Yellow and green — Wayne State's Wednesday Farmers Market opens its season this week. The student-friendly green market is back for a fourth year, and it now accepts Michigan Bridge Cards, as well as Project Fresh and Senior Project Fresh coupons. It will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct. 26, featuring growers from Detroit and the surrounding region, including such vendors as Brother Nature Produce, Grown in Detroit, D-Town Farm, and more. Drop by Wednesdays at 5201 Cass Ave., in front of Wayne State University's Prentis Hall, across the street from the Detroit Public Library.
Visiting Florence — No, not Firenze, the Renaissance city John Sinclair writes from this week (see "Higher Ground"), but chef and television host of several Food Network shows Tyler Florence, that is. He'll be at Kroger in Bloomfield Township this week, showing off his culinary prowess, his Family Meal cookbook, and his new line of wines, including a sauv blanc and cab. Florence will personally autograph any of his wines and cookbooks that customers purchase. The free event takes place from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at 3600 W. Maple Rd.
Steak their claim — The popularity of Brazilian-style steakhouses would seem to be on the rise here, a fitting complement to our newfound love of barbecue. As our own Jane Slaughter once said, "Lovers of excess, or lovers of meat, or lovers of excess meat: the Brazilian churrascaria (steakhouse) is your type of restaurant." So it's hardly surprising that the Texas de Brazil chain, which operates in 10 states already, is opening a new restaurant in downtown Detroit. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant promises to combine artful Southern Brazilian cuisine with the super-sized sizzle of Texas. Opens June 13, at 1000 Woodward Ave., inside the Compuware building. For more information, see texasdebrazil.com.
Forever blowing (bubbles) — Dearborn's Glass Academy is planning an interesting event for next month: a combination wine tasting and glassblowing event. Participants will be able to watch glassblowing, sample Michigan wines and food, and walk away with one-of-a-kind, handcrafted goblets and stemware. It happens from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, at 25331 Trowbridge St., Dearborn; 313-561-4527; reservations and advance ticketing required; tickets $85; VIP tickets are $200 and come with a Venetian goblet.
Sa-weet! — Downtown Detroit's Renaissance Center has a brand-new cupcakes joint, now that Cupcakes and More (Oakland Mall, Troy) has opened a second location there. Drop in and sample 24 varieties of gourmet cupcakes made with the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. They're open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Will they have salted too? — In other news, eager to fill a void in Detroit, the Detroit Institute of Bagels aims to offer Detroiters the doughy treat that seems to be a largely suburban phenomenon. Based in Corktown, you can find out more about this new business at detroitinstituteofbagels.com.
Food/Thought — The title says it all. Matt Armendariz's On a Stick! (Quirk Books, $16.95) is filled with 80 recipes — and photos — for skewered foods that run the gamut from ethnic street foods to party foods to even junk foods. Most of the savory recipes can be prepared ahead and grilled just before serving. The grilled spicy Cajun skewers are loaded with andouille, okra, potatoes, shrimp and hush puppies — which require frying before lancing. Pull the banana, bacon, peanut and chocolate "Frozen Elvis" out of the freezer for a dessert tribute to an American legend.
Bottoms Up — When they're not analyzing the particulars of high alcohol, chewy, "extreme" beers, beer nerds like to relax with what they consider "lawnmower beer" — a light, refreshing and drinkable brew ideal for warm-weather imbibing. Brooklyn Summer Ale thoroughly fits this description. It's a modern rendition of "light dinner ale" popular in England throughout the 19th century. With fresh bread flavor and a light bitterness, this crisp golden ale can be purchased in a standard format of 12 cans in a box, making it a fine choice for tasty summertime camping and canoeing adventures.
The Works — We like style. We like function. And we like inexpensive. These attractive grater-zesters have, according to the manufacturer, "surgical-grade stainless-steel blades with razor-sharp patented edges for effortless grating." Choose fine blades to handle garlic, ginger and citrus zests that intensify flavors. Coarse blades will make quick work of hard cheeses for pizza and pasta. The grips are ergonomic, and the tools are dishwasher-safe. Be forewarned: They will also grate fingers. We found these at Sur La Table for $9.95.
Know of any upcoming food or drink events? Let us know! E-mail [email protected] or call 313-202-8043.
