Picks

3067
Photograph by Joe Vaughn

PICKLES & RYE  

It’s something of a compromise. In a tradition-meets-the-gluten-free era, old-fashioned deli fare typified by towering corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, potato latkes, and matzo ball soup share the menu with three-grain wraps filled with quinoa, barley, spinach, and avocado, and sweet potato and lentil salads. Breakfast is served all day, tables are uncovered, and the young staff is polite and friendly. The spruced-up setting offers booths and tables against soothing gray walls. The enterprise replaces Deli Unique, of which the proprietors, Rick Therrien and Linda Collins, are alums. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield; 248-737-3890. B, L, & D daily. $16

B SPOT BURGERS

Burgers, indeed, but the B also stands for craft beers and bourbon, giving this appealing spot a personality of its own. The burgers, made with chef/proprietor Michael Symon’s custom blend of beef and served on glossy brioche buns, are impressive even without the dozens of embellishments. Lola fries — the thin, crisp rosemary-accented potatoes named for Symon’s flagship restaurant in Cleveland — are a must. Salads and other sandwiches round out the menu. The setting is casual, as the roll of paper towels on each table attests. Symon is known for the happy hour at Roast, and there’s also a good one here from 3-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri. At press time, B Spot was also planning a Royal Oak location at 310 S. Main St. Village of Rochester Hills, 176 N. Adams Rd., Rochester Hills; 248-218-6001. L & D daily. $15