by Lucy Hough
Those interested in experiencing various tastes in the Detroit area will have an opportunity as Affirmations embarks on a Taste-Full Tour on July 22. The bus-led expedition will travel around Detroit and its suburbs to local businesses, including restaurants and bakeries, to explore what the area has to offer for foodies.
"We help people to get out of their comfort zone and see all of the great things that Detroit has to offer," said Laura Gononian, one of the tour hosts.
This tour, and others by Taste-Full Tours, is hosted by Gononian and Laura Romito, who hold public and private tours across southeast Michigan. They offer a variety of tour opportunities, some based on specific areas in and around Detroit or others with themes, like the "Beer and BBQ" tour. Gononian said that their goal is to expose people to smaller, sometimes family-owned businesses that are oftentimes lesser known but offer great food. The tour will stop at about a half-dozen places, including Avalon International Breads, Motor City Brewing Works, Atlas Global Bistro and Cloverleaf Fine Wines in Royal Oak.
One of the most important parts of Detroit, and one of Gononian's favorites, is Avalon Breads, located at the corner of Cass and Willis. Gononian feels like it's under-frequented, which is a shame because "it's fabulous."
"It amazes me that people just don't go to Midtown. There are so many cool things there. It's such a cool place."
The tours aren't just for people who enjoy cooking, she said, but also for people who enjoy eating.
The tour caters specifically to businesses that "are supportive and welcoming of all people," Gononian said. She added that finding these businesses wasn't difficult as many of the businesses the tours frequent are LGBT-friendly or owned, and to have Affirmations involved was a big plus.
"We're thrilled that they're participating, coming in as a group and exploring the community," Gononian said.
Gononian said that tours that feature Midtown and Detroit are some of the more popular ones because of the experience and food.
