Food News: Openings, Closings, and Events in Metro Detroit

The end of summer is quickly approaching but the fun’s not over yet
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Food News - August teaserAugust has arrived! Here are the new restaurants, cafes, and festivals to try in the last month of summer. Know of something we missed? Let us know in the comments below.


In the News: 

Anchor Bar: Detroit’s 60-year-old Anchor Bar, a long-time haunt for fans of the Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings, will be sold to Detroit developer Zaid Elia, of Parc restaurant in Camp Martius and 220 Merrill in Birmingham. The deal is predicted to close sometime in late September for an undisclosed price in the seven-figure range. 450 W. Fort St., Detroit; 313-964-9127; anchorbardetroit.business.site  

Plastic Free: Starbucks was not alone when it announced in July that it would be eliminating plastic straws from its locations. Several Detroit food establishments have already joined or are planning on joining the Straw-Free movement including Otus Supply, MGM Resorts International, One-Eyed Betty’s, HopCat, and more.

Lady of The House: Food & Wine magazine writes about the beautiful, antique dinnerware that Chef Kate Williams uses to serve all her most buzzed-about dishes. It’s another nod to the eclectic nature of the restaurant, and the idea that dining should always be a total sensory experience. 1426 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-818-0218; ladyofthehousedetroit.com  


Now Open

Chili Mustard Onions: Finally, the city’s first vegan coney island has arrived, and believe us when we say, the wait has been too long. The Brush Park shop is small, with space for just about 30 people, but offers a delicious selection of meatless coney dogs, chili cheese fries, “beetball” subs, nachos, and sweet fare including soft-serve ice cream and cheesecake. 3411 Brush St., Detroit; 313-290-5849; facebook.com/chillimustardonions 

Peacock Indian Cuisine: A “fine-casual” restaurant serving traditional Indian fare including samosas, saag paneer, chana masala, and butter chicken opened in Dearborn in late July. Though its first day was reportedly chaotic, it’s been a few weeks, so it might be worth a visit if you’re craving masala. 13736 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 248-756-2585; peacockindiancuisine.com

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters: With a flagship café in Rochester, a second location in Detroit’s Capitol Park area, the popular coffee shop opened a third location in Royal Oak on Aug. 7. The 3,200 square-foot space can comfortably seat 80 people, and is decked in a sleek, industrial design featuring garage-door windows. The space will also host live music events so don’t forget to check it out. 115 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-307-7161; docr.coffee


Sadly Closed

Andiamo Royal Oak: Shortly after debuting a new Fenton location, the owner of the well-regarded Italian restaurant chain announced that the Royal Oak location would be closing due to a series of failed rent negotiations and problems with the parking lot. This closing comes after the restaurant’s push to appeal to a younger crowd by updating the menu and renovating the interior.

Fist of Curry: Short and spicy was the theme of this 5-month venture into the world of international curries by Inlaws Hospitality, which also owns Johnny Noodle King and Green Dot Stables. The group is working on a more permanent idea for the space.


Events:

Savor Food & Wine Festival: Hour Detroit’s Savor Food & Wine Festival is a two-day extravaganza at the Detroit Zoo that showcases fine wines, craft beers, and gourmet bites. $65. Aug. 10 and 11. 8540 W. 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak; detroitzoo.org/events/zoo-events/savor/

Detroit Sushi Festival: Hosted by Shamrock Events, the festival, open to those 21 and older, will feature a wide variety of vendors including Biwako Sushi, Sushi Town, 888 Sushi, and live entertainment. Every ticket will also come with souvenir chopsticks. $40+. Aug. 24. Shed 3 Eastern Market, 2934 Russell St., Detroit; 248-986-5336; detroitsushifest.com