Downtown Detroit: Townhouse

Townhouse’s Detroit location lies on Woodward Ave in the heart of Downtown, across from Campus Martius. Townhouse offers a massive Whiskey and Bourbon menu as well as an array of different small plates that are reasonably priced. I recommend dining in the “glass house” because the natural light will pour through and illuminate your experience. If you want drinks, grab a seat at the bar. The menu is all over the place and there is no theme, but I like this. You can find pizza, salads, burgers, sushi, and also some unique dishes such as Elk Tenderloin, Braised Short Ribs, and Butternut Squash Pizza.

Sweet Corn Chowder: House Chorizo, Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas), Cilantro, Lime. The chorizo had a subtle spicy flavor without being greasy or heavy. The chowder had a smooth, silky texture which complimented the crunchy pepitas nicely.

Brussel Sprouts: Balsamic Brown Butter, Parmesan, Pistachio. Since I love pistachios, I couldn’t pass up this dish. I liked that the Brussel Sprouts were tender on the inside, yet crispy and caramelized on the outside, but they were a little overcooked for my liking. The Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor which paired well with the balsamic.

Shrimp Tempura Verde Roll: Crab, Granny Smith Apple, Japanese Salsa Verde, Cilantro Crystals. If you know me, you know that I love verde sauce. So much, in fact, that I often request it at my late night Taco Bell visits even though I know they don’t carry it. Ridiculous, I know, but I just have hope that one time I will ask and they will have a different answer.

Fun Fact: Verde sauce is a regional TB menu item. You can imagine how excited I was when I was in Arizona a couple months ago and was rewarded verde sauce. I asked for my favorite condiment as I usually do ready to be disappointed yet again, only to be told that not only did this Taco Bell have it, but they actually make it fresh. Score!

Anyways, back to this sushi roll. This verde sauce was on point. Fresh, slightly acidic and tart, adding a nice brightness to the crunchy tempura. The Granny Smith apple was a nice addition and added a sweet texture. I didn’t taste the crystalized cilantro, but since it can be overpowering, this was a good thing.

Chicken Meatballs: Tomato Sugo, Parmigiano Reggiano, Basil. I liked that these meatballs were a change from the usual beef meatball. They were light and I didn’t feel bad eating them. The sauce was decent, slightly sweet, with a hint of heat. I also appreciated that there was enough sauce for each bite of meatball. The meatball itself could’ve used more seasoning.

Service was good and the restaurant gave off good vibes. Townhouse offers Happy Hour and daily dinner specials. I didn’t save room for dessert, but I had my eye on the Hot Chocolate Creme Brûlée and the Fried Bread Pudding. I will definitely be back to taste dessert and eat my way through the sushi menu.

Shout out to Chris for a fun night! Thanks for sharing with me.

Detroit: Le Petit Zinc

Le Petit Zinc (French slang for a local bar) is the kind of place you want to be. French food, Reggae music, quaint with such a unique vibe. They serve delicious coffee and oversized cups of hot chocolate. With a menu bursting with organic and local ingredients, Le Petit Zinc is serving up classic French fare at a friendly price. The croissant sandwiches are amazing and I recommend ordering the daily specials. See how they ranked.

Atmosphere: 4 out of 5 bites

Price: 3.5 out of 5 bites

Quality/Taste: 4 out of 5 bites

Service: 4 out of 5 bites

Wow Factor: 4 out of 5 bites

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Fromage de Chevre et Epinards: Goat cheese (marinated in olive oil and rosemary), spinach, and pine nuts. The crepe was light and delicate and filled with tons of fresh spinach, goat cheese, and pine nuts. The goat cheese was tangy and the pine nuts added a nice mild crunch. The greens were tossed with a light balsamic dressing which was sweet with a subtle bite.

The food is outstanding and the service is good. The inside dining room has a counter and a total of maybe 6 tables. I think it’s perfect though and creates an incredible buzz. People line up to get a seat and it makes you feel like you are apart of something great. When the weather allows it, the outside patio opens up into a lovely little court yard resembling French country side cafes and offers more seating. Le Petit Zinc is exploding with character with loud colors, paintings, fresh flowers on every table, and one of a kind trinkets sprinkled all throughout the restaurant. Check em out!

Detroit: Flowers of Vietnam

Pretty bold, Chef George, bringing Vietnamese food to Mexicantown. It works though and it is so good! What started as a pop-up, Flowers of Vietnam is now serving dinner on the weekends at Vernor Coney Island on Clark St. George saw an opportunity to bring some diversity to Detroit with FOV. There’s no question why Thrillist voted George “Best Chef of 2016.” FOV is dishing out authentic Vietnamese grub with colorful and exotic flavors. They offer Vietnamese coffee, Mexican coke, tea, booze, and desserts as well. See how they ranked.

Atmosphere: 3.5 out of 5 bites

Price: 3.5 out of 5 bites

Quality/Taste: 4.5 out of 5 bites

Service: 4 out of 5 bites

Wow Factor: 3 out of 5 bites

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Ginger Beer cocktail: Refreshing, spicy, and sweet.

Co’m Tam: Crispy rice, grilled pork chop, Chinese sausage, sugarcane shrimp, sunny side egg. My favorite selection on this flavorful “sampler” was the Chinese sausage. It reminded me of a thinly sliced, cured, sweet, dried sausage and it was delicious. The pork chop was tender, thin, and caramelized from being grilled. I loved breaking the yolk of the egg and mixing it up with the crispy rice and fresh pickled veggies. The shrimp was buttery and succulent . It was amazing how each item on the plate had it’s own flavor, but also came together so beautifully.

Bo Kho: Braised beef, carrot, Mexicantown Bakery banh mi, Thai basil, Vietnamese black pepper. One of the most tender, fall apart in your mouth pieces of meat I have ever tasted. The sauce was slightly salty, but delicious enough that I found myself sopping it up with the fresh, soft bread. The carrots were sweet, tender, and complimented the fresh Thai basil.

Suron Ram Man: Caramelized rib tips, broke rice, sesame, scallion. Wow! The meat was tender with a thick, sticky sauce. The scallion was simple, but added enough freshness to balance the tacky, rich rib tips.

Vietnamese newspapers covered the windows, Hip Hop music played, and on the left side was the dining room, and the right side was the kitchen and counter. The food was awesome and the service was great. It was such a cool, hip vibe and everyone was having an awesome time. This was the first time I had ever eaten Vietnamese food so I didn’t really know what to expect. It was exploding with flavor, but at the same time, was so simple. If you haven’t been here, make it your priority and go!

Detroit: the Peterboro

Once upon a time, around the 1970’s, Detroit’s Chinatown (Midtown, Cass Ave and Peterboro area) existed and flourished. Years later, businesses closed and people moved out as a result of crime and the neighborhood slowly died. Fast forward to March 2016, the Peterboro is at the forefront of Detroit’s Chinatown revival in the Cass Corridor and they are reminding us why the community was once so successful.

Chef de Cusine, Brion Wong creates contemporary American Chinese recipes incorporating childhood memories, ten years of experience and inspiration from some top talents including Alex Guarnaschelli and Susar Lee. He and his crew is serving up some delicious dishes like the rich and hearty Hot & Sour soup (and I don’t even like Hot & Sour soup). With a menu including the classics with it’s own style like Almond Boneless Chicken (with Griffin Claw IPA batter) and some newbies with a spicy spin such as Cumin Lamb Ribs, the Peterboro is taking your neighborhood Chinese joint to the next level. See how they ranked.

Atmosphere: 4 out of 5 bites

Price: 4.5 out of 5 bites

Quality/Taste: 4 out of 5 bites

Service: 3.5 out of 5 bites

Wow Factor: 3 out of 5 bites (menu)

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Thai Old Fashioned: Milk washed tea rum, demerara (large-grained raw sugar), angostura (bitters). Interesting layers of flavors with a subtle spice and sweetness. Refreshing!

Cheeseburger Spring Rolls: Tangy sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles. Think deconstructed cheeseburger wrapped in a crispy, crunchy, shell. Very different take on an American classic. Kudos for creativity and thinking outside the box. When I bit into the spring roll, molten hot cheesy beef poured out. I like the idea of the toppings on the outside, but I think I would rather like the onion, tomato, and pickle diced up inside the spring roll. The tangy sauce was spot on to your typical burger condiment, but some heat would really take this over the top. Still tasty!

Mongolian Hanger Steak: Hoisin & chili glazed with charred scallions, onion, and red peppers. The steak was tender and melted in my mouth. Flavors of sweet, salty, and spicy awakened my taste buds. The crunchy noodles and charred veggies added a nice texture. I recommend this dish!

Chocolate Sugar Egg Puff: Osmanthus sugar, creme anglaise. I’ll be honest, its not often that I save room for dessert, but I’m glad I didn’t miss out on this. A crispy, fried outer pastry (think a light, airy donut) filled with a delicious rich cream reminded me why dessert should be ordered first. Sweet, but not over the top sugary. Such a steal for only under $6.

The Peterboro uses quality, upscale, ingredients and transforms them into modern classics at an affordable price. I really liked the laidback vibe. The dining room was a nice balance of casual and elegant with industrial high ceilings and exposed bricks and pops of red with mood lighting. The food was delicious and I can’t wait to eat my way through the rest of the menu. Now, when I’m craving Chinese, I’m heading to the Peterboro.

Midtown: Selden Standard

One of Detroit’s favorite hot spots, Selden Standard, just celebrated it’s two year anniversary. Located in Midtown, Selden Standard is the ideal place for shareable small plates. With ingredients that are prepared at their seasonal freshness, Chef Andy Hollyday and his crew create mouth watering masterpieces that showcase their love and passion for their work. The style is rustic casual, but don’t let that fool you. These guys are bringing their A game with a menu bursting with local, fresh flavors. Expect to experience the same from a full bar that includes carefully chosen wines from around the world, perfectly paired brews, and craft cocktails that incorporate seasonal fruits with house made juices. See how they ranked.

Atmosphere: 4 out of 5 bites

Price: 4 out of 5 bites

Quality/Taste: 5 out of 5 bites

Service: 4.5 out of 5 bites

Wow Factor: 4.5 out of 5 bites (unique ingredients, quality, flavor)

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Sour Cherry Ale: Belgian. Perfect balance of sweet and sour. Loved it!

Grilled Scallions: Romesco sauce (made with roasted red pepper and almonds). I never thought how much I would like whole grilled onions, but these were delicious. Sweet and subtle. The romesco sauce added a slight smokiness and freshness.

Beef Tartare: Grilled bread, tonnato sauce (tuna mayo), olives, herbs. Whaaaat? This was the most amazing thing I have ever tried. I have never had tonnato sauce and honestly didn’t know what it was until today, but it was good. It added enough fat to compliment the lean beef without being fishy. The grilled bread added a great texture and when it was gone I found myself shoveling the beef into my mouth with just the fork. Get this! And when you’ve finished it, order another!

Charred Octopus: Chickpea, chorizo, pepper salad. The octopus was tender and paired well with the subtle nutty chickpeas. I liked that the red pepper salad still had some crunch.

Duck Bolognese:  Tagliatelle, pear, Parmesan. The sauce included delicate pieces of duck and big chunks of pear served over tender pasta. The pear was tender, but still had texture and sweetness. It was an interesting combo, but worked well. This dish was full of flavor, but wasn’t heavy. The pasta was buttery and cooked perfectly. My only complaint was that there wasn’t more duck. Very delectable!

The service was great and our server made it a point to go over the menu with us before we ordered. I really liked that although there was a wait on a busy Thursday night, the staff didn’t seem flustered or overwhelmed. There was a very cool and relaxed vibe going on. The menu changes with each season and offers a wide array of eats. I will definitely be back for brunch and the donuts and cider.

Shout out to @motorcityknifeworks for showing me the Beef Tartare. Thanks, Jason!

Gold Cash Gold

Located in Detroit’s Corktown, Gold Cash Gold is getting ready to celebrate it’s two year anniversary. Once the home to pawnshop owner, Sam Rubin (grandfather of Les Gold, owner of American Jewelry and Loan), the space now houses the farm to fork restaurant, which is serving up American food with a Southern twist. Gold Cash Gold offers classics such as Fried Chicken and the signature GCG Burger and also unique items such as Chicken Liver Mouse and fries with a pimento cheese sauce and a fried egg. See how they ranked.

The front door. How cool!

Atmosphere: 3.5 out of 5 bites

Price: 3.5 out of 5 bites

Quality/Taste: 3 out of 5 bites

Service: 4 out of 5 bites

Wow Factor: 3 out of 5 bites

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Bloody Mary: Pickle juice bloody Mary mix. Those that read my blog or follow me on Instagram (@thebitetonight) know that I am obsessed with Bloody Mary’s. This one was really good! Fresh, spicy, and the pickle juice was the perfect amount of sour. The rim was seasoned with a killer spice blend. The only thing I could put my finger on was cumin and chili powder, but our server mentioned a few other flavors that he wouldn’t reveal. Kudos to the pickles, olive, and pickled asparagus garnish.

Biscuits & Gravy: Mushroom gravy, buttermilk biscuits, and poached eggs. That gravy though! I loved the mushroom gravy, it was delicious! Rich and hearty with big chunks of fungus. The gravy was thick and acted as the perfect sauce for the dense biscuit. Once the yolk broke and mixed with the gravy, it added a light yet silkiness that took this dish over the top.

Chicken Biscuit Sandwich: Pickle brined fried chicken, homemade ranch, spicy slaw, mixed greens. Disappointing. Brining chicken is supposed to add moisture, but this fried chicken was dry even for being dark meat. It also didn’t help that the homemade ranch was missing. I asked for a side of it and it made the sandwiches a little better, but not much. I did like the spicy slaw. It had a subtle kick, nice crunch, and pickled punch.

My favorite part of Gold Cash Gold (besides the Bloody Mary, of course) was the décor and design. I would describe it as art deco meets antique with a touch of history with the original loan sign. I love the stained glass and the chandelier. Service was good and our food came out quick (there also weren’t many tables @ 1 PM on a Saturday). Our server did a good job of describing the menu and answering our questions. Don’t expect to get lunch here, GCG skips it altogether, only offering brunch (Saturday & Sunday) and dinner service. They also offer dining via the Chef’s Table where guests are sat next to the kitchen with a distinct view into Chef Brandon’s technique and skill.

After brunch, Jacki and I stopped by Motor City Wine for a drink where I received a full consultation from the bartender on sour beers. It was great. Take note.

Petrus Aged Ale (sour beer): A little bite with a touch of sour. Not as sour as I’m used to, but still really good.

Seva

After a trip to the Detroit Science Center this past weekend, Jacki and I grabbed lunch at Seva, a vegan/vegetarian spot in Midtown, Detroit. Seva has been the top vegan restaurant in Ann Arbor, first opening in 1973, but has been a resident of Detroit for about 4 years. Seva showcases typical dishes that would normally include meat, only they put a vegan/vegetarian spin on them (think Reuben or Mushroom French Dip). Located in the back of the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art, Seva has indoor/outdoor seating and a bar area. Check it.

Atmosphere: 3.5 out of 5 bites

Price: 3.5 out of 5 bites

Quality/Taste: 4 out of 5 bites

Service: 4 out of 5 bites

Wow Factor: 4 out of 5 bites (creative menu)

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Northville Brewery & Winery Scary Spice Hard Cider: Seasonal cinnamon and nutmeg spiced hard cider. Since I was a huge Spice Girls fan as a girl, I couldn’t pass this up (Don’t judge, you know you were, too)! Crisp, light, sour, with a touch of spice. I was hesitant because I thought the cinnamon would be too much, but it was subtle.

Yam Fries: With spicy mayo and BBQ sauce. The fries were slightly sweet, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. The spicy mayo was my favorite of the two condiments adding just enough bite to the fries.

General Tso’s Cauliflower: Light tempura batter, sesame seeds, green onions,  sweet & sour chili sauce. Since General Tso Chicken is a favorite of mine, I had to order this. The cauliflower was so satisfying and I hardly missed the meat. The sauce was delicious, sweet, and the tempura batter was light and didn’t take away from the cauliflower.

The inside dining room consisted of exposed brick (which I love) high, wooden ceilings and delicate string lighting. The bar area was separate from the dining room and had an inviting lightness to it. Seva uses fresh, seasonal ingredients that will make you forget all about the meat. Seva offers Gluten Free items, weekly drink /food specials, and a happy hour menu with half priced appetizers and drinks. Next time, I want to swing by and check out their brunch menu. Mimosa’s, here I come!

Johnny Noodle King

Another best seller from the owners of Green Dot Stables, Johnny Noodle King is one of the few spots to score ramen in Detroit. Even though the menu has a lot of Japanese influence, Johnny Noodle King incorporates tastes from all over the world. Janet and I were lucky enough to score a seat at the counter right in front of all the action. See how they ranked.

Atmosphere: 4.5 out of 5 bites

Price: 4.5 out of 5 bites

Quality/Taste: 4 out of 5 bites

Service: 4.5 out of 5 bites

Wow Factor: 4 out of 5 bites

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We started off with a drink

Hitachino White Ale

“Shark Fin” Dumpling: House Made Dumpling · Shrimp · Sweet & Spicy Sauce. So good! Really fresh and light despite being fried.

Gong Bao (sauced): Chicken· Bell Pepper · Carrot · Scallion · Peanuts · Korean Chili Powder · Bean Sprouts · Garlic · Wide Rice Noodles. Spicy as shit! The Korean Chili was a little overpowering, but had good flavor. The peanuts added a nice crunch and saltiness to counteract the heat.

Southwest (brothed): Shredded Pork · Corn · Scallions · Pickled Poblano · Ricotta Salata · Cilantro. The best! If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for anything South of the border. This was everything I hoped for and then some. The broth was so flavorful and spicy without being too hot. The ricotta was a nice touch to add a creamy coolness and the fresh cilantro and corn were amazing. Who doesn’t like pickled pablanos? We went with the shredded pork versus the pork belly and it was a good choice. So tender and juicy.

Before

After

Service was great and they were packed even on a rainy Wednesday. It was the perfect day for ramen. We only waited about 10 min, but it was definitely worth it. This isn’t your ordinary dorm room ramen. Although, they do have it on the menu (comes plain, just noodles and broth for those less adventurous). I can’t wait to go back and try the Bacon Fried Rice  and the pork belly bun. Check it out!

Bangkok 96

Today on the Bite Tonight is Bangkok 96. Located on Telegraph Rd. in Dearborn, MI is a Thai restaurant that has been a neighborhood favorite for years. It’s no surprise that these guys were nominated for “Best Thai” in Detroit in 2008. See how they ranked.

Atmosphere: 4 out of 5 bites

Price: 4 out of 5 bites

Quality/Taste: 5 out of 5 bites

Service: 3.5 out of 5 bites

Wow Factor: 4 out of 5 bites (Portion size and taste).

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My Pick

Thai Fried Rice: Chicken, peas, carrots, green onion, and egg. This was the best fried rice I have ever tasted and the portion size was huge! Everything was perfect and each piece of rice was fried to perfection. There was  no clumps of white rice at all. I also love the exotic and colorful garnish.

Jacki’s Pick

Veggie Pad Thai: Rice noodles with bean sprouts, eggs,  carrots, pea pods, and green onions & topped with peanuts. A classic Thai favorite. I really liked that this sauce was light and not too sweet. Possibly my new favorite!

 The dining room was small, but was beautiful with it’s Thai culture and decor. Service was OK, food was delicious, and the portions were huge for the price. Bangkok 96 offers appetizers, lunch and dinner entrees, desserts, Thai Ice Tea, soup, and vegetarian options. Bangkok 96 even caters. The next time you have an event to plan, but don’t want boring old pizza, think of Bangkok 96.  Jacki, another dinner date is in store very soon!

Mercury Burger & Bar

Today on the Bite Tonight: Mercury Burger & Bar

Residing in Corktown, Detroit, on Michigan Ave, Mercury Burger & Bar is one of those places that you must visit. A neighbor of Slow’s BBQ and Mudgie’s Deli, Mercury Burger & Bar is adding it’s own flare to burgers. They have amped up some favorites by putting their own spin on fresh ingredients. The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, shakes, and hand cut fries. What goes best with a burger? Yep, you guessed it, beer! It is a bar after all, so Mercury offers a full bar including beer and liquor. See how they ranked.

Atmosphere: 3.5 out of 5 bites

Price: 3.5 out of 5 bites

Quality/Taste: 3.5 out of 5 bites

Service: 4 out of 5 bites

Wow Factor: 3 out of 5 bites (menu)

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My pick

Southwest Detroit: Burger topped with a chorizo slider, jalapeños, münster cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, and zanahorias (pickled spiced carrots). I also added green olives and Southwest ranch. Mercury does not skimp on the toppings, that’s for sure. I think they went a little crazy with the tortilla strips. I had to knock a handful off the burger just to taste the other toppings. I’d rather have more than not enough and they added a pleasant crunch with each bite. The Meunster cheese caught my eye and added a nice mellowness to the spicy, salty burger. The pickled spice carrots were subtle, but the vinegar was just enough to waken up my taste buds. The chorizo slider was smaller than I expected which was a good thing. It was juicy, spicy, and paired well with creamy avocado.

Josh’s Pick.

Bacon Cheddar Burger: With a fried egg, crispy onion straws, and Dreamland BBQ sauce. Messy, but tasty! The yolk from the egg acted as a rich, silky sauce and went well with the tangy, sweet, BBQ sauce. The crispy onion straws were not your usual wimpy thin straws, these were thick onion rings! Deliciously fried goodness.

Strawberry Milkshake: Sweet, creamy, with chunks of strawberry. Delicious, without that artificial strawberry taste.

Service was good and the staff did a good job at recommending items off the menu. I really liked that the menu wasn’t too large. There’s nothing more difficult than being faced with a bunch of choices when you’re as indecisive as me. I’m expected to only pick one or two things? C’mon! Mercury Burger & Bar offers a handful of items and they really put all their energy into doing those items right. There are pieces of Detroit incorporated into the item names (Eastern Market & Flint) and Mercury serves tater tots and poutine! Next time, I am ordering the Faygo Orange Creamsicle Milkshake. If you haven’t been, you have to check em out.