DETROIT TRAVEL GUIDE: Ford House + Best Paella — TDJ

For the past three years, my sister has been finishing up her final years of training to become a full fledge practicing cardiologist complete with all the boards and bells and whistles. Her schooling and education has brought me to cities I never thought I'd visit. While I'm glad she's coming back to SoCal, I will miss my annual trip to Detroit.

Here are my current favorites from my last trip to Motor City. Ps, I never did run into Eminem.

SHOPPING

1. Somerset Collection

2800 West Big Beaver Road Troy, MI 48084

With over 180 stores, the Somerset Collection has literally everything you could want. Stores range from Neiman Marcus to Lush to a new ginormous Zara coming soon. Also, the food court here is pretty incredible. I'm in love with Zoup! which is basically a soup heaven.

2. Regeneration Clothing

126 E. 14 Mile Road Clawson, Michigan 48017 +

23700 Woodward Avenue Pleasant Ridge, MI 48069

Per my previous post about buying and selling new & used clothing, I'm a huge fan of second hand stores. Regeneration has really great finds and the prices are insanely cheap. I scored a Marc Jacobs denim skirt for $6! That's crazy. That same skirt would have been $50 in Los Angeles.

DINING

3. Vicente's Cuban Cuisine

1250 Library St. Detroit, MI 48226

Downtown Detroit has come such a long way and I genuinely love strolling the streets and trying out the restaurants. Upon arriving, my sister took us to this Cuban restaurant that serves up incredible paella, among other delicious tapas. We got the Cuban Style which has lobster, shrimp, calamari, scallops, Spanish sausage, chicken, clams, mussels, vegetables and Spanish saffron rice. Huge chunks of seafood served with super moist rice. Yum!

A few tips, you should call your paella in 30 minutes before you plan on arriving to the restaurant because it takes 30-45 minutes to prepare. Additionally, the paella is sold by the serving. The above is technically for two people but our family of four split it up with tapas and salads too. Each serving is about $30.

4. Cotswold Cafe

1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236

Only open for lunch, the Cotswold Cafe is the best spot to go enjoy a piece of automotive history and a delicious selection of seasonal entrees. Located on the Edsel & Eleanor Ford's estate, the menu features delicious salads including the Maurice Salad, made famous my Hudson's department store. While they take great care into the details, like custom $500 chairs, they will be closing for TWO years to remodel. So go ASAP. Or check availability if you plan on going this year. They will return 2019.

5. Eastern Market

2934 Russell St. Detroit, MI 48207

The Eastern Market is a large semi-outdoor market with artisanal foods + crafts. Saturdays are the foodcentric day so be sure to go then. You can find anything from fresh churned honey roasted peanut butter to little meat pies. In short, it's a huge farmer's market but Detroit style. I dig it.

SIGHTSEEING

6. Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236

After a delicious brunch at Cotswold Cafe, you need to sign up for the Ford House tour. Edsel is the only son/child of Henry Ford. He and his wife Eleanor left their house to the city as a museum. The guided tour takes you through the family's day to day life and shared lesser known fun facts. The house is beautifully preserved and is embodies so much American history. After all, Ford Model T anyone? My first car ever was a Ford so it's like coming full circle!

Have you been to Detroit? What would you recommend?

xo Jenny