September 2019 Food News: The Latest on the Metro Detroit Culinary Scene

Besa in Detroit welcomes a new executive chef, Ochre Bakery receives national press, and Anna Arbor’s Frita Batidos prepares for the launch of its Detroit location
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Besa
Besa’s new executive chef, Nick Geftos, launches new lunch and dinner menus next month. // Photograph courtesy of Besa

Metro Detroit foodies welcomed in the beginning of fall with fresh restaurants, new menu announcements, and plenty of tasty events. From the appointment of a new executive chef at Besa to Ochre Bakery ranking high in Bon Appetite magazine, here’s what you need to know.

In the News

Ochre Bakery: Bon Appetite magazine released its Hot 10 list, detailing the 10 best new restaurants in America. Detroit’s Ochre Bakery was ranked at No. 4. Read about the extensive pastry selection and perfectly scrambled eggs at bonappetit.com.

Now Open

Savant: Serving “bumps” of caviar with champagne chasers, Savant opened its doors on Sept. 24 and offers a truly decadent experience. In addition to their French inspired menu, bartender Rebecca Wurster offers countless original cocktails including a “drinkable cheese plate” with gruyere-infused gin. Savant, 51 W. Forest St., Detroit; 313-555-4567.; savantmidtown.com

Pink FlaminGo To Go: Owned by Guerrilla Food, the Pink Flamingo food truck is a North Corktown staple. Fans of the seasonal food truck can now order carry out, year-round, from the Pink FlaminGo to Go. The spot’s grand opening Brunch Party, hosted on Sept. 29, featured farm-to-table dishes like roasted garlic and herb potatoes, cinnamon raisin walnut bread, and mushroom gravy. Pink Flamingo To Go; 17740 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-826-1454; guerillafooddetroit.com

Paramita Sound: This former record store closed its door last year in West Village. Reopening with the addition of a beer and wine bar, Paramita Sound can now be found outside the main entrance Siren Hotel. Headed by the former bar manager of Flowers of Vietnam, Anna Atanassova has compiled the menu filled with red wine, white wine, and sparkling roses. Paramita Sound, 1515 Broadway St., Suite C., Detroit; 313-433-6494; paramitasound.com

Smith & Co: Opened on Sept. 20 in the Cass Corridor, Smith & Co is a 7,000-square-foot restaurant that overlooks a shared courtyard. The restaurant’s menu includes wagyu burgers with eggs, carne asada bowls, coffee pot de crème donuts, and banana bread pudding. Smith & Co, 644 Selden St., Detroit; 313-974-7100; smithandcodetroit.com

Closing

Kim’s Restaurant: Extremely popular among Troy residents, Kim’s Restaurant was an American and Chinese food eatery that closed its doors on Aug. 31. After 44 years of business, the Yee family announced their retirement. Kim’s Restaurant, 102 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy; 248-524-9207

Patrick J’s Irish Pub: This downtown Berkley pub closed with little to no notice this month. City Council members confirmed the closure, but representatives from Patrick J’s weren’t available for comment. Owner, Bob Bronstein, also owns the 24 Seconds Bar and Grill across the street from the pub. Patrick J’s Irish Pub, 3052 12 Mile Rd., Berkley; 248-268-3909

River Bistro Detroit: Chef Maxcel Hardy’s Caribbean-soul restaurant is closing its doors. The restaurant, which received great praise and reviews while open, served up recipes by Hardy’s grandmother. River Bistro Detroit, 18456 Grand River Ave., Detroit 

Updates

Besa: The Detroit restaurant is welcoming a new executive chef. Nicholas Geftos was most recently the chef de cuisine at Plum Market and Iridescent at MotorCity Casino. His new lunch and dinner menus for Besa launch on Oct. 7. Besa, 600 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-315-3000; besadetroit.com 

On Our Radar

Frita Batidos: Following four years of planning, Ann Arbor’s Cuban-influenced burger spot is opening a location in Detroit on Oct. 2. With a mix of beef, chorizo, and chicken burger patties and delicious milkshakes, the new location will expand on the Ann Arbor location’s menu. Adding ginger rice bowls, salads, and sandwiches, the new menu is even more lunch-friendly. Frita Batidos, fritabatidos.com

Sheeba Restaurant: Sheeba Restaurant is a growing chain of Yemeni restaurants, opening its newest location in West Dearborn. Their modern take of ancient food includes dishes like Seltah and Fahsah as well as tabbouleh and falafel. Sheeba Restaurant, 13919 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-724-6887; sheebarestaurant.com

Mink: Set to open later this fall, Mink has already hosted a few successful pop-ups for the Hazel Park community. Sister restaurant to the popular eatery and butcher shop, Marrow, Mink will feature oysters, shrimp rolls, and vegetarian options on its menu. Mink, 1701 Trumbull Ave., Detroit

Upcoming Events

Wine Bash Detroit: This 21-and-older event will feature booth from wineries from around the world. Along with wine samples, a ticket to this event guarantees a night full of live music, prizes, and wine education. Oct. 4. $50+. Galleri 2987, 2987 Franklin St., Detroit; socialpowerhour.com 

Donut Fest: Held at Eastern Market Brewing Co., this tasting event will feature donuts, beer, and coffees. Donut Fest typically draws in between 8-10 vendors, all bringing their best donuts for trying. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Hospitality Fund. Oct. 6. $35+. Eastern Market Brewing Co., 2515 Riopelle St., Detroit; socialpowerhour.com 

Heidelburgers: An Edible Art Experience: The outdoor art environment in the heart of Detroit has become a city staple. With plans to launch the Heidelberger’s Restaurant, this event will showcase the upcoming restaurant’s menu, an art exhibition, and official tour of the new Heidelberg Campus. Oct. 19. $40. Heidelberg Headquarters Guest House, 3442 McDougall St., Detroit; heidelberg.org