In from the cold Shoppers at Detroit's Eastern Market will find a bit of relief from the cold in Shed 2, where a tent has sprung up to guard people — and victuals — against wind and inclement weather (see picture). The move adds a bit of comfort for year-round marketers, and expands the amount of usable space in winter. Drop in for a look. Shed 2 is the southernmost shed, near Vivio's and R. Hirt Jr.
Amazing reception Attention freshly engaged couples: The good people at Pi Banquet Hall want you to enjoy a pre-Valentine's Day feast at their Inaugural Engagement Ball, 6 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Feb. 11. Expect starters, chicken picatta, roast beef, chocolate mousse and more, including a DJ, dancing and a cash bar. The centerpiece of the evening? Announcing the winners of a wedding reception package worth $5,000. To enter, couples must submit their love story in 100 words or less, with the couple's name and contact info, to [email protected] by midnight Friday, Feb. 10 — and be present at the ball. Worth a flier? The advanced ticket for the event is an affordable $29 per person; call 248-358-3355 for reservations and restrictions. Pi Banquet Hall is at 28847 Franklin Rd., Southfield; 248-358-3355; pibanquethall.com.
Never too early Just because it's wintry and cold outside doesn't mean Detroiters have to wait to start planning that spring garden. The folks at the Garden Resource Program are ready to help city residents start their personal, community or group gardens well in advance. Download their PDF application at bit.ly/xBXg0T, and start digging in — if only in your mind.
Om? OMG! In 2012, Ferndale's Om Café marks 27 years as a natural vegetarian, vegan and macrobiotic café. We've loved their food, but the joint's restricted hours meant we had to wait until Friday, or, more recently, Monday, to chow down there. Good news: The owner's son, Jason Thibodeau, has returned from California to expand the restaurant's hours. Om will now serve lunch and dinner from noon to 9 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and will serve dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. It's at 23136 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-548-1941; omcafe.com.
Know of any upcoming food or drink events? Let us know! Call 313-202-8043 or e-mail [email protected].
food/thought
The Art of French Baking
Ginette Mathiot
Phaidon Press, $45
A visit to a French patisserie is a sensory treat. When the door opens, the wafting aromas of butter and sugar overtake your nose, followed by the sight of rows of éclairs, tortes, tarts, cakes and cookies. Finally the flavors — chocolate, fruit and almonds among them — and the textures, the fillings of soft custard or crème patisserie deliver irresistible pleasure to the palate. Ginette Mathiot's The Art of French Baking, a French classic first published in 1938, is now available in English. It is a primer on the art of French baking and a favorite of serious pastry chefs.
