cafe

The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company

Roasted in Detroit

Located in Midtown, on the un-presumptuous corner of a Woodward Ave parking garage across from the DMC, lies one of Detroit’s most beloved gems, The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company.

Undoubtedly, the signage is catchy hung from the end of a brick building- that could be otherwise be anything. However, when you walk through the door, unveiled is the charming world of a welcoming café full of interesting people doing various sorts of business and socializing; as the perfect gathering place should be. Accordingly, pastries and tasty treats are on view, beckoning the patrons to indulge; as in every bistro I ever want to frequent.

The coffee house boasts beautiful rich dark wooded counters and shelving that bears resemblance of an idyllic Irish pub; where familiar and new faces are in harmony under the common love of football (soccer). Except here, the common thread seems to be the beat of Detroit’s drum; city dwellers who have been steadily keeping the pace through the very difficult times mixed with the raw vibe of new interest for what is on the horizon.

Lights were strung whimsically behind the bar giving off the cheerful luminescence of a holiday. They lended a glow of hospitality for these nomads looking for a cup of something warm while taking refuge from the bitter weather outdoors. Consequently, the whole shop felt like a place of belonging. (And I’m pretty sure I heard the Cheers theme song playing in the background.)

Additionally, we loved the accommodating staff, who recommended the individual lavender and five spice lattes; both of which were amazing in presentation and taste.

Our breakfast tacos were flavorful, and the grilled cheese with sautéed veggies was, in a word, perfect. (We’re always in our element with good food and drink.) Interesting art was displayed along ageless brick walls, and a designated stage area in the back corner lent curiosity about the performances that must be held.

The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company seems worlds away from the busy street outside the door. The café exudes a natural place to meet with a friend or colleague for a cup of coffee; for a student or novelist to plot away for an afternoon; for a curator to discuss plans for an upcoming exhibit; for Sadie’s Nest to spend a delightful morning. 

At The Nest, we try not to play favorites. There are restaurants and cafés in Detroit right now that are essential to the growth and success of their environment. That’s a position we can stand behind. There are authentic flavors from around the world that are gastronomical delights and a lot of fun to try. That’s awesome- bring it! Then there are places we just love, as in that was an ideal experience- in atmosphere, service, food… This was our happening at The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company in Midtown, Detroit.

Thank you Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company for being you!

You can find this coffee shop at:

3965 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201

For more information and other locations, check out their website www.greatlakescoffee.com

Promenade Artisan Foods’ Blueberry Muffins

Not sure if you caught Click on Detroit, Live in the D last Friday morning? Their segment, “Get a taste of France at this Downriver Gem,” showcased Promenade Artisan Foods of Trenton, MI. We wouldn’t have missed it (and not just because the owner is our cousin)! Promenade Artisan Foods is getting the recognition they deserve, because their food is outstanding. Most everything they make is done in-house and from scratch (croissants & pastries, breads & baked goods, sauces, etc.), and I dare say: you won’t find better. Thankfully Click on Detroit shared their recipe for Blueberry Muffins for the world to enjoy. Obviously, we had to make them.

As found on clickondetroit.com:

Ingredients

3 Cups All Purpose Flour

1.5 Cup White Sugar

4 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Salt

2/3 Cup Whole Butter Milk

2/3 Cup Vegetable Oil

2 Large Eggs

2 Pints Fresh Blueberries

Method

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all dry ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl.  

In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients.  

Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a spatula.  Do not over mix.  Gently fold in fresh blueberries.  

Divide batter into 12 LARGE muffin cups.

Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick pulls clean.

Preferably, eat hot out of the oven, slathered in butter. (But room temperature is good too!)

In case you missed it, and want to see for yourself: Click on Detroit!

Promenade Artisan Foods

Trenton, Michigan is a great town along the Detroit River with historic charm and a thriving trendy vibe. It contains downriver Detroit’s best kept secret of Elizabeth Park (unless you’ve been to Jazz on the River or had your wedding pictures taken over the bridge). It also just happens to be the home of the cutest café to ever open in southeast Michigan, Promenade Artisan Foods. If you are from the area you might have sampled their cookies, brownies, and pies etc., carried by many local markets, or maybe even placed a personal order yourself for a pie during the holidays. Of course, now if you are in the area you can visit the coffee shop/café/dessert place in person!

 

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Promenade Artisan Foods is celebrating their Grand Opening to the public this week! The owners Jonathan and Chelsie Brymer are a husband and wife team that have a love of family and passion for serving their community. They put that same love and care into every baked good they make from scratch and cup of coffee they pour -over (that’s a coffee joke). And speaking of coffee you are certain to enjoy another Michigan favorite as they are serving Chazzano Coffee of Ferndale to ensure you get excellence.

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I have had the pleasure of sampling a few of their menu items and delicious creations. The strawberry tartine is a lovely light treat, an open-face style multigrain toast with a Mascarpone cheese, fresh strawberry slices and a drizzle of a balsamic reduction- really fantastic. Of course the kids loved the chocolate chip cookies, and a Nutella “pop tart” inspired pastry. But the biggest surprise was an Espresso Soaked Amaretti topped with pistachios, uh, genius! I think we should all have one every night after dinner.

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Also in all seriousness, don’t leave without a slice of tomato, feta, and bacon quiche. Because even if you’ve filled up on pastries and don’t have room for it when you are there, you are going to be so happy to warm it up for yourself for breakfast the next day. (And I know this to be true from experience.) For more information, store hours, and to see their seasonal offerings visit the Promenade Artisan Foods Facebook Page.

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Thank you Jonathan and Chelsie for sharing your culinary gifts and love of life with the metro Detroit area… And God bless you and your family with your new endeavor!

Love,

Sadie’s Nest

Loving Lately❤

Loving Lately #1: Nike Free 4.0 Flyknit

The concept of “barefoot shoes” has been around for a while; the idea that you want to feel as if you are not wearing a shoe. Except if you’re like me (and many others) you still want protection from rugged terrain- and pebbles. In my first edition of Loving Lately you saw my love of a “barefoot” sandal from Exodus. I really think I’ve become a minimalist in shoe wear since having children. I want something light weight, supportive and secure (the last thing I need while carrying a baby (and at least 2-3 bags at any given time) is a tripping hazard…) I’m more of a walker than a runner. But that won’t deter me from getting a “running” shoe. These are comfortable and cute, great to accompany jeans and an active wear, and perfect for around town from the post office to the grocery store and everywhere in between.

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Loving Lately #2

A couple years ago we took a trip to Louisville, Kentucky. We have some great friends that live in Kentucky who recommended a trendy café called Please and Thank You. One of the most difficult things about traveling for me is finding places to eat that uphold our ethics when it comes to food. We really try to avoid genetically modified ingredients wherever possible. (Shout out to Chipotle, thank you for making strides in the fast food business!) Please and Thank You had some organic options and they served coffee from a local Louisville roaster, Argo Sons Coffee. As a souvenir I picked us this classic diner style coffee mug. Because I choose to use a dishwasher rather than wash it by hand, it is losing it’s print. So be it. But to preserve my fond memories, I am showing my love (of coffee, traveling and American nostalgia).

Dream A Little Dream

I have a dream that when I look back at old posts I see the aspiring writer I think I am. I dream that when I am trying to revamp an old hobby, and accidentally repost old blog posts, they are full of profound wisdom and beautifully articulated ideas.

A girl can dream.