January 2020 Food News: The Latest on the Metro Detroit Culinary Scene

A Japanese-French bakery opens in Clawson, Bistro 82 serves its last entrees, and Chef Max Hardy prepares for two dinners at Frame
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Chef Max Hardy Frame
Frame will host two dinners with Chef Max Hardy next month. // Photograph courtesy of Joe Vaughn

In the News

Karl’s: Like many locals who have experienced Karl’s, which opened in the Siren Hotel last year, Bon Appetite was enamored by the new restaurant’s interior. Calling out the jukebox, tile, memorabilia, and placemats, Alex Beggs, the food publication’s senior staff writer, claimed the details in the space “celebrate the city’s history.” Read more at bonappetite.com. 

Now Open

Thai Princess: The Okemos-based authentic Thai restaurant debuted its second Michigan location in Royal Oak earlier this month. What the 800-square-foot restaurant lacks in space it makes up for in passion and flavor with dishes like noodle soups, fried rice, and curries featured on the menu. The space is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and carry out is available. Thai Princess, 515 S Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak; 248-543-7210; thaiprincessmi.com

White Wolf Patisserie: The new shop, focusing on French and Japanese baked goods, opened on Jan. 14 in Clawson. The space serves cakes, savory breads, tea, and coffee. White Wolf Bakery, 31 E. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson; 248-268-3349; whitewolfbakery.com

Closings

Bistro 82: Hour Detroit’s Restaurant of the Year in 2017 served its last entrees on Jan. 25. The Royal Oak eatery will be available for private event rentals, and the SCL nightclub upstairs portion will still be open on the weekends. The restaurant closed its doors after nearly six years. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak; 248-542-0082; bistro82.com

Savannah’s in Trenton: The southern-style restaurant shut its doors after five years of serving in Trenton. Savannah’s was expected to close in February, but an unexpected lack of staff caused the owners to cancel the last reservations. Savannah’s in Trenton, 2156 W. Jefferson, Trenton; 734.692.5888; savannahs.biz

 Updates

Amici’s: The 15-year-old Berkley spot was sold to fans of the popular pizza place, Tim and Laura Kenrick, and is now going by Amici’s Kitchen and Living Room. The new owners of the neighborhood favorite plan to keep the original spirit of Amici’s Pizza intact, while introducing a slightly refreshed menu. The restaurant will remain open throughout the changeover of owners, allowing loyal customers to continue frequenting the spot. Amici’s, 3249 12 Mile Rd., Berkley; 248-544-4100; amicispizza.com

Noble Fish Sushi and Market: After 10 months of renovations, Noble Fish had its grand re-opening on Jan. 14. The menu remains the same at the 30-year-old Japanese grocery store and sushi bar, but the space has expanded to better fit its customer size. Noble Fish Sushi and Market, 45 E. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson; 248-585-2314; noblefish.com

On Our Radar

Detroit Axe East: Detroit Axe, an axe-throwing venue that serves food and drink in Ferndale, is opening another metro Detroit location in Clinton Township. The new space will go by Detroit Axe East. Reservations can be booked in advance online. Detroit Axe East, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Twp.; 248-291-5650; detroitaxe.com

Street Beet: After operating as a pop-up since 2018, Street Beet will be a permanent resident at Third Street Detroit starting in early February. According to Metro Times, the vegan pop-up’s food will be available at the bar four days a week. Customers can expect items from Street Beet’s Taco Hell, McDaddy’s, and Kentucky Fake Chicken to appear on the menu. Third Street Detroit, 4626 Third Ave., Detroit; 313-833-0603; streetbeetdetroit.com  

Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles: Planning to reopen in February, the popular Avenue of Fashion restaurant has been in renovation mode since July of this past year. Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles is, of course, known for its chicken and waffles as well as other southern comforts and homestyle sides and extras. Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles, 19345 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-861-0229; kuzzoschickenandwaffles.com

Upcoming Events

Hazel’s Crab Trap: The Birmingham eatery is refreshing its menu for several weeks this winter.  Going by Hazel’s Crab Trap, the restaurant’s menu consists entirely of fresh seafood options, such as Stone Crab Claws, Barbecue Shrimp, as well as warm-weather favorites like frozen margaritas and key lime pie. Through Feb. 16. Pricing varies. Hazel, Ravines and Downtown, 1 Peabody St., Birmingham; 248-671-1714; hrd.kitchen

Celebrating Black History Month with Chef Max Hardy: In honor of Black History Month in February, Frame in Hazel Park will hold a two-part dinner party helmed by Chef Max Hardy. Chef Cedric Andrews will join Hardy for the first dinner  on Feb. 11, while Chef Taz will join Hardy on Feb. 25. Both dinners are accompanied by visual performance art by Gerald Collins. Feb. 11 and 25. $70 per person for each dinner. Frame, 23839 John R Rd #2, Hazel Park; 248-291-5711; framehazelpark.com

Super Bowl Sunday: Chili Cookoff: Detroit Shipping Co. is holding a chili cookoff on Super Bowl Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. Three lucky winners will take home a prize in chili categories of best DSC restaurant, best vegetarian/vegan, and best meat. Feb. 2. Detroit Shipping Co., 474 Peterboro St., Detroit; 313-462-4973; detroitshippingcompany.com