FUN FACT: Matthew Holowicki holds the record for the Hamtramck paczki eating contest, eating 23 in 15 minutes.
Hey, it’s JB!
It’s that time of year: Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday.
A day of indulgence, Mardi Gras is rooted in Catholic tradition and precedes Lent, a 40-day fast. There are approximately 907,000 Catholics in Southeast Michigan.
In the Midwest, it’s common to start the day with pÄ…czki, which are similar to Polish donuts. The treat became popular after the 19th century emigration of Polish and Lithuanian people following the Polish rebellion.Â
Here’s what’s on the plate for the March 4 holiday.Â
Kick it off with a run and paczki this Saturday at Hamtramck’s annual Paczki Run. The same day, Detroit City Distillery and Eastern Market Brewing are having a PÄ…czki Day Party featuring a block-long Shot Ski and paczki vodka and beer.Â
Starting around 3 a.m. on Tuesday you can line up with other Detroiters for paczki at New Palace Bakery, or pick some up a little later from a number of other places. Check out this map of where to get a paczki in Metro Detroit.Â
In the afternoon on Tuesday, the Detroit Public Library is hosting a Mardi Gras celebration for children and families with stories, crafts, beads, and King Cake.Â
For dinner, Louisiana-born Detroit chef Ederique Goudia is throwing a party at Core City eatery Puma with dishes like jerk chicken gumbo and Creole cornbread with whipped brown butter. You can make your reservations here. (Goudia also has a food newsletter for food businesses and entrepreneurs, which you can sign up for here.)
You might see me Tuesday in line for paczki or reveling in Goudia’s vegetarian collard green melt po’boy!Â
Dig In,Â
JB
- Seven Detroiters went to Cameroon for the international Diaspora Kitchen culinary summit.
- MSU Extension employees are forming a union after more than 70% of workers voted in favor of creating two bargaining units.
- Vegan eatery Seva Detroit is closing after a decade and a half of business in Detroit.
- The owners of Green Dot Stables and Johnny Noodle King are purchasing neighborhood cocktail bar Kiesling.
- A new beer hub, Meantime, will open in the former 8 Degrees Plato location in the Cass Corridor.
- Rose’s Fine Food is reactivating its old diner on E. Jefferson.
- Forgotten Harvest is launching more food pantries in the area.
- State lawmakers reached a deal last week to preserve a lower minimum wage for workers who earn tips.
The weekly schedule of pop-ups, food events and more. Click on the calendar below created by Bekah Galang.
- Slows Bar BBQ is hiring a dishwasher.
- Detroit People’s Food Co-op is hiring a cashier.