FUN FACT: Southwest Detroit’s Honey Bee La Colmena sells 30,000 pounds of chorizo each year.
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It’s time for Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a multi-day holiday that originated in Mexico to celebrate life and death through traditions like an offering of items to honor the dead, dancing, and skeleton-painted faces.
Food plays a central role in the celebrations. Meals and sweets are left on ofrendas and dishes enjoyed by loved ones while they were alive are often cooked and eaten during the celebration. A sweet bread, pan de muerto, is also baked for Day of the Dead gatherings.
This week in Detroit there are several celebrations with unique explorations of food.
In Southwest Detroit, La Jalisciense Supermercado and Taqueria is back with its second annual Día de los Muertos festival today through Nov. 3. It will feature an “interactive cemetery,” live performances, contests, more than 20 vendors and art and music workshops.
Also in Southwest Detroit, Prince Valley Market is having its annual ofrenda, inviting customers to contribute pictures, notes and other items, Susan Selasky at the Detroit Free Press reports.
And, on the river, there will be a celebration at Robert C. Valade Park this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring cafecito de olla, a spiced coffee drink, from and food from Galindo’s Mexican food truck.
If an event isn’t for you, stop by Mexicantown Bakery for fresh pan de muerto.
La Jalisciense Operations Director Leslie Vargas said the festival has helped her make peace with mortality.
“When I’ve confronted death in my life, Día de los Muertos has made it easier to grieve, to acknowledge, and to understand that it’s not a forever goodbye, but a ‘see you someday.’ This tradition helps me hold onto the memories of those who are no longer with us,” she said.
Dig In,
JB
- Corktown Korean restaurant Black Ginger has shut down just months after opening.
- Lady of the House has reopened in Core City.
A schedule of pop-ups for the week:
Thurs., Oct. 31:
Pink Flamingo, 2746 Vermont St. 6-10 p.m.
Fried Chicken and Caviar at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval. 7-10 p.m.
Melway Burgers at Cafe Sous Terre, 445 W. Forest. 7-10 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 1:
Randos Sandos at Brewery Faisan, 1087 Beaufait St. 5-8 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 2:
Brekkie with Elle at Craig’s Coffee, 412 Peterboro St. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
El Taco Dojo at Brewery Faisan, 1087 Beaufait St. 4-8 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 3:
The Egg Hunt at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Marksie’s Cooking at Red Hook, 2761 E. Jefferson. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mon., Nov. 4:
Kusina at Motor City Wine, 1949 Michigan Ave.
Tacos Hernandez at The Kiesling, 449 E. Milwaukee Ave. 5-10 p.m.
- Sugar Factory is hiring a front of house manager
- Sexy Steak is hiring a line cook.
- Mad Nice is hiring a barback.
- Eastern Market is hiring a food assistance program team member.