If you have any experience with Detroit, you know that driving down the stretch from 8 Mile to mid-town can be pretty dismal. Dotted with small, dimly lit motels and large, blinking strip clubs, it isn't the first place I would tour with a new visitor. However, I have always been fascinated with the dynamics of Woodward Avenue; traveling in and out of the different personalities of each community as you drive towards the city center. I think it gives you the most accurate perspective of Detroit. If you take such a drive, and look over your left shoulder right before you enter Highland Park, you will see the subtle neon letters "lDv" and a spackling of twinkle lights on courtyard trees. At first glance it seems so out of place.
Curiosity got the best of me a few weeks ago, and I did what any good tourist would do; googled it. Turned out to be a restaurant, existing independently from the world around it since 1995.
Naturally,this "best kept secret" became the next step on our Native Touristing adventure. Jenna and I headed out last Thursday, cameras and notebooks in hand. Another freezing Michigan night left us bustling to get out of the wind, but upon opening the front door the ambiance inside quickly slows you. My first words to Jenna were, "Oh, shit. I didn't know we were supposed to dress up." It is one of those places where you feel instantly glamorous, or in our case, underdressed. A piano player was serving up classical music in the corner as guests dined on escargot and veal as if this was everyday dinner fare to them.
In the typical fashion of our friendship, we posted up at the bar. It was far enough away from all the patrons who followed the "appropriate dress code is required" rule, so as not to offend them with our jeans and disheveled ponytails. We immediately ordered 2 martinis; Jenna's a concoction of chocolate and espresso liqueurs and mine pineapple juice, Chambord, and champagne. Yum! While waiting for our roasted pepper bruschetta, we chatted it up with the bartender. It is amazing the wealth of good information you can get when you actually just talk to people. Here are our best findings:
- La Dolce Vita is owned by an Italian family. Real Italians that still speak the language and know how to make an authentic bechemal sauce and tiramisu.
- The clientele ranges from residents of the historical Palmer Park neighborhood (another spot on our list of places to tour), young professionals, tourists, and suburbanites.
- They offer bottomless mimosas and bloody marys on Sundays for $12.95. I'd say that is a worthy investment.
- The second Sunday of each month is their notorious "Pajama Brunch" where guests can enjoy eggs sardou and marscapone french toast in their bathrobes.
- On Tuesdays, starting Memorial Weekend, they open up the patio with a DJ and it evolves into a "club atmosphere".
The bartender spoke incredibly fondly of the work atmosphere, clientele, and management; definitely indications of a great place.
Before leaving, one of the regulars, who had been made aware this was our first visit, purchased us a Spanish coffee. Check out this beauty. The bartender prepared it in front of us; lighting the brandy on fire in authentic mixology fashion, garnishing with orange slices, coffee beans, and a generous helping of whipped cream. I don't even usually like coffee, but would come back to La Dolce Vita for this drink alone.
The night ended with a careful inspection of the bathroom (one of the tell-tale signs of restaurant quality), a promise to come back for Pajama Brunch, and scrounging up quarters to pay the valet (it is a mandatory $5 valet charge).
Amazing visit to this wonderful and well kept Detroit secret. For further information, to check out their menu, or make the suggested reservations, visit La Dolce Vita
