Dream Cruise Is Now; CANVASxDetroit Launches Tonight

DOWNTOWN — CANVASxDetroit is a new and rather buzz-worthy art space, spurred into existence by its creative backers and financial help from d:Hive. Tonight, they get things started off right with their official launch party. Featuring a variety of food options, including sweet-potato goodies from The Batata Shop, drinks from Voigt's Soda House and fancy pastry pieces from Treats by Angelique (editorial note: these last two would love your votes in the ongoing Hatch Detroit contest), the artsy celebration is just as tasty as it is tasteful. The celebration runs fro 5 to 9 p.m. at the CANVAS gallery at 1249 Woodward Ave. [Facebook]

FERNDALE — While some of Ferndale's food fans might be sad that Torino is skipping the Woodward Dream Cruise festivities this weekend, other local favorites are keeping the lights on throughout the celebration of classic traffic jams. Hatch Detroit semi-finalists HenriettaHaus Coffee Roasters would love if you tried their special flavor at Treat Dreams, and the Oakland Art Novelty Company would strongly encourage any weary travelers to brave the traffic and come through for a mixed drink. Most sane diners and drinkers should use this weekend to explore the culinary options in communities other than south-central Oakland County, but if you don't have that luxury, there's always ice cream and cocktails. [-ED-]

MIDTOWN — The creatively, yet explicitly titled Alley Wine — i.e. they are a wine bar opening in an alleyway — have always aimed for a likely fall / late 2013 opening for their Alexandrine Street hideaway, and a Facebook post this morning shows that they are on their way to that goal. The Detroit Historic Commission officially granted the bar's owners and renovators their final approval, meaning that they are ready for their city food and beverage permits from this point forward. It's an exciting step forward for an exciting new space in Midtown. Winos, watch out for the future of this bar. [Facebook]

NEW CENTER — Mexicantown's Cafe Con Leche is heading north with a recently-announced expansion in the Boulevard West Building. The space they've claimed features big windows and a nice view of New Center Park, along with a passage that leads to a secret alcove in the back of the building. There's some eye-catching interior renderings and space exploration over at our sister site, Curbed Detroit. [-CD-]

DOWNTOWN — If you've found yourself jonesing for another Tashmoo Biergarten popup, jones no more: as we previously noted, Tashmoo is one of the many food and drink options in this weekend's Downtown Detroit Days festival. (Alley Wine will also be present, which is good news for the wine fans out there). Open until 11 p.m. both tonight and tomorrow, and 8 p.m. Sunday, Downtown Detroit Days takes over at 511 Woodward all weekend. Go, drink and be merry. The weather looks like it'll be positively dreamy. [-ED-]