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

Take a bite out of these new hot spots and say farewell to some local favorites
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Pao Detroit
Pao Detroit photograph by Hayden Stinebaugh

Metro Detroit’s food scene continues to expand as another summer month comes to a close. Enjoy these eclectic eateries and foodie events as August approaches.

In the News

Marrow: Eater has named Detroit butcher shop and eatery Marrow one of the 16 Best New Restaurants in America. Promoting local, healthy, sustainable foods, the Detroit hotspot is run by Executive Chef Sarah Welch and Owner Ping Ho. Eater’s list features the best spots from cities like Dallas, Portland, and Long Island. eater.com

Now Open

Charlie’s Still on Main: Specializing in bourbon, Charlie’s Still on Main has officially opened its doors to the public. Their interior is full of reclaimed wood, recycled church pews, and southern comfort food with a Michigan twist like the Smothered Chicken and Grilled Watermelon and Feta Salad. The Milford eatery and bar offers live music every night and an unrivaled selection of bourbon and whiskey. Charlie’s Still on Main, 525 N. Main St. Suite 200, Milford; 248-676-9978

Babo: This gourmet, all-day diner popped up in Midtown Detroit this month. The diner features products from socially responsible, local, small batch producers. Stop in for breakfast for the Crème Brûlée French Toast, or dinner to enjoy Pasta al Limone or Seared Salmon. Located right next to the Qline Ferry Street Station, Babo is as accessible as it is delicious. Babo, 15 E. Kirby St., Suite 115, Detroit; babodetroit.com

Pao Detroit: Located in the former Michigan Oriental Theater, Pao Detroit is a Pan-Asia eatery. In addition to its menu crafted by Chef Howie Barnes, the restaurant’s extensive cocktail menu is perfect for happy hour. From King Crab Truffle Gnocchi to the 48-Hour Lamb Lollipop, the menu is eclectic with deep Asian roots. Keeping aspects of the theater interior, Pao offers a memorable dining experience. Pao Detroit, 114 W. Adams, Detroit; 313-816-0000; paodetroit.com

El Zocalo: El Zocalo, a popular Mexican restaurant in Southwest Detroit, closed its doors in 2016. The space was recently purchased for $1.2 million by Dennis Kefallinos. The controversial Detroit building collector is notorious for allowing his properties to reach unsightly states, but he reopened the restaurant earlier in July in the same space, three years after its initial closing. El Zocalo, 3400 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-451-8374

Closings

Cellarmen’s: After the 2016 passing of founding partner Jason Petrocik, co-owner Dominic Calzetta says that the Cellarmen’s family took a big step back to reevaluate. The Hazel Park brewery closed its doors on July 27.

Updates

Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles: The popular Detroit eatery, which made our metro Detroit wing roundup, shut down on July 16 for some major renovations. Reopening in November, Kuzzo’s staff and management have been fairly hush about what changes will be made. The closing times up perfectly with the Livernois construction that has been dramatically effecting business. Kuzzos’ Chicken and Waffles, 19345 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-861-0229; kuzzoschickenandwaffles.com

Cold Truth: The Eastern Market soft serve window with a vegan twist closed abruptly after issues with its licensing. Cold Truth owner, Timothy Mahoney, is currently searching for new space in the same area. In the meantime, locals can enjoy Cold Truth’s treats from Grandma Bob’s, which is now the ice cream maker’s permanent summer home. instagram.com/coldtruth313    

On Our Radar

Leila Detroit: This cosmopolitan Lebanese restaurant is expected to open in mid-August on Griswold Street. Owned by the creators of Phoenicia in Birmingham, Leila will serve as a more casual option for anyone craving a taste of Lebanon. Leila Detroit, 1249 Griswold St., Detroit; leiladetroit.com

Breakfast Loft: Situated in the former Key Club nightclub space, The Breakfast Loft is set to open on Sept. 8. This brunch spot will include a large patio and private dining spaces. Customers can expect seafood omelets, sweet potato pancakes, as well as plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Breakfast Loft, 1440 Franklin St., Detroit; 313-209-8804

Events

Troy Restaurant Week: Every year, popular Troy restaurants hand craft special menus in order to participate in Troy’s Restaurant Week. This year’s participants include The Melting Pot, Morton’s, Ocean Prime, Sedona Taphouse, Steelhouse Tavern, Eddie V’s, and more. Aug. 18-23. Pricing varies by location. troyrestaurantweek.com

Hazel’s Lobster Pound: Hazel, Ravines and Downtown may be revered for its burgers, but it’s seafood shouldn’t be passed up either. For a limited time, the eatery has transformed into a celebration of all things lobsters, appropriately titled Hazel’s Lobster Pound. The menu, which will last until Aug. 11, features lobster rolls, fried clams, fish and chips, and a lobster dinner. Through Aug. 11. Pricing varies. Hazel, Ravines and Downtown, 1 Peabody St., Birmingham; hrd.kitchen


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