Halloween on Old Woodward | One of the newest spots in metro Detroit, Birmingham's the Bird & the Bread, will host its very first fall-themed event next week with Beer, Fire and Brimstone. Craft beer fans will find a selection of rare must-taste seasonal brews by such Michigan breweries as Kuhnhenn and Dark Horse Brewery, totally more than 30 fall brews in all. They're paired to wash down fiery dishes designed by chef Adam Galloway, including blackened beef sliders with ancho aioli and jack cheese, smoked Andouille corn dogs, duck wings in a Thai chili glaze, and more. The fun will include cornhole, beer trivia, a test-your-nose blind beer aroma station, a "Bobbing for Beers" challenge, tarot card readings and more, with tunes spun by DJ Just B. It happens 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, in the ELM Room at the Bird & the Bread, 210 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; entry is $35 per person, $5 off for those in costume; call 248-203-6600 for more information.
Brewery goes "Boo!" — Some leading local bars will have Halloween-oriented shindigs next week. Among them, the good folks at Kuhnhenn Brewing Co., where beers burst with craft flavor. The bar will be roasting a whole lamb and serving pints of a pumpkin beer called "All Hallows Ale." This celebrated pumpkin ale is being released so late in the season because Kuhnhenn uses only 100 percent Michigan pie pumpkins. They say, "We wash, cut, and gut hundreds of pumpkins fresh from the field before roasting them overnight and adding them into the boil, along with a blend of pie spicing and vanilla." That's what puts the autumn snap in All Hallows Ale, and helps keep it so drinkable at 7.2% ABV. Of course, there will be more than just beer and lamb; guests can expect a costume contest, prizes, and live sets from Reggie Smith & the After Party. It all starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 5919 Chicago Rd., Warren; 586-979-8361; kbrewery.com.
Party like it's 1979 | At least one other bar is having a Halloween event next week: It's Ferndale's Oakland Art Novelty Company (that's the Oakland to you, chum), and it's called the Illuminati Ball. We chatted with owner Sandy Levine, who told us it's "more or less modeled after a 1970s 'Rothschild illuminati party'" (it's too weird to describe; just type it into a Google image search and feast your eyes). Levine tells us it's the brainchild of bartender Kaytee Querro. "It's a masquerade ball, sort of similar to what we did last year, though it'll be a little more open, a little more casual. The space will be opened up so people can stand up at the bar." There will be a costume contest with prizes, as well as drink specials. The masquerade runs from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. on the night of Friday, Oct. 31, at 201 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-291-5295; theoaklandferndale.com.
Hey, Buddy | Buddy's Pizza, the local mini-chain that gave us Detroit-style pizza, has opened a new location in Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk in Novi. It's at 44225 12 Mile Rd., Novi.
Hot! Hot! Hot! | Dearborn-based upstart hot sauce company Scotty O'Hotty Gourmet Hot Sauces garnered awards in recent competitions in Ohio and Texas. The company's Beer Bacon Chipotle Sauce took top honors in the Specialty Hot Sauce category at the Houston Hot Sauce Festival last month. The same sauce took second place at Fairfield, Ohio's Weekend of Fire competition, billed as the "largest fiery foods show in the Midwest." Founded just four years ago by husband-and-wife team Scott and Suzi Owens. Congratulations, guys! If you'd like to learn more about their award-winning products, see scottyohotty.com.
Meatball makers | A new eatery called Motor City Meatball Kitchen is now open in Warren, and it's your one-stop shop for everything meatball: sandwiches, sliders, pastas, and salads. But it's more than a ball of meat; they're offering chicken, salmon, vegetarian, and gluten-free options as well. A casual establishment, diners order at the counter and see their meatball creation manufactured in the open kitchen. Menu highlights include the MCMK sandwich, featuring vine-ripened tomato sauce, provolone, Parmesan, pesto spread, and four hand-rolled beef meatballs on a folded ciabatta flatbread. They're at 31081 Hayes Rd., Warren; 586-872-2486; mymeatballkitchen.com.
Bigger barbecue | Lockhart's in Royal Oak is fresh off a six-figure renovation. The lower level now has 90 more seats, two custom bars, a private room, a grand staircase, and expanded taps. Owner Drew Ciora says the expansion should help with wait times, which can exceed an hour during the busiest periods. Drop in at 202 E. Third St. Royal Oak; 248-584-4227; lockhartsbbq.com.
Submarine invasion | You may not have noticed, but we've had four locations of Penn Station East Coast Subs open in metro Detroit, with 11 more planned. The owner of the Ohio-based chain, Stewart Napier, feels validated by his expansion into our area. "Our first four locations are doing great, as expected," he says. "Metro Detroit people are always on the go," Napier says. "That, combined with the hard working, blue-collar nature of the workforce ... makes Penn Station a great fit for the area. Folks here work hard and need something hearty for lunch that will keep them going for the rest of their day." His most recent location, located in Beverly Hills at 17670 W. 13 Mile Rd., opened this September.
Know of any upcoming food or drink events? Let us know! Email [email protected].
