Food + Beverage

Small town, Big stories

A few of our favorite places and the unique stories behind them. Article by Jennifer Lee | Photography by Jessica Snow Give Thanks The one where customers vowed to continue traditions. Gerald Matthes founded Give Thanks Bakery in 1998 after a successful career in global advertising in New York and Detroit. Born in Germany and raised in England, Gerald pursued his advertising dreams in New York but had learned bread baking early in life. His family's baking tradition began in Braunsbach...

Food + Beverage

The Meeting House

Where the guests and the crew feel like family. Article by Jennifer Lee | Photography by Jessica Snow It's a special thing when you are able to walk into a space and feel like you're at home.  That is exactly what the owners of The Meeting House have done.  After meeting in 2003 while working at Beverly Hills Grill, Jason Mood and Chef Christopher Johnson decided to take the leap and open a restaurant of their own.  They both left their positions in June of 2012 to focus on completing their...

Food + Beverage

A Taste of Umbria: Nonna Leonilda's Lentil Soup

Danny Bologna brings authentic Italian flavors to life as the owner of Bologna Via Cucina, Rochester. Article by Daniel Bologna | Photography by Jessica Snow In the heart of central Italy, nestled among the rolling hills and mountains of Umbria, lies the small town of Castelluccio. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich agricultural traditions, this region is particularly famous for one humble yet exceptional ingredient: lentils. These tiny, nutrient-packed legumes have been a staple...

Style + Beauty

The Art of Fashion

Fashion is not simply about what we choose to wear. It's how we tell the world who we are without saying a word. Article by Jennifer Lee | Photography by Jessica Snow When we set out to create an issue surrounding art + fashion, we knew immediately that we wanted to do more than choose a few outfits to highlight. With a team full of creatives -writers, photographers, artists, and dancers, we quickly began brainstorming what our "dream" feature would look like.  Well, let me tell you -- we...

Home + Design

House Love

Navigating the world of Real Estate with Trisha Mell Article by Jennifer Lee | Photography by Jessica Snow If you've been on the Paint Creek trail recently, you've most likely seen Trisha Mell run by.  That's probably because when she's not helping people find their dream homes, she's usually training for a Marathon. (S he's currently training for two, making them her 16th and 17th - no big deal.) Trisha has called the Rochester area home, since graduating from MSU, where she began her...

Home + Design

Talulah Belle

A place to shop for all things beautiful. Article by Jennifer Lee | Photography by Jessica Snow If you've spent any time shopping on Main Street you've most likely popped into Talulah Belle at least once  Since 2008, Amy Fonville has been perfectly curating her boutique to feature some of the most beautiful and unique home goods.  A mix of gifts, local artwork, furniture, jewelry, table settings and glassware fill her shelves offering a shopping experience that allows guests to really...

Food + Beverage

Espresso Martini

Silver Spoon Ristorante puts their spin on a classic. Article and Photography by Jennifer Lee While there are many variations on the espresso martini cocktail, you could say there's one standard garnish - three espresso beans floating on top. Tradition holds that these three beans represent health, wealth and happiness.    Ingredients: 1 oz freshly brewed illy espresso 2 oz Stoli Vanilla 1 oz Kahlùa .5 oz Creme de Cacao   Directions: Add all ingredients to a shaker tin.  Add ice. ...

Beauty

Look Good. Feel Good.

Kingsfield Grooming - Celebrating individuality and craftsmanship through the art of men's haircutting Article by Jennifer Lee | Photography by Jessica Snow Tucked below Desert Oasis off of Main Street you'll find Kingsfield Grooming, a salon geared towards the art of men's haircutting focusing heavily on influences from traditional barbering.  Established in 2015 by Jayson Fielder and Jaime Reyes, Kingsfield has been keeping Rochester looking good for almost a decade.  Upon stepping into...

Food + Beverage

Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Giving families and their pets the gift of freedom, safety and peace of mind. Article by Jennifer Lee | Photography by Jessica Snow It's estimated that there are over 62 million households across America that have dogs and around 73% of those households rely on some type of training method to help their dogs become the best boy or girl on the block.  With over 157 locations, we're lucky to have one of the best dog training facilities around, right here in our backyard!  Led by owners Nick and...

Life + Culture

Hometown Playground: Innovation Hills

Relaxation awaits at the nature-inspired play area and tranquil boardwalk. Article by Erica Reagle | Photography by Jessica Snow If you’re looking for your new favorite family-friendly park in Rochester Hills, Innovation Hills is definitely worth checking out. Located at 2800 W. Hamlin Road, this 110-acre park has unique features for people of all ages including a giant treehouse, relaxing walking paths and a covered events pavilion. The park opened in October 2019 and the spacious playground...