One of the joys of my month-long birthday celebrations was that my Bride and her friends put up with it.  One day, we had a day trip to Detroit and went to a famed studio and school; and then off to a restaurant that all of hadn’t been to in over thirty years.

We went to see the Pewabic Studio/Gallery/School which the three of us had never visited.  It was founded in 1903 and is one of the oldest continually operating potteries in the country.  The studio is a National Historic Landmark. Pewabic became a leader of the Arts & Crafts movement in Detroit.  They have achieved national acclaim for their unique iridescent glazes that they have formulated. On the second level is a museum of some of their major installations across the country and especially Metro Detroit, including copies of architectural drawings.  It may sound like I have lost my mind and perhaps I have, but I have to mention, and I mentioned it to the two ladies, that they must avail themselves of the facilities while there.  William Randolph Hearst and Shah Jahan would be impressed.  And yes, my Bride and her one friend took turns trying to buy each other special gifts to remember the day.

We also had lunch at Sinbad’s Restaurant & Marina.  For over seventy years, Sinbad’s has been part of the Detroit riverfront, as people arrive there by car and by boat for their hospitality.  Sinbad’s began in 1949 by two brothers-in-law, and it is still in the family.  I first went there when I was in high school and then I have been there by car and boat over the years, but it was so refreshing to revisit the place.  The ladies both decided on the Coconut Shrimp Salad with Michigan dried cherries, toasted almonds and red onions, and of course they both wanted their dressing on the side.  I had the Buster’s Angus Burger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, Cheddar cheese, grilled onions and bacon along with a platter of real French fries for us to nibble on. 

Sinbad’s is not a frou-frou place, so don’t expect anything exotic, as they cater to the boating crowd, who want good food and beverages.  The wine list was short and sweet, and I selected something that we could all enjoy.  We had Les Alliés Sparkling Brut Rosé France NV.  This producer has a wide range of wines and varietals from France, and some of the least expensive series of wines as well.  Crafted through an alliance of passionate winemakers from across France to “celebrate the heritage, mastery, and innovation of French viticulture. I don’t think that I will go to far out on a limb to claim that this wine is made using a bulk method, and the grapes are not listed. Be that, as it may, it was a good and festive drink for the occasion.  A soft golden colored wine with a tint of coral showing medium size bubbles offered notes of white cherries, strawberries, vanilla and rose petals.  On the palate this sparkling wine displayed tones of cherry, strawberries, pomegranate and ended with a nice medium-count finish of pastry rather than brioche, fruit and citrus zest.