Detroit Restaurants: Reviews & Recommendations

[Alex]

La Shish is always good, of course. Another time you might want to consider Steve & Rocky's, on Grand River just east of Novi Rd. Here's an excerpt from a report on gayot.com:

"... a dining room with walls painted in contrasting shades of vibrant magenta, lime green and teal blue, with Japanese kites strung overhead and tables finished in high-gloss green. Typical dishes include spice-rubbed pork loin with apple cider-mustard glaze and roast duck with wild rice, lentils and bacon. Seafood selections outnumber meat choices on most evenings, however. At lunch, sandwiches and salads include such items as chicken salad on sourdough rye, and the house Caesar, a clever variation on the classic. Hearts of romaine are criss-crossed on a white plate and surrounded by little heaps of roasted garlic, pepper, tapenade and a crouton spread with cheese. Breads and desserts, all made in-house, include a wonderful made-to-order flourless chocolate ganache cake."

[annarborfoodie]

I'm glad La Shish will work for you. I realized while driving home today that there's another location that's even less of a detour off of I275; get off at 6 Mile and turn right, it's through the first intersection, in a strip mall on the right.

[HeatherM]

I just noticed an article that the state has shut down Sweet Georgia Brown due to unpaid taxes. The doors are reported padlocked, and the contents are to be sold at auction. Article here.

[ronnie_suburban]

From the article linked by HeatherM above:

Sweet Georgia Brown, a restaurant with the mantra of "fine food and all that jazz," has been closed because of unpaid taxes, Local 4 reported.

State authorities padlocked the doors to the restaurant and issued an order that an auction be held for the items inside the establishment.

=R=

[annarborfoodie]

Today's Free Press reports that the restaurant is reopened and is in the process of being bought by Frank Taylor and other investors.

[tammylc]

Thanks to everyone for the Annam recommendation. We went there for lunch yesterday, and it was quite good. It was a bit of a trial getting there from the airport because Telegraph was closed, but we managed.

We ordered two appetizers, and our server suggested that we should get the sampler instead, since it was just a few more dollards and we'd get to try everything. Being the "try everything" types, we said yes. Everything on the sampler plate was really yummy - fresh and crispy spring rolls, a crab wonton sort of thing, two different marinated beef items, and some chicken satay type things.

We got two mains, chicken with Annam sauce - mild curry, basically. And shrimp with chayote and tomato sauce. Both of them were good, but subtle - the chicken especially tasted pretty generic on first bite, but then some interesting flavors emerged. The shrimp was even better - chayote was really nice - what is chayote anyway?

We were too full to think about dessert.

Don't know when I'll have a chance to get back there again, but I'd definitely make another visit.

[Alex]

We got two mains, chicken with Annam sauce - mild curry, basically.  And shrimp with chayote and tomato sauce.  Both of them were good, but subtle - the chicken especially tasted pretty generic on first bite, but then some interesting flavors emerged.  The shrimp was even better - chayote was really nice - what is chayote anyway?

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It's in the squash family. Here's some info.

I think there's an eG regular who uses a funny picture of a chayote as an avatar, but I can't remember who.

[ronnie_suburban]

We got two mains, chicken with Annam sauce - mild curry, basically.  And shrimp with chayote and tomato sauce.  Both of them were good, but subtle - the chicken especially tasted pretty generic on first bite, but then some interesting flavors emerged.  The shrimp was even better - chayote was really nice - what is chayote anyway?

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It's in the squash family. Here's some info.

I think there's an eG regular who uses a funny picture of a chayote as an avatar, but I can't remember who.

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That would be SethG

=R=

[icecreamparty]

i must confess that i have found a good reason for waking up a bit earlier in the morning for work. and that is, the freshly baked brioches, croissants, chocolatines, and innumerable other french pastries at cannella patisserie.

FINALLY a place in metro detroit that really knows how to do it right. they have long hours --> 7am-11p on most days (closed monday), and till midnight on fri/sat evenings, 9 on sunday. believe me, arriving early and biting into a perfectly browned and flaky croissant a few minutes from the oven, is well worth the detour. they recently were honored for having the "best baguette" in the metro detroit area.. the staff is genuinely sweet and very knowledgable. the patissier himself is a frenchman and during the day they also serve traditional french crepes.

i believe they also carry his pastries at Portofino in ann arbor...for those for which this is a long hike.

CANNELLA PATISSERIE

HAMILTON ROW (further down the street from the Palladium theater)

BIRMINGHAM , MI

anything else exciting locally?? has anyone tried VICENTE's CUBAN CUISINE in detroit?

Edited September 16, 2005 by icecreamparty (log)

[gourmande]

Can anyone recommend a veg/fruit club or coop available in the Detroit area ? Some time in early summer I caught part of a program on NPR about local organic farmers offering this service, but at the time I didn't bother taking notes since I can't partake, unfortunately (I'm in Windsor.) However, this past weekend I was talking to a friend from Detroit (Eastpointe) about these clubs and he expressed a great interest in purchasing local produce in this manner... so here I am, hoping one of you knowledgeable folk can help us out

[tammylc]

Can anyone recommend a veg/fruit club or coop available in the Detroit area ? Some time in early summer I caught part of a program on NPR about local organic farmers offering this service, but at the time I didn't bother taking notes since I can't partake, unfortunately (I'm in Windsor.) However, this past weekend I was talking to a friend from Detroit (Eastpointe) about these clubs and he expressed a great interest in purchasing local produce in this manner... so here I am, hoping one of you knowledgeable folk can help us out 

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Not sure if this is what you're referring to, but I think you're talking about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm shares. You pay a certain amount of money, and once every week or two get a big box with your share from the farm. There are a bunch of CSA farms around Michigan - not sure which are local to that area. At this point they'll be winding down for the year - next spring would be the time to buy in. If there's a natural foods store near him, they might be able to connect him up to a CSA.

[gourmande]

Tammylc, thank you, that is exactly what I was referring to. Is there a web site, organization or other source besides natural food stores, just in case there isn't one near him?

[gourmande]

To answer my own question...

I found this site CSA and sent him the link. I also passed along your suggestion re Natural Foods stores as possible sources for connections with local growers/producers. Thanks again.

[AmyinMotown]

Some friends did a CSA share a couple summers ago--I think from Bro. Rick Samyn's Capuchin Soup Kitchen garden? I'll ask them and report back--they loved it. I know they split the share with another couple, as they are both two-person households. And the Freep food section had a story awhile back on something similar, but I recall no details. You'd probably get some help from the Features desk clerk if you called.

ETA: Also, the Cas Corridor food co-op had fresh produce in summer for awhile. Might still. http://www.geocities.com/casscorridorfoodcoop/

Edited October 13, 2005 by AmyinMotown (log)

[icecreamparty]

i knwo this is last minute, but im looking for ideas for a diinner place between novi and royal oak areas...anywhere in between, but it can also be in the said neighborhoods as well. i am pretty well aware of the offerings, but in general, im looking for something i perhaps have overlooked in the past. i am aware of all the good japanese available in novi...i know about emily's, bacco, il posto, etc, but it's beyond the price range righ tnow...anythign in farmington or southfield...livonia? something seasonal and nice and moderately priced would be great. even really highly recommended ethnic foods. just looking for ideas...because im out of them at the moment. thanks--

[annarborfoodie]

i knwo this is last minute, but im looking for ideas for a diinner place between novi and royal oak areas...anywhere in between, but it can also be in the said neighborhoods as well. i am pretty well aware of the offerings, but in general, im looking for something i perhaps have overlooked in the past. i am aware of all the good japanese available in novi...i know about emily's, bacco, il posto, etc, but it's beyond the price range righ tnow...anythign in farmington or southfield...livonia? something seasonal and nice and moderately priced would be great. even really highly recommended ethnic foods. just looking for ideas...because im out of them at the moment. thanks--

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A few ideas -

Sweet Lorraine's in Berkley (I think - if not Berkley then somewhere close to that)

Vining's Bistro on Woodward

Hong Hua on Orchard Lake - upscale Chinese

Loving Spoonful on 12 Mile in Farmington Hills

If the timing is right - American Harvest at Schoolcraft Culinary Institute - best bargain in town

[icecreamparty]

thanks a lot for the prompt response i would actually love to try the american harvest place @ schoolcraft however i thin k they are only open for lunch adn then the occasional dinner?? has anyone been and can verify? also, no weekends, right? ive never heard of vining's...hmm .

i knwo this is last minute, but im looking for ideas for a diinner place between novi and royal oak areas...anywhere in between, but it can also be in the said neighborhoods as well. i am pretty well aware of the offerings, but in general, im looking for something i perhaps have overlooked in the past. i am aware of all the good japanese available in novi...i know about emily's, bacco, il posto, etc, but it's beyond the price range righ tnow...anythign in farmington or southfield...livonia? something seasonal and nice and moderately priced would be great. even really highly recommended ethnic foods. just looking for ideas...because im out of them at the moment. thanks--

←

A few ideas -

Sweet Lorraine's in Berkley (I think - if not Berkley then somewhere close to that)

Vining's Bistro on Woodward

Hong Hua on Orchard Lake - upscale Chinese

Loving Spoonful on 12 Mile in Farmington Hills

If the timing is right - American Harvest at Schoolcraft Culinary Institute - best bargain in town

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[mrs_devilkitty]

Angels Cafe in Ferndale is good and inexpensive - I found the 'small' plates to be plenty and they run $10 or so.

located on 9 Mile Rd just a few doors west of Woodward Ave. Metered Parking lot in rear

phoebe

[Alex]

Dinner is Wednesday through Friday, 6:00 to 7:45. Here's their web site.

thanks a lot for the prompt response i would actually love to try the american harvest place @ schoolcraft however i thin k they are only open for lunch adn then the occasional dinner?? has anyone been and can verify? also, no weekends, right? ive never heard of vining's...hmm .

i knwo this is last minute, but im looking for ideas for a diinner place between novi and royal oak areas...anywhere in between, but it can also be in the said neighborhoods as well. i am pretty well aware of the offerings, but in general, im looking for something i perhaps have overlooked in the past. i am aware of all the good japanese available in novi...i know about emily's, bacco, il posto, etc, but it's beyond the price range righ tnow...anythign in farmington or southfield...livonia? something seasonal and nice and moderately priced would be great. even really highly recommended ethnic foods. just looking for ideas...because im out of them at the moment. thanks--

←

A few ideas -

Sweet Lorraine's in Berkley (I think - if not Berkley then somewhere close to that)

Vining's Bistro on Woodward

Hong Hua on Orchard Lake - upscale Chinese

Loving Spoonful on 12 Mile in Farmington Hills

If the timing is right - American Harvest at Schoolcraft Culinary Institute - best bargain in town

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[icecreamparty]

wow, i did not know that they open for dinner wedn-fri!! great! i will have to try it out some time soon. thanks guys, for all the suggestions.

Dinner is Wednesday through Friday, 6:00 to 7:45. Here's their web site.

thanks a lot for the prompt response i would actually love to try the american harvest place @ schoolcraft however i thin k they are only open for lunch adn then the occasional dinner?? has anyone been and can verify? also, no weekends, right? ive never heard of vining's...hmm .

i knwo this is last minute, but im looking for ideas for a diinner place between novi and royal oak areas...anywhere in between, but it can also be in the said neighborhoods as well. i am pretty well aware of the offerings, but in general, im looking for something i perhaps have overlooked in the past. i am aware of all the good japanese available in novi...i know about emily's, bacco, il posto, etc, but it's beyond the price range righ tnow...anythign in farmington or southfield...livonia? something seasonal and nice and moderately priced would be great. even really highly recommended ethnic foods. just looking for ideas...because im out of them at the moment. thanks--

←

A few ideas -

Sweet Lorraine's in Berkley (I think - if not Berkley then somewhere close to that)

Vining's Bistro on Woodward

Hong Hua on Orchard Lake - upscale Chinese

Loving Spoonful on 12 Mile in Farmington Hills

If the timing is right - American Harvest at Schoolcraft Culinary Institute - best bargain in town

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[annarborfoodie]

They're actually open most Tuesdays too - but they serve their International Dinners then, which are prix fixe. I have taken a bunch of classes in their continuing ed program and I'm always drooling over the stuff that is being served at the restaurant.

[cbarre02]

Any foodie news on the home front... i know michigan is in a financial downfall right now. Is it affecting restaurants? Anything new opening, any interesting meal lately. I be visiting the area soon, is there any places that i just have to check out

[tammylc]

Any foodie news on the home front... i know michigan is in a financial downfall right now.  Is it affecting restaurants?  Anything new opening, any interesting meal lately.  I be visiting the area soon, is there any places that i just have to check out

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Let's see... after a great meal at Emily's earlier this year, I had a really disappointing one recently. Well, actually, my food was great, but my husband was disappointed. And I guess I agree with him that the value just wasn't there - not enough wow for the buck.

Hearing bad things about the change of chefs at Tribute, but I haven't been there, so I can't report firsthand.

There's a new restaurant in Detroit called Slows Bar BQ, that I've been hearing some good press about. Here's a link: http://www.metrotimes.com/guide/restaurant...iew.asp?id=9524

In Ann Arbor, the guy who opened up Mediterrano is opening up a new place on the west side - Carlyle's Bar and Grill. Classic American with an upscale twist, according to a recent article in the Observer. Since I live on the west end, I'm always happy when new restaurants open up, but Zingerman's is already doing upscale American food on this side of town - I'd have loved it to be something more interesting.

Also in Ann Arbor, I haven't been to the Quarter Bistro and Tavern yet, but the press is good. It's were Mountain Jack's and then Rio Bravo was, in Westgate Mall. Cajun/Creole/New Orleans food. Initial reports were that the food was great but the service slow, but its been a few months, so hopefully they've ironed out the bugs.

[annarborfoodie]

We tried Quarter Bistro about a month ago. I wasn't that impressed; I think there are better options in Ann Arbor for that price range. We were there on a weeknight, and service was fine though a bit overly attentive. They were pretty busy - we had a short wait for a table and I think it was a Tuesday night.

In Detroit though, I think one restaurant to try would be Atlas Global Bistro. They have made great strides since they first opened, and just got a really nice review in the Detroit News acknowledging their progress. I haven't heard much about Mosaic, which opened recently in Greektown. It is owned by two daughters of Jim Papas, who owns much of Greektown. Seldom Blues and Andiamo Riverfront are two nice additions to the Renaissance Center.

[Alex]

Any foodie news on the home front... i know michigan is in a financial downfall right now.  Is it affecting restaurants?  Anything new opening, any interesting meal lately.  I be visiting the area soon, is there any places that i just have to check out

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How soon is "soon?"

I'll be visiting the area in a few weeks and will be eating dinner one night at City Cellar in Birmingham. I'm not overly worked up about the menu and the web site is done in hugely annoying Flash, but the food is supposed to be decent and wines listed at <$100 are half-off on Mondays. I'll keep you posted.