Top Places To Avoid The Hot Mess, Drink In Peace And Get Your Corned Beef On St. Paddy's Day

As much as I love being entertained by the drunk and disorderly every Corktown Parade Day, St. Patrick's Day and weekend before, this year I've decided to take the crazy from an 11 to say a 5 this holiday season. Call me lame, accuse me of not getting into the holiday spirit, whatever.  This Irish Lass just wants to enjoy her Guinness with Strongbow in peace, without the occasional ducking from airborne beer bottles (Parade Day 2010, Corktown Tavern), dogging the "Old vs. Young" Cat Fight while walking down Michigan Avenue (Parade Day 2011), or running into Charlie LeDuff post fistacuffs (Parade Day 2013) .

I do not believe I am alone in my sentiments, so I made the list below for all to enjoy.

Now I cannot guarantee with 100% accuracy that you will avoid being nailed in the eye by a swinging jager cup necklace while someone is in mid face plant or finally experiencing that seizure you have always wanted to have due to all those blinking beaded medallions, but I can guarantee you they will greatly lessen your chances by bellying up to the bar at the choice locations below.

I also know realistically that at some point you and your friends might get a craving for some choice people watching only supplied on this festive occasion, so I have listed with each location a place just a hop skip and a jump away that will satisfy that visual starvation.  Just keep your eyes peeled for the *.

Without further adieu, below is my list of places to been seen this St. Patrick's Day Season:

One Eyed Betty's Specials On St. Paddy's Day 2012

One Eyed Betty's
175 West Troy
Ferndale, 48220
www.oneeyedbettys.com

You are killing two birds (or snakes?) with one stone.  I celebrated St. Paddy's Day 2012 here and could not begin to tell you how many times I've been back.

Budweiser, Coors, Miller, AND Green Beer have never sat behind the bar together and slurred "I loooove you man" to each other, which gives a high probability of avoiding the Ed Hardy and Tramp Stamp Dynamic Duos.  Only quality beers, whiskey, and bourbon are served.

The food is ahhhhh-mazing. How many bars do you know of that have an hour wait by 6:30 on a Friday or Saturday night? This one does and you can blame in on Emmele Herrold, One Eyed Betty's chef and winner of Detroit Burger Brawl 2013.  So your stomachs will be taken care of, I promise.

Also, check out the progress on the bottle cap mural while you are sipping on that pour of Jameson.

*Rosie O'Grady's*







Thomas MaGee's Sporting House Whiskey Bar
1408 E Fisher
Detroit, 48207
www.thomasmagees.com

This will be the first St. Patrick's Day for Thomas MaGee's, opening just a few months ago in Eastern Market. This bar is beautiful inside, very low key, and is stocked with some of the finest beer and whiskey in town. Plus, plenty of parking outside.

The owner was quoted in a recent Detroit News article stating, “There’s an influx of people moving into this area from the suburbs, from other areas of the state, from other cities, who are now Detroiters.  Sometimes they get trapped into the bubble of ‘Gilbert-ville’ or amazing hipster land, but I think there’s a good percentage of those people, if they cross out of that box and come to a place like this, that solidifies this rebirth and rebuilding of Detroit.” Looks like you will be safe from fall down drunks and Hipsters. That's one winning combination.

Thomas MaGee's usually does not serve food, but for St. Patrick's Day 2014, they are hosting the first annual "Eggs & Kegs."

Doors open at 7 a.m. Breakfast until 10 am . Early riser beer specials: $1 beer from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. $2 beer from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. and $3 beer from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Important Note: Ignore the location pin on Google Maps.  Thomas MaGee's is located on the corner of the E. Fisher Service Drive (south side) and Russell Street, not next to the pole dancing studio.


*The Old Shillelagh*






Dick O'Dow's
160 West Maple
Birmingham, 48009
www.dickodowspub.com

I have spent quite a few St. Patrick's Days here and I've been satisfied with each and every single one.  This place does it right, from the drinks to the food to the live Irish Band.  You cannot go wrong here.  It is also one of the few places that has a great mix of people, young and old, celebrating together.


*The Hot Mess District In Royal Oak (just follow the train tracks)*







O'Mara's Irish Restaurant
2555 12 Mile Rd
Berkley, 48072
www.omaras.net

There's a good chance you will run into your grandparents, but you can drink and eat safely here in good 'ol Berkley.

*Duggan's Irish Pub*

My friends Stephen and Josh At Nemo's Pre-Sean O'Callaghans, St. Paddy's Day 2010

Sean O'Callaghan's
821 Penniman Ave, 
Plymouth 48170
www.seanocallaghanspub.com

This was a random find St. Patrick's Day 2010.  My friend Josh grew up on that side of town and swore this was the place to go.  So we ditched Nemo's tent and headed west.  We were greeted at the door with a bagpiper mid song and walked into a full on St. Patrick's Day extravaganza.

The staff was great and super friendly, place was just entertaining enough, and the food was out of this world.

They also serve Johnny Walker Blue Label, so you know it's a classy joint.

The Gaelic League

2068 Michigan Ave,
Detroit 48216
www.gaelicleagueofdetroit.org

The Gaelic League of Detroit is located in Corktown and is an Irish-American club dedicated to promoting and preserving Irish Culture and Tradition in the Detroit Area.

Translation:  This is the real deal, folks.  Authentic Irish fare, booze, and people!

Important Note:  They only take cash and do not have an ATM.

*Just walk outside on March 16th between the hours of 7 am - 3 pm*

Three Creative, Inexpensive & PROVEN Ways To Lower Crime In Detroit

My friend Jim's great aunt. Photo was taken in Detroit, circa 1961.

Erin Rose
Positive Detroit Original

I feel it is time the City of Detroit got a little creative with their crime prevention tactics.  What is Einstein's definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

I stress this is not a knock on the Detroit Police Department, Chief Godbee, or Mayor Bing.  This article is about getting creative and taking a look at what other cities have successfully done to lower/prevent crime without spending a lot of money.  I know this is hard for some people to grasp, but throwing more money at the problem does not exactly solve it, nor does saturating the streets with police presence.

Recently an article in Business Week paints a very realistic portrait of what is happening within city limits:  Midtown crime rates are going down while crime in other neighborhoods is going up.

To make matters worse, someone over at the Detroit News stumbled upon Google Maps somewhere between their power hour of Solitaire and agonizing over crafting the perfect someecard for their Facebook page and created the "Deadliest Crime Map."  Nothing says "Visit Detroit" like an online interactive map with up to the minute pins marking the most recent crimes.  Thanks for continuing to be a great ambassador of the city, guys.  So very 'Pure Michigan' of you.

So it looks like it is high time we roll up our sleeves, take matters into our own hands, and do something about this (and give certain publications some other uses for the internets).

Now before I present this list to you, I want to point out that there is no direct reliance on the said city government being solely responsible for the change.  It was a partnership and collective effort between residents, business owners, and the city government.  So instead of whining about Detroit's lack of funds and continuing to beat a dead horse, let's band together and make a change.

All in favor, read on.

Here is my list of three Creative, Inexpensive, and PROVEN ways Detroit can start lowering crime today:

1.  Play Classical Music

I see that eyebrow raise. Cue Gary Coleman's famous line, "Whatcha talkin' about, Willis?"

Playing classical music deters crime you ask.

The answer is a resounding "Yes."

Below are real world success stories to prove it.  Above is a video from the Library of Congress in D.C explaining the psychology behind it.  

2011, Los Angeles California  - Mayor R. Rex Pariss had 70 speakers installed along a half mile of Lancaster Blvd and for five hours a day, played a blend of classical music and bird songs (birds chirping).  Mayor Pariss believed the bird song and music combination would calm citizens and essentially deter crime.

Results:
After 10 months of playing the bird song/classical music combination:

• Minor crimes fell 15%.
• Major crimes fell 6%.
• Maria Elena Grado, who runs the Lemon Leaf Café, says the area was "crime infested" when she opened in 2006. "Everybody laughed at the idea, but people don't even realize the things that make them tick."

2004, London England -  British Transport Police played classical music over loudspeakers in the most dangerous parts of London Underground stations.

Results:
After 6 months:

• Robberies dropped by 33%.
• Assaults on staff by 25%.
• Vandalism of trains and stations by 37%.

2001, West Palm Beach Florida - Police mounted a CD player and speakers on an abandoned building and piped Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven 24 hours a day after Sgt. Ron Ghianda had learned about music being used for nuisance abatement in Texas at a seminar.

The corner had been a problem for 15 years and police occasionally increased patrols in the area for weeks at a time. Police Chief Ric Bradshaw demanded a permanent solution after a murder in the area in March.

They spent less than $500 for a CD player and speakers. The department also installed better lighting and cut down trees that provided shade in the daytime.

Results:

• Drug-related calls dropped to four from February through June, compared to 20 during the same period in 2000, according to the police department.
• Calls for service were down to 83 from 119 last year during those five months. 
• According to Mamie Durham, 80, a 60-year resident of the neighborhood, "If someone ever told me Tamarind would look like this I wouldn't believe them. I remember when you used to have to walk in the street because (loiterers would) be on the sidewalk. It's cleaned up." 

Playing classical music also has deterred gangs of youth from hanging outside stores, reports of troublemakers and graffiti were dramatically reduced, according to a supermarket chain in the UK.

"It is mostly easy listening music that we are playing such as Bach, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and Mozart. It is a novel concept, but it does work and does move people on," said regional loss prevention manager Steve Hogarth. "The fact that youths hang outside the store is not a crime in itself, but the perception among staff and customers is that it is intimidating. It seems to make it a 'less cool' place to hang out if there is classical music playing."

Note: Studies conclude that the most effective classical music is from the Baroque period. 

Just imagine Detroit with the sounds of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra pouring into the streets.  They even make it convenient and inexpensive with their new app! Maybe this could be a new twist on the DIA's Inside|Out Exhibit and showcase different DSO concerts throughout the city.  Hmmm......

For those of you with a sense of humor:  Bust out the Barry Manilow.  Our friends from down under in Australia discovered that playing the sweet sounds of Barry on loop is unbearable to the ears of "delinquent  youth." It has officially been dubbed as the "Manilow Method."  So clear the cobwebs off your ghetto blaster and soon you will be humming this line with a smile "Well, you came and you gave without taking, but I sent you away, oh Mandy....."

2. Plant More Urban Farms

Oh, here is something Detroit is getting really good at!

In 2000, 54,000 lots were vacant in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society reclaimed 4,400 (8% of the existing vacant lots) planted trees and gardens along with erecting 3ft fences.

Results:
Over a 10 year span, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society beautification and farming project:

• Reduced shootings in the areas surrounding these lots.
• People become more in touch with their neighbors and felt more connected with each other.
• Calls from neighbors complaining of nuisance crimes (loitering, public urination, excessive noise) went up significantly in the immediate vicinity of the newly greened land, something that had not happened in the past.
• Research has shown that if you diminish violence, people will be less stressed, and less-stressed people eat healthier.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has begun to look at greening as a tool for violence prevention.

This is also helping to combat violence in schools.  Principal Myra Sampson of Community Alternative Academy on Chicago's West-Side had a garden built to help squash the gun violence occurring at her school.  The garden has become a place where students AND the community come together. The dramatic increase of students becoming invested in each other and the project has led to Sampson to request 10 more vacant lots adjacent to her to school to be turned over for more urban garden and orchard projects. 

3.  Make Streets More Walkable

Photo From Wayne State University 

At the end of 2009, Rotterdam (Netherlands) police created an experimental project called "The Neighbourhood Takes Charge." 

This was a joint effort between the police and local residents, encouraging them to draw up a list of things that they wanted to see improved to make their community safer and happier.

The police then spent 16 hours per week solving the issues that were most important to local tax-payers.

Police of course expected local citizens to list the more serious crimes, like burglary or drugs, at top of the list.

To their surprise, these three items were the most popular:

1. Street cleaning.
2. Dog mess.
3. Reducing traffic speeds. 

Nearly all of the most popular suggestions involved improving the street environment and making streets more walk-friendly.

Results:
Rather than neglecting serious crimes, they actually saw some dramatic reductions in all sorts of crime over a two year period.  The UK Government took note and sent the Policing Minister to Holland to see if this new approach could work in the UK.

• Drug crime dropped by 30%.
• Burglary dropped by 22%.
• Vandalism dropped by 31%.
• Traffic offences dropped by 19%.
• Theft dropped by 11%.
• Violence dropped by 8%.

This Is NOT Your Ordinary List: Top Things I Want For Detroit. Some May Surprise You!

Positive Detroit Original - Erin Rose

As much as people talk about the things they do not want in Detroit (I will refrain from giving examples for the sake of this article and your sanity), I would like to provide you with a list of things I do want. I fully admit that this is a selfish list, though I have a sneaking suspicion I am not alone in my desires and could quite possibly inspire some new ones (crossing fingers).


This post just so happens to coincide with the final week to submit your business idea to the Comerica Hatch Detroit contest (watch above video).  Coincidence? Not really, just a little push to see some possible traction on the below list coming to life. Disclaimer:  I am on the executive board. 


For those of you interested in starting a business in Detroit and need some cold, hard cash to get started, you have one week left to submit to the Comerica Hatch Detroit 2012 contest for a chance to win $50K along with a matching value in business services (marketing, accounting, legal, web, photo ops with Joe Posch, etc). 


So without further adieu......

1.  Food Truck Park with a slew of amenities like seating, restrooms, wifi, bike racks, stroller valet, atm, live music stage, kid-friendly play area, gardens featuring local art and water displays, etc.  Not to mention a host of events like beer gardens, tailgates, themed parities, concerts, movie nights, private rentals.  The list goes on and on.  I think there may be a parcel or two of land available for development, maybe squeeze in next to the area of Brush Park that backs up to Eastern Market.  Just a thought......

Above is an example, the Soma Street Food Park in San Francisco that opened this year, which was inspired by Portland's Pods.

2.  Better Hours. Jimmy John's on Monroe and Griswald, I would really appreciate it if you extend your hours past the national AARP bedtime.  Same goes for you CVS.

3.  More Active Detroit. Take a look at the below picture.  Where was this taken?  Florida Keys? No. El Lay.  Err, wrong again.  Belle Isle Beach. Yeah, the one here in Detroit.


This beauty opens opportunities for kayak, canoe, paddle boat, and stand up paddle board (SUP) sales, rentals, and lessons.  Bike rentals to cruise around the island? Yes please. 

Photo taken 7/23/2012  by the lovely Michelle Srbinovich 

Personally, I would like to go back in time about a hundred years when Belle Isle looked like the below photos.  Of course in full color, 25 mega pixel, smart phone captured, HD Videoed, with more photos than Instragram can handle.


Just think:  it could be our very own Central Park, but way cooler because it is an actual island, not just on one.

*To help reopen the FIRST aquarium in the whole US of A that resides on Belle Isle, click HERE to donate (time and money, people).*

4.  Independent Health Food Store, ie The Natural Food Patch in Fab Ferndale (I would like a piece of my former life in the burbs to follow me here to Detroit).

5.  Roof Top Bars. Here is one example, The Empire Hotel in NYC, that was recently graced with a runway show by our very own Fotoula Lambros Design.  A pool would be a nice addition as well. 

6.  More Delivery!!!! Good News: Michelle at Woofbridge Feed + Supply will deliver dog food to my apartment.  Bad news:  Who else delivers besides Michelle, Sgt. Pepperoni, Bucharest, and a few chains after 4 pm? 


Actually, I think we should start with beer and then move onto food.  My neighbor's friend brings over growlers of beer on his skateboard.  Seems easy enough. 


P.S. If you do want delivery between 11 am - 4pm, Hot Spokes can help you with a myriad of choices.

7.  Art Boutique Hotels. Each room is designed by a different artist, catering to people who need a last minute room because they will be having way too much fun in Detroit and do not want to leave before sunrise.

8.  Art Street Vendors.  Since we are already on the topic of art, Detroit has a very talented artistic community. I would love to see the day that an area of Detroit was designated for people to display, sell, and create their art right on the city streets!

http://www.belozro.net

9.  Blow-Out Bar. Yes ladies, this one is for you.  A "blow-out" bar is a salon that specializes in two things: blow-outs and cocktails.  So picture this scenario:  It's been a long day at work and the last thing you want to do is your hair for a night out in the city especially since it's 91 degrees with humility of 300%.  Blah. So how nice would it be to waltz on over to a salon after work, greeted by a friendly receptionist who hands you a cocktail, and quickly get your hair done by a talented hair-stylist?  Pretty nice, right?  You are now relaxed (Calgon who?), looking great, and do not have to worry about mother nature tampering your 'do.  Bonus, you get to leave all the baggage at home and no clean-up time. 


Best part:  It didn't break the bank at $35 smackers!  Nothing beats a night out on the town where you have the confidence in the way you look and can freely enjoy the company around you.

My favorite example is the Drybar.  Drybar hails from sunny California and has locations up and down the West Coast, Arizona, Texas, Georgia and The Big Apple.  I think its time to venture to the Midwest and open shop in Detroit, hint hint :).

10.  Mae's.  Real shocker here, right folks? Mae's serves up delicious breakfast and lunch in one of the most stylish locations in Metro Detroit. They are located in the 48069 and really, need to be in the proximity of 48226.  Not only does Mae's serve up yummy meals, but they clearly know how to run a successful business with a 300% growth in sales from 2010-2011.  As a new restaurant, beating the odds is an understatement.  Exactly what Detroit needs, a business that has longevity and prides itself on buying local. How many other restaurants do you know of that refuse to sell Coke or Pepsi and stick with Faygo?




Now, due to a "secret informant" (apparently Curbed Detroit has......one),  the owner's of Mae's aim higher and in addition to serving tasty breakfast and lunch, they would love to supply you with bottomless mimosas,  McClure's Bloody Mary's, and their own tasty concoctions on Saturday & Sunday.  Rumor has it thanks to the new law signed by Governor Snyder, it's way easier to get a liquor license in Detroit than the burbs.........

Jess's latest creation: Salted Carmel Cream Filled Chocolate Chip Cookies.
I'm sure they will be even more delicious in the 313.

11.  Fitness Studios. You cannot mention food without following it up with fitness.  Dear "Best of Hour" Five-Years-Running Nth Degree Fitness: Get your fine, well sculpted behinds down here already and give Charles Pugh a run for his money with your 6-pack abs!  You too Bikram Yoga and GoCycle!

12.  Somerset CityLoft opens up full time on Woodward, maybe on the former J.L Hudson site......... 

13.  Film Tours. Let's start highlighting all the Hollywood that Detroit has to offer! 

The weather has not been the only thing hot here this summer.  Check out all the action that's been going on in Detroit over the past few months.

Corktown:

• Brooklyn Street Local opened on Michigan and Brooklyn.
• Green Dot Stables is open past lunch thanks to the liquor license approval.  I run an extra couple of miles a week thanks to their menu (specifically to these).  Totally worth it!
• Corktown Businesses Receive $980K for Development Projects 

Midtown

• Great Lakes Coffee, aka Institute for Advanced Drinking (iFad) opened on Alexandrine and Woodward.  Tell James I sent you.
• Yoga Shelter opened its doors to give us our daily dose of Zen
• The Bottomline Coffee Shop opened for business on July 23rd
• Whole Foods broke ground on Mack Ave 

Downtown 

• Somerset CityLoft opened for second year 
• Dan Gilbert has not bought another building.  Bedrock is too busy lowering the commercial vacancy rate.
• Amazon.com exploring to build a software center 

Highland Park

• AJ's Cafe is relocating from Ferndale 

City News

• US Patent Office opens first location outside of DC on the banks of the Detroit River
• Mayor Bing and Gov. Snyder announce construction of a new bridge to Canada 
• Globe Trading Company Nature Center Development underway with $12.8M DNR investment
• $10M awarded to improve Eastern Market, link Dequindre Cut, Midtown, and Hamtramck
• $44M to expand the RiverFront to Belle Isle