Hamtramck

Although technically its own (tiny) city, Hamtramck (pronounced Ham-tram-ik) is just four or so miles from Downtown and it's essentially surrounded by the city of Detroit. It's historically been home to many families who emigrated from Poland, and more recently from the Middle East. Not surprisingly, there is some amazing authentic food in Hamtramck's few-mile radius, which we won't pretend to do full justice to here. If you do have a chance to get to Hamtramck, stop in New Palace Bakery. Loyalties are divided when it comes to the best Polish bakery and paczki debate, but you won't go wrong here. Order extra Chrusciki, the "angel wing" dough pastry that's sprinkled in powdered sugar and equal parts crisp and airy.