The Grosse Pointes, Kercheval, From The Hill to Alter Road A sk someone not born and bred in the Grosse Pointes - or not in the custom of traveling east of 1-75 for that matter - to describe the dif- ferences between the Pointes, and you'll most certainly be met with a quizzical look. Indeed, to the casual observer, the Grosse Pointes — Woods, Park, City, Farms and Shores — can generally be indistinguishable: grand manses line Lake Shore Drive while smaller, but nonetheless substantial, homes occupy hefty lots on well-tended streets migrating west from Lake St. Clair. But spend a bit of time crisscrossing what are arguably some of metro Detroit's loveliest residential enclaves and a bounty of differ- ences — some subtle, some not so — will illustrate each city's distinct per- sonality. First, understand that the Grosse Pointes, long associated with the region's "old" money families, whis- per their wealth, unlike their west side cousins who prefer the more "look at me" approach. And second, know that the key to unlocking the mysteries of the Pointes can be found in the business districts clustered along Kercheval (from north to south): the staid Hill, the upbeat Village, and the scrappy few blocks hard against Alter Road before entering the city of Detroit. DINING The Grosse Pointe way of life is often compared to that very defini- tive, yachting-centric, country-club- bing, East Coast lifestyle. Thus, it was only natural that the private clubs of the Pointes became, and remain, hubs for socializing, per- haps, some say, at the expense of a dynamic dining scene coming into its own. Thankfully, albeit slowly, eating- out options extend beyond the damask-dressed dining rooms of the neighborhood's members-only haunts. Along The Hill ( Kercheval between Muir and Fisher ), The Hill Seafood and Chop House (123 Kercheval, 313-886-8101) brought life to what had been a culinary desert when it opened about five years ago. And since then it's been earning accolades from residents and garnering attention from local and national arbiters of taste. As its name suggests, the atmos- phere is quite a bit more casual near- by at Lucy's Tavern (115 Kercheval, 313-640-2020), while Cafe Nini (98 Kercheval, 313-308-3120), a sort of 26 • October 20, 2005 • MainStreetS chic coffee house-cum-chic café, champions a spiffier yet relaxed style, where patrons can duck in for a rich cappuccino or enjoy a menu of Italian soups, salads and sand- wiches. It's a celebration of fine food at The Upper Crust (75 Kercheval, 313-884-5637). But despite the pre- tense of the name, it's anything but standoffish. If curious about that day's specials, check out the black- board at this part-café, part-gourmet food store for its "Daily Nosh." At the south end of Kercheval, Janet's Lunch (15033 Kercheval, 313-331-5776) remains a favorite among the locals for serving uncom- plicated, but expertly prepared, breakfasts and lunches, while things get a little more spicy across the street at M'Dears Creole Cooking (15102 Kercheval, 313-821-1881). The neighborhood is also home to a couple of places that do double duty as specialty food shops. There's Blue Bay Fish and Seafood Market (15308 Kercheval, 313 824 3474) and Sprout House Natural Food Market (15233 Kercheval, 313-331- 3200). - - SHOPPING At first blush, it's easy to bypass the Hill as a shopping destination, what with the numerous brokerage houses, real estate offices and other professional services lining the street. But that would be a shame as this lovely streetscape is home to a well stocked Brooks Brothers Factory Store (11 Kercheval, 313- 886-2300), a browser's paradise at Pointe Pedlar (88 Kercheval, 313- 885-4028) for all sorts of kitchen gadgets and cookery, and the cozy How Inviting (97 Kercheval, 313- -