There is always something new to explore in Metro Detroit, and it’s much more fun to do so when the sun is shining. Let’s hope that Mother Nature got that last little cold spell out of her system last week and we can look forward to nothing but sunny skies from here on out.
You know what that means… it’s a great time to spend some time downtown! Next up in our “Downtown Series” is downtown Clawson. Downtown Clawson can be found at the intersection of 14 Mile and Main Street, and there is plenty to enjoy when it comes to dining out and staying entertained. Plus, 2015 officially marks Clawson’s 75th anniversary, meaning there are all kinds of fun things happening around the city throughout 2015. Here are a few must-visit places in downtown Clawson:
Food
Due Venti, 220 S. Main St., is a Northern Italian restaurant that features a four-course Chef’s Tasting Menu every week, Tuesday through Thursday. The tasting changes each week and features an optional wine package. While the dishes are always changing, the price remains constant at an affordable $39. What a great way to sample some Italian cuisine!
The dinner menu changes seasonally, but keep an eye out for dishes like gnocchi, risotto, fettuccine and filet. No matter what you order, you’ll enjoy a meal that is fully prepared in house, from the bread to the house smoked meats. If you have an important event coming up, Due Venti is a great venue for baby showers, business parties and lunches.
(Photo provided by Joan Horton, executive director of Main Street Clawson DDA)
Mojave Cantina, 48 W. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson, offers lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., so if you’re exploring the area during the day, you can enjoy a Chicken Rollo Club (grilled chicken breast, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and chipotle ranch wrap) or Small Mexican Pizza (layered with ground beef, refried beans, melted cheeses, scallions, tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos and roasted red peppers).
House specialties include Ranchero Chili Enchiladas (stuffed with a house cheese blend and topped with chili), Chimichangas (stuffed with your choice of shredded chicken or ground beef), Tampiquena (rib-eye steak served with a chicken enchilada roja and a small cheese quesadilla) and Fiesta Chicken (topped with grilled fajita veggies and melted cheese).
Don’t forget the Chimi-Cheesecake (wrapped in a crisp flour tortilla, drizzled with chocolate, cinnamon sugar and whipped cream) for dessert!
Additional eateries worth your attention include Frittata, 236 S. Main St., for breakfast and brunch, and Tavern on the Main, 235 S. Main St., for just about anything else.
Drink
Black Lotus Brewery, 1 E. 14 Mile Rd., is something I just recently discovered myself, and I wish I had done so much sooner! The brewery is a family business and has been around since 2006. Staples that you’ll find on tap more often than not include Detroit Hip Hops, World Wide Wheat, Funkin’ A Apricot Wheat, Black Bottom Oatmeal Stout (highly recommended), Red Tao Amber and People Mover Pilsner.
You’ll also occasionally find guest taps, as well as seasonal brews. This spring, you can take home 00 Saison, a Valentine Vodka gin barrel aged beer sold in bottles.
There is a food menu in case you get hungry, and if you do, do yourself a favor and order the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, topped with Cheddar-Jack and shaved Parmesan cheeses, for an appetizer. Main dishes include Bubba Yo Temp (barbecue tempeh with sweet and spicy relish and creamy coleslaw on Texas toast), Ain’t My First Rodeo Burger (topped with pulled pork, smoked Gouda, beer battered onion rings and barbecue sauce) and Dr. Detroit (a sandwich piled with corned beef, bacon, Pepper Jack cheese, coleslaw, relish and Thousand Island dressing).
You will leave neither hungry nor thirsty.
Kahve, 22 S. Main St., is a coffee house that opened just before the New Year began, so you’ll want to check out the brand spankin’ new establishment. Order your favorite Café Caramel, Chai Latte, Turkish Coffee or whatever crazy coffee drink you kids drink these days.
Each drink pairs perfectly with a pastry, including Chocolate Cannoli, a variety of fresh baked cookies, croissants or gluten free chocolate chip bar. Keep your eyes peeled for fresh juices, which are coming soon!
Shopping, Entertainment and More
Leon & Lulu, 96 W. 14 Mile Rd., is a store that sells unique and funky one of a kind items, from art to accessories to housewares. Whatever you find at Leon & Lulu, you’ll have a hard time finding it anywhere else!
There are tons of Michigan gifts to choose from, including cutting boards and cookie cutters, and cutesy things like these grammar mugs, which I really must acquire to have on my desk. Leon & Lulu also sells furniture, and the store often hosts events. One such upcoming event includes “Girls Night Out: Cino de Mom-o” on Tuesday, May 5. Join in and enjoy a trunk show and Cinco de Mayo-themed treats while you find the perfect Mother’s Day gift.
(Photo provided by Joan Horton, executive director of Main Street Clawson DDA)
EveryDay Yoga, 42 E. 14 Mile Rd., welcomes beginners to experienced yogis, so no matter where you fall on the spectrum, don’t be shy. Plus, if you are new, you can get a discount: new students can receive a one month unlimited special rate for $50.
Classes include Basic Yoga, Slow Flow, Vinyasa Flow and Restorative. Check out the week’s schedule here. Walk in classes cost $15, so if you’re just in Clawson for the afternoon, this is a great opportunity. However, if you live in the area and are serious about yoga, consider a one month unlimited pass for $95.
Clawson Antiques, 118 S. Main St., can provide oodles of endless fun if you’re into antiquing and looking for some new goodies. Need to decorate your apartment, find a weird and unique gift for a friend, or just like to browse? You’ll find plenty of fun and unusual items at Clawson Antiques that fit the bill.
Noble Fish, 45 E. 14 Mile Rd., is a popular Japanese grocery store in the area, and The Wunderground Magic Shop, 16 S. Main St., is a very specific hobby shop.
To celebrate Clawson’s big birthday, mark the following date on your calendar! On Monday, May 4, Clawson Museum curator Melodie Nichols will host “How We Got Where We Are,” an event held at the Clawson Library, 416 N. Main St., at 7 p.m. During the presentation, Nichols will discuss Clawson’s rich history from the very beginnings until present day. The program is free, and interested participants can register in person at the library or by calling 248-588-5500.
There you have it, Metro Detroiters. There is much to do in downtown Clawson—the only problem you’ll have is deciding what to do first!