We’re holding a contest! We invite you to try your hand at writing original reviews about some of the sites that make Detroit such a unique and vibrant place to live for possible inclusion in the book! We’ll award $100 in cash to the best single entry, and awards ranging between $25 and $75 in gift certificates to City Bird and Nest for the runners-up. Winners will be published and credited in the guide.
In keeping with the current voice of the book, we’re looking for honest reviews of establishments that are positive, enthusiastic, informative, accurate, engaging, descriptive, and lively. Reviews also need to be concise – about 3-6 sentences. We’ve included some writing suggestions and example entries below, for your reference.
To be considered for a prize, all entries must be an original review for one of the following and must be submitted via this form:
- 1701 Cigar Bar – 140 Cadillac Sq.
- 5e Gallery – 2661 Michigan Ave
- All Star Books – 16725 Mack Ave
- Black Horse Cantina – 7844 W. Jefferson Ave
- Blue Pointe Restaurant – 17131 E. Warren
- Charlie’s Bar – 1503 Springwells
- City Sports Center Inc – 3701 E Lafayette St
- El Naciemento – 7400 W. Vernor Hwy.
- Elam’s Bar & Grill – 17456 Harper Ave.
- Elwood Bar & Grill – 300 E Adams Ave
- Greenwich Time Pub – 130 Cadillac Sq.
- Love’s Custard Pies – 10040 W. McNichols
- Menjo’s Complex – 928 W McNichols
- Metro Music – 8647 Southfield Fwy.
- Milt’s Gourmet Bar-B-Que – 19143 Kelly
- National Museum of the Tuskegee Airmen – 6325 W. Jefferson
- Simmons & Clark Jewelers – 1535 Broadway St.
- Sweet Potato Place – 17337 Lahser
- The Family Aquatic Center – 12600 Chandler Park Dr.
- Tip Toe Shoe Repair – 127 Michigan
Entrants can submit as many entries as they like. Winners will be chosen by a team of guide contributors. All entries are due by June 10, 2012, by 11:59 PM and must be submitted via the form linked above. Winners will be contacted and announced by June 24, 2012.
By participating in this contest, entrants agree that Belle Isle to 8 Mile and its designees may use the entries supplied by the entrant for marketing, advertising, and/or publication purposes. All entries submitted to Belle Isle to 8 Mile as a part of this contest become property of the editors. Any entrant whose work is quoted in whole or in part will be acknowledged appropriately in the book.
Feel free to email us with any questions (Click on the “Contact” page, above). Good luck!
Writing Suggestions
As a general guideline, strong entries include the following (might overlap):
- A concise description: “The magnum opus of a 91 year-old retired GM lineworker, ‘Hamtramck Disneyland’ is a curious mechanical folk-art carnival that explodes out of mastermind Dmytro Szylak’s backyard.”
- Any historical significance, if applicable: “Completed the same year, nearly as lavish, and designed by the same architecture firm as New York’s Grand Central Station, Michigan Central Station…”
- Any national or international significance, if applicable: “The Ford-Wyoming is America’s Largest Drive-In.”
- What makes the place unique: “The real highlight of the [Old Miami] is the enormous backyard with its Vietnam paraphernalia, swings, bonfire pit, and koi pond.”
- Especially for applicable restaurants, list key specialties: “Goodwell’s ‘Famous’ Pita Pocket Sandwich is an essential purchase. Though it is revered by vegetarians, it is also popular with omnivores.”
- Any special nights or regular events, e.g.:
- Oktoberfest at the Dakota Inn
- This Week in Art at MCBW
- Pub Quiz at the Lager House
- Macho City at the R & R
- Recommendations, if applicable: [At the Detroit Historical Museum], be sure to visit the Streets of Old Detroit, on the lower level.
- Although we aren’t including hours in the guide, try to note any weird hours or seasonal closures, such as movies only being shown after dark at the Ford-Wyoming, or West Village’s Tashmoo Biergarten only being open during the Summer months.
Example Entries
Motz Restaurant
Don’t let the lack of a crowd fool you. Motz’s distinctive large, juicy sliders have been among the best in the city since it opened in 1929. While the early white tower architecture building – replete with vintage dining counter and retro diner-facing grill – would be reason enough to visit, its renown is burger-based. Motz uses Eastern Market-fresh, never-frozen, beef grilled on a bed of onions to create their big, rich, and tender sliders. Motz is not quite the carnivore stronghold it once was: vegetarian visitors will enjoy the veggie burger sliders.
Hamtramck Disneyland
The magnum opus of a 91 year-old retired GM lineworker, “Hamtramck Disneyland” is a curious mechanical folk-art carnival that explodes out of mastermind Dmytro Szylak’s backyard. The two-storey contraption is constructed out of brightly colored metal and wood and is filled with hundreds of toys and artifacts that embody kitsch and Americana. Though it is best enjoyed during the daytime, it is also a special sight at night when it is illuminated. Located in the alley that runs between Klinger and Sobieski South of Carpenter and North of Commor in Hamtramck.
Lupita Laundromat
Equal parts neon light museum, community hangout, and bargain-priced laundromat, Lupita Laundromat is the Detroit launderer’s paradise. The rainbows of neon lights adorning every wall illuminate the large and diverse collection of exotic plants on display throughout the building. With more than 100 washers and dryers, Lupita always has available machines. Lupita also offers same-day and two-day drop-off services for on-the-go launderers. The taco truck across the street makes for a great spin-cycle snack.
Woodbridge Community Garden
What used to be a trash-strewn abandoned lot is now a burgeoning urban garden and community gathering place. Art projects, shows and community meetings all find a common space here amidst heirloom vegetables, herb patches and apple trees. Run by volunteers, the garden is maintained through regular weekly work days and is a pleasant place to sit and enjoy some sunshine, to meet a friendly neighbor, or to get your hands dirty pulling weeds.
The Steak Hut
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast fix or a leisurely bacon and egg brunch, nowhere in Detroit serves the greasy staples with the same homey panache as the Steak Hut. If you’re lucky, you might get a heaping side of worldly advice from Gus, the man at the grill. All this can be had on a meager budget that makes out-of-towners balk (get in before 11am and you can treat yourself to the legendary two dollar breakfast special). Don’t miss Sunday mornings, when live acoustic country and folk musicians whip up a soundtrack that’s well-matched to the Steak Hut’s comfort foods.
