Detroit

WORDS BY CHRISTINA KALLERY

This year’s Super Bowl XL, This year’s Super Bowl XL, at Detroit’s Ford Field on at Detroit’s Ford Field on February 5, promises plenty February 5, promises plenty of raucous, adrenaline-of raucous, adrenaline-pumped excitement on and pumped excitement on and off the field. If you’re lucky off the field. If you’re lucky enough to be heading to the enough to be heading to the Motor City for kickoff, here’s Motor City for kickoff, here’s a play list of the hotspots. a play list of the hotspots.

Not one of the lucky ones blessed with tickets to the big game? No worries. You can still join in the festivities and catch the play-by-plays at one of Detroit’s coolest sports bars.

Hockeytown Café
Although this bar was built to commemorate the sport of—you guessed it—Hockeytown Cafe offers a spacious, vibrant atmosphere and food that’s superior to your average pub fare. If you’re a Red Wings fan, you’ll appreciate the surrounding memorabilia, including pics of game highlights, a statue of Steve Yzerman and plenty of jerseys from days of yore. 2301 Woodward. 313-965-9500.

Rosie O’Grady’s
One of Motown’s favorite Irish pubs, this latest location boasts a laidback atmosphere perfect for chilling out in front of one of the many large fl at-panel TVs. There’s also a kitchen and a stage for live entertainment (not that you’ll be watching anything else come game day). 24200 Grand River Ave. 313-535-6771, www.4rosieogradys.com

Post Bar
A perennial party spot, the Post also serves as a popular hangout on game days. 408 W. Congress. 313-962-1293 www.postbar.com

Slows Bar BQ
Although it just opened its doors in mid-September, Slows quickly earned a rep as a local favorite. The stylish setting feels comfortably upscale, and mouth-watering menu items are to die for. House favorites include ribs, gumbo and a range of sandwiches, from pulled pork and brisket to catfish. Another must-taste: Slows’ famously rich macaroni and cheese, served as a side dish or entree. 2138 Michigan Avenue. 313-962-9828, www.slowsbarbq.com

Roma Café
Billed as the oldest Italian restaurant in Detroit, Roma Café specializes in Northern Italian fare and offers a range of veal, pasta, chicken, seafood and even steak dishes. Roma’s signature offering is the veal chop with buttered noodles and vegetables. Although not open on Super Bowl Sunday (or any Sunday, for that matter), the restaurant will be serving customers throughout the rest of the weekend. 341 Via Roma (Riopelle). www.romacafe.com

Greektown
Looking to satisfy a yen for mousaka or spinach pie? This colorful neighborhood of Detroit is home to a range of great restaurants, plus charming shops and bakeries. Top picks include New Hellas Cafe, which offers up delicious, affordably priced entrees plus remarkably good house wines, as well as Pegasus Taverna and Laikon Café. Monroe Street.

The Whitney
For a truly upscale dining experience, the Whitney pulls out all the gilded stops. Housed in the gorgeous, historic Whitney mansion, the restaurant features an award-winning menu and serves a full array of brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert items. Specialties include beef, fish, seafood, lamb and veal. Although there is no formal dress code, a jacket and tie are recommended for men. 4421 Woodward Avenue. 313-832-5700 www.thewhitney.com

Twingos
This newly reopened spot features a delectable selection of French-inspired cuisine, including sandwiches, entrees and desserts. Boasting a hip yet cozily romantic vibe, Twingos tends to attract an eclectic crowd and remains a first date favorite. Not to be missed—the chicken crepes. 4710 Cass Ave. 313-832-3832.

Detroit Institute of Arts—The DIA is the only US venue to host a fascinating exhibition entitled “Camille Claudel and Rodin: Fateful Encounter,” which features over 130 works by the two world-renowned sculptors. The exhibit runs through February 5. 5200 Woodward Avenue. 313-833-7900, www.dia.org

The Majestic
Detroit didn’t earn its rock & roll rep for no reason—the city has inspired countless bands and musical artists throughout the years. Today’s music scene remains one of the most vibrant aspects of the city’s culture, and the Majestic complex is one of Detroit’s top destinations. You could spend an entire evening here, starting with a meal at the cozy Majestic Café, which boasts a range of appetizers and entrée items, plus a bar frequented by attractive and fashionably attired clientele. Nearby lies the Garden Bowl, a bowling alley and bar that attracts an eclectic assortment of hipsters. When you’re ready to rock out, head upstairs to the Magic Stick or next door to the larger, adjoining Majestic Theater. 4120-4140 Woodward Avenue. 313-
833-9700, www.majesticdetroit.com

The Motown Winter Blast
This exciting event celebrates winter fun in all its forms and coincides with Super Bowl XL. Enjoy an afternoon of ice sculptures, an ice slide, skating and other cool activities suited for the whole family.
www.motownwinterblast.com

Motown Historical Museum
Learn all about the legacy of Motown, starting with Berry Gordy Jr’s purchase of Hitsville USA and the birth of a musical revolution that was heard around the world. Exhibitions include photographs, artwork,
music, costumes and memorabilia from this golden era. Visitors can walk through Gordy’s restored apartment and experience the legendary recording studio that produced Motown’s greatest hits. West Grand Boulevard. www.motownmuseum.com

For more Super Bowl XL information, visit www.sbxl.org

AirTran Airways offers daily fl ights to Detroit. Visit www.airtran.com
for more information.