Mexican getaway — For a restaurant with a local focus, special dinners at the Root can range widely when it comes to topic. Take the "Once Upon a Time in Mexico Feast" that happens Thursday. It's a reservation-only night for the restaurant, which is serving a six-course menu. Courses include ceviche, nopales salad, rock shrimp tamale, taco al pastor, and mole poblano. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the first course is served at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 2 at the Root, 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake; $60 per person, optional $25 beverage pairing; reservations at 248-698-2400.
One for the homies — On a more down-home note, the good people at 7-Eleven have finally come through for Faygo lovers, Juggalos, and anybody with a fondness for the classics of a Michigan childhood: It's the Rock & Rye Slurpee. It's just the kind of local hook that will delight many in Michigan and Ohio. Warning: Do not try to spray Slurpee on friends.
Cocktails and canines — Dog owners, there's a special reason to go to Northern Lights Lounge this week: It's Canine to Five's Drinking with Dogs event. You bring little Rover, Princess, or Gizmo, sit on the patio, and enjoy cocktails while the dogs enjoy one another's company. It's a fun way to get to know other dog owners, learn about the services offered by the doggie day care center, and enjoy some drinks al fresco with your furry friend. It happens 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7 at 660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; 313-873-1739; for more information, call 313-831-3647.
What's growing in Northville? — The Country Garden Club of Northville is sponsoring an all-day event that allows gardeners, sightseers, or just plain people who like Northville to take a tour of some of the best private gardens in and around the city. Guests can expect light refreshments, live music, and a green market with plants, crafts, and more. Highlights include the chance to stroll back to the 19th century on the grounds of Mill Race Village, which have their own formidable gardens. It all happens 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, July 8; tickets are $10 and available at cgcnv.org.
Road trip! — Looking for a reason to get out of town before all your neighbors start blowing up your neighborhood? It just so happens that it's the weekend of the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. It's one of those Michigan summer festivals that has it all: classic car show, air show, farmers market, volleyball tournament, kids' races, beer tent, cherry-spitting contest, bike rides, historic tours, a fireworks show, and much more. To see what's happening, see the events calendar at cherryfestival.org, where you can also learn about special ticketed events.
Impressive pressing — We hear that the newest location of a local organic, cold-pressed, raw juice bar is open. It's called Drought, and it's now in Bloomfield Hills. Whether you want to take the full cleanse or just try a healthful drink, they're ready to offer you their expert assistance, at 4078 W. Maple Rd., Bloomfield Hills; 248-220-4330; droughtjuice.com.
How to eat well — Is it an information overload when a new guide on locally grown and sustainable food lists 25,000 vendors nationwide? If you don't think so, the Eat Well Guide may be for you. It lists tens of thousands of food vendors, including restaurants, farmers markets, food trucks, and more, so you can know where to go to get locally grown products. The guide also offers curated mini-guides for major U.S. cities, including Detroit. To learn more, see eatwellguide.org.
Congrats — Thomas F. Recinella, the executive chef at Baker College of Port Huron's Culinary Institute of Michigan, has been invited to become a member of the Honorable Order of the Golden Toque, the highest acclaimed recognition a chef can receive in the United States. Way to go, Thomas!
Burgers and shakes — The fast casual chain Wayback Burgers has been serving never-frozen burgers and hand-dipped milkshakes since 1991, all amid an atmosphere reminiscent of a hometown burger joint. They've recently opened a location in Rochester Hills. Until July 12, guests visiting the restaurant can register for the chance to win a year of free burgers; a winner will be picked and announced July 13. Drop in for a taste at 1256 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 248-453-5746.
What's a Michelada? — Oddly, a "Michelada" has nothing to do with Michigan: It's a German-style lager with Bloody Mary seasonings. And Michigan is about to be home to the first craft Michelada, produced in partnership between Atwater Brewing and McClure's Pickles, combining Atwater's lager and McClure's spices. Michelada will be available in four-packs of 16-ounce cans in local stores like Busch's and Meijer, as well as craft beer retailers in 32 states and Canada.
Mexican in Milford — There's a new Mexican restaurant in downtown Milford. Last week, local family-owned chain Mi Zarape opened its doors and decided to try bringing the spice of Mexico to downtown Milford. More than 200 visitors can feast on authentic Mexican cuisines featuring seating for 200 patrons and both indoor and outdoor dining. The menu includes such items as steak burritos and a kind of Mexican-influence surf and turf: El Nuevo Zarape, grilled steak and chicken served with salad, rice, beans, and pico de gallo. A full bar means margarita are ready. See what's new, at 131 S. Milford Rd., Milford.
Keep on truckin' — We heard that a new food truck just hit the streets a few weeks ago. It's from Andiamo, the local Italian restaurant empire, and it will be serving calamari, sausage and peppers, pasta and meatballs, and some of the more portable kinds of Italian food, but with the fine-dining flair Andiamo is known for. Want to know where it will turn up this week? See andiamoitalia.com, on monitor @AndiamoItalia on Twitter.
Know of any upcoming dining, drinking, or gardening events? Let us know! Email [email protected].
