Re-stored Last October, we all got a good scare with the announcement that Eastern Market's venerable R. Hirt Jr. company (founded 1887) was closing its doors. As it turned out, the store was actually closing for a mild renovation, passing back into the hands of another Hirt descendant, David DeVries, who ran it until recently. The building was closed for extensive renovations, and longtime fans were impatiently awaiting the day it would reopen. Wait no longer! The business is now up and running under the name DeVries & Co. Expect the same specialty products in an even finer-looking space than previously. The floors shine and a bit of order has been added to the checkout process, with two registers to check out patrons at the end of their shopping experience. Enjoy a slightly updated version of an ancient classic at 2468 Market St., Detroit; 313-568-7777.
Blooming proud DeVries' store isn't the only thing blossoming again at Eastern Market. This Sunday is Flower Day! Not only is this annual event recognized as one of the largest flower shows in the country, it's also a feast for the senses. Stroll through stalls filled with flowers, experiencing with the color and perfume of thousands of plants. Members of the Metro Detroit Flower Growers Association (MDFGA), and hundreds of flower growers from Michigan, Canada and neighboring states fill the market with their colorful array offerings. Expect more than 15 acres of the highest quality annuals, perennials, foliage, shrubbery, trees, exotics, tropical plants, flats, hanging baskets and more — all available for purchase. For more information, see detroiteasternmarket.com.
Purple teeth! Some people shy away from red wines because of their tendency to leave you with a crimson grin. But who cares when everybody around you looks the same way? Hence the Fourth Annual Purple Teeth Red Zinfandel Wine Tasting, pouring more than 40 "killer" zinfandels, creating a great environment to meet Zin-heads and taste great wines. Call ahead to reserve your spot, only 100 tickets available. It happens 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at Champane's Wine Cellars, 7007 Chicago Rd., Warren; 586-978-9463; $20; champanes.com.
Know of any upcoming food or drink events? Let us know! Call 313-202-8043 or e-mail [email protected]
food/thought
Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston's Flour Bakery + Café
(Chronicle Books, $35)
Hundreds of Bostonians flock to Joanne Chang's Flour Bakery + Café every day to satisfy their sugar jones. Many start their day with breakfast treats: scones, muffins, sticky buns, croissants and even homemade pop tarts and tasty-looking black sesame lace cookies. With a copy of Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston's Flour Bakery + Café, will not only save you the cost of a trip to Boston (although there's plenty to do after you eat) you'll have the recipes for Chang's delectable cookies, pies, tarts and breads on hand for good. (If you're after something savory, try the Parmesan and black pepper whole-wheat focaccia.)
the works Multipurpose tools are where it's at, saving you from finding separate devices for each function. This apple tool combines peeling, coring and slicing. The peeler, built into the corer, works for righties and lefties. Once the fruit is peeled, push the tool through the center, twist it with the plastic apple grip; then slice it with the knife. Normally it sells for $14.95 (cheap enough) but now it's on sale at Sur La Table for a measly $3.99 — but who knows how long that will last.
