Viviano Flower Shop in St Clair Shores

Viviano's Florist in St Clair Shores has been consistently voted in as the best flower shop in Metro Detroit. Today their whole green house is filled with clearance arrangements from the Auto Show that ended last weekend in Cobo Hall. Birthed in 1937, the florist is still run by the Viviano family and they now have two additional shops, in Chesterfield and Shelby Townships. Their Bridal Extravaganza is taking place on March 4th at the Best Western Sterling Inn in Sterling Heights.

Wintergarden Tavern

If you are a Friday fish fry person you must try Wintergarden Tavern in Chesterfield Township. They serve an all you can eat for under $10. This eatery is as cute on the outside as it is on the inside. Service was quick and friendly and the fish was truly tasty.

Safie Pickles in Chesterfield

One of our faithful readers, Marge, put us on to Safie Pickles in Chesterfield.  They have been canning veggies for over 75 years and can be found in specialty markets in Macomb County like Vince and Joe's, Pete and Frank's, Nino Salvaggio's and Randazzo's. On display you can also see pickled asparagus, beets, beans and peppercini peppers. They are dedicated to "growing local" and using only the freshest ingredients.  You won't find them using preservatives at Safie's. Their 14,000 square foot packing facility is off Gratiot just north of 21 Mile Rd. Chowing down the bread and butter chips and the dill spears right now, we give them two pickles up!

Atlas holds the world on his shoulders

This sculpture is part of the G&T Recycled Auto Parts on Gratiot Ave in Chesterfield Township. During the war of the Titans, Atlas stormed Olympus and threatened the gods. As punishment Zeus sentenced him to hold up the heavens and bear the weight on his shoulders forever. What a creative rendition from recycled auto parts! It was worth pulling the car over and snapping a photo.

Achatz Pies Voted #1 in America

There's been so much buzz about these Achatz pies that we had to drive up Gratiot Avenue to check out the source. Said like "jackets" but without the J, they've been on Rachel Ray's, the Food Network and Good Morning America. Started by Wendy Achatz and family up in Armada, they have expanded to five other northern metro Detroit stores with another one opening soon in Beverly Hills. We purchased our pies still warm from the oven! The four berry is outstanding. Then we had to eat the rhubarb and then the dutch apple. We also went home with a quiche, homemade jam and a loaf of sourdough bread. Now we have to go back to try the lemon meringue, the French silk, the raspberry cream, the banana split pie.....oh my!