Dearborn's First Dry Bar, Regrettable Health Trends, and Halal Financing
Care to catch a drink? I've had my share of participating in awful diets and trends. PLL now offers Halal Financing on purchases and refinances.
Some Bubbles with Your Brunch in Dearborn
The food scene in Metro Detroit is a vibrant tapestry unlike anywhere else in the Midwest. Where else can you traverse just 2 square miles and encounter a culinary journey spanning Yemeni, Lebanese, Bangladeshi, Indian, Bosnian, Polish, and classic American cuisines? While Hamtramck has long been crowned a food mecca, Dearborn is rapidly emerging as a formidable contender. A short drive down I-94 from Detroit reveals a gastronomic wonderland. What was once primarily known for shawarmas and hookah lounges has transformed into a diverse culinary gallery. From sushi to Turkish delicacies, Dearborn now offers an impressive spectrum of international flavors.
Karam Brunch House stands out not just as one of Michigan's few Middle Eastern brunch destinations, but as the state's first zero-proof bar. In my recent newsletter, I explored the significance of drinking culture in American society and its potential exclusivity. Karam breaks that mold, offering a refreshing alternative with its alcohol-free spirits and innovative mocktails. The bar's creativity shines through its carefully crafted drinks. Classics like mojitos, margaritas (featuring zero-proof tequila), and espresso "martinis" are reimagined with artful presentation. Even more intriguing is their oakwood-infused non-alcoholic "red wine" – a testament to their commitment to inclusive, exciting beverage experiences.
Culinary inspiration draws from traditional Yemeni breakfast staples like Shakshouka (eggs poached in tomatoes) and Soghair (minced meat), presenting a Middle Eastern twist on American breakfast favorites. The standout dish? The Dubai Chocolate Pancake. Imagine sweet cream pancakes studded with dark chocolate chips, adorned with pistachio cream, topped with crispy shredded phyllo, additional pistachios, and a cloud of whipped cream.
Whether you're seeking a unique brunch spot or a social gathering without alcohol, Karam Brunch House delivers. Open weekends from 9 AM to 3 PM and weekdays from 10 AM to 3 PM, it's a must-visit destination for food and drink enthusiasts.
Health Trends I Wasted My Money On
(So You Don't Have To)
Turning 30 this winter was a wake-up call. Despite my previous background in Nutrition and Food Science and a solid understanding of biology, I've fallen for my fair share of health trends over the years. These days, it takes a lot more than a viral TikTok video to convince me to jump on the latest wellness bandwagon. Let me save you some time, money, and potential bathroom emergencies by sharing my experiences with some of the most overhyped health trends I've tried.
The Great Juice Cleanse Debacle
Going into this trend, I knew one crucial fact: juices strip away all the fiber from fruits and vegetables. But when countless influencers raved about glowing skin, reduced bloating, and feeling "so hydrated," I couldn't resist trying it myself. Spoiler alert: I lasted exactly two days before the constant hunger and lightheadedness forced me to quit.
The reality? Those juice cleanses are basically concentrated sugar water with a few vitamins thrown in. Here's what they don't tell you in those aesthetic Instagram posts: most of the nutrients and fiber are in the skin and pulp – you know, all the parts that get tossed out during juicing. If you want the real benefits of fruits and vegetables, eat them whole. Your body will thank you.
The "Weight Loss" Tea Nightmare
Let me be brutally honest: these teas work by turning your bathroom into your new home office. They're packed with ingredients like senna and peppermint that essentially act as natural laxatives. What nobody tells you is that any weight loss is temporary and comes at the cost of your dignity (and potentially your intestinal comfort).
Picture this: you're at work, and suddenly it hits you – the four horsemen of the apocalypse are staging a revolt in your digestive system. Not exactly the "wellness journey" those pretty tea packages advertise, right? Save yourself the emergency bathroom trips and stick to regular hydration instead.
The Chlorophyll Drops of Disappointment
Remember when everyone on social media was dropping green liquid into their water and claiming miracle results? Well, I fell for it. The promises were enticing: better gut health, weight loss, clearer skin. The reality? Nothing changed except my water turned an unappetizing shade of green and I made more trips to the bathroom from increased water intake.
As someone wisely pointed out to me: "You are not a plant." This simple statement perfectly captures why this trend is nonsense. We're designed to eat plants, not photosynthesize. If you want to make your water more interesting, stick to tried-and-true additions like lemon slices, cucumber, or your favorite tea. At least those won't leave mysterious green stains on your water bottle.
Looking back, these experiences taught me an invaluable lesson: if something sounds too good to be true in the wellness world, it probably is. Your best bet? Stick to the basics: whole foods, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and proper hydration. Sometimes the most boring advice is actually the most effective. And as always, consult with your health care provider.
Announcing: Halal Home Financing Now Available at Planted Local Lending
In our commitment to true equal opportunity lending, we're proud to announce our newest financing option: Halal home financing that fully respects Islamic principles.
Equal opportunity isn't just about treating everyone the same – it's about understanding and accommodating diverse needs. While traditional mortgages work for many, they can create barriers for those whose religious principles prohibit interest (Riba). That's why we've expanded our services to include this vital option for our Muslim community members.
Our Solution? Working with a trusted Islamic organization, we now offer Halal financing through the Ijara model. Your property is placed in a trust, and payments are structured as rent that builds equity in your home – similar to retail Islamic lenders.
Key Benefits:
Deemed Sharia compliant by multiple sources
Can be used to close on purchases and refinances
Allows us to shop with different lenders for rate pricing
Trust set up and legal documentation is completed by the third party
Qualification, disclosures and processing is the same as traditional mortgages
This addition to our lending options reflects our deeper understanding of equal opportunity: recognizing that different communities have different needs, and creating solutions that work for everyone. True accessibility means offering specialized options that respect cultural and religious values while providing the same opportunities for homeownership.
Ready to Learn More? Give me a shout!