Perfect Day: Birmingham

SHOP, DINE AND RELAX

by sandra dalka-prysby | photos by brett mountain

A flourishing industrial area is how the founding fathers of Birmingham envisioned the city in the 1830s, according to the Birmingham historical museum & park. The industry never came, but prosperity arrived as the city became a retreat for successful Detroit business owners. Today, you can experience the city by walking – it was named one of the top 20 most walkable communities by walkable communities, inc., An organization dedicated to helping cities become more pedestrian-friendly – and visiting all that this charming and upscale city has to offer, from the unique shops and worldclass eateries to the galleries and spas.

Morning

BREAKFAST

Get a feel of old Birmingham by checking out blackand- white photos of the city’s past as you enjoy breakfast at Maple Leaf Café (297 E.Maple Ave., 248.723.1222). The diner offers a Sweet Potato Scramble, made with eggs, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, scallions, bacon and creamy Havarti cheese, served with fruit or toast, $8.95

SPA TIME

Spend a couple of hours at Virtuoso Salon (1050 S. Old Woodward Ave., 248.203.6888, www.virtuososalon.com), and treat yourself to a Vitamin Facial (starts at $80) and achieve the ideal eyebrow arch, $25. Pick up something from the Jane Iredale makeup line, available at the salon. Try the In Touch Cream Blush, $26, to use on your cheeks and lips. The blush contains pure cocoa powder, so you’ll be treated to the smell and taste of chocolate.

Afternoon

LUNCHTIME

There might be a wait at the small (60 seats) but extremely popular Streetside Seafood (273 Pierce St., 248.645.9123), but with its fresh fish, which is purchased daily, menu offerings and the exceptional skills of Executive Chef Sharon Juergens, lunch (or dinner) at this seafood eatery is well worth the wait. Try the Greek-style calamari with olives and peppers, $8.

A FEAST FOR THE EYES

Ring the bell, and step inside David Klein Gallery (163 Townsend St., 248.433.3700, www.dkgallery.com) and experience the works of Ferndale artist Stephen Magsig, who paints contemporary, urban landscapes, primarily of Detroit and New York. (His work is on display May 10-June 7.)

A ZEN RETREAT

“May Peace Prevail On Earth,” reads the message on one side of a square pole at the corner of Pierce and Merrill streets. Take a relaxing break on one of the two adjacent benches – locals have labeled them the “Zen benches” – and meditate on your next steps.

SWEET SATISFACTION

Looking for a sweet indulgence? Try a Tarte Aux Pommes á L’Ancienne (puff pastry with pastry cream, almond cream and sliced apples) or one of the other exceptional treats ($2-$4.25) offered by Master Pastry Chef Matt Knio at his Cannella Patisserie & Crêperie (300 Hamilton Row, 248.203.9704, www.cannellapatisserie.com).

SHOPPING

When Patience Wright gave birth to her son Elliot five years ago, she was disappointed with the selection of cool and trendy clothes available for baby boys. Her solution was to open The Purple Bear (244 E. Maple Rd., 248.645.0400, www.thepurplebear.com). The boutique offers one-of-a-kind infant and children’s apparel – it carries more than 100 clothing lines, as well as books and unique toys. She says current color trends for children go beyond pinks and blues to darker colors, such as raisin, navy, gray and black.

Looking for contemporary one-of-a-kind jewelry? Heartwear Designs (235 S. Old Woodward Ave., 248.540.2839) sells a variety of rings, pendants, earrings and Judaica designs by co-owner Marcy Feldman.

For the latest in high fashion LUXE Clothier (275 E.Maple Rd., 248.594.0050) offers designs from Europe, New York and Los Angeles, as well as an eclectic mix of accessories. The shop is the only store in Michigan to carry Blugirl Folies, a fresh and hip Italian collection adorned with a little bling.

Labeled a “totally hip shop” by Lucky magazine, especially for its stylish and comfortable shoes from lines such as Wolky, RE-MIX, Cordani and Aquatalia, Imelda’s Closet (123 W. Maple Rd., 248.203.1222) also stocks handbags, jewelry, clothing and unique gifts. According to owners Patty Spadafore and Jayme Kirschner, summer must-haves include Superga sneakers, Mango sandals, and travel bags, purses and accessories from the baggallini line.

Evening

FINE DINING

Chen Chow Brasserie (260 N. Old Woodward Ave., 248.594.2469, www.chenchow.com) is Birmingham’s newest fine cuisine addition and is fast becoming the “in place” for dinner and nightlife. Pan-Asian menu offerings, such as sushi and sashimi, as well as steaks, seafood and poultry dishes provide flavorful choices in an elegant modern- Asian setting. Executive Chef Robert Courser recommends the Colby Hot-Rock Beef marinated in lemon grass and ponzu sauce, $24.

NIGHT LIFE

If you’re searching for nightlife, you only have to go a few steps to find a lively scene. There are about 30 bar seats surrounding Chen Chow Brasserie’s enormous bar, and there’s also a dance floor (at left).

If you want a change of scenery, go to the basement beneath another good dining spot – 220 – to Edison’s Bar (220 Merrill St., 248.645.2150) and enjoy a Cosmopolitan, $8. Live classical rock ’n roll music and dancing make this a favorite gathering place.

To be seen and for a touch of the green, go to Dick O’Dow’s Irish Pub (160 W.Maple Rd., 248.642.1135, www.restaurant.com/dickodows). At this popular meeting place for locals – there’s often a line at the door on weekends – Irish beers and other beverages may be enjoyed along with Irish music, which is sometimes performed live by local musicians.

WHERE IT IS

Downtown Birmingham is one block west of Woodward Avenue, between Lincoln Street to the south and Oak Street to the north, and Southfield Road to the west.

WHERE TO PARK:

There’s metered parking on the streets ($1 per hour; time limits vary by location) and five parking structures – with your first two hours of parking free – adjacent to the shopping district.

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

Visit www.enjoybirmingham.com for a listing of businesses, special events and current coupons being offered by retailers.