120868 Fri Jul 19 01:02:26 -0700 2002 17 8 Midwest 0 658525 There's been very little discussion on this Board in the past few months about Detroit-area chow (with occasional exceptions such as the always-reliable berkleybabe). There must be more Detroit-area chowhounds out there who could enliven the discussion. Where are the obscure, or new, diamonds in the rough? I just returned to Detroit for a few days after a substantial absence, and (predictably) had my best meal at the incomparable Zingerman's. (Incomparable in price, too -- the sandwiches now average about $11!, almost triple what they were back when I was a wide-eyed student not *that* many years ago.) Also finally got around to trying Evie's tamales. While not exactly earth-shattering, they are a real treat in the midst of the otherwise tired Mexicantown. Brought home a couple of dozen, for a pittance. Also enjoyed a couple of cold soups at Zoup -- I agree, a welcome addition (if a tad overpriced). Toast was fairly good (I had the breakfast burrito, which I expected to be a horrible mess as such things often are, but it actually was quite well-conceived), but it didn't live up to Delia-like raves. Had a very miserable meal at an old fave, Sweet Lorraine's (new location -- Livonia), but I chalk that up to the fact that it was a lazy Sunday night and I probably wasn't treated to the frontline kitchen staff. (Sorry, b-babe, didn't get a chance to hit the Taco Bell on Coolidge. :)) I'll be heading back soon, and more frequently, in the coming months and years (arrival of my first nephew, for what it's worth), and so I need new recommendations! For instance, are any of the following -- all of which are touted by Hour Detroit -- worthwhile?: Alegrias (Greek in Farmington Hills) Bibimbab (Korean in Novi) Everest Express (Nepalese in Farmington) French Gourmet (Ferndale) Hong Hua (Cantonese in Farmington Hills) Mi Loc (Korean in Southfield) Misha's ("home cooking" in Detroit) Nami (sushi in Ferndale) Polish Village Cafe and Under the Eagle (Polish in Hamtramck) Thanks in advance -- Marty, the former oakpark Fri Jul 19 01:02:26 -0700 2002 0 Marty L. 1 658532 Wow, Marty, great post! I liked your reviews as well--keepin' it real :). I'll go over your list again..I've had wonderful brunch at French Gourmet, food is excellent but service can be very slow. Many of the others I haven't hit. If I do, I'll post. Glad you're back on home turf--and that you liked Evies! Best, BB Fri Jul 19 11:58:59 -0700 2002 658525 0 berkleybabe 2 659162 Just found this site. Been reading the posts and found most very enlightening. Let me add my take on a more "east of Woodward " slant. Best Pizza: Louie's on Dequindre between 9 and 10 mile. It doesnt get any better than this folks. Steverino's on Dodge park just north of 15 mile. Buddy's on 6 mile and Conant. Best Burger: Kavans on Hayes 100 yards south of 12 mile. Best Chicken and Ribs: Chicken Shack 11 mile and Schoennerr, 15 and Ryan, Woodward south of 13 mile. The only ribs better than theirs are the ones I make at home. And the broasted potatoes are dynomite. Steak house Logans Roadhouse. 13 mile and Gratiot. Service not the greatest but I've NEVER left there not completely satisfied with the food. Clawson Steak house 14 mile and Rochester road. Expensive and worth it. And make sure you tip the Waitress's good. My wife is one off them. :) A couple other eastside favorites.... Travis Country Grill...Gratiot at Common road Great food at great prices. A personal favorite. Seabreeze restruant. Gratiot south of 14 mile. Teh fresh fish here is great. O'Hara's Bar. 10 mile west of Gratiot. Corned beef is a customer favorite here. Onion Roll Deli. Woodward south of 13 mile. One of the better Corned beef sandwiches I've had in a while. Panara Bread. Gratiot at Masonic. Had a Smoked turkey sand w/ Smoked chedder with raw red onion and Mayo on sourdough bread. Could have ate 3 if I had the room in my gut. Thats all for now...I'm getting hungry. Sat Sep 14 11:04:45 -0700 2002 658532 0 Bushay 1 658544 Good to hear from other 'hounds from around M'town. The Hour Detroit picks are generally pretty good. You might try a couple of my favorites: Giorgio's - a diner on Greenfield just North of Ten Mile. Don't be put off by the exterior, the food is varied and very well turned out. The other is Christine's Cuisine, on the North side of Nine Mile about a half mile East of Woodward. It's in a strip mall next to a tanning salon. Again, the food is a wonderful surprise. Let us know what you think. George Fri Jul 19 19:56:37 -0700 2002 658525 0 George Cooney 2 658615 I have to chime in and agree with both of these suggestions. Georgio's is great. You won't leave there hungry or broke. The pasta bowls are huge and the steaks are fresh. And Christine is also very tasty. You might want to get the food to go, though, because there is very limitted seating inside. Tue Jul 23 14:04:41 -0700 2002 658544 0 iveygirl 1 658610 To reference some of the Hour Magazine picks... Nami is good and they are innovative and inexpensive (for sushi), but if you want the best, most authentic sushi in Metro Detroit, you must go to Noble Fish in Clawson. They are AKA Rainbow Fish (those trucks you see delivering all the fish to the other sushi shops!) so it's also the freshest. French Gourmet has amazing pasteries and breads, but their dinners can be a little pricey for what you get. Polish Village is always a good bet. It's ashame you've decided Mexican Village is tired. I'm guessing you've only been to the "tourist" area south of the bridge. There are so many more streets to explore. Some of the best food is in the little taquerias, rather than the big places with large signs. Also, try the bakeries. They are excellent. As for additional suggestions... Depending on where you will be in the metro area, there are many, many options: If you are in Dearborn, Middle Eastern is a must. The original La Shish and the Gold Star Bakery are always great. (Gold Star is on Warren) If you are in Royal Oak, you might try Beruit Palace (also Mid-East) Tom's Oyster Bar, Little Tree (Pan-Asian with Sushi bar - expensive) or the brand new Peidmont Creamery (gelato) - all on Mainstreet or Lily's Seafood or Pronto (deli) on Washington. There is a Tom's Oyster bar downtown Det. and one in Grosse Pointe, also. In the city I love Traffic Jam & Snug, Cadiex Cafe (Belgian - think mussles), or this great authentic German place on John R near 7 Mile - the name escapes me...maybe someone else can remember or I will post back. Also, there is an incredible brewery in a light industrial strip on the service drive of 696 near Grossebeck called Dragonmead. That's just the tip of the iceberg! I hope it helps. Tue Jul 23 12:20:34 -0700 2002 658525 0 iveygirl 2 658611 Great suggestions -- thanks! I had almost forgotten about the Cadieux Cafe, an old fave. Is it still up and running strong? I apologize for being far too blithe in assuming that Mexicantown is "tired." I based that characterization on two things: (i) that way back in the day I thought (as did many others) that Xochimilco was the bomb, and I now realize it's a warm-over and Americanized mediocrity; and (ii) that the neighborhood, as such (as opposed to the restaurants) has, tragically, been so devastated and abandoned, much like other parts of the city. I was assuming that the population that would support great restaurants is long gone. But I'd be thrilled to be wrong. Which taquerias and bakeries do you recommend?! Tue Jul 23 12:41:07 -0700 2002 658610 0 Marty L. 3 658614 Cadiex Cafe is still feather-bowling and mussle-cooking. You really can't beat it for a fun time. My favorite mexican bakery is on the "east" side of Bagley on the strip south of the bridge. The biggest thing on the awning says "bakery". But if you walk from X's toward the bridge it's the last thing on your right. They also sell tamales there by the dozen. The chicken is not very moist, but the pork is as yummy as any at Evie's. I don't have a special taqueria. They are all around. But just across the street from the bakery is Los Galanes. It's a real homey restaurant that has buffet, as well as a huge menu. Buffet is good and filling and changes all the time. But the beef cheeks there are to die for. The first time I had them it was off the buffet and I had no idea what I was eating...pork?lamb?...of course I asked. If you haven't had beef cheeks before, I strongly recommend them. Glad to help. Tue Jul 23 14:01:13 -0700 2002 658611 0 iveygirl 4 658620 The German place is called the Dakota Inn. Tue Jul 23 19:45:42 -0700 2002 658614 0 iveygirl 1 658622 Some of my favorites: Steve's Deli at Maple & Telegraph (behind the old Machus Red Fox - forget what it is called now), not just a deli, but several home-made dishes and specials each day, including real roast turkey, stuffing (one of the best I've ever had), and trimmings they serve everday - prices very reasonable & again just good old cooking. Also, Lelli's Inn (Auburn Hills) (downtown location burned down a couple of years ago I heard) - best minestrone, filet, and many other dishes. Best Pizza: Tomatoes (I was at first turned off by the name until I read a review by the late Bob Talbert & others who raved about it) - Farmington Hills, Halstead Rd just north of Grand River Ave. Star Deli - for the best corned beef (and other) sandwiches around (12 Mile just west of Telegraph) I'll think of others and let you know! Tue Jul 23 20:56:46 -0700 2002 658525 0 Cherie 1 658623 Some of my favorites: Steve's Deli at Maple & Telegraph (behind the old Machus Red Fox - forget what it is called now), not just a deli, but several home-made dishes and specials each day, including real roast turkey, stuffing (one of the best I've ever had), and trimmings they serve everday - prices very reasonable & again just good old cooking. Also, Lelli's Inn (Auburn Hills) (downtown location burned down a couple of years ago I heard) - best minestrone, filet, and many other dishes. Best Pizza: Tomatoes (I was at first turned off by the name until I read a review by the late Bob Talbert & others who raved about it) - Farmington Hills, Halstead Rd just north of Grand River Ave. Star Deli - for the best corned beef (and other) sandwiches around (12 Mile just west of Telegraph) I'll think of others and let you know! Tue Jul 23 20:58:03 -0700 2002 658525 0 Cherie 1 658624 Some of my favorites: Steve's Deli at Maple & Telegraph (behind the old Machus Red Fox - forget what it is called now), not just a deli, but several home-made dishes and specials each day, including real roast turkey, stuffing (one of the best I've ever had), and trimmings they serve everday - prices very reasonable & again just good old cooking. Also, Lelli's Inn (Auburn Hills) (downtown location burned down a couple of years ago I heard) - best minestrone, filet, and many other dishes. Best Pizza: Tomatoes (I was at first turned off by the name until I read a review by the late Bob Talbert & others who raved about it) - Farmington Hills, Halstead Rd just north of Grand River Ave. Star Deli - for the best corned beef (and other) sandwiches around (12 Mile just west of Telegraph) I'll think of others and let you know! Tue Jul 23 20:58:44 -0700 2002 658525 0 Cherie 2 658655 Star Deli at 12 mile and Telegraph has great corned beef and pastrami-better than Zingermans by far. Just moved back to Royal Oak from Ann Arbor. Don't understand the raves for Zingerman's, its overpriced and has average deli meats at best. I understand that its really the only game in town but I would never consider it "great deli". Thu Jul 25 17:18:00 -0700 2002 658624 0 EricN 1 658657 Ok , here goes , in no particular order : Como's at 9 and Woodward gets my vote for current best pizza , simple fresh garlic and tomato is my fave . There are like 5 or 6 Thai places on 9 Mile in Ferndale , all are ok , but Thai Garden ( in the same strip mall as Christene's gets the nod , your standard Thai carryout , but executed well . For a deli , Lou's Deli at 7 and Greenfield or 9 and Greenfield gets my vote . Super Duper Rueben ? Mmmm. Russell Street Deli in Eastern Market is good too , but always SO crowded . Favorite guilty pleasure ? Chicken Shack . You MUST get broasted chicken . The best fried chicken I've EVER had . Ever . I also must second the Nami and Noble Fish sushi recommendations , but would like to add that Mon Jin Lau at 15 and Stephenson has a sashimi platter that is to die for . Expensive , like most things there , but fabulous . I had a friend who's parents were in from San Fran , and my friend's father gave the sushi chef like a hundred dollar tip to keep making sashimi until 1:00 a.m. Those are the nights you live for . Back In The Day has some damn good soul food ( can you still call it that without making people mad ? ) on 8 Mile . Also look for Beans and Cornbread , not sure on the exact location . Another mexican village spot is El Comal , it has all the standbys ( including the super cheap awesome buffet ) but specialises in Guatemalan cuisine . Ooh , and a $3.25 lunch special . Cyprus Taverna in Greektown gets the nod for it's braised lamb shank , just perfect every time . Pronto in Royal Oak is also good , not really a deli but good . Any New York Bagel in town easily has the best bagels this side of the Hudson . La Shish , Beirut Palace , you know , there are just too many good middle eastern places to name . Just go to Dearborn and pick the one that looks busiest . The Dakota Inn at 7 and John R certainly is an experience , and the german food is good too . Sadly , good breakfast places are getting hard to find . The Lantern is gone , RJ's in Royal Oak burned down , but here goes . On John R between 12 and 13 mile there are two places , Betty Ross II and Country something or other right across the street . Betty Ross II will make you swear you're in Tennessee , right down to the country ham dinner ( and the cig smoke and racist graffiti in the restroom , oh well ). The place across the street is good too , huge portions and nice and clean too . North of there , well north , on Telegraph in Waterford , is Country Jim's . Oh man , now that's a breakfast place . The Kentucky hash is what people in heaven eat for breakfast . Tom's Oyster Bar on Mack is the best one ( in my opinion) , but they are all good for seafood and oysters . Man , it's late , and I'm so hungry now , I'll post more later . Fri Jul 26 00:39:58 -0700 2002 658525 0 GoalieJeff 2 658662 I've kind of lost track of this thread - but do the recs have to be Oakland County? If not - speaking of corned beef and Reubens - come on over to Plymouth in Wayne County and eat at Bode's Corned Beef House on Main Street. Best reuben ever - also anything else with corned beef in it, like the corned beef chef salad with a toasted English muffin on the side. Great breakfasts, too. Thanks for listening! Fri Jul 26 21:39:15 -0700 2002 658657 0 Donna - MI 3 658677 Absolutely not -- recommendations from Wayne, Macomb, Washtenaw and Oakland Counties enthusiastically welcomed! Thanks for the great suggestions, Goalie Jeff and Donna. I knew that with a little prodding we could engender a worthwhile discussion of Detroit-area eats. Keep it coming! Sun Jul 28 09:28:43 -0700 2002 658662 0 Marty L. 1 659293 Here a couple of my favorites in the Detroit area: Seafood: Lily's Seafood in Royal Oak and Real Seafood Company in Ann Arbor Burgers: Duggan's Irish Pub in Royal Oak Sandwiches, Salads (non-Deli): Pronto! in Royal Oak Deli: Zingerman's in Ann Arbor Italian: Lepanto in Royal Oak, Gratzi in Ann Arbor, Picano's in Troy, Mario's in Detroit, Roma Cafe in Detroit Steak: Lelli's in Auburn Hills Breakfast: The Breakfast Club in Clawson and Beverly Hills Grill in Beverly Hills Middle Eastern: Anywhere on Warren between Southfield Expressway and Schaefer in Dearborn (particulary recommend Cedar Garden) Most Memorable Meal: The Lark in Farmington Hills Mexican: None Thai: Siam Spicy in Royal Oak Other Suggestions: Sweet Lorranie's in Southfield, Traffic Jam & Snug in Detroit, Sushi Hana in Bloomfield Hills, Assaggi in Ferndale, The Moveable Feast in Ann Arbor, The Earle in Ann Arbor and The Common Grill in Chelsea (west of Ann Arbor, but worth it) Additionally, most places in Hour Detroit are pretty good, however, they have never given a bad review. We have encountered a few places where we disagreed with their conclusions. Thu Sep 26 15:31:42 -0700 2002 658525 0 rrdeaver 2 659296 My husband and I like the Real Seafood Co. in Ann Arbor very much. We have been to their Beer and Oyster fests a few times. The price is $50. but includes tax and tip. Many different types of beer to try, good salads, good main courses (salmon, etc.), and very good desserts - usually a lemon something. But the best part: all the raw oysters you can eat - several different types. Last time I ate 23 - I was in oyster heaven! Other comments: We love the Veal Picatta at Al Faccinno's in Farmington and Diamond Jim Brady's in Novi has excellent Bistro food. There is a decent Cajun place called Zydeco in Ann Arbor on Main Street - quite tasty. Don't bother with the Sweet Lorraine's in Livonia in the Marriott. Not good quality - overpriced food and drink. It's fun sharing tips with a fellow Motown hound. Thu Sep 26 19:25:19 -0700 2002 659293 0 Donna - MI