Detroit, MI + Add a trip

Greektown is the "safe for tourists, suburbanites, and Canadians" area, but that doesn't mean it's not worth a visit. Laikon Cafe has a great antipasta with octopus, fantastically simple lamb dishes, and very reasonable tablewine. Hardly anyone there mid-week, which was fine by me. Even if you're forced to be in the Cobo convention center all day you should force yourself to take a walk about and whatever you do, avoid all convention center "food".

The Rowland Cafe 1. is located in the beautiful Guardian Building, if you need an excuse to enter; 2. serves decent pastries and sandwiches; 3. serves Illy coffee; 4. plays nice music. You should patronize them.

Coach Insignia isn't as wankerish as you might expect. If you're staying in the Renaissance anyway, you may as well take the Willy Wonka elevator to the top. Go during happy hour and get a few appetizers at half price with a decent glass of wine at the bar. They gush over the Fisher Napa wine, which was just okay if you ask me, better than the sangiovese.

This is a tiny little spot, just a window on the street, nowhere to sit but the crepes are good. Behind the YMCA, don't be afraid!

Two words. Coney Island.

If you live anywhere near or are traveling to Detroit you must go to Lafayette Coney Island, the original. If walls could talk....

Access and parking available on either Michigan Ave. or Lafayette Blvd. Open from 7:30-4:30AM. Cheap.