Mom

Merchants in Dearborn is essentially a Merchant of Vino redux. I'd say it's okay, not great, but it depends on what you are looking for, Tammy. Do you want a place that has a wide variety of stock on hand, or to be able to order wine and get it to you quickly? Do you want someone that knows the stock they are carrying and why? That is usually what I like in a wine store - to be able to talk to the person that's doing the ordering the stock. That's why I like talking to Mary at Everyday Wines in Ann Arbor, or Matt Morgan at Morgan & York when I buy wine - they will tell me why they are stocking the wine they have in the store. I have also had a good experience with Eric Novak in that way - he is the wine buyer for Hillers Markets. They have stores in the Detroit area, too, he might be a good resource for you! Mom

Love the name!

For what it is worth - I have been to Union Street probably 10 times and HAVE NEVER PAID TO PARK. I've never been there late in the evening - maybe they start charging then? Most entrees that I have had are well below $15. But I suppose if you ordered an upscale beer and an appetizer, you could get your bill up to $30 a person quite easily. Maybe try it again earlier in the day???

I used to live in fasionable Ferndale myself, Boag, many moons ago. The Thai restaurant mentioned below is the best I've ever had for the money. Union Street in Detroit (New Center Area) Don't worry about parking - there's a gated parking lot behind the place. V. Gonella's sub shop in Dearborn (on Outer Drive near Pelham) Only open for lunchtime - get a "6 and 1 on hard" - six layers of meat, one of cheese on a hard crusted roll. All they have to drink is bottled pop. There's a counter you can eat at, but get it to go and eat at the park across the street when the weather gets nicer. Al Ameer (Middle Eastern) in Dearborn (almost at the Detroit city line on Warren) All the Dearborn cops eat here - it is a middle eastern food diner. You will like the fattoush!!! New Yasmeen Bakery (Middle Eastern) in Dearborn" Even though it's called a deli, it's also a deli. Get a "cheese pie" - it is a wood fired bread with some kind of middle eastern cheese on it with spices. Yummy!

Zingerman's Roadhouse has a reputation for good food, but they are on the pricey side. My book group is having their meeting at Zingerman's Roadhouse tomorrow night, and we are trying to keep our bill (not including tip and drinks) to $10 per person. There are 8 of us, and we don't mind sharing dishes....what do you recommend? Anyone try their appetizers?

Do you live on the east side....are you willing to drive further westward? Here are some of my favorites that are a good value for the $$$ in the greater Detroit area: Union Street in Detroit (New Center Area) V. Gonella's sub shop in Dearborn (on Outer Drive near Pelham) Al Ameer (Middle Eastern) in Dearborn (almost at the Detroit city line on Warren) New Yasmeen Bakery (Middle Eastern) in Dearborn I've eaten Steve's Backroom Middle Eastern food that is sold at Hiller's, and it is very good. Mom

Wow! That sounds like it was a really great place. Sorry it didn't pan out. I lived in Houghton most of the 80s, and love the U.P. It will be a great place to raise your son. People that live in the U.P., no matter what their income, are a different breed. I'm sure that's why the banker was wrong. If you have lots of money and live in the U.P., you are making a concious statement that you live a "no frills" lifestyle. I've seen some people with lots of money spends $$$$ on custom built log homes, but they would never buy designer clothes or eat in upscale restaurants. That's not to say that great food isn't appreciated up there, it is. However, maybe if it was sending a message that wasn't part of the laid back lifestyle, that might explain it. Also, it's mandatory to have a great bar. Have you considered a reincarnation as something a little different?

Where was your bistro? And why did you select the U.P. for your locale? I lived in the the U.P. for nearly a decade, and while I love the place, I can't envision a bistro up there. It is very rural....please tell me more....

Here's his new venture http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...EWS05/701020403