The Week We Ate [The EID Week in Review]

The "maids" of Chou Anime Cafe in Midtown.

Easy Like Sundae has officially opened in downtown Ferndale. The first four comments on Downtown Ferndale's photo? Not, "Congratulations!" Not, "Welcome to the neighborhood!" Not, "So excited to have another great business down here!" Not, "Go Ferndale!" No: "Are there any VEGAN options?" Seriously, you guys, I'm trying to be supportive of your lifestyle choices but you can be profoundly f-ing tedious sometimes. How about we congratulate them on opening before we start brow-beating the vegan/lactose-free/gluten-free agenda, hm? It's FROZEN YOGURT. [Ferndale Patch / Easy Like Sundae FB / Downtown Ferndale FB]

Detroit finally gets mass transit! Sort of. The Detroit Bus Co. puts the "pub" in public transportation. [Thrillist Detroit]

The Corktown train keeps a'rollin, with or without the train station. [Curbed Detroit]

I wrote the preview on Local Kitchen + Bar (almost ready!) but Curbed picked it up, which is always worth noting -- especially since that bitch just surpassed me in followers this week. [EID / Curbed Detroit / Curbed Detroit FB]

MotorCity Wine turns two! [MLive]

The solidest of dudes filmed a short at the solidest of places: check out Solid Dudes Kitchen as they win at Green Dot Stables. [Solid Dudes Kitchen]

Pumpkin beers have started coming in and I apparently have too much time on my hands. [EID FB]

Three Andiamo restaurants (including the flagship Warren location) will be changed over to the mouthful-of-a-name, Joe Vicari's Andiamo Italian Steakhouse. [Macomb Daily]

Phil Cooley, former model and most interesting man in America. [Vice]

A Travel Channel writer names the 7 best beer destinations in the country and includes Traverse City, citing Short's (in NOT-nearby Bellaire) and Mackinaw Brewing Co. (RLY?) as reasons. He also included Beer City USA TIE city Asheville, NC, acknowledging its title as Beer City USA while conveniently failing to mention it was a TIE with ... wait for it ... Grand Rapids. Clearly this person thought it best to suckle at the teet of Batali than do any actual reporting. Why the snub, chum? (All that being said I still love Traverse City more than anywhere and anything else.) [Travel Channel / MLive / The Daily Meal]

Speaking of Batali, he makes his picks for the 9 best restaurants in the world and included not one but TWO places in Traverse City, the Cook's House and Frenchie's (a sandwich shop). That's right folks, according to Joey Tribbiani Mario Batali, a sandwich shop in Traverse City belongs on the very same list of the best restaurants in the world as Le Bernadin and Le Louis XV. The kicker is he's really NOT being paid off by the Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau. (I asked.) [The Daily Meal]

The Brinery stimulates our gastronomy AND economy. [Concentrate]

Suburban nightclub South Bar closes after yet another shooting. Oh, Birmingham... [Downtown Publications]

NPR gets all NPR-y about Detroit coney dogs. [NPR]

Beer is good for the economy. [MLive]

The Bottom Line Coffeehouse will be opening in Midtown next week. It's now Facebook official. [TBL FB]

More importantly, Anthology needs a roaster and we need Anthology. [indiegogo / Anthology FB]

The Detroit News has been in a cryogenic slumber since 2005. They should really read Curbed more. [DetNews]

Motor City Street Eats announces their Dearborn summer schedule. [MCSE FB]

Mae's poured their patio this week! Sitting in the sunlight will make us feel less bad about sucking down butter burgers and salted caramel cream-filled chocolate chip cookie sandwiches. [Mae's FB]

Maria's Comida has announced they will be closing the restaurant on August 18 and transitioning over to a manufacturing facility for their "Maria's House Made" salsas and barbecue sauces. Last chance for a ghost pepper burger! [Maria's FB]

I have a feeling if I ever make it to Tokyo my head will explode. Perhaps this place can ease me into it. [HuffPo]

[HOT LIST] Detroit Restaurant Week - A Room With a View

Iridescence. Photo courtesy of Motor City Casino.

Detroit Restaurant Week Spring 2012 starts this Friday, April 20th - 10 days, 21 restaurants, $28 three-course menus ... how does one decide? Each restaurant has its own unique aesthetic and culinary style. Maybe looking at the menus is all you need to help make your decision, or maybe there is a specific kind of ambiance you seek. Each of the participating restaurants is majestic in its own right, whether it be for its exceptional interior design or nostalgic throw-back appeal (looking at you, Roma Cafe; you too, Caucus Club). But if you're really looking for a room with a view, these places offer the best perches in the city.

#1 Iridescence (Motor City Casino)
Hour Detroit's 2011 "Restaurant of the Year" deserves accolades for more than just its exceptional cuisine (and make no mistake, as far as haute cuisine goes this is the absolute finest in metro Detroit and probably even all of Michigan). While some might argue that the Motor City Casino is a bit of an eyesore  (Christopher Cook, in that same Hour review, describes it as a "giant toaster"), once inside this 16th-floor two-story restaurant the garish outside matters naught - 40-foot windows give a panoramic view of Detroit's southern skyline - which, granted, is basically the Lodge freeway and a bunch of mostly-uninteresting buildings (the river is too far to be visible and the downtown skyline is only a far corner), but taken en masse at that height it's actually quite breathtaking.

#2 Coach Insignia (GM Renaissance Center)
Speaking of panoramic views ... Coach Insignia, of the Epicurean Restaurant Group formerly known as Matt Prentice Restaurant Group that is no longer affiliated with Matt Prentice, takes up the entire 71st and 72nd floors of the GM Renaissance Center center tower. Depending on the corner of the restaurant you're in, you may have a vertigo-inducing view of the Detroit River and Windsor skyline (from the elevator, bar and main dining room) or the absolute best view of the entire city of Detroit (from the larger rooms typically reserved for parties). It has the distinct honor of being the highest hotel restaurant in the Western Hemisphere; but take note, you may have a hard time with it if glass elevators and heights freak you out.

#3 Andiamo Detroit Riverfront (GM Renaissance Center)
Also in the Ren Cen, Andiamo offers an equally stunning view of the riverfront but on the ground level. Acrophobes can relax and sun-worshippers can enjoy the large outdoor patio right next to the Detroit Riverwalk. Day or night, indoor our out, the waterside dining offers stunning views of the river and the Windsor skyline.

#4 Fountain Bistro (Campus Martius)
Right in the heart of the Central Business District in downtown Detroit, smack-dab in the middle of Campus Martius Park, Fountain Bistro offers some of Detroit's best outdoor dining. Watch the fountain of Campus Martius from the massive wall-to-wall windows inside, or sit right next to it on their expansive patio. Surrounded on all sides by the towering skyscrapers of the financial district, this is urban outdoor dining at its finest.

#5 The Rattlesnake Club (Detroit Riverfront)
Located just off of the Detroit River, the Rattlesnake Club features a beautifully-landscaped "Garden Terrace" with a potted herb and vegetable garden and granite-topped tables with views of the river, as well as a second patio featuring a marble and cedar bar. Because the 'Snake is tucked away behind Stroh River Place, the space is quiet and exclusive.

Bubbling under Mosaic (Greektown), Cliff Bell's (Foxtown), Roma Cafe (Eastern Market), Angelina Italian Bistro (Grand Circus Park), the Whitney (Midtown)

Real Detroit Weekly: Andiamo Osteria

"With 11 locations in metro Detroit, the Andiamo Restaurant Group is a well-established local brand. Each location offers something distinctly different and unique, each with its own identity and flavor, if you will. The Royal Oak location, Andiamo Osteria (which means "gathering place"), has the most urban flair, being right in the heart of trendy downtown Royal Oak with an outdoor patio and open windows looking out over the hustle of uber-cosmopolitan Main Street.

Executive Chef Stephen Kuclo has overseen operations here since opening in 1999. If you're visiting, try to get a taste of what sets it apart from the others by sampling from Chef Steve's Signature Dinner Specials. Andiamo's menus are consistent from one location to the next (you always know exactly what to expect and exactly how it will taste, and it is that comforting familiarity that is a draw for many people)..."

Read the rest of the article here.

Real Detroit Weekly: New Year's Eats

7 in West Bloomfield

To celebrate its one-year anniversary (they opened 12/1/2010), 7 in West Bloomfield is offering an all-inclusive evening of dining and dancing for only $60 per person (and that includes tax and tip). The four-course meal runs from 9 to 11 p.m. (limited seats are available). The upscale appetizer buffet will have shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, oysters Rockefeller, sushi, assorted cheeses, fruits and vegetables and a gourmet salad display.Options for the sit-down entree selections include filet mignon, pan-seared Chilean sea bass and lemon chicken piccata, all served with loaded whipped potatoes and a vegetable medley. And, of course, be sure to save room for dessert. There will also be party favors, a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, late-night snacks and a DJ spinning all night long. Cash bar; VIP booths and bottle service available. Call 248.737.9777 to reserve yours in advance.

Bookies Bar & Grille

Downtown Detroit's favorite entertainment destination bar, Bookies Bar & Grille, will be popping bottles precisely how you'd expect them to: with lots of music and booze. For their New Year's Eve party they are offering a $50 ticket, which includes an open bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (four hours to drink $50 worth of booze? EASY) as well as a late-night coney dog buffet, champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, and three floors of the hottest hip-hop, dance, house and top 40 mash-ups featuring DJ Technician and DJ Salvador Rivera. Watch the ball drop in Times Square on their HD TVs and 16-foot projection screen. Reserved seating and coat check is available, and a four-course prix fixe dinner menu is also offered for an additional $30 (not including tax or tip). Tickets can be purchased at bookiesbar.com.

Fishbone's

If Greektown's Monroe Street can substitute for the raucous French Quarter in Virgin on Bourbon Street (you'll only know that movie because it was filmed in Detroit, and not for any other reason), then Fishbone's Rhythm Kitchen Cafe is a wholly acceptable fill-in for the candy-colored hedonistic Creole vibe conjured by Mardi Gras. Fishbone's is a Detroit-styled homage to the voodoo jazz of the Bayou, complete with plastic beads and krewe masks. If you're looking for a New Year's Eve that requires a little less planning and preening — something as easy as, well, the Big Easy — head to Detroit's own Fishbone's. Enjoy their usual selection of fresh seafood and sushi as well as steaks, pastas and Creole cuisine, then kick back when the Brian Sheehan Band kicks off at 10 p.m., playing classic rock, new wave and original cuts on what is rumored to be a "sparking" guitar.

Gaucho SteakHouse

The only authentic Churrascaria in metro Detroit, this Brazilian steakhouse offers the kind of dining experience you won't get anywhere else. Your meal is presented in the Brazilian and Portuguese "rodizio" style where "gauchos" (meat carvers) bring a seemingly endless stream of fire-roasted skewered meats to the table (16 in all) and shave off unlimited portions to your pleasing — use the green and red chips to signify when you're ready for more or when you're throwing in the meat towel. Beef ribs, baby back ribs, lamb leg and chops, rump roast, bottom and top sirloin, chicken, sausage, pork tenderloin and more await you, along with their gourmet 30-item salad bar with accompaniments such as smoked salmon, salami, asparagus, and grana padano (a hard cheese similar to parmesan). The prix fixe menu is always $43.99 per person, and they will be open until midnight on New Year's Eve.

Bourbon Steak inside MGM

There are few other restaurants in metro Detroit that come even close to matching the atmosphere of sophistication and distinction of Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak inside the MGM Grand Detroit. This is not the kind of place you visit unless you have extra money you don't want anymore; that being said, the exceptional staff ensures that your experience is well worth the splurge. If you're after something a little more champagne and charcuterie and a little less bump and grind this New Year's, Bourbon Steak's indulgent tasting menu is calling to you. This special menu is $100 per person with an an additional wine pairing available for $50 per person (tax and tip not included). Start with an amuse bouche of caviar parfait, first course choice of lobster bisque or steak "Oscar," entree choice of prime rib or curried lobster thermidor and a Knob Creek malted milkshake with chocolate ice cream sandwich and salted bourbon caramel for dessert. Truly spectacular wine pairings include Moet & Chandon Cuvée Dom Pérignon 1992 and Louis Carillon Puligny-Montrachet Burgundy 2006. Dinner service is offered 5 p.m. to midnight and reservations are required.

Sangria Tapas Cafe & Sky Club

SalsaDetroit.com, Metro Detroit Salsa, NuestroDetroit.com and Cuatro Cirios Tequila are bringing you the kind of New Year's Eve celebration you can step, twirl and cha-cha your way through with Salsa Explosion. Sangria Tapas Cafe and Sky Club will be doing what they do best: creating a sexy-as-hell culture of Latin food, music and dance in downtown Royal Oak. Four DJs will be spinning salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton and top 40 tracks to keep your pulse pounding and your hips swinging until 4 a.m. Tickets are $25 at the door or $15 in advance or with dinner purchase, and include continental breakfast. Three-course dinner packages include one tapa, entree and dessert and range from $30-50 (paella for two is $70 and includes two tapas and two desserts). Prix fixe dinner packages do not include tax or tip. Make reservations for one of three dinner seatings at 248.543.1964; tickets for the party afterwards are available through salsadetroit.com and sangriaroyaloak.com.

Tom's Oyster Bar

As luck would have it, New Year's Eve falls on a Friday this year. For those of you out there unfortunate enough to have to work that day, never fear: your after-work happy hour is continuing as scheduled at Tom's Oyster Bar in Royal Oak. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. enjoy $4 martinis, $3 calls, $3 pints and $1 oysters. And since you're already here, stick around for their NYE lobster specials: an a la carte lobster tail dinner and a surf and turf with lobster tail and prime rib (specials will run 5 p.m. to midnight). They will still have the full board of fresh fish that they're known for, as well as their namesake selection of six different cold water raw oysters. They — you know, THEY — do say oysters are an aphrodisiac ... and who doesn't want someone to kiss at midnight? Just some things to keep in mind. You're welcome.

Andiamo on the Riverfront

The tricky thing about New Year's Eve is all too often trying to enjoy it safely. This year Andiamo on the Riverfront is offering guests a package that will allow them to pop bottles without worry and let the booze flow like water. Guests will start with a four-course dinner at Andiamo and afterwards enjoy the evening doing all of the pure and innocent things people do in hotels, such as play Yahtzee in a deluxe room at the Marriott Renaissance Center. Enjoy its stunning views of Detroit and Windsor, all for only $279 per couple (tax, tip and alcohol not included). Call 313.567.6700 for reservations. RDW

Originally printed here.

DRW Preview #1: Andiamo on the Riverfront

My first restaurant outing courtesy of Detroit Restaurant Week brought me to Andiamo on the Riverfront, one of 11 metro-area outposts of the Andiamo Restaurant Group. The always-bustling Riverwalk was particularly busy on this day, as they were preparing for the evening's Rockin' on the Riverfront performance, a free summertime concert series presented in part by Andiamo. Despite how busy they were, Chef Edward Bailey still took time to chat with me about their participation in the upcoming innagural Detroit Restaurant Week.

Chef Edward has been with Andiamo for 12 years, serving as the executive chef of this downtown location for the past five. He trained at the Golightly Career and Tech Center (a career-training program offered to high school students in the Detroit Public School System), where he now serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Board for their Culinary Program.

When I asked him what is happening at Andiamo right now that he's most excited about (besides Detroit Restaurant Week, obviously!), his face lit up as he talked excitedly about Andiamo's new "Lean" menu. Andiamo Corporate Chef Jim Oppat teamed with Board-Certified Physican and Nutrition Specialist Dr. Tom Rifai to create this special prix fixe menu which includes an appetizer, entree, and fresh fruit panna cotta for dessert, priced at $17.95-$31.95 for all three courses. All "Andiamo Lean" selections contain minimal saturated and no trans fat, no gluten, no soy or nut products and are low in sodium. As an added bonus, each meal (regardless of the combination you choose) is fewer than 600 calories. Enjoy full-sized portions of robust Italian dishes that just so happen to be good for you at a price that's also good for your wallet!

MY visit, however, cost me a few more than 600 calories. Chef Edward presented me with plate after plate (after plate) of selections from Andiamo's just-finalized DRW menu. Portabella mushrooms in Zip sauce (a highly condensed salty butter sauce made with beef stock, garlic, and a variety of spices, which was created right here in the Motor City), Suppli alla Romana (deep-fried risotto balls stuffed with melted mozzarella), Fettucine Alfredo, Chicken alla Valdostana (breaded chicken with prosciutto and fontina cheese in a roasted garlic white wine sauce), and Trancia di Salmone (broiled Atlantic Salmon topped with tomato, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs). After all this, he still offered me a dessert, but at this rate I might not be able to eat again until Detroit Restaurant Week. I suppose this is what authentic Italian hospitality looks like! (Though Italians get offended if you don't eat everything on your plate...I sure hope Chef Ed was understanding in this matter.)

The real standouts here were the Portabella mushrooms--marinated, grilled, sliced Portabella mushrooms that were meaty and seemed almost au Poivre (coated in cracked peppercorn) and were further complimented by the rich, salty zip sauce--and the Chicken alla Valdostana, a hearty dish tempered by a light white wine sauce.

After all this FOOD, I was thankful I had the foresight to walk to the restaurant from my home so I could at least burn off a few of the many calories I had just ingested. But--anything for my adoring public!

The official Andiamo DRW menu--3 courses at a fixed $27.00 exclusive of tax and tip--follows below. Remember, Restaurant Week runs September 18-27, and each week leading up to the main course I'll be providing you with little appetizers of different participating restaurants. And thanks again to Chef Ed for ALL that FOOD! (Seriously, I really don't think I'm going to be able to eat again for the next month.)

Andiamo on the Riverfront Detroit Restaurant Week Menu

Choice of One Appetizer

~Bruschetta all Pomodoro
~Suppli alla Romano

~Portabella Mushroom with Zip Sauce

Entree (Choice)

~Caesar Salad with Chicken

~Fettucine Alfredo with Chicken Tenderloins

~Spaghetti alla Bolognese/Pomodoro

~Ravioli alla Aldo

~Manicotti alla Pomodoro

~Chicken alla Marsala

~Chicken alla Valdostana

~Whitefish alla Siciliano

~Trancia di Salmone

Choice of One Dessert

~Homemade Tiramisu

~Homemade Cannoli

~Gelato or Sorbetto

Upcoming Dining Events

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Friday, June 5th: Summer Wine Tastings at Cuisine

Friday June 5, 2009
Join us on the patio or inside
for our 5th annual Summer Wine Tasting series.
This Friday we’ll be celebrating Italy
Complimentary Hors D’oeuvre

Beni di Bastasiolo Wines

Gavi
Dolcetto d’ Alba
Barbera d’ Alba “Sovrana”
Moscato d’ Asti

5:00pm-7:00pm
Friday evenings
Price per person is $15.00

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Monday, June 8th: Vision Cellars Wine Dinner featuring Winemaker Mac MacDonald at Forest Grill

Forest Grill is proud to welcome Mac MacDonald from the highly acclaimed Vision Cellars winery for an exclusive dinner at the Forest Grill. Vision Cellars is a boutique winery located in the Russian River Valley, specializing in award winning, single vineyard Pinot Noirs.

The dinner at the Forest Grill will focus on five wines, paired with five courses, for an unforgettable evening of food and wine. Mac MacDonald will be on hand to discuss the wines, and his vision, while dining alongside the guests for a rare and unique experience.
Please call in advance for reservations.

Where: The Forest Grill, Birmingham
When: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Tix: $85.00 plus tax and gratuity
www.theforestgrill.com

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Wednesday, June 10th: Michigan Beer Dinner featuring Bells Brewery at Maggiano’s Little Italy

Join us for a very unique and special event as our Chefs match up their creative menu with selections from Bells Brewery. Dave Munro from Bells Brewery will be here to discuss the pairings, share with us the history of Bells and answer any questions you may have.
Seating is limited so make your reservations today. Please contact the restaurant directly to make reservations.

Cost includes all applicable taxes and service charges.

Where: Maggiano’s Little Italy, Troy
When: 5:30PM-9:00PM
Tix: $55.00

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Thursday, June 11th: Wines on the Riverfront Explore France at Andiamo

Our Wines On The Riverfront events are held every Thursday thru August on our patio facing the beautiful Detroit and Canada Skylines, and are co-hosted by Andiamo Sommelier Lisa Ribaudo, and her wine team. You’ll explore 5 wines paired with Tapas style appetizers prepared by Chef Ed. Enjoy a beautiful setting, along with great food, wine, and a bit of education too!

Where: Andiamo Riverfront, Detroit
When: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Tix: $35.00 plus tax & gratuity
www.andiamoitalia.com

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Thursday, June 11th: Royal Oak Restaurant Stroll

Appetizers will begin at 6pm at Mirepoix followed by dinner at D'Amato's at 7pm. Enjoy dessert a bit later at 8:15 at Andiamo and wrap up the evening with a nightcap at 9 at Oak City Grille. Tickets are $50 per person. This event is hosted by Know Advertising. Please register online at www.royaloakchamberofcommerce.com or send questions to thestroll@knowad.com.

Where: Downtown Royal Oak, various locations
When: 6:00PM
Tix: $50.00
www.knowad.com

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Thursday, June 11th: Italian Wine Tasting at Vivio’s in Eastern Market

Enjoy an evening of wines and food from Italy. We are featuring a winemaker flown in direct from Lombardy, Italy. Attendance is limited so you will have an opportunity to meet and chat with the Italian winemaker. Wines will be available that night for sale at Detroit's finest wine seller-Cost Plus Wine Warehouse directly on the corner from us.

Where: Vivio’s Eastern Market, Detroit
When: 7:00PM-10:00PM
Tix: $25.00
www.viviosbloodymary.com

Panacea at Andiamo

This Saturday, March 28th, Andiamo of Dearborn is hosting a benefit for the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute with a formal dinner, fashion show, and after party. Tickets to the dinner and after party are $50.00; to attend the after party only is $20.00 (the after party is 21+). Purchase your tickets in advance here.

"The night begins at 6pm with a wine tasting, cheese & crudite display, hors d'oeurvres, and performance by amazing vocalist Brad McNett. There will be an open bar, (already included in ticket price) for all guests from 6:00-9:30pm.

'Enjoy the entertainment while you mingle and check out our raffle items that include donations from local businesses such as Stanley G Roberson Jewelry Design, The Showroom of Elegance Fine Jewelers, M Mazzoni Jewelers, Andiamos of Dearborn, L'Esprit Salon & Spa, Bright Side Dental and Millennium Limousines.

'Dinner begins at 6:45pm and includes a chefs house salad, Italian wedding soup, chicken marsala, roasted sirloin with zip sauce*, fettuccine alfredo, garlic whipped mashed potatoes, fresh vegetable mix, rolls, and ice cream sundaes.
*vegetarian entree available upon request.

'Guests will also enjoy music by pianist Michelle Chekan, and The Island Guys.

'Dinner will conclude by 8:30pm, we will draw raffle winners, and our spectacular hair and fashion runway show begins.

'This is a red carpet event - formal attire is requested.

'The night will conclude at 9:30pm, but for those of you who choose to stay.....
Your ticket also includes free admittance into our Red Carpet Charity Benefit After Party which will take place in the restaurants lounge/bar until 2am.
Free vodka drinks by Pearl Vodka from 10:30-11:30pm complimentas of Allure Entertainment*
'Sounds by DJ Miguel M and visuals by Detronik."