Vinsetta's Garage in Berkley

People have been just gushing over the recently opened Vinsetta's Garage on Woodward in Berkley so we had to go see for ourselves.  It definitely rates an OMG not only for its preservation efforts but for their food as well.  The lovely building has so much character.  Dating back 91 years, they kept many things in the vintage garage as they were. It opens onto Woodward where you can see the classic cars cruising by. Everyone raves about the burgers but we went for the balls and noodles where you pick your own ingredients. It was flat out fantastic as was the key lime pie in a mason jar. There will be a wait line. Some people have dug in as long as 3 hours to get a table, but, listen up guys, it is worth it! With Woodward's Dream Cruise this weekend, well, it's the perfect hang out place.

TLC: The Lunch Café in Berkley

The locals in Berkley steered us towards TLC on 12 Mile where the vittles are superb and the décor quite humorous. The Lunch Café makes everything from scratch and the proof is in the tasting. The tortilla soup was excellent as well as the panini sandwiches and salad with plump cherries, walnuts and crumbled blue cheese. Our favorite sign was "Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit.  Look who's here!" Our server, Angela, quite charmed the socks off of us.

Berkley's City Style

It seems like everyone is sporting the popular Kid Rock Made in Detroit brand these days. City Style is a chic boutique on 12 Mile in Berkley that carries it along with lots of other great items promoting Michigan. Owners Tim and Carrie Vestrand are native Detroiters who love and appreciate the Motor City. Stop in to check out their great selection of shoes, handbags, jewelry and assorted accessories. There's a 10% off coupon for your entire purchase on their website.

Catching Fireflies in Berkley

For the little kid in all of us, there's a charming store in Berkley called Catching Fireflies. Every nook and cranny is filled with delightful little gifts and many are by local artists. it is very difficult to walk away without purchasing something! from gift cards to reversible aprons, jewelry, pottery, paintings, suncatchers, books, scarves and garden accessories, it's a place to find a gift for just about anyone.

Westborn Market in Berkley

The specialty gourmet food store called Westborn Market in Berkley on Woodward is family owned along with their store in Livonia and Dearborn.  In business for almost 50 years, they offer way more than fruits and vegetables.  With a full service florist they are even known for their beautiful wedding flowers. Their hanging petunia baskets were irresistible and herbs for planting were 2 for $5.  We saw another lady with her basket full of orchids.  They offer a huge selection of cheeses and wine.  What we enjoyed the most, was their large sanctuary dome which features only locally produced goods from Michigan, like salsas, chips, honey, pickles, beets, candy, etc. Three cheers for their Go Local promotions!

The Berkley Front

The Berkley Beer Front is a new discovery for us! How is it that visiting friends from DC tell us about this secret little beer garden?  What fun. They have an incredible selection of beers from around the world and their prices in such a modest building are quite reasonable. Local beers from Bells, Arcadia, New Holland, Founders, Shorts and Arbor Brewing proudly on tap. ;}  Don't forget to check out the jukebox. They have bands, music, dj's upstairs at night which makes it a pretty popular place. We hear they serve Gluhwein when the snows come. We will return.

Berkley's Have You Any Wool Yarn Shop

We have been in a lot of knit/crochet shops, but the one in Berkley, "Have You Any Wool?", really impressed us. They have lots of classes to take to learn how to make all these wonderful creations, and tons and tons of the most gorgeous yarns to work with. You can feel the warmth oozing from this boutique when you walk in. It's a friendly place, perhaps our favorite yarn shop in Michigan.