Bistro Newsletter

Sunday afternoon I met Moe, Maddy, Jena and her boyfriend downtown. San Morello, in the Shinola Hotel was the destination. San Morello is one of my favorite places downtown, especially for out-of-town guests as it is in the heart of Midtown. Lots to see within walking distance; small funky boutiques, public art (the Z Parking Deck, The Belt & sky-high murals), tons of other restaurants and bars. Sunday Brunch is nice at the hotel as it is not just your average breakfast menu. San Morello is described as urban Italian, and they deliver a consistent experience every time I visit. A smart looking dining room with comfortable seating, educated warm service with tasty food presented cleanly and properly seasoned make me swoon. Highlights were the Whipped Ricotta with Truffles, The O.G. Pizza & the Breakfast Pasta, and of course their Espresso Martini.
 
After brunch we hopped on the Q-Line to the Detroit Institute of Arts. Jena’s boyfriend Shaun had never been to the DIA so it was extra fun to see someone view the museum for the first time. It really is impressive. Walking in we could hear music, unbeknownst to us, it was Hinamatsuri, Japanese Girls Day. The museum had special flowers, music and a tea ceremony in celebration.
 
Of course, the Diego Rivera Mural is always a highlight. In 1933, when the murals were first revealed, they were met with controversy. It was the end of the Great Depression, only a third of Detroiters were working, many joined Rivera’s team to help with the yearlong installation. Sponsored by Edsel Ford, the murals celebrate agriculture and the industrial revolution, but Rivera makes a nod to the darker side of manufacturing. War Planes, killer hawks and moody workers under the impressive stamping press, modeled after the Aztec god of destruction, are symbolized within the paintings. Rivera made note of the beauty of agriculture and his Mexican heritage, he focused on multiculturism and how the factory workers were of all different colors and nationalities. At the time, Detroit’s actual factories were still segregated, and federal officials were trying to deport hundreds of Mexican laborers. Rivera acknowledges women and the gift of birth and life itself. Religion merging with science in the form of a baby “Jesus like” figure being vaccinated in a nativity setting. The baby’s mother was modeled after actress Jean Harlow. This last mural was the most controversial and many Detroiters at the time called for a white out of the art.
 
Interesting, and somewhat sad, how many of Diego Rivera’s topics from the 30’s are still “on trend”. For me, the first time I remember looking at the murals as a teenager I simply thought of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”.  Kinda wish I still had that innocent point of view today.
 
Sharon