Adventure Detroit Goes International

Oh Canada, our neighbors to the north. Wait, it is the north correct? Hold on a second let me figure this out. So I go south down I-75 until I reach either Canada or Florida.  That makes sense, let me start over. 

Oh Canada, our neighbors to the north/south. The last time I was in Canada I was more concerned with how much I could drink and still get through border patrol, than what Windsor had to offer. This time I decided to take a drastically different approach and visit during the day. Not only visit during the day, but not visit a single bar. I know what you are thinking and no I don’t know why I decided to do this.

Let’s start with security. As always it was a breeze getting into Canada. They checked passports, asked a couple of questions, and sent us on our way. The security on the way back was quite different but I will get to that later.

My first stop was back to my old party spot, Ouellette Ave. I remember Ouellette being filled with bars, bars, and more bars. I was not at all prepared for the changes that took place. Yes, the street still has many bars and clubs. The difference is that shops and new high rise building dominate the landscape.

The first stop was BB Sneaker Boutique. I don’t know how many sneaker heads read this blog but I will make this perfectly clear to all of you. Spend the money on tolls, deal with security, do whatever you have to do, just go to BB Sneaker Boutique. This place makes Burn Rubber in Royal Oak look like Payless. Imad Saddy runs a top notch store full of unique sneakers and accessories. Check out all of Imad’s contact information at the end of the blog. You need to go and I need to go back.

As I was leaving the sneaker shop, something dawned on me. Certain things are legal in Canada that are not legal in the US. No, I am not about to talk about prostitution or weed. Calm down people. However, I am going to talk about Cuban cigars! That’s right people. Cuban cigars are legal. So we decided to take a stroll over to Habanos. Habanos isn’t the largest cigar shop, but they do have a very nice selection of Cuban’s. Habanos also provides a very nice seating area on Ouellette. If you are into cigars, I highly recommend Habanos. Just remember, don’t bring back the cigars! I think you would be violating some sort of embargo which probably isn’t good.

After indulging on some Cuban nicotine, the next logical stop had to be coffee. I mean what goes better with nicotine than caffeine? Now I did spot a Starbucks within ½ a block from Habanos but this is an adventure blog. As much as I wanted my usual, I decided to stroll over to The Coffee Exchange. I admit that I am a coffee snob and that I am pretty lame as a result. That being said, I am also pretty damn knowledgeable when it comes to good coffee. I will tell you this right now, The Coffee Exchange does not have good coffee. Plain and simple it isn’t good. The Coffee Exchange has the best coffee I have ever had in my life. Without a doubt, the best iced coffee ever. I would spend the $10 in tolls, and deal with security just to have another one. This coffee is haunting me…like night terrors…cold sweats.

The Coffee Exchange

Last thing on the agenda was checking out the recently developed river front. I will say that this would be an excellent date spot. It really would. They have sculptures, picnic areas, and bike paths. On the other hand, this was not a place for a couple of dudes reviewing stuff for an adventure blog. It was a little awkward and I did accidentally lock myself in the bathroom. This resulted in a nice cut on my hand trying to break my way out. Yes, I also wish I had a YouTube clip.

Penguin Sculpture on the river front

Finally it was time to return to the homeland. As expected, security sucked on the way back.  Every car was getting trunk searched and the lines were pretty long. My story was a little different than the others. I didn’t get searched one but twice! Come on, what do you think happens when you look at a border patrol officer and say “I have a social media marketing class in which I have to write a blog. Mine is called Adventure Detroit. I decided to come over to Windsor and review the downtown area.” Also, a piece of advice, when they ask how you know the people in your car, do not say church. Even if that is the truth, just lie. After my 15min car search was complete we were free and clear to go.

Overall, Windsor is pretty nice. If I you want to get out of the house, visit some new places, and just do something different, go to Canada. You might discover some new places or have another funny story to tell. Who knows?

Stephen Moore

Adventure Detroit

Habanos

286 Ouellette Ave

Windsor, Ontario N9A 1A5

519-258-9878

BB Branded Lifestyle & Sneaker Boutique

347 Ouellette Ave

Windsor, Ontario N9A 4J1

519-253-3960 (Shop)

INFO@BBBRANDED.COM

www.bbbranded.com

facebook.com/bbbranded

twitter.com/bbbrandedstore

instagram.com/bbbranded

The Coffee Exchange

266 Ouellette Ave

Windsor, Ontario N9A 1A%

http://www.coffeeexchange.ca

Money, Money, Money.....Parking!

The first stop for many suburbanites venturing into Detroit is often the casino. The casinos provide a safe meeting place, parking, and entertainment. The two casinos that I will taking a look at are Greektown Casino and Hotel and the MGM Grand – Detroit. You may be asking yourself, what about MotorCity Casino? Exactly, what about it? 

I am often asked what is the better casino, MGM or Greektown. My answer is typically the same; it depends on what you are doing. I am the first to admit that I am not a gambler by any stretch of imagination, but many of you aren’t either. I can’t comment on the poker rooms or the payout from a technical standpoint, but I can offer many tips that may be helpful for all of you venturing into our great city.

If you want to go downtown to gamble, eat, drink, and have fun, the clear choice is MGM Grand. The MGM offers breweries, clubs, restaurants, a great buffet, and even a Starbucks. Eating and drinking at Greektown is a lot like hanging out in the food court at Somerset. Actually, I have to apologize for Somerset for that comment. Eating and drinking at Greektown is a lot like hanging out in the food court at Universal Mall. It’s horrible. I understand that they built new restaurants and created a food court, but it’s still awful. Their only saving grace would have to be the hot dogs they offer. There is nothing better after a fun night in Detroit than a casino hot dog.

The main reason that most of you go to the casino is to park. This is an area where Greektown really shines. The new parking lot is located right off of I-75 and provides easy access. In addition, Greektown Casino is centrally located to many of Detroit’s restaurants, bars, and stadiums. Oh and I almost forgot to mention, has access to the People Mover. MGM on the other hand is not very centrally located. That being said, if you are not interested in walking around Detroit MGM is the place to park.

Both of these casinos offer free parking and free valet. However, Greektown does not offer free event parking. In order to receive free event parking at Greektown you will need to have a player’s card and actually use it.  You have to use your card at least once every 90 days in order for it to work for the free parking. If you do not possess a card, parking for events can cost as much as $20.

I have a much better way to spend your money. If you are going to a concert, game, or any event, park at the MGM Grand. I know what you are thinking, and yes it is a bit out of the way. As I mentioned above, they offer free valet. In addition to this the lot is not as busy and it’s free. Now the next part will impress your friends and make you look like a master of the city. Pull into the MGM Grand valet area. Next, as soon as you get out of the car let the valet know that you need a cab. The reason that you want to do this is because they know which ones are legitimate. The cab should arrive within a minute or two. The cab ride to Comerica Park, The Fillmore, or Ford Field is roughly 5min and will cost you about $6 plus tip. There is no longer a need to worry about walking, crowds, or getting down there early. I will pay $12 round trip for door-to-door service any day.

So next time you take a trip to Detroit try and park at a casino. It is safe, fun, and provides many options that a random unguarded lot will not. Now get out of my face and go enjoy the city!

Stephen Moore
Adventure Detroit

Mexican Town

With Fivo the Mayo (Cinco de Mayo for my Spanish speaking amigos) quickly approaching I thought that it would only be fitting to start off this adventure series with Mexico. However, I really couldn’t afford to hop on a plane and review a country for all of you, but I do accept donations. I apologize for the lack of adventure displayed in this adventure blog but I did bring you the closest thing Detroit offers to the great state of Mexico, Mexicantown. Actually, that might not be completely accurate. There are other places with bartering, street food, stray dogs, and wild chickens. Have any of you been to Gibraltar Trade Center? Anyways…

Mexicantown is easily one of the most visited areas of downtown Detroit. Located between Clark Park and West Grand Blvd, Mexicantown is packed with vibrant buildings, shopping, and of course amazing food. It is easy to see why so many people visit each year.  Although Mexicantown offers a variety of activities, I am fairly certain that those reading this blog aren’t concerned with the shopping district, but just so you know, there are quite a few places to get a kick ass sombrero.

 People from the suburbs are concerned with safety in downtown Detroit and especially Mexicantown, but in my numerous aventuras I have not encountered any issues. Although I would advise those that aren’t familiar with the area to stick to Bagley or Vernor Ave until you feel more comfortable. Parking may also be an issue depending on the time of day but two outstanding restaurants offer private lots instead of on-street parking.

The first of these restaurants is Armando’s Mexican Cuisine. Armando’s is located just off the Bagley strip on Vernor Ave. Armando’s offers a great menu, décor, and atmosphere. The area may seem a little shady but there is a parking lot attached to the back of the building. If you are looking to throw your own Mexican themed party you can also have Armando’s cater or provide carry-out. Combine Armando’s with Evie’s Tamales and you can throw one hell of a fiesta.

The second is my personal favorite, Xochimilco (pronounced soc-i-mico). Xochimilco is named after one of the sixteen boroughs found within the Mexican Federal District. The restaurant itself is essentially a converted house. When you walk inside you will see narrow walkways and different rooms set up with seating. Upstairs they offer a bar and additional seating.

The food at Xochimilco is outstanding. They start you off with arguably the best chips and salsa this side of Mexico. The menu is diverse and large, offering both traditional and Americanized options. I highly recommend flautas. For those of you that aren’t familiar, a flauta is a large corn tortilla rolled around a filling (chicken, steak, etc). It is then topped with lettuce, sour cream, tomato, etc. I must warn you, the portions are massive so order accordingly. Last but not least, Xochimilco offers margarita by the pitcher. Yes, you heard that correctly. These are deceptively strong and very tasty so please be careful. Remember you may be driving in an unfamiliar area.

Overall, Mexicantown is a great place to take a date, go out for a family dinner, or just experience the great city of Detroit. For those of you looking to celebrate Fivo the Mayo, there is no better place than Mexicantown. So grab some friends, your sombrero, and a designated driver and head on down. Feedback is welcome so feel free to comment on your experience or questions.

Xochimilco

3409 Bagley Ave

Detroit, MI 48216

Armando’s Mexican Cuisine

4242 W Vernor Hwy

Detroit, MI 48209

Evie’s Tamales

3454 Bagley Ave

Detroit, MI 48216

Gracias,

Esteban