From scrumptious summer desserts and chic fashions to outdoor art fairs and spicy salsa moues, here's a look at hot summer trends and activities in metro Detroit. We're calling it 2004's Summer Delights. A letter-by- for Summer Desserts la Who says hot chocolate is only for chilly winter nights? This summer, chocoholics can enjoy their favorite winter beverage as a cool treat. Maribel Lieberman, founder of MarieBelle Fine Treats and Chocolates in trendy Soho New York, calls her chocolate a "sensual experience." Her famous MarieBelle Aztec Hot Chocolate (an Oprah favorite) can be whipped into frosty concoc- tions. Try this recipe: Aztec Iced Chocolate: In a blender, mix 1 cup of Aztec Hot Chocolate Crème de Chocolat (see above) and 1 cup of ice. Blend until smooth. Makes two glasses. MarieBelle Aztec Hot Chocolate comes in four decadent flavors - Aztec Original, Aztec Dark, Aztec Spicy (with chipotle, nutmeg and cinnamon) and Aztec Café Negro (with Venezuelan coffee). Find MarieBelle at Neiman Marcus, Papa Joe's Gourmet Market in Birmingham or visit www.mariebelle.com . is for Detroit Zoo Cool off in the Arctic Ring of Life, a state-of-the-art, $14.9 million interac- tive exhibit about the North Pole. Experience the Polar Passage, a 70- foot long tunnel where you can watch the underwater activities of polar bears and seals. New this summer is Deep Sea-The Ride, a motion-based film simulation ride that shows life beneath the ocean's surface. You'll plunge into the deepest, darkest parts of the ocean in search of a giant squid and sperm whale. The Wild Adventure Simulator uses NASA flight simulator technology and digital surround sound. Visit the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through October. Call (248) 398-0900. 12 • JUNE 2004 • PLATINUM etter guide for Movies for Unmentionables Pretty lingerie and loungewear are trendy, both in and out of the bedroom. For once, comfort is key, with designers showing matching sleep sets in ribbed cotton or silks. Instead of thong bottoms, try a boy short or Capri pant. Yoga pants are still hot, but try pairing them with a floral tank or beaded top for a more feminine look. Even outerwear is lingerie-inspired. Designers like Dolce and Gabbana and Calvin Klein have embraced this trend by featuring exposed bra straps, corsets and silk tanks edged with lace. At Anthropologic in Birmingham, find a lingerie-inspired slip dress by Eloise in pretty pastels — perfect for a wed- ding shower. At West Bloomfield's Ruby's Balm, look for matching sleep sets from Eberjey, Cosabella and On Gossamer. for Enjoy the Arts Summertime abounds with cultural opportunities like outdoor music festivals and dozens of art fairs. The granddaddy of them all is the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, one of the nation's most competitive art exhibits. Browse pastels and oil paintings, alongside clay sculpture, jewelry and glasswork from July 21-24. Chrysler Arts, Beats and Eats is Oakland County's premier enter- tainment festival with 200 artist booths, hundreds of bands and tons of food in downtown Pontiac Sept. 3-6. Catch the Detroit Symphony Orchestra perform- ing at Henry Ford's Greenfield Village over Independence Day weekend. The DSO's "Salute to America" is a patriotic tribute under the stars. No, we're not talking the local megaplex. This summer, catch a flick outdoors at America's largest drive-in theater, the Ford-Wyoming Drive In, 10400 Ford Road, Dearborn. The Ford- Wyoming has nine screens showing first-run movies and room for over 3000 cars. Use the old-time speakers or plug in with your own FM car stereo. Wednesday is bargain night — only $7.50 per carload. Call (313) 846- 6910. Try a twist on the traditional movie date with Friday Flicks in the Rock Garden of Rochester's Meadow Brook Hall. Enjoy a 1930s Hollywood classic (usually a romantic comedy) shown under the stars on August Fridays. Admission is $25 per person, which includes a picnic basket filled with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, wine and chocolate. Reservations are recom- mended. Call (248) 370-3140. for Love Your Pet The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association reports Americans are spending more money than ever on their furry friends. Spending in the pet industry has doubled in the last decade from $17 billion in 1994 to a projected $34.3 billion in 2004 — outranking both the toy industry and the candy business. From designer collars to pet beds and clothes, there seems to be no limit to what Americans will buy for Fido or Fluffy. Coach recently launched its line of novelty dog collars in lightweight leather with brushed nickel bone charms. Available in various colors and styles (548 and up). At Royal Oak's Uppity Puppy doggie palace, you can find the latest summer clothes for pooches — doggie tank tops, bikinis, ruf- fled dresses and Hawaiian shirts. is for Improv Just because Detroit's Second City is taking the summer off to move into new digs in Novi doesn't mean Detroiters will be starved for laughs. Check out these rising stars at improv troupes around town: • Totally Unrehearsed Theatre, a hilari- ous improvisation and sketch comedy group, performs free shows every Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak. Call (248) 542-9900. • The Improv Colony performs $5 shows at 8 p.m. Monday nights through August at the cozy Planet Ant Theatre in Hamtramck. Call (313) 365-4948. • Motor City Improv does weekly shows at 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Joey's Comedy Club in Livonia. Tickets are $3. Call (734) 261-0555.