Corktown Distillery Two James Is Expanding to Grand Rapids

Detroit-based distillery expands to Grand Rapids

Corktown distillery Two James Spirits is opening a new satellite tasting room in Grand Rapids in December inside 7 Monks Taproom, MiBiz reports. The tasting room will seat 50 with an 18-foot bar serving Two James’ full line of booze as well as retail bottles.

Noodle bar plans December opening in Midtown

One of Detroit’s best restaurants, Ima, is eyeing an opening in Midtown during the first week of December, a rep for the noodle bar confirms to Eater. Chef Mike Ransom leased the former Sweet Lorraine’s Fabulous Mac n’ Brewz property near Wayne State University over the summer with plans to open his third location of the Asian-influenced restaurant. Ima Midtown will be the largest of the three locations and is expected to offer more grab-and-go items and desserts geared towards students.

Talk about race at Checker Bar may turn into a series

On Thursday afternoon Checker Bar hosted “Let’s Talk About Race,” a discussion about race relations in the city in partnership with the Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity Office and Michigan Department of Civil Rights, the Detroit News reports. The event was co-organized by Wendell Fleming, who experienced a racially charged incident at Checker Bar that resulted in an employee’s firing. The city says it plans to build a website with resources for building better dialogue around race and may turn the event into a regular forum or training program.

Pizza for lunch in Corktown

Michigan Avenue pizzeria Grandma Bob’s is now serving lunch beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday with a full menu that includes slices, Detroit-style pizza, and booze. In two weeks, the restaurant expects to unveil a new happy hour menu.

Warm clothes drive for Detroit students

Central Kitchen + Bar is partnering with Detroit Public Schools Community District Wednesday, November 27 through Monday, December 16 for a clothing drive. Customers can drop off scarves, hats, gloves, boots, and other cold-weather accessories and clothing all donated to children in need that attend the district.

Cage-free eggs

Come 2025, all egg-laying hens in Michigan must be housed in cage-free systems under a new law signed by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist on Thursday.

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