Fathers, Sons, And College Football

The view from my dad's seats

NFL insiders cannot believe that Jim Harbaugh would want to take a "step down" to coach college football at the University of Michigan. Their myopic view ignores the passion of college football fans and the personal investment many of us have in our state universities.

My dad died in October, and sports are not the same without being able to share the elation of every victory and the pain of every defeat with him. My dad followed all of Detroit's professional sports teams, but he followed only one team with an almost religious devotion. Sundays were God's day, but fall Saturdays belonged to the University of Michigan football team.

My dad went to U of M in the late 50s when Michigan football was pretty much as mediocre as it has been the last few years. Everything changed in 1969 when a young coach named Bo Schembechler took over as Michigan football's head coach. Although most fans did not know how to pronounce "Schembechler" when he was first hired, his teams did what no one else did to Woody Hayes's Ohio State teams--took a punch and punched them right back in the mouth. My dad saw the fight in Bo's teams and was hooked. He bought season tickets in the early 1970s and kept them until he died.

For about 40 years, he had the same seats in section 8. From the first time my parents carried me into the stadium as an infant, I have been lucky to attend many classic games at Michigan Stadium over the last few decades. Except for the years I was a student at Michigan, I watched most of the games from those seats.

Poutine in Corktown

Corktown's Brooklyn Street Local

When the Detroit Tigers moved from their ancient home in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood to Comerica Park, Corktown's future was uncertain. Would the businesses that thrived off the traffic from Tiger Stadium shutter their doors? Would anyone want to move a business into a neighborhood that lost its cash cow? Luckily for Detroiters, businesses did move in. Fifteen years after Tiger Stadium closed its gates, the neighborhood is a foodie destination.

Brooklyn Street Local is one of many restaurants to open up in the last few years. The restaurant uses locally sourced and organic ingredients and carries a wide variety of breakfast dishes and sandwiches, including several vegetarian and vegan options.

The Works burger. Definitely not vegan.

I ordered "The Works," a burger with bacon, cheddar cheese, a fried egg, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. My wife ordered the spicy tofu sandwich (fried tofu, sweet and spicy sauce, kale, and pickled cabbage). We also ordered a spinach and feta omelette for our daughters to share. Our main courses were good, but our poutine appetizer made the meal memorable.

Spicy Tofu Sandwich

Even though the French-Canadian dish has taken over the Metro Detroit restaurant scene, I had not tried poutine until my visit to Brooklyn Street Local. The traditional French-Canadian dish consists of french fries, gravy, and cheese curds. I do not know what the English translation of "poutine" is, but my guess is "sublime artery clogger."

Brooklyn Street Local's poutine

Brooklyn Street Local serves a traditional poutine with a choice of mushroom or beef gravy, and they also have vegan and breakfast poutines. Since my wife does not eat meat, we went with the traditional with mushroom gravy. Since I have not had poutine before, I cannot compare Brooklyn Street Local's to other poutines, but I can say it was a great introduction to the world of poutine. With the first bite, I knew that I had found the perfect combination of salty, cheesy, and fried goodness.

My eyes have been opened to the world of poutine. Thank you, Brooklyn Street Local.

Brooklyn Street Local is located at 1266 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226. It is open Tuesday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.

The Twelve Michigander Days of Christmas

Bronner's in Frankenmuth is Michigan's home of all things Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a robin in a cherry tree.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two McClure's pickles and a robin in a cherry tree.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me three coney dogs, two McClure's pickles, and a robin in a cherry tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four Shinola watches, three coney dogs, two McClure's pickles, and a robin in a cherry tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me FIVE PETOSKEY STONES, four Shinola watches, three coney dogs, two McClure's pickles, and a robin in a cherry tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me six Michigan craft beers, FIVE PETOSKEY STONES, four Shinola watches, three coney dogs, two McClure's pickles, and a robin in a cherry tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me seven Herman Miller chairs, six Michigan craft beers, FIVE PETOSKEY STONES, four Shinola watches, three coney dogs, two McClure's pickles, and a robin in a cherry tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eight Mackinac Island Fudges, seven Herman Miller chairs, six Michigan craft beers, FIVE PETOSKEY STONES, four Shinola watches, three coney dogs, two McClure's pickles, and a robin in a cherry tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me nine bags of Better Made chips, eight Mackinac Island Fudges, seven Herman Miller chairs, six Michigan craft beers, FIVE PETOSKEY STONES, four Shinola watches, three coney dogs, two McClure's pickles, and a robin in a cherry tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ten cans of Vernors, nine bags of Better Made chips, eight Mackinac Island Fudges, seven Herman Miller chairs, six Michigan craft beers, FIVE PETOSKEY STONES, four Shinola watches, three coney dogs, two McClure's pickles, and a robin in a cherry tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eleven Stormy Kromers, ten cans of Vernors, nine bags of Better Made chips, eight Mackinac Island Fudges, seven Herman Miller chairs, six Michigan craft beers, FIVE PETOSKEY STONES, four Shinola watches, three coney dogs, two McClure's pickles, and a robin in a cherry tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me twelve beef pasties, eleven Stormy Kromers, ten cans of Vernors, nine bags of Better Made chips, eight Mackinac Island Fudges, seven Herman Miller chairs, six Michigan craft beers, FIVE PETOSKEY STONES, four Shinola watches, three coney dogs, two McClure's pickles, and a robin in a cherry tree.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Singing Along with Santa in Ann Arbor

Santa reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas Santa's Night in Ann Arbor

'Twas several nights before Christmas, and all through the church, hundreds of creatures were stirring, for they had finished their search. Santa had arrived in old Ann Arbor town, with three giant elves who could really get down. Santa did sing, and the elves did dance, and the children sang too at Santa's entrance.

A trumpeter, jazz band, and pianist played, and the children's excitement never did fade. For Santa read them a story much like this one, and they listened in awe to the tale that he spun. They returned to their seats and their parents sang along, until Santa danced off to the very last song.

He did not fly away with his elves and reindeer but joyfully waited as each child bent his ear. Santa sat in his chair and listened with care as the children listed the gifts they hoped he would bear. After all of the children gave Santa their lists, there was no doubt in their minds that Santa truly exists.

With that last list, Santa flew into the night, and his voice echoed through Ann Arbor, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

8 Reasons I Am Thankful To Be Back In Michigan

For a few years, I tried really hard to find a way to move from Virginia back to Michigan that was financially feasible for me and my family. Now that I am back in the Great Lakes State, I am incredibly thankful to be a Michigan resident again.

I have countless reasons to be thankful for being back home, but I am especially thankful for the following:

8. The People

After a few days in our new home, my wife commented that so many people have been kind to her and welcomed her back to Michigan. Whether it was the checkout lady at the supermarket or a clerk at a paint store, people have been happy to suggest things for us to do in our new town. My daughter was only in school for two days before she received her first invitation to a classmate's birthday party. The little things matter, so thank you to every kind soul who has welcomed us home.

7. Beautiful Lakes Everywhere! 

My wife and I had a list of cities and neighborhoods where we wanted to live when we moved back, but we ended up living in a city we were not really considering because we found a house that fit us far better than anything else we looked at. The house is as warm and inviting as the comfy old sweater that you pull out of your closet on the coldest winter nights. Plus, we are surrounded by beautiful lakes, and I get to see views like this no matter which direction I drive:

Orchard Lake at Sunset

6. The Food

I have posted a lot about food lately and am planning more food posts because going out to dinner is all I have had time to do while unpacking boxes and starting a new job. I have had so many good meals at places like Vinsetta Garage, One-Eyed Betty's, Stage Deli, Jolly Pumpkin, Griffin Claw Brewing Company, Loya Organic, V&M Polish Kitchen, the Detroit Institute of Bagels, Bread Basket Deli, Shield's Pizza, and more.

A delicious burger from Jolly Pumpkin in Ann Arbor.

5. Seeing Detroit from Multiple Angles

My job placed me in a Detroit school for a month and I still head into the city frequently for work. I have seen the skyline from the East Side, driving up Woodward, off the Lodge, from Corktown, and other angles during the last two months. It has not gotten old. I have also spent time in neighborhoods that I have not seen before, and I have worked with Detroit school kids who give me hope for the future of the city and the state.

Detroit's Woodbridge neighborhood welcomes you

4. The Weather

I love the four seasons. I love an early snowfall that catches us off guard. Palm trees, sun, and sand year-round just seems boring. Give me changing leaves, a canopy of tree branches covered in freshly fallen snow, 70 degrees in the morning followed by 30 degrees in the afternoon, water that cannot decide whether it is rain, sleet, or snow as it falls from the sky, summer nights on a quiet lakefront, and the laughter of children as they race down an icy hill on a sled, jump into a pile of fallen leaves, or jump into their local river or lake. I have all of this again, and I am thankful for it.

Michigan lake after a November snow

3. The Beer

Some Michigan craft beers are available in Virginia, but most are not. Every time I go to the supermarket or a restaurant now, I have so many Michigan brews to choose from. Do I want a Greenbush Anger, a Short's Huma Lupa Licious IPA, a Right Brain CEO Stout, a Bell's Two Hearted Ale, a Founders Breakfast Stout, a Dark Horse Crooked Tree IPA, or something from one of the many other Michigan brewers?

A couple of brews from Griffin Claw

2. The Sports

I love being around Detroit sports fans and college football fans again. College football is not very big on the east coast, and it was not always easy to follow Detroit sports from 550 miles away. Michigan offers amazing college hockey, multiple college football teams, two of the best college basketball programs in the country, and of course the Lions, Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings.

Comerica Park

1. My Family

I was able to spend a lot of time with my dad during the last month of his life. I miss him every day and would do anything to have him back, but I am eternally thankful for that month with him. Now, I am happy to be near my mom and my brother and his family and to have my kids grow up in Michigan, my state.