Well, I have one for you, and it's timely considering the current economic state of the world.
"Don't be afraid of a few extra pounds; they're the only things you can afford to lose."
Nicole Rupersburg, food writer
Monday, July 13, 2009
My Famous Food Quote
I'm sure you've seen those dining quotations painted on the overhangs of shopping mall food courts, quotes such as George Bernard Shaw's "There is no love sincerer than the love of food" or Virgina Woolf's "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well" (a quote I myself have even used in this blog before).
Well, I have one for you, and it's timely considering the current economic state of the world.
"Don't be afraid of a few extra pounds; they're the only things you can afford to lose."
Well, I have one for you, and it's timely considering the current economic state of the world.
"Don't be afraid of a few extra pounds; they're the only things you can afford to lose."
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Detroit Alfresco
A couple of weeks ago I went out with a friend of mine for a few drinks and, it being a pleasant evening, he wanted to go somewhere outdoors. However, he couldn't think of anywhere besides his usual haunts--Beaubien St., Motor City Brewing Works--so he turned to me for my unique expertise in the matter. And so it was I thought to myself, "Hmm."
And from that "hmm" came this little guide to dining in Detroit alfresco-style (or, in some cases, just drinking). I will pre-empt this by saying, yes, I know I missed some things (parts of Corktown, all of Southwest Detroit and Hamtramck, a handful of spots in Greektown); you're just going to have to forgive me for that. This isn't meant to be an all-inclusive list, but rather just one to get you by (and by "get you by" I mean "could probably navigate the bar scene better than most locals").
I've separated it by neighborhood this time around (we'll just go ahead and pretend I didn't already do something similar to this last summer on that other blog, as it was long before this one was officially launched and you fine readers deserve your chance to be informed), and stopped just shy of making a Google Map for you. I need to leave you SOME fun of your own!
Now that the weather has finally reached above-60 at night (what is it now? July?), it's the perfect time to enjoy outdoor wine tastings or a burger and a frosty cold beer in the sunshine. Bon appetit!
Central Business District & Campus Martius
Detroit Brewing Company: Home to some of the best beer and bar food in the city.
Enoteca Campo Marzio: Sip a glass of Sauvignon Blanc as you watch the action at Campus Martius and chat with the best staff in town.
Foran's Grand Trunk: The "patio" is tiny, much like the bar itself, but the atmosphere is always welcoming and sometimes you might even find a techno DJ spinning. Also, some of the best corned beef in town.
Pulse: Tiki torches will keep you warm on a chilly evening; so will the martinis.
Small Plates: The plates really aren't that small, but they appeal to a wide range of tastes and budgets with a great cocktail and wine list to match. A sure bet every time.
The Well: The daily drink specials are great (my favorite is the $2.00 Labatts on Thursdays), but be warned: the area vagrants are aggressive here.
Corktown
Hoots on the Avenue: It's a hip-hop and R&B crowd that is always jammin'. Good only if you like hip-hop and R&B. Go for the homemade Mac & Cheese and the weekly Friday Fish Fry.
PJ's Lager House: Now serving food! Gilmore's Grill operates from the back patio on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until close. The menu includes botanas, hamburgers and veggie burgers, chicken wings and hot dogs.
Le Petit Zinc: Magnifique! A wonderful creperie and cafe tucked away in a desolate corner of Corktown with a cute 'lil patio where you can sip a superior capuccino and nibble on a crusty baguette sandwich. It's a little hard to spot from Howard St., but if you find yourself in an area where there seems to be absolutely no life, you've found it. All the life you need is inside, trust me.
Slows Bar-B-Q: One of the trendiest eateries in the city (and the country!), Slows Bar-B-Q regularly packs in a sizable crowd. To skip the lines and enjoy the outdoor breeze, head there mid-afternoon or late-evening mid-week.
Foxtown
Bookies Bar & Grille: Do I have to repeat myself? The rooftop deck is massive and can easily accommodate large parties (as it did during Movement and for Opening Day); also, the food is great.
Harry's: Classic bar burgers and a sports-friendly atmosphere make this a pre-/post-game favorite. And much like its rival down the street (Bookies), the patio is enormous.
Greektown
Beaubien Street Saloon: A great dive, right next to another great dive with a patio, the Detroit Bar
The Detroiter Bar: See Beaubien Street Saloon
Exodus Lounge: They serve food until 1:00AM and thump out the beats--whether it be jazz or techno--until much later. Located on the roof of the Golden Fleece Restaurant.
Niki's Pizza: On the same stretch as Beaubien Street and the Detroiter Bar, but can (and does) handle large after-hours crowds (they serve food until 4:00AM on Fridays and Saturdays).
Midtown
The Bronx Bar: COMING SOON! The owners promise that the addition of the outdoor patio will not detract from the much-loved well-worn indie vibe of the place, and if this is true, the patio can only make it better. Also, they offer a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar Saturdays AND Sundays noon-5:00PM. Beat that!
The Magic Stick/The Alley Deck: You can't always access the Alley Deck for free (it is attached to the Magic Stick, so when there is a concert there you won't have access to the roof unless you have a paid ticket), but when you can it is the most rockin' deck in Detroit. Be sure to order a PBR (when in Rome...).
Motor City Brewing Works: I like pizza! And the kitchen is open 'til midnight or later daily. Nom nom nom.
The Old Miami: Remember all those backyard high school graduation parties you went to where there was BBQ food and lots of beer and someone's friend's band was playing? It's kind of like that. Brilliant. And probably the biggest backyard in the city. No lie; it's an oasis.
Z's Villa: This is one of my favorite unknowns. They have no website and they get very little press, but in the summer they've got a great outdoor patio with volleyball courts and there's always a few good techno parties here during Movement. It's a hidey-hole still fairly hidden...enjoy that while it lasts!
New Center
Cuisine: Excellent food and wine in a relaxing, tucked-away atmosphere; Chef Paul is amazing and the whole staff incredible. Also be sure to check out their weekly Friday wine tastings, held every Friday evening at 5:00PM on their patio.
Palmer Park
La Dolce Vita: Brunch on the patio here should go on your list of things to do before you die. It's like stepping out of Detroit and into Florence, Italy. Just make a right at the Deja Vu.
Riverfront
Andiamo on the Riverfront: One of the stronger offerings from the Andiamo chain has a lovely view of the Detroit riverfront, and also hosts weekly wine tastings every Thursday.
The Rattlesnake Club: Weekly Wednesday wine tastings on the gorgeous riverfront patio all summer long, as well as one of the best happy hours around.
River's Edge Grille: They maintain some of the traditional Irish menu from the former McNarney's and also CHEAP BEER ($2.50 for a 20-oz. domestic draft beer, all the time). And a huge patio that's always empty, save for the occasional techno or jazz event.
Tom's Oyster Bar: We've already made peace, Tom. The patio overlooking Jefferson Ave. with a view of the Ren Cen is pretty cool, too.
And from that "hmm" came this little guide to dining in Detroit alfresco-style (or, in some cases, just drinking). I will pre-empt this by saying, yes, I know I missed some things (parts of Corktown, all of Southwest Detroit and Hamtramck, a handful of spots in Greektown); you're just going to have to forgive me for that. This isn't meant to be an all-inclusive list, but rather just one to get you by (and by "get you by" I mean "could probably navigate the bar scene better than most locals").
I've separated it by neighborhood this time around (we'll just go ahead and pretend I didn't already do something similar to this last summer on that other blog, as it was long before this one was officially launched and you fine readers deserve your chance to be informed), and stopped just shy of making a Google Map for you. I need to leave you SOME fun of your own!
Now that the weather has finally reached above-60 at night (what is it now? July?), it's the perfect time to enjoy outdoor wine tastings or a burger and a frosty cold beer in the sunshine. Bon appetit!
Central Business District & Campus Martius
Detroit Brewing Company: Home to some of the best beer and bar food in the city.
Enoteca Campo Marzio: Sip a glass of Sauvignon Blanc as you watch the action at Campus Martius and chat with the best staff in town.
Foran's Grand Trunk: The "patio" is tiny, much like the bar itself, but the atmosphere is always welcoming and sometimes you might even find a techno DJ spinning. Also, some of the best corned beef in town.
Pulse: Tiki torches will keep you warm on a chilly evening; so will the martinis.
Small Plates: The plates really aren't that small, but they appeal to a wide range of tastes and budgets with a great cocktail and wine list to match. A sure bet every time.
The Well: The daily drink specials are great (my favorite is the $2.00 Labatts on Thursdays), but be warned: the area vagrants are aggressive here.
Corktown
Hoots on the Avenue: It's a hip-hop and R&B crowd that is always jammin'. Good only if you like hip-hop and R&B. Go for the homemade Mac & Cheese and the weekly Friday Fish Fry.
PJ's Lager House: Now serving food! Gilmore's Grill operates from the back patio on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until close. The menu includes botanas, hamburgers and veggie burgers, chicken wings and hot dogs.
Le Petit Zinc: Magnifique! A wonderful creperie and cafe tucked away in a desolate corner of Corktown with a cute 'lil patio where you can sip a superior capuccino and nibble on a crusty baguette sandwich. It's a little hard to spot from Howard St., but if you find yourself in an area where there seems to be absolutely no life, you've found it. All the life you need is inside, trust me.
Slows Bar-B-Q: One of the trendiest eateries in the city (and the country!), Slows Bar-B-Q regularly packs in a sizable crowd. To skip the lines and enjoy the outdoor breeze, head there mid-afternoon or late-evening mid-week.
Foxtown
Bookies Bar & Grille: Do I have to repeat myself? The rooftop deck is massive and can easily accommodate large parties (as it did during Movement and for Opening Day); also, the food is great.
Harry's: Classic bar burgers and a sports-friendly atmosphere make this a pre-/post-game favorite. And much like its rival down the street (Bookies), the patio is enormous.
Greektown
Beaubien Street Saloon: A great dive, right next to another great dive with a patio, the Detroit Bar
The Detroiter Bar: See Beaubien Street Saloon
Exodus Lounge: They serve food until 1:00AM and thump out the beats--whether it be jazz or techno--until much later. Located on the roof of the Golden Fleece Restaurant.
Niki's Pizza: On the same stretch as Beaubien Street and the Detroiter Bar, but can (and does) handle large after-hours crowds (they serve food until 4:00AM on Fridays and Saturdays).
Midtown
The Bronx Bar: COMING SOON! The owners promise that the addition of the outdoor patio will not detract from the much-loved well-worn indie vibe of the place, and if this is true, the patio can only make it better. Also, they offer a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar Saturdays AND Sundays noon-5:00PM. Beat that!
The Magic Stick/The Alley Deck: You can't always access the Alley Deck for free (it is attached to the Magic Stick, so when there is a concert there you won't have access to the roof unless you have a paid ticket), but when you can it is the most rockin' deck in Detroit. Be sure to order a PBR (when in Rome...).
Motor City Brewing Works: I like pizza! And the kitchen is open 'til midnight or later daily. Nom nom nom.
The Old Miami: Remember all those backyard high school graduation parties you went to where there was BBQ food and lots of beer and someone's friend's band was playing? It's kind of like that. Brilliant. And probably the biggest backyard in the city. No lie; it's an oasis.
Z's Villa: This is one of my favorite unknowns. They have no website and they get very little press, but in the summer they've got a great outdoor patio with volleyball courts and there's always a few good techno parties here during Movement. It's a hidey-hole still fairly hidden...enjoy that while it lasts!
New Center
Cuisine: Excellent food and wine in a relaxing, tucked-away atmosphere; Chef Paul is amazing and the whole staff incredible. Also be sure to check out their weekly Friday wine tastings, held every Friday evening at 5:00PM on their patio.
Palmer Park
La Dolce Vita: Brunch on the patio here should go on your list of things to do before you die. It's like stepping out of Detroit and into Florence, Italy. Just make a right at the Deja Vu.
Riverfront
Andiamo on the Riverfront: One of the stronger offerings from the Andiamo chain has a lovely view of the Detroit riverfront, and also hosts weekly wine tastings every Thursday.
The Rattlesnake Club: Weekly Wednesday wine tastings on the gorgeous riverfront patio all summer long, as well as one of the best happy hours around.
River's Edge Grille: They maintain some of the traditional Irish menu from the former McNarney's and also CHEAP BEER ($2.50 for a 20-oz. domestic draft beer, all the time). And a huge patio that's always empty, save for the occasional techno or jazz event.
Tom's Oyster Bar: We've already made peace, Tom. The patio overlooking Jefferson Ave. with a view of the Ren Cen is pretty cool, too.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
It Don't Mean a Thing if It Ain't Got That Zing: Zingerman's Deli
Over the weekend I decided to do a little culture tour of Ann Arbor, that little city just on the outskirts of what is formally considered "metro Detroit" but which makes a lot of noise on the arts and culture radar. On the advice of one Ann Arborite as well as with my own limited knowledge of the area, I had a lovely little day trip (because, mark my words, A2 is a DAY TRIP--anything that takes an hour to get to is, in my book, a DAY TRIP, and not just somewhere you go for a "quick bite" or a "couple of drinks"), which ended with me at Zingerman's Deli.
Immediately upon walking in, I am greeted with their mammouth cheese counter. It's like porn to me.
I admit, it's been awhile. A long while. And I realize probably great advancements have been made in the field of sheep's milk harvesting, culturing, and pasteurization which have potentially caused an increase in price. BUT. For my favorite cheese--the one cheese I can actually clearly taste on my tongue when I think about it, the cheese that is to me like a heroin fix to a junkie--to go up $10.00 per pound from $14.99/lb. to $24.99/lb.???
Pardon my language, but are you out of your f$%#ing mind????
When the cheese monger handed me my humble hunk of Pecorino di Toscana priced at a very clearly written $14.57, the feeling I had was bittersweet. Yes, this is my favorite cheese, and I haven't tasted it is years. But Christ, $14.57??? For this tiny-ass nugget that I'll eat in one sitting????
When the cheese monger handed me my humble hunk of Pecorino di Toscana priced at a very clearly written $14.57, the feeling I had was bittersweet. Yes, this is my favorite cheese, and I haven't tasted it is years. But Christ, $14.57??? For this tiny-ass nugget that I'll eat in one sitting????
And now I'm afraid to eat it because, well, what if? What if it isn't as good as I remember it being? What if, after paying almost $15 bucks I find out that it is not, in fact, made of solid gold? Not to mention that now I feel like it has to be some sort of special occasion cheese, that I can't just bust it out any old night. Now I have to make a big event of it...not that I'm going to share it with anyone because my God, it was 15 freakin' dollars!
Zingerman's, you've changed.
You needn't remind me of the preaching I've done about people who complain about prices and how it's neither appropriate nor accurately informed. I'm well aware of the preaching I've done in regards to this.
But this? THIS??? Inflation on cheese is a 67% increase in five years? I have a hard time swallowing that (and not just because it's so damn expensive I feel guilty eating it).
But let's further explore the goods available at Zingerman's, shall we? A wall full of olive oil from all around the world (they weren't named by Atlantic Monthly Magazine as "the country's leading purveyor of olive oil" for nothing), olive oil so rich in flavor that it puts your Meijer-bought bottles to shame. Hardly any priced under $20.00 and most hovering in the $30.00 range. While you are certainly paying more for quality (and if you've never experienced a truly fine olive oil, rest assured it is well worth the money), still--DAMN.
Moving along. Oooh, Mango Preserves! Oh. $16.00 per jar. And then there's the $27.00 pistachio butter. Not a single box of tea costs less than $11.00. Salt water taffy from France, $25.00. And just so we're clear on this, these are all standard sizes, not bulk. As much as I appreciate the eclectic array of hard-to-find imports available here, another part of me is forced to wonder who in their right mind is paying these prices for these products during these unstable economic times?
Apparently the recession has yet to affect A2.
I am a huge proponent of the Slow Food Movement. I believe in sustainable cuisine. I believe in locally-grown, seasonal, organic food items. I support artisinal products. I just can't help but think Zingerman's might be capitalizing on people such as myself who share these beliefs and appreciate the quality of finer foods but don't quite know where else to find them, or get easily caught up in the self-propelling hype machine that is Zingerman's (this is Ann Arbor, after all: safe, liberal, artsy, wealthy, white). My thing is, if you want saltwater taffy, buy Michigan-made direct from sellers like Mackinac Fudge Shop for only $8.95 for a 10-oz. bag (versus $25.00 for the French 1lb. tin--and a good chunk of that pound is in the tin, guaranteed). Is this the Slow Food Movement or the Elitist Food Movement?
And you wonder why Mercury Coffee Bar didn't make it (one of the owners hailed from Zingerman's, and they charged $7.00 for a bite-sized grilled cheese sandwich in the city of Detroit, which doesn't give two squirts about your fancy Ann Arbor food).
I will give them this, the staff is unflappably perky. (Something I would have also said about MCB.) They'll smile broadly and become your new best friend as they offer you samples of any over-priced item you'd like to try and convince you of the value it would add to your life.
I decided to give them one last chance. I was already there, after all, and hungry. After several minutes of deliberation (during which time I was offered assistance no fewer than three times), I decided on Jay's BBQ Chicken Sandwich--pulled Amish chicken in their housemade BBQ sauce with Vermont cheddar on a soft bun. BTW, no sandwich on the menu is less than $10.00, save for the one exception--our old friend, the $7.00 grilled cheese.
I am a huge proponent of the Slow Food Movement. I believe in sustainable cuisine. I believe in locally-grown, seasonal, organic food items. I support artisinal products. I just can't help but think Zingerman's might be capitalizing on people such as myself who share these beliefs and appreciate the quality of finer foods but don't quite know where else to find them, or get easily caught up in the self-propelling hype machine that is Zingerman's (this is Ann Arbor, after all: safe, liberal, artsy, wealthy, white). My thing is, if you want saltwater taffy, buy Michigan-made direct from sellers like Mackinac Fudge Shop for only $8.95 for a 10-oz. bag (versus $25.00 for the French 1lb. tin--and a good chunk of that pound is in the tin, guaranteed). Is this the Slow Food Movement or the Elitist Food Movement?
And you wonder why Mercury Coffee Bar didn't make it (one of the owners hailed from Zingerman's, and they charged $7.00 for a bite-sized grilled cheese sandwich in the city of Detroit, which doesn't give two squirts about your fancy Ann Arbor food).
I will give them this, the staff is unflappably perky. (Something I would have also said about MCB.) They'll smile broadly and become your new best friend as they offer you samples of any over-priced item you'd like to try and convince you of the value it would add to your life.
I decided to give them one last chance. I was already there, after all, and hungry. After several minutes of deliberation (during which time I was offered assistance no fewer than three times), I decided on Jay's BBQ Chicken Sandwich--pulled Amish chicken in their housemade BBQ sauce with Vermont cheddar on a soft bun. BTW, no sandwich on the menu is less than $10.00, save for the one exception--our old friend, the $7.00 grilled cheese.
So what does a $10.00 BBQ chicken sandwich taste like? Strikingly similar to a $5.00 one. It was good, don't get me wrong...but it wasn't great. It didn't change my life. This wasn't the sandwich to end all sandwiches. And frankly, the BBQ sauce didn't quite live up to my $10.00 expectations. But I ate it. It tasted just fine. The pickle was good, too.
And now here I am, still trying to figure out how a sandwich, a soda (all-natural sugar cane!), and two small hunks of cheese cost almost $35.00, and feeling like something of a traitor to the local artisinal movement I so desperately want to promote. I've determined that the Zingerman's crowd is almost cultish, and those that don't follow that cult mentality are punished with feelings of guilt and are forced into questioning their own judgment...which is how I feel right now.
No thank you, sir, I don't want any Kool-Aid, I just want my cheap cheese back.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Comerica CityFest Starts in Two Days
The 2009 Comerica CityFest, which happens annually every Fourth of July weekend, starts this Wednesday, July 1st in Detroit's New Center area (Woodward and W. Grand Blvd., by the Fisher Building). In addition to a stellar lineup of free musical performances ranging from some of Detroit's finest (from Bettye LaVette to the Silent Years) to rising national acts (Mat Kearney, the Veronicas), the festival, as always, has a enormous assortment of the metro area's best eats. Though it is now called "CityFest" (an acknowledgement that it is a festival celebrating everything about the city and not just its food), its "Tastefest" roots still hold strong.
Behold, the menu (with a few notations, courtesy of moi):
Restaurants Selling “Tastes” of Their Specialties
Aw ... Shucks
Williamsburg, MI
Roasted Sweet Corn with hot butter and assorted spices
Bangkok Cuisine Express II
4216 Woodward Ave, Detroit
Gang Dang, Kao Pad, Cashew Chicken, Thai Style Pork Sausage, Vegetable Roll
Centaur Bar
2233 Park Ave, Detroit
Calypso Baby Back Ribs, Thai Peanut Chicken Salad, Blackened Shrimp Skewers, Cheesecake Lollipops
www.centaurbar.com
Chan’s Café
Hollywood, FL
Chicken on a Stick, Shrimp Fried Rice, Veggie Lomein, Veggie Fried Rice, Egg Roll
Note: Why is everything better on a stick?
Cheeburger Cheeburger
17398 Haggerty Rd, Livonia
Cheeseburger with fun toppings, Mahi Sandwich, Seasoned Curly Fries
www.cheeburger.com
Clubhouse Tavern
Lower Level Fisher Building
3011 West Grand Blvd, Detroit
Choose your flavor Wings, French Fries
Damon’s Grill
3150 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor
Baby Back Ribs, Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, Chicken or Steak Kabob, Soft Pretzel Sticks
www.damons.com
Fiesta Bowl
Houston, TX
Chicken, Seafood or Beef Taco Salad
Note: TX? WTF?
Finn & Porter
Doubletree Guest Suites Fort Shelby/Detroit Downtown
“The official hotel of Comerica Cityfest”
525 West Lafayette Blvd, Detroit
Sushi rolls
www.finnandporter.com
Note: Really? Sushi rolls?
Happy’s Pizza
7450 Woodward, Detroit
Pizza Slices, Wing Dings, Bread Sticks
www.eathappyspizza.com
Note: I like pizza!
Harbor House
34250 Groesbeck, Clinton Township & Greektown 440 Clinton Street, Detroit
Shrimp, Catfish, Jambalaya
Kirk’s Open Pit Bar-B-Q
33766 Woodward Ave, Birmingham
Spare Ribs, Rib Tips, BBQ Chicken, Sweet Potato Fries, Coleslaw
www.kirksbbq.com
Kola’s Food Factory
17168 Fort St, Riverview
Crispy Jumbo Chicken Wings, Nacho Grande, Shrimp Taco, Pulled Pork, Butterfly Chips
Lazybones Smokehouse
27475 Groesbeck Hwy, Roseville
BBQ Beef Sandwich, Applewood Smoked BBQ Ribs, Pig Candy, Double Stuffed Pig Burger, Pit Smoked Beans, Honey Buttered Cornbread, Smoke House Slaw
www.lazybonessmokehouse.net
Note: Pig candy. Try it. Like bacon wrapped in crack-cocaine.
Marwood Inn
6062 River Rd, East China
Seafood Wrap, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Chicken Caesar Salad, Steak Caesar Salad, Razz-Cherry Chicken Salad, Cold Rainbow Salad
Maverick’s Sliders
Detroit, MI
Beef, Chicken and Fish Sliders
Motown Kabob
6501 Woodward, Detroit
Chicken Schwarma Sandwich, Falafel Sandwich, Hommous, Tabouli
www.motownkabob.com
Mozart Catering
Canton, OH
Potato and Cheese Pierogies, German Potato Pancake, Cabbage and Noodles, German Beer Bratwurst
www.mozart-catering.com
New Eastern Flame
304 South Ashley, Ann Arbor
Chicken Tandoori, Plaka Panir with rice, Black-eye Pea Salad, Samosa, Vegetarian Grape Leaves
Note: Samosa. Mmmm. Deep-fried mashed 'taters. Yum.
New Center Eatery
3100 W Grand Blvd, Detroit
Chicken & Waffles, Fish & Waffles, Jerk Dusted Baby Back Ribs, Broasted Potatoes
Oslo
1456 Woodward, Detroit
Gang Gai, Pad Thai, Spring Rolls
www.oslodetroit.com
Pizzeria Venti
655 West Kirby, Detroit
Bolini, Bocce Balls, Timpanini, Pizza Slice, Side Salad, Cannoli
www.pizzeriaventidetroit.com
Note: WHAT? A pizza place I don't know about in Detroit? Ohmygodhavetogo.
Red Wood Grill
Commerce Twp, MI
BBQ Chicken Drumstick, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Fresh Watermelon, French Fries
Note: I'll bring my own damn watermelon. You can get a whole one in Mexicantown for like a dollar.
Rice Bowl Fresh Asian Kitchen
New Center One Building 3031 W Grand Blvd, Detroit & Millender Center 555 Brush, Detroit
General Tso Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Shrimp Fried Rice, Vegetable Fried Rice
www.ricebowlasiankitchen.com
Skewers House of Kabob
19217 Newburg, Livonia
Shish Kabob, Chicken Kabob, Kafta, Grape Leaves
The Melting Pot of Troy
888 West Big Beaver Rd, Troy
Teriyaki Sirloin, Cajun Chicken, Strawberries & Chocolate
www.meltingpot.com
Note: I always get the strawberries and chocolate hoping that they'll be better than what they are, but they never are.
The Potato Factory
Detroit, MI
The All American, The Motown
Union Jacks
Detroit, MI
Fish-n-Chips, Fish Sandwich, Coleslaw, Deep Fried Mars Bar, Deep Fried Twinkie
Unique Creations
Detroit, MI
Jerk Ribs, Vegetarian Lasagna, Stuffed Bell Pepper, Grilled BBQ Sweet Plantains, Greens, Hot Water Cornbread
Waves Inn
20351 Grand River, Detroit
Fried Crab Cakes, Catfish Nuggets, Fried Ocean Perch, Fried Okra, BBQ French Fries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESSERT DISTRICT
Trenton Ice Cream Shoppe
“The official ice cream of Comerica Cityfest”
2081 West Rd, Trenton
Ice Cream Cones, Sundaes, Sanders Cream Puff Sundae. itti Bitz and Lemon Chill
Bear Claw Coffee
Doubletree Guest Suites Fort Shelby/Detroit Downtown
“The official hotel of Comerica Cityfest”
525 West Lafayette Blvd, Detroit
Hot and Cold Coffee, Espresso and Tea drinks
www.bearclawcoffee.com
Bloomfield Canopy Cheesecake Co
White Lake, MI
Original Cheesecake with toppings, Cheesecake Lollipop
Casey’s New York Style Ice
Harper Woods, MI
Authentic Italian Ice
Good Girls Go to Paris Crepes
2 John R, Detroit
Crepes with sweet filling
Sweet Potato Sensations
17346 Lasher Road, Detroit
Traditional Sweet Potato Pie, Sweet Potato Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Cheesecake, Sweet Potato Cookies
www.sweetpotatosensations.com
Note: The sweet potato cheesecake sells out fast.
The Chocolate Gallery Café
3672 Chicago Rd, Warren
Chocolate Buckingham Torte, Fudge Brownies w/Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Miniature Chocolate Decadence Tortes
The CupCake Kitchen
The Mall at Partridge Creek
17410 Hall Rd, Clinton Twp
Assorted Cupcakes and icing
www.thecupcakekitchen.net
The Funnel Cake Place
Hollywood, FL
Funnel Cakes with toppings
Note: FL? WTF?
Union Jacks The Great British Bakery
Detroit, MI
Deep-fried Mars Bars, Deep Fried Twinkies, Scottish Trifle, Strawberry Scone
Note: Deep-fried Mars Bars. A CityFest tradition.
Tickets are available at 16 for $10.00, with most food items costing from 3-7 each. Bring cash and bottled water (because trust me, you don't want to have to pay for it there--though there are always some entrepreneurial souls parked along W. Grand Boulevard selling bottled water out of coolers for $1.00 each, a much better deal if you forgot to bring your own). And while it is always tempting to visit all of your favorites, there is no better opportunity than CityFest to branch out and try something new. I'm telling you, pig candy: like bacon-flavored crack.
Behold, the menu (with a few notations, courtesy of moi):
Restaurants Selling “Tastes” of Their Specialties
Aw ... Shucks
Williamsburg, MI
Roasted Sweet Corn with hot butter and assorted spices
Bangkok Cuisine Express II
4216 Woodward Ave, Detroit
Gang Dang, Kao Pad, Cashew Chicken, Thai Style Pork Sausage, Vegetable Roll
Centaur Bar
2233 Park Ave, Detroit
Calypso Baby Back Ribs, Thai Peanut Chicken Salad, Blackened Shrimp Skewers, Cheesecake Lollipops
www.centaurbar.com
Chan’s Café
Hollywood, FL
Chicken on a Stick, Shrimp Fried Rice, Veggie Lomein, Veggie Fried Rice, Egg Roll
Note: Why is everything better on a stick?
Cheeburger Cheeburger
17398 Haggerty Rd, Livonia
Cheeseburger with fun toppings, Mahi Sandwich, Seasoned Curly Fries
www.cheeburger.com
Clubhouse Tavern
Lower Level Fisher Building
3011 West Grand Blvd, Detroit
Choose your flavor Wings, French Fries
Damon’s Grill
3150 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor
Baby Back Ribs, Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, Chicken or Steak Kabob, Soft Pretzel Sticks
www.damons.com
Fiesta Bowl
Houston, TX
Chicken, Seafood or Beef Taco Salad
Note: TX? WTF?
Finn & Porter
Doubletree Guest Suites Fort Shelby/Detroit Downtown
“The official hotel of Comerica Cityfest”
525 West Lafayette Blvd, Detroit
Sushi rolls
www.finnandporter.com
Note: Really? Sushi rolls?
Happy’s Pizza
7450 Woodward, Detroit
Pizza Slices, Wing Dings, Bread Sticks
www.eathappyspizza.com
Note: I like pizza!
Harbor House
34250 Groesbeck, Clinton Township & Greektown 440 Clinton Street, Detroit
Shrimp, Catfish, Jambalaya
Kirk’s Open Pit Bar-B-Q
33766 Woodward Ave, Birmingham
Spare Ribs, Rib Tips, BBQ Chicken, Sweet Potato Fries, Coleslaw
www.kirksbbq.com
Kola’s Food Factory
17168 Fort St, Riverview
Crispy Jumbo Chicken Wings, Nacho Grande, Shrimp Taco, Pulled Pork, Butterfly Chips
Lazybones Smokehouse
27475 Groesbeck Hwy, Roseville
BBQ Beef Sandwich, Applewood Smoked BBQ Ribs, Pig Candy, Double Stuffed Pig Burger, Pit Smoked Beans, Honey Buttered Cornbread, Smoke House Slaw
www.lazybonessmokehouse.net
Note: Pig candy. Try it. Like bacon wrapped in crack-cocaine.
Marwood Inn
6062 River Rd, East China
Seafood Wrap, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Chicken Caesar Salad, Steak Caesar Salad, Razz-Cherry Chicken Salad, Cold Rainbow Salad
Maverick’s Sliders
Detroit, MI
Beef, Chicken and Fish Sliders
Motown Kabob
6501 Woodward, Detroit
Chicken Schwarma Sandwich, Falafel Sandwich, Hommous, Tabouli
www.motownkabob.com
Mozart Catering
Canton, OH
Potato and Cheese Pierogies, German Potato Pancake, Cabbage and Noodles, German Beer Bratwurst
www.mozart-catering.com
New Eastern Flame
304 South Ashley, Ann Arbor
Chicken Tandoori, Plaka Panir with rice, Black-eye Pea Salad, Samosa, Vegetarian Grape Leaves
Note: Samosa. Mmmm. Deep-fried mashed 'taters. Yum.
New Center Eatery
3100 W Grand Blvd, Detroit
Chicken & Waffles, Fish & Waffles, Jerk Dusted Baby Back Ribs, Broasted Potatoes
Oslo
1456 Woodward, Detroit
Gang Gai, Pad Thai, Spring Rolls
www.oslodetroit.com
Pizzeria Venti
655 West Kirby, Detroit
Bolini, Bocce Balls, Timpanini, Pizza Slice, Side Salad, Cannoli
www.pizzeriaventidetroit.com
Note: WHAT? A pizza place I don't know about in Detroit? Ohmygodhavetogo.
Red Wood Grill
Commerce Twp, MI
BBQ Chicken Drumstick, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Fresh Watermelon, French Fries
Note: I'll bring my own damn watermelon. You can get a whole one in Mexicantown for like a dollar.
Rice Bowl Fresh Asian Kitchen
New Center One Building 3031 W Grand Blvd, Detroit & Millender Center 555 Brush, Detroit
General Tso Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Shrimp Fried Rice, Vegetable Fried Rice
www.ricebowlasiankitchen.com
Skewers House of Kabob
19217 Newburg, Livonia
Shish Kabob, Chicken Kabob, Kafta, Grape Leaves
The Melting Pot of Troy
888 West Big Beaver Rd, Troy
Teriyaki Sirloin, Cajun Chicken, Strawberries & Chocolate
www.meltingpot.com
Note: I always get the strawberries and chocolate hoping that they'll be better than what they are, but they never are.
The Potato Factory
Detroit, MI
The All American, The Motown
Union Jacks
Detroit, MI
Fish-n-Chips, Fish Sandwich, Coleslaw, Deep Fried Mars Bar, Deep Fried Twinkie
Unique Creations
Detroit, MI
Jerk Ribs, Vegetarian Lasagna, Stuffed Bell Pepper, Grilled BBQ Sweet Plantains, Greens, Hot Water Cornbread
Waves Inn
20351 Grand River, Detroit
Fried Crab Cakes, Catfish Nuggets, Fried Ocean Perch, Fried Okra, BBQ French Fries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESSERT DISTRICT
Trenton Ice Cream Shoppe
“The official ice cream of Comerica Cityfest”
2081 West Rd, Trenton
Ice Cream Cones, Sundaes, Sanders Cream Puff Sundae. itti Bitz and Lemon Chill
Bear Claw Coffee
Doubletree Guest Suites Fort Shelby/Detroit Downtown
“The official hotel of Comerica Cityfest”
525 West Lafayette Blvd, Detroit
Hot and Cold Coffee, Espresso and Tea drinks
www.bearclawcoffee.com
Bloomfield Canopy Cheesecake Co
White Lake, MI
Original Cheesecake with toppings, Cheesecake Lollipop
Casey’s New York Style Ice
Harper Woods, MI
Authentic Italian Ice
Good Girls Go to Paris Crepes
2 John R, Detroit
Crepes with sweet filling
Sweet Potato Sensations
17346 Lasher Road, Detroit
Traditional Sweet Potato Pie, Sweet Potato Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Cheesecake, Sweet Potato Cookies
www.sweetpotatosensations.com
Note: The sweet potato cheesecake sells out fast.
The Chocolate Gallery Café
3672 Chicago Rd, Warren
Chocolate Buckingham Torte, Fudge Brownies w/Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Miniature Chocolate Decadence Tortes
The CupCake Kitchen
The Mall at Partridge Creek
17410 Hall Rd, Clinton Twp
Assorted Cupcakes and icing
www.thecupcakekitchen.net
The Funnel Cake Place
Hollywood, FL
Funnel Cakes with toppings
Note: FL? WTF?
Union Jacks The Great British Bakery
Detroit, MI
Deep-fried Mars Bars, Deep Fried Twinkies, Scottish Trifle, Strawberry Scone
Note: Deep-fried Mars Bars. A CityFest tradition.
Tickets are available at 16 for $10.00, with most food items costing from 3-7 each. Bring cash and bottled water (because trust me, you don't want to have to pay for it there--though there are always some entrepreneurial souls parked along W. Grand Boulevard selling bottled water out of coolers for $1.00 each, a much better deal if you forgot to bring your own). And while it is always tempting to visit all of your favorites, there is no better opportunity than CityFest to branch out and try something new. I'm telling you, pig candy: like bacon-flavored crack.
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Fate of Taste Pizzabar
I do hope that this is premature, and that the issues that plagued Taste Pizzabar have since been resolved and the place is staying open after all. After opening in January to much local excitement and in a flurry of strategic marketing, and receiving rave reviews for their phenomenal food and eclectic atmosphere (service was always a bit hit-or-miss, but at just now 6 months of being operational one could conclude that these are still simple growing pains; the restaurant has barely had time to find its legs, though it was popular from the very start), I've heard rumors of the semi-official kind that Taste will be closing.
The reasons are even more disheartening--management involved in illegal activities, stealing money and so forth, ultimately leading to owner Dale Daniels having to terminate several employees including upper management. Though I've not been able to speak with Dale himself to confirm why closing is necessary since the bad eggs have been weeded out (it would seem that the major problems had been solved and they can now continue to operate their normal business), I hope that my own information was incorrect and that they will indeed still be serving pizzas into the wee hours as before.
However, this doesn't look likely. Staff has already been slashed to the absolute bare bones and as of a week and a half ago, patronage has seemed to respond in kind. The Friday night trance DJs are gone, as are apparently the customers. It is sad to see yet another otherwise great restaurant suffer the fate of bad management, and it makes my heart ache for Daniels, whose dream of owning his own place has effectively been crushed.
In a way, this one also hits me a little close to home. Since they opened, I've been involved and in some ways have been a bit of a buzz-creator. I covered them in Real Detroit the weekend after they first opened. I gave them high marks both here and in D-Tales, which was then reported back to me as being a big source of traffic (which I believe, because at the time I was told this the person didn't even know I was the author of these blogs). The following month I organized a Detroit Synergy Supper Club with them. I convinced my friend who organizes the Detroit Guerrillas to hold an event there. Most recently I featured them in an article on Detroit's new gourmet pizzerias in Model D. In a way, I almost kind of felt territorial about the place--as if it were my discovery, my baby.
For me, this isn't just the loss of a top-rate pizza place--and I LOVE PIZZA--nor is it the sad failure of a person I've come to be quite fond of; I almost feel as if it were a personal failure, too.
But...as of right now, at this very moment, Taste remains open. Perhaps it won't be for much longer...or perhaps Fate has been a little kinder than has been previously reported to me and the waters have parted and the skies opened, allowing this clever little "pizzabar" to remain open, hopefully for many years to come.
Let's hope so.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Slows Top 10 in the Nation for BBQ Eats
Well, well, Detroit! Aren't we just coming into our own on the national scene?
First, we get some love for our fabulous Detroit-style pizzas from GQ. Then, MORE pizza-love (and a little bit of taco love, and love for this very blog) from the New York Post. And now--the one, the ONLY, Bon Appetit magazine has named not one but TWO Michigan restaurants as being the tops in "relatively new" BBQ joints.
Of course, "relative" is relative--both Slows Bar BQ in Detroit and Zingerman's Roadhouse in Ann Arbor have been around enough years to no longer constitute as "new." (And hell, in restaurant years--at 4 and 5 years open, respectively--these places might as well have historic designations.) However, I am certainly not about to look a gifthorse in the mouth, especially since I know horses bite.
I will conspicuously avoid speaking on Zingerman's as I continue to have myself convinced that Ann Arbor just simply isn't an extended part of metro Detroit, even though it is becoming increasingly obvious that indeed it really is.
So...Slows. Grats! While I do think this place is wonderful, I think it is wonderful in that "Gee I'm really glad we have a fun eclectic trendy popular place like this in Detroit" sort of way and not so much in that "This just might be some of the best BBQ food in all of North America" sort of way.
BUT. As far as fun eclectic trendy popular places go, this one is certainly on par with any such place you might find in more major-er cities, and in fact might even be hard-pressed to find such a fun eclectic trendy popular place as this in cities like the mysteriously meat-phobic L.A. or Manhattan, where "BBQ" might as well be a four-letter word. And while the food is good--perhaps even really good--I'd still bet a brisket that the whole of the giddy-up South does it better.
BUT. What makes Slows so great isn't necessarily the food--it is how quintessentially Detroit it is, right down to the Ghettoblaster on tap and the bar full of shaggy-haired Detroit hipsters (up to and including shaggy-haired hipster Phillip Cooley, the owner of the joint and a genuine Detroit booster, making a reputation for himself as the guy to go to for help when you want to start a business--just ask anyone who has started a business in the last two years). The music you'll hear will always be a mix of of indie rock, new and old--from Bob Dylan to the Hard Lessons and every bit of rock-and-roll randomness in between.
Trendy, yes. But in that anti-trendy trendy way that is so entirely Detroit. The beers on tap are a fine selection of boutique breweries, representing a number of Michigan brews as well as beer from Oregon, Pennsylvania, and even Sri Lanka. The menu is a clever take on classic deep-South BBQ joint dishes, from the meat, meat, and more meat to the comfort food favorite mac-and-cheese (the one dish here that probably gets more lip service than the piles of meat). The crowd is a revolving collection of hipsters, foodies and Tigers fans. The vibe is 100% Detroit, pure and simple.
There might be better restaurants. And there might be better places for BBQ grub. But if this is the place that has been chosen to rep our city in the national media (presenting Detroit in an all-too-uncommon fun and trendy light), I think Detroit has done pretty well for itself.
Congratulations again, Slows, and thanks for making it work for the rest of us.
First, we get some love for our fabulous Detroit-style pizzas from GQ. Then, MORE pizza-love (and a little bit of taco love, and love for this very blog) from the New York Post. And now--the one, the ONLY, Bon Appetit magazine has named not one but TWO Michigan restaurants as being the tops in "relatively new" BBQ joints.
Of course, "relative" is relative--both Slows Bar BQ in Detroit and Zingerman's Roadhouse in Ann Arbor have been around enough years to no longer constitute as "new." (And hell, in restaurant years--at 4 and 5 years open, respectively--these places might as well have historic designations.) However, I am certainly not about to look a gifthorse in the mouth, especially since I know horses bite.
I will conspicuously avoid speaking on Zingerman's as I continue to have myself convinced that Ann Arbor just simply isn't an extended part of metro Detroit, even though it is becoming increasingly obvious that indeed it really is.
So...Slows. Grats! While I do think this place is wonderful, I think it is wonderful in that "Gee I'm really glad we have a fun eclectic trendy popular place like this in Detroit" sort of way and not so much in that "This just might be some of the best BBQ food in all of North America" sort of way.
BUT. As far as fun eclectic trendy popular places go, this one is certainly on par with any such place you might find in more major-er cities, and in fact might even be hard-pressed to find such a fun eclectic trendy popular place as this in cities like the mysteriously meat-phobic L.A. or Manhattan, where "BBQ" might as well be a four-letter word. And while the food is good--perhaps even really good--I'd still bet a brisket that the whole of the giddy-up South does it better.
BUT. What makes Slows so great isn't necessarily the food--it is how quintessentially Detroit it is, right down to the Ghettoblaster on tap and the bar full of shaggy-haired Detroit hipsters (up to and including shaggy-haired hipster Phillip Cooley, the owner of the joint and a genuine Detroit booster, making a reputation for himself as the guy to go to for help when you want to start a business--just ask anyone who has started a business in the last two years). The music you'll hear will always be a mix of of indie rock, new and old--from Bob Dylan to the Hard Lessons and every bit of rock-and-roll randomness in between.
Trendy, yes. But in that anti-trendy trendy way that is so entirely Detroit. The beers on tap are a fine selection of boutique breweries, representing a number of Michigan brews as well as beer from Oregon, Pennsylvania, and even Sri Lanka. The menu is a clever take on classic deep-South BBQ joint dishes, from the meat, meat, and more meat to the comfort food favorite mac-and-cheese (the one dish here that probably gets more lip service than the piles of meat). The crowd is a revolving collection of hipsters, foodies and Tigers fans. The vibe is 100% Detroit, pure and simple.
There might be better restaurants. And there might be better places for BBQ grub. But if this is the place that has been chosen to rep our city in the national media (presenting Detroit in an all-too-uncommon fun and trendy light), I think Detroit has done pretty well for itself.
Congratulations again, Slows, and thanks for making it work for the rest of us.
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