One Chef’s Guide Through the Rising Culinary World of Detroit

Editor’s Note: In the second part of our Off the Beaten Path series in partnership with Montblanc, we’re telling the stories of Detroit — America’s off the beaten path, but rising, city. In this series we look at Detroit through the lens of those who know it best, its tastemakers, experiencing the very places they feel are worth a stop.

To say the food scene in Detroit used to be bleak might have been an understatement. There wasn’t much of a market for new eateries in 2014 when 50,000 of the city’s 261,000 builders laid abandoned. “Coming up in the city and seeing the food scene was pretty grim,” says John Vermiglio, Detroit native, chef and co-owner of Grey Ghost and Second Best, both set in Detroit’s Brush Park neighborhood. Vermiglio and his three-years-old Grey Ghost is part of the hearty culinary scene cropping up all across the city. “Essentially my entire life has been in the downturn of Detroit and only now, recently are we seeing it come back,” says Vermiglio. And part of that comeback is of course in the dining and drinking options which now abound. “In present-day Detroit, the food scene is incredible. I would put it on par with some of the best cities in the country and the world.” With Vermiglio as our guide, we dove belly first into his well-fed — and thirst-quenching — city, rounding up some treats that are worth bringing back from a visit to Motor City.

Even with Detroit’s culinary scene on the upswing — thanks in large part to new industries calling the city home, cheap rents and abundance of urban farms — opening a restaurant here is no easy feat. 2019 will likely see dozens of restaurants opening in the city, but it will also see a significant number of closing. As the food scene in the city expands and adjusts, Vermiglio says the chefs of Detroit stay close-knit. “When a new restaurant opens, no one’s looking at it as competition, but rather, somebody else that’s going to help boost the economy of Detroit,” says Vermiglio. “When I moved back here and we were building Grey Ghost, every chef in town reached out and every one of them opened their kitchens to us.”

Some of our favorite new-wave culinary offerings flooding the city skew towards a lighter fare, sourced locally and rinsed down with the myriad of Michigan brewed beers and distilled spirits. The abundance of urban farms, breweries, and distilleries have helped to launch Detroit’s food scene. One such endeavor is Bees in The D, a non-profit with a mission to help honey bees thrive in Detroit. Bees in the D honey works its way in plenty of the local food scene and they have over 160 hives around the city. Out in Corktown, you’ll find the cozy Astro Coffee slinging espressos pulled from their in-house roasted beans. Be sure to grab a bag or two. Across town in Cass Corridor is Rocco’s Italian Deli. You won’t be able to miss it with its colorfully painted exterior. With a small bar and ample seating, you can easily see yourself downing one too many negronis and losing yourself in one of their well-stacked sandwiches. “The Love Letter to The Corner Deli” is a mouthful from title to last bite and Vermiglio’s favorite on the menu. Rocco’s also makes a homemade hot sauce that is worthy of a place in any home. Vermiglio’s own Grey Ghost is always well attended, with a playful menu that feels both familiar and adventurous with a penchant for a good steak. With a deep and well-stocked bar — and skillful barmen — Grey Ghost would be a hit anywhere.

Of course, the food scene in Detroit isn’t all-new and well-heeled. While the city may be undergoing a renaissance of sorts, there are gems that Detroiter’s have been patronizing long before anyone from out of the state gave the city a second thought. One can’t write about food in Detroit without mentioning the famous Coney Dog (a hotdog topped with chili, mustard and white onion), of which every native has a recommended number one spot. Similarly, there is the heated debate over the best eateries to grab a Detroit style pizza (We at GP are team Buddy’s).

“What you have now is a combination of old school spots, little mom and pop delis and pizzerias, and little Coney island restaurants that have been around forever — They’re intertwined with these avant-garde places.” One of Vermiglio’s favorite old school haunts is Taqueria El Rey, serving up some of the best Mexican food in Detroit. Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips on Fenkel Avenue also has a fond place in Vermiglio’s heart. “It’s been around since the ’60s, all they do is fry fish and shrimp and chicken and it’s all the same batter, same fryer — and it’s incredible,” says Vermiglio. “It’s just this nostalgia.” From the old-time greasy spoons to the new generation of restauranteurs making their mark, America’s Motor City is about more than cars these days. The food alone is worth a visit to Detroit. And when you do, be sure to bring back something for the memories.

The Bag for the Journey

The Montblanc Extreme 2.0 Backpack is a perfect daily companion for a new city or your everyday commute. The combination of classic old-world craftsmanship with new-wave technology comes together to form a sleek and chic bag are made from leather with immeasurable protection. The backpack features three main compartments along with a padded laptop pocket, two cell phone pockets and three pen loops, making it a great choice for the on-the-go pro or for a Detroit getaway.

Material: Leather
Dimensions: 32 x 17 x 46 cm
Leather type: Italian split calfskin, chrome-tanned,
dyed-through, plain and with carbon fiber print

The Food Staples

Extreme 2.0 Backpack by Montblanc Learn More
Tortilla Chips by Aunt Nee’s Learn More
Capo Amaro Soft Drink by Casamara Club Learn More
Hot Sauce by Rocco’s Italian Deli Learn More
La Folie Lot #2 Guatemala Coffee by Astro Coffee Learn More
Raw Honey by Bees in The D Learn More

Where to Go

Along with Vermiglio, we put together a directory of the must-visit food destinations in Detroit.

Astro Coffee

The comfy light-filled Corktown cafe with coffee beans worth bringing home and pastries perfect for a mid-afternoon pick me up.

2124 Michigan Ave, Detroit
(313) 808-0351
www.astrodetroit.com

Rocco’s Italian Deli

Not Your Nonna’s Italian deli, Rocco’s serves up choice cuts, imported dry goods and a small bar where amaros and wine abound. with a visit.

3627 Cass Ave, Detroit
(313) 315-3033
www.Roccosdetroit.com

Grey Ghost

Named for a Prohibition-era rum-runner, Vermiglio’s restaurant has a bit for everyone all wrapped up in a splendid dining room with floor-length windows, long open kitchen and long bar.

47 Watson St, Detroit
(313) 262-6534
www.greyghostdetroit.com

Western Market

Out in Ferndale right outside the city, this family-owned market is the perfect place to hunt down Detroit specialties and locally made goods like Aunt Nee’s Tortilla Chips.

447 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale
(248) 546-7288
www.Westernmkt.com

The New Club Sport Brings A Robust Dose of Elegance

NOMOS Glashütte is known for the clean and modern design of its watches — and the new Club Sport is no exception. This entirely new release is full of innovation from the Saxony-based watchmaking company. NOMOS Glashütte has never held back from using exceptional materials when building its watches, and Club Sport has a sturdier construction than ever before. This is a watch for the most modern of wrists.

Club Sport clocks in with a 42mm case that lets you take in its many appealing characteristics: A large date window sits on a deep black dial surrounded by glimmering stainless steel. Below the dial’s six, “1000 ft” is inscribed denoting its water resistance — showing off its strength alongside its streamlined beauty.

The steel and glass in the case are around 20 percent thicker than in a standard NOMOS timepiece. Pure sapphire crystal glass — named so because of its sapphire level of strength — protects that gorgeous dial, while surgical steel makes up the hard-wearing bracelet and the case that protects the movement during any adventure. The new NOMOS sport bracelet was designed completely in-house and is exceptionally comfortable to wear despite its robust credentials, made from 145 separate pieces of stainless steel. All these materials come together to make a watch that lives up to its name, ready for any sport from kitesurfing to mountain biking.

All of the rugged external features of the watch are there to shield the neomatik date caliber that keeps impeccable time. Boasting an outstanding winding rate and excellent accuracy, the patented NOMOS mechanism has a great deal of tradition hidden inside it, such as the beautiful polishes that are unique to Glashütte. It also comes outfitted with a leather wallet for those weekend jaunts when you want to keep your watch better protected. The black full-grain leather will make sure that your NOMOS Club Sport is safe and sound. No matter what you are up to, this watch will keep you on time and looking elegant.

The Overlooked Essentials That Will Change Your Kitchen

In the kitchen, no matter how big or small, space is precious and storage must be as efficient as possible. There is a lot to keep organized and accessible, which is why an extra gadget can seem like a bridge too far — especially if it’s ingredient-specific. But the folks over at OXO know what they are doing when they create some of the most innovative, worthwhile kitchenware around — they’re solving problems and making everyday tasks better. Read on for some of our favorite often-overlooked tools that will solve the problems you never knew you had.

Small Citrus Juicer

This Small Citrus Juicer is the perfect first step in your citrus journey. Whether you are juicing limes for a cocktail, or lemons for a new recipe, this is up to the task. It has easy to read measurement markings and an easy drip-free spout. And of course, with OXO you can rest assured the grip is comfortable enough to get you through a whole pitcher of lemonade.

Salad Spinner

If you are making salads at home, you know washing greens can be tedious. It’s hard to rinse and dry them without making a soggy mess. That is exactly why this salad spinner is great: it’s fast, easy and efficient. A simple push of the top and the greens spin dry (In fact, a child’s toy top was the inspiration.). The OXO Salad Spinner can even stop on a dime with its nifty brake. And the plastic bowl is so simple and elegant, it can go right on the table for serving.

Silicone Egg Poacher

Everyone loves brunch, and everyone loves poached eggs. But you probably never poach at home because it’s tough to do well — you lose half of it in the swirl, and they might not taste great. OXO’s Egg Poacher makes poaching eggs incredibly easy. The silicone product is curved like an hourglass to cradle the egg and its narrow funnel guides the egg into the water so it remains intact. Thanks to a carefully designed hole pattern optimizing flow, the water swirls around the egg to create that perfect poach. You will be the toast of your brunch circuit when you can make Eggs Benedict at home.

3-in-1 Avocado Slicer

There is something whimsical about this tool. The shape is pleasing at a glance, and once you try it (all three ingenious functions) no doubt you’ll fall in love. The blade end safely slices through avocado, without danger of the dreaded avocado-hand-injury. The pitting feature quickly ejects pits with a simple flick — much safer than using a knife. And the fan end scoops and cuts the avocado into perfect, plateable pieces. With this tool, you’ll safely and happily enjoy avocados like a pro.

Our Top Picks from Rado’s New Captain Cook Collection

Originally introduced in 1962, Rado’s Captain Cook is back. This classic diver is back from the deep, new and improved for the 21st Century. The latest has been created with all the vintage details that made it a classic along with up-to-date features that make it a perfect fit for modern wearers. The Captain Cook is a watch designed to stand the test of time — not a vintage throwback. This new interpretation of the classic plays with new shapes, colors and materials made to suit modern proportions. Drawing on all the great design that made the original 1962 model a roaring success and using signature materials that have been used in Rado models through the years, the new Captain Cook collection brings together all of Rado’s milestone moments.

Each of the new Captain Cook’s are made with 42mm cases with a high-quality Swiss automatic movement that boasts up to 80 hours of power reserve. Equipped with the EasyClip system allows you to change the strap quickly and easily customize your watch to make it your own. With a variety of different dials and bezels — made of high-tech ceramic which offers more protection from scratches than the usual Stainless Steel — it is easy to find the Captain Cook that will speak to you.

The Black Dial Captian Cook

The original rice grain bracelet that made the Captain Cook the legend it is today: You can’t get more classic than this configuration, including the black dial working bezel. This silver stainless steel will look good on any man.

The Green Dial Captian Cook

Of course, the new generation of Captain Cook’s are all water-resistant to up to 20 bars — that’s 200 meters for you landlubbers out there — so you can take it out and take it for a spin (or swim, if you will). This regal green Captain Cook may look better on land all the same. The emerald dial and bezel is a gorgeous statement.

The Blue Dial Captain Cook

The polished stainless steel case is hard to beat with this deep blue dial and bezel combo. This bezel is a bit different from the rest, made of stainless steel with a polished blue high-tech ceramic insert. When paired with the simple leather strap, it looks ready for any adventure you could imagine — on land, sea or air. The box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating means you can lose yourself in that deep ocean blue coloring.

The Jacket Built for the Slopes and Looks like No Other

Science and the clothing industry work hand in glove. We’ve gotten used to it, especially in the outdoor industry. But even so, UK-based Vollebak will make you do a double-take. The three-year-old company founded by athletes and designers Nick and Steve Tidball have brought the future of technical clothing to today. With the goal of creating bionic clothing, Vollebak is making the gear that is uniquely modern and designed to take the rigors of an exceptionally active life. From its 100 Year Pants, built to survive fire, water and anything else nature can throw at you, to the Solar Charged Jacket made from highly responsive fabric that can be instantly charged and glows in the dark. But currently, the crown jewel of Vollebak is its Blue Morpho jacket, which is like no other outerwear you’ve ever donned.

1. Modeled after the wings of a butterfly: Vollebak recreated the iridescent wings of the Blue Morpho butterfly to make the jacket highly visible. Using highly reflective spheres, the jacket mimics the microstructures of the surface of the wing, making it ultra-visible from long range, and will allow the jacket to look wildly different depending on the weather conditions and lighting.
2. Over 2 billion reflective spheres: To achieve the desired effect, the jacket uses over two billion highly reflective glass spheres embedded in resin on the surface of the jacket. That’s over 40,000 in every single square centimeter. When light hits the jacket the fabric looks like it’s emitting light.
3. Highly functional: While the Blue Morpho jacket has some rather amazing features, it is not all bells-and-whistles. The highly reflective jacket is also highly functional — like all of Vollebak’s designs. The jacket is built for the slopes, completely waterproof and windproof, from heavy-duty zippers to the four large front pockets. The super high collar and snow skirt will keep you protected no matter how extreme the conditions are.

All the Details Behind the New Limited Edition Polaris Date

It was only last year that the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris collection launched in Geneva. And the Polaris line is already being extended with this special limited edition Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date. With an initial offering only in North America, this limited edition timepiece is now available throughout the world. With only a series of 800 made, the Polaris Date is striking with its contemporary proportions and vintage design elements — both pushing the Polaris further while paying homage to its aesthetic legacy.

Key Specs
Size: 42mm
Case: Stainless Steel
Caliber: 899A/1 – Automatic
Power Reserve: 38 Hours
Functions: Hour/Minute/Second, date, rotating inner bezel
Water Resistance: 200m

We were able to get our hands on a Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date Limited Edition for an up-close look at this rebirth of the legend and the Jaeger-LeCoultre craftsmanship.

Sporty Elegance

This watch yearns to go out and have a bit of fun. With 200m water resistance and the blue rubber àclous de paris strap — color-matched to the inner bezel — both help its functionality. The aforementioned bezel — like the original Memovox Polaris and Polaris II that came before it — rotates adding another layer of functionality. Designed for the man of action as comfortable out in nature as they are out on the town, the Polaris Date Limited Edition can go anywhere. While the case is sleek with brushed and hand-polished surfaces, it has true sporting credentials that shouldn’t be forgotten with its good looks.

Rich Legacy

The Polaris Date Limited Edition draws inspiration from the 1970 Polaris II and the famous Polaris Memovox’s design. The Polaris Memovox was truly incredible for its time with a 42mm diameter — at the time 35mm was closer to the standard. It also featured a very recognizable dial with trapezoidal indexes and numerals as well as three levels of finishing to mark three different concentric circles in the dial, from which today’s Polaris Date Limited Edition draws direct inspiration. The Memovox remains synonymous with adventure and technical innovation and this limited edition timepiece continues that legacy. Above all else, this is still a Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece. Known for its artistry, refinement and mastery of timepieces, Jaeger-LeCoultre stands out as an excellent Swiss watchmaker and the Polaris Date Limited Edition is no exception.

Mesmerizing Dial

The dial of any watch is the centerpiece, but the dial of the Polaris Date Limited Edition is a showstopper. The hand-lacquered, double-gradient finish is unique to this special edition. The central disc and main dial each incorporate a shimmering, color-change effect moving from deep turquoise to a brilliant shade of royal blue. In keeping with the signature Polaris look, it sports elongated Arabic numerals, large trapezoidal hour markers and beefy hour and minute hands. Super-LumiNova coats the important elements to provide readability in low-light situations — the luminescent coating is vanilla-tinted in another nod to the ’70s design history.

Precision Movement

Under the dial, a self-winding mechanical movement delivers all the precision you expect from Jaeger-LeCoultre. The in-house Calibre 899A/1 keeps the seconds, minutes, hours and date with doggedly faithful accuracy. The Polaris Date Limited Edition also boasts a 38-hour power reserve that will keep it ticking. It’s all held together by the caseback, which is adorned with four special engravings, a SCUBA diving insignia, the Jaeger-LeCoultre crest, and the phrase “1000 Hours Control” — denoting the watch has undergone testing of the movement before and after being cased up as well as on the fully assembled watch beyond official timing tests before leaving the manufacturer in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland. And of course, the words “Limited edition – One of 800” is inscribed near backing’s outer edge.

The New Home Essentials That Will Change Your Kitchen

Moving into a new space is a great time to upgrade your kitchen tools — whether it’s your very first apartment or your third home. But finding kitchen essentials isn’t always an easy task. There are key pieces of any kitchen arsenal that you don’t know you need until you have them. These OXO essentials will change the way you use your kitchen and you won’t know how you ever got anything done without them.

Swivel Peeler

The OXO classic, it’s very first product — invented in 1990 — the OXO Swivel Peeler will change your life. The ergonomic, cushioned handle won’t slip and keeps you comfortable through dozens of peeled potatoes. The super sharp stainless steel blade glides through almost anything like a dream.

Angled Measuring Cup

If you’ve ever used a liquid measuring cup, there’s an all-too-familiar scenario: pour the liquid, lift up the cup, or tilt your head down to see the reading — the measure is never perfect and your head bobs up and down in the process. OXO’s Angled Measuring Cup removes all of that guesswork and head bobbing with a folded cup that enables an easy top-down measurement read. You can stand up straight the whole time and easily and accurately see how much you’ve poured. It’s measuring reimagined and it measures up.

Soap Dispensing Palm Brush

OXO’s Palm Brush may seem small and unassuming, but it will certainly get good mileage. With an internal soap dispenser, pleasing push-button, comfortable, ergonomic grip and hardworking bristles, the OXO Palm Brush can clean even the most baked-on mess with ease.

Pop Containers

Nothing feels better than a properly organized pantry. POP Containers offer a modular, stackable organization with a unique (and satisfying) push-button, air-tight seal. They’re also clear, which means you can easily see how much of a staple you have. OXO POP Containers are perfect for dry goods and can be outfitted with a variety of OXO POP Accessories that attach to the underside of the lid: scoops, leveler, date dial, brown sugar keeper — the possibilities are endless and your pantry will never look so good.

Essentials You Need to Get Through the Weekend in Style

We put a lot of pressure on our weekends. They are cherished — often too few — days, when we need to, simultaneously get done everything we put off during the week, have fun, meet up with friends, head to the farmer’s market and also find some time to relax and throw back a brew or two. It’s a lot to do in a 48-hour span of time. That’s why we put together the collection of goods for doing it all on your weekend, from the plushiest fleece to the go-to, catchall bag. Everything is hardwearing, as comfortable as possible and darn good looking — exactly what you need for your weekend. These essentials will keep you comfortable and stylish, no matter what your day entails.

The Boots

What do you look for in a good weekend shoe? It’s got to be comfortable, easy to wear, as rugged as possible and of course, look good. Blundstones are a classic, and none more classic than the 550 Chelsea Boot, Rustic Brown, Style 585. These are tough as nails, ready for anything boots that still slip on with ease and are as light as a feather. They even come with an extra set of footbeds so you can get the perfect fit. These are the kind of weekend boots you can live in — You’ll want to wear them all through the week. So whether you are traipsing around the city to your favorite brewery or striking out somewhere off the beaten path, the Blundstone 550 won’t let you down.

The Other Essentials

Everyday Pant in Athletic Fit by Hill City$128
Silver Crew Socks by American Trench $17
Sherpa Fleece Jacket by Filson $165
“Big Sur” Zippered Tote by Pacific Tote Co. $120
X Corduroy Field Cap by Alex Mills $40
The Standard Pocket Tee by Best Made Co. $48
Oktoberfest by Sierra Nevada Price varies

Some of Our Favorite Camping and Climbing Gear Is 20% Off Right Now

The chilly fall air is quickly approaching, but you have time for one more weekend camping trip. Just to help you get out the door, Backcountry.com is offering 20% off some of the site’s stock of camping and climbing gear. This is a great chance to update some of those worn-out items you’ve been using for years with some of the best outdoor kit you can get your hands on. You can find almost anything you need for a weekend outdoors at Backcountry.com. We put together a few of our favorite items you can grab for 20% that will help you get outside again before autumn. These are just our favorite pieces, but you can also use the code yourself at checkout on a whole mess more of camping and climbing products. All you have to do is use CLIMBCAMP20 at checkout.

Marmot Limelight Tent

This homey three-person tent is a breeze to set up and takedown with the helo of color-coded clips. With a mesh canopy as well as a seam-taped fly, it’s as suited for stargazing as it is for a summer storm. The large D-shaped door makes it a whole lot easier to get in and out, making you one happy camper.

BioLite FirePit

This portable fire pit has it all. From its patented airflow technology to its included grill rack, this firepit will become one of your camping favorites. And it won’t be just you, its X-Ray mesh construction means everyone around the fire can enjoy the view — and the heat. It even includes access to a Bluetooth app that lets you control the flames from a distance.

La Sportiva TC Pro Vibram XS Edge Climbing Shoe

These are some of the most high-performing climbing shoes you can find, with light ankle padding to help stem the pain of vicious off-widths and Vibram XS Edge rubber soles for friction on the thinnest footholds. They also have a vented tongue to help ward off sweaty feet so you can go all day on the wall.

Mammut Phoenix Dry Climbing Rope

The Mammut Phoenix SuperDry 8mm Climbing Rope has you covered from mixed pitches to splitter alpine granite. With Coated Core and Coated Sheath technologies, the Pheonix will handle well and perform in both wet and dry conditions. This is the climbing rope you need for all your half and twin rope needs.

All the Stylish Essentials to Grab on a Trip to Detroit

Editor’s Note: In the second part of our Off the Beaten Path series in partnership with Montblanc, we’re telling the stories of Detroit — America’s off the beaten path, but rising, city. In this series we look at Detroit through the lens of those who know it best, its tastemakers, experiencing the very places they feel are worth a stop.

The story of Detroit, the underdog, clawing itself back from decades of neglect and mismanagement (culminating with the city’s bankruptcy in 2013) has been told time and time again. The rock bottom home prices attracting transplants, the urban farms popping up and new industry finding its way to the city are well recorded along with the “ruin porn” that defined the outsider’s view of the Motor City for much of the aughts. But in 2019, things are different in Detroit. “America’s Comeback City” is back, but if you’re not there, you may not know that. Whether you are going to Detroit for work or just for a vacation, the city has more than enough to offer and take in. Not least of which is the burgeoning fashion scene of makers and boutiques helping to define the Detroit style.

With companies like StockX calling Detroit home, style has a natural place here. And not everyone is a recent transplant. Born and raised in the city, with over 14 years of tailoring experience, Nelson Sanders is one of Detroit’s own defining what it means to get dressed in this city. Sanders runs his own custom tailoring shop in the city’s downtown — a stone’s throw from the Quicken Loans headquarters (which relocated there in 2010 as a bet on Detroit’s future) — aptly named Dandy. Working with Italian and English fabrics, Sanders offers clients a fully custom experience with a knack, as he says, for a certain Detroit flourish. With Sanders as our guide, he took us on a tour of his stylish Detroit for some more à la carte offerings that would be worth bringing back from any trip to Motor City.

Sanders’s Dandy is located inside another well-regarded brick and mortar style haven, Détroit Is The New Black. This 2,300-square-foot shop stocks a mix of local designers as well as those on a global scale and has room for Dandy to take in clients for fittings as well. With pieces only to be found in-store — Détroit Is The New Black’s e-commerce is pretty limited — and a rotating crew of Detroit-based designers and a collection of hard to find magazines, the shop is well worth a visit, regardless if you are getting measured for one of Sanders’s suits.

Detroit is, of course, an iconic blue-collar city. Not only the birthplace of the nation’s auto industry but also Carhartt was founded in nearby Dearborn — it seems fitting the next stop would serve up some denim threads. Detroit Denim Co. was founded in 2010 and nearly a decade later they are still making everything there in its Rivertown factory. With the shop right off the factory floor, you can get your new jeans hemmed in a matter of minutes. But it isn’t only handcrafted jeans you can grab to bring back from your trip to the city at Detroit Denim Co., there are also limited runs of workshirts, leather goods and even tote bags — which caught our eye. From custom-tailored suiting to selvedge denim, Detroit is worth a visit if just for the pieces you can bring back.

Along with Sanders, we put together a directory of the must-visit shops and some of the Detroit styles to bring home for yourself.

The Bag for the Journey

The Ultimate Guide to Iceland

Some things are popular for good reason, like traveling to Iceland. With a population of just around 338,000, Iceland has tracked more than 2 million visitors annually in recent years. Tourism numbers have steadily increased during the last decade, only recently starting to plateau. Rugged, green and teeming with untouched land, the country is a feast for the eyes and a playground for the adventurous. Whether thinking of visiting for the first time or the fifth, there is no shortage of ways to experience this extraordinary place. But with crowds, the vastness of the terrain and only so many days in a given itinerary, you’ll want to make the most of your trip. Read on for our tips on how to do it well and the gear to pack for the journey.

The setting

A short flight from the eastern US — a quick five or so hours from New York, for example — Iceland can offer reasons to visit year-round. While the Northern Lights are likely the draw in winter, summer highs reach about 57 degrees Fahrenheit on average so it’s a prime reprieve from the high heat in most temperate climates.

You’ll likely begin your journey in Reykjavík: Only around 122,853 people live here, meaning the capital city is home to a whopping 60% of the population and much of the country is uninhabited. And what’s out there is packing a punch. Within that pristine, hardly populated environment, there are around 10,000 waterfalls, 130 volcanic mountains, 800,000 sheep, 80,000 shaggy horses and glaciers covering more than 11% of the land.

What to See & How to Do It

There is plenty to see and there’s plenty of advice out there on how best to do it — starting with clues on beating the crowds. All who advise on seeing the main attractions of Iceland will tell you to arrive early in the morning or in the evening for the best experience. This is true. However, you’ll want to pack your days full and if you are based in Reykjavík arriving bright and early everywhere you want to go may not be entirely possible. Drives can take a few hours to traverse the countryside and arrive at most of the sites.

So here’s our number one recommendation: Get into a single-engine plane to take in as much of the Icelandic landscape as possible. Leaving from Reykjavík Domestic Airport, you can see volcanic mountaintops, coastline, geysers and cyan thermal pools all within a short hour (or longer, if you so desire). It may sound gratuitous but this will be time well-spent — not to mention, it’s your best bet to avoid the crowds. If you don’t have your pilot’s license, we recommend getting on board with Haraldur Diego, affectionately known as the Volcano Pilot, who is a trusted aerial resource flying in and out of the domestic airport.

Of course, the scenery on the ground will make it worthwhile to also travel by car and you won’t be disappointed by traveling along famous Route 1 (also known as Ring Road). And, yes, you should definitely rent an SUV. Below are a few noteworthy stops all within a drive of the capital city.

We’ve already suggested a stop at Silfra within Thingvellir National Park for one of the best dives in the world, but while you’re in the park, it’s well worth the short drive to the trail leading to Öxarárfoss, a waterfall flowing from the river Öxará. It’s not the largest waterfall you’ll likely see on your trip — cascading 37 feet — but the short trek to its base is picturesque and makes the experience that much greater. The trail is approximately a two and a half-mile loop and filled with noteworthy geography thanks to the fissures formed all around this area from the North American and Eurasian plates shifting. The jagged basalt is flanked by vivid green moss, bounty from the perpetually wet surroundings making this short hike an easy way to take in the astounding natural beauty of Iceland (just a short 30 minutes from Reykjavík).

The powerful falls at Seljalandsfoss are flooded with glacial runoff from the well-known, occasionally pesky Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Cascading nearly 200 feet, the waterfall is among the most spectacular on the southern coast, just a short drive off of Route 1. A path leads behind the falls adding to the allure of this location — and means it does draw a crowd. You will be hard-pressed to find yourself alone here in the height of summer but the spectacular strength of the falls makes it worth a stop.

Continuing on from Seljalandsfoss, a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavík, the black beach on the edge of Vik should be a stop on every visitor’s list. From the volcanic sands of Reynisfjara beach, you’ll have a view of the Reynisdrangar sea-stacks, which rise some 216 feet from the sea. While the rock-filled beach is a magnificent must-see, this is not a location to seek out for a leisurely swim. Reynisfjara is known for its powerful current — the waves make for a great show but aren’t to be messed with.

The Gear

Hybrid apparel is the move here. Rain may come on and off, you’ll likely get close to a waterfall, hike a bit and then pop into a restaurant at the end of the day. Look for clothing that will perform but also look sharp if you don’t find time to change before dinner. It also will keep you packing light (particularly if you’re just visiting for a long weekend and don’t want to check a bag).

First and foremost, always choose an accessory that’s made to work for you in all circumstances — for this trip, that was Panerai’s 47mm Submersible Carbotech™. Days can be long trekking from one destination to the next so our team appreciated having a watch as lightweight as the Carbotech™. Making a material that’s 14% lighter than Titanium is no small feat and wearing it really lightened the load. Knowing the composite material is also incredibly tough gave us a little extra confidence hiking through slippery volcanic rock a little easier (this watch can take a beating if it has to). And while the black dial with constrasting luminous hour markers and dots served us well scuba diving at Silfra, it also was welcome on land that’s marked by fickle, dark skies.

Next up, a sturdy hiker is a must. It rains more than 200 days per year in Iceland so you’ll often be traversing some slippery — along with rocky — surfaces. Our pick is Danner’s Mountain 600 — it’s a shoe that serves well on a hike but seamlessly fits in the city center, so you’ll get a lot of utility from these boots. Not least, apparel: We opted for a kit by Arc’teryx. It is the cream of the crop when it comes to stylish performance wear. As Nordic weather can change quickly, wind and water resistance layers (like a solid vest, for example) are the best bet. We went with light quick-dry pants and a hooded, wind-ready jacket on most days.

The Tech Forward Pack That Will Keep You Connected

Finding the best bag for all your traveling can be a hard nut to crack. Today, of course, it isn’t just about the cut and comfort of a bag — though those will always be at the top of the list — but also how seamlessly it can integrate your specific tech needs. Today, your backpack almost certainly has a cushioned laptop sleeve at the very least. The Connect Smart Pack from Kathmandu comes outfitted with integrated technology for convenience and security making this bag a trusty travel companion ready to take on any adventure. This offering from Kathmandu is sure to change the way you pack for foreign lands.

Key Specs

Dimensions: 54cmx W 34cm x D 26cm
Battery Strength: 25 hours of talk time
Weight: 36.4 oz

The Connect Smart Pack can keep you plugged in when you are on the road, so you can stay in the moment without worrying about how to stay charged. But of course, it wouldn’t be Kathmandu if it wasn’t also a great backpack. It doesn’t just rely on its battery features, the Connect Smart Pack also features a streamlined and organized design that would make any travel junkie envious. It is easy to hit the road with one of these on your back.

Charging Capability

With the Joey smart unit built into the Connect Smart Pack, your bag is capable of keeping your smartphone easily juiced up. Its powerful battery allows you to travel for days without having to recharge — adding up to 25 hours of talk time to your smartphone in one charge. You can also charge your Joey smart unit while simultaneously keeping your device plugged in so you never have to stop the power flow. Another top feature of the Joey is the connected smartphone app that allows you to allocate how much time to charge each of your devices so they all get the attention they deserve.

Security Features

The Connect Smart Pack is also chalked-full of security features as well thanks to the Joey. Through the Joey smart unit and its app, there is a distance alarm that alerts you when your phone becomes separated from your bag — especially useful if you are out exploring a new unknown locale. You can also dial your phone straight from the Joey unit built into the bag to help you locate it if you do get separated from your trusty smartphone. All together the Connect Smart Pack doesn’t just feature a charger but is a full-on piece of wearable technology.

Superb Organization

Like any good knapsack, this bag has its organizational components locked down. The Connect Smart Pack features sleeves for laptop and tablet as well as an inner compartment for your devices’ cables — so you will be sure to have all of them at your fingertips no matter where you are. Of course, you also have pockets to fit your phone, keys, drink bottle and other items. If you are traveling in the dark, the pack is outfitted with internal LED lights to help you find what you are looking for.

Lightweight Harness

At the end of the day, a bag is only as good as how comfortable it is to carry it. And in that area, Kathmandu is no slouch either. A molded back panel designed to protect your tech and fit comfortably on your back to help carry the load. The breathable, light harness will help you go the distance in comfort and keep your sweat from bringing you down. There is no better way to haul what you need from your next adventure or your routine business trip.

DUER’s Updated T-Shirt Will Keep You Dry

Duer knows a thing or two about making comfortable and stylish garments. Its No Sweat T-Shirts are a no-brainer when you are looking to stock up on some new elevated basics. More than just your average tee, DUER’s T-shirt is crafted like its bottoms with high stretch, low synthetic blend of cotton, Tencel and spandex fibers so the shirt moves with you. It is patterned with an underarm gusset for even more range of movement and a slim fit in the body for a more cleaned up look. But the real knock out of the DUER No Sweat T-Shirts is the natural wicking performance of the brand’s N2X fabric so you stay dry when you get busy. Give the DUER No Sweat T-Shirt a try, you might end up grabbing a few more.

The New Bell & Ross Watch Squares the Circle

Bell & Ross is known for making timepieces that can go to the extremes while pushing the design envelope. With its unique square-shaped cases inspired by military avionics instrument panels, Bell & Ross has expanded into circular watches as well, but its new BR05 is something completely different. Truly breaking the mold, Bell & Ross’ BR05 brings the circular civilian case and the daring square together. The result is a new uniquely sleek and urban look. Its 40mm case, integrated bracelet and satin finish give this Bell & Ross a sleek city edge while still being rugged as ever. With a few options in the BR05 collection, here are our favorites that will be sure to fit your style perfectly.

BR05 Black Steel

With a classic black dial, you can see how this new model is faithful to the brand’s tenents of legibility, functionality, reliability and precision. And with the numerals and indices coated in Super-LumiNova, you’ll never have to worry about getting lost in the dark.

BR05 Gold

The only one of the collection if you aren’t a silver guy: The Gold BR05 strikes a different tone than the rest of the collection with its shimmering bracelet. It will be sure to stand out in all the right ways.

BR05 Blue Steel

A little more sporty with the blue dial, the Blue Steel BR05 evokes a lot of the ’70s styling that inspired the entirety of the new collection. You can even get this BR05 outfitted with a blue rubber strap for an even sportier style.

BR 05 Skeleton

This limited edition BR05 leaves nothing to your imagination. The fully skeletonized watch lets you inspect the calibre BR-CAL.322 automatic movement that keeps this timepiece ticking. With only 500 of these available for pre-order, it’s best not to wait if it catches your fancy.

The Essentials You Need to Tackle a Damp Fall Weekend

Rainy commutes and damp weekends are rites of passage in autumn. You can’t beat it, so you’re going to have to make the best of it. Having the essentials that can take you from your puddle-jumping commute, into the office and then off for a weekend in the country can be a high bar to pass. The place to start is your footwear. You need a boot rugged enough to handle the rough weather, stylish enough to fit in at the office, and comfortable enough to rock all weekend. The rest of our must-haves will easily take you from a fall Friday at the office to a weekend in the woods — from a solid pair of socks to the requisite thermos filled with a something a bit stronger than your morning coffee.

The Boots

The boots that will take you from city to countryside are the 6″ APEX Wedge from 5.11 Tactical. The boot is rough and tumble ready, while still fitting in perfectly in the city — it’ll go toe-to-toe with most kicks on your office floor no problem. Lightweight for its size, you won’t have to worry about lugging these around on your feet, plus the D30 support footbed offers revolutionary shock absorption and lasting heel and arch support — forget about your dogs barking all weekend. You can put the worry of puddles and a little bit of rainwater out of mind too, thanks to the Vibram Newflex outsole that will let you keep your grip and help keep you off the water. The boots are ready to clock some serious miles over all kinds of territory.

The Essentials

Goldwin: Coach Jacket Shirt $330
Raleigh Denim Workshop: Graham Selvage Raw $325
5.11 Tactical: Dart Pack 25L $100
Stanley: 20 oz Classic Legendary Bottle $30
CWC: British Military G10 Learn More
5.11 Tactical: EDC PL 2AAA Flashlight $25
American Trench: Merino Activity Socks with Silver $20