Toast of the Town …
At Jean's Bar, characters are always welcomed. Perhaps the biggest character hanging out there is the bar owner, Virginia Szymanski.
When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and other events that can be found throughout the city.
By Charles Sercombe
Forty years ago, imagine that. It’s 1971, and it was a much different world back then.
A gallon of gasoline cost 40 cents.
Monthly rent was around $150.
Movies were only $1.50. The most popular movies were “Love Story,” “Summer of ’42,” “Carnal Knowledge” and “The French Connection” – among many others.
The voting age was lowered from 21 years old to 18 years old.
Cigarette advertising was banned from television.
Jim Morrison of the Doors died at the age of 27 in Paris.
Lance Armstrong, Winona Ryder, Mariah Carey and Tupac Shakur were all born that year.
Texas Instruments started selling the first pocket calculator.
And Virginia Szymanski and her family became the new owners of Jean’s Bar, located on Jos. Campau and Commor.
This Saturday, Virg, as everyone calls her, will be celebrating the bar’s 40th anniversary. Virginia, believe it or not, is now in her 80s, and you’d never guess that by looking at her.
Before her family bought the bar, it was famous in the 1940s and 1950s for attracting big-name acts that came through Hamtramck, which was once on the national entertainment radar.
People like Danny Thomas and Peggy Lee would play down the street at the now long-gone Bowery and sneak over to Jean’s Bar, which back then was called the Commor Bar, for a drink.
Those heady days are, of course, history now, but there is still one top performer who makes regular appearances here.
“The bar is my stage,” Virg said. “I’m a ham, this is where I perform.”
As you can see, she’s a wisecracker.
On Saturday, there’s going to be plenty of food and drink specials, and most importantly, Virg herself.
One thing, though. Don’t expect 1971 beer and drink prices.
“I’d lose too much money,” Virg said.
Still, you can’t find much better prices around here than at Jean’s, no matter what year it is.
Not feeling the holiday spirit yet?
Well, no matter whether you are in the mood or not, head on over to Maria’s Comida restaurant today (Friday, Dec. 9).
The Pronko family is throwing an ugly Christmas sweater contest. Marie Pronko, a co-owner of the restaurant, says she has an old Polaroid camera to take photos of contestants.
We’re not sure what the prizes are, but who cares? This is the one and only time you can proudly wear that ugly sweater your aunt or parents or sister gave you.
Dang, wouldn’t you know it, Toast of the Town got rid of all those sweaters just a few years ago.
Still, we plan to drop by just for the fun of it. At 6 p.m., live music will start, and the party runs until 9 p.m. Marie also encourages those of legal drinking age to bring your own booze. Oh yeah, that Santa fellow will be ho-ho-ho’ing around and sipping on eggnog.
Hey kids, don’t get any funny ideas about spiking that eggnog behind our backs! Just in case, Toast of the Town will stand guard, heh-heh.
Maria’s is located at 11411 Jos. Campau, just north of Caniff.
Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thethehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100.
