Welcome back to all things culture and community in Detroit.

The weather won’t decide between winter and spring, but regardless, Detroit culture news is still alive and well. We’re waiting for consistent sunshine indoors, checking out a “hidden gem” restaurant in Southfield and a top-restaurants-list contender in Midtown, and making summer plans to “Dance Again” at Little Caesars Arena. Trust me, we “Can’t Get Enough” of JLo either.

Keep reading for more culture and community news in and around the city.

Community highlights

🏳️‍🌈 Community for seniors: Michigan’s first LGBTQ+ senior center opened in Ferndale in January, and a second one is coming to Detroit soon. Nonprofits MiGen (formerly known as SAGE Metro Detroit) and Affirmations Community Center opened a center for LGBTQ+ seniors to find community and access essential resources like health screenings, grief support and transportation assistance. Later this year, MiGen will open a second center at Corktown Health to offer older adults health education programming not readily available in the city, Executive Director Angela Gabridge said. (Model D, Outlier Media)

🎶 JLo in the D: “Ain’t It Funny” how JLo is getting back “On The Floor” after all this time? Well, she’s making sure Detroit is part of the action. Jennifer Lopez announced her first tour in five years last week, with a summertime stop at Little Caesars Arena in July. The show is part of This is Me Now… the Tour, with concerts in 34 cities following the release of her new album.  Tickets for the summer tour go on sale Friday. (Detroit News)

🎨 Art on record: Though not always well documented , public art in Detroit has a long history influenced by social, political and cultural changes. Detroit Historical Museum’s “ Concrete Canvas ” attempts to highlight the work of local artists, iconic public works, collections and cultural landmarks. The exhibit, which was curated in partnership with Preservation Detroit, is open through April 28 and is free with museum admission. (Outlier, Detroit Historical Museum)

A hidden food gem

Just up the Lodge Freeway, hidden in a small lot that’s almost easy to miss, is the Black-owned Hidden Gem Restaurant in Southfield. We know it’s a bit of a hike, but the cozy, romantic atmosphere might make the drive worth it.

Once you’re there, get greeted by live, improvised tenor sax solos over songs like “Holding On” by Gregory Porter and Kem, floral light fixtures with intimate lighting and roses on the wall.

Oh, and did we mention the food is delicious? Try the crispy catfish dinner, curry goat (or chicken, for our less adventurous eaters) and finish the night with a slice of cheesecake: Pick your favorite between caramel, chocolate or strawberry.

Consider making a reservation before date night, though: It was particularly busy on Valentine’s Day.

Dine and dash

🥘 Palestinian-Egyptian chef Omar Anani is opening up about his Palestinian heritage and leaning into the storytelling power of food . Anani has been busy hosting a series of pop-ups called Shaebi (“my people” in Arabic) across the country, but he’s returning to Detroit to host one at Folk in Corktown on Feb. 28. More good news: Anani plans to reopen eastside restaurant Saffron De Twah, currently on hiatus, in the near future. (Eater Detroit)

🍸 Saksey’s, a cocktail lounge with some deep Gilbert family roots , is set to open on the lower level of Gilly’s on Woodward Avenue this spring. What we’re excited about? The tableside mixology service . (Metro Times, Eater Detroit)

🥗 Coriander Kitchen and Farm on the eastside reopened after a winter hiatus . It might still be too cold to try the new riverside seating, but not to sample the latest seasonal menu. Try the Vitamin C Salad, a citrusy blend of winter greens, beets and oranges that’s good for the soul. (Eater Detroit)

🏅 Selden Standard in Midtown was named one of the top restaurants in 2024 by USA Today . The only Michigan restaurant on the list, this adds to an already extensive list of awards and accolades in the decade since Selden Standard’s opening. (USA Today, MLive, Selden Standard)

Culture quick hits

🧶 Kayla Powers forages willow bark, sumac, crab apple blossoms and other native plants that she turns into dyes for fiber art pieces that capture “sensory maps” of Detroit. (Hyperallergic)

🎻 Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians ratified a new three-year union contract (paywalled), guaranteeing wage increases, expanded paid family leave and priority for Black and Latinx fellowship members in auditions, among other benefits. (Crain’s Detroit Business)

🎤 More than 70 Detroit rappers , from Boldy James and Teejayx6 to Stoop Lee , have performed for the On the Radar Radio video series , with viral moments, attention for up-and-coming rappers and some criticism. (Axios Detroit, On the Radar Radio)

🧑‍🎨 Take a closer look at the arts, business and public spaces taking shape in Detroit’s East Village neighborhood . (Architectural Digest)

🎧 Settle in with an intimate profile of DJ Minx , who goes long on coming up in the Detroit music scene of the ’80s and her Women on Wax label, with detours through heavier topics along the way. (Beatport)

The post LGBTQ+ center for seniors, Saffron De Twah comeback and public art history: This week in Detroit culture appeared first on Outlier Media .