Football? — A reminder from Birmingham's Tavern on 13: They open at noon on Saturdays and Sundays during football season — and they have flat-screen televisions. So if you can't make it down to Columbus to catch the U-M vs. Ohio State game, your local options just widened a bit. At 17600 W. 13 Mile Rd., Birmingham; 248-647-7747.
Serving the service — In conjunction with the recent Veteran's Day holiday, Dunkin' Donuts has announced that on Nov. 15, they will serve free coffee to servicemembers. From 0600 hours to 1800 hours (that's 6 a.m-6 p.m. for you civvies), all military personnel — active and veteran — can get a free large coffee at any participating Dunkin' Donuts location in Michigan by showing their ID cards or badges. That ought to perk up Private Sad Sack.
Westborn reborn — Following a $7 million expansion, Westborn Market in Berkley's grand reopening celebration was a smashing success. Now twice the size of the original 1992 store, the building sports a conservatory with plants, floral displays and garden sculptures. And the expansion includes a revamp of wares, with a gourmet bakery, fresh fish, more wine and cheese, produce, organics and fresh flowers than ever before. And the response to the improved inventory has been undeniable, with receipts reportedly up compared to this time last year. At 27659 Woodward Ave., Berkley.
Eat the Page
Most Italian recipes are comparatively straightforward, relying on fresh ingredients more than complicated preparations. Isabella Nicoletti's Perbacco Isabella! ($35, Huron River Press) is a celebration of chef Nicoletti's culinary wisdom and creativity, which can be sampled at Ann Arbor's Paesano's, a restaurant that we have not tried, but likely will by the time you read this. The recipes sound great. The photos illustrate the exquisite presentations of the food. Swordfish grilled on rosemary skewers with Romesco sauce caught our eye.
A Tasty Beverage
Various descriptions of Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva gleaned from several sources include: "velvety red," "black cherry-filled," "softly herbal aromas, with a slight touch of spice and dark fruits," "dark fruit flavors with an overlay of dried herb," "very fine value," "lively acidity and saline minerality that makes its plummy fruit irresistibly vibrant" and "somewhat rustic wine showing strawberry, cherry, herbs, green vegetable and barnyard aromas and flavors." Many of these remarks might tempt you to eat your own words. Anyway, we just thought this dry Italian tasted good. Ah, the language of wine.
It Works
Winter seems to necessitate an infusion of vitamin C to help fend off seasonal influenza. What better way than eating a juicy Valencia orange or a sweet Honeybell? The only problem is getting your fingernail under that first piece of peel. Worry no more. The Magic Orange Peeler is a gadget that should be attached to every bag of oranges. Merely slip the ring over your index finger and guide the blade through the peel in two lines; then pull of the strip of peel. Available at thekitchendrawer.com for $1.49 for a set of two, this could be the next oranging of America.
Know of any new restaurants, special dinners or food-related events? Let us know. Send materials two weeks in advance to mjackman@metrotimes.com.
