revive an old Detroit favorite, the new restaurant aims to bring back memories of the original Buddy’s Pizza, established in 1946. The company’s largest location, this Buddy’s boasts more than 8,000 square feet, with seating capacity for more than 250 people, all ready to stuff themselves on Buddy’s Sicilian-style pizza. It’s at 45841 Hayes, Shelby Twp.; 586-566-1233; buddyspizza.com.
Potbelly Expands — Known for its warm sandwiches and live music, a new Potbelly Sandwich Shop is open in downtown Detroit. Walking distance from Campus Martius Park, the Potbelly experience offers a new way to warm up while getting down in the city this holiday season. Open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the new location is at 777 Woodward Ave., Detroit.; 248-652-2600; potbelly.com.
Wendy’s Hot Buns — Wendy’s is now serving a new Bacon Portabella Melt on Brioche, a limited-time sandwich served on the soft, French-style bread. All through the year, the fast-food chain has tried out fancy breads, including a multi-grain flatbread in the spring and, more recently, a pretzel bun. Wendy’s, the world’s third largest quick-service hamburger company, plans to continue introducing customers to innovative breads in the future. For more information, see wendys.com.
FOOD THOUGHT
Pie
By Angela Boggiano
Mitchell Beazley; $20 (hardcover); 197 pp.
Dear America: The world of pie is full of steamy fillings and flaky, buttery crusts, but with so many types of pie, why do we cling to the sweet ones?
This cookbook, hailing from England, will take you on a magic carpet ride through the flavors and histories of sweet and savory pies. This is not a plea to get your Sweeney Todd on, but when the weather gets cold, what sounds more satisfying than a hearty helping of beef and ale pie? Offering recipes for such proteins as chicken, pork, beef and lamb, this book is bound to inspire meat-eaters (and sweet-eaters) to go in new directions.
THE WORKS
Sensio Bella Four
Slot Pie Maker
$40; amazon.com
Were you aware that there are George Forman grills for pie? Even though it’s not from the grill man himself, this mini-pie maker beckons chefs, both lazy and ambitious, to indulge in the single-serving pie. Seriously, who wants to share pie anyway? In addition to encouraging the glutton in us all, the pies are too damn cute! Little Pomeranian Boo has nothing on this non-stick wonder that bakes four pies for 10 minutes. Ideal for shameful private pig-outs (or sharing with friends and family), these bad boys are easy to clean and the non-skid feet will prevent many bitter tears.
