Jamais Vu: the intense feeling that the current circumstances are novel and strange, while objectively realizing that they have, indeed, been previously experienced.
Déjà Vu: The eerie feeling that you've been here and done this before.
The present moment feels like both: like we’ve been here before but don’t really remember it AND we haven’t been here before, but it sure feels like it!
Staying masked; staying strong!
Here we are, launching into Hot Vax Summer Part Deux. Like last year’s version, the threat of rising case numbers lurks on the horizon. But mask requirements are gone. We’re OVER it – but is it over? Have we really been here before? Do our brains adapt to protect us when uncertainty becomes unbearable?
As I write this, I am at the tail end of my own COVID infection. Two years to the date that we shuttered dining rooms – March 16th; the day I regard as the start of the pandemic locally – I tested positive for COVID. After two years of constant vigilance, and practicing and preaching safety, I attended an out-of-state wedding that turned out to be a superspreader event. It’s ironic to have weathered every surge and every lull, practicing the utmost caution, only to get bit by COVID when the dust seemingly settled. Fortunately I have had a very mild case (thank you vaccines and booster) and managed to not infect anyone else. And fortunately our amazing staff runs the restaurant just fine without me. Furthermore, a little downtime has been good for thinking, writing, reading, and gaining perspective.
Phillis’ pre-COVID silver lining — an Arizona desert adventure.
Thank goodness for springtime
The arrival of spring is the one thing we successfully predicted this year. At Detroit Street, we resumed patio and sidewalk dining March 1st. That re-opening has been a powerful antidote to our long cold winter of carryout and delivery. Your presence uplifts us. Just two more weeks until I can fill our planters with cold-hardy annuals!
We made it through the Omicron wave with just a small handful of COVID cases among staff. Since we are 100% vaxxed and boosted, the cases were mild. Staff were paid to stay home if exposed or infected; in that way, no one spread it to their co-workers. We also managed to keep all of our staff employed throughout the lean winter, thanks in large part to government pandemic restaurant funding. We used the slow time for recipe development, equipment maintenance and repair, and staff training and reviews. Those activities prepared us well for the busy spring and summer months.
For now, we are keeping our masks on at the restaurant. Once numbers fall and remain consistently low for a period of weeks we will reassess. We do feel confident in the safety of our outdoor dining arrangement. And know that as conditions change, we will respond in ways to keep all of us safe.
Soon enough we will look like this again!
We don’t operate in a vacuum
Here at Detroit Street we feel the effects of national and world events in all sorts of ways. War, climate change, pandemic, supply issues, the healthcare and education crisis – these all affect us. They affect our pocketbook, our menu, and our physical and mental well-being. Every week the price of ingredients and supplies goes up; and many things are just plain hard to get. We respond by seeking out more affordable and available alternatives, making from scratch ingredients we normally buy (i.e. vegan mayo), changing our item usage (making guacamole instead of avocado fans saves on expensive avocados), and temporarily moving items on and off the menu. Only as a last resort, and after careful consideration, do we raise prices.
Of course, war in Ukraine is on our minds. The destruction, death, and suffering happening in Ukraine – plus the intensification of the already terrible global refugee situation – is upsetting to all. In response, we have donated $500 to Doctors Without Borders for their humanitarian work in Ukraine. We are also acting as sponsors of a local benefit to raise money for World Central Kitchen; that organization has established nearly 350 meal distribution sites in border host countries to provide meals to incoming Ukrainian refugees. At the same time, we continue to support Al Otro Lado’s efforts to help migrants and refugees at the US/Mexico border, plus a variety of other local and national social justice efforts.
North Star Lounge construction continues
I know you are wondering what’s up with our sweet little music-venue-next-door-in-progress! Well, we are getting closer. Electrical, check. Plumbing, check. Drywall, check. Floors come next. The bar is being built. The speakers and jukebox have been purchased. The neon signs are being fabricated. The booths have been ordered. It’s exciting to watch the developments! Hopefully when the space is ready, the pandemic will be at a place where we can invite you inside to enjoy some great music, food and drinks, and the good times and community we all crave.
We will weather the uncertainty together
The mission of this business is, and always has been, to build community. That mission is vitally important today. Let’s face the uncertain future together – by lifting each other up, supporting vulnerable populations, standing for social justice, and enjoying good food and drink. We are here for you!
Staff birthday celebrations are a big deal around here! Photo special effects by Craig Rouse.