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justadetroiter-blog · 8 years

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Food Culture

Detroit to me is home. I wasn’t born in Detroit, but as long as I can remember, this city has been my roots and shaped me into the woman I am today. I work here, eat here, play here, and most importantly get my education here. To outsiders, Detroit is looked at as nothing more than a broken city full of crime and violence. To those that were born and raised here though, we see the beauty and culture in this city we call home. We see the automobile industry, the rhythm and blues, the soul food, and the sports teams that really made our city. Back when Motown was in the midst of coming alive, the artists lived right in Detroit’s own neighborhoods and were locals at the city churches. Music was and still is a major part of Detroit’s everyday lives.

The culture of Detroit brings a twist on music, food, clothing, and even art. We are home of the National Coney Island and home of ionic foods like Better Made Potato Chips and Faygo Pop. Detroit is the heart of Motown, Greektown, Corktown, and Mexicantown. It is home to the French, Belgians, Germans, Hispanics, Polish, Greeks, Italians, Middle Eastern, and Black populations, each with adding their taste on culture traditions. Culture in Detroit is diverse. That is one thing I love most about this city.

Detroit has many cultural events that drag the locals out of their houses and into the streets to celebrate the city. One main cultural outing in Detroit is the farmers markets. Detroit prides itself on buying Michigan made products and helping out our local farmers and artists. Year round, we gather on Russell Street on Saturday morning’s to share in Detroit’s food culture. What better way to spend a cold February morning then at the local farmers market? And did i mention they have tasting stations?

Winters in Detroit, Michigan feel as if they could drag on forever. At the midst of the winter season, I crave for those December snowflakes, but when February hits I want nothing more than to trade in my winter boots for a pair of flip flops. If only Michigan could be yellow and green again, instead of blue and grey. In a little Detroit marketplace, better known as The Eastern Market, sunshine, warmth, and color come together to bring the spirit of Detroit out of those winter blues and greys. I like to think of it as my little hiding place to escape and a place where people are out, smiling, and bringing the culture of Detroit together.

In the summer this market is wild. People everywhere, shops and booths along the streets, and a sense of community. The winter market is smaller but just as alive. From the moment I walk into The Eastern Market shed doors, I am reminded of just how much this is still my favorite thing to do, regardless of how cold or early it is. People riding bikes, pushing strollers, dancing in the street, playing instruments, exchanging waves, and cooking on the grill. The pretty flowers hang on display, a man is playing the violin, kids are running and playing, and people from all around Detroit make The Eastern Market a community of culture.

If the perfect Saturday could always smell like fresh tulips, brewing coffee, breakfast burritos, and lavender soaps. Walking around with a basket picking out Michigan grown produce and Michigan made products like face wash and honey. Fresh kale, monkey bread, homemade ravioli, and organic squeezed juices, fill the tables of local farmers. If I had to pick my favorite thing though about The Eastern Market, I would have to say it is the people. Short, tall, black, or white, Detroit shows love to everyone. All races, all religions, and zero politics. This city was made with diversity and this is a place to celebrate it.

Let be honest though, I am a foodie at heart. My favorite way to taste culture is to literally taste it on my tongue. Food is a great way to learn about a culture other than your own. It teaches you different tastes, textures, and even cooking traditions. Detroit’s restaurants and locals all gather together to serve up their favorite dishes. Fun fact, I never had a falafel until the Eastern Market and now I can officially say that middle-eastern cuisine is my new favorite. You can get a taste of true Mexican-cuisine, my personal favorite is the chorizo and egg burritos or homemade tamales! You can get a taste of the Middle-Eastern cuisine shaped around strong flavors of garlic, chickpeas, olives, and sumac. If you want a taste of African- American cuisine, the market is always serving up a mixture of soul food that’s cooked right outside on the barbeque, and I must say the hush puppies are divine. Finally, if you are not exactly even sure where to start with food, sampling and tasting is encouraged. Don’t be shy, try it out! Another great part about The Eastern Market is the clothing and jewelry. You can purchase African Dashiki’s, Detroit Apparel, bandana skirts, knit scarves and gloves, and even a Huipil. This market has it all.

Next time you are feeling down and blue, I encourage you to check out The Eastern Market located right in the heart of Detroit. Just going and being a part of the culture is enough to lift anyone’s spirits to make them feel at home, because after all Detroit is home to so many, and its important to feel the powerful spirit of the city. If you love music, they got you covered. If you love essential oils and homemade soaps, they have the hookups, and if you just want a warm cup of coffee and a positive atmosphere to drink it in, this is your place!

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justadetroiter-blog · 8 years

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When I was a young girl, my papa was a police officer in the city of Detroit. The stories he tells paint pictures in your head that stay with you forever. The things he saw, one couldn’t even imagine. I always was inspired though by his love and devotion to the city. He is someone who has seen so much bad, but can still see’s so much good. Love truly conquers all. People like that are what make Detroit so strong and beautiful. Thank you for keeping our city safe. xx

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justadetroiter-blog · 8 years

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