The Week We Ate (The EID Week in Review)

From Imperial.

ICYMI:
~ For the next several weeks, I'll be profiling many of the full-service supermarkets throughout Detroit for Model D as part of a Green Grocer series for the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. We started this week with select neighborhoods in northwest Detroit featuring stores like Metro Foodland, Glory Supermarket, and more. Now when people ask you "where do you buy groceries in Detroit [besides Whole Foods]," you can point them here. [Model D]

~Approved! Congratulations to Detroit City Distillery; they've been approved as a distillery by the city and will start major construction on their space in Eastern Market next month. They're looking to open next spring. [Model D]

~A pedal-powered brewery in Detroit? Shawn and Aaron Grose of Windmill Pointe Brewing Company want to make it happen. [EID]

~Tickets to One-Eyed Betty's FestivALE are now on sale! $20 in advance/$25 at the door. Christmas, seasonal, and flagship beers from Bell's Brewery, Inc. (Official), Arbor Brewing Company, and Dark Horse Brewing Co., plus a 30-tap takeover of Short's Brewing Company inside and a special booth of extremely limited Christmas ales from St.Bernardus, Unibroue, and more. Whole animal roasts and tons of decadent cold weather comfort food. This is going to be THE holiday party! [EID]

~Downtown Detroit's Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern is set to open November 10. [EID]

~What's going on this weekend and next? Oh just ALL OF THIS. [EID]

First We Feast has the trailer for the Fresh Off The Boat With Eddie Huang Detroit episode, in which he eats burgers with rapper Danny Brown and does other things. [FWF]

Not all of Corktown has found the pot of gold at the end of the Detroit Is Cool Now rainbow. PJ's Lager House has struggled since the day PJ bought it despite introducing a (very good) food menu in the past couple of years to bring in more business. Bottom line: it might seem like business is booming for all the trendy businesses, but such is not the case for everyone. [Crain's]

The next statewide MLive.com search: Michigan's best pizza. Dear Gonzo, you need an official Detroit consultant. And that person should damn well be me. Please someone make this happen. [MLive]

Imperial is once again hosting their Day of the Dead celebration this year from October 31-November 2 and the skulls designed by local artists for the charity art auction are even more amazing this year than last, PLUS they have a killer special menu with three different kinds of tamales and of course, special drinks as well. These guys know how to do shit, for real. And here are the skulls. [RDW / Imperial FB]

Dia de los Muertos is coming up (Nov 1-2). Celebrate with Savor Southwest by visiting the dozens of ofrendas displayed at restaurants, stores, businesses, and churches throughout the neighborhood. And here's a handy guide to all of them! [SDBA]

Royal Oak is get yet another pizzeria bar and cafe next year, this one called Iron Horse. This is in addition to the Blaze Pizza that opened today and Trattoria Da Luigi that opened just a couple of months ago, plus Pizzeria Biga - Royal Oak and...that...other one. The name of which I forget. It's right on Main Street. Something Neapolitan-nana-something. And the Franklin Cafe that opened earlier this year, which has fallen way short of the really cool cafe/market I thought it would be. [RO Patch]

Bistro 82 and Sabrage are moving along in Royal Oak (in the old Sangria space) and could be open by mid-November. The word "ultra-lounge" still makes me skeptical, even though the chef they have is outstanding. I mean, the place could have a great chef but still be super-douchey, you know? [RO Patch]

B. Nektar continues to grow and expand, now adding New York to their growing list of distribution markets. Plus, B. Nektar's Evil Genius IPA-style mead has been out of production for awhile but Honey Bee Market still has a ton left for all you merds out there. [BeerPulse / EID FB]

Eastern Market Corporation: the go-to example of placemaking from Next City. [Next City]

Couple of factual gaffes here (Tom's Tavern is in Detroit, not Ferndale; Dangerously Delicious pies vacated Comet Bar months ago, and the then-editor of Thrillist even wrote a story on it for this very same publication), but an otherwise nice rundown of some of Detroit's best dives. [Thrillist]

Under The Radar Michigan stopped in Detroit for a full episode and covered Shinola, Dangerously Delicious Pies Baked in Detroit, and Diner en Blanc on Belle Isle. [PBS]

Most of you will probably roll your eyes, but the Starbucks inside of the Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown-Convention Center is now open. Good for travelers and for when locals are staycationing and in need of immediate caffeine. [EID FB]

Misc.
~Some excellent advice for you all working and aspiring chefs out there from Marc Vetri. (Most of this advice can very easily be translated into most other professions too; it is the ethos that is important here.) [HuffPo]

~America is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay behind on tea, the world's second-most popular beverage (second only to water). Starbucks is looking to change that, aiming to do for tea what they did for coffee. [Freep]

~Yessy yes yes. [EID FB]

~Anyone else remember going to the local police station to have your Halloween candy scanned after trick-or-treating? The poisoned/needle-stuck-inside candy scare was big in the '80s; not sure if it's even still really a thing now. [some blahg]

[HOT LIST] The 'Other' Corktown

Not Slows. Photo by Nicole Rupersburg.

This post authored by EID Co-Conspirator Stefanie Cobb. 

It should come as no surprise to anyone that white people love Corktown. If the mention of this neighborhood immediately prompted thoughts of Slows or really anything marinated, deep fried, and heavily seasoned with hipster, STOP. STOP NOW. It’s time to take a moment to commemorate our elders. Places that have yet to receive any hype from Martha Stewart Living, Food Network, or any other publication buzzing about Corktown. Their floors lack the track marks of young artists (aka twenty-somethings with a fine arts degree or who attended CCS for a year) seeking the recognition for their exceptional talents, or at least the opportunity to land a sweet bartending gig. Let us bring light to our weathered friends, those that seize the charm of the city and stand as the bare bones of the neighborhood. Acquaint yourselves with the “Other Corktown.”

#1 St. Cece’s Pub (1426 Bagley Avenue)
Note: Although entirely deserving as number one on this Hot List, beware that upon your visit, your vehicle may or may not being broken into with one fell swoop in broad daylight, with a screwdriver, in the middle of the parking lot. This is Detroit, friends. Hide yo shit. 

Editor's note: No but seriously, that actually happened to Stefanie when she was out "researching" this story. Stefanie, Eat It Detroit thanks you for your commitment to the brand.

Got Scotch egg?

Enjoy it while you can: it's been open for over a year now and word is spreading fast about this place and their fantastic food. Owners Celeste Belanger and her brother Jerry (who is also the owner of Park Bar) know what’s up. Walking through the doors for the first time arouse similar emotions to what one would (presumably) feel after stepping off the Hogwarts Express … only better because they have Michigan beer on tap. St. Cece’s is a humble enchantment, the kind of bar to go to for contemplating life’s next move. The lighting is soft, the music is pleasant, and Celeste will see that your drink is full throughout your stay. The pub has also recently revamped their menu, adding items such as Duck Confit and Fried Green Tomatoes. None of this will matter after demolishing an order of their pork sliders. THEY ARE FUCKING AWESOME, YOU GUYS. Seriously, the sliders alone are worth a visit.

#2 McShane’s Irish Pub (1460 Michigan Avenue)
Formerly known as Hoot’s which was indeed a “hoot” (editor’s note: seriously, it totally was, kind of like this), their fierce new paint job isn’t the only radical change to the pub’s reopening. After switching owners, they have made what some claim to be a complete night to day transition (editor’s note: that wasn’t a race joke, really). They’re now fully equipped with sports bar pizzazz, meaning they’ve moved in some pool tables, offer free shuttles to the games, and have about 100 flat screen TVs. The bar scene is a little tricky to identify, but it certainly has yet to be gentrified by Detroit’s colonizing elite. (Probably because the words “sports bar” has them quivering in their Oxfords.) The menu is reasonably priced, with many choices and big portions. (Great burgers on buttered buns, and do try the stout cheddar spread.) Go there, get a burger, get a beer (they've got some pretty decent ones on tap), and take solace in knowing that you’ve found a place in Corktown that is not a hipster breeding ground. In other words, this is your chance to say you hung out here before it was cool.

McBurger.

#3 PJ’s Lager House (1254 Michigan Avenue)
If you live downtown or have at some point throughout your late teens or early twenties, chances are you already know what PJ’s is all about. For the newbies, there are certain things to expect after a visit. Expect to leave with muffled hearing, covered in sweat (not necessarily your own), and drunk. PJ’s is the Mecca of local rock/indie/punk/synthesizer-what-the-fuck-am-I-listening-to bands. Some bands will be great, some horrible, but all amusing nonetheless. The booze is cheap, the staff is attentive, and they offer some really tasty grub. Try not to let the grimy interiors discourage you from trying something on the menu because they totally know their shit (including vegan shit, and New Orleansian shit!). PJ’s is the golden mean of hipsters and everyone else … that is, as long as you love PBR.

#4 Casey’s Pub (1830 Michigan Avenue)
Casey’s is a true locals bar and definitely in the running for the crowning of Corktown’s most beloved burger, FOSHO. Their menu is pretty much limited to burgers, French fries, and wing dings, with a few other greasy goodies in between. The fun part is getting to watch the bartender (who will most likely be the only one running the establishment) flip patties while shooting the shit and tending to the thirst of the regulars. What makes this place so special is that it truly is a time capsule. The bar hasn’t changed since the day they opened and it’s clear they never intend to. It’s all very endearing how proudly they sit upon Michigan Ave. as they watch their neighborhood swiftly evolve. Although you may not receive the same treatment as the regulars, it is encouraged that you mosey in one afternoon to grab a cheap bite. Pro tip: build a rapport with the bartender, then order a stuffed burger. This thing makes Slows’ Special Purpose look like special ed. The beer selection pales in comparison to Other Corktown's other finest, but you can always get a Fat Tire and that doesn't suck.

#5 Nancy Whiskey (2644 Harrison Street)
Nancy’s claims to be “Detroit’s oldest party” and that may very well be true. This fossil of a dive bar takes satisfaction in having been around since the Prohibition days. They’ve also managed to overcome a major setback after being forced to close down in 2009 after a fire. The bar has been reopened for a few years now and seems to be regaining its appeal, as well as a loyal customer base. Many would also agree that Nancy’s is the party hotspot for game days and, of course, the Corktown St. Patty’s Day Parade (which is creeping up). They’ve managed to assemble a solid hipster crowd, probably due to their Wednesday night dollar PBR and three dollar Jameson shot special. If perhaps you’re able to splurge a little on your beer selection, know that they also carry a pretty good assortment of craft beer. Great hospitality (especially if you’re a newcomer), live blues on the weekends, and cheap drinks … how much more can you really want from a dive bar that was established over a hundred years ago?

Bubbling under LJ’s Lounge (2114 Michigan Avenue), Corktown Tavern (1761 Michigan Avenue), O’blivion’s (1800 Michigan Avenue), Nemo’s Bar (1384 Michigan Avenue)

[HOT LIST] Biscuits and gravy

The Hillbilly Bennie at Mae's.

Somewhere inside of me there is a fat girl just dying to get out. (She's been making some progress too, but more on that perhaps another time.) Biscuits and gravy are a relatively new discovery to me. Years ago the whole concept of biscuits slathered in sausage gravy and served like slop on a plate just didn't appeal to me and I refused to eat them. Then one day I said WTF and tried some and it was love at first clogged artery. (Turns out Southern-style food is pretty much my favorite.)

I exercised a little bit of leeway on this list. Though my preference lies with sausage in my gravy, there are some places making a fine veggie version; and while others have a form of biscuits and gravy on their menus under "bennies," I decided anything with a biscuit base and gravy on top counts.

Oh, and all of these places (at least in the top 5) make their own biscuits from scratch, which is very important in the biscuit/gravy quotient so that the biscuit has those slightly crispy edges (not all soft like Wonder white bread) and can hold up to a gravy soaking.

#1 Mae's (Pleasant Ridge)
Here it's called a Hillbilly Bennie, and it is the most wonderful and amazing thing you could possibly stuff in your taste hole. Fresh, flaky buttermilk biscuits topped with -- get this -- Southern fried chicken, poached eggs, sausage gravy, shredded cheddar and Frank's Red Hot. I hope your head just exploded because mine did the first time I had this.

#2 The Root (White Lake)
They don't usually do brunch. In fact since they opened in May 2011, they've hosted exactly one brunch -- on Black Friday. At this brunch they had biscuits and chorizo gravy, all made from scratch. It was phenomenal. (And spicy! I love spicy.) It was so phenomenal I begged (*whined) Executive Chef James Rigato to do it again this year. So he is. Please go, and enjoy.

#3 Imperial (Ferndale)
What luck would I have to happen to stumble in to Imperial in Ferndale early on a Sunday afternoon when they were testing out their new brunch menu! Behold: biscuits and spicy chorizo gravy topped with fried eggs and served with fresh fruit. If you want kick up the flavor of something (anything), put an egg on it. Try it with their Hair of the Dog special -- Bloody Mary, shot of tequila, smoky treat and a match. 'Cuz that's how they roll here.

Mudgie's.

#4 Mudgie's (Corktown)
Mostly known as a sandwich shop, Mudgie's also serves a Sunday brunch. (Which will maybe one day include booze?) The biscuits are Jesus Christ these could break your fucking teeth maybe not the best, but the gravy? *GASP* You know what? Skip the biscuits and eat this gravy like a delicious, hearty, slightly spicy stew. Loaded with spicy sausage and vegetables without any of that thickening agent non-flavor flavor, the gravy alone eats like a meal. Only at, you know, like 8 thousand million trillion times the calorie and fat gram count than, say, beef stew. Which is why it's better if you just don't count it.

#5 Russell St. Deli (Eastern Market)
They serve breakfast Monday through Friday but it is usually only on Saturdays when you'll see the biscuits and gravy special pop up. And Saturdays usually come with a ridic wait time (wait until winter when all the stroller jockeys stay home; much more navigable then). But if you see their biscuits and gravy on the special board, get them. Two big, beautiful biscuits served with a bowl of slightly spicy gravy, plus this place is Detroit bucket-lister so two birds, etc.

Honorable mention: PJ's Lager House. Their biscuits and gravy are vegan and damn tasty; you'll know it's not pork sausage, but you won't care.

Bubbling under Toasted Oak Grill + Market (Novi), Hudson Cafe (Detroit), The Fly Trap (Ferndale), Kate's Kitchen (Flat Rock), Sam's Ferndale Grill (Ferndale), Cadillac Square Diner (Detroit), Mr. Mike's Grill (Westland), Toast (Ferndale), Emagene's Biscuits and Gravy (Ecorse), Charlie's Restaurant (Madison Heights), Mel's Grill 2 (Clarkston), Clawson Grill (Clawson), One-Eyed Betty's (Ferndale), Hilton Road Cafe (Ferndale), Bob Evans (various locations)