The Detroit Foodie

Nestled within the Live Coal Gallery in Detroit’s historic Woodbridge neighborhood is the quaint cafe/bakery known as Common Table. They make a lovely variety of carefully crafted delicious homemade goods including muffins, pies, turnovers, breakfast sandwiches, and more. It’s their last week at their current location (before moving to the Grand River Creative Corridor) so stop by on Saturday (8am-3pm) or Tuesday (6-9pm).

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Location: 5029 Trumbull Detroit, MI | Phone: (313) 355-2273

Eastern Market’s newest restaurant, Antietam, fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinally opened this past Friday!!! Below is a sneak peek of the busslin’ restaurant/bar. It has an art deco theme, along with a French inspired menu. Stay tuned….review coming soon!

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Location: 1428 Gratiot Ave Detroit, MI

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Visit Motor City Wine tonight for a special Father’s Day dinner (starts at 5:00pm):

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LAMB SHANK STROGANOFF $10
Charred Dinosaur Kale + Orzo + Golden Beet

TUBESTEAK FLIGHT $10  
Hoison Brat (Siracha Mayo + Thai Cucumber + Puffed Rice)
Inca Dog (Beef Frank + Quinoa Chili + Shallot + Cheddar + Truffle Mustard) 
Italian Sausage (Caramelized Onions + Roasted Peppers)

SMOKED PERCH PATE $8 
Chimichurri + Pickled Red Onion + Garlic Crostini)

TIGER STADIUM MALT CUP $5

Tucked away in the Mexicantown Fiesta Hall (across the street from Clark Park), is Detroit’s latest pop-up concept - Lagos. Tunde Wey has crafted Lagos (also the name of his hometown) as a tribute to his native Nigerian roots. This pop-up restaurant gives Detroiters a chance to experience a little slice of Africa. Everything from the lighting, dancehall music, refreshing cocktails, smoked meats, and highly aromatic side dishes set the tone in creating an atmosphere that is distinctly Lagos.

Dining is done family style. Think communal seating, bowls of food being passed around, and when the supply runs low a prompt delivery of refilled baskets of food comes fresh out of the kitchen! Another lovely touch, the food is served on Nigerian newsprint paper (see above) which is also how street food in Lagos is served. Pretty cool!

Ok, so you wanna know about the food. It was great! There were all these wonderful exotic flavors, along with a good amount of spiciness that gave each dish just enough heat. Also, shrimp paste is used as a base for each side dish…so if you’re not a seafood fan, this may not be your cup of tea. Don’t say I didn’t warn you..

BBQ SUYA ( SPICE RUBBED BEEF + GINGER + PEANUT + PEPPER )
Overcooked, yet lots of good flavors!

JOLLOF ( RICE PILAF )
Great side dish with a perfect amout of spiciness!

EGUSI ( STEAMED PUMPKIN LEAVES WITH GROUND MELON SEEDS )
Good, but the intense seafood aroma & taste was overpowering!

DODO ( FRIED PLANTAINS )
Perfect!

COCKTAIL ( FRESH LIME JUICE + TEQUILA + SIMPLE SYRUP )
Refreshing & Delicious!

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Check the Lagos site for upcoming dinners & events!

If you’re visiting Detroit for the time or just out exploring, here’s a list (organized by neighborhood) to guide you to THE essential places worth visiting around the city!

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M I D T O W N

Fischer Building + City Wings + DIA + Avalon Bakery + Old Miami

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D O W N T O W N

Eastern Market + Guardian Building + Bucharest Grill + Cliff Bells + Dequindre Cut

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S O U T H W E S T

Hygrade Deli + El Barzon + Holy Redeemer + Fort Wayne + The Alley Project

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W E S T S I D E

Redford Theatre + Scotty Simpson’s + Tom’s Tavern + Jamaica Jamaica + Baker’s

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E A S T S I D E

Dakota Inn + Raven Lounge + Belle Isle + Detroit Vegan Soul + My Dad’s Bar

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What places would you recommend? Reply to this post!

A delight indeed! Uncle Herman (uncle to the late J Dilla) is a professionally trained chef whose culinary career includes the prestigious DAC, Avalon Bakery, and now operating his own business - Dilla’s Delights. A combination of culinary genius & quality ingredients make these artisanal donuts delectably delicious! Construction for the donut shop is still underway, so get ‘em while you can at 1515 Broadway & Alley Taco.

Local Detroit vendor, Eli Tea, delivers quality loose leaf teas in a variety of aromatic flavors from Oolong to Lavender, accompanied by ingredients that reflect these subtleties & nuances. What I love most is the thoughtfulness behind their product! Eli (himself) carefully crafts each tea, ensuring that the ingredient is either (a.) All natural (b.) Organic (c.) Harvested in the States or (d.) Fair-Trade. Such a great philosophy!!!

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C O L O R A D O   L A V E N D E R

Scenic mountains, rocky hill sides, and sunny days, make Colorado the prime location for Lavender cultivation. This tea uses organic lavender and the aroma is absolutely divine! This highly aromatic tea, has a surprisingly subtle flavor. Definitely a favorite!!!

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K E N Y A N   S A F A R I   W H I T E

White Tea undergoes the minimal amount of fermentation, and yields a gentle brew with a near non-existent amount of caffeine. This is a perfect tea if you want something light & airy, with just an ever-so-slight subtle sweet flavor!

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T R A V E R S E   C I T Y   C H E R R Y   F E S T I V A L

Best served as an ice tea, this flavor was inspired by the Traverse City Cherry Festival (hence the name). Ingredients include: Michigan Dried Cherries, Fair-Trade Hibiscus, Rose Petals, and Cinnamon. Lovely floral flavors!

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C H A I   -   I N D I A N   M A S A L A

Masala is an umbrella term used to describe a blend of dry spices. This particular Chai is composed of Black Tea blended with Ginger, Cloves, Indian Cinnamon, Green Cardamom, and Whole Pepper. All these spices gives the tea great depth of flavor. As Eli suggests, brew with Milk for a traditional Masala Chai experience.

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Where to buy Eli Tea? Online or THESE locations!