Urban oasis — A recent study proclaimed Detroit a "food desert" where residents buy most of their food at party stores and gas stations. But local activists have been fighting to put fresh food within reach of city residents, and one recent development is a new food store, Peaches & Green, which opened near New Center on Nov. 1. Already stocking fresh produce and dairy, they'll soon add grains like rice and bread. The store is open noon-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. At 8838 Third Ave., Detroit; 313-870-9210.
Stacked — This week, West Bloomfield's Stage Deli is running their "one-cent original corned beef event." Until Sunday, Nov. 16, patrons who order a carry-out of one of the Stage's "original" corned beef sandwiches at regular price can receive an additional original corned beef sandwich for only a penny. At 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield; 248-855-6622; thestagedeli.com.
EAT THE PAGE
The Culinary Institute of America (aka the CIA) has long been considered America's finest cooking school, spawning great chefs year after year. The latest Culinary Institute of America Cookbook (Lebhar-Friedman Books, $39.95) continues to bear the banner of excellence, as many of the volume's predecessors have. A quick look at the book, especially the photos, should leave you powerless to add one more volume to your cookbook collection, as well as helping you improve your culinary skills.
A TASTY BEVERAGE
Michigan is by far the nation's leading producer of tart cherries. Sadly, fresh cherries are only available a few weeks annually. For the remainder of the year, keep a bottle of Northern Natural Organics' Montmorency cherry juice concentrate in the fridge. We like a tablespoon or two combined with sparkling water for a homespun, low-sugar soda that's intense with cherry flavor. You can also use it as a topping for everything from ice cream to pancakes. In addition to being delicious, it is packed with healthy antioxidants.
IT WORKS
We always thought that the best knife holders were the slotted, solid wood blocks that are good-looking, functional and safe. Recently, we were told of at least one drawback: The inability to clean the slots can result in accumulated moisture from spills and from damp knives — moisture that can breed mold. The pictured Wüsthof aluminum magnetic knife holder — available at Crate and Barrel — will hold several shapes and sizes of knives and other metal kitchen utensils, all in full view and easily accessible.
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