Open shop — The long-awaited opening of Honey Bee Market/La Colmena's new 14,000-square-foot store is upon us. The venerable vendor of Mexican and Latin American products has a brand-spanking-new space at 2443 Bagley, between 16th and 17th streets, in Detroit. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Aug. 13, with a mariachi band, pony rides, food giveaways and other festivities. For more information, call 313-237-0295.
Wake & bake — Zingerman's Bakehouse in Ann Arbor is offering morning tours of their facility, calling it "a scrumptious safari through the place where Zingerman's makes flavor-magic happen." Tour guests can expect to see master bakers doing everything from crafting scones to hand-shaping sourdough. Next tour is Saturday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m., at 3711 Plaza Dr., Ann Arbor; call 734-761-7255 to book your spot; $5 per person, kids 6-12 free, no children under 6.
Wine, women, song — Interscope/ Custard Records recording artist Sierra Swan and Maverick Recording artist MoZella are touring the country promoting the wines of Moon Mountain Vineyard, Dynamite Vineyards and Solaris Winery. The tour, called Uncorked & Unplugged, encourages people to enjoy "new artists, new wines and new experiences." Feel the synergy on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-9700.
Eat the Page
Mario Batali is the most recognizable chef in America: long red pony tail, girth befitting a man who is all about food, shorts — all year-round — and brightly colored clogs. He is an authority on Italian cuisine, given his popular cookbooks and his ownership of some of New York's favorite restaurants. His latest book, Mario Tailgates NASCAR Style, (Sporting News, $19.95) is a compilation of recipes to enliven your next parking lot or infield feast, featuring, of course, grilled meats and many Southern-influenced dishes. Rednecks rule.
A Tasty Beverage
Keowee Sunset: 1) Find a west-facing deck, overlooking a lake if possible. 2) Place two easy chairs, also facing west, on the deck. 3) Pour two (at a time!) fingers of Maker's Mark into two glasses. No ice. No water. Neat! 4) The sun and the Maker's Mark should go down together, shared with the company of a longtime friend. 5) While not original, I suggest this toast at some point in the evening: "May you never lie, steal, cheat or drink. But if you must lie, lie in your loved one's arms. If you must steal, steal a kiss. If you must cheat, cheat death. And if you must drink, at least drink with me, your trusted friend!" 6) Repeat often.
It Works
Michigan corn is in and it is great. Soaked and grilled in the husk, boiled, or even fried — there's nothing better to us than fresh, sweet, crunchy, milky, Michigan corn with a little butter and salt and pepper. It is simply one of nature's finest treats. The season is short, so get it while you can. If you have any left over, sauté a slice or two of chopped-up bacon until it is crisp and the fat is rendered. No bacon? Use a lump of butter. Throw in a handful of diced onions and bell peppers. When that's softened up some, add the corn, sliced off the cob, and some chopped tomatoes, salt and pepper. Voila. Macquechoux, a Creole favorite.
Know of any new restaurants, special dinners or food-related events? Let us know. Send materials to [email protected].
