Molly’s Picks: Fist of Curry and The Greek Restaurant & Bar

Restaurant veteran Molly Abraham noshes around town, tracking down some top spots
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Fist of Curry: The Lion Salad with cucumbers, greens, onion, arugula, Thai chili, curry leaves, radish, peanut, and tamari vin.

FIST OF CURRY /// Curry dishes from countries like Jamaica and India to Japan star on the tightly focused menu at the former Huron Room, with chef Les Molnar in the kitchen. Just seven entrees, from coconut crab to Jamaican jerk brisket, are served with basmati rice in the corner spot in Mexicantown. Appetizers include beer cheese soup and fried cauliflower. The bar emphasizes beer as an accompaniment to the fare. The proprietors in addition to Molnar include his wife Jessica and Jacques and Christine Driscoll, who managed the turnaround from the Huron Room in record time in mid-February. 2547 Bagley Ave., Detroit; 313-265-3325. D Mon-Thurs., L & D Fri. $12

THE GREEK RESTAURANT & BAR /// Plaka Café was a presence on Monroe Street for many years, and now its space is in the hands of the founders’ children. Christina Karadimas Hapipis and her brother Dino Karadimas took the Plaka interior down to the bare walls and started from scratch hoping to appeal to a younger crowd. They’ve added dishes well beyond the expected Greek specialties but named it The Greek to underscore their heritage. They added a liquor license and lounge-like atmosphere with seating at all high tables. Notable dishes include house-made spinach pie, lemon rice soup, grilled chicken wings, and burgers with hand-cut fries. 535 Monroe Ave., Detroit; 313-209-6667. L& D daily. $12