A few notes about this year鈥檚 process: Voting took place before the state鈥檚 Stay Home, Stay Safe initiative was put in place. Many of the winners are operating at limited capacity for now. Please check with them before visiting. Also, voter comments revealed a ton of passion for businesses that didn鈥檛 quite take the top spot. With that in mind, we鈥檝e added second- and third-place winners to this year鈥檚 list. Congratulations to this year鈥檚 Best of Detroit!
Food
All-night eatery
1st O.W.L., Royal Oak
2nd Lafayette Coney Island, Detroit
3rd National Coney Island, multiple locations
Bagel shop
1st New York Bagel, multiple locations
2nd Detroit Institute of Bagels, Detroit
3rd Elaine鈥檚 Bagels, multiple locations
Barbecue restaurant
1st Slows Bar BQ, Detroit
2nd Bad Brads BBQ, multiple locations
3rd Woodpile BBQ Shack, Madison Heights, Clawson
Best restaurant
1st San Morello, Detroit
2nd Prime + Proper, Detroit
3rd SheWolf Pastificio & Bar, Detroit
Restaurant for breakfast
1st Dime Store, Detroit
2nd The Jagged Fork, multiple locations
3rd Rose鈥檚 Fine Food, Detroit
Restaurant for brunch
1st Rochester Brunch House, Rochester
2nd Dime Store, Detroit
3rd Toast, Birmingham, Ferndale
Burger spot
1st Redcoat Tavern, Royal Oak
2nd Mercury Burger Bar, Detroit
3rd Frita Batidos, Ann Arbor, Detroit
Cheap eats
1st Green Dot Stables, Detroit, Lansing
2nd Leo鈥檚 Coney Island, multiple locations
3rd Lafayette Coney Island, Detroit
Chef
1st Angelo Loria, Vince & Joe鈥檚 Gourmet Market, Shelby Twp., Clinton Twp.
2nd James Rigato, Mabel Gray, Hazel Park; The Root Restaurant & Bar, White Lake
3rd Kate Williams, Lady of the House, Detroit
Chinese restaurant
1st The Peterboro, Detroit
2nd Shangri-La, Detroit
3rd Mon Jin Lau, Troy
Coffee shop
1st Espresso Elevado, Plymouth
2nd Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co., multiple locations
3rd Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters, multiple locations
Coney Island
1st Leo鈥檚 Coney Island, multiple locations
2nd Lafayette Coney Island, Detroit
3rd National Coney Island, multiple locations
Deli
1st Vince & Joe鈥檚 Gourment Market, Shelby Twp., Clinton Twp.
2nd Steve鈥檚 Deli, Bloomfield Hills
3rd (tied) Stage Deli, West Bloomfield
3rd (tied) Mudgie鈥檚 Deli & Bar, Detroit
Dessert
1st For the Love of Sugar, Detroit
2nd Vince & Joe鈥檚 Gourmet Market, Shelby Twp., Clinton Twp.
3rd Astoria Pastry Shop, Detroit, Royal Oak
Diner
1st Karl鈥檚, Detroit
2nd O.W.L., Royal Oak
3rd Whistle Stop Diner, Birmingham, Pleasant Ridge
Donut shop
1st Donut Bar, Southfield, Troy
2nd Dutch Girl Donuts, Detroit
3rd Donut Cutter, Berkley
Fast/casual restaurant
1st Frita Batidos, Ann Arbor, Detroit
2nd Poke Poke, multiple locations
3rd Penny Red鈥檚, Detroit
Food truck
1st Nosh Pit Detroit, Detroit
2nd Jack鈥檚 Roadside BBQ, Clarkston
3rd Detroit 75 Kitchen, Detroit
Restaurant for french fries
1st HopCat, multiple locations
2nd Townhouse, Birmingham, Detroit
3rd Frita Batidos,Ann Arbor, Detroit
Greek restaurant
1st Pegasus Taverna, Detroit
2nd The Greek Islands Coney, multiple locations
3rd Kouzina, Ann Arbor, Royal Oak
Ice cream/gelato shop
1st Ray鈥檚 Ice Cream, Royal Oak
2nd Dolce Gelato at Vince & Joe鈥檚 Gourmet Market, Shelby Twp., Clinton Twp.
3rd The Custard Hut, Dearborn Heights, Detroit
Indian restaurant
1st Rangoli Indian Cuisine, Auburn Hills
2nd Priya Indian Restaurant, Troy
3rd Cardamom, Ann Arbor
Italian restaurant
1st Da Francesco鈥檚, Shelby Twp.
2nd (tied) Andiamo, multiple locations
2nd (tied) SheWolf Pastificio & Bar, Detroit
3rd Antonio鈥檚 Cucina Italiana, multiple locations
Kid-friendly restaurant
1st (tied) Leo鈥檚 Coney Island, multiple locations
1st (tied) Buddy鈥檚 Pizza, multiple locations
2nd (tied) Jolly Pumpkin Brewery and Cafe, multiple locations
2nd (tied) Crispelli鈥檚 Bakery and Pizzeria,
multiple locations
3rd (tied) Bigalora, multiple locations
3rd (tied) Rebecca鈥檚 Restaurant, Northville
Mexican restaurant
1st El Charro, multiple locations
2nd Mexican Village Restaurant, Detroit, Utica
3rd Barrio Cocina y Tequileria, Plymouth
Middle Eastern/Mediterranean restaurant
1st La Saj Lebanese Bistro, Troy, Sterling Heights
2nd Phoenicia, Birmingham
3rd La Marsa Mediterranean Cuisine, multiple locations
Restaurant for pho
1st Pho Lucky, multiple locations
2nd Ima, multiple locations
3rd Que Huong Restaurant, Madison Heights
Pizza place
1st Buddy鈥檚 Pizza, multiple locations
2nd Jet鈥檚 Pizza, multiple locations
3rd (tied) Green Lantern Pizza, multiple locations
3rd (tied) Supino鈥檚 Pizzeria, Detroit
Place to take a client
1st San Morello, Detroit
2nd Prime + Proper, Detroit
3rd London Chop House, Detroit
Polish restaurant
1st Polish Village Caf茅, Hamtramck
2nd Polka Restaurant & Beer Cafe, Troy
3rd Polonia Restaurant, Hamtramck
Pop-up restaurant
1st Street Beet, Detroit
2nd Frame, Hazel Park
3rd Revolver, Hamtramck
Restaurant with a view
1st Highlands, Detroit
2nd Joe Muer Seafood, Detroit, Bloomfield Hills
3rd Iridescence, Detroit
Romantic dining
1st Prime + Proper, Detroit
2nd The Whitney, Detroit
3rd San Morello, Detroit
Sandwich shop
1st Mudgie鈥檚 Deli & Bar, Detroit
2nd Ernie鈥檚 Market, Oak Park
3rd Rocco鈥檚 Italian Deli, Detroit
Seafood restaurant
1st Joe Muer Seafood, Detroit, Bloomfield Hills
2nd Voyager, Ferndale
3rd Streetside Seafood, Birmingham
Soul food restaurant
1st Detroit Vegan Soul, Detroit
2nd Beans & Cornbread, Southfield
3rd SavannahBlue, Detroit
Special-occasion restaurant
1st Prime + Proper, Detroit
2nd San Morello, Detroit
3rd The Whitney, Detroit
Steakhouse
1st Prime + Proper, Detroit
primeandproperdetroit.com
2nd London Chop House, Detroit
3rd Clawson Steak House, Clawson
Sushi restaurant
1st Noble Fish, Clawson
2nd Ronin Sushi, Royal Oak
3rd Maru Sushi, Detroit
Taco spot
1st Imperial, Ferndale
2nd Taqueria El Rey, Detroit
3rd (tied) Hot Taco, Detroit
3rd (tied) El Charro, multiple locations
Thai restaurant
1st Khom Fai: Thai Dining Experience, Macomb
2nd Bangkok 96 Restaurant, Dearborn
3rd Sy Thai, Troy
Vegan/vegetarian restaurant
1st Inn Season Cafe, Royal Oak
2nd Seva, Detroit, Ann Arbor
3rd Street Beet, Detroit
Meeting the Need听
Gleaners Community Food Bank has responded decisively in a time of crisis
// By Rachael Thomas听
Gleaners Community Food Bank has been putting food on the tables of those in need for more than 40 years. It鈥檚 not surprising, then, that the Best of Detroit-winning organization saw a potential food-insecurity crisis coming with the emergence of COVID-19 and sprang into action.
Since mid-March, Gleaners has set up 66 drive-up distribution sites throughout southeast Michigan, modeled after its 90-plus existing School Food Mobile sites, says Stacy Averill, senior director of community giving and public relations. Those monthly distributions provide up to 30 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and other nutritious foods to students and families in need at schools in Livingston, Oakland, Wayne, Monroe, and Macomb counties.
As of late April, the 66 new distribution sites had provided 2 million pounds of food to more than 43,000 households, Averill says. That鈥檚 on top of the 3 to 4 million pounds of food Gleaners regularly gives out each month. The food bank intends to continue its additional distributions throughout the summer, when, with children out of school, the need for food is typically heightened.
Gleaners has also been encouraging organizations to replace actual food drives with virtual drives to help fund its efforts. Detroit Lions running backs coach Kyle Caskey is among those who have organized virtual drives. He raised nearly $25,000, Averill says, surpassing his $20,000 goal. Donors can also contribute directly through Gleaners鈥 website and attribute their gifts to the organization of their choice. Every dollar donated pays for three meals.
Other efforts include the Powered by Food Initiative, which was supported by a $150,000 match incentive from PNC Bank and other donors. Proceeds will help feed children in need who are not now in school, and their families.
Gleaners has also ramped up efforts to help seniors in need. Its quarantine boxes, with enough food for 22 meals, are being made and distributed with help from the Food Bank Council of Michigan, Detroit Area Agency on Aging, and volunteers from the Michigan National Guard. As of late April, Gleaners was producing 5,000 boxes weekly.
鈥淥ur team is truly amazing for the work they鈥檝e been able to do in this short period of time,鈥 Averill says. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been able to do it because of the collaboration from not only our partners in the community but also the donors who鈥檝e come to the table, our fellow advocates for food banking.鈥
Drinks
Bartender
1st Chas Williams, Evening Bar, Detroit
2nd Rob Daleski, La Lanterna, Detroit
3rd Pam Allard, Liberty Bar, Pontiac
Beer selection
1st HopCat, multiple locations
2nd Brown Iron Brewhouse, Washington
3rd Brakeman, Detroit
Brewery
1st Griffin Claw Brewing Co., Birmingham
2nd Batch Brewing Co., Detroit
3rd Atwater Brewery, Detroit
Cocktail bar
1st The Sugar House, Detroit
2nd The Oakland Art Novelty Co., Ferndale
3rd Evening Bar, Detroit
Distillery
1st Two James Spirits, Detroit
2nd Valentine鈥檚 Distilling Co., Ferndale
3rd Motor City Gas, Royal Oak
Dive bar
1st The Old Miami, Detroit
2nd Gusoline Alley, Royal Oak
3rd Checker Bar Detroit, Detroit
Happy hour
1st Roast, Detroit
2nd Townhouse, Birmingham, Detroit
3rd Bobcat Bonnie鈥檚, multiple locations
LGBTQ bar
1st Soho, Ferndale
2nd Liberty Bar, Pontiac
3rd Temple Bar, Detroit
Michigan beer
1st Bell鈥檚 Brewery, Kalamazoo
2nd Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids
3rd Short鈥檚 Brewing Co., Bellaire
Neighborhood bar
1st Chesley鈥檚 Bar & Grille, Lincoln Park
2nd (tied) Mt. Chalet II, Royal Oak
2nd (tied) Townhouse, Birmingham, Detroit
3rd Abick鈥檚 Bar, Detroit
Place to dance
1st Marble Bar, Detroit
2nd Boogie Fever Cafe & Disco, Ferndale
3rd Deluxx Fluxx, Detroit
Place to drink outdoors
1st Youngblood Vineyard, Ray
2nd Townhouse, Birmingham, Detroit
3rd The Old Miami, Detroit
Sports bar
1st Art & Jake鈥檚 Sports Bar, multiple locations
2nd 24 Seconds, Berkley
3rd Brakeman, Detroit
Swanky bar
1st Evening Bar, Detroit
2nd Candy Bar, Detroit
3rd Bad Luck Bar, Detroit
Wine bar
1st Michigan by the Bottle, multiple locations
2nd The Royce, Detroit
3rd MotorCity Wine, Detroit
Winery
1st Youngblood Vineyard, Ray
2nd Detroit Vineyards, Detroit
3rd Michigan by the Bottle, multiple locations
Good to Go
When their doors closed, these four standout eateries made their Best of Detroit award-winning menus mobile through curbside and takeout service
By Lyndsay Green // Photographs by Kailey Howell
Retailers
Antique Shop
1st Odd Fellows Antiques, Berkley
2nd (tied) Town Peddler Craft and Antique Mall, Livonia
2nd (tied) Treasure Mart, Ann Arbor
3rd (tied) Eastern Market Antiques, Detroit
3rd (tied) Knightsbridge Antique Mall, Northville
Appliance shop
1st Sargent Appliance, multiple locations
2nd Witbeck Appliance, West Bloomfield, Petosky
3rd Hawthorne Appliance, multiple locations
Auto dealership
1st George Matick Chevrolet, Redford
Charter Twp.
2nd (tied) Buff Whelan Chevrolet, Sterling Heights
2nd (tied) Moran Chevrolet, Clinton Twp.
2nd (tied) Bill Brown Ford, Livonia
3rd Suburban Ford, multiple locations
Bakery
1st Vince & Joe鈥檚 Gourmet Market, Shelby Twp., Clinton Twp.
2nd For the Love of Sugar, Detroit
3rd Love & Buttercream, Birmingham
Bike shop
1st Metropolis Cycles, Detroit
2nd Detroit Bikes, Detroit
3rd D&D Bicycles, multiple locations
Bookstore
1st John K. King Books, Detroit, Ferndale
2nd Book Beat, Oak Park
3rd Source Booksellers, Detroit
Bridal salon
1st The Wedding Shoppe, Berkley
2nd (tied) Joy Abenmode Bridal Boutique, Royal Oak
2nd (tied) Lace Boutique, Troy
3rd Ashley & Alexandria鈥檚 Bridal Boutique, Southfield
Cake shop
1st Love & Buttercream, Birmingham
2nd For the Love of Sugar, Detroit
3rd Vince & Joe鈥檚 Gourmet Market, Shelby Twp., Clinton Twp.
Candy store
1st Mrs. Mason鈥檚 Co., Royal Oak
2nd Docs Sweets鈥 Candy Co., Clawson
3rd Bon Bon Bon, Hamtramck, Detroit
Chocolate/Chocolatier
1st Mrs. Mason鈥檚 Co., Royal Oak
2nd Bon Bon Bon, Hamtramck, Detroit
3rd Sanders Candy, multiple locations
Cigar shop
1st Churchill鈥檚 Cigar Bar & Bistro, multiple locations
2nd Ambassador Cigars & Spirits, Troy
3rd Robusto鈥檚 Cigar Bar and Bistro, Sterling Heights
Comic book shop
1st Vault of Midnight, multiple locations
2nd Green Brain Comics, Dearborn
3rd Big Ben鈥檚 Comix Oasis, Allen Park
Farmers market
1st Eastern Market, Detroit
2nd Royal Oak Farmers Market, Royal Oak
3rd Birmingham Farmers Market, Birmingham
Flower shop
1st Viviano Flower Shop, multiple locations
2nd Bl眉m Floral Design
3rd Nino Salvaggio, multiple locations
Furniture store
1st Leon & Lulu, Clawson
2nd Gorman鈥檚 Furniture, multiple locations
3rd Gardner White, multiple locations
Gift shop
1st Leon & Lulu, Clawson
2nd Catching Fireflies, multiple locations
3rd City Bird, Detroit
Gourmet foods
1st Vince & Joe鈥檚 Gourmet Market, Shelby Twp., Clinton Twp.
2nd Nino Salvaggio鈥檚, multiple locations
3rd Papa Joe鈥檚, multiple locations
High-end clothing store
1st Claymore Shop, Birmingham
2nd Guys N Gals, West Bloomfield Twp.
3rd The Peacock Room, Detroit
Home d茅cor shop
1st A Touch of Lace, Bloomfield Hills
2nd Leon & Lulu, Clawson
3rd Nest, Detroit
Jewelry store
1st Tapper鈥檚 Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, multiple locations
2nd Miner鈥檚 Den, Royal Oak
3rd Radiant Fine Jewelry, Plymouth
Kids鈥 clothing store
1st Petite Cabane, Birmingham
2nd Little High Flyers, Detroit
3rd James and Olive, Rochester
Lingerie store
1st Bra-vo Intimates, Royal Oak
2nd Harp鈥檚 Lingerie, Birmingham
3rd Busted Bra Shop, Detroit
Marijuana dispensary (recreational)
1st LIV Ferndale, Ferndale
2nd Arbors Wellness, Ann Arbor
3rd Utopia Gardens, Detroit
Men鈥檚 clothing store
1st The Suit Depot, Oak Park
2nd Claymore Shop, Birmingham
3rd George Gregory, Detroit
Nursery/greenhouse
1st English Gardens, multiple locations
2nd Bordines, multiple locations
3rd Telly鈥檚 Greenhouse, Troy, Shelby Twp.
Optical Shop
1st Roland Optics, Bloomfield Hills
2nd See Eyewear, multiple locations
3rd Henry Ford Optimeyes, multiple locations
Pie shop
1st Sister Pie, Detroit
2nd Achatz Handmade Pie Co., multiple locations
3rd Grand Traverse Pie Co., multiple locations
Place to buy art
1st Lilacpop Studio, Ferndale
2nd (tied) Yellow Door Art Market, Berkley
2nd (tied) Jacqueline Drake Gallery, Franklin
3rd The Rust Belt Market, Ferndale
rustbeltmarket.com
Plus-size clothing selection
1st Hips Resale Boutique, Clawson
2nd Peacock Room, Detroit
3rd Bombshell Bridal Boutique, St. Clair Shores
Record store
1st Dearborn Music, Dearborn
2nd Found Sound, Ferndale
3rd Third Man Records, Detroit
Vintage/consignment clothes
1st Consignment Clothiers Inc., Northville
2nd Lost and Found, Royal Oak
3rd Boro, Detroit
Wine store
1st Michigan by the Bottle, multiple locations
2nd Vince & Joe鈥檚 Gourmet Market, Shelby Twp., Clinton Twp.
3rd Nino Salvaggio鈥檚, multiple locations
Women鈥檚 boutique
1st La Vie en Rose Boutique, Wyandotte
2nd Peacock Room, Detroit
3rd Guys N Gals, West Bloomfield Twp.
Reader Comments听
Best donut shop听
鈥淚 was never much of a donut fan until I tried Donut Bar. They take donuts to the next level. Their creativity with the flavor combinations they invent is astounding.鈥 鈥擜manda Abro, Rochester Hills
Best pizza place听
鈥淢y kids and I have grown up with Buddy鈥檚 Pizza. To see Detroit-styled pizza finally gain some national recognition is cool. We always knew the pizzeria was great. Now other people are figuring out how great it is too.鈥 鈥擲al Aluzzo, Sterling Heights
Best pop-up
鈥淪treet Beet鈥檚 vegan chicken sandwich never fails to bring tears of joy to my eyes. It鈥檚 delicious, like everything else on their menu. The two ladies who started the business are passionate about what they do and who they serve, and it always shows.鈥 鈥擜lexis Moceri, Detroit
Best chocolatier听
鈥淚鈥檓 one of those people who tastes brittles wherever I go when I travel. Mrs. Mason鈥檚 Co. brittles and bonbons are the best I鈥檝e ever had. Hands down, the best. Fresh, not too sweet, mouthwatering.鈥 鈥擠iane Puvin, Clarkston
Best kids鈥 clothes
鈥淧etite Cabane is the most adorable and beautiful store with amazing service. Wonderful place for any sort of gift for children. The clothes are so beautiful and unique. Absolutely love this store!鈥 鈥擲arah Wagenberg, Sylvan Lake
Best winery
鈥淵oungblood Vineyard is amazing. The owners are wonderful. Great place to stop by and enjoy a drink or two under the pavilion in the summer.鈥 鈥擩eff Hales,
Imlay
Best wine store听
鈥淢ichigan by the Bottle is a great place to learn about wine. This place only serves Michigan-made wines, cheeses, and chocolates. Their staff is knowledgeable and friendly. No wine snobs here!鈥 鈥擳errie Donnelly, Sterling Heights
Best news anchor听
鈥Rhonda Walker is an awesome news anchor and a great person. She gives so much of her time and effort to charities and is an advocate for health and wellness. She鈥檚 an inspiration.鈥 鈥擝rooke Saunders, Oak park
Detroit Life
Casino
1st MGM, Detroit
2nd Greektown, Detroit
3rd MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit
Charitable organization
1st Gleaners Food Bank, multiple locations
2nd Michigan Humane Society, multiple locations
3rd Bees in the D, Detroit
Cider mill
1st Yates Cider Mill, Rochester Hills
2nd Franklin Cider Mill, Bloomfield Hills
3rd Blake鈥檚 Orchard and Cider Mill, Armada
Detroit City Football Club player
1st Cyrus Sadee
2nd Bakie Goodman
3rd Roderic Green Jr.
Detroit Lions player
1st Matthew Stafford
2nd Kenny Golladay
3rd Darius Slay
Detroit Pistons player
1st Derrick Rose
2nd Blake Griffin
3rd Andre Drummond
Detroit Red Wings player
1st Dylan Larkin
2nd Tyler Bertuzzi
3rd Anthony Mantha
Detroit Tigers player
1st Miguel Cabrera
2nd Matthew Boyd
3rd Daniel Norris
Fitness class
1st Tiffany鈥檚 Training HIIT Gym, Royal Oak
2nd RAW Fitness, Washington
3rd (tied) Citizen Yoga, multiple locations
3rd (tied) Retrofit Studio, Royal Oak
Fitness trainer
1st Brad Goodstein, Retrofit Studio, Royal Oak
2nd John Cook, Movestrong, Rochester
3rd Dominic Danno, Dannofit, Madison Heights
Food at a pro-sports venue
1st Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
2nd Ford Field, Detroit
3rd Comerica Park, Detroit
Gym
1st Retrofit Studio, Royal Oak
2nd RAW Fitness, Washington
3rd Dannofit
Hotel
1st Shinola Hotel, Detroit
2nd Townsend Hotel, Birmingham
3rd Royal Park Hotel, Rochester
Movie theater (first-run)
1st Emagine, multiple locations
2nd MJR Digital Cinemas, multiple locations
3rd Birmingham 8, Birmingham
Movie theater (art/indie)
1st Main Art Theatre, Royal Oak
2nd The Maple Theater, Bloomfield Twp.
3rd Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor
Private golf course
1st Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Hills
2nd Detroit Golf Club, Detroit
3rd Red Run Golf Club, Royal Oak
Public golf course
1st Shepherd鈥檚 Hollow Golf Club, Village of Clarkston
2nd Greystone, Washington
3rd (tied) Lincoln Hills Golf Course, Birmingham
3rd (tied) Westwynd Golf Course, Oakland Charter Twp.
Summer day camp
1st Born Yoga, Birmingham
2nd Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills
3rd (tied) The Roeper School, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham
3rd (tied) Willoway Day Camp, Milford
Venue for a kids鈥 party
1st Born Yoga, Birmingham
2nd Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills
3rd Zap Zone, multiple locations
Yoga studio
1st Citizen Yoga, multiple locations
2nd White Lotus Yoga, Washington
3rd Born Yoga, Birmingham
The Ultimate Team Player
It鈥檚 year four of Matthew Stafford鈥檚 Best of Detroit winning streak, and the Lions QB proves voters right on and off the field
By Ashley Winn
Rumors of an impending trade haven鈥檛 hampered Detroiters鈥 reverence for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
They voted him Best Detroit Lions Player for the fourth year in a row. There鈥檚 a reason he鈥檚 so well-loved 鈥 a reason that鈥檚 never been clearer than it is right now.
Sure, Stafford had the sixth-highest total quarterback rating of the 2019 season, and he was only the fourth QB in NFL history to throw for more than 5,000 yards in a single season.
Many analysts regard the former No. 1 overall draft pick as one of the NFL鈥檚 best, and for those who still go to Ford Field despite the team鈥檚 long-running doldrums, Stafford is a singular beacon of hope. That鈥檚 certainly enough to gain him a sizable fan base on its own. But the enduring nature of that adoration finds its origin beyond Stafford鈥檚 on-field prowess.
He and his wife, Kelly, have been active in local charity work since he signed with the Lions in 2009. Each holiday season, for example, they select a few families facing hard times to surprise with a personal visit and an abundance of gifts.
Stafford also works with local charities, including sportswriter Mitch Albom鈥檚 SAY Detroit, and occasionally donates game tickets to local first responders.
The COVID-19 crisis in Detroit prompted the Staffords to go further. The couple sent free meals to local hospitals for essential workers and gave $100,000 to local organizations dedicated to combating hunger.
Those donations were split between Forgotten Harvest, which delivers food to local charities, and Detroit Public Schools Community District, which is providing meals to students not at school for their free lunches.
Stafford, who is notoriously reticent about discussing his good deeds, declined to be interviewed for this issue. But that discomfort with bragging about altruism may well be yet another reason Detroiters admire him.
We love people of talent, honor, modesty, and generosity, and Matthew Stafford is all that and more. Thus, his best-of streak comes as no surprise. The public clearly views him as the embodiment of exactly what it means to be the Best of Detroit.
Arts & Entertainment
Art fair
1st Ann Arbor Art Fair, Ann Arbor
2nd Art in the Park, Plymouth
3rd Wyandotte Street Art Fair, Wyandotte
Art gallery
1st Jacqueline Drake Gallery, Franklin
2nd (tied) Library Street Collective, Detroit
2nd (tied) Park West Gallery, Southfield
3rd David Klein Gallery, Birmingham
Author (local)
1st Geoffrey D. Calhoun
2nd Kristy Robinett
3rd Mitch Albom
Band (local)
1st George Aneed听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
2nd Killer Flamingos
3rd (tied) Bars of Gold
3rd (tied) Collision Six
Club for live music
1st El Club, Detroit
2nd Marble Bar, Detroit
3rd The Morrie, Birmingham, Royal Oak
Comedy club
1st Mark Ridley鈥檚 Comedy Castle, Royal Oak
2nd Go! Comedy Improv Theater, Ferndale
3rd One Night Stans Comedy Club, Waterford
Concert venue
1st DTE Energy Music Theatre, Village of Clarkston
2nd The Fillmore Detroit, Detroit
3rd Fox Theatre, Detroit
Jazz club
1st Cliff Bell鈥檚, Detroit
2nd Baker鈥檚 Keyboard Lounge, Detroit
3rd Dirty Dog Jazz Caf茅, Grosse Pointe Farms
Museum (arts)
1st Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit
2nd Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Detroit
3rd Cranbrook Art Museum, Bloomfield Hills
Museum (other)
1st The Henry Ford, Dearborn
2nd Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit
3rd Motown Museum, Detroit
Theater/musicals venue
1st Fox Theatre, Detroit
2nd Fisher Theatre, Detroit
3rd Detroit Opera House, Detroit
Visual artist
1st Alexandria Bishop
2nd Janna Coumoundouros
3rd Kim Fujiwara
Detroit鈥檚 most missed
The winning attractions and venues that we can鈥檛 wait to visit
// By Emma Klug听
Fox Theatre
From music with the Blue Man Group to reality-TV gold with The Bachelor Live on Stage, the Fox Theatre was to showcase a wide array of programming this spring. Then, the pandemic hit. Events were postponed and ticket holders disappointed.听 When this theater opens, it鈥檒l be the hottest ticket in town. After months of binge-watching TV, it鈥檚 clear that nothing beats the real deal.
Comerica park
Questions that may arise on Opening Day: Will it rain 鈥 or even snow? Can you nab a ticket or will you have to party outside the park? And will you be brave enough to try one of the stadium鈥檚 crazy new food options 鈥 Coney Dog Egg Rolls, anyone? The event was to be held March 30, but the coronavirus changed that. Now, we鈥檙e sorely missing Comerica 鈥 and we wouldn鈥檛 mind an order of egg rolls.
Detroit Institute of Arts
The DIA won renewal of its tax millage on March 10. That night, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Michigan. In moments of crisis, many find solace in the arts. Whether that鈥檚 through lectures, film screenings, or the DIA鈥檚 65,000-plus works, this is a spot we need now more than ever.
Media Personalities
Detroit ambassador
1st Detroit Bruce
2nd Eric Thomas
Local politician
1st Mike Duggan, Detroit Mayor
2nd Elissa Slotkin, 8th District Representative
3rd (tied) Sen. Debbie Stabenow, United States Senator
3rd (tied) Haley Stevens, 11th District Representative
Meteorologist (local)
1st Dave Rexroth, Channel 7 WXYZ
2nd Brandon Roux, WDIV Local 4
3rd (tied) Andrew Humphrey, WDIV Local 4
3rd (tied) Ben Bailey, WDIV Local 4
Newspaper (local)
1st Detroit Free Press
2nd The Detroit News
3rd Macomb Daily
Opinion columnist
1st Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press
2nd (tied) Brian Dickerson, Detroit Free Press
2nd (tied) Frank Beckmann, The Detroit News
2nd (tied) Nancy Kaffer, Detroit Free Press
Podcast
1st The Drew and Mike Show
2nd (tied) The Homance Chronicles
2nd (tied) The Robinett鈥檚 Nest with Chuck and Kristy
2nd (tied) Before the Big Day
Radio DJ
1st Mojo in the Morning, Channel 95.5
2nd Jay Towers in the Morning, 100.3 WNIC
3rd Dave & Chuck the Freak, 101.1 WRIF
Radio news reporter
1st (tied) Paul Smith, WJR
1st (tied) Frank Beckmann, WJR
1st (tied) Ken Rogulski, WJR
Sportscaster
1st Bernie Smilovitz, WDIV Local 4
2nd Brad Galli, Channel 7 WXYZ
3rd Jamie Edmonds, WDIV Local 4
Sports columnist/blogger
1st Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press
2nd (tied) Brendan Quinn, The Athletic
2nd (tied) Eric Schlitt, Lions Wire
Sports reporter
1st (tied) Brad Galli, Channel 7 WXYZ
1st (tied) Justin Rose, Channel 7 WXYZ
Sports play-by-play
1st (tied) Ken Kal, Detroit Red Wings
1st (tied) Neal Ruhl, Oakland University Golden Grizzlies
Traffic reporter
1st Kim DeGiulio, WDIV Local 4
2nd Ann Marie LaFlamme, formerly with Channel 7 WXYZ
3rd Dayna Clark, WJR
TV news reporter
1st (tied) Bill Proctor, Channel 7 WXYZ
1st (tied) Paula Tutman, WDIV Local 4
1st (tied) Roop Raj, Fox 2 Detroit
1st (tied) Taryn Asher, Fox 2 Detroit
TV news anchor
1st (tied) Devin Scillian, WDIV Local 4
1st (tied) Glenda Lewis, Channel 7 WXYZ
1st (tied) Rhonda Walker, WDIV Local 4
2nd (tied) Ameera David, Channel 7 WXYZ
2nd (tied) Huel Perkins, Fox 2 Detroit
2nd (tied) Karen Drew, WDIV Local 4
2nd (tied) Maurielle Lue, Fox 2 Detroit
An All-Star Lineup听
These multi-award winners must be doing something right
// By Rachael Thomas听
Vince & Joe鈥檚 Gourmet Market听
This family-owned business, a winner in nine categories this year, is metro Detroit鈥檚 gourmet foods mecca. Try the top-quality meats and cheeses at its full-service delis or sample one (or more) of the 35 scrumptious flavors at the Dolce Gelato Caf茅. Vince & Joe鈥檚 also caters, offering everything from breakfast a la carte to Mediterranean dinner buffets.
Prime + Proper
Housed in Detroit鈥檚 historic Capitol Park Lofts building, Prime + Proper redefines the traditional American steakhouse through both fare and d茅cor, making this 2019 Restaurant of the Year winner a multi-category Best of Detroit winner as well. Enjoy chops dry-aged in-house, seafood specialties from the raw bar, and decadent desserts. The restaurant鈥檚 butcher shop offers USDA Prime beef, lamb, duck, and Japanese Wagyu to savor while dining in or at home.
Evening Bar
Situated in Shinola Hotel, the intimate bar offers seasonal cocktails with an emphasis on organic fruit and vegetable extracts, and tasty small plates curated by award-winning chef and owner Andrew Carmellini. You can find Best Bartender winner Chas Williams slinging stellar cocktails here as well.
Born Yoga
This Birmingham-based yoga studio believes it鈥檚 never too early to introduce your child to the practice, providing classes specifically for toddlers, kids, and tweens to boost their confidence and teach them healthy ways to cope with stress. The studio has other fun offerings that continue to make it a great children鈥檚 fitness destination, including aerial yoga birthday party packages and mini yoga summer camps with Disney princess and superhero themes.
Rivage Day Spa听
Relax and refresh with the luxurious offerings at this multi-category-winning spa. Try a hot stone massage with aromatherapy scalp treatment, or a Vitamin C facial intended to restore your skin鈥檚 elasticity and firmness. Rivage also provides nail services; hair removal treatments through its medical spa; as well as men鈥檚 massages, facials, and scalp treatments.
Services
Auto detailing/car wash
1st Jax Kar Wash, multiple locations
2nd Matick Auto Wash, Redford
3rd Mr. C鈥檚 Car Wash, multiple locations
Caterer
1st Vince & Joe鈥檚 Gourmet Market, Shelby Twp., Clinton Twp.
2nd Forte Belanger, Troy,
3rd Two Unique Catering, Royal Oak, Detroit
Cosmetic surgeon
1st Dr. Charles Boyd, multiple locations
2nd Dr. Daniel Sherbert, West Bloomfield Twp.
3rd Dr. Mune Gowda, Troy, Detroit
Day spa
1st Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham
2nd Margot European Spa, Birmingham
3rd Face Skincare Medical Wellness, Bingham Farms
Divorce attorney
1st Jeffrey Lance Abood, Birmingham, East Lansing
2nd David Findling, Royal Oak
Engagement/wedding ring design
1st Tapper鈥檚, multiple locations
2nd Miner鈥檚 Den Jewelers, Royal Oak
3rd Radiant Fine Jewelry, Plymouth
Financial planner
1st Hantz Group, multiple locations
2nd Rising Sun Investments LLC, Troy, Monroe
3rd The Loupee Graziani Group, Farmington Hills
Hair salon
1st 6 Salon, multiple locations
2nd Colors by Kim Hair Salon and Day Spa, Trenton
3rd Antonino Salon & Spa, Birmingham
Landscape designer
1st Mosher & Associates, Royal Oak
2nd English Gardens, multiple locations
3rd (tied) Four Seasons Garden Center & Custom Landscape Services, Oak Park
3rd (tied) Great Lakes Landscaping, Chesterfield
3rd (tied) Zaremba & Co., Pontiac
Marijuana dispensary (medical)
1st Liv Ferndale, Ferndale
2nd Utopia Gardens, Detroit
3rd House of Dank, Detroit
Massage
1st Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham
2nd Margot European Spa, Birmingham
3rd Meta Physica Wellness Center, Detroit
Men鈥檚 grooming
1st Detroit Barbers, Detroit, Ferndale
2nd Berkley Chop Shop, Berkley
3rd 6 Salon, multiple locations
Pet groomer
1st Bark-a-Bout, Shelby Twp.
2nd Canine to Five, Detroit, Ferndale
3rd (tied) Scrubbers, multiple locations
3rd (tied) Catherine鈥檚 Pet Parlor, Royal Oak
Photographer
1st Athornsphoto, Detroit
2nd Molly Grunewald Photography, Detroit
3rd Erika Mae Photography, Lake Orion
Realtor
1st Nicole McAvoy, Birmingham
2nd Lucine Tarman, Birmingham
3rd Billy Johair, Dearborn
Salon for a blowout
1st 6 Salon, multiple locations
2nd Antonino Salon & Spa, Birmingham
3rd Colors by Kim Hair Salon and Day Spa, Trenton
Salon or spa for a facial
1st Face Skincare Medical Wellness, Bingham Farms
2nd Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham
3rd 6 Salon, multiple locations
Salon or spa for a mani-pedi
1st Rivage Day Spa, Birmingham
2nd 6 Salon, multiple locations
3rd Polished by Halley, Bloomfield Twp.
Special-occasion venue
1st Infinity & Ovation Yacht Charters, Lake St. Clair, Detroit River
2nd Shinola Hotel, Detroit
3rd Great Lakes Culinary Center, Southfield
Travel agency
1st Amaze Travel, Northville
2nd (tied)听Corporate Travel, Northville
2nd (tied) Cadillac Travel Group, Southfield
2nd (tied) Bee Kalt Travel, Royal Oak
2nd (tied) Just Cruises & Vacations, Clinton Twp.
Wedding planner
1st Ajune Event, West Bloomfield Twp.
2nd Events by Raj Singh, Detroit
3rd Emerald City Designs, Farmington Hills
The Write Thing
Mitch Albom鈥檚 serialized story, Human Touch, focuses on fear and hope amid the pandemic, and will also support local relief efforts
// By Rachael Thomas
Best Of Detroit-winning columnist Mitch Albom鈥檚 latest fictional work not only gives readers something to resonate with during these unprecedented times but will help fund pandemic relief efforts across metro Detroit as well.
Human Touch follows four families 鈥 living on the same corner in a small Michigan town 鈥 whose Saturday gatherings are upended by the onset of the coronavirus crisis. Panic, fear, and prejudice pervade as the characters either become closer or drift apart.
The delivery of the eight-chapter story, released one per week on Fridays through May 29 at humantouchstory.com and on Audible, presented Albom with a new creative challenge. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e not thinking about all the business parts of being a novelist; that鈥檚 all out the window,鈥 he says. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e just trying to get as many people to read it and make donations as possible.鈥
At the core of this story is hope, embodied by Little Moses, a perceptive 8-year-old born with an unexplainable power that will guide everyone through the pandemic. Albom says Little Moses is inspired by Knox, an 8-year-old from Albom鈥檚 Have Faith Haiti Mission & Orphanage who is staying with him. Knox comes to the U.S. for therapy for injuries to his arm and leg suffered in an accident; when COVID-19 hit, he couldn鈥檛 return home.
鈥淗e has been the absolute biggest blessing in this whole crisis,鈥 Albom says of Knox, who voices Little Moses for the audiobook. 鈥淗e sings in the bathroom. He runs around the house like he鈥檚 Sonic the Hedgehog, and he can鈥檛 wait to get up in the morning. When I sat down to write the book, I said, 鈥業 don鈥檛 know where it鈥檚 going to go, but I know an 8-year-old is going to save the day.鈥欌
Proceeds from readers鈥 donations benefit local pandemic-related relief efforts organized by Albom鈥檚 nonprofit, SAY Detroit. The group opened a free听 COVID-19 testing site in Highland Park in April that鈥檚 open three days a week without a physician referral. For more information, visit .
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