Sometimes during my busy day I can’t help but stop and admire our bar. It’s everything I ever dreamed of, and more. I designed every detail with intention- the metallic looking bar top was created to mimic the pewter and zinc counters of Parisian bistros and cafes. Such fond memories as my  eyes are drawn upward to our custom built walnut cabinetry that holds the jewels of my collection.

The craftsmanship is personal.  Duke, one of our longtime regulars, and a gifted woodworker created our backbar for a prior remodel in 2010. He built it over a couple months at home, and I remember my amazement early one Sunday morning when he installed it all in one piece, a true labor of love. As often in the early years I was short on cash-  Duke and his wife Donna graciously took a large part of the payment in gift cards.

When we underwent a complete remodel in 2020, our talented friend and contractor, Greg, perfectly matched Duke’s craftsmanship to complete the backbar. Greg also designed our zinc-look bar top adding intricate details and corbels to the base. Giving it a rich vintage look and old world charm that feels like it’s been here for a century or more. I like to think of it as Paris Bistro meets Midwest Speakeasy.

During my 40+ years in the restaurant industry I’ve spent as much time behind the bar as I have in the kitchen. My two greatest passions are cooking and bartending. I cut my teeth behind the bar shortly after my 18th birthday, much to the dismay of a cranky veteran bartender assigned to train me – I can still hear him grumbling -how was he  supposed to train someone that had zero experience and wasn’t even old enough to drink. 

I was determined. I took notes, I studied, I pored over “Mr. Boston’s Bar Book”. Before long, I was shaking up cocktails like a pro. 

Ahh the “80’s” – it was the years of fun and flashy drinks: Golden Cadillacs, Hummers, Kamikazes, Alabama Slammers, and all kinds of drinks with scandalous names. 

My later years behind the bar were spent mixing the classics, martinis, Manhattans & rusty nails at one of Detroit’s high end restaurants. The establishment  was connected to a large hotel and hosted guests from all over the world. Along with managing a 100 plus bottle wine list, it was imperative I learned the nuances of obscure European liquors, high end single malt scotches, and expensive Cognacs. I was in charge of liquor ordering and once ordered 6 bottles of Louis XII instead of 1 bottle, but that’s a story for another day.

Even after all these years,  my enthusiasm for curating a thoughtful liquor and wine program remains as strong as ever.  Our bourbon and gin selections rival those of far larger restaurants, and our European spirits collection is a reflection of my enduring love for rare and interesting finds. The bottles of different shapes and colors gleam like jewels- I could gaze at our liquor collection for hours. 

The true heart of our bar? The team.  Our bartenders share my passion for the craft, and boy are they ever good at it. They mix, shake, and stir with artistry and heart. They’re creative, knowledgeable, and above all,  they are genuinely kind and caring individuals that embody the hospitality industry. 

So It shouldn’t have come as a surprise that our main barman, Joel, was nominated by  prominent Hour Detroit Magazine for “Best Bartender in Detroit”– but it did! Out here in Oxford we are a far cry from the big city lights.

I feel like a proud mamma that one of “our own” is getting this well deserved recognition. Seeing my team shine in the environment we’ve created together is one of my greatest joys. If you have ever enjoyed an expertly crafted cocktail, or shared a laugh across our bar – we would love your support, voting is open until 3/7/2025  Click->  Hour Detroit – 2025 Best of Detroit

As for me- I think I am just going to sit back, savor the moment, sip on a classic and lovingly gaze at this beautiful bar. Cheers!