Postcards from the Road: Detroit

Growing up in Los Angeles, I used to romanticize some things about cold-weather cities. So naturally, when the Detroit Tigers drafted me, I was excited to see what that city was like. Getting there in April of my rookie year in 1999, one of the coolest things that stood out to me was the steam coming up through the maintenance hole covers in the streets. It's interesting what you hold onto when you're 22 or 23 years old, and that was one of those things.

The old Tiger Stadium was a palace, not because it was new and beautiful or even aesthetically pleasing from the outside. When you got in, you couldn't help but feel Ty Cobb, Al Kaline, Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker—some of these legendary players having graced the same grass as I got to grace playing in the outfield in that stadium. It was also unique, with the stands kind of hanging over you in the outfield. The on-deck circle felt like it was almost right in the stands, and there was just an energy in that building that was second to none.

Going back to Detroit many years later—and even now—I love exploring how the city has changed. Detroit in 1999 was wildly different than it is now. Downtown is built up in a beautiful way; it still has the inner city vibe, and the street art is incredible.

I also love to explore some of the streetwear shops. One of my most prized hats is a Joe Lewis hat I bought in downtown Detroit a couple of years ago during a Giants trip to the city. It's a good reminder of everything I appreciate about Detroit. It also brought me to visit Joe Lewis' Southern Kitchen, a soul food restaurant created by his son. I recently met the general manager and spent some time hanging out with the staff, eating some amazing food, and generally learning about Joe Lewis. The guy was a golfer, a baseball player, an entrepreneur, and obviously one of the greatest boxers that ever lived. Seeing his photographs up all over the restaurant, you can really feel his contributions not just to the city of Detroit, but also internationally.

The staff came out to watch one of our games there at the new Tiger Stadium, Comerica Park. So it was really a cool kind of give and take, and I’m excited to talk about the culinary experiences from my time at the restaurant. The shrimp and grits are absolutely A+, so creamy with just enough spice. The shrimp…a good burst, perfectly cooked, and a great meal just with a cup of coffee. You can't beat it.

Wherever I visit, it’s always a goal of mine to sample some of the city's best food because I experience the culture of a city through its food, through its public transportation, and through just being on foot and popping into random stores and restaurants. I love to amplify when great work is done, and excellent food is served. This is definitely the case with Joe Lewis' Southern Kitchen in Detroit.

Wherever I visit, it’s always a goal of mine to sample some of the city's best food because I experience the culture of a city through its food, through its public transportation, and through just being on foot and popping into random stores and restaurants. I love to amplify when great work is done, and excellent food is served. This is definitely the case with Joe Lewis' Southern Kitchen in Detroit.

CART

Postcards from the Road: Detroit

Related Posts

Gabe Kapler's Postcards from the Road - Detroit

Gabe Kapler's Postcards from the Road - New York City

At Home with Gabe Kapler visiting San Francisco's Cold Drinks Bar