Patio pop-up — We dropped in on chef Matthew Baldridge's and artist Janna Coumoundouros' most recent Dinner Club pop-up, and were amused that every course included Faygo. (One previous event featured Spam in every course.) But the next four-course outing will be more straight-ahead French, featuring vichyssoise, poached swordfish, bistro filet with soft egg and sauce Meurette, and lemon-scented yogurt cake. While guests dine on the patio at Treat Dreams in Ferndale, artist Linden Godlove will do live encaustic painting. The Dinner Club has been called the best pop-up in Detroit, and this is the first time it will take place in the great outdoors. Seatings at 5 and 8 p.m.; $48; tickets can be purchased at dinnerclubpopup.com.
Royal Oak gets craftier —There's another craft beer hall in Royal Oak? It's a fact: The ROAK Brewing Co. is opening a $4 million tap room and brewhouse this week. Much of the space will be devoted to brewing and bottling seven beers, but the tap room will have seating for 70, and 28 more on an outdoor deck. Choices will include Devil Dog, an oatmeal stout, Kashmir, a Belgian strong dark ale, and Melonfest, a seasonal, cantaloupe-infused American wheat. At 330 Lincoln Ave., Royal Oak; 248-268-8799; roakbrewing.com.
Pontiac gets popping — The pop-up phenomenon has reached Pontiac: husband and wife James and April Forbes will be opening "The Menagerie." Dubbed a "community culinary center," the space in Indian Hill will offer cooking classes, incubator kitchen rentals, pop-up dinners, and possibly a brunch series. Their first official event is a five-course pop-up with Rochester Tap Room's chef Travis Waynick, with seatings at 6 and 9 p.m. June 27 ($65). The space is at 31 N. Saginaw St.; for more information, see menageriekitchen.com.
Mystery meal — Word has reached us of an "underground" dinner, to be held at a secret location divulged only 48 hours in advance. The location, which organizers say will be in or around downtown Detroit, is the only secret here. It's a strolling dinner, featuring wild game and fish from Lansing-based Gourmet Gone Wild and fare from Detroit's own Mudgie's. Wine will be provided by Fieldstone Winery, and beer by Brew Detroit. It's also for a good cause: Covenant House Michigan, a Detroit-based shelter for homeless and at-risk young people. It takes place 5:45-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, at a mysterious location to be announced Tuesday afternoon; $35; for reservations or more information, call Covenant House at 313-463-2343.
Northville heats up — Downtown Northville is getting four new locally owned restaurants. Wok Asian Bistro is serving Asian fusion fare in a tastefully decorated space with a full bar and a patio; it's at 144 Mary Alexander Court; 248-719-7622. The fancifully named Spanish small-plates eatery Lucy & the Wolf is at 102 E. Main St. For the health-conscious, Urge Juice is serving cold-pressed raw juice and vegan snacks at 137 E. Main St. Finally, coming next month is family-friendly Center Street Grill, opening up in the old Starting Gate Saloon space at 135 N. Center St.
A manly menu — Mention of the Whitney, that sprawling mansion-turned-restuarant in Detroit, conjures thoughts of rich appointments, elegant silverware, chamber music, and graceful manners. You know: the perfect place to dig in to some barbecue and corn on the cob with Dad. Yes, the Whitney has loosened up a lot in recent years, and the latest evidence is this week's "Father's Day Garden Barbecue." It's a fixed-price dinner featuring salad, short ribs, chicken, strawberry shortcake, and all the corn you can eat, all to the rollicking tunes of the swinging Brunswick Brawlers. Seatings are at 4 and 6:30 p.m., at 4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; reservations at 313-832-5700; $29 plus tax and tip, $19 for kids 10 and younger; rain or shine; special surprise gift for dads.
Perk up your work — Love getting your work done in a coffee shop, but wish it had more amenities to help you get it all done? Take a look at Royal Oak's Office Coffee Shop: It boasts shared work space, private offices, a conference room, a media center, high-speed Internet, and, of course, plenty of coffee. The shop is at 402 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak; 248-877-0316.
Pizza preservers — This summer, every time you order a Great Lakes Pizza from Buddy's, you're helping students understand the importance of preserving our freshwater lakes. But you don't need a philanthropic bone in your body to be temped by these five pizzas named for each of the Great Lakes. Take, for instance, the "Lake Huron" — it's topped with spinach, artichoke, roasted tomatoes, and fresh spinach. For more information, see buddyspizza.com.
Know of any upcoming dining, drinking, or gardening events? Let us know! Email [email protected].
