Moving to the Detroit area & wondering

[fraser]

about local food there. I'm in DC now, and utterly spoiled for choice among the farmer's markets and amazing ethnic markets/restaurants. I would love some idea of what's around Detroit as far as those things go. Thank you!

[Jim M]

Depends what you want. We're not a little UN like Washington, but there's interesting stuff around if you look for it. Probably more spread out than you're used to, with little ethnic pockets around the various suburbs. Best Middle Eastern food anywhere, mostly in Dearborn and points north and west. There's a small-to-moderate Mexicantown in the city, with a great supermarket, La Colmena. Way up in the northeast suburbs there's a Vietnamese strip, while the Indians are out in western Wayne County. Several authentic Japanese places thanks to transplanted workers for Japanes auto and truck companies. Chinese food is not great, and more exotic cuisines like Indonesian are hard to find. For farmers' markets we do pretty well. In the city is the old Eastern Market, which is often dirt cheap rather than really good, but is well worth a visit, with some fun surrounding shops. For the more organic/upscale type, try the Ann Arbor Farmers' Market; there are probably others. Ann Arbor has very good Asian markets. The real attraction is fresh summer produce. Go out in the country, and, as Robert Frost says, get lost enough to find yourself; you won't be far from a farm stand. Welcome. We obviously have our problems, but we are not the wasteland depicted in the press. I've eaten out almost every week in downtown Detroit for two years, only duplicating once (Slows BBQ), and getting good food almost every time.

[charlesbois]

Everything Jim M said, and also to heap more praise on the fresh summer produce and the fall's bountiful apple crop, etc. Also maybe to remind you that Windsor is right across the river, if you are looking for dim sum.

[coney with everything]

Hear, hear, Jim M.

Michigan is second only to California in variety of crops, so when the farmer's markets get going we have great selection. And all year round there are many nice upscale markets, both local and national (Whole Foods, TJs) to choose from.

What area will you be living/working in, fraser? Metro Detroit is very spread out and with some idea where you'll be, we can tailor our suggestions.

[JanPrimus]

Another vote for Jim.

The area has a lot to offer if you know where to look and it's nice to see someone asking.

Some of the treats I like are Home Dairy delivery from www.calderdairy.com.

Natural grown beef and Buffalo from TMZ meats. http://www.tmzfarm.com/

One of the worlds best Deli's and specialty stores in Ann Arbor - http://www.zingermansdeli.com/

Some of the best pickles I have ever had. http://www.mcclurespickles.com/

[fraser]

Wow, thank you everybody! I'm not sure yet where, exactly, we'll be living, but the job possibility is at Wayne State. I did a little digging, as suggested, and I am very delighted with the abundance & variety of crops grown in MI. We're looking forward to discovering it all.

[JanPrimus]

I would look at Royal Oak and the surrounding cities as a possible place to start the house hunting. Royal Oak has a very nice farmers market.

Both Wayne State and Royal Oak are right off of Woodward Ave.

For higher end shopping you would have Holiday Market in Royal Oak.
http://www.holiday-market.com/

....a bit further north a few dollars more is Papa Joe's.
http://www.papajoesmarket.com

Near Wayne State is Zaccaro's Market...
http://www.zaccarosmarket.com/
If you come in and flash your Wayne State ID you get 10% off everything you purchase (every day of the week).

A wee bit further but my favorite is Plum Market...
www.plummarket.com

I wished I lived on that side of town....

[Jim M]

Farther in, funkier, with smaller (and cheaper) houses, Ferndale is also a good food town. Many interesting restaurants near the 9 Mile/Woodward corner.

Starving Artist:
http://events.detnews.com/ferndale-mi/venues/show/72457-starving-artist-restaurant

Howe's Bayou
http://www.howesbayouferndale.net/

Assaggi:
http://www.assaggibistro.com

And many more . . . Holiday Market, noted above, would also be very close.

[Coconuts]

I realize this is old, but I've never had close to a good meal at Howie's Bayou.

[boagman]

Huh, really? While I'll fully spot that I haven't been there in at least a few years, the po' boys I've had there were certainly good when I had them. I'll fully spot that their signature drink, the "hurricane", isn't anything to write home about, but at least the food was pretty good.

Have things gone that far downhill?

[Coconuts]

I've only tried TMZ and McClure's from that list, but both are excellent (but now I need to see if Calder delivers to our area!).

I also love Bastone in Royal Oak (Belgian brewery- everything on the menu is good, but the specials are about a 50/50 shot) and Blue Nile (Ethiopian) in Ferndale. Bastone's sister Cuban restaurant was ok.

[berkleybabe]

Jim M is a source of truth here..believe.. :)

[xman887]

coming to detroit? that's new. you realize that we are in an economic depression, our political leadership is laughable, and we had a windchill of 25 below zero last night.

that said, there are plenty of good markets and restaurants around town to get you through it. wayne state area, ferndale, dearborn, mexican town, hamtramck, royal oak, and birmingham all have strong offerings.

worth a look: champane's (chicago road between mound and van dyke in warren) - a great beer, wine, & liquor store. they can help numb the pain.

[SonyBob]

I always urge new Detroiters to be sure to visit Diamond Jim Brady's for dinner. It's simply really wonderful unpretentious entrees and warm atmosphere make it a great place to "step back and take a breath". It's easy to get to with plenty of parking. Very "no hassle" except that some times there's a little wait for a table. No big deal, Karen, Lori or Candy at the bar will take good care of you.
www.djbistro.com
Man, are you going to miss the Metro!!
Welcome to Detroit.
Bob

[berkleybabe]

Sony Bob, I always trust your recs, and today totally agree.

[rainsux]

Here is a collection of waypoints from my GPS. In
no particular order.

Burgers:

Rocket Eddy's
2897 Orchard Lake Rd
Keego Harbor, MI 48320
[phone]
42.606537, -83.341884

Jaws
Orchard Lake, betw 12 Mile & 13 Mile
Farmington Hills, MI

Red Coat Tavern
31542 Woodward Ave
Royal Oak, MI 48073
[phone]
42.521638, -83.189663

Duggans
31501 Woodward Ave
Royal Oak, MI 48073
[phone]
42.521361, -83.189397

Millers Bar
23700 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48124
[phone]
42.301630, -83.263845

Knapps Dairy Bar
304 S Main St
Rochester, MI 48307
[phone]‎
42.679445, -83.133730

Blimpy Burger
551 S Division St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
[phone]
42.275012, -83.744269

Monty's Grill
28300 Woodward Ave
Royal Oak, MI 48067
[phone]
42.498451, -83.167235

Hot dogs:

Hippo's
1648 Rochester Rd
Troy, MI 48083
[phone]
42.549488, -83.132008

Lafayette Coney Island
118 W Lafayette Blvd
Detroit, MI 48226
[phone]
42.331728, -83.048196

Pizza:

Louis' Pizza
23141 Dequindre Rd Hazel Park, MI 48030
248-547-1711
42.463126, -83.084036

Crust
@ Barclay Circle
2595 S Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, MI
[phone]
42.641949, -83.132020

Crust
6622 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, MI
[phone]
42.543232, -83.284752

Green Lantern
4326 Rochester Rd, Royal Oak, MI
[phone]
42.527908, -83.137332

Green Lantern
28960 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI
[phone]
42.504623, -83.105752

Pizza Papalis
23703 Greenfield Rd, Southfield, MI
[phone]
42.464829, -83.201340

Pizza Papalis
4036 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI
[phone]
42.580786, -83.280751

Pizza Papalis
22022 Michigan Ave # B, Dearborn, MI
[phone]
42.306026, -83.244578

Pizza Papalis
719 Griswold St # 180, Detroit, MI
[phone]
42.331074, -83.047347

Pizza Papalis
54 W Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, MI
[phone]
42.636115, -83.132725

Buddy's Pizza
17125 Conant St, Detroit, MI
[phone]
42.419018, -83.063541

Buddy's Pizza
31646 Northwestern Hwy, Farmington Hills, MI
[phone]
42.518988, -83.340519

Buddy's Pizza
2612 N Squirrel Rd, Auburn Hills, MI
[phone]
42.681368, -83.221408

Buddy's Pizza
22148 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI
[phone]
42.305442, -83.247060

Buddy's Pizza
33605 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI
[phone]
42.368175, -83.374256

Buddy's Pizza
8100 Old 13 Mile Rd, Warren, MI
[phone]
42.521146, -83.026619

Buddy's Pizza
32218 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, MI
[phone]
42.526449, -83.194294

Buddy's Pizza
3637 W Maple Rd
Bloomfield Township MI 48301
42.545335, -83.262853

Buddy's Pizza
19163 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
[phone]
42.418457, -82.910683

Mom & Pop restaurants:

Recipes
2919 Crooks Rd, Troy, MI‎
[phone]‎
42.561115, -83.167210

Christine's Cuisine
729 E 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI‎
[phone]‎
42.460862, -83.123950

Ruggero's (lasagna is my fav)
2055 S Linden Rd
Flint, MI 48532
[phone]
43.000782, -83.772623

Fly Trap
22950 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI
[phone]‎
42.461984, -83.135280

Inn Season (Vegetarian)
500 E 4th St, Royal Oak, MI‎
[phone]‎
42.487256, -83.139489

Breakfast Club
30600 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI‎
[phone]‎
42.516858, -83.106272

Glisce Crepes
1945 W Maple Rd, Troy, MI‎
[phone]‎
42.547789, -83.171829

Mama's Place (Soul food)
15250 W 7 Mile Rd, Detroit, MI‎
[phone]‎
42.430285, -83.196790

Beans & Cornbread (Soul food)
29508 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI‎
[phone]‎
42.503258, -83.313308

Cafe Muse (bkfst & lunch svc only)
418 S. Washington Ave.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
248-544-4749
42.487071, -83.146576

Ice Cream & Frozen Custard:

Ray's Ice Cream Co.
4233 Coolidge Hwy
Royal Oak, MI
888-549-5256
42.525665, -83.184124

Guernsey Farms Dairy
21300 Novi Road
Northville, MI
248-349-1466
42.443460, -83.473816

Cook's Dairy Farm
2950 East Seymour Lake
Ortonville, MI
42.808228 -83.394482

Alinosi Ice Cream
20737 Mack Avenue
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
313-884-1993
42.444486, -82.906915

Erma's Frozen Custard
6451 Aurburn Road
Utica, MI
586-254-3080
42.627516 -83.04585

Calder Brothers Dairy
Lincoln Park
42.248761 / Longitude: -83.171801

Chocolate Vault
110-116 West Chicago Blvd.
Tecumseh, MI
42.00392 -83.945518

Shatila Bakery & Cafe
14300 West Warren Avenue
Dearborn, MI
313-582-1952
42.343966 -83.183054

Knapp's Dairy Bar
304 South Main Street
Rochester, MI
[phone]
42.679556 -83.133594

Bob Jo's Frozen Custard
4071 Fort Street
Wyandotte, MI
734-282-6818
42.191987 -83.179632

Asian:

Golden Harvest
12 Mile Road; Between Van Dyke & Mound
Warren, MI

Shangrila
NW corner of Maple & Orchard Lake
West Bloomfield, MI

Mene Sushi
NW corner of Maple & Orchard Lake
West Bloomfield, MI

Russian/Eastern European:
The Fiddler
SW corner of Maple & Orchard Lake
West Bloomfield

Seafood:
Real Seafood
South Main St.
Ann Arbor, MI

[rainsux]

Italian:

Pasta Fagioli
2398 Franklin Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI

Pasticcio
854 Erie St.
Windsor, On, Canada

Spago ... very good kitchen, but
wait staff doesn't write down orders.
Three visits - never got what I ordered
on any of the three vsits.
Erie St.
Windsor, On

Hungarian:

Rhapsody
14315 Northline Road
Southgate, MI

Blue Danube
1235 Ottawa St
Windsor, On

Polish:

Krzysiak House
(at lunch, you'll have to ask for the Polish menu)
1605 Michigan Ave
Bay City, MI

German:

Dakota Inn
28875 John R. Street
Detroit, MI

Old Heidelberg
(service can be VERY erratic)
215 North Main
Ann Arbor, MI

Metzger's
305 North Zeeb Road
Ann Arbor, MI

Ribs & BBQ:

Lazybones Smokehouse
27475 Groesbeck Hwy
Roseville, MI

Ginopolis
(I only go there for the ribs)
27815 Middlebelt Rd
Farmington Hills, MI

[Jim M]

Good picks. The Heidelberg's food can be erratic too. But I still go there, because when they nail it, they've got the echt German flavor.

[coney with everything]

Bay City for Polish??? A bit of a hike for dinner! Maybe stop on the way up north...

Fraser, you will have to be indoctrinated on the wonders of Up North!!

[berkleybabe]

This is a great post, thanks for doing all the detail work.

[berkleybabe]

Nice list with details..good for you. Very helpful. Hope the new hound takes advantage of our info.

[rtv]

being a GPS freak also...well done!! (i gather you like buddys pizza!!)

[alwrobel]

I have to plug the Polish Village Cafe
2990 Yemans St.
Hamtramck, MI 48212

Best Polish food in metro Detroit!

[JanPrimus]

Very Good Call!

[coney with everything]

And if you like Polish food and end up living in RO or environs, Polish Market on Dequindre and Maple in Troy has the ingredients, the ambiance, and carryout!

[berkleybabe]

Hey, we were at Metzgers' which used to be in downtown A2, but now in an off -ramp mall. Girls night. We had a blast, and the food was so plentiful and just delicious --a friend and I shared the platter -- many wursts, kraut, spaetzle, et.c. We stayed for a way long time and were so nicely attened to.. Gotta say, there is a time and place for rockin'g German food!