BIRMINGHAM. A great place to network amongst the Motor City's young and hip business crowd, this suave downtown bistro-bar is a prime place to meet for a few drinks after work or some good "pre-theater" pasta (a movie theater is situated adjacent to the restaurant). Located in the historic Edison building, once the headquarters of Detroit's power company, the establishment provides an electricity all its own, as evidenced by the eclectic decor and superb northern Italian dishes.

DEARBORN. It's worth the short drive to Dearborn just to visit this special Vietnamese eatery, whose much-anticipated opening in April 2000 garnered a fair amount of press and local interest. While the novelty of the cuisine may have worn off, Annam has built a large and loyal following that includes everybody from martini-drinking business-types to figure-conscious vegetarians. Fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques that harmoniously blend flavors and textures together . . . these are staples Chef Hoa Mach's superb menu. Meanwhile, the unfinished wood floors, beige walls, and Euro-style ambiance only serve to enhance Annam's refined atmosphere.

GREEKTOWN. A treat for pastry lovers! Once you step inside this Greektown gem, you'll likely lose all sense of self-control ­ display cases beckon with tempting desserts and assorted fresh-baked goodies. Producing pies, cakes, brownies, truffles, and more, friendly bakers satisfy the craving of any sweet tooth. Of course, the specialty is baklava and other traditional Greek pastries, so don't pass on an opportunity to sample them. Gourmet coffees make ideal accompaniments, and a few croissant sandwiches are available as well.

DOWNTOWN. Occupying a gracious building from the turn of the century, this accomplished restaurant mixes tradition and innovation to great effect. Its menu is also an amalgam, unifying flavors from around the globe and allowing them to transcend their usual roles. This tendency is evident at brunch, which offers a host of à la carte options. Choose from a variety of egg dishes and omelets, or go simple with fruit-studded oatmeal. Favorites include crabmeat eggs Benedict, French toast, and chorizo with scrambled eggs. Salads and sandwiches can also be had.

SOUTHFIELD. Soul food dishes, both sophisticated and down-home, highlight the menu here. Try meatloaf and gravy, or Baby Sister's Backyard-Style Baby Backs with a side of collard greens or black-eyed peas. Alternatively, sample salmon croquettes drizzled with roasted red pepper sauce or a Harlem burrito ­ collard greens, tomatoes, black-eyed peas, and rice rolled in a flour tortilla and served with Spanish Harlem salsa. Top it all off with a slice of sweet potato cheesecake.