All Access

All-Access Weekly Digest

Detroit

Detroit Alerts

Detroit Members

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Detroit.

Axios Detroit Thought Bubble

Axios Detroit

👋 Howdy, Everett here. I'm writing to you from Nick's Grecian House, my new favorite greasy spoon.

Flashback: I've lived in 15 different cities. So before moving to Michigan in the spring, stability was fleeting.

Wherever I've put down my bags for a bit, the first priority has always been to find a cheap, edible and friendly diner.

Past favorites include Sunset Diner in Brooklyn, Hard Knox Cafe in San Francisco and Bayside Diner in Alton Bay, N.H.

Yes, but: Nick's now tops my personal power rankings. The portions are generous, the omelettes kick ass and it's so cheap it feels like they are paying me to eat there (three-egg omelettes range from $6-$10).

Plus: The walls are adorned with historic black-and-white pictures of Detroit and the servers will make fun of you for ordering iced coffee.

If you go: 1018 Eleven Mile Rd. in Royal Oak. Open 6am-8pm Monday-Saturday, 7am-3pm Sunday.

🥞 We also asked our readers for their favorite local diners and, as always, they did not disappoint: 

Paul M: My favorite neighborhood diner is House of Pancakes on Hayes in Clinton Twp. Great food, good people and excellent prices. You would love it!

41734 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038.

Kathleen Suydam: Just had to let you know of our favorite neighborhood diner in Saint Clair Shores ... Palmers Inn.

Jeremy K (West Bloomfield): Couple of great breakfast spots that my wife and I enjoy. All are reasonably priced places, great for breakfast or brunch on the weekends: 

Sunrise Cafe — 29591 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Recipes Restaurant — 31110 Haggerty Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331 

The Grill — 2235 Orchard Lake Road, Sylvan Lake, MI 48320

Early Bird Cafe — 3415 Orchard Lake Road, Keego Harbor, MI 48320

Great skillets (severed in a cast iron skillet with a potholder brought to the table — typically in a rooster shape).

Anita Land: If you're looking for a new iced coffee spot, travel west on 11 mile past Coolidge and there's a new spot I tried called Berkley Coffee.  All sorts of options!   

Anita also sent over an amazing anecdote about Nick's and her family, writing: "My son was only starting 7th grade at the time, but Nick always told him he’d give him a job when he was old enough. (Fast) forward a couple years, and true to his word, Nick hired him to be a busser.  He bussed for a few years with a couple attempts at serving and even some time at the grill.  He learned a great work ethic from that environment and is now studying culinary and hospitality here locally.  Best people and great food!!!"  

Midtown Zef's and Zeff's Coney Island at Eastern Market before they closed.

Local guide to the best diners in Metro Detroit

I'm writing to you from Nick's Grecian House, my new favorite greasy spoon.

Nick's Grecian House in Royal Oak, Michigan 

The Western omelette with a side of toast ($8.50) from Nick's Grecian House. Photo: Everett Cook/Axios

👋 Howdy, Everett here. I&#x27;m writing to you from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nick&#x27;s Grecian House" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/29092529.34/aHR0cHM6Ly9uaWNrc2dyZWNpYW5ob3VzZS5jb20vP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/613b89d6ca76e632c69b8c4bBa6d8e9c0" data-vars-content-id="24f67294-edc8-4d70-9b72-acd0f13b5af8" data-vars-headline="Local guide to the best diners in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/29092529.34/aHR0cHM6Ly9uaWNrc2dyZWNpYW5ob3VzZS5jb20vP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/613b89d6ca76e632c69b8c4bBa6d8e9c0" target="_blank">Nick&#x27;s Grecian House</a>, my new favorite greasy spoon.Flashback: I&#x27;ve lived in 15 different cities. So before moving to Michigan in the spring, stability was fleeting.

Food and Drink

👋 Hey, it's Everett. First things first — if you've never seen "Beverly Hills Cop," do that right now. 

After Sam reported that the new "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" started filming downtown last month, I righted a wrong by finally watching the classic comedy set partially in Detroit. 

Eddie Murphy acts his tail off and the jokes from 1984 still land. It's awesome. 

Early in the film, Murphy's Axel Foley is lambasted by a well-dressed, foul-mouthed police chief who acts for a grand total of two minutes and completely steals the show.

The intrigue: The chief was played by a former Detroit public official I would now argue is among the most interesting people in city history. 

Gil Hill joined the Detroit Police Department in 1959, and by the '80s, was head of the homicide division. He joined the "Beverly Hills Cop" cast only after a tour of the city for the film's director turned into an impromptu audition. 

Hill, who was not a trained actor, parlayed the performance into the next two movies in the series, but that was it. Reports say he was offered other roles but declined them.

Instead, he rose to commander at the DPD, retired, was elected to the city council twice, and then became its president in 1997 before losing to Kwame Kilpatrick in the 2001 mayoral election.

By most accounts, it was hard to be more dedicated to Detroit as Hill (though he's also been accused of corruption by former FBI informant White Boy Rick).

After Hill died in 2016, Mayor Mike Duggan said, "He never stopped believing in our city and dedicated his life to making our city a better place for all."

Quick take: It takes a certain kind of person to dedicate more than 40 years to public service — particularly when the other option is raking in easy Hollywood money as a side character in Eddie Murphy movies.

The most interesting actor in Detroit was not an actor

First things first — if you've never seen "Beverly Hills Cop," go do that right now.

Gilbert R. Hill as Insp. Douglas Todd facing Eddie Murphy as Det. Axel Foley.

Gilbert R. Hill as Insp. Douglas Todd facing Eddie Murphy as Det. Axel Foley. Photo: CBS, via Getty Images

👋 Hey, it&#x27;s Everett. First things first — if you&#x27;ve never seen &quot;Beverly Hills Cop,&quot; do that right now. <ul><li>After Sam reported that the new &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/11/28/new-beverly-hills-cop-filming-scenes-detroit" data-vars-content-id="3bf9e8a2-4744-4d8e-a760-d0a0ce2ca985" data-vars-headline="The most interesting actor in Detroit was not an actor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/11/28/new-beverly-hills-cop-filming-scenes-detroit" target="_self">Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F</a>&quot; started filming downtown last month, I righted a wrong by finally watching the classic comedy set partially in Detroit. </li></ul>

Things to Do

👋 Howdy, Everett here. About a month ago, I thought I was going to be swimming in tomatoes. That hubris led me to ask for advice on how to store 20 or so of them over the winter. 

Well, a cartel of squirrels ruined those hopes and dreams. I've still got tomatoes and peppers, but not enough for preservation. 

Yes, but: If you're better at this than I am and wondering what to do with veggies over the winter, here are two great reader recommendations: 

🍅 Gloria S.: "Cut up 20 tomatoes into salsa-size chunks, put them FLAT in a sandwich Ziploc bag and stack them in your freezer for winter. That great fresh taste is always wonderful in winter batches of chili, goulash, & eggplant parmesan …"

🧄 Candi: "I get out my Ninja and chop them up in batches ... each batch will have fresh garlic, fresh basil, fresh oregano. Pour about 2 cups worth into a Baggie and put in the freezer to have during the winter months. So easy & so yummy!!!"

Tips on storing tomatoes through the winter

Two great reader recommendations will help get your veggies through the winter.

Some garden spoils to bless your Monday. Photo: Everett Cook/Axios

👋 Howdy, Everett here. About a month ago, I thought I was going to be swimming in tomatoes. That hubris led me to<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" ask for advice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-detroit-df16d0f5-a97d-48cc-a33e-61814570eacb.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=emshare#story5" data-vars-content-id="40b59057-dbc5-4748-9ab3-d76446a152b1" data-vars-headline="Tips on storing tomatoes through the winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-detroit-df16d0f5-a97d-48cc-a33e-61814570eacb.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=emshare#story5" target="_self"> ask for advice</a> on how to store 20 or so of them over the winter. <ul><li>Well, a cartel of squirrels ruined those hopes and dreams. I&#x27;ve still got tomatoes and peppers, but not enough for preservation. </li></ul>

👋 Howdy, Everett here. I was a sportswriter in a former life and thought that meant I was done interacting with irrationally compassionate fans.

Reality check: Wow, y'all really love Vernors. 

After recently admitting I'd never tried the Michigan staple, I was lambasted by readers, friends and practically strangers I hadn't spoken to in a decade. 

This seemed like an overreaction. We're talking about ginger ale, right? The beverage of airplanes and stomachaches?

The latest: Last Sunday, worn down by the heat, I went to Jim's Frostie Treats with two friends who are as obsessed as it gets.

We figured Jim's, a Royal Oak landmark for more than 50 years, was the perfect place to try my first Boston Cooler. 

Quick take: It was fine. Oddly refreshing for blended ice cream and soda, but not flavorful or interesting enough to be added to my regular ice cream rotation. 

But but but: In the name of journalism, I later picked up a bottle of Vernors to try without the ice cream, and ... my, oh my. 

Sweet, but not too sugary. Bubbly, but refreshing enough to drink all day. Instant flavor that lasts through the sip with none of the chemical aftertaste. 

Thank you for showing me the light, my friends. I'll never doubt you again. 

Trying Vernors for the first time

A first-timer gives his review of the Michigan staple.

A Boston Cooler made with Vernor's from Jim's Ice Cream in Royal Oak

A Boston Cooler made with Vernors from Jim's Frostie Treats in Royal Oak. Photo: Everett Cook/Axios

👋 Howdy, Everett here. I was a sportswriter in a former life and thought that meant I was done interacting with irrationally compassionate fans.Reality check: Wow, y&#x27;all really love Vernors.

👋 Howdy, Everett here. I'm a 30-year-old Michigan alum coming to terms with Saturday being the biggest football game of my life. 

What's happening: The Game. Undefeated Michigan vs. undefeated Ohio State, Saturday at noon in Columbus or on Fox. 

Why it matters: The matchup has been played since 1897, and this is the first time both teams go into it unbeaten since 2006. 

The winner clinches a spot in the Big Ten Championship with an excellent shot at making the College Football Playoff. 

The loser waits for their postseason assignment, likely the Rose Bowl. 

Between the lines: This has not been much of a rivalry. Michigan won just once between 2004 and 2019 and churned through some truly awful coaches (both on and off the field) to try to return to form against OSU.

So last year's 42-27 drubbing in Ann Arbor not only saved coach Jim Harbaugh's job, but finally made the matchup relevant again. 

The latest: It's unclear if four top Michigan players — running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, plus edge rusher Mike Morris and tight end Luke Schoonmaker — will play Saturday. 

Harbaugh is being coy about their injuries, particularly with Heisman candidate Corum, who seemed to hurt his leg last Saturday against Illinois. 

How Ohio State wins: By doing what it has done all season. Relying on an explosive offense and trusting the defense to limit the big plays. 

Ohio State leads the Big Ten in touchdowns scored this year by a whopping 17 and is first in most passing categories, even while missing star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for most of the season.

Yes, and: One could argue the Wolverines have no shot if just Corum doesn't play — if all four don't play, this might be over by the first quarter. 

How Michigan wins: Corum is healthy, a run-first offense dominates the trenches and the best defense in the Big Ten shuts down star Buckeye QB and Heisman-candidate C.J. Stroud.

This is likely the only winning scenario for the Wolverines, who will struggle against a large deficit. 

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has thrown for more than 230 yards one time this season. Going down a few scores early could spell trouble. 

The bottom line: My stomach has hurt all week despite an intentional avoidance of cheese.

But if that's the price to pay for an actual rivalry, I'll take it! 

Columbus

Columbus Members

Columbus Alerts

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Columbus. Written by Tyler Buchanan and Alissa Widman Neese.

Axios Columbus Thought Bubble

Axios Columbus

The Game: Ohio St. and Michigan's undefeated seasons on the line

This is the first time both teams go into it unbeaten since 2006.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with fans after last year's win over Ohio State

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with fans after defeating Ohio State last season. Photo: Mike Mulholland/Getty Images

College football

👋 Howdy, Everett here. I&#x27;m a 30-year-old Michigan alum coming to terms with Saturday being the biggest football game of my life. What&#x27;s happening: The Game. Undefeated Michigan vs. undefeated Ohio State, Saturday at noon in Columbus or on Fox.

Everett Cook

Featured stories

The most interesting actor in Detroit was not an actor

The Game: Ohio St. and Michigan's undefeated seasons on the line

Local guide to the best diners in Metro Detroit

Tips on storing tomatoes through the winter

Trying Vernors for the first time