The Finer Things

The Mega 80's

I know you are probably having a good laugh right now at the fact that I’m considering an 80’s-music cover band a “Finer Thing”…but they earned the title!

I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical before the show…wondering if Aaron, his brother and I really knew enough 80’s songs to keep us entertained for an entire night…wondering if we’d get tired of seeing mullets and spandex and bad makeup.  All my concerns were immediately put to rest when The Mega 80’s stomped out singing “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by the Proclaimers with the video game, “Paperboy” playing on their huge stage backdrop.

I instantly began reminiscing about the days when my sister and I played Paper Boy after school until my mom would make us go outside and do something more “productive”.  I was dancing once again, to songs we had spent hours choreographing in my backyard growing up.  I was admiring their totally subtle 80’s get-ups and oh-so-serious 80’s performance demeanor.  I was, remembering the 1980’s as if I were there again.

As the night went on, I became baffled over and over again by how much they sounded just like every band!  They nailed every accent, every whisper, every high-pitched cry.  They played every song I could imagine, and tons more that I’d forgotten about.  I’m pretty sure (with the assistance of several beers), that I declared about 20-25 songs to be “the greatest song ever!” that night. 

If you spent any of your younger years in the 80’s, you’ve got to see this band.  You’ll appreciate just as much as I did...guaranteed!  Check out their show dates at www.themega80s.com.

Toast

I am now officially convinced there is no better way to start of a lazy Saturday morning than with Toast.  Yes…I said Toast.  But not the kind you spread butter on.  The kind that serves you dishes like Loaded Potato Cakes (complete with bacon, cheddar, onion, chives, and sour cream), Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast with Vanilla Custard Sauce, and Crab Cakes Eggs Benny with Sun-dried Tomato Hollandaise.  Is your mouth watering yet?

Well if it is, I strongly suggest you head over to Toast, (more than just) a cute little breakfast/lunch joint located at 23144 Woodward in Ferndale, MI.  They are serious about their breakfast concoctions here. In other words, dieters beware!  This is not a place you can go and feel satisfied eating a poached egg and a dry wheat English muffin…at least not while seeing what your neighbors are feasting on at the table beside you. Aaron and I had no idea of what we were getting ourselves into as we entered the tiny, urbanized country diner.  Displayed on one wall, was an impressive collection of at least 25 different styles of toasters.  They were all silver except for this one random bright white and pink Hello Kitty model placed right in the center...weird.  The other walls hosted unique paintings, art pieces, and photographs, most having nothing to do with the next.  The randomness and unexpectedness was extremely refreshing. 

We had to wait a few minutes until a table was cleared for us.  Instead of having us awkwardly stand by the front door in everyones way, they escorted us to the back of the restaurant where there were nice cushioned seats and magazines.  A whole shelf of magazines!  This is such a cheap and simple way to instantly preoccupy the impatient and grumbling stomach, and yet I’ve never seen it before!  I may be different from the general Ferndale population, but I read enough finance reports, business journals, and murder cases during the week via the newspaper.  For me, it feels good to read some down-right dirty celebrity gossip and cheap Cosmo love tips on the weekends.  Needless to say, I was excited about the magazines.

After getting sat and taking our first sip of much-needed coffee, we began perusing the menu. Everything on it looks seriously deeelicious, so be prepared.  Aaron and I decided we’d each order something different to split and share.  This is a good breakfast technique we practice quite often.  We’ll usually do one salty plate and one sweet…to satisfy booth tastes.  Since I’m the sweet one (hehe), I ordered the Coconut Marscapone Mango French Toast.  Aaron decided upon the Spicy Cali (and omelet including fresh guacamole, tomatoes, white cheddar, house made salsa, and home fries.)  Let’s just say that after our food was dropped off, there was about 15 minutes of silence (except the occasional, “yum” or, “this is so good”) until there was nothing left on the plates.  I even scooped up my remaining mango and cheese sauce with my finger to feed to Zayden so it wouldn’t go to waste!

So on this day, March 22, 2008, Toast is hereby to be considered as a Finer Thing.  To prepare your senses even more before making the trip, check out their website and menus at www.toastferndale.com.  Enjoy!