Home slice — The chef-owner of Bacco has opened Pizzeria Biga, serving fresh, handmade pizzas and Italian fare. They churn out the pies in two 20-ton ovens, crisping them at 800 degrees. What's more, their pull-up service means you can load up on food, beer and wine to go without even getting out of your car. It's at 29110 Franklin Rd., Southfield; 248-750-2550. Open 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Wednesday, and 11-2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday.
Summer stock — Had you heard that Woodbridge Pub went seasonal? Don't fret, of course: You'll still find such faves as the salmon burger or the Stevers McFever. But in addition to those tasty staples, the new summer menu features lighter fare, including salsas, antipastos, and even a "pho" sandwich. The dinner menu has seven bang-up entrées, including risotto, pasta, fish and even richer choices, such as a braised lamb shank and even a mixed grill, with sirloin, shrimp and Cass Corridor sausage. At 5169 Trumbull St., Detroit; 313-833-2701
FOOD/THOUGHT
The Franks are coming! That's Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo — both with cooking credentials that could put them in any five-star kitchen. They chose to open a casual Italian eatery in Brooklyn, serving straightforward, simple food, the homemade dishes they've shared at home for generations. The Frankies Spuntino Kitchen Companion & Cooking Manual ($24.95, Artisan) covers it all, with recipes to take you from antipasto platters on to soups, sandwiches and salads, and main dishes, sauces and, finally, desserts.
BOTTOMS UP
Most metro Detroiters need no introduction to Faygo, the century-old soda company whose founding flavors were based on cake frosting recipes from Russia. But maybe you didn't know that the best way to enjoy one of their sodas is by purchasing a classic, 12-ounce glass bottle sweetened only with natural cane sugar. It's as refreshing as the old days, when soda companies were regional and corn syrup was just regular fructose and predominately used for baking.
THE WORKS
A hot summer day sunning on the deck drinking margaritas suddenly brings on a hunger that just won't wait. Problem is, it takes forever to get the coals hot. Here's a handy grilling tool that's probably already in your arsenal with a different use in mind: a hair dryer. In this case it's a $20 Andis RC-2 Ionic 1875W Ceramic Hair Dryer, a device that will blow air on the coals the way a turbocharger forces air into a high-performance engine. Point it at the coals and you can watch them glow. Dinner just got that much closer.
Know of any upcoming food happenings? Let us know by calling 313-202-8043 or e-mailing [email protected].
