Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

Now in its third year at The Henry Ford, Maker Faire has become one of our favorite events in Detroit. Both adults and kids will enjoy the demonstrations, inventions and hands-on activities.

Highlights of Maker Faire include the Coke and Mentos Guys, a life-size Mousetrap game, a Lego Brick Challenge Game Show and Handmade Detroit and other local crafters. There is something for everyone at Maker Faire!

Win tickets to Maker Faire!

I have two packs of 4 tickets to giveaway. Yes, two winners will each win 4 tickets.

How to enter:

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling me what invention (crazy or practical) that you'd like to see happen in your lifetime. Make sure you leave your email address when you post the comment so I can get in touch with you if you win. (Your email address will not be published.)

The contest ends on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 11:59 a.m. EDT. The winner will be announced on Friday afternoon.

The contest has ended!

I will select the winner using random.org.

Weekend Roundup

1. Ferndale Pub Crawl - Join 2,000 others on a walking tour of Ferndale's bars, clubs and restaurants. The funds raised will benefit four local charities. July 27th.

2. 2012 Summer Beer Festival - Head to Depot Town in Ypsilanti for the 15th annual event put on by the Michigan Brewers Guild. Enjoy over 450 beers from 60 Michigan brewers plus food and live entertainment. Tickets are only available for July 27th.

3. Maker Faire Detroit - The Henry Ford is the perfect venue for this celebration of makers, creators, inventors, DIYers and innovators. July 28—29.

4. Arab & Chaldean Festival - The largest Arab & Chaldean festival in North America takes place in Hart Plaza this weekend. July 28—29.

5. Concours d'Elegance of America at St. Johns - Classic and rare cars are on show on the beautiful grounds of St. Johns. Events include a vintage car auction and an automotive arts exhibit. July 29th.

Bonus: Rockin' on the Riverfront

Double Bonus: Saturday Camp Hi-Fi

Triple Bonus: CityLoft and Downtown Detroit Days

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

The Best Mac 'n Cheese in Metro Detroit

Slows Bar BQ mac 'n cheese. Photo courtesy of Wattyz.Since I moved back to Detroit over three years ago—I have been on a quest—a quest to find the best mac ‘n cheese in metro Detroit. Why this infatuation with a cheese and pasta dish? I’m not exactly sure where it started but I was disgusted by the offerings in the UK. Canned mac ‘n cheese, need I say more?

So, off I went questing. From Downtown to Greektown, Corktown to Clarkston, Ann Arbor to Royal Oak and all points in between.

As with any food that has a million variations, mac ‘n cheese preference is personal. I like baked mac ‘n cheese with a crispy, cheese topping. I enjoy stronger cheese flavors. The blue box might be the “cheesiest” but it’s also one of the most non-food like substances in existence.

Here are my picks for the top 5 mac ‘n cheese dishes in Detroit:

Slows Bar BQ – This one of the most talked about mac ‘n cheese dishes in the region. Creamy underneath with a nice browned cheese topping. I also love that if you order the entrée version you get to pick two side items to go with it. That’s a heck of a lot of comfort food!

Union Woodshop mac 'n cheese.

Vinsetta Garage/Clarkston Union/Union Woodshop – The self-proclaimed “The most macked mac ‘n cheese” features sharp cheddar and pinconning cheese with the crunchiest of crunchy crusts. The complete dish is fabulous but if I could just order the crispy topping, I would!

Zingerman’s Roadhouse – They have 6 different concoctions of mac ‘n cheese on their menu. Technically, I would classify the Pimento Bacon Macaroni as a pasta dish with cheese. Since that cheese is their housemade Southern pimento cheese it takes it to a whole new level. And, Bacon!

Pimento Bacon Macaroni from Zingerman's Roadhouse.

Town Tavern/Roadside B & G – I don’t always want lobster in my mac ‘n cheese but when I do, this is the place to go. This is a very rich dish, indeed.

Roast – This one makes the list for two reasons. 1. It’s $3 at happy hour. 2. They use goat cheese, which brings a different, tangy flavor.

Honorable mention: The Rattlesnake Club gets this nod for the mere fact that they dust the top with crushed Better Made BBQ Potato Chips.

I know this list won’t sit right with everyone; we all have our own tastes. Mac ‘n cheese is personal, people! But… if I were asked where to go in Detroit for the finest of comfort foods I would send people to these places.

Also of note, Rub Pub and Red Smoke just didn’t do it for me. I have yet to try macaroni and cheese at some of the other BBQ joints in the area, most notably Lockhart’s and Bad Brad’s.

What is your favorite mac ‘n cheese in metro Detroit?

Photo credit: Slows Bar BQ mac 'n cheese by Wattyz

Full Disclosure: My big, big boss (KC Crain) has a stake in Vinsetta Garage. These opinions are my own and I was smitten with the mac ‘n cheese from Clarkston Union/Union Woodshop before I was employed at my current job and before Vinsetta Garage existed.

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

Starship might have built the city on Rock and Roll but Detroit was built on Motown, cars and grit! This weekend in Detroit we have art, more art, old-timey baseball, Starship and more. Get out there and enjoy Detroit!

 1. Ann Arbor Art Fairs - The largest art fair in Michigan is now comprised of four art fairs, including the original, over 5 days. Take in all the art your heart can muster and bring your patience.  July 18—21.

2. Rockin' on the Riverfront (Facebook link) - We built this city on Rock and Roll! The GM Riverfront stage continues to rock out with Starship featuring Mickey Thomas in this free concert. July 20th.

3. Quake on the Lake - The hydroplane races continue on the lake with the APBA World Championships and entertainment from Mitch Ryder. July 20—22.

4. Figment Detroit - Belle Isle is once again home to this participatory art event that encourages visitors to partipate as artists and creators. July 21—22.

5. Greenfield Village Historic Baseball - The Greenfield Village Lah-De-Dahs Baseball Club play by the rules of 1867 and sport neckties in this gentlemanly game. Play ball! July 21—22.

Bonus: Cool Hand Luke

Double Bonus: Festa Italiana 2012 (Check out the cool promo video.)

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

Did you know that the British weren’t officially kicked out of Detroit until July 11, 1796? Well, I didn’t until yesterday. Get your history on and read all about the evacuation of those bloody Brits, “Mad” General Anthony Wayne and Colonel Hamtramck.

In other news, there’s a frickin’ plethora of things to do in Detroit this weekend! If you can do everything on this list, I salute you. I might even buy you a drink.

 Weekend Roundup

1. Soiree on the Greenway - Rivière28's second offering of the summer takes place in the Dequindre Cut and features drinks, live painting by Street Culture Mash, music from Will Sessions and more. July 12th.

2. 2012 APBA Gold Cup Races - The hydroplane races take to the Detroit River this weekend where they'll reach speeds near 200 mph! Plus live music and a Navy FA-18 demonstration. Friday is free day! July 13—15.

3. Concert of Colors - Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Detroit's free diversity music festival! This year it spans three venues and has added a food truck meet-up. For more info, check out this great preview of the fest by Midwest Guest. July 12—15.

4. Art in the Park - Over 400 artists from around the country descend upon quaint downtown Plymouth for this annual event. If the Ann Arbor Art Fair seems too big and crazy for you, try Michigan's 2nd largest art fair on for size. July 13—15.

5. Ragtime Street Fair - Step back in time at Greenfield Village and be delighted by Ragtime music and dancing in the streets. July 14—15.

Bonus: Sip of Michigan

Double Bonus: The Wizard of Oz

Triple Bonus: Pig and Whiskey

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Photo credit

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

We hope that you all had a great Fourth of July, even with the extreme heat, rain, hail and other explosive weather courtesy of Mother Nature.

Weekend Roundup

1. 2012 American Polish Festival & Craft Show - Roll out the barrell and get your polka on! Music, dancing, crafts, Polish food (obviously) and a pierogi eating contest. July 6—8.

2. Civil War Days at Historic Fort Wayne - Experience the Civil War with live battles, cannons, bugles and muskets. Plus crafts, blacksmithing and vintage baseball games. July 7—8.

3. It's OK (Facebook link) - In case you haven't heard, there was a fire last week at the Imagination Station. This is a day to celebrate the houses with a BBQ & live music. July 7th.

4. Concert of Colors Tune-Up - Head down to New Center Park for a world music concert in preparation for the big event the following weekend. July 7th.

5. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History - Enjoy "Free Family Second Sunday" and explore the largest African American museum. July 8th.

Bonus: Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair

Double Bonus: Detroit Soup (Facebook link)

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!