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

Farewell to Russell Street Deli, welcoming Karl’s in the Siren Hotel, and gearing up for fall food events
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Karl's - metro detroit food
Karl’s photograph courtesy of Christian Harder 2019

This month, locals said goodbye to a classic Detroit eatery and welcomed in a handful of new dining selections. Now, as the fall season quickly approaches, we’re looking forward to even more restaurant openings and seasonal events.

In The News 

Detroit-style Pizza: This month, national food website Delish attempted to answer the question “What is Detroit-style pizza?” The short piece features pictures of cheesy pies from local favorites Cloverleaf Pizza and Buddy’s Pizza. delish.com    

Now Open 

Friend & Associate: Helmed by the award-winning chef Christopher Johnson, the Greektown newcomer focuses on seasonal cooking. Current menu items include Ricotta Agnolotti, BBQ Quail, and Spice Roasted Carrot Dip. A full lineup of beer, wine, and cocktails, along with a Sunday brunch menu, are also available. Friend & Associate, 501 Monroe, Detroit; 313-306-2221; friendandassociate.com 

Karl’s: This new vintage-style eatery offers up a modern take on luncheonette classics. Situated on the second floor of The Siren Hotel in downtown Detroit, Karl’s is led by executive chef Kate Williams, of Lady of the House. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served alongside an expansive bakery selection. Karl’s, 1509 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-855-2757; karlsdetroit.com 

Café Immortelle: Opening in late July, this Troy-based cafe serves up drinks made with coffee from Populace Coffee and tea from Eli Tea Bar. The menu also features food items, including a Spanish Sardine Open Sandwich and croissants. Café Immortelle, 4979 Livernois Rd., Troy; 248-250-9858; facebook.com/cafeimmortelle

Huddle Soft Serve: The owners of Eastern Market-based Gather and Collect have launched an ice cream counter around the corner from the Shinola Hotel in downtown Detroit. The walk-up shop specializes in soft-serve concoctions as well as inventive floats featuring Vernors, Rock and Rye, Coke, or Root Beer. Huddle Soft Serve, 2 John R St., Detroit; instagram.com/huddle.detroit 

Huddle Soft Serve
Huddle Soft Serve photo courtesy of Bedrock

Closings

Russell Street Deli: News first broke in April that the Eastern Market staple would shut down following a dispute with their new landlord. Although the eatery was initially expected to close at the end of September, Russel Street Deli is closing up shop on Aug. 31. In a Facebook post, the restaurant shared that all its employees were able to successfully find new employment opportunities in advance of the original closing date. Closing on Aug. 31 also allows Russel Street Deli to focus on its wholesale soup business ahead of the fall season. Russell Street Deli, 2465 Russell St., Detroit; 313-567-2900; russellstreetdeli.com 

Updates 

Ford Field: The stadium’s executive chef has unveiled new food offerings ahead of the Lions’ 2019 season. New options include locally sourced beef jerky, waffle tacos, Nashville hot chicken loaded fries, and a build-your-own stuffed potato cart. Wahlburgers will also debut at Ford Field. Ford Field, 2000 Brush St., Detroit; 313-262-2000; fordfield.com

Rose’s Fine Food: The Detroit diner has started serving beer, wine, and cocktails. Its new beverage menu features mimosas, bloody Marys, a rotating cider selection, wine spritzers, and more. Customers can also buy to-go wine bottles. Rose’s Fine Food, 10551 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; rosesfinefood.com 

On Our Radar 

White Wolf Japanese Patisserie: Opening in early September in Clawson, this bakery and specialty coffee shop will serve espresso, drip, cold-brew and more from roasters ranging from Michigan to Portland and San Francisco to Colorado. The shop embraces traditional Japanese baking, which will be evident in its breads. But French-inspired croissants, Danishes, and pastries will also be available. White Wolf Japanese Patisserie, 31 E. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson, whitewolfbakery.com 

Alma Kitchen: Inspired by its founders’ heritages, Alma Kitchen will open in fall 2019 and serve up locally sourced cultural dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menu items will include Creamsicle French Toast, Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffle, Birra Quesadilla, Wild Mushroom Mac & Cheese, Vegan Mapo Tofu, Fried Catfish, and Corn Cake and Honey Ice Cream. Alma Kitchen, 14300 E. Jefferson Ave., 248-376-8048; mialmakitchen.com

The Highlands: The Renaissance Center is gaining new residents in the form of James Beard Award-winning chef Shawn McClain’s latest dining concepts. Expected to open in November on the building’s 71st and 72nd floors, the Highlands is comprised of a high-end steakhouse, a more intimate dining concept, cocktail lounge, and private event space. The Highlands, 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit;  highlandsdetroit.com

Pink FlaminGo to Go: Pink Flamingo, a farm-to-table food truck, is opening a carryout restaurant near Plamer Park on Sept. 22. PinkFlaminGo to Go will offer grab-and-go salads, quarts of soups, and house-made condiments and beverages. Pink FlaminGo to Go, 17740 Woodward Ave., Detroit; guerillafooddetroit.com 

Pink FlaminGo to Go
Pink FlaminGo to Go, photographed during renovations above, will open in September. // Photograph courtesy of Meiko Krishok

Upcoming Events  

Arts Beats and Eats: The annual Labor Day weekend event offers attendees a large selection of food from the area’s top restaurants, a lineup of wine and craft beer, as well as music performances and art displays. Aug. 30-Sept. 2. $3+. Downtown Royal Oak; 248-541-7550; artsbeatseats.com 

Yates Fall Cider Pressing Begins: Join the Rochester Hills cider mill as it celebrates the first pressing of its fall 2019 apple harvest on Aug. 30. Donut and cider samplings will be available. The event also kicks off a weekend of activities, including pony rides, petting farm, face painting, and a scavenger hunt. Aug. 30-Sept. 1. No cost for admission. Yates Cider Mill, 1990 E. Avon Rd., Rochester Hills; 248-651-8300; yatescidermill.com 

The Great American Lobster Fest: This traveling seafood festival is making its way to Detroit in September. Food options include fried lobster on a stick, lobster tacos, lobster rolls, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cub, crab boil, and more. Sept. 13-15. No cost for admission. 1 Hart Plaza, americanlobsterfest.com

Brews, BBQ & Bourbon: An all-ages festival, gather at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre next month for a variety of barbecue vendors, craft beer, bourbon, and live entertainment. Sept. 20-22. No cost for admission. Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, 14900 Metro Pkwy, Sterling Heights; facebook.com/brewbbqbourbon

 Detroit Foodie Fair 2019: The one-day event will showcase small bites, hand-crafted kitchen wares, and other foodie treats made by locals. Sept. 22. No cost. Eastern Market Shed 5, 2934 Russell St., Detroit; detroitfoodiefair.com


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