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 B40 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