Oak & Reel goes French for August: To showcase the skills he learned while cooking in French kitchens, award-winning chef Jared Gadbaw will transform his Italian restaurant Oak & Reel into a French one for the month of August. The menu features truite amandine, escargot, a roast chicken, beef tenderloin with foie gras and loads of wines, cocktails, mocktails and more. Open for dinner Wed.-Sun. 2921 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit. (313) 270-9600. oakandreel.com.
Hungry Black Man Food Festival at Riverside Marina: Around 100 food vendors, plus DJs. 3-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Free admission with registration. 580 Old St. Jean, Detroit. Hbmdff.com.
Hot Honey Bourbon release at Detroit City Distillery: The DCD is launching a limited run of hot honey bourbon crafted with honey made with their longtime collaborator, Bees in the D. The $60 bottles will be sold online starting at 8 a.m. Friday, and the bourbon will also be mixed into specialty cocktails at a launch party Friday starting at 4 p.m. The party will also have Bees in the D products for sale and slices of Mootz bee sting pizza for the first 75 guests. The tasting room is at 2462 Riopelle, Detroit. detroitcitydistillery.com.
Pierogi Festival at Sweetest Heart of Mary: Reconnect with old friends and make new ones at this wholesome annual festival that celebrates Polish American culture with pierogi, stuffed cabbage, baked goods, beer, Polka bands and more. There are also vendors, a resale shop, 50/50 raffle, kids’ activities, traditional Polish dancers, church tours and more. 5-10 p.m. Fri., noon-9 p.m. Sat. and noon-5 p.m. Sun. 4440 Russell, Detroit. (313) 831-6659. motherofdivinemercy.org/festival.
Jazz Seafood Brunch at Joe Muer: All-you-can-eat upscale seafood brunch buffet hosted by Chuck Bennett and Brian McKenney with live music from Gwen and Charles Scales. The upscale spread has an omelet station, Italian cuisine, seafood, sushi, desserts and more. 10:30 a.m-3 p.m. Aug. 10. $65 per person. 400 Renaissance Center, 1404, Detroit. joemuer.com.
Somm Slam Dinner at Andiamo Pasta & Chops: Joe Vicari Restaurant Group sommelier Lisa Ribaudo will battle Kobrand Wine & Spirits’ wine specialist Ted Ross at this three-course somm slam. Guests will try two wines with each course and vote on their favorite pairing. Dinner is chimichurri lamb chops, fried zucchini blossoms and lemon shrimp scampi. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 13. $79 per person plus tax and gratuity. 17430 Hall, Clinton Township. Andiamopastachops.com.
Mezcal master class at Wright & Company: John Douglass, owner of Louisville’s acclaimed mezcal and cocktail bar Pretty Decent, visits Detroit to teach a master class in Mexico’s mezcal. 7 p.m. Aug. 17. $144 per person. 1500 Woodward, Second Floor, Detroit. exploretock.com/wrightandco/event/562549/mezcal-master-class-with-pretty-decent.
A Taste of Greece at Nativity of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church: This 20th annual cultural festival has authentic Greek cuisine like roast leg of lamb, pastitsio, souvlakia and combination plates so you can try it all. Taste of Greece also has entertainment, vendors and church tours. 6-10 pm. Aug. 21, 5-11 p.m. Aug. 22, noon-11 p.m. Aug. 23 and noon-6 p.m. Aug. 24. 39851 Five Mile, Plymouth. michigangreekfestival.com.
Novi Taco Fest at Fountain Walk: Mariachi music, margaritas, cerveza, family-friendly entertainment and tacos at every turn, this outdoor festival also has your chance to win with the hot pepper-eating and taco-eating contests and cutest-dog competition. 5-10 p.m. Aug. 22, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 23 and noon-7 p.m. Aug. 24. $10 per person per day, free for veterans and active duty. 44275 W. 12 Mile, Novi. Novitacofest.com.
Hospitality Included Fest at Detroit Design District: Around 30 of the city’s top bars and restaurants will have food and cocktails for sale at this outdoor food festival that also features visual artist and musicians from Detroit. 1-9 p.m. Aug. 24. Free. 6545 Oakland, Detroit. Learn about community ticketing model at hospincluded.com/event-details/hospitality-included-fest-25.
Detroit Sandwich Party at Eastern Market: Detroiters Carlos Parisi, Will McDowell and Bekah Galang have invited restaurants and other food entrepreneurs to gather in the Market to sell and celebrate sandwiches. Attendees can buy sandwiches directly from each vendor. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 31. Free admission. Shed 5, 2801 Russell, Detroit. instagram.com/detroitsandwichparty.
Donut and Cider Fest at Canterbury Village: Get a head start on those fall feelings with this food festival featuring cider from Yates Cider Mill, donut-eating contests, yard games, a cider mill-themed scavenger hunt, petting zoo, vendors and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 6-7. $4 cash or $5 with card. 2420 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion. canterburyvillage.com.
Melody Baetens
Dining and Cooking