Since it's getting close to the holidays, I wanted to forward this article. I'd love to credit the author, but I don't know who wrote it. The information can be verified, however, if you google the story. I think it's worth sharing. Enjoy.
If you read a recent front page story of the SF Chronicle, you would have read
about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of
crab traps and lines.
She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to
struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped
around her body, her tail, her torso and a line tugging in her mouth.
A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands (outside the
Golden Gate) and radioed an environmental group for help.
Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was
so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her.
They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.
When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles.
She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around -- she was thanking them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives.
The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.
May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
An Advocate for Change
Several years ago I found myself at the local Michworks office completing the paperwork to receive unemployment benefits. I handed my resume over to the gentleman working at the front desk and after scanning it he reiterated that I had just been laid off from a recruiting role. Um, duh, that’s why I’m here. He reached into his desk drawer, pulled out a piece of paper, handed it to me and asked for my help. What I held in my hands was his resume. He was asking me to help him find a new job and I am the one standing in the unemployment line!
While the economy was slightly different back then, I still found it offensive that he was currently employed and asking me, an obviously unemployed person, for help in getting him another job. The bigger picture, however, was the overall lack of respect and commitment to his job and the people he was supposed to be helping. John (obviously not his real name) was an employee of the state, working in this Michworks office. Out of curiosity, I asked him why he was looking for a new job. He said he heard recruiting was easy and you can pick and choose who you work with. Unlike the unemployment office, where you HAVE to go in order to collect unemployment. Yup, most people are pretty grumpy, which doesn’t make for a good day for him. But you have good benefits? Yup, that’s why he hadn’t made the move yet.
So, here sits an employee, a representative of our state, if you will, who really doesn’t like his job, nor does he like the people he is supposed to be helping, and takes up company time to try to network himself into a new position. All the while, he is being paid to help those in front of him find new positions. Some people who have probably never put together a resume, never collected unemployment and don’t know where their next paycheck is coming from. Literally.
What really bothered me about this whole interaction was the lack of, well, effort. There was absolutely no energy in that office. No positive vibe, no upbeat attitude, no ‘team spirit’. Just the silence of people who are counting the minutes until they can leave. Not the most positive experience I’ve had, but as usual, I feel compelled to speak my mind and maybe, just maybe, help make it a better experience for the next guy.
In order to do that, I would like to propose some changes to our Michworks system. In theory I think the system is a great thing for employers as well as those looking for work. The ‘free’ aspect is a huge draw for employers and as a central point for all job seekers, it’s a phenomenal tool. It’s very user friendly and covers everything I need as a job seeker. Before I lay out my proposed changes, however, I do want to put the caveat out that not every employee in the Michworks offices are as I described John. There are some who love their jobs and are good at what they do. I’m afraid those are few and far between, however. So on with my changes.
As an Advocate for Michworks Reform, I would suggest:
1. All employees of the Michworks offices must apply for the positions and have the experience (either in recruiting or HR) required to best serve the job seekers (the Civil Service exams would not count).
2. Incentives (not necessarily monetary) should be placed on the amount of top notch resumes entered into the system with the employees’ initials on them. Incomplete or substandard resumes are subtracted from the total numbers.
3. Personal, one on one time with each job seeker discussing whatever they want to focus on. Whether it’s interviewing techniques, dress code, how to cold call for job openings, etc, the Michworks employee should be knowledgeable and ready with guidance. These meetings should be scheduled at the request of the job seeker and the availability of the employee. Not a mandated meeting with little or no benefit to either party.
4. As a Government Operated program there should be incentive (not necessarily monetary) to help the job seekers get back to work. The more people working in our state, the higher the tax base, the more money available for our state budget, etc. Instead of just processing people through the system, the Michworks employees should be held accountable for the people they see every day.
5. The overall culture/attitude of the Michworks offices need to be addressed. Yes, it is a rough time for people, we all get that. But what’s wrong with a smile and some compassion the job seekers? These positions should be coveted positions within the state system. The chance to really make a difference in someone’s life? These positions should be for people who are passionate about our great state and really want to do their part.
These are just a few to get started. A positive environment combined with the right amount of compassion and guidance can really make someone’s day. The more people start to feel good about themselves, the better they will do in their job search. Ultimately, the more people that are back to work and off unemployment, the more disposable income will be in our community and the more our local economy will benefit.
As a state, shouldn’t we hold each and every one of us accountable for doing our part? Shouldn’t we all do the right thing and do our part to move things forward? If we have provided the tools to be the best we can be, then we have done the right thing. Shame on us for doing anything less.
While the economy was slightly different back then, I still found it offensive that he was currently employed and asking me, an obviously unemployed person, for help in getting him another job. The bigger picture, however, was the overall lack of respect and commitment to his job and the people he was supposed to be helping. John (obviously not his real name) was an employee of the state, working in this Michworks office. Out of curiosity, I asked him why he was looking for a new job. He said he heard recruiting was easy and you can pick and choose who you work with. Unlike the unemployment office, where you HAVE to go in order to collect unemployment. Yup, most people are pretty grumpy, which doesn’t make for a good day for him. But you have good benefits? Yup, that’s why he hadn’t made the move yet.
So, here sits an employee, a representative of our state, if you will, who really doesn’t like his job, nor does he like the people he is supposed to be helping, and takes up company time to try to network himself into a new position. All the while, he is being paid to help those in front of him find new positions. Some people who have probably never put together a resume, never collected unemployment and don’t know where their next paycheck is coming from. Literally.
What really bothered me about this whole interaction was the lack of, well, effort. There was absolutely no energy in that office. No positive vibe, no upbeat attitude, no ‘team spirit’. Just the silence of people who are counting the minutes until they can leave. Not the most positive experience I’ve had, but as usual, I feel compelled to speak my mind and maybe, just maybe, help make it a better experience for the next guy.
In order to do that, I would like to propose some changes to our Michworks system. In theory I think the system is a great thing for employers as well as those looking for work. The ‘free’ aspect is a huge draw for employers and as a central point for all job seekers, it’s a phenomenal tool. It’s very user friendly and covers everything I need as a job seeker. Before I lay out my proposed changes, however, I do want to put the caveat out that not every employee in the Michworks offices are as I described John. There are some who love their jobs and are good at what they do. I’m afraid those are few and far between, however. So on with my changes.
As an Advocate for Michworks Reform, I would suggest:
1. All employees of the Michworks offices must apply for the positions and have the experience (either in recruiting or HR) required to best serve the job seekers (the Civil Service exams would not count).
2. Incentives (not necessarily monetary) should be placed on the amount of top notch resumes entered into the system with the employees’ initials on them. Incomplete or substandard resumes are subtracted from the total numbers.
3. Personal, one on one time with each job seeker discussing whatever they want to focus on. Whether it’s interviewing techniques, dress code, how to cold call for job openings, etc, the Michworks employee should be knowledgeable and ready with guidance. These meetings should be scheduled at the request of the job seeker and the availability of the employee. Not a mandated meeting with little or no benefit to either party.
4. As a Government Operated program there should be incentive (not necessarily monetary) to help the job seekers get back to work. The more people working in our state, the higher the tax base, the more money available for our state budget, etc. Instead of just processing people through the system, the Michworks employees should be held accountable for the people they see every day.
5. The overall culture/attitude of the Michworks offices need to be addressed. Yes, it is a rough time for people, we all get that. But what’s wrong with a smile and some compassion the job seekers? These positions should be coveted positions within the state system. The chance to really make a difference in someone’s life? These positions should be for people who are passionate about our great state and really want to do their part.
These are just a few to get started. A positive environment combined with the right amount of compassion and guidance can really make someone’s day. The more people start to feel good about themselves, the better they will do in their job search. Ultimately, the more people that are back to work and off unemployment, the more disposable income will be in our community and the more our local economy will benefit.
As a state, shouldn’t we hold each and every one of us accountable for doing our part? Shouldn’t we all do the right thing and do our part to move things forward? If we have provided the tools to be the best we can be, then we have done the right thing. Shame on us for doing anything less.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
‘If you won’t do something with your spouse/partner, they’ll find someone who will.’
Pretty simple statement, but also a very powerful one. In any relationship there has to be something, or a multiple of things that bring the two parties together. When this doesn’t happen often times one or both parties look elsewhere. Before we got to this point, however, we probably argued, yelled and screamed and went into counseling. We tried to work it out. There is a reason we came together in the first place, and if we can just remember what it was, we have a chance.
While that theory may be true in our personal lives, do we apply it our professional one? If we are not getting what we need from our current employment, do we think about why we came together in the first place or do we just assume we cannot change things and quit? What if we argued, yelled and screamed and went into counseling (metaphorically speaking)? Could we work out our differences? Have we tried?
A friend of mine, also a business owner, recently said that the key to retaining good employees is finding out if/why they are happy or unhappy and then doing something about it. Talking about wants, needs, expectations, long term goals and structuring a game plan to reach those goals is critical. It takes more than a simple conversation or an anonymous survey to get to the root of the matter. Working together to ensure the success of the organization, as well as the success of the employee is a critical piece some employers forget. ‘If you won’t do something with/for your employee, they’ll find someone who will.’
It’s been said that the ideal relationship is one where you, at your core, inspire and support each other to grow into your best possible selves. Whether personal or professional, having a partner who is supportive and encouraging of us can make all the difference in our decisions.
Take the time to talk to your employees. And listen to what they have to say. Not every relationship can be saved, but aren’t some worth a try?
While that theory may be true in our personal lives, do we apply it our professional one? If we are not getting what we need from our current employment, do we think about why we came together in the first place or do we just assume we cannot change things and quit? What if we argued, yelled and screamed and went into counseling (metaphorically speaking)? Could we work out our differences? Have we tried?
A friend of mine, also a business owner, recently said that the key to retaining good employees is finding out if/why they are happy or unhappy and then doing something about it. Talking about wants, needs, expectations, long term goals and structuring a game plan to reach those goals is critical. It takes more than a simple conversation or an anonymous survey to get to the root of the matter. Working together to ensure the success of the organization, as well as the success of the employee is a critical piece some employers forget. ‘If you won’t do something with/for your employee, they’ll find someone who will.’
It’s been said that the ideal relationship is one where you, at your core, inspire and support each other to grow into your best possible selves. Whether personal or professional, having a partner who is supportive and encouraging of us can make all the difference in our decisions.
Take the time to talk to your employees. And listen to what they have to say. Not every relationship can be saved, but aren’t some worth a try?
Monday, September 21, 2009
A Year of Your life in Detroit
Time Magazine bought a house in Detroit and has moved in. One of their reporters committed to spending a year here in Detroit and writing about it for several high profile magazines. His efforts will be relayed in the form of blogs and articles ‘branded’ Assignment: Detroit.
I think it’s great that someone from the outside has taken an interest in our city and wants to learn how we tick and what makes us the community we are. I am glad they bought a house in the city, in the heart of the city. To truly communicate what this city is made of they need to be smack in the middle of things. I applaud them for doing so. I am eager to read the articles as they are published and I want to stay up to date on the blogs.
Detroit will take on this challenge; the challenge of standing up to yet another ‘outsider’ and showing them what we’re all about. The challenge that what is published in the press does not represent the city as a whole. The challenge that while our former mayor has been in the press just about every day for the past few years, it does not define who we are and what we stand for. The challenge of not letting a down economy define our culture and our people. We’ll take on that challenge, and we’ll win. We have to.
So, Steven Gray moved into Detroit and is going to write about it. He’ll highlight the good and the bad. He’ll talk about the people, the music, the art and the food. He’ll talk about the burned out houses and the murders. He’ll talk about local neighborhoods banding together to rise above the bad. He’ll talk about our schools and our politicians.
And then, he’ll go back to his home. But we’re still here. We are still here amid all those things that Steven wrote about. And what happens then? We save the Time Magazine articles for our kids to read and say that we remember when?
Not this time. This time we take action. Perhaps we needed an outsider to come in and really let us see Detroit without the rose colored glasses that some of us are told we have on. Perhaps we needed Steven to buy a house here (did he have any trouble financing, or did Time buy it?). I’d really like him to try to live off unemployment benefits while he is living here. To go from what his current salary is to unemployment benefits? Now, that would be interesting to read about! Let’s see if he can manage like we had to.
So, welcome to our city. Enjoy our food and our music. Go to The Henry Ford (Dearborn) and Parmenter’s Mill & Winery (Northville) and Eastern Market and listen to music at St. Andrews or the Fillmore Detroit. Visit Slow’s BBQ and get a taste of the food we love. I hope you’re here in the summer to experience events at Hart Plaza (Fireworks, Arab and Chaldean Festival, Caribbean Festival, African World Festival, Detroit International Jazz Festival, Mega March for Animals, just to name a few) and in the winter to see the Wayne County Parks Lightfest. I hope you’re here in the spring to watch our Red Wings on parade. I hope you get to have the experiences that the rest of us have here in Detroit and that this city becomes the home to you that it is to us.
Welcome to Detroit, Steven. Welcome to our home.
I think it’s great that someone from the outside has taken an interest in our city and wants to learn how we tick and what makes us the community we are. I am glad they bought a house in the city, in the heart of the city. To truly communicate what this city is made of they need to be smack in the middle of things. I applaud them for doing so. I am eager to read the articles as they are published and I want to stay up to date on the blogs.
Detroit will take on this challenge; the challenge of standing up to yet another ‘outsider’ and showing them what we’re all about. The challenge that what is published in the press does not represent the city as a whole. The challenge that while our former mayor has been in the press just about every day for the past few years, it does not define who we are and what we stand for. The challenge of not letting a down economy define our culture and our people. We’ll take on that challenge, and we’ll win. We have to.
So, Steven Gray moved into Detroit and is going to write about it. He’ll highlight the good and the bad. He’ll talk about the people, the music, the art and the food. He’ll talk about the burned out houses and the murders. He’ll talk about local neighborhoods banding together to rise above the bad. He’ll talk about our schools and our politicians.
And then, he’ll go back to his home. But we’re still here. We are still here amid all those things that Steven wrote about. And what happens then? We save the Time Magazine articles for our kids to read and say that we remember when?
Not this time. This time we take action. Perhaps we needed an outsider to come in and really let us see Detroit without the rose colored glasses that some of us are told we have on. Perhaps we needed Steven to buy a house here (did he have any trouble financing, or did Time buy it?). I’d really like him to try to live off unemployment benefits while he is living here. To go from what his current salary is to unemployment benefits? Now, that would be interesting to read about! Let’s see if he can manage like we had to.
So, welcome to our city. Enjoy our food and our music. Go to The Henry Ford (Dearborn) and Parmenter’s Mill & Winery (Northville) and Eastern Market and listen to music at St. Andrews or the Fillmore Detroit. Visit Slow’s BBQ and get a taste of the food we love. I hope you’re here in the summer to experience events at Hart Plaza (Fireworks, Arab and Chaldean Festival, Caribbean Festival, African World Festival, Detroit International Jazz Festival, Mega March for Animals, just to name a few) and in the winter to see the Wayne County Parks Lightfest. I hope you’re here in the spring to watch our Red Wings on parade. I hope you get to have the experiences that the rest of us have here in Detroit and that this city becomes the home to you that it is to us.
Welcome to Detroit, Steven. Welcome to our home.
The Little Things
As you might remember, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.
Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.
One woman was late because her alarm clock didn’t go off in time.
One was late because of being stuck on the JN Turnpike because of an auto accident.
One of them missed his bus.
One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.
One’s car wouldn’t start.
One couldn’t get a taxi.
One wore new shoes to work and got blisters, so he stopped for band-aids.
So, the next time the children are slow getting dressed, you can’t find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don’t get frustrated or mad, just take a deep breath and recognize that it may be for the best. There are things that happen and are just simply beyond our control. If there is a reason that everything happens, and that reason just saved your life, or the life of someone you love, then embrace it. Focus on what you can control and let go of things you cannot. Life is too short to not count our blessings, no matter how small.
Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.
One woman was late because her alarm clock didn’t go off in time.
One was late because of being stuck on the JN Turnpike because of an auto accident.
One of them missed his bus.
One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.
One’s car wouldn’t start.
One couldn’t get a taxi.
One wore new shoes to work and got blisters, so he stopped for band-aids.
So, the next time the children are slow getting dressed, you can’t find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don’t get frustrated or mad, just take a deep breath and recognize that it may be for the best. There are things that happen and are just simply beyond our control. If there is a reason that everything happens, and that reason just saved your life, or the life of someone you love, then embrace it. Focus on what you can control and let go of things you cannot. Life is too short to not count our blessings, no matter how small.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Seven Tips to Effectively Recognize Employees
What's the number one reason that employees stay with an organization? Usually, it is simply because they enjoy working with their supervisors, according to numerous studies.
Building good relationships between staff members and their bosses can pay off handsomely for your company. In fact, some experts estimate that the cost of replacing an employee ranges from 29 to 46 percent of the person's salary.
The key to lowering your turnover rate is to tell employees when they've done a good job and let them know the company values them. While there are many ways to encourage a company culture that appreciates talent, here are seven effective suggestions:
Run profiles. Use your company newsletter to run brief stories about key employees. Make sure you include the people in the mail room to top management. Outline their accomplishments at work, as well as their personal interests or hobbies. Include a photo so everyone can recognize them.
Send memos. If someone from another department pitched in on an important project, thank the employee in a memo or e-mail and send a copy to his or her supervisor.
Put it in writing. Urge managers and supervisors to send hand-written thank you notes to individual staff members at least once a year. The notes should be thoughtful, with details of the employee's contributions to the company and the department. A hand-written thank you makes a bigger impression than e-mail or typed letters.
Give praise in public. Acknowledge your staff members' achievements in a public forum, such as a staff meeting. Or hold semi-annual ceremonies to publicly reward employees for their achievements. Be sure to recognize all kinds of excellence, from the receptionist who is complimented by customers to the janitor who goes the extra mile.
Take them to lunch. Provide a budget that supervisors can tap into once a month to take an outstanding employee to lunch. This helps develop relationships and a $20 lunch goes a long way toward making employees feel appreciated.
Tailor your appreciation. There's no one way to pay tribute to your best employees. You can recognize outstanding staff members with a formal "Employee of the Month" program or use a less formal system such as a face-to-face compliment.
Promote two-way communication. Good managers spend more time listening than talking. Maintain an open-door policy. Employees who feel comfortable communicating with you will feel valued and be more inspired to deliver their best work. Get to know your team. Frequent interaction with your staff allows you to get to know each employee on a personal level.
Many thanks to Woronoff, Hyman, Levenson and Sweet PC for the article.
30600 Northwestern Hwy, Ste 302; Farmington Hills, MI 48334-3172
248-487-2600
Building good relationships between staff members and their bosses can pay off handsomely for your company. In fact, some experts estimate that the cost of replacing an employee ranges from 29 to 46 percent of the person's salary.
The key to lowering your turnover rate is to tell employees when they've done a good job and let them know the company values them. While there are many ways to encourage a company culture that appreciates talent, here are seven effective suggestions:
Run profiles. Use your company newsletter to run brief stories about key employees. Make sure you include the people in the mail room to top management. Outline their accomplishments at work, as well as their personal interests or hobbies. Include a photo so everyone can recognize them.
Send memos. If someone from another department pitched in on an important project, thank the employee in a memo or e-mail and send a copy to his or her supervisor.
Put it in writing. Urge managers and supervisors to send hand-written thank you notes to individual staff members at least once a year. The notes should be thoughtful, with details of the employee's contributions to the company and the department. A hand-written thank you makes a bigger impression than e-mail or typed letters.
Give praise in public. Acknowledge your staff members' achievements in a public forum, such as a staff meeting. Or hold semi-annual ceremonies to publicly reward employees for their achievements. Be sure to recognize all kinds of excellence, from the receptionist who is complimented by customers to the janitor who goes the extra mile.
Take them to lunch. Provide a budget that supervisors can tap into once a month to take an outstanding employee to lunch. This helps develop relationships and a $20 lunch goes a long way toward making employees feel appreciated.
Tailor your appreciation. There's no one way to pay tribute to your best employees. You can recognize outstanding staff members with a formal "Employee of the Month" program or use a less formal system such as a face-to-face compliment.
Promote two-way communication. Good managers spend more time listening than talking. Maintain an open-door policy. Employees who feel comfortable communicating with you will feel valued and be more inspired to deliver their best work. Get to know your team. Frequent interaction with your staff allows you to get to know each employee on a personal level.
Many thanks to Woronoff, Hyman, Levenson and Sweet PC for the article.
30600 Northwestern Hwy, Ste 302; Farmington Hills, MI 48334-3172
248-487-2600
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Favorite Metro Detroit Restaurants
Many, many thanks to those who helped compile this list! I've learned a lot about the different restaurants (not to mention driving directions!) while working on this list. Although I have not eaten at all, or even most, of them, I am looking forward to trying some! In my request to put this list together, I mentioned that we were going to try one new restaurant a month and write about it on this blog. I still am planning on doing that and (fortunately, it's after lunch today, otherwise I may have been tempted to venture out for some good Thai food) am looking forward to which restaurant we should go to first.
The information was gathered using LinkedIn and Facebook, as well as our friends and family and own personal network. All information is relayed directly from their own websites, or comments made from those who recommended the restaurants. I cannot take credit, nor criticism, for any of the information listed. I am willing, however, to post your comments if you've had a chance to visit any of these restaurants. I would love to hear feedback, and I'll add to the list if you have any restaurants that didn't make the list!
In no particular order:
Restaurant: Big Rock
City: Birmingham
Type: Chop House/Brewery
Comments: Excellent food and consistent service, atmosphere is incredible.
Website: www.bigrockchophouse.com
Restaurant: Mon Jin Lau
City: Troy
Type: Asian/Sushi
Comments: Great food (website not up yet, but menus are available online)
Website: www.monjinlau.com
Restaurant: Cheli's Chili
City: Dearborn/Detroit
Type: Sports/Entertainment
Comments: Owned by former Red Wings, Chris Chelios; eat first, then take shuttle to a game!
Website: www.chelischilibar.com
Restaurant: Pizza Papalis
City: Various
Type: Pizza
Comments: Great spinach pizza, some of the locations are connected to RioWraps, too!
Website: www.pizzapapalis.com
Restaurant: Peking House
City: Royal Oak
Type: Chinese
Comments: Easy online ordering menu
Website: www.pekinghousero.com
Restaurant: Anita's Kitchen
City: Troy/Ferndale
Type: Lebanese Café & Marketplace
Comments: The freshest, most flavorful Lebanese cuisine, friendly staff, and reasonable prices, too. On W. Maple Rd. just west of Livernois in Troy.
Website: www.anitaskitchenonline.com
Restaurant: Lake Street Tavern
City: South Lyon
Type: Tavern Fare
Comments: Non-smoking, closed on Sundays
Website: www.lakestreettavern.com
Restaurant: Louis Chop House
City: Chesterfield
Type: Chop House/Brewery
Comments: Family owned and the food is excellent. The menu varies but the steaks are always top notch! It is a 'treat' to dine there. I highly recommend it.
Website: www.louischophouse.com
Restaurant: Kruse & Muer
City: Northern Oakland County
Type: Chop House
Comments: Main St in downtown Rochester. Nice venue & excellent food @ good service. Wish I could stop in there this afternoon.
Website: www.kruseandmuerrestaurants.com
Restaurant: George's Coney Island
City: Auburn Hills
Type: Coney Island
Comments: Only about 10 tables and the line goes out the door at lunch. Best coney's in the D.
Website:
Restaurant: Slow's BBQ
City: Detroit
Type: BBQ
Comments: The best BBQ in the city. Excellent beer list. Mac and cheese, chicken wings and baby back are a must! Great space, excellent design.
Website: www.slowsbarbq.com
Restaurant: Cadieux Café
City: Detroit
Type: Belgian fare
Comments: Mussels by the bucket, and the best beer list around; live entertainment, family owned and operated since the '60's
Website: www.cadieuxcafe.com
Restaurant: Sheesh
City: Clawson
Type: Meditteranean
Comments: Owners are former employees of LaShish, so you know you're getting the best food, service and experience!
Website: www.sheeshonline.com
Restaurant: What Crepe
City: Royal Oak
Type: Crepes
Comments: Newly opened Crepe restaurant; many changes (for the better) since their opening in spring of 2009. Remember the Magic Pan restaurant? Similar to that. Yum.
Website: www.whatcrepe.com
Restaurant: Happy Sushi
City: Novi
Type: Sushi
Comments: Almost hate to tell people about it! Great food, large quantity for small prices.
Website:
Restaurant: Bread Basket Deli
City: Southfield
Type: Deli
Comments: ONLY uses Michigan made products, specifically those from Detroit. Check out the letter from the owner on their website. Good call on recommending this one!
Website: www.breadbasketdelis.com
Restaurant: Library Pub
City: Commerce/Novi
Type: Burgers/Bar
Comments: Sports bar, great food, outdoor seating for summer, friendly atmosphere.
Website:
Restaurant: Ninja Sushi
City: West Bloomfield
Type: Sushi
Comments: Great presentation and unusual selection..$1 sushi on Tues. Edible art after the meal.
Website:
Restaurant: Ventimiglia's Italian Deli
City: Sterling Heights
Type: Italian
Comments: Top notch sandwiches and italian specialties just like Grandma used to make. Worth the drive from anywhere in Metro Detroit!
Website:
Restaurant: Giorgio's
City: Oak Park
Type: Gourmet Diner'
Comments: HUGE portions, reasonable prices and a fantastic Chicken Marsala, Pistachio Pie.
Website:
Restaurant: Red Coat Tavern
City: Royal Oak
Type: Bar fare
Comments: Cedar plank salmon is tasty; known for their burgers and beer. Call ahead to put your name on the list; there is always a wait (means they are always busy, the best sign in a restaurant!)
Website:
Restaurant: Lelli's
City: Auburn Hills/Detroit
Type: Steaks/Italian/Upscale
Comments: Filet Mignon w/ zip sauce!!!! Mmmmmmm. Still owned by the Lelli family. Expensive, but worth it!
Website: www.lellisrestaurant.com
Restaurant: House of Reuben
City: Sterling Heights
Type: Sandwiches
Comments: Soups and sandwiches; converted from an old Taco Bell!
Website:
Restaurant: Mr. Pita
City: Various
Type: Roll Up sandwiches
Comments: Cheap, fresh, tasty, Schedule the Pita Truck to come to your work at lunchtime!
Website: www.mrpita.net
Restaurant: Sala Thai
City: Rochester
Type: Thai
Comments: Don't forget the soup. Great food or have a cocktail if you'd like!
Website:
Restaurant: Thang Long
City: Madison Heights
Type: Thai/Vietnamese
Comments: Don't let the appearance of the strip mall prevent you from trying out this 'gem' of Metro Detroit. One of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the area!
Website:
Restaurant: Union Street
City: Detroit
Type: Full Menu
Comments: Very influential in the Detroit 'see and be seen' scene. Evolved into the place to be in Detroit. Shame not to see it at least once, although it'll soon become .your favorite downtown restaurant!
Website: www.unionstreetdetroit.com
Restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings
City: Various
Type: Buffalo Wild Wings (duh!)
Comments: Family favorite, everyone can order to their liking!
Website: www.buffalowildwings.com
Restaurant: Sweet Lorraine's
City: Detroit/Southfield
Type: Creative ethnic cuisine
Comments: Great fresh menu with daily/weekly/seasonal rotations
Website: www.sweetlorraines.com
Restaurant: Fishbone's
City: Detroit/Southfield/St. Clair Shores
Type: Steak, seafood, sushi
Comments: Wonderful sushi and also a full Steak and Seafood menu
Website: www.fishbonesusa.com
Restaurant: Boodles
City: Madison Heights
Type: Bar fare
Comments: They offer gourmet food at affordable prices, including tableside preparation, great wait staff, very good wine and liquor selections and live piano player almost every night. It is a real treat!
Website:
Restaurant: Pi's Thai
City: Madison Heights, maybe? 10 Mile and John R
Type: Thai
Comments: It is the craziest little hole in the wall Thai place. Mostly take out, but they have two tables inside to dine in. The ratings for spicyness are misleading - hot is "will burn your mouth and incinerate all of your internal organs". Mild is actually quite hot. Since it is such a small place, we became quite friendly with the owners and employees there and they began to remember us and get our orders set as soon as we walked in. Since moving to Georgia I haven't found another Thai place that is quite as good.
Mangi bene!!
The information was gathered using LinkedIn and Facebook, as well as our friends and family and own personal network. All information is relayed directly from their own websites, or comments made from those who recommended the restaurants. I cannot take credit, nor criticism, for any of the information listed. I am willing, however, to post your comments if you've had a chance to visit any of these restaurants. I would love to hear feedback, and I'll add to the list if you have any restaurants that didn't make the list!
In no particular order:
Restaurant: Big Rock
City: Birmingham
Type: Chop House/Brewery
Comments: Excellent food and consistent service, atmosphere is incredible.
Website: www.bigrockchophouse.com
Restaurant: Mon Jin Lau
City: Troy
Type: Asian/Sushi
Comments: Great food (website not up yet, but menus are available online)
Website: www.monjinlau.com
Restaurant: Cheli's Chili
City: Dearborn/Detroit
Type: Sports/Entertainment
Comments: Owned by former Red Wings, Chris Chelios; eat first, then take shuttle to a game!
Website: www.chelischilibar.com
Restaurant: Pizza Papalis
City: Various
Type: Pizza
Comments: Great spinach pizza, some of the locations are connected to RioWraps, too!
Website: www.pizzapapalis.com
Restaurant: Peking House
City: Royal Oak
Type: Chinese
Comments: Easy online ordering menu
Website: www.pekinghousero.com
Restaurant: Anita's Kitchen
City: Troy/Ferndale
Type: Lebanese Café & Marketplace
Comments: The freshest, most flavorful Lebanese cuisine, friendly staff, and reasonable prices, too. On W. Maple Rd. just west of Livernois in Troy.
Website: www.anitaskitchenonline.com
Restaurant: Lake Street Tavern
City: South Lyon
Type: Tavern Fare
Comments: Non-smoking, closed on Sundays
Website: www.lakestreettavern.com
Restaurant: Louis Chop House
City: Chesterfield
Type: Chop House/Brewery
Comments: Family owned and the food is excellent. The menu varies but the steaks are always top notch! It is a 'treat' to dine there. I highly recommend it.
Website: www.louischophouse.com
Restaurant: Kruse & Muer
City: Northern Oakland County
Type: Chop House
Comments: Main St in downtown Rochester. Nice venue & excellent food @ good service. Wish I could stop in there this afternoon.
Website: www.kruseandmuerrestaurants.com
Restaurant: George's Coney Island
City: Auburn Hills
Type: Coney Island
Comments: Only about 10 tables and the line goes out the door at lunch. Best coney's in the D.
Website:
Restaurant: Slow's BBQ
City: Detroit
Type: BBQ
Comments: The best BBQ in the city. Excellent beer list. Mac and cheese, chicken wings and baby back are a must! Great space, excellent design.
Website: www.slowsbarbq.com
Restaurant: Cadieux Café
City: Detroit
Type: Belgian fare
Comments: Mussels by the bucket, and the best beer list around; live entertainment, family owned and operated since the '60's
Website: www.cadieuxcafe.com
Restaurant: Sheesh
City: Clawson
Type: Meditteranean
Comments: Owners are former employees of LaShish, so you know you're getting the best food, service and experience!
Website: www.sheeshonline.com
Restaurant: What Crepe
City: Royal Oak
Type: Crepes
Comments: Newly opened Crepe restaurant; many changes (for the better) since their opening in spring of 2009. Remember the Magic Pan restaurant? Similar to that. Yum.
Website: www.whatcrepe.com
Restaurant: Happy Sushi
City: Novi
Type: Sushi
Comments: Almost hate to tell people about it! Great food, large quantity for small prices.
Website:
Restaurant: Bread Basket Deli
City: Southfield
Type: Deli
Comments: ONLY uses Michigan made products, specifically those from Detroit. Check out the letter from the owner on their website. Good call on recommending this one!
Website: www.breadbasketdelis.com
Restaurant: Library Pub
City: Commerce/Novi
Type: Burgers/Bar
Comments: Sports bar, great food, outdoor seating for summer, friendly atmosphere.
Website:
Restaurant: Ninja Sushi
City: West Bloomfield
Type: Sushi
Comments: Great presentation and unusual selection..$1 sushi on Tues. Edible art after the meal.
Website:
Restaurant: Ventimiglia's Italian Deli
City: Sterling Heights
Type: Italian
Comments: Top notch sandwiches and italian specialties just like Grandma used to make. Worth the drive from anywhere in Metro Detroit!
Website:
Restaurant: Giorgio's
City: Oak Park
Type: Gourmet Diner'
Comments: HUGE portions, reasonable prices and a fantastic Chicken Marsala, Pistachio Pie.
Website:
Restaurant: Red Coat Tavern
City: Royal Oak
Type: Bar fare
Comments: Cedar plank salmon is tasty; known for their burgers and beer. Call ahead to put your name on the list; there is always a wait (means they are always busy, the best sign in a restaurant!)
Website:
Restaurant: Lelli's
City: Auburn Hills/Detroit
Type: Steaks/Italian/Upscale
Comments: Filet Mignon w/ zip sauce!!!! Mmmmmmm. Still owned by the Lelli family. Expensive, but worth it!
Website: www.lellisrestaurant.com
Restaurant: House of Reuben
City: Sterling Heights
Type: Sandwiches
Comments: Soups and sandwiches; converted from an old Taco Bell!
Website:
Restaurant: Mr. Pita
City: Various
Type: Roll Up sandwiches
Comments: Cheap, fresh, tasty, Schedule the Pita Truck to come to your work at lunchtime!
Website: www.mrpita.net
Restaurant: Sala Thai
City: Rochester
Type: Thai
Comments: Don't forget the soup. Great food or have a cocktail if you'd like!
Website:
Restaurant: Thang Long
City: Madison Heights
Type: Thai/Vietnamese
Comments: Don't let the appearance of the strip mall prevent you from trying out this 'gem' of Metro Detroit. One of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the area!
Website:
Restaurant: Union Street
City: Detroit
Type: Full Menu
Comments: Very influential in the Detroit 'see and be seen' scene. Evolved into the place to be in Detroit. Shame not to see it at least once, although it'll soon become .your favorite downtown restaurant!
Website: www.unionstreetdetroit.com
Restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings
City: Various
Type: Buffalo Wild Wings (duh!)
Comments: Family favorite, everyone can order to their liking!
Website: www.buffalowildwings.com
Restaurant: Sweet Lorraine's
City: Detroit/Southfield
Type: Creative ethnic cuisine
Comments: Great fresh menu with daily/weekly/seasonal rotations
Website: www.sweetlorraines.com
Restaurant: Fishbone's
City: Detroit/Southfield/St. Clair Shores
Type: Steak, seafood, sushi
Comments: Wonderful sushi and also a full Steak and Seafood menu
Website: www.fishbonesusa.com
Restaurant: Boodles
City: Madison Heights
Type: Bar fare
Comments: They offer gourmet food at affordable prices, including tableside preparation, great wait staff, very good wine and liquor selections and live piano player almost every night. It is a real treat!
Website:
Restaurant: Pi's Thai
City: Madison Heights, maybe? 10 Mile and John R
Type: Thai
Comments: It is the craziest little hole in the wall Thai place. Mostly take out, but they have two tables inside to dine in. The ratings for spicyness are misleading - hot is "will burn your mouth and incinerate all of your internal organs". Mild is actually quite hot. Since it is such a small place, we became quite friendly with the owners and employees there and they began to remember us and get our orders set as soon as we walked in. Since moving to Georgia I haven't found another Thai place that is quite as good.
Mangi bene!!
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