Food

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Although the Bosco has been a popular Woodward bar for over 16 years, recent renova- tions are working to make it one of the most memorable Ferndale nightspots.

A newly renovated space, combined with a new kitchen and grill, gives visitors an entirely new standard when meeting for a casual drink. Guests can enjoy a specialty mixed drink in the calming and beautiful lounge area, and their spacious patio section (equipped with heaters) is a scenic place to enjoy an evening any time of the year.

Jay Noonchester took over the bar as owner three years ago, and has spent his time there reinventing the Bosco experience. Working with his carpenter father, growing up has given Noonchester a unique hand- crafted vision for the bar. Gorgeous reclaimed wood from the family’s Howell barn mix with colorful neon lights — giving off a soothing mix of old and new. The ceiling lights change color and direction in a fun, fluid movement, moving the atmosphere from a chill lounge to a high energy night club. Custom-made candle-lit wooden tables and bar top makes Bosco feel cozy and welcoming — a perfect place for a conversation.

The Bosco is much more than a beautiful space, though. Offering an array of musical talent as well as nightly specials, there is always something fun happening inside. As bartender Julie explains, “There really is something here for everyone. We go from a relaxed pre-dinner lounge, to an acoustic crowd drinking wine, to pouring shots for the late night crowd.”
The bar is as accommodating to the soothing Ben Sharkey Quartet as they are with loud electronic music. With a constantly rotating schedule of artists and DJs, there is a sound for everyone’s tastes at the Bosco.

The most exciting update to the Bosco is the addition of a grill and kitchen providing a tasty menu full of plates that are perfect to share. Chef Steve Hromek has worked with Noonchester to design a kitchen capable of his varied and delicious delicacies for both vegetarians and carnivores alike. Hromek’s inspired menu is accessible yet gourmet; everything is made in-house and fresh.

The two-man team in the kitchen works hard to change your perception of bar food.

The smoked salmon crostini has incredible house-smoked salmon prepared fresh and is perfectly paired with cucumber, crème, and capers. Seared sea scallops will melt in your mouth and leave your taste buds in wonder. Your favorite comfort foods — including spinach dip with freshly made chips — have an added twist of gourmet flavor.

The Bosco will soon become your favorite dessert spot when you try their decadently delicious Sweet Tooth menu. There will always be room for the house made mini elephant ears served with a homemade apple cider glaze. Cider donuts are available year round. The deep-fried Oreos can be a meal on their own. The oversized cast iron cookie and slices of specialty cakes are all served with Treat Dreams ice cream. The Bosco desserts make for a perfect late night date; share an oversized slice of cake chased with a specialty martini for the tastiest night imaginable.

In addition to the new menu, the Bosco offers an array of drinks. Specialty martinis include everything from dessert mixes and coffee drinks to your classic blends — each looking almost too good to drink. The Boo Berry, a local favorite, has fresh blueberries mixed with blueberry vodka and coconut rum and juices — a perfect blend without being overly sweet.

The Bosco always features Michigan- made beers and liquors on special. An extensive wine list is available, as well as a long non-alcoholic beverage list including specialty coffees and Italian sodas.

The Bosco is conveniently located at just north of 9 Mile Road on Woodward with a parking lot in back. Its proximity to the Magic Bag makes it the perfect place for a drink before or after a show. Follow them on Face- book to stay updated on their special events, deals, and great menu items.

If something happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a preparation. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat emasculation and other states connected to erectile malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you should look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong heartiness problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a state called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.

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Call it a second helping of space, and one which tastes pretty delicious so far.

Ferndale’s Treat Dreams, which opened to spectacular local fanfare in August 2010, recently made a significant business decision to expand its location at 22965 Woodward Ave. The result? A dining area that is about triple its former size, as well as a kitchen area twice as big as before. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, doesn’t it? “We’re so busy in the summer,” server Brie Todd says. “We needed more room.” It’s a move that’s paying off, says Treat Dreams owner Scott Moloney. “A popular saying is that ‘I’d rather be lucky than good,’ and I feel that way about being lucky enough to have my business in Ferndale,” he says.

The Treat Dreams staff closed its original store and began the expansion and renovation project on February 18th. The project was complete on March 15th, just in time for an eager crowd of ice cream lovers on the cusp of springtime weather. The project cost around $50,000, and involved taking over PakMail’s space, the business which was located next door. (Pakmail has moved two blocks to the north, to 23241 Woodward.)

The decision to expand wasn’t made on a whim, Moloney explains. “Actually, there were a couple of reasons we decided to expand the store,” he says. “The obvious one was to have more dining space — we essentially tripled the amount of dining space and seating for our guests. The prior space became very crowded during the April–September season on a normal day, and in the event that we had a birthday party in the store, it took up almost all of our seating. In addition to our expanded inside seating, we also plan to have outdoor cafe seating in front of our original space and the expanded space (on Woodward), and also to have additional seating on the side of the building on Cambourne.”

Equally important in Moloney’s decision was the desire to give his servers more space to work their magic in the kitchen. And for anyone who hasn’t tried Treat Dreams’ homemade ice cream, there’s a lot of magic going on. Seriously, who ever thought to make an ice cream flavor out of Swedish fish? Not to mention other exotic ideas, which include pistachio wasabi, chocolate-covered potato chip ice cream, hot jalapeno, lemon basil, and purple yam, to name a few.

“The new kitchen space will allow us to add more freezer space as our business grows,” Moloney says. “Prior to that, our walk-in freezer would be packed to the ceiling between the ice cream that we sold in the store, plus the growing number of scoops and ice cream sandwiches needed for our expanding event business, plus the ice cream that we needed to store to our growing wholesale business to local restaurants (now up to about a dozen restaurants in the Detroit area). The expansion will also allow us to add a potential second retail location in the Detroit area, and have the production remain in Ferndale.”

There were also some extracurricular concerns that went into the decision to launch the project. “The expanded space also allows us to host our popular Kids Camp program as well as our after-hours adult ice cream-making parties — Treat Dreams After Dark — without getting in the way and interrupting our normal production needs in the kitchen,” Moloney says.

All in all, he says, everything’s been peachy. “So far, I am thrilled with the reaction of our guests,” he says. “My biggest fear was how it would be received by our existing client base. It was quite a radical transformation, both in terms of the size of the expansion as well as the makeover, and you are always nervous when you mess with something that is already successful.” Although still a relatively young business, Treat Dreams already has the feel of a place that is a community mainstay. “I feel blessed to have been embraced by the local community,” Moloney says. “It feels like we have been a part of the Ferndale community for much longer than the almost three years that we have been in business. I like everything about the town and residents and businesses (in Ferndale). The support that Ferndale has given me is nothing short of amazing, from working with the city — great to work with, always accommodating — to the residents — incredibly supportive of small independent businesses, and always embracing of the unique flavors we do — to the local businesses, that we have been proud to partner with.”

Todd says that most of the regulars who frequent Treat Dreams have been thrilled by the recent expansion. “People are always so positive when they come in here,” he says.

Oak Park resident Jenn Jamal says she wishes her family could hit up Treat Dreams more frequently. “Our family loves the creative flavors at Treat Dreams, and the quality of the ice cream is amazing,” she says. “As an added bonus, we like that we’re supporting a local business.”

Treat Dreams is open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays,
from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
again on Sundays. Email Moloney at treatdreams@gmail.com.

If some happened with our heartiness, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a medicament. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat emasculation and other states coupled to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as soul trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a state called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.

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There is no doubt that Ferndale offers some of the best nightlife in all of the Metro Detroit area. And one person who has helped bring the area from a dilapidated downtown to an essential hangout is Chris Johnston. He and his partners are responsible for such cornerstone spots as the WAB (Woodward Avenue Brewers), The Emory, The Loving Touch and even the DIY Street Fair. Their ideas, creativity and efforts have helped shape downtown Ferndale as the suburbs go-to hangout spot. We sat down with Chris to find out more about why he chose Ferndale for his businesses and the DIY Street Fair, and how he got into the business in the first place.

Ferndale Friends: How did you get into the line of work you’re in?
Chris Johnston: I was a musician trying to make a go at that business. All of the beating my head against the wall made me believe that starting a microbrewery in a sleepy little town with not a lot going on sounded like a fantastic idea. Thanks to my ability to put forth a pretty convincing argument for just about anything, I got my girlfriend, Krista – now my wife – and my brother Grant – unbelievably still my brother – along with another childhood friend, Brian Reedy – still my friend but we’re no longer in our childhoods – to come along for the ride. Looking back on it, it still seems pretty ridiculous. But that’s what makes things exciting.

FF: Why did you choose Ferndale to open up the microbrewery? Did you grow up here?
CJ: No, I grew up in Birmingham. My mom is still there in the house I grew up in with my three brothers. Family is really important to me. When we decided to open up, we searched all over the area for a location, focusing on Royal Oak because it was just starting to get popular. There weren’t any buildings of the size we needed available, so we ventured into Ferndale. I always had fond memories of the city. Instantly we knew it was the right place, as it felt like it was a blank canvas, which I view as a good thing. In many ways it still feels that way, as it seems like any kind of business from the heart could come in here and get a fighting chance.

FF: What do you think it is that makes Ferndale so unique?
CJ: People that live here are proud of their city, and for good reason. I think there’s a tremendous sense of self associated with the city of Ferndale. I feel like it’s a positive place. Life can be challenging. This economy can be challenging. I like the feeling that we have here that we’re all in this together, whether that’s working with the city, the police, DPW, fire or standing in our driveway talking to our neighbors.

FF: How did the idea for the DIY Street Fair come about?
CJ: We started the DIYSF to be a city event that could benefit as many people and businesses in this city as possible. I sat on the DDA Board for a while and had an inside ear to dissent regarding events: there was always some group that felt left out or was unhappy with each event. I’m not saying we created some utopian event, but that was our goal. For the record, you have to have those events that don’t please everyone. For example the Dream Cruise. I think it’s a very valuable event for the city, yet a lot of people cruise out of town when it happens. I’m a people-pleaser by nature. Listening to complaints really gets old quick for me.
FF: And do you think something like the DIYSF could really take root in other communities?
CJ: I wish I could say yes, but DIY fits Ferndale to a tee. The amount of creativity that is in this area is so inspiring. DIY came after all of that was already here. And, at the risk of sounding unpopular or closed minded, I don’t get that same sense of creativity from many other communities.

FF: What does it mean to you to see all of your endeavors become so popular in Ferndale?
CJ: This is a great opportunity for me to inject this in this conversation: Our businesses, and whatever success and popularity they have now or forever, is a direct result of the four partners involved in them, as well as the amazing people that we work with. DIY Street Fair happened because I had an idea and called on some really creative people who I was lucky enough to be able to convince to help organize it. I’m really good at starting conversations, making introductions and then finding a sandwich and thinking about the next thing. I can see how it takes a lot to work with me, and I’m really lucky anyone does.

FF: Why do you think people come to Ferndale?
CJ: People like Ferndale for the same reason they like DIYSF: You can walk 20 feet and be pleasantly surprised by the next thing you see. It may be completely different yet there are common threads that weave through it all of integrity, expression and optimism.

FF: Chris, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us. We wish you continued success.
CJ: Thanks to Ferndale Friends for being a great conduit for this community. It’s a great way to get to know what makes people around us tick.

The DIY Street Fair, sponsored by the Woodward Avenue Brewery will take place September 14th-16th East of Woodward and South of Nine Mile. Admission is free. For more information visit http://diystreetfair.com.

If slightly happened with our heartiness, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a medicament. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states united to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What men talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as core trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a state called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.

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It was a sad day for many Ferndale residents and eatery buffs alike when Bart and Todd Sparks, owners of Club Bart, announced they were closing their doors last Summer. The eclectic little establishment right next door to Dino’s was known for their good food, tasty drinks, friendly staff – and that funky stage that was uniquely positioned behind and above the bar, where musical and comedic acts would strut their stuff most nights of the week.

But this isn’t an obituary. It’s a birth announcement!

For some time now, people driving or walking by Ferndale’s main intersection may have been wondering just what mysterious plans were being cooked up behind the closed doors of 22726 Woodward Ave.
The answer? The John D Bistro, which could be open as early as mid-February if all goes well.

At the moment, the interior of the building is being renovated, but the handsome exterior arch of the front door sporting the name “John D” seems to be a sign of good things to come.

Another sign? The restaurant industry is apparently firmly stamped into owner Eddie Farah’s DNA. His father is the owner of one of the many Leo’s Coney Island eateries, and his cousins and uncles own restaurants, too (including Ferndale’s very own Anita’s Kitchen as well as Le George
in Northville and Ike’s Family Dining in Sterling Heights). “That’s all we do,” Farah says of his family. “We do restaurants.”

Farah, a Royal Oak resident, says taking ownership of the property at 22726 was a logical step to take. He says he’s been hanging out in Ferndale for quite some time — he’s a big fan of Magic Bag and Woodward Avenue Brewers, in particular — and he happened to share a mutual acquaintance with Bart Starks, the former owner of Club Bart. Farah says he found out from this acquaintance that Starks was getting ready to retire Club Bart. “So I took a look at it, and we made a deal,” he says. “You can’t beat the location. You’re in a great city; you’re in Ferndale. You’re on Woodward in Ferndale, so you can’t beat that. Ferndale is up-and-coming. It’s hip. And people know their food.”

Farah is less than eager — “as of right now” — to discuss what the John D Bistro will offer on its menu. “It’s modern American,” he says. “I’m
just going to leave it at that. Right now, I really don’t want to leak my menu.”
Then, this tantalizing clue: “The food is going to look delicious, and it’s going to taste delicious,” he says. He adds that he’s got the beer covered, too. “I’m planning on doing Michigan craft beers on my tap,” he says, making specific mention of Bell’s and Founders.

For the folks who loved the aforementioned stage that stood behind the bar at Club Bart, fear not. You’ll see it again. “I kept the stage,” Farah says with a laugh. “I actually made the stage a little bit bigger. The stage is going to have a dual purpose: I built it out so it’s also a lounge up there. So when I don’t have live entertainment, people can sit up there and drink and eat there. We’ll have cool lighting, and it’s going to be a cool place just to hang out. And then when I have live entertainment we take the tables down, we take the railing off, and then we can have good bands playing up there.”

Naturally, since it hasn’t opened yet, the John D Bistro is looking for some employees. Anyone interested in working there is encouraged to send
their resume to resume@johndbistro.com. So how long do we have to wait before the John D Bistro opens its doors to offer eager customers a taste? Not long, Farah says. “We’re getting close to finishing construction,” he says. “We’re just waiting on that, and a liquor
license. It should be pretty soon.”

As soon as a little more of the winter is behind us, go strolling up to 22726 Woodward Ave. (look for the arch!), and bring your appetite.
It sounds like Ferndale has another great restaurant coming!

If slightly happened with our soundness, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a medicament. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states connected to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What humanity talk about “viagra stories“? The most essential aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile malfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction include injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual disfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.

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If you’re looking for the hardshell- ground-beef-shreddedcheddar- lettuce-with-sour-cream taco at The Woodward Imperial when it opens this Spring, forget it! This ain’t your father’s taco joint.

Nor will it have an atmosphere like any snotty places further north on Woodward. Instead, The Woodward Imperial will be a fun, family- and community-friendly eatery and bar with a new twist on tacos, said Jeff King, one of the owners with Perry and Sharon Lavoisne and Amir Daiza.

Rather than the fare that one would get at the national taco chain, The Woodward Imperial will serve “authentic, California- style, open-face street tacos,” said King. There will be seven varieties, including beef, chicken and veggie,” on soft corn tortillas. But no fish tacos. “Those are coastal,” explained King, referring to the country’s two coasts.

Other offerings include sides, such as beans (but not refried), corn, and madeto- order guacamole. However, King was quick to point out, “It’s not a Mexican restaurant. You won’t get the typical fare you get at a Mexican restaurant.” And everything will be fresh. “We’re using local purveyors for everything we can get our hands on.”

With seating for 135, the restaurant is furnished with handmade oak booths, tables, benches and barstools—all made by King. The walls are charcoal and light grey, and King and his partners are in the process of seeking artwork. There won’t be a lot of TVs either. An area in the back of the restaurant will have four for folks who want to watch the “big game” with their meal. Otherwise, the place is set up for socializing.

“TVs detract from social interaction,” said King. “I want a sense of community.” To promote this, the restaurant has two communal tables in the front of the house. “It’s part of the experience of being with people, talking.” King added that at the communal tables, he can accommodate parties of up to 20, unlike other restaurants that may have to push tables together or break parties apart because they can’t seat such a large group.

Located at the site of the former Post Bar, The Woodward Imperial will have the same distressed wood floors, which have been carefully refinished by King. “Everything else is new,” he explained, but “I want people to feel like we’ve been here 75 years. I want (the restaurant) to feel like a place your grandfather took you to.”

The Woodward Imperial will have a full bar and programmed music representing a variety of artists and styles. Garage-style roll-up doors are installed at the front and back of the eatery, which will give diners the option of eating inside or out in nice weather. But even for those who eat inside, they’ll still get the feel of eating outdoors. “I always wanted to do roll-up doors,” King explained.

A native of Fresno, Calif., the now-Berkley resident came to Michigan in 1993. A former bass player in a band, King, the son of a father in the military, said he was raised “all over—Europe, both coasts, Texas, many states.” In terms of education, he took some classes at If you’re looking for the hardshell- ground-beef-shreddedcheddar- lettuce-with-sour-cream taco at The Woodward Imperial when it opens this Spring, forget it! This ain’t your father’s taco joint. Northern Virginia Community College. He’s been married to his wife, Suzanne, for nine years.

In his spare time, the former nightclub and bar owner and head of security at St. Andrews Hall in downtown Detroit enjoys summertime activities, golf and anything automotive.

King and his partners chose Ferndale for The Woodward Imperial because they “like the diversity of Ferndale; it’s an up-and-coming growth city.”

“Ferndale actually was our first choice,” said King, “but it took a year to find the right property. We really like the clientele here, foot traffic and attitude. City officials have been very helpful— providing me with the right information and helping me move my project along,” he explained.

When it opens, The Woodward Imperial will have 18 employees, including a chef rather than a cook. Asked why a chef, King explained, “because of the uniqueness of our dishes.” The key elements that will drive the business are quality, consistency and customer service. “You won’t see employees texting. We’re interested in getting back to what good service should be.”

In choosing the name, the partners “didn’t want anything that screamed Mexican restaurant,” King said. They decided on Imperial because that’s the last beachfront in California before reaching Mexico. However, he was quick to explain that The Woodward Imperial “is not a stereotypical California beach bar.”

King said The Woodward Imperial will be the partners’ flagship, and they plan to open more restaurants. “We’re honing our concept. We will open our next location in 18 months (in Michigan).”

King wants the community to know that The Woodward Imperial is not a corporate operation. “Our employees won’t be wearing uniforms. This is a corner, community establishment.” He explained that he and his partners want to be part of the community, getting involved in festivals, youth activities and maybe even sponsoring a Little League team. “What’s important to us are families.”

He hopes to have some promotions or specials, but they haven’t been determined yet. Reservations won’t be necessary, unless there is a big party, then he requests that diners call ahead.

King strongly emphasizes that everyone will be welcome at The Woodward Imperial. “Our food is extremely affordable, and our prices are consumer-friendly. We are not highfalutin at all!” -Heidi Press is a Detroit-area writer & editor.

 

If something happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a cure. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat emasculation and other states connected to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most essential aspect you should look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction include injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual malfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this curing passes into breast milk.