Food News: Events, Openings, Menu Changes, and More

What’s new in metro Detroit’s dining scene
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Menu selections featured at Axle Brewing’s Kon-Tiki dinner event. // Photograph courtesy of Axle Brewing’s Livernois Tap

Events:

On Feb. 24., Axle Brewing’s Livernois Tap in Ferndale will host Kon-Tiki, a Polynesian Dinner event. It’s inspired by the heritages of Chef Elliott Patti, who hails from Hawaii, and Sous Chef Moses Fishman, who was born in Peru. Notable entrees include Ahi Sashimi, Hawaiian Pizza Egg Rolls, Arroz Co Pato, and Hot Shrimp Ceviche. Tickets include three Axle beers. $45.
Axle Brewing Co., 567 Livernois Ave., Ferndale; 248-284-2422; axlebrewing.com

On Feb. 25., House of Pure Vin will host its monthly “Last Sunday Supper Pure Vin Experience,” featuring cuisine from River Bistro’s Chef Max Hardy. Guests will enjoy a Southern-inspired three-course meal, including passed hors d’oeuvres, main entrees, and dessert. The meal includes perfectly paired wine selections, as well as an autographed copy of Hardy’s new cookbook.
House of Pure Vin, 1433 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-638-2501; houseofpurevin.com

On March 4, Atwater in the Park will bring together Girl Scout Cookies and Beer. For the first-ever Cookie and Beer Pairing Day, the brewery has teamed up with a local Girl Scout troop to serve craft beers and goodies. Ticket prices include five pairings and a coupon for $2 off an AIP beer growler. Boxes of Girl Scout Cookies will also be available for purchase. $20.
Atwater in the Park, 1175 Lakepointe St., Grosse Pointe Park; 313-344-5104; atwaterbeer.com

On March 10, the first Winter Beer Carnival will take place in the Chevrolet Plaza at Little Caesars Arena. Hosted by Pulp Detroit and Sports & Social Detroit, the outdoor event will feature specialty beers from several local breweries including Atwater, Short’s, Founders, and more. The carnival will also feature food trucks, giant board games, and classic carnival games. Ticket includes five 8 ounce beers and free games. $40. Chevrolet Plaza, 2510 Woodward Ave., Detroit; detroitbeercarnival.com

On March 11, head to Corktown for green beer, whiskey, and plenty of Irish comfort food. The 8th annual Corktown Paddy’s Parade Party will feature live music, food and beer tents, and more. Ages 21 and up. $15+.
Corktown, 2000 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 855-536-5433; corktownpaddy.com

Learn about healthy, natural living at Naturalista Life’s inaugural Natural Living Expo on March 23-26. The expo will feature activities, demonstrations, and panels that encourage healthy lifestyle practices and natural dietary choices. Award-winning actress Kimberly Elise will serve as one of the many guest panelists, discussing plant-based nutrition and veganism.
Cobo Center, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-877-8777; anaturalistalife.com

Openings and Menu Changes:

After a last-minute closure due to “maintenance issues,” Detroit’s Huron Room reemerged on Valentine’s Day as Fist of Curry, serving twists on the traditional Indian cuisine. Menu options include various curries, like Tikki Masala made with grilled chicken thigh, a cream drizzle, and  pepitas, and a “?Curry-Osity?” mystery selection for, “curious eaters only.”
Fist of Curry, 2547 Bagley Ave., Detroit; 313-265-3325; huronroom.com

Announced earlier this month, Culantro, an upcoming Peruvian restaurant, is set to open in Ferndale in April. Replacing Southern Belle’s Bistro, the restaurant will serve authentic Peruvian dishes like Pan con Chicharron, a traditonal fried pork sandwich, served with sweet potato fries.
Culantro, 22939 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-346-4926; culantroperu.com

News:

Earlier this month, the James Beard Foundation announced its prestigious James Beard Award semifinalists. Michigan-based restaurants and chefs are nominated in five different categories: Lady of the House in Detroit for Best New Restaurant; Zingerman’s Delicatessen in Ann Arbor for the Outstanding Service Award; Chef Lena Sareini of Selden Standard for the Rising Star Chef of the Year Award; and both Chef Thomas Lents of the Detroit Foundation Hotel and Chef James Rigato of Mabel Gray are up for the Best Chef: Great Lakes Award. The official list of finalists will be announced on March 14.

New York-based food truck turned international franchise, The Halal Guys announced that it will be bringing its famous gyro and chicken dishes to Michigan. While locations aren’t yet confirmed, the brand will be opening five brick-and-mortar locations in Washtenaw and Wayne Counties, according to a release. The first location is scheduled to open sometime this year. thehalalguys.com