Have a Pint & Stock the Pantry at Claddagh

We usually think of kids and families going hungry in the winter. According to a Gleaners survey, however, the number of kids enrolled in the summer lunch program went up 200% between 2006 and 2010.

To combat child hunger, Cladddagh Irish Pub in Livonia is hosting a “Stock the Pantry” rally to benefit local food bank partners on July 16-18.

Audra Borger, sales manager at Claddagh Irish Pub in Livonia:

ConAgra Foods and Feeding America created ‘Child Hunger Ends Here’, a program to benefit local food pantries across the country. Forgotten Harvest and Gleaners Community Food Bank are the beneficiaries, so we are eager to host an event. The bottom line is it’ll be a great party for our guests, all for a great cause!

Cordette Grantling, the woman featured on the NBC’s Dateline special on Detroit, will be the guest of honor, along with her family, on July 18^th.

Guests will receive the following:

• If you donate 3 non-perishable food items, you receive a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert.*

• A $5 coupon gives you $10 off your meal of two entrees and two beverages.*

• On Sundays at the Claddagh, kids always eat free!*

This is an easy way to make a difference while having a great night out. And, you know I like Irish pubs, right?

*Free appetizer or dessert coupon cannot be used on the same day received. $10 coupon cannot be combined with any other coupons, promotions or offers except “Kids eat free on Sundays.” Children age 12 and under. Only valid July 16-18, 2010

Claddagh Irish Pub Livonia is located at 17800 Haggerty Road and will be open Friday and Saturday, July 16-17, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; and Sunday, July 18, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

For more information, contact The Claddagh at salesmanager@claddaghirishpubs.com or 734-542-8141.

From Eastern Market to the Farm

We started our weekend on Saturday morning with a trip to Eastern Market. We stocked up on McClure’s pickles, Zimmerman’s pimento cheese spread and, of course, fresh produce.

I took some pictures, including this one of a farmer/vendor. I was taking photos of his flowers and he insisted I take one of him too. We were in a rush to get something to eat so I quickly snapped the photo. I didn't even stop and talk to him.

After stuffing our tummies with peirogies from the People's Pierogi Collective and pizza from Supino Pizzeria we headed home to drop off our goodies before we headed out for our next stop of the day.

The Peoples Pierogi Collective.

It was our first visit to Art in the Park in Plymouth. The only purchase I made was for my cat Frankie, wild catnip in a small pillow of fabric. He’s been high on catnip ever since!

My husband has spent time in downtown Plymouth but I haven’t. What a beautiful downtown! Cute shops and restaurants line the streets and I can’t wait to head back for a little shopping, dinner, and drinks.

Through the power of Foursquare we were also able to stop and chat with friends who were also at the art fair. Ahh, technology!

On Sunday, we left Detroit and headed out to the country. My mom’s family is from Caro, Michigan and we had a graduation party out there. Driving through the open fields was a serene way to spend the day.

We’ve often referred to that side of the family as “the farmers” even though they haven’t had their own working farms for years. They still live on farms and in farm communities.

Seeing my Great Aunt & Uncle and my cousins was wonderful. My Aunt Stella, my grandma’s sister, is the last surviving sibling of 8. Her husband, my Uncle Elgin, always has a twinkle in his eye.

I have great childhood memories of spending time on the farm. Everything seems so much slower and simpler there.

The day was beautiful and sunny so I was quite surprised to walk outside and see a storm brewing.

You have never seen people more happy to see rain than farmers! Everyone was talking about how much we needed the rain.

You hear that down in metro Detroit too but it tends to be about the grass turning brown and how much the flowers need it.

Up in farm country it’s about the crops, it’s about their livelihood.

Twitter, Facebook, and Foursquare were never brought up. My husband, my parents and I were the only ones to actually pull out our phones. Well, except for the teenagers, they could be seen texting.

A change of scenery can boost your creativity and change your perspective but you have to talk to the people too. People are the fabric of a community. It’s easy to think about that when you’re out of town but remember to do it at home.

A church we passed while up north. The sign on the door reads "closed" and the sign out front says, "selling out, make an offer."

You know that farmer in Eastern Market that wanted me to snap his picture? How I wish I would have stopped and chatted to him! Next time, I'll slow down and remember what I learned on the farm.

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

So, it's been a bit hot in metro Detroit this week. Here's a picture of my favorite Ice Tree at Belle Isle to cool you off. Now get out there and enjoy your weekend in Detroit!

The Belle Isle Ice Tree.

Weekend Roundup

1. Plymouth Art in the Park - Art invades the lovely town of Plymouth this weekend. Over 400 artists will be showing off thier paintings, sculpture, jewelry, woodwork, photography, fine glass, ceramics, and folk art. July 9-11.

2. American Polish Festival & Craft Fair - Kick up your heels and get your polka on with great entertainment, tons of yummy Polish food, crafts, and more. July 9-11.

3. Detroit APBA Gold Cup - The Hydroplane races will heat up the Detroit River this weekend, reaching speeds up to 190 MPH! July 9-11.

4. Detroit Symphony Orchestra at the Ford House - Bring a picnic and listen to the fabulous DSO with the Ford House as the backdrop. Enjoy a stroll through the grounds and end the evening with fireworks. July 9 & 10.

5. Michigan Elvisfest - Step into your blue suede shoes and head out to Ypsilanti to pay homage to the King of Rock & Roll. July 9 & 10.

6. Baar Bazaar - Catch some live music and have a drink while shopping for handmade crafts, vintage clothing, records, books, collectables, and more. July 10.

Do you know of a great event going in on Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Let's All Go To The Drive-In!

Drive-in movie theaters are a part of American culture. They are now seen as old dinosaurs with drive-in graveyards more plentiful than venues still in operation. The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In in Dearborn, Michigan is our lone surviving drive-in in metro Detroit.

The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In in Dearborn, Michigan.

The Ford-Wyoming is open 7 days a week, year round, has 5 screens showing recent releases, and can accommodate over 1500 cars!

My husband had never been to a proper drive-in so on the Fourth of July we went to see Toy Story 3 in the most American way possible. We parked up at the drive-in!

Going to the drive-in movie theater was a special treat when I was a kid. We’d go in our pajamas and bring our pillows and sleeping bags. I remember going to the Galaxy in Madison Heights and the Troy and Van Dyke Drive-Ins. Sometimes we’d go with just our family, sometimes we’d hop in a car with all of our neighbors.

You can still use these old speakers or you can tune the sound in on your car radio.

My parents, who were teenagers in the 1950’s, grew up in the heyday of the drive-ins. My dad has fond memories of the Gratiot, the Van Dyke, and especially the Bel-Air. “What was nice about the Bel-Air was that there was a spot behind the drive-in where you could park. You couldn’t hear the movie but it was a good place to 'park'.”

The Ford-Wyoming is old, it opened in 1950, and it’s a bit rundown. That didn’t hamper our recent visit; in fact, my husband and I had a blast! We'll go back to the drive-in a few more times this summer.

You can enjoy the movie in the comfort of your own car, catch a double feature, and enjoy a summer night. And, because it was the Fourth of July, there were fireworks going on all around us.

The screen quality may not stand up to modern indoor theaters but the atmosphere makes up for it. Drive-ins are also quite economical. At the Ford-Wyoming it’s $8.50 for an adult and that includes two movies. You can also bring your own snacks and beverages. We opted to bring our own beverages and buy some buttery movie theater popcorn from the concession stand.

Drive-Ins aren’t just for date night; they also are a great destination for family fun or a group outing.

A few tips for your next trip to the drive-in:

• If you don’t want to sit in your car bring lawn chairs, pillows, and blankets.

• Bring your own food and beverages to save on cost.

• Shut off your headlights. Don’t be that guy!

• Remember to bring a keychain light or glow sticks to navigate your way to the concession stand and restrooms.

• Get there early to pick the best spot. (The gates at the Ford-Wyoming open at 8:00 p.m.during the summer.)

The Ford-Wyoming may be the last surviving drive-in in metro Detroit but there are a few others still open throughout Michigan. Check out this list when you head out on your next road trip. You can also watch movies at the Drive-In Theaters at Compuware Arena.

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July Weekend!

Weekend Roundup

1. Salute to America - Head down to The Henry Ford & Greenfield Village for a night of patriotic music with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Bring a picnic dinner and finish the night with fireworks. July 1-4.

2. Stars & Stripes Festival - Enjoy free concerts including Vince Neil, John Michael Montgomery, John Waite, The Rockets and more. Other activities include a carnival, Taste of America, Salute to the Military, and a Banana Derby. July 2-5.

3. New Center Park Kick-Off Weekend - The new park kicks off with free entertainment, kids activities, food, and beverages. July 2-5.

4. Panel Discussion with MST3K: Mystery Science Theater 3000 Cast Members - The creator and cast members from this cult show will be on hand to answer audience questions and to talk about the show. July 1st.

5. Detroit Tigers - Our Tigers are playing at home this holiday weekend. Head down to the Comerica Park and watch them take on the Seattle Mariners. July 2-4.

Bonus: The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is in full swing.

There will be plenty of fireworks going on all weekend. Check here to find a fireworks display close to you.

Do you know of a great event going in on Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!