The Tamesis
Situated in the heart of a small village that nurtures a thriving creative scene, Shepherd has transformed a once dilapidated Romanesque church into a multi-disciplinary arts campus. The restored sanctuary – with its arched windows and brick facade intact – now hosts exhibitions, performances and parties, while neighboring houses have been thoughtfully transformed into intimate restaurants and small businesses, creating a walkable cultural enclave. The campus extends outdoors, with a skate park and a sculpture garden honoring the late Detroit artist Charles McGee. A few blocks away, the Lantern is a sleek, light-filled building designed by OMA, the firm founded by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, that houses artist studios, nonprofits and retail space.
where to eat
Detroit’s dining scene reflects the city itself: rooted in immigrant communities, shaped by Black excellence, and driven by a new generation of chefs who see possibility where others once saw decline.
Located in a restored 1910 firehouse, Ladder 4 is the perfect venue for your special event. The wine list is one of the best in the Midwest, leaning toward natural and European influences, and the menu is innovative and seasonal. Oysters, oysters, bone marrow and truffle mashed potatoes, pork chop schnitzel and perfectly cooked dry aged beef ribs. Alpine-style cuisine has found a loving home at Alpino in Corktown. Think hearty pastas, French pork sausage and veal chops, braised, peeled and pickled vegetables, and an impressive bar program. Located on the former Coney Island, Flower of Vietnam combines the flavors of Vietnam with an extensive wine list and delicious cocktails. Their caramel chicken wings, green papaya salad, sakura pork belly casserole and “shake-up beef” are crowd favorites.
Few cities support chef-driven innovation like Detroit. At Rose’s Fine Food, Molly Mitchell’s favorite daytime dining room has been transformed into an intimate green and pink candlelit dinner space with a Polish-inspired menu. Don’t miss the cabbage lasagna. Barda’s sibling, Puma, offers South American-style fire cooking, Peruvian-style ceviche served straight from the fresh bar, and tropical-inspired cocktails. Medusa, from the team behind SheWolf, brings the buzz of Sicily—citrus, seafood, artisanal pasta—to Midtown. No trip to Detroit would be complete without a stop at the city’s long-time favorite, the Selden Standard. Chef Andy Holliday serves seasonal wood-fired small plates and entrees, as well as superb cocktails.
