BasBlue
Women's organization · Art Center ·
Women-centered nonprofit cafe, coworking, events, all-female winemakers
Women-centered nonprofit cafe, coworking, events, all-female winemakers
"Housed in a historic Victorian mansion in Detroit’s Cultural Center Historic District, BasBlue is a women-and-nonbinary-centered nonprofit launched in 2021 by Nancy Tellem that intentionally dispels the old, exclusionary image of social clubs. Plush upholstered seating, soothing blue, yellow, and green tones, and ample natural light soften the space’s imposing exposed red brick and dark wood detailing, creating a welcoming place to work, network, and learn. Members can attend educational seminars and networking events or hunker down with a laptop and enjoy the cozy cafe, which serves sandwiches and soups made using meats and broth from Marrow’s butcher shop, plus grab-and-go items and baked goods from local bakeries. The space runs programming such as a Trailblazer-in-Residence that awards 100 need-based annual memberships, and a monthly Pop-Up for a Purpose dining series that showcases local female chefs and donates part of proceeds to a charity of the chef’s choice; recent pop-ups included chef Ederique Goudia. BasBlue’s food and beverage program is run in collaboration with Ping Ho and Backbone Hospitality, with Sarah Welch and kitchen manager Kenna Dollette emphasizing women-led food businesses, local producers, and seasonality (with winter sourcing through Cherry Capital Foods and a more vegetable-forward summer menu). Menu highlights include a broccoli-chop vegetarian dish with red quinoa and a small breakfast selection such as an egg sandwich with hot honey and a daily quiche; the cafe is intended to feel like a home with excellent Wi‑Fi and good music. Beverage programming, overseen by sommelier Liz Martinez, includes member happy hours and twice-monthly free wine tastings, with an opening list focused on female winemakers. Memberships run $600 yearly for women 35 and younger and $1,200 for women 36 and older, and the nonprofit also offers grants and scholarships; BasBlue is open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., located at 110 E. Ferry St in Detroit, and the cafe is open to the public with proof of vaccination required for entry." - Eater
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