MAINSTREETS
Ferndale
E
very city's got one. A place that's
full of quirks yet charmingly
offbeat. A place that doesn't take
itself too seriously but is serious about
having fun. A place that works hard to
maintain its small-town ways while at the
same time embraces change.
Around these parts, that place is
Ferndale. Indeed, few communities in
southeastern Michigan do what Ferndale
does so well: merging the old with the
new, the norm with the unpredictable.
Of course, there have been some grow-
ing pains along the way. And that's to be
expected. What's unexpected, though,
is the range of businesses and services
packed into its always-evolving business
district.
DINING/NIGHTLIFE
Still need proof the world is getting small-
er? Look no further than the Ferndale
restaurant scene for a gastronomic tour of
truly global proportions.
For starters, the flavors of Africa and
Asia can be found in a passel of casual
eateries, including mainstays The Blue
Nile (545 W. Nine Mile, 248-547-6699),
Bangkok Café (323 W. Nine Mile, 248-
548-5373) and Star of India (180 W. Nine
Mile, 248-546-5996), while sushi leads the
charge at Nami (201 W. Nine Mile, 248-
542-6458) and Sakana (22914 Woodward,
248-336-2555).
Similarly, Europe gets a robust rep-
resentation from Josephine Creperie
and Bistro (241 W. Nine Mile, 248-399-
1366), where dinner and dessert crepes
impress with their authenticity; Danny's
fish Pub (22824 Woodward, 248-
546-8331); and The French Gourmet
(23421 Woodward, 248-541-1200), where
Francophiles of all stripes will find a cozy
welcome and coffee lovers will wax poetic
for days after lingering over a rich, frothy
cappuccino.
Also joining this European union, of
sorts, is the multi-tiered Via Nove (344
W. Nine Mile, 248-336-9936); the always
lively Como's Pizzeria (22812 Woodward,
248-548-5005), where you can also cut
into a juicy filet flavored with a terrific zip
sauce; and the smartly appointed Assaggi
Mediterranean Bistro (330 W. Nine Mile,
248-584-3499), which also infuses the tra-
ditions of Italy's coastal neighbors.
Rounding out the ethnic mix is the
toothsome Cajun fare from Howe's Bayou
(22848 Woodward, 248-691-7145) and
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October 23 • 2008
the Lebanese specialties at the very smart
looking Anita's Kitchen Lebanese Café
and Marketplace (22651 Woodward, 248-
765-4321).
Across the street from Josephine are
the quirky restaurants-cum-art galleries
Angel's Café (214 W. Nine Mile, 248-541-
0888) and Starving Artist (212 W. Nine
Mile, 248-545-5650). Remember to bring
your creativity to Starving Artist as each
table is covered in white butcher-block
paper for diners to indulge their artistic
talents; crayons are courtesy of the restau-
rant.
On Woodward, the ever-popular
Woodward Avenue Brewery (22646
Woodward, 248-546-3696), which is equal
parts lounge, restaurant and rec room,
shares the corner with The Emory (22700
Woodward, 248-546-8202), hands down
the sharpest bar in town — with the req-
uisite menu of burgers, served on locally
baked buns, and hand-cut French fries.
There's even a weekend breakfast menu
served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ferndale is also home to the award-win-
ning vegetarian and macrobiotic restau-
rant, the Om Café (23136 Woodward, 248-
548-1941). It might be small, but it's hard
to miss; look for the bright green facade
main
STREETS
on an otherwise ho-hum block.
The comfort food served up at
Ferndale's two great-looking diners, Fly
Trap (22950 Woodward, 248-399-5150)
and Toast (23144 Woodward, 248-398-
0444), sure isn't what Mom used to make.
That is unless Mom went to cooking
school.
You can enjoy a respite any day of the
week with a hot or cold beverage at the
minimalist-styled Java Hutt (165 W. Nine
Mile, 248-542-2438) or tea lounge Karma
Tea & Tonics (309 W. Nine Mile, 248-548-
1424). Or enjoy a little R&R at home with
goodies from either Strawberry Moon
(301 W. Nine Mile, 248-544-3131), known
for its organic breads, pizzas and pastries,
or the whimsically named Pinwheel
Bakery (220 W. Nine Mile, 248-398-8018).
Lastly, raise a glass to the city's bar and
nightclub proprietors for serving up a
diverse collection of hot spots that feed the
need to dance, trance or simply chill. Go
early to avoid the lines at Boogie Fever
(22901 Woodward, 248-541-1600), where
the groovy '70s and eclectic '80s live on,
or to score a pool table at the local outpost
of The Post Bar (22828 Woodward, 248-
546-7678).
Remember, too, to check out the mod-
em, sophisticated and soothing Bosco
(22930 Woodward, 248-541-8818); the
comfortable, but hardly dull SOHO
(205 W. Nine Mile, 248-542-7646); the
live music scene at Club Bart (22726
Woodward, 248-548-8746); and the citi-
fied Gracie's Underground Martini
Lounge (22757 Woodward, 248-298-
0330).
SHOPPING
Shopping in downtown Ferndale is more
urban than suburban. Oh sure, it's got the
old-fashioned streetlights and bountiful
hanging flower baskets in summer remi-
niscent of spiffier, upmarket towns in the
area. But the similarities end there.
House of Chants (210 W. Nine Mile,
248-414-9170) continues to offer the
hottest labels in denim, apparel, shoes
and accessories from across the country
and around the globe; street- and skate-
wear can be found at Citizen (23315
Woodward, 248-541-9800); and any
shoe- and handbag-loving gal will swoon
over the assortment at Stella (263 W. Nine
Mile, 248-584-5660).
Those who prefer stylings of decades
past, though, head to Mother Fletcher's
(234 W Nine Mile, 248-398-4816) for all