Sunday, May 6, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
DUO Restaurant & Lounge, Southfield
By Ebony Nicole
The newest restaurant to hit Southfield will surely be pleasing to the eyes and taste. I was able to attend the grand opening of DUO, located on Northwestern and 12 Mile, and I was definitely impressed. DUO is an upscale and modern restaurant and lounge serving up an eclectic menu and a good time.
Upon entering, you can't help but notice the atmosphere. The dramatic interior sets the tone. In the bar area dark lighting and music give it an intimate laid-back feel. Enjoy one of their impressive hand-crafted martinis or cocktails from their original drink list.
Set off the bar is the elevated and spacious lounge area adorned with couches and pillows for seating, allowing guests to drink or dine in comfort. Warm colors, dark table tops and soft lighting creates the perfect backdrop to the bar and dining area, giving the space a luxurious feel.
A few steps down from the lounge and you enter the dining area. Cozy booth seating and tables are available and spaced appropriately, allowing guests to have an intimate dinner experience.
In this modern setting, mirroring the top lounges and restaurants in bigger cities like Manhattan or Los Angeles, the food has to be top-notch as well, and the food menu here matches the setting. Both owners have a background in culinary arts and it was very important to them to have a menu featuring diverse selections at a reasonable price point.
Appetizers are served in generous portions. When my friends and I dined, we tried the Tenderloin Steak Bites and Calamari, both of which were extremely good, and there was more than enough to share. Our wonderful hostess, Brittanie, was eager to recommend other starters including the Yum Yum Shrimp, Eggplant Involvtini, and the Seared Ahi Tuna Carpaccio.
Entrees include traditional items such as Lemon Chicken, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, and an 8 oz Filet Mignon. However, DUO also has other unique items including their Three Chili Rubbed Flat Iron Steak, Pan Seared Cherry Chicken, and a Vegetable Napoleon Parmesan which features breaded eggplant, summer squash and pasta marinara. Feeling casual? DUO also has a full list of sandwiches and burgers to please your appetite as well.
To accompany the entrees, DUO has a list of tasty side items such as Mac n Cheese, Whipped Potatoes, Roasted Red Skins, Fries, and more.
After dinner at DUO, you want to save room for dessert. At the opening we were able to sample a little bit of everything from their Creme Brule to the Flourless Chocolate Torte made with dark chocolate, ganache, and raspberry coulis. If that isn't enough to make your mouth water, they also serve up a classic New York style cheesecake topped with Fresh strawberries, and an Ice Cream Pie made with Vanilla, Chocolate, Carmel swirl and an Oreo Crust.
Open Monday through Saturday from 5:00-2:00 am., DUO is the perfect late night dining destination. On weekends the lounge transforms into an upbeat nightlife experience featuring a D.J. and a diverse crowd. DUO Restaurant & Lounge also offers a private dining room which can be used for a large party or social event. Whether you are in the mood for a memorable dining experience in a stellar atmosphere or a night on the town DUO is a great new destination.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Treats: Kathryn Johann, Morada Blue Swimwear
Kathryn Johann, Morada Blue Swimwear
By Ebony Nicole
On a hot summer day there is no better way to cool off than to throw on a swimsuit and find the nearest body of water. This week we were able to have a word with Kathryn Johann of Grosse Pointe Farms, owner of the online site Morada Blue Swimwear
Kathryn Johann lived in Ridgewood, New Jersey, a beautiful suburb of Manhattan, for most of her life and grew up being exposed to the incredible culture and fashion that New York City has to offer. She also had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy while majoring in art at Lafayette College, which allowed her to study photography and fashion design in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
After moving to Manhattan after graduation, where many of her friends worked in the fashion industry, she was invited to fashion shows during fashion week." I was so inspired by the talented designers that I dreamed of someday starting my own company where I would be able to be creative and do what I love."
In 2005, her sister Nancy married Sean Cotton in Islamorada, Florida and she fell in love with the clear blue ocean and laid back Keys lifestyle. It was here in this picturesque setting that the idea for Morada Blue was born. "I became obsessed with finding the perfect bikini and realized there were some flaws in fit, support and quality in the suits that were available. I set out to find thicker fabric, stronger elastics and perfectly molded bra cups and designed swimsuits that create a more flattering fit to make women feel confident and beautiful."
It wasn't long before Morada Blue Swimwear made its premiere at the Miami Swim Show and then launched the online store www.moradablue.com in 2010. Kathryn says the biggest obstacle that she faced when starting the company was finding a really good factory in the USA that could produce the superior quality that she was looking for. During a time when she needed the most help, a friend reached out and told her to contact his father who had been in the swimwear industry for years. Kathryn toured his factory in New Jersey and it just so happened that they also created incredible swimsuits for Lisa Curran, Letarte and Badgley Mischka. Kathryn found her factory and she is pleased to say, "Now I have an extremely talented team that is very committed in their attention to detail and in creating swimsuits that I am very proud of."
All Morada Blue bikinis combine hi-fashion style with superb quality. Bikinis are sold as separates to create a custom fit and the bikini tops are totally adjustable to provide more support. The bottoms are cut on the Brazilian curve to make your butt look better and legs appear longer. All swimsuits are made in the USA of the best materials available and the fabric is twice as thick to provide a more flattering fit that helps suck in all the right spots.
Kathryn's goal when designing her swimsuits is to help women feel better about themselves and find a swimsuit that makes them feel confident and happy. Kathryn feels, "Everyone should feel their best when most exposed at the beach or pool!"
Morada Blue Swimwear is sold online at www.moradablue.com and from Kathryn's showroom in her Grosse Pointe Farms home where she hosts trunk shows and has private fittings. The line is also sold at La Jolie Rose in Grosse Pointe and Bridget & Stacie in Birmingham. Morada Blue Swimwear will be presenting their new line this fall in Detroit's Fashion Week and hope this will help them get more orders for boutiques and great feedback from buyers. Kathryn is on the right track and with her one-of-a-kind pieces. "My dream would be to have Morada Blue Swimwear sold in a major department store and I hope to continue to expand my brand throughout the country."
Kathryn Johann lived in Ridgewood, New Jersey, a beautiful suburb of Manhattan, for most of her life and grew up being exposed to the incredible culture and fashion that New York City has to offer. She also had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy while majoring in art at Lafayette College, which allowed her to study photography and fashion design in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
After moving to Manhattan after graduation, where many of her friends worked in the fashion industry, she was invited to fashion shows during fashion week." I was so inspired by the talented designers that I dreamed of someday starting my own company where I would be able to be creative and do what I love."
In 2005, her sister Nancy married Sean Cotton in Islamorada, Florida and she fell in love with the clear blue ocean and laid back Keys lifestyle. It was here in this picturesque setting that the idea for Morada Blue was born. "I became obsessed with finding the perfect bikini and realized there were some flaws in fit, support and quality in the suits that were available. I set out to find thicker fabric, stronger elastics and perfectly molded bra cups and designed swimsuits that create a more flattering fit to make women feel confident and beautiful."
It wasn't long before Morada Blue Swimwear made its premiere at the Miami Swim Show and then launched the online store www.moradablue.com in 2010. Kathryn says the biggest obstacle that she faced when starting the company was finding a really good factory in the USA that could produce the superior quality that she was looking for. During a time when she needed the most help, a friend reached out and told her to contact his father who had been in the swimwear industry for years. Kathryn toured his factory in New Jersey and it just so happened that they also created incredible swimsuits for Lisa Curran, Letarte and Badgley Mischka. Kathryn found her factory and she is pleased to say, "Now I have an extremely talented team that is very committed in their attention to detail and in creating swimsuits that I am very proud of."
All Morada Blue bikinis combine hi-fashion style with superb quality. Bikinis are sold as separates to create a custom fit and the bikini tops are totally adjustable to provide more support. The bottoms are cut on the Brazilian curve to make your butt look better and legs appear longer. All swimsuits are made in the USA of the best materials available and the fabric is twice as thick to provide a more flattering fit that helps suck in all the right spots.
Kathryn's goal when designing her swimsuits is to help women feel better about themselves and find a swimsuit that makes them feel confident and happy. Kathryn feels, "Everyone should feel their best when most exposed at the beach or pool!"
Morada Blue Swimwear is sold online at www.moradablue.com and from Kathryn's showroom in her Grosse Pointe Farms home where she hosts trunk shows and has private fittings. The line is also sold at La Jolie Rose in Grosse Pointe and Bridget & Stacie in Birmingham. Morada Blue Swimwear will be presenting their new line this fall in Detroit's Fashion Week and hope this will help them get more orders for boutiques and great feedback from buyers. Kathryn is on the right track and with her one-of-a-kind pieces. "My dream would be to have Morada Blue Swimwear sold in a major department store and I hope to continue to expand my brand throughout the country."
5 Places for Singles to Mingle in Metro Detroit
5 Places for Singles to Mingle In Metro Detroit
By: Ebony Nicole
Spring is the perfect time to explore the city especially if you are single and searching or just craving a classic night on the town. Metro-Detroit offers unique options that cater to a variety of diverse crowds. Whether you want to mingle in the city or the suburbs the following places present something for everyone to enjoy.
BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon: Located on Main St. in the heart of Royal Oak, Blackfinn is much more than the typical bar experience featuring affordable drink specials, lively music, and an eclectic menu sure to please the pickiest of appetites. On any given night this venue is a buzz with young professionals taking advantage of the social atmosphere. Visit BlackFinn for your next Happy Hour excursion and you'll surly meet new people while toasting to new memories.
24Grille: Positioned in Downtown Detroit inside of the newly renovated Westin Book Cadillac, 24Grille is a sexy, modern addition to Detroit nightlife. 24Grille maintains a beautiful and fresh crowd. Socializing here is intimate and classic. Each and every week 24Grille offers Mojito Mondays from 6-10 featuring a delicious a variety of Mojito flavors for only $4. Join Detroit's influential socialites at 24Grille if looking for your next 'amazing time'!
Rosie O' Grady's: Located in the heart of Ferndale along 9mile, Rosie O' Grady's is the perfect summer escape. Attracting an eclectic crowd Rosie O' Grady's is a melting pot of people and activity. The outdoor bar and seating make this the optimum summer getaway. The food is delicious and the drink specials are memorable. Any day of the week Rosie O' Grady's offers up a quality time
Centaur Lounge: Situated in Downtown Detroit in the Foxtown/Theater district just a block away from Comerica Park, Centaur is known for its sophisticated ambiance. This lounge provides a cultured, art-deco setting to meet new acquaintances or reconnect with old ones. Smooth techno-jazz fills Centaur's three floors with energy each and every weekend. Be sure to take pleasure in the $5 daily martini specials during their happy hour on your next visit.
Mon Jin Lau: Located in Troy, MI. This Nu-Asian restaurant offers amazing dishes, divine ambiance and superb service. Mon Jin Lau attracts a beautiful chic crowd. Each night at Mon Jin Lau is amazing in its own way however their Shanghai Wednesday's are unique featuring a live DJ, delicious food and a variety of specialty drinks. Come here to mix and mingle with Michigan's finest on the new outdoor patio.
Michael McDaniel, Comedian
By Ebony Nicole
In life sometimes it's all about the journey -- that's where the real magic happens. For comedian, Michael McDaniel, although comedy appears to be his final destination, he has quite the story to tell about how he ended up on the stage with his stand-up routines filled with clever impersonations of controversial targets.
Growing up in Southwest Detroit, Michael was your typical kid, and although he had a natural sense of humor, this talent wasn't cultivated until high school. Like many of us in the mid-90's, Michael was a huge fan of the Martin Lawrence show and his parodies of different characters. Who could forget Shananay? Michael then began trying his own hand at impersonations by participating in local talent shows. With encouragement from his peers, who would beg Michael to impersonate some of their favorite celebs, Michael gained confidence and came to the realization that he had talent.
Michael has worn many different hats including a brief stint at Eastern Michigan University, real estate investments, selling time shares, and even working as a Sheriff Deputy in Hamtramck, yes, a sheriff deputy. No matter what he was doing, Michael was constantly being encouraged to take the "comedy thing" seriously. It was a former colleague who gave him his first shot at the stage, connecting him with a local comedy club.
Like many comedians, the generally hilarious Michael bombed his first time doing stand-up. This did not slow him down. Instead, he turned his time and energy to YouTube, creating mini films of him doing sketch comedy, impersonating celebrities such as Bill Clinton, Louis Farrakhan, and Charlie Murphy. Obviously, not being shy of controversy has its advantages. Michael thrived on YouTube and it also gave him a chance to practice his chops, develop a fan base and connect his material with people all over the globe.
A big moment for Michael came when he went to Chicago to audition in front of a live audience for Bill Belamy's "Who Got Jokes" Although he was unprepared for the stage, Michael shined, mixing improv with impersonations. This enabled him tomake great connections. Shortly after that, a chance meeting with the owner of a comedy club allowed him to showcase his talent.
It wasn't long before the once-sheriff and businessman was booking at some of the area's largest comedy showcases, including Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak, where he soon became a regular. Being fairly new to the business, Michael made it a point to do things his way, taking risks and promoting himself the best way he knew how. This "can do" attitude is what helped him break through the local comic game and opened up opportunities for him nationwide. "If you can make it in Detroit you can make it anywhere. When they love you here they really love you", says McDaniel.
Michael recently released his first full-length stand-up DVD, which was filmed at the Charles Wright Museum of African American History. Michael recalls everything going completely wrong on that day, but the final product is one he is extremely proud of. It appears that Michael has a knack for turning tragedy into triumph.
Growing up in Southwest Detroit, Michael was your typical kid, and although he had a natural sense of humor, this talent wasn't cultivated until high school. Like many of us in the mid-90's, Michael was a huge fan of the Martin Lawrence show and his parodies of different characters. Who could forget Shananay? Michael then began trying his own hand at impersonations by participating in local talent shows. With encouragement from his peers, who would beg Michael to impersonate some of their favorite celebs, Michael gained confidence and came to the realization that he had talent.
Michael has worn many different hats including a brief stint at Eastern Michigan University, real estate investments, selling time shares, and even working as a Sheriff Deputy in Hamtramck, yes, a sheriff deputy. No matter what he was doing, Michael was constantly being encouraged to take the "comedy thing" seriously. It was a former colleague who gave him his first shot at the stage, connecting him with a local comedy club.
Like many comedians, the generally hilarious Michael bombed his first time doing stand-up. This did not slow him down. Instead, he turned his time and energy to YouTube, creating mini films of him doing sketch comedy, impersonating celebrities such as Bill Clinton, Louis Farrakhan, and Charlie Murphy. Obviously, not being shy of controversy has its advantages. Michael thrived on YouTube and it also gave him a chance to practice his chops, develop a fan base and connect his material with people all over the globe.
A big moment for Michael came when he went to Chicago to audition in front of a live audience for Bill Belamy's "Who Got Jokes" Although he was unprepared for the stage, Michael shined, mixing improv with impersonations. This enabled him tomake great connections. Shortly after that, a chance meeting with the owner of a comedy club allowed him to showcase his talent.
It wasn't long before the once-sheriff and businessman was booking at some of the area's largest comedy showcases, including Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak, where he soon became a regular. Being fairly new to the business, Michael made it a point to do things his way, taking risks and promoting himself the best way he knew how. This "can do" attitude is what helped him break through the local comic game and opened up opportunities for him nationwide. "If you can make it in Detroit you can make it anywhere. When they love you here they really love you", says McDaniel.
Michael recently released his first full-length stand-up DVD, which was filmed at the Charles Wright Museum of African American History. Michael recalls everything going completely wrong on that day, but the final product is one he is extremely proud of. It appears that Michael has a knack for turning tragedy into triumph.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
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