Food News: Menu Changes, Openings, and Events in Metro Detroit

Spring has sprung and so has the Detroit food scene
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The Hello Kitty cafe truck will make a pit stop at Great Lakes Crossing from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on April 21.

Winter is finally over (we hope). Bring on the beer, the wine, and the food trucks! Know of an event that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

 

In the News:

Voyager: Food & Wine magazine recently released their picks for “Restaurants of the Year.” This year’s winners include Ferndale’s Voyager. Opened in 2017 by Eli Boyer, Jennifer Jackson, and Justin Tootla, Voyager is one of the 10 restaurants that meet the magazine’s criteria, which includes creativity in the kitchen, exemplary service, and a captivating story.
Voyager, 600 Vester Ave., Ferndale; 248-658-4999; voyagerferndale.com

Mr. B’s Gastropub: Part of a larger revitalization effort, Mr. B’s Gastropub has added over 20 vintage and classic games to its location, making it the first-ever arcade in Royal Oak.  After adjusting menus and decor, owner and executive chef, Johnny Prepolec believed more could be done to evolve the gastropub. “Vintage arcades, where you not just have brand new video games, but vintage games, are really growing in popularity,” he says. “People are coming to it, and it has a group appeal.” Adults 21 and up will receive two free game tokens with drink purchases from 5-8 p.m., while kids will receive free tokens when dining with parents.
Mr. B’s Gastropub, 215 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-399-0017; mrbspub.com

Now Open

FOLK: FOLK Detroit is now open in Corktown, adding to Detroit’s expanding brunch scene. The all-day brunch and coffee cafe is the expansion of The Farmer’s Hand, a gourmet grocery shop that also offers take-out food. The cozy, 24 seat cafe serves comfort food made with locally sourced ingredients. Daily offerings include seasonal hash, biscuit sandwiches, espresso-based drinks, pastries, and craft ice cream.
FOLK Detroit, 1701 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; 313-290-5849; folkdetroit.com

The Standard: Influenced by French tradition and cuisine, James Beard Award-winning Chef Alex Young has opened a new restaurant and butcher shop The Standard Bistro & Larder in Ann Arbor. Hoping to carry the legacy of renowned chefs Julia Child and Jacques Pepin, The Standard’s menu features a large selection of gourmet French dishes like pot-au-feu and boudin blanc, as well as a full wine menu.
The Standard, 5827 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor; 734-263-2543; thestandardbistro.com

Menu Updates:

Cafe Cortina: This Farmington Hills’ Italian restaurant has expanded its menu with new vegan dishes. Along with a bigger menu, Cafe Cortina plans on opening an enclosed Chef’s Table Patio for private dining in a soon-to-be-planted garden.
Cafe Cortina, 30715 W. 10 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills; 248-474-3033; cafecortina.com

Ale Mary’s Beer Hall: This Royal Oak beer staple revamped its menu for the summer season. Adding to its recently released vegan menu, Ale Mary’s now serves vegan adult or virgin milkshakes in three flavors including Chocolate Banana and Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Ale Mary’s Beer Hall, 316 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-268-1939; alemarysbeer.com

El Club: Formerly known as Pepe Z, El Club’s pizza kitchen, now called E.C.’s Pizza, is tossing up three new pizzas. The MC5 (Meat City 5) is a red pie loaded with various meats. Abby’s Fav and Rosemary’s Kid are white pizza pies with featuring various toppings, including honey, caramelized onions, and mozzarella.
El Club, 4114 Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-279-7382; elclubdetroit.com

On Our Radar:

St. Julian Winery: Michigan-based winery and distillery St. Julian has announced that it will open a tasting room near Oakland Mall in Troy. Set to open in May, the retail space and tasting bar will sell St. Julian wines and liquors, by bottle or by the glass.

Events:

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck: Sanrio’s adorable kitty mascot comes to metro Detroit via cafe truck this month. As part of the company’s food-related venture, the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck has traveled across the country, selling pastries and limited-edition products in over 60 cities. On Saturday, April 21, the cafe truck will make a pit stop at Great Lakes Crossing, near the AMC Theatre, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. April 21.
Great Lakes Crossing, 4000 Baldwin Rd., Auburn Hills; 248-454-5000; greatlakescrossingoutlets.com

Le Petit Zinc: Recently opened in its new, Midtown location, will Le Petit Zinc host a Brunch After Dark event. The exclusive, limited-ticket event takes place after usual business hours and will feature menu samples, networking opportunities, and more. $20. April 21.
Le Petit Zinc, 70 W. Alexandrine St., Detroit; 313-963-2805; lepetitzincdetroit.com

Collaborative Pop-Up Dinner: Join these four women-run businesses for an intimate pop-up dinner at The Brooklyn Street Local. For two hours, the creators of Gabriel Hall, Relish Catering, Simple Goodness, and Sumptuous Spirits will discuss and celebrate community, culture, and food. Courses will be paired with wine and cocktails. $60. April 24.
The Brooklyn Street Local LLC, 1266 Michigan Ave., Detroit; Tickets

Chef’s Schoolyard: Seven of Detroit’s best-known chefs are cooking up a six-course dinner to benefit the restoration and renovation of Detroit Prep. Hosted by Grey Ghost’s Chefs John Vermiglio and Joe Giacomino, Chef’s Schoolyard will feature a silent auction, craft cocktails, and dishes from Chefs Kate Williams (Lady of the House), James Rigato (Mabel Gray), Anthony Lombardo (SheWolf), and more. $250+. April 30.
Great Lakes Culinary Center, 24101 W. 9 Mile Rd., Southfield; detroitprep.org/schoolyard

HopCat Royal Oak: Gather your lightsabers and fellow Jedis for a beer-filled night in a galaxy not so far away. In homage to Star Wars, HopCat and Short’s Brewing Company join forces for their “May the Short’s Be With You” event. Appropriately hosted on May 4, the “Star Wars & Space Balls” celebration will have exclusive Short’s beers on tap including The Empire Hops Back, Boba Brown, and Space Guns Pew Pew. May 4.
HopCat, 208 W. Fifth St., Royal Oak; 248-556-2202; hopcat.com/royal-oak

Zoo Brew: The Detroit Zoo’s seasonal beer event returns for the summer. Over 100 craft beers are on tap and ready to serve at Zoo Brew. Enjoy unique selections from Michigan breweries as the sun sets over the zoo. Tickets include 12 beer samples, with additional sampling tickets and food available for purchase. $30+. May 4.
Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; 248-541-5717; detroitzoo.org

Sausage Fest 2018: Nothing says summer like grilled sausages, hot dogs, and brats. Dine Drink Detroit will kick off summer with its annual Sausage Fest this May. Sample varieties of sausages, brats, and hot dogs and wash it down with beer or Faygo. Tickets include five sausage samples and one “Dad Beer” or Faygo. $20-$30+. May 11.
Shed #5 Eastern Market, 2934 Russell St., Detroit; 248-986-5336; dinedrinkdetroit.com

Royal Oak Wine Stroll: Benefitting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oakland and Macomb Counties, the 2018 Wine Stroll returns with wine and hors d’oeuvres from some of the city’s best eateries. Participating restaurants include Gusoline Alley, Lily’s Seafood Grille & Brewery, Jolly Pumpkin, and more. Tickets include a food and wine sample from each participating venue.  $40+. May 19.
Royal Oak; dineroyaloak.org

Michigan Wine & Cider Festival: Wine and cider connoisseurs rejoice! The Michigan Wine & Hard Cider Festival returns to Eastern Market, bringing a large selection of wines and ciders to sample and purchase. Featured wineries and cider mills include Leelanau Cellars, Chateau Grand Traverse, Blake’s Hard Cider, and plenty more. Tickets include ten sample vouchers and a take-home tasting glass. $35+. May 24.
Eastern Market, 2934 Russell St., Detroit; 517-284-5790; michiganwines.com/festival