I worked in the exurbs of Detroit for a while when I first moved to mid-Michigan. It was far away from Detroit. Very far. When you are that far away from the core of the region, there is a certain segment of the population that don't go to the big City anymore. You are too far away, it takes too long to drive down, it's just not convenient, yadda yadda yadda. So the exurbs really are a melting pot of the local tastes, since they tend to serve a more local population, rather than the regional draw of the big city.
One of Detroit's exurbs is Novi. At the crossroads of I-96, I-275, and the M-5 connector, it was destined to be a bedroom community. Over the years the City worked hard to diversify its tax base, bringing in more office/industrial uses to complement the strong housing market. But undoubtedly, when people think of Novi, they think shopping. There are two super-regional malls, several regional malls, and, sadly, a fake downtown. It was intended to be another regional mall, but it never really got off the ground. There are several interesting businesses that have stuck it out, but one really sticks out. The Grapevine of Novi started off as a second career for the owners, Brian and Lori (who are very cool folks), and has turned into a destination for a night on the town. Now mind you, I don't like wine. It is growing on me slowly but surely, but I really am not a big fan. But The Grapevine is a great place to slowly try it out. Very accessible wine list and Brian, Lori, or one of the very knowledgeable staff members will definitely help you out if you are a noob like myself.
If you are thinking about doing a date there, be aware, it is more of an after dinner place. They have a very small, tapas-esque menu, with some larger items mixed in. The menu is definitely intended to be secondary to the wine, not the other way around. I have been several times and haven't been steered wrong on a bottle of wine yet. In the summer, they have an outdoor patio to enjoy the weather. As I recall, there is occasional live music; quiet, jazzy type stuff. And they used to have some special events to help the community learn about wine and enjoy it, although I don't know if it they are still doing that.
All in all, a good place to enjoy a glass...bottle...flight...let's just say you can enjoy wine there. Say hi to Brian and Lori for me and ask them what they recommend.
One of Detroit's exurbs is Novi. At the crossroads of I-96, I-275, and the M-5 connector, it was destined to be a bedroom community. Over the years the City worked hard to diversify its tax base, bringing in more office/industrial uses to complement the strong housing market. But undoubtedly, when people think of Novi, they think shopping. There are two super-regional malls, several regional malls, and, sadly, a fake downtown. It was intended to be another regional mall, but it never really got off the ground. There are several interesting businesses that have stuck it out, but one really sticks out. The Grapevine of Novi started off as a second career for the owners, Brian and Lori (who are very cool folks), and has turned into a destination for a night on the town. Now mind you, I don't like wine. It is growing on me slowly but surely, but I really am not a big fan. But The Grapevine is a great place to slowly try it out. Very accessible wine list and Brian, Lori, or one of the very knowledgeable staff members will definitely help you out if you are a noob like myself.
If you are thinking about doing a date there, be aware, it is more of an after dinner place. They have a very small, tapas-esque menu, with some larger items mixed in. The menu is definitely intended to be secondary to the wine, not the other way around. I have been several times and haven't been steered wrong on a bottle of wine yet. In the summer, they have an outdoor patio to enjoy the weather. As I recall, there is occasional live music; quiet, jazzy type stuff. And they used to have some special events to help the community learn about wine and enjoy it, although I don't know if it they are still doing that.
All in all, a good place to enjoy a glass...bottle...flight...let's just say you can enjoy wine there. Say hi to Brian and Lori for me and ask them what they recommend.
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