Ham it up — A few months ago, patrons of the delightfully crowded downtown Detroit greasy spoon known as the Ham Shoppe got an awful surprise. As part of a deal to allegedly redevelop the old New Hellas, owner Sal's adjoining little diner was asked to vacate the premises. What happened next is sort of a mystery, as the whole development seemed quickly scuttled and the building was gutted and razed to the ground. And so, in a month or so, the Ham Shoppe went from hole-in-the-wall to hole in the ground. (And Greektown got that much smaller.)
The good news? Sal and company have reopened as the "Ham Shop" in what used to be Bahn Thai, a few blocks away. It's roomier than the old location, seating almost 60 diners, with plenty of elbow room. See their new digs at 330 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-965-0088.
Save (the date) — Author Darla P. Jaros will be in town this weekend to sign copies of her book The Kitchen Assistant: Time and Money Saving Tips in the Kitchen. It happens at 2 p.m. Nov. 21, at Barnes and Noble, 3120 Fairlane Dr., Allen Park; 313-271-0688.
New suds, grub — New selections are on offer at Motor City Brewing Works, including Hard Cider, Cass Coolers, mac-n-cheese with Andouille sausage, shepherd's pie and homemade turkey pot pie — all made from scratch. At 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-832-2700.
