Since April 1963, families and friends across Flint, Genesee County and beyond have been enjoying homemade Italian dishes at Mario’s Restaurant & Pizzeria in Flint. Thea restaurant is named after Mario Simoni, an Italian immigrant who opened the restaurant. After owning and running the popular eatery for 59 years, brothers Frank and Sergio Simoni sold
When it comes to the City’s Choice Awards, the “Food & Dining” categories always stir up the most appetite – and the most votes. This year was no exception, and one Downtown Flint favorite truly brought the heat. A repeat winner, Blackstone’s Smokehouse walked away with top honors in six (yes, six!) categories, including Best
Not long after The Sol Section, Genesee County’s only fully plant-based café and juice bar, opened last summer inside Totem Books near Downtown Flint, videos began popping up all over its social media platforms. They capture numerous customers uttering “oohs, ahhs and ohs” as they savor unique, vegan flavors. One patron asks if there is
Last November, Flint & Genesee Group named Spectacular Spudz, a restaurant that specializes in gourmet “loaded” baked potatoes, was recognized as 2024 Restaurant of the Year at the 10th Annual Art of Achievement Awards event. Held at the FIM Capitol Theatre in Downtown Flint, the ceremony was attended by nearly 700 people. Awards were given
Sourdough bread – it’s simple, healthy and made with just three ingredients. Founded in July 2023, Flint Sourdough Co is Flint’s only original artisan sourdough bread company. Owner and founder Alea Orr is passionate about artisan bread! She especially liked sourdough bread and wanted to learn how to make it. “I knew I wanted to
Tucked behind a house off Elms Rd. in Swartz Creek are two brick buildings – the home of Fireside Coffee Shop & Roastery. The business produces high-quality, small-batch craft coffee and hand-crafted instant blends of mocha, cocoa and chai. As the business won the 2024 City’s Choice Award for “Favorite Independent Coffee Shop”, My City
A first-generation Vietnamese-American chef and food entrepreneur, Tony Vu helps local chefs launch business ventures. As the founder of the Flint Social Club, Chef Tony Vu takes pride in helping local entrepreneurs pursue their dreams of becoming successful chefs and launching their own business ventures. According to the FSC website (flintsocialclub.com), “We lower barriers for
It’s time to fire up the grill or the smoker and enjoy some fun in the sun with some great food. May is National Barbecue Month and there are many ways to celebrate. You can host a backyard barbecue, try out new recipes or even make your own homemade sauce. You can also choose to
Of course, a great burger enjoyed on a breezy patio is hard to beat, but the warmer air calls for lighter fare. In hot weather, your body works harder to digest heavy meals. And sometimes when you think you’re super hungry, you are actually thirsty. Eating fresh, raw fruits and veggies helps keep you hydrated.
When the silver medal winner in the Belgian-Style Tripel category was announced this past March at the World Beer Cup in Nashville, Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery Brew Master Rockne Van Meter felt it was all over and he would be leaving the competition empty-handed. “Really, I went in hoping for a bronze or silver award.
We wait so long for the time when we can enjoy a meal al fresco and in Greater Flint, the options abound! Here is a sampling of the many local eateries that offer outdoor seating to enhance your summer dining experience. Clio Lucky’s Steakhouse Davison Black Rock Bar & Grill Madden’s Lounge MD’s Sports Tavern
There’s nothing like sunshine, a warm breeze and the smell of delicious food on the grill. If you’ve been anticipating getting back to grilling, wait no longer! According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, now that temperatures are warmer, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything you love about outdoor cooking. If you already
